The Government has acknowledged that Antigua and Barbuda needs a new prison to meet international standards but says a lack of funding remains the main obstacle.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene addressed conditions at His Majesty’s Prison during Antigua and Barbuda’s fourth Universal Periodic Review before the United Nations Human Rights Council.

“We acknowledge that a new prison facility is needed to ensure full compliance with international standards; however, lack of funding remains a primary barrier,” Greene said.

He reported that improvements have been made at the existing prison despite the financial constraints. These include 170 new beds, retrofitted containers, upgraded sanitation and kitchen facilities, and an expanded sewage system.

The Government also recruited 42 correctional officers in 2025. According to Greene, they received training in human rights, prison management, rehabilitation, conflict resolution and mental health.

Criminal justice reforms introduced in late 2025 were intended to speed up prosecutions and reduce the time defendants spend on remand.

Greene also said young offenders are handled separately from the adult court system. Children accused of offences are brought before the Child Justice Board for assessment and possible placement in diversion programmes.

The Dennis Bowers Rehabilitation Centre reopened in 2025 as a dedicated facility for rehabilitation. Non-violent young offenders and boys requiring state protection are housed separately from other groups and integrated into the public school system.

Prison conditions were among the issues raised during Antigua and Barbuda’s previous UN human rights review in 2021, when the country received eight recommendations concerning its main detention facility.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Acknowledges Need for New Prison, Says Funding Remains a Barrier.