A marked decline in youth violence has been documented across Antigua and Barbuda in recent years, but law enforcement leaders are sounding the alarm over troubling early indicators that suggest the crisis could be reemerging, according to national police officials.
Assistant Commissioner Lisbon Michael, who leads the country’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID), credits targeted intervention initiatives, expanded engagement from caregivers, and widespread community backing for the measurable progress that has been achieved. Michael shared his assessment during a recent interview with ABS’ *Antigua Barbuda Today*, where he detailed the force’s ongoing strategy to address youth-connected crime and aggression.
“When it comes to youth violence, we have seen a really significant reduction,” Michael confirmed in the discussion. He highlighted the work of the specialized Youth Intervention Department, a unit operating under CID that focuses on children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years old. The program prioritizes young people already showing problematic behavioral traits, as well as those growing up in households marked by domestic conflict and instability.
Through 2024, roughly 50 young participants completed the full intervention program, with a comparable cohort wrapping up their participation in 2025. A third graduation cohort is already scheduled to take place in the coming months. Michael noted that some enrollees entered the program already showing documented links to criminal activity, but close monitoring has revealed dramatic positive shifts for many participants.
“I’ve seen firsthand transformational changes within these young people, because I have personally tracked their progress,” Michael said. He added that a number of program graduates have gone on to pursue careers in social work and contribute directly to local community development projects. Beyond the impact of the formal intervention program, Michael emphasized that stepped-up engagement from parents and local community members has also been a core driver of falling violence rates.
Despite these notable gains, law enforcement does not consider the issue resolved. During the interview, officials outlined growing concerns over renewed outbreaks of conflict involving even very young age groups, raising the possibility that youth violence could rebound to the elevated levels recorded half a decade ago.
As part of the force’s ongoing Operation Restore Confidence, a key priority is dismantling gang-related activity that drives violence in local communities. Police are actively targeting individuals affiliated with groups that law enforcement identifies as key contributors to youth offending.
“We have to act decisively to support our youths,” Michael stressed. He issued a stark warning that without sustained investment in intervention and outreach efforts, “we are going to lose an entire generation” of young Antiguans and Barbudans.