The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) is facing mounting scrutiny over its adherence to statutory retirement age regulations. According to the law, officers must retire at specific ages: 55 for lieutenant colonels and higher ranks, 50 for majors, 47 for captains, and 45 for lieutenants and second lieutenants. These rules were established to ensure fairness, discipline, and operational efficiency within the Force. However, reports indicate that several officers continue to serve well beyond these age limits, with some in their early to mid-60s and even approaching 70. This has raised significant concerns about governance, transparency, and compliance within the ABDF. The presence of these senior officers in critical roles has led to frustration among younger, capable officers who are being sidelined, undermining succession planning and career progression. Critics argue that this situation fosters favoritism and stagnation, eroding morale and discipline within the Force. The ABDF, a respected national institution, risks losing public trust if it fails to enforce its own regulations consistently. Authorities must clarify whether exemptions have been lawfully granted or if the laws themselves require revision. Until then, the enforcement of existing regulations is crucial to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the ABDF.
LETTER: Why Are So Many ABDF Officers Still Serving Past the Mandatory Retirement Age?
