Cabinet to Introduce Bill to Protect Elderly from Abuse and Neglect
The government of Antigua and Barbuda will soon introduce legislation aimed at protecting senior citizens from abuse and abandonment, according to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.
Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Merchant said Cabinet was deeply concerned about “numerous reports” received by the Social Welfare Division about elderly citizens being mistreated or left without adequate care. He explained that the reports describe situations in which some elderly persons are “being abused, being left alone, not cared for,” and that Cabinet believes stronger legal protections are now necessary.
Merchant announced that the government will bring the Protection from Abuse and Abandonment of the Elderly Bill before Parliament in the first quarter of 2026. He said the bill is intended to safeguard citizens who “would have built this nation and worked tirelessly to support their children,” adding that “it is only fair that children do support their elderly during their twilight years.”
He also revealed that legislation to license elderly care homes will be introduced in the same period to improve oversight and standards within the caregiving sector.
Merchant confirmed that consultations are ongoing on a new Mental Health Bill, for which feedback has already been received from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). That legislation will also be brought to Parliament early next year following wider national consultations.
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