Antigua and Barbuda has witnessed a significant 10% reduction in serious crime this year, as announced by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams during the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament. The decline, attributed to effective leadership within the Royal Police Force and enhanced community policing initiatives, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s public safety efforts. Sir Rodney outlined a series of ambitious reforms set to modernize law enforcement and criminal justice by 2026, including the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. This new agency will focus on drug analysis and the development of specialized biology and chemistry divisions, equipping investigators with advanced scientific tools currently unavailable locally. Additionally, plans to expand the Industrial Court with more judges aim to expedite labor-related case resolutions, while the government reaffirms its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda’s ranking as second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index underscores these efforts. Rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison also received renewed attention, with a focus on reducing recidivism through skills-training programs and the recruitment of qualified correctional officers. The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force was commended for its joint security initiatives with the police, particularly during high-profile events. Sir Rodney emphasized that this comprehensive strategy—combining modern policing, forensic advancements, and structured rehabilitation—is essential to sustaining the nation’s improving public safety landscape.
Serious Crime Falls 10% as Government Plans New Forensic Services Bill in 2026
