Antigua and Barbuda, France Explore Deeper Cooperation on Crime Fighting and Judicial Matters

Antigua and Barbuda and France are seeking to deepen cooperation on a range of security and justice matters, including the fight against transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and the strengthening of judicial collaboration.

The discussions took place on Thursday when Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, welcomed Justice Emmanuelle Doffe, France’s Liaison Judge to the Caribbean, during her official visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

Minister Greene reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to strengthening ties with France in areas relating to justice, security, and the rule of law. He expressed the government’s interest in exploring a bilateral agreement with France aimed at enhancing cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, particularly illicit drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

The foreign minister also noted that cybercrime continues to pose a growing threat to Antigua and Barbuda and underscored the importance of developing stronger partnerships to address the issue.

He suggested the establishment of joint investigative teams, where appropriate, to improve cross-border criminal investigations and facilitate greater intelligence-sharing between the two countries.

Justice Doffe advised that France is currently exploring bilateral agreements on extradition and criminal cooperation with several Caribbean nations.

She noted that Saint Lucia and Dominica have already concluded such arrangements and highlighted their effectiveness in strengthening judicial cooperation.

She further indicated that France is willing to support capacity-building initiatives through Memoranda of Understanding and specialized training programmes focused on criminal investigations, judicial cooperation, financial crimes, cybercrime, and other law enforcement disciplines.

Justice Doffe said she would convey the proposals discussed during the meeting to the relevant authorities within the French Ministry of Justice.

Her visit to Antigua and Barbuda is primarily technical in nature and is aimed at strengthening collaboration between France and Caribbean jurisdictions on criminal justice matters. The visit focuses on improving coordination among judicial authorities, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and institutions responsible for combating transnational crime.

Unlike a traditional diplomatic mission, Justice Doffe’s mandate centres on fostering practical cooperation and creating mechanisms that enhance the ability of France and Caribbean states to address shared security challenges more effectively.