Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a sobering warning in regards to the rise in youth violence throughout the Caribbean, calling it an “existential menace” following the homicide of a teenage nationwide cricketer final week.
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The physique of 16-year-old Vonde Bowers, a fourth-form scholar at Ottos Complete College, was found final Friday in a gutter within the Grays Farm space. Authorities confirmed that he had suffered a number of stab wounds to the chest, head, and different areas. In line with media stories, Bowers was fatally stabbed throughout an altercation involving a number of younger males. He had not too long ago returned from a tour of the UK, the place he represented the Antigua and Barbuda Below-19 cricket staff.
No arrests have but been made.
In a press release on Wednesday, Prime Minister Browne expressed deep disappointment over Bowers’ demise, describing the teenager as a promising expertise whose life was lower quick earlier than he might totally contribute to nation-building.
“The difficulty of youth violence is now an existential menace going through the Caribbean area,” Browne stated. “This can be a matter occupying the eye of my authorities as we work to strengthen our anti-violence and battle decision initiatives.”
The prime minister emphasised that authorities efforts alone wouldn’t be sufficient to deal with the disaster. He known as for a collective response, beginning with extra intentional parenting and assist inside households.
“An all-of-society strategy is required to deal with this menace successfully,” he stated. “Our church leaders, lecturers, neighborhood leaders, mother and father—all stakeholders—are required to play their position in resolving this menace to our growth and high quality of life.”
Browne prolonged his condolences to Bowers’ household and reiterated the necessity for pressing, unified motion to stem the tide of youth violence threatening communities throughout the area.
