Browne hits back at lawyer over chemical castration proposal

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his proposal to consider chemical castration for repeat child sex offenders.

Browne was responding to Grenadian criminal defence attorney Jerry Edwin, who strongly criticised the proposal, describing it as “barbaric” and a “political stunt”.

In a Facebook post, Browne questioned Edwin’s criticism and defended the proposal as an optional measure for repeat offenders who sexually violate children.

“Isn’t it barbaric for criminals to repeatedly rape our young girls?” Browne asked.

He argued that while Antigua and Barbuda has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for statutory rape, some repeat offenders have received sentences of two or three years.

“Criminals are not the only ones with rights. Pervasive two- and three-years’ sentencing is not justice for repeatedly raping our girls,” Browne said.

Browne said chemical castration, if provided for under the law, could be an alternative to longer prison sentences or the death penalty.

Edwin had argued that sexual offences against children must be dealt with seriously, but punishment should remain grounded in law, due process and fundamental rights.

He also questioned Browne’s motivation for raising the proposal, suggesting it was linked to the next election.

Browne rejected that suggestion, stating that elections are not due in Antigua until April 2031.

“This is not a political stunt. I am fighting for justice for our young vulnerable youth,” the prime minister said.

He also accused Edwin of being more concerned with protecting his clients than with the victims of child sexual abuse.

The government is preparing amendments expected to include tougher minimum sentences for rape, statutory rape and firearm offences.