PM Browne Orders Sex Offenders Registry Made Public With Photos

People across Antigua and Barbuda could soon have easier access to information on convicted sex offenders, with the government moving to make the country’s Sex Offenders Registry publicly available, including photographs of those listed.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the move on Saturday, saying he has instructed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin to take the necessary steps to make the registry accessible to the public.

The proposed change would mark a significant shift from the current system, under which access to information contained in the registry is restricted.

Browne acknowledged that concerns have been raised over whether publicly identifying convicted sex offenders, particularly through the release of their photographs, could infringe upon their constitutional rights.

However, the Prime Minister argued that those concerns should not outweigh the public’s right to know who has been convicted of sexual offences.

The Sex Offenders Registry came into effect in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2022 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s response to sexual offences.

While the registry has been operational for nearly four years, it has not been freely accessible to the general public.

Under the existing arrangement, eligible individuals seeking access to the registry must apply through the Commissioner of Police before being permitted to view the information.

The government’s latest move would therefore represent a major expansion of public access, allowing residents to identify convicted sex offenders, including through photographs.

Further details are expected on how the registry will be published, what information will be made available and when the new public-access system will take effect.