Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called for tougher and more proportionate sentences for gun crimes and repeat offenders, saying short prison terms are failing to deter crime and protect the public.

Speaking at a national security meeting with senior law enforcement officials, Browne raised concern that people convicted of serious firearm offences are sometimes receiving sentences of two or three years, despite legislation allowing penalties of up to 15 years for certain offences.

He said the independence of the Judiciary must be respected but argued that greater cooperation between the Judiciary, Parliament and Government was needed to address rising crime and violence.

Browne criticised what he described as a “revolving door” in which repeat offenders are arrested, imprisoned and released before allegedly committing further offences.

He called for dangerous repeat offenders to remain incarcerated when warranted, while stressing that longer sentences should be combined with rehabilitation.

The prime minister proposed mandatory vocational and trade training for inmates, particularly repeat offenders without employable skills, to improve their chances of finding work after release.

He also suggested that suitable inmates could contribute to national programmes, including the cleaning and maintenance of public spaces, as part of structured rehabilitation.

Browne urged law enforcement agencies to provide courts with relevant information about repeat offenders, including their criminal histories, to help judicial officers make informed sentencing decisions.

He said the Government would continue reviewing its response to crime, with a focus on balancing deterrence, rehabilitation and public safety.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne calls for tougher sentences for gun crimes and repeat offenders.