CABINET NOTES: The Attorney General on Wednesday formally presented a comprehensive slate of proposed legislation to be debated during the upcoming session of Parliament, outlining the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing public safety, advancing social protection, and modernizing key areas of national development.
The proposed legislative agenda spans multiple sectors and reflects a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to addressing emerging challenges while reinforcing institutional effectiveness.
Among the measures to be tabled are several critical bills under the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Information and Labour, including reforms to policing, fire and rescue services, forensic services, and electronic crimes. Notably, amendments to existing laws addressing sexual offences, plea negotiations, and workplace violence and harassment are also set for debate, signaling a firm stance on justice, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
In addition, the Attorney General highlighted forthcoming legislation specifically targeting vagrancy and child protection. Proposed updates to vagrancy laws aim to modernize the legal framework to better address homelessness and public order concerns through balanced, humane, and practical measures. Simultaneously, amendments to child abuse legislation are intended to strengthen safeguards for minors, enhance reporting mechanisms, and impose stricter penalties for offenders, reinforcing the Government’s zero-tolerance approach to the abuse and exploitation of children.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs will also bring forward a series of important bills, including those related to food safety, mental health, pharmacy regulation, and medical laboratories, all aimed at improving public health standards and regulatory oversight.
Further, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, proposed legislation will address immigration and passport processes, as well as advance passenger information systems—key components in strengthening border security and international compliance.
The legislative package also includes measures under the Ministry of Finance, Corporate Governance and Public Private Partnerships, such as amendments to the Citizenship by Investment framework, alongside a Prices Bill aimed at enhancing consumer protection.
Social development remains a central priority, with amendments to laws concerning disabilities and equal opportunities to be introduced by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, ensuring greater inclusion and equity for all citizens.
The Attorney General emphasized that this robust legislative agenda reflects the Government’s determination to build a safer, fairer, and more resilient society. He noted that the proposed laws are the result of extensive consultation and careful policy planning, and he urged all stakeholders to engage meaningfully in the parliamentary process.
The Government looks forward to constructive debate in Parliament and the timely passage of the measures in the interest of national development and the well-being of all citizens.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
