ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government says that an eight-hour curfew specifically geared  towards youngsters 18-years and under will remain in force even as the country gears to host its annual carnival  celebrations.

The carnival celebration runs from July 25 to August 5 under the theme “‘Itz A Vibe”.

Antigua’s Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin said the curfew will be enforced by the police and that decision was taken following a meeting with Acting Commissioner of Police, Everton Jeffers, and other senior members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB).

“I was of the view that with the carnival season right upon us that we would have relaxed the curfew for the festivities. However, following the discussions with the senior management of the RPFAB, it was strongly recommended that the curfew should remain in place,” Benjamin said, noting that the matter had also been discussed during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

“The main reasons why the police in particular are against lifting the curfew have to do with the spate of crimes that have been committed in recent weeks, many of which have been perpetrated by young people. Lifting the curfew at this time, it is felt, would not be advantageous to the entire country,” Benjamin said.

A statement issued following the Cabinet meeting noted “after comprehensive consultations—including input from senior officials of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda—the Cabinet resolved that the law will remain in force and that its provisions are to be strictly enforced.”

It warned that under the legislation, parents or guardians of minors found in breach of the curfew may face several penalties including a fine of up to EC $5,000 for a third offense, for earlier offenses, warnings or escalating fines starting at EC$2,000, increasing to EC $3,000, and ultimately EC$5,000, with the possibility of six months’ imprisonment or community service.

Establishments such as bars, nightclubs, or events that permit unaccompanied minors during curfew hours may also be fined EC $5,000 per violation, the Cabinet statement noted.

“The government views the curfew as part of a broader strategy to curb youth-related crime, reduce unsupervised nighttime activity, and reinforce the responsibility of parents and guardians in safeguarding the well-being of minors.”

Under the curfew, young people age 18 years and under will be required to be in the company of an adult if they want to be on the streets after 10:00 pm (local time). The police are authorised by law to take into custody any young people they feel may be a danger to the society if they are found on the street during the curfew hours, which run until 6:00 am.

The curfew was introduced as part of measures to curb rising criminal and gang related activities in the country. Recently, an 18-year old and a 16-year old were arrested in the company of an adult who committed two armed robberies within the spate of 48 hours.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a shooting incident on Wednesday night in a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital that left 16-year-old Tafari Joseph dead.

Reports said that he had received a single gunshot wound to the upper body and had been transported to the hospital by a personal vehicle.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne in a statement noted that Joseph, who was previously involved in gang activity, was among several youths the government had attempted to support through education and employment.

“We enrolled him at ABICE, provided tools and uniforms, and gave him a job opportunity. Sadly, he was the first to drop out,” Browne said, extending condolences to the teen’s family.

Prime Minister Browne, who is also  the parliamentary representative for  Villa, said he hopes the tragedy will deter others from criminal activity.

“Crime and violence do not pay. Those who engage in it will pay the price,” he said.