Police Vow Firm Response to Youth Violence

Cabinet has expressed concern over what it says are escalating incidents of violence among school children.

The matter was discussed in Cabinet on Wednesday, a day after a fight between two girls from separate schools was caught on camera in St John’s.

Cabinet was advised that the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will take a firm and uncompromising approach to incidents involving youth violence.

Individuals found to have engaged in violent or disruptive conduct will be subject to appropriate enforcement action, including being charged and brought before the courts for offences such as disturbing the peace, where applicable.

The Government says violence among young people will not be normalized and those who engage in unlawful behaviour are being warned that their actions carry consequences.

Cabinet is calling on students, parents, teachers and the wider community to work together to discourage violence, promote peaceful conflict resolution and ensure that schools remain safe environments in which children can learn, develop and achieve their full potential.