Antigua and Barbuda to Pardon COVID-19 Violation Convictions

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Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced plans to pardon individuals convicted of COVID-19 violations during the pandemic.

This decision comes as a measure to rectify past penalties related to curfew breaches and failure to comply with mask mandates.

During the peak of the pandemic in 2020, many residents faced legal consequences for actions deemed necessary to curb the spread of the virus. Now, PM Browne is advocating for a clean slate for those individuals, stating on his Facebook page that their criminal records will be cleared.

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To formalize this initiative, Browne will seek parliamentary approval, ensuring that the pardons go through the proper legislative channels. This move is seen as a step toward healing and restoring the rights of citizens affected during a time of crisis.

The Prime Minister’s announcement has been met with a mix of support and scrutiny, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about public health policies and individual freedoms during emergencies.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/04/antigua-and-barbuda-to-pardon-covid-19-violation-convictions. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Cory Wayland

About the author

Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.

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Comments (11)

  • Lisa June 4, 2025, 8:16 PM

    And what about the 2 months salary for those who were told to stay home?
    Reply
    • Rhea June 4, 2025, 8:19 PM

      Let’s not throw darts, maybe that’s coming. We are seeing a lot of things
      Reply
    • AAB June 5, 2025, 1:37 PM

      Yes Lisa,
      I am with You here …… THIS MUST BE THE FIRST Infraction that MUST be ADDRESSED: Forcing Persons to STAY AWAY FROM WORK … Then REFUSING To Pay them for Months!!! THIS ACTION Against The Person’s “fundamental rights and freedoms” (as Stated in The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981 ……) Can you even BEGIN To Imagine The GROSS Effects Of THIS UNCARING ACTION Taken By Our Government Against Many FAMILIES in OUR 🇦🇬 …….. Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! This HAS To Be The FIRST STEP To Right The Wrongs Taken Against Our People ….. So We WAIT ……
      Reply
  • Stone June 4, 2025, 8:17 PM

    wheñ are you going to pay the people you owe their vovid monies and stop bul shiting
    Reply
  • Tina June 4, 2025, 8:20 PM

    Okay. Okay PM
    Reply
  • Teacher for Life June 4, 2025, 8:52 PM

    Thank you for doing this Sir. And those of you with the what about itis. . .. ayo rass ungrateful.
    Reply
    • Anonymous June 4, 2025, 10:51 PM

      Will hospital workers get the covid monies that they didn’t received that was promised/ owed?
      Reply
  • Apex Jones June 5, 2025, 12:30 AM

    Good move PM Browne. I’m sure they are appreciative
    Reply
  • TellMe June 5, 2025, 1:59 PM

    How about monies for all the people who were INJURED BY THE CLOT SHOT, the ones that developed turbo cancer and also the miscarriages, and other deaths? WHAT ABOUT THAT GASTON BROWNE?!
    Reply
  • Hilary June 6, 2025, 8:51 AM

    Alot of these people who were given back records was simply because they did not wear a mask. How pathetic soulful that have been. Finally someone has sense.
    Reply
  • Viere June 6, 2025, 10:27 AM

    Great initiative. Sometimes I wondered how can we say we care about the youth when some of them have bad records for nonesenical crimes. Good move PM
    Reply

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