Antigua and Barbuda is moving to introduce mandatory minimum and maximum sentences for serious gun crimes and sexual offences against minors, as the government steps up its response to rising violent crime and concerns over sentencing.

The Cabinet has agreed to take legislation to Parliament shortly that would establish sentencing ranges for the offences.

The proposed changes will first be subject to consultations with relevant stakeholders before the legislation is finalised.

The move would make Antigua and Barbuda one of the few Caribbean countries to establish mandatory minimum and maximum sentences specifically for serious firearm and sexual offences.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne had signalled the possible changes during his radio programme last Saturday, saying the government would deliberate on sentencing reforms as it continues efforts to tackle violent crime.

Browne has also been critical of aspects of sentencing in Antigua and Barbuda, particularly cases where people convicted of serious or repeat offences receive relatively short periods of imprisonment.

He has argued that sentences must provide a stronger deterrent, including in cases involving serious crimes against children.

The Cabinet said the proposed legislation forms part of a wider review of the country’s criminal justice system and is being pursued within the constitutional boundaries separating the responsibilities of Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary.

Prison remission rules to change

Alongside the proposed sentencing reforms, Cabinet has approved changes to the rules governing remission of prison sentences.

Under the existing Rule 211 of the Prison Rules, prisoners serving more than one month can become eligible for unconditional release after completing two-thirds of their sentence, subject to applicable deductions.

The approved amendment will change that process.

Completing two-thirds of a sentence will no longer automatically result in unconditional release.

Instead, a prisoner who meets the requirements will become eligible for consideration for remission.

The Superintendent of Prisons will be required to make a recommendation to the Governor General before remission can be granted.

The amended rule will also prevent remission from reducing a prisoner’s period of imprisonment to less than 31 days.

Cabinet stressed that remission for good conduct has not been abolished, but said the changes are intended to introduce greater oversight while preserving rehabilitation and good behaviour as factors in the prison system.

The changes have been approved through the Prison (Amendment) Rules, 2026 and do not require a sitting of Parliament, according to the government.

Government to add prosecutors

The government is also moving to strengthen the prosecution of criminal cases.

Cabinet approved funding for up to five additional lawyers to join the prosecution team within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Two police officers will also receive full scholarships to study law at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

Following graduation, they are expected to join the DPP’s prosecution team.

A new training programme for prosecutors has also been approved, with a focus on strengthening the handling of serious and complex criminal cases.

The government said additional resources are necessary to ensure that stronger laws and policing are matched by an adequately staffed prosecution service capable of bringing cases before the courts efficiently.

Police records to be digitised

Cabinet has also approved the digitisation of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda’s records management system.

The government said the initiative will improve the storage, retrieval and sharing of police information, allowing investigators and prosecutors to access case-related records more quickly.

It forms part of wider investments in technology and law enforcement, including surveillance cameras, drones and vehicles.

The government said the measures are intended to strengthen the entire criminal justice chain, from investigation and prosecution to sentencing, prison administration and rehabilitation.

Antigua and Barbuda has introduced a series of tougher measures against violent crime over the past two years, including increased penalties for firearm offences and anti-gang legislation.

Cabinet said the latest reforms are aimed at ensuring that serious and repeat offending carries consequences that provide a stronger deterrent while maintaining opportunities for rehabilitation.

The government said public safety remains its priority as it continues efforts to reduce gun violence and protect vulnerable people, particularly children.