Architects to enjoy easier movements through OECS Territories and A&B

Architects applying their trade in OECS territories will now find it easier to work in Antigua and Barbuda due to the passing of the Architects (Professions) (Amendment) bill 2025 on Tuesday afternoon Parliament session.

This Bill amends the Architects Act 2018 by removing potential barriers to the free  movement of architects from Protocol Member States. It does so by expanding the definition of “practical experience” to include experience gained under the supervision of an architect registered in a Protocol Member State.

Currently, the Act requires “practical experience” to be gained under the supervision of a registered architect in this jurisdiction. This may inadvertently restrict architects from   Protocol Member States who have otherwise comparable qualifications and credentials.

The Bill retains the supervision requirement, to preserve the Act’s existing professional standards, and added the expanded definition which supports any relevant mutual recognition arrangements and aligns the Act with international commitments on professional mobility.

As a result, this Bill clarifies and modernises the Architects Act 2018 by broadening the scope of recognised practical experience. It removes unnecessary barriers to the registration of qualified architects from Protocol Member States, while maintaining the Act’s commitment to professional competence and high standards of practice.

This means that once an architect is registered in another country and has been working, the necessary documentation must be presented and then, approval will be given.

Rural West MP Richard Lewis gave his support for the bill and went a step further in suggesting that a similar move to be made for Caricom.

Lewis also called on a similar move being done for engineers.

But Rural South MP Daryll Matthew was not so convinced on that matter of Caricom.

He explained that due to limited number of architects in the smaller islands, they would not be able to compete with the larger territories.

“We must protect our professionals. We need to be careful we do not put our students as well at a disadvantage because of the free movement throughout. I agree regionalism is a good thing. I agree free movement is a good thing but there must be certain safeguard for our people. Until we address the superiority complex that some member states still have then I would not be comfortable,” Matthew explained.

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin joined with Matthew on this point mentioning that small steps must in strengthening the OECS be taken before looking at Caricom.