Antigua and Barbuda to Introduce Reforms to Police, Fire Services and Forensic Services

The government says it plans to introduce sweeping reforms affecting the Police Service, Fire and Rescue Services and forensic operations as part of a broader legislative agenda for the new parliamentary term.

The measures were outlined Tuesday during the 2026 Throne Speech delivered by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

According to the speech, the proposed reforms will form part of a comprehensive package of new and amended legislation intended to modernize public safety institutions and strengthen national security systems.

“Reforms to the Police Services, the Fire and Rescue Services, forensic services and electronic crimes of every variety will be addressed in the several proposed new legislation,” Sir Rodney told lawmakers.

The government did not provide details on the specific reforms being considered or indicate when the legislation would be brought to Parliament.

However, the Throne Speech framed the proposed measures as part of a wider effort to strengthen governance and public administration during the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin was credited in the address with advocating what the government described as a “comprehensive slate” of legislative reforms intended to place Antigua and Barbuda ahead of many of its regional counterparts.

“The Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin — the most sound of legal practitioners within this jurisdiction — has advocated a comprehensive slate of new and amended legislation that will vault Antigua and Barbuda above its O.E.C.S. and other counterparts,” the Governor-General said.

The reforms are expected to come alongside planned legislation dealing with workplace harassment protections, border security, food safety, mental health regulation and electronic crimes.

The speech also included praise for national security agencies ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year.

“My Government records its profound gratitude to the members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, the Antigua and Barbuda Fire and Rescue Services, the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, immigration and customs officers, and all other security personnel who work daily to safeguard our nation,” Sir Rodney said.

The government said it expects security agencies to demonstrate “the highest standards of service and professionalism” as the country prepares to host thousands of delegates and heads of government for CHOGM 2026.

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