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Antigua and Barbuda has marked a significant milestone in public safety with the official activation of its Sex Offenders Registry, implementing legislation passed in November 2022 to combat sexual re-offending.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin confirmed the registry has been operational for several months, noting its active use with recent offender registrations. “The last person discharged from His Majesty’s Prison, his name has been duly recorded and will be made known to those responsible,” Benjamin stated.
Crown Counsel Nneka Nicholas outlined the strict access protocols governing the registry. Access is limited to specific groups who must apply formally to the Police Commissioner, including “principals and managers of schools, child care facilities, and any other bodies involved with the care and education of children, managers and facilities responsible for the care of vulnerable persons.”
The registry’s primary function focuses on monitoring offenders’ proximity to sensitive locations like schools and care facilities, particularly for employment screening purposes. While applications are open to all, the Police Commissioner maintains discretionary authority over access requests, requiring applicants to provide clear justification for their inquiries.
To maintain data security and prevent misuse, the legislation includes robust penalties. Unauthorized access, false pretense applications, data misuse, or malicious sharing of registry information can result in fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.
This initiative represents a crucial step in enhancing public safety measures across the twin-island nation, balancing the need for community protection with controlled information access.
Source: Observer NewsCo Ltd.
Dem need fa hang dem
This is a necessary step to help reduce the risk of reoffending
While I commend the government for taking this step it still leaves much to be desired. It feels as though these offenders are still being protected. Say, for example, a sex offender moves in next door to me and my young children/ grandchildren. How will I as a private citizen know since I would be unable to ascertain that that person is indeed a sex offender? Parents/ grandparents should be able to have easy access to that registry. Potential employers should not be the only ones.
We need to make sure these people aren’t allowed to live near children. Create an exclusionary zone where these sick people stay. Protect our kids. In some other countries with registries, you can see maps of where they live so you can protect your families. We should do the same. All jobs should require a registry check just like a police record.