— Cabinet has offered condolences to the family of Saquania Anthony, who was killed in a shooting in Bathlodge, as it called for urgent action against gun violence and illegal firearms in Antigua and Barbuda.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet reflected on the human toll of the shooting during discussions with senior police and customs officials. Members extended their sympathy to Anthony’s family and friends and expressed concern for two others injured in the attack.

Merchant said Cabinet regarded the loss of a young life to gun violence as painful for both the family and the country. Its members joined the victims’ families and the wider community in hoping for the injured people’s full recovery.

The shooting underscored the need for the government, law enforcement agencies and the public to confront gun violence and the circulation of illegal firearms, Merchant said.

Cabinet directed police to intensify intelligence-led operations, maintain a visible presence in communities and use lawful measures to disrupt criminal activity and recover illegal guns. It also called for consistent enforcement against smaller offenses and acts of lawlessness that could contribute to a broader disregard for the law.

The government’s discussions extended to how weapons enter the country. Merchant said Cabinet questioned the comptroller of customs about the examination and clearance of incoming shipping containers and called for greater scrutiny to prevent firearms, ammunition and other contraband from getting through.

Cabinet also directed customs officials to speed up the acquisition of portable scanning equipment and efforts to bring the port’s container scanner fully into operation. It approved detection dogs trained to find firearms, ammunition and currency at the port.

Merchant said Cabinet considers stronger border controls and the recovery of guns already in circulation to be connected parts of its response. He appealed to residents to cooperate with police and share information that could help officers recover illegal firearms and identify those responsible for crimes.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet Offers Condolences After Bathlodge Shooting, Calls for Action on Gun Violence.