The Antigua and Barbuda Government is moving to give the public broader access to the country’s Sex Offenders Registry, including the names and photographs of people convicted of sexual offences. Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the proposed policy shift, which would mark a significant change in how the twin-island nation handles public information on convicted offenders.
Under the current system, access to the registry is restricted, with details shared only with certain authorities and institutions. The proposed change would allow ordinary citizens to view the identities of those found guilty of sexual crimes, a measure the government says is intended to strengthen community awareness and public safety.
Prime Minister Browne did not provide a specific timeline for the implementation of the new policy but indicated that the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are being examined. The announcement follows growing public debate in the region about transparency in the justice system and the balance between offender rehabilitation and the rights of communities to know about potential risks.
The move places Antigua and Barbuda among a small number of Caribbean territories considering or adopting more open sex offender registries. In several jurisdictions, such registries are used to allow parents, schools, and community organisations to check whether individuals working with vulnerable groups have a history of sexual offences.
Officials in St John’s have not yet detailed how the names and photographs would be published, whether through a dedicated website, public notices, or another format. Legal experts in the region have previously noted that such policies must be carefully drafted to avoid breaches of privacy and to ensure that published information is accurate and up to date.
The announcement has drawn attention across the Eastern Caribbean, where justice systems are closely watched by regional bodies including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The policy could influence similar discussions in neighbouring territories, including Dominica, where questions about the accessibility of offender information have occasionally arisen in public discourse.
No further details were provided on the scope of the registry, the categories of offences that would be covered, or how long offenders’ details would remain publicly available. The Antigua and Barbuda Government is expected to release additional information as the legislative process advances.
