Browne Orders 30-Day Prison Reform Plan as Government Prepares for Tougher Sentencing

Antigua and Barbuda’s prison system is being placed under fresh scrutiny as the Government prepares for a potential rise in the number of people behind bars following Parliament’s move to impose tougher penalties for serious crimes.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has ordered the Attorney General and prison authorities to produce a comprehensive prison reform programme within 30 days, arguing that stronger sentencing cannot stand alone without changes to rehabilitation, prison capacity and the wider justice system.

The directive came during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, days after the House of Representatives approved amendments increasing penalties for firearm offences and strengthening laws dealing with sexual offences against children. The Firearms (Amendment) Bill raises maximum prison terms and establishes minimum sentencing provisions, while the sexual offences amendments increase penalties for several offences involving minors.

Browne opened the Cabinet meeting by commending government ministers for their contributions during the parliamentary debates, describing the legislation as part of a wider effort to respond to gun violence, serious criminal activity and offences against children.

But with longer prison terms potentially keeping offenders incarcerated for greater periods, the Prime Minister told Cabinet that the country must also prepare for additional pressure on His Majesty’s Prison.

He called for reform of the correctional system to place greater emphasis on rehabilitation, skills development and programmes that can better prepare inmates to return to society after completing their sentences.

Agriculture is expected to form part of that effort.

Cabinet discussed expanding productive activity at the Prison Farm, including bringing additional land into cultivation and increasing the production of food crops as well as the rearing of pigs, chickens and other livestock.

The Government believes an expanded agricultural programme could serve several purposes — providing inmates with practical skills, supporting rehabilitation, increasing domestic food production and reducing the cost of feeding prisoners and potentially other public institutions.

Browne also raised the need for the justice system itself to be prepared for the consequences of increased enforcement and prosecution.

Cabinet discussed the possibility of appointing additional magistrates and judges where necessary to prevent criminal cases from becoming stalled as more matters move through the courts.

The discussions follow Browne’s criticism in Parliament this week of sentencing practices in some serious criminal cases. During debate on the firearms legislation, he argued for statutory sentencing floors while acknowledging that courts would retain discretion in special or exceptional circumstances.

Attention is also being kept on the resources available to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

Browne directed that the Government maintain regular engagement with police leadership to identify shortages in equipment, resources or other areas that could hamper crime-fighting efforts.

Cabinet said legitimate needs identified by the Force would continue to receive government support as police work to prevent, detect and investigate crime.

The administration has previously backed Operation Iron Grip and pledged resources for law enforcement, including an expansion of the national CCTV network as part of its broader public-safety strategy.

The Prime Minister said the Government’s approach must extend beyond simply passing tougher laws, bringing together legislation, policing, prosecution, the courts, sentencing and rehabilitation.

Cabinet reaffirmed that those measures would be pursued together as the Government continues its response to crime and public-safety concerns across Antigua and Barbuda.