Barbuda MP Trevor Walker has raised concern that people convicted of crimes in Antigua are relocating to Barbuda after completing their prison sentences, as he pointed to what he described as a rise in break-ins on the sister island.

Walker made the remarks during debate on the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2026, while declaring his support for strong measures to tackle violent crime and firearm offences.

“When they come out of prison, they head over by me,” Walker told Parliament.

He said several individuals are required to report regularly to the police station in Barbuda.

“If you go by the police station on a daily basis in Barbuda, three, four of them have to check in,” Walker said.

He then linked his concerns to a rise in property crime, telling lawmakers that Barbuda is now experiencing break-ins “on a weekly basis.”

Walker recounted a recent incident involving a house belonging to a relative of his wife who lives in the United States. He said someone broke into the property and appeared to have begun treating the house as their own.

According to Walker, police investigated the incident and the suspected perpetrator was someone who had previously committed an offence and been charged.

Despite his concerns, Walker strongly praised the work of police officers stationed in Barbuda, particularly Inspector Ogaro, whom he described as the most hands-on and effective inspector he has seen transferred to the island.

Walker said the inspector personally conducts patrols, including checks around the port and airport, and intervenes when people are openly engaging in illegal activity.

He also called for additional police vehicles to strengthen law enforcement operations in Barbuda.

Walker used the concerns on the sister island to reinforce his support for tougher action against crime nationally, saying he has “zero tolerance” for the armed robberies, shootings and killings occurring in Antigua.

He said Parliament has a responsibility to confront the problem and ensure Antigua and Barbuda remains a safe jurisdiction.

Walker also identified himself as a licensed firearm holder and said he reserves the right to defend himself, his property and his family against an intruder.

“Let us be serious about this crime thing,” Walker said. “This crime thing is really serious.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Walker Says Antigua Criminals Are Moving to Barbuda After Release From Prison.