PM Says Law on Reporting Missing Persons Will Be Amended To Remove 24-Hour Waiting Period

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government will amend the current law requiring a 24-hour waiting period before someone can be officially reported missing.

Speaking on his Browne and Browne programme on Point FM, the Prime Minister said he had raised the issue with Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin and that the necessary changes would be made.

“I’ve spoken to the Attorney General and the law will be amended,” Browne stated during the broadcast. “We have to make sure that when people go missing, the authorities can act swiftly without any bureaucratic delay.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid heightened public concern about how police respond to missing persons cases, particularly involving children and vulnerable individuals. Under the current legislation, reports can only be formally acted upon after a person has been missing for 24 hours—a measure critics say can cost valuable time in urgent cases.

Browne acknowledged these concerns, noting that the government is committed to improving public safety and ensuring that police are empowered to act immediately when someone is believed to be in danger.

The proposed amendment is expected to allow for immediate reporting and investigation once someone is suspected to be missing, particularly in situations where there is clear reason for concern.

The Prime Minister did not provide a timeline for when the changes would be brought to Parliament but said the issue is now a priority.

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