Opposition Senator Chester Hughes has condemned the government’s appointment of Jamaican dancehall artist Masicka as a cultural ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, arguing that the artist’s violent lyrics send the wrong message as the Senate debates tougher firearm penalties.

Hughes said the government had appointed Masicka on the eve of an election and brought him to speak to young people, even though, in his view, the artist’s music contains some of the most violent lyrics.

“And today, he’s still an ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda,” Hughes said during debate on the Firearms Amendment Bill, 2026.

The senator said the appointment was an example of the messages government chooses to associate with the country while lawmakers discuss the influence of music and other social forces on young people.

Hughes recalled that gunshots were heard at Michael’s Mount on the same night Masicka was scheduled to perform. He cited the incident while arguing that government must be careful about the people and messages it promotes. He did not suggest that Masicka or his music was connected to the gunfire.

Hughes said members of the musical community had opposed the appointment, but he accused the government of ignoring their criticism.

“The problem in our society is we are not prepared to listen to the other view,” he said.

His criticism came during debate on legislation to increase penalties for firearm offences. Hughes argued that the bill should have been preceded by more public discussion about the roots of crime and the government’s response.

“If we were serious, this bill coming to this House would have had a lot more conversations,” he said.

Hughes also challenged the government’s focus on tougher sentences, saying families needed police to solve crimes and bring offenders to justice.

“What I’ve heard is that we’re going to be tough, tough on those who are planning to commit crime,” he said. “But what about solving those crimes to bring closure for these families?”

He said the government had not sufficiently explained how it would provide the police with the resources needed to investigate crimes while meeting demands for patrols and round-the-clock station operations.

Hughes questioned whether the force had enough officers for those duties, noting that police officers were also people with families and other responsibilities.

“Police must patrol. Police must this, police must do that,” he said. “What police? Are they human? Do they have family too?”

Hughes said the country’s response to gun violence should include public consultation, effective policing and crime-solving, alongside changes to sentencing laws.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Hughes blasts government for naming Masicka cultural ambassador despite violent lyrics.