The Antiguan Senate has approved amendments to three key pieces of legislation, with the most significant changes affecting the 2003 Physical Planning Act.

These modifications aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Development Control Authority (DCA), the body responsible for building processes and regulations in Antigua and Barbuda.

The DCA has faced criticism for its slow response to public complaints, particularly regarding larger developers flouting regulations. The new amendments seek to improve building and planning processes across the islands.

Key changes include:

1. New provisions for issuing and publicizing enforcement notices against illegal development through various channels, including police stations, supermarkets, the national gazette, and social media.
2. Granting legal authority to the Deputy Town & Country Planner to act in the Chief’s absence.
3. Introduction of more stringent penalties for non-compliance.
4. Clearer definitions of terms like “beach,” “Building Code,” and “working hours.”
5. Mandating collaboration between the planning authority and the National Parks Authority to protect designated areas.
6. Increased fines of up to $100,000 and imprisonment terms of up to three years for severe violations.

Government Senator Clement Antonio, who has served as deputy for nine years, described these as “key modifications” essential for improved governance, efficiency, and transparency in planning processes.

The Senate also passed amendments to the Midwifery Board, adding the Principal Nursing Officer (PNO) as a member and increasing the board’s size from five to seven members. This change addresses recent protests from nurses about the PNO’s previous exclusion.

Finally , the 2013 National Statistics Bureau Act was amended to improve consistency in Caribbean statistical practices. The Bureau’s board will expand from seven to eleven members, including more industry representatives, and the Director General’s independence in national statistical reporting will be secured.

These legislative changes reflect efforts to modernize and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s regulatory framework in areas of physical planning, healthcare, and national statistics.