Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne on Thursday evening had a very constructive engagement with members of the 2Drilly crew.
During the engagement, which commenced with prayers invoking God’s presence, the Prime Minister learnt that there are feuding gangs in the country including the Grays Farm Killers (GFK) who have been engaged in gang warfare using cutlasses and cleavers and resulting in serious wounds to various members.
The Prime Minister called for the warring parties to bring an end to the conflicts and to pursue a pathway of peace, while reinforcing the fact that “as Antiguans & Barbudans, we are one family with a common destiny.”
He said to them that their purpose in life is not to kill and to maim but to be productive, empathetic and caring members of the society.
PM Browne outlined that he will seek to engage the Grays Farm Killers (GFK) next week and hopes to get similar commitments of peace and reformation.
During the discussions, the members of the crew agreed to pursue a positive pathway of peace and to become productive citizens.
The country’s Prime Minister committed to providing employment and opportunities for skills development at the Harrison Center School of Continuing Education. A number of the members of the 2Drilly crew also agreed to enroll in the YEEP Second Chance programme.
In addition, the Prime Minister agreed to a proposal to assist the 2Drilly crew in establishing an egg retail business.
This is the second time Prime Minister Browne has engaged in gang rehabilitation. The other was the Red Shirt Gang which himself and community activist Luther Lee assisted in reforming, two decades ago. The Red Shirt gang eventually dismantled after the members were productively engaged.
Also in attendance at the meeting were King Sagifu and High Priest Selah who encouraged the youth to engage in positive development. Community activists Mitch Jeremiah and Jawato Joseph were also in attendance.
Over the weekend, following reports of a rise in youth criminal activity, Prime Minister Browne on public radio sent out an invitation to meet with the 2Drilly Crew which was accepted by its members. The meeting was held at the Villa Community Centre.
