A government minister in Antigua and Barbuda has dismissed claims that the country is becoming increasingly unsafe, insisting that it remains one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean.
Speaking at a political rally on Friday night, Daryll Matthew, a Member of Parliament with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), acknowledged concerns about crime but said it was important to view the issue within a regional context.
“Even one instance of crime is too much,” Mr Matthew told supporters. “But look around the region — we are still the safest place in the Caribbean.”
His comments come amid ongoing public debate about crime levels on the island. Opposition parties have raised concerns about rising incidents and called for stronger government action on law enforcement and youth engagement.
Mr Matthew, however, accused critics of exaggerating the country’s challenges for political purposes.
“Stop trying to make Antigua and Barbuda seem like the most dangerous country in the world,” he said. “That’s not only unfair — it’s untrue.”
The MP said the government continues to invest in public safety and urged citizens to avoid echoing what he described as a “doom and gloom” narrative that could damage the country’s reputation.
“You must love your country, defend your country, speak good of your country,” he added.
The government has not released recent crime statistics, and the opposition has not yet responded to Mr Matthew’s latest remarks.
