The next sitting of the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament has been postponed from September 18 to September 28, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant has announced.

Merchant disclosed the change during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing but did not provide a reason for the postponement.

He indicated that several major crime, mental-health and child-protection measures could be addressed when lawmakers meet.

The government is expected to provide further details about its review of the Child Justice Act, including whether juveniles accused of firearm offences and other serious crimes should be tried as adults instead of having their cases diverted from formal court proceedings.

Lawmakers could also hear more about proposals to strengthen penalties for sexual offences. Cabinet has backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s proposal to consider chemical castration for repeat offenders, while increased fines and prison sentences are also under discussion.

Social Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner is expected to provide information about a facility identified to accommodate children removed from unsafe homes and women experiencing abuse.

Mental-health reform could also be addressed. Cabinet has approved a US$95,000 contribution to a technical partnership with the Pan American Health Organization to support new legislation, community-based treatment, workforce development and crisis-response services.

Merchant said significant progress has already been made on a new Mental Health Bill.

The formal parliamentary agenda has not yet been released.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Parliament Sitting Postponed to September 28.