Prime Minister Gaston Browne has questioned the decision to allow a prisoner convicted of firearm and ammunition offences to attend a friend’s funeral under police escort.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne referred to a video circulating on social media that reportedly showed the unidentified prisoner at the funeral.

He criticised officials responsible for approving the temporary release, arguing that the privilege was inappropriate given the nature of the conviction and the prisoner’s relationship with the deceased.

Browne said he could understand permission being granted for the funeral of an immediate relative, such as a parent or child, but questioned why the same consideration was extended for a friend’s funeral.

“You’re going to let the man go to his friend’s funeral? What kind of common sense are you all using in this country?” Browne said.

The prime minister argued that such decisions could weaken the deterrent effect of imprisonment and contribute to what he described as the public celebration of convicted criminals.

He also called for greater emphasis on rehabilitation through structured work and skills training, proposing that prisoners learn trades such as landscaping and participate in supervised community improvement projects.

Browne did not identify the prisoner, the officials who authorised the attendance or the funeral involved. The circumstances and rules governing the prisoner’s temporary release were not outlined during the programme.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: PM Browne Questions Decision Allowing Firearms Convict to Attend Friend’s Funeral.