Hard Labour Set to Return for Able-Bodied Prisoners

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Hard Labour Set to Return for Able-Bodied Prisoners
Hard Labour Set to Return for Able-Bodied Prisoners

Able-bodied inmates could soon be required to perform hard labour, including cleaning and beautification work in public spaces, under amendments being prepared by the government.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Saturday that imprisonment should not be treated as a period of relaxation or a ‘holiday’ funded entirely by taxpayers.

He said the administration intends to amend the law so prisoners who are physically capable can be assigned productive work, including helping to clean streets and improve communities.

Browne framed the proposal as part of a wider overhaul that includes minimum sentences for serious gun and child-sex offences, changes to prison remission and additional support for law enforcement.

Further details, including safeguards, work conditions, compensation and the categories of prisoners who would qualify, were not outlined in the programme and are expected to emerge when the amendments are brought before Parliament.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/08/24/hard-labour-set-to-return-for-able-bodied-prisoners. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (3)

  • Work them 12 hours a day August 24, 2026, 2:33 PM

    All you had stop working them, oh reason they are repeated offenders sitting in the shade and men working in the heat on hot road not getting paid for weeks and them yah a nyam big food can’t make this sh…t up. Sad
    Reply
  • Anonymous August 24, 2026, 3:24 PM

    Yes mek them work hard mek sun bun them them two comfortable that mek them a repeat them crime a bet you if them get hard work fu do them change
    Reply
  • Apex Jones August 24, 2026, 4:56 PM

    I kept wondering why they sentencing people to hard labor when they know we ain’t implementing that shit
    Reply

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