Opposition throws support behind new Caricom Security measure

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker declared their support behind the new Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty.

This means that criminals fleeing the said country cannot find a safe haven in Antigua and Barbuda and would be extradited back to the country to either faces charges or serve jail time.

Pringle welcomed the resolution stating that it would be important legislature especially after a recent incident where a wanted man was set free due to procedural error.

“I believe it is important for us to support such a resolution as it further strengthens Caricom member states in a critical area of concern. I hope this also helps to simplify the process of removing an individual who would have been wanted from one country to the next. I believe this is a great move in terms of plugging that loophole,” Pringle said.

Meanwhile, Walker admonished other member states to participate in this treaty and no unnecessary problems derive from their lack of participation.

Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene brought the resolution to the Lower House on Thursday and gave his support for the treaty which will strengthen regional security and ensure the safety of Antiguans and Barbudans and other Caricom nationals.

“We are just making sure that should there be persons wanted by the law…do not find any comfort in Antigua and Barbuda and under this treaty work along with other Caricom government to ensure that our jurisdictions remain clear and that the wider Caricom space also benefits from the provision of this,” Greene said.

Attorney General and Public Safety Minister Steadroy Benjamin endorsed the treaty mentioning that it is positive step in strengthening the justice system across the Caribbean.

He explained that usually an application would be made for extradition which would then have to go through specific channels before being approved and carried out.

With this treaty an arrest warrant would be shared, and the necessary measures will be taken, not only speeding up the extradition process but ensuring that criminals are not able to take advantage of specific loopholes in the law and escape incarceration.

The treaty was put into law as it was passed in Parliament.