Senator Jonathan Joseph has criticised what he called inadequate sentencing in cases involving crimes against women and children.
During a Senate debate on the Appropriation Bill, he questioned the 22-year sentence handed to a father convicted of impregnating his daughter.
“Only 22 years? It is unacceptable,” he said. “When it comes to crimes of violence and abuse against women and girls, we must do better. This is an issue I am passionate about.”
Senator Joseph argued that penalties for such offences should reflect the seriousness of the crimes. He called for stronger measures to ensure justice for victims and to deter potential offenders.
Antigua and Barbuda’s sentencing laws align with regional guidelines from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, but campaigners say they are often less severe than in other parts of the world.
In the United Kingdom, comparable offences can result in life imprisonment, while in the United States, lengthy sentences without parole are common.
Senator Joseph also expressed concern about societal attitudes towards such crimes. “We’ve moved away from what makes us unique in the Caribbean,” he said.
“Our focus must be on protecting vulnerable groups and ensuring justice.”
The remarks have renewed calls for judicial reform in Antigua and Barbuda.
Advocates argue that tougher sentencing could act as a stronger deterrent and better support victims, while some critics caution against punitive approaches that do not address the underlying causes of such crimes.
The government has not yet commented on whether it plans to review sentencing laws following Senator Joseph’s statements.
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Young Man leave what doesn’t concern you and tackle issues that will help you win an election. There is no minimum sentence for any offence in Antigua. The man could have gotten a life sentence. The judge didn’t see it fit. He imposed what he felt was deserving. The executive cannot interfere with the work of the judiciary. Leave that move on to issues that will sway people to support you against Dr Benjamin. Look relevance in another way.
Your last sentence sums it up perfectly! He has overestimated his importance to Antigua and Barbuda. He should stick to spreading the gospel. Politics is NOT for him!
So a criminal a murderer cooperates with the police and pleads GUILTY and his sentence is reduced? Is this true?
I really want to know.
22 years??? my child just born and turn 16. 22 years flies by, he should get life so his daughter doesnt have to see his face ever again
I would respectfully as him to leave this topic alone. Antigua and Barbuda is not at all advance in criminal investigation and I see too many people being wrongfully charged and even convicted. For this, punishment enhancements should be avoided until we get all or adequate tools and skills to perform better policing, investigation, etcetera.
Please leave this topic and focus on the incompetencies and difficiencies of the police. Focus on the inability of those in charge of law and order inability to include tools and educated folks in the local police to increase effectiveness.
Such ignorance. He could have gotten LESS if the judge had not made the sentence consecutive.