The Antigua and Barbuda government is preparing a broad package of new legislation targeting child abuse, workplace violence, electronic crimes and public safety reforms as part of its legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin formally presented a slate of proposed bills to Cabinet covering multiple sectors.
The measures are expected to be debated during upcoming sittings of Parliament as the government seeks to strengthen governance, modernize legislation and expand protections for vulnerable groups.
“Among the measures to be tabled are several critical bills on the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Information and Labor,” Merchant said.
The proposed legislation includes reforms affecting policing, fire and rescue services, forensic services and electronic crimes.
Merchant also said amendments to laws dealing with sexual offences, plea negotiations, workplace violence and harassment are expected to come before Parliament.
The Cabinet briefing linked the legislative push to growing concerns over abuse cases affecting women and children.
During the question-and-answer segment of the briefing, Merchant revealed that the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation handles more than 50 weekly interventions involving abused or neglected children, along with numerous cases involving abused women.
He said Cabinet had been alarmed by the statistics presented by the ministry, prompting urgent action both through legislation and the planned establishment of a National Safe Haven for women and children.
Merchant also disclosed that additional legislation is being prepared to address vagrancy issues.
The government said the legislative agenda reflects a “whole-of-government approach” to addressing emerging national challenges while improving institutional effectiveness and public protection.
Parliament is scheduled to convene next week for the opening of the new parliamentary session following the April general election.