The parliamentary select committee set up to review three legislative measures before the House of Representatives will convene a public session on Thursday.
Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin wants members of the public to attend the session at the parliament chambers and to participate in the discussion.
The three pieces of legislation are; the Fire and Rescue Bill, 2025, the Police Bill, 2025 and the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services Bill, 2025.
According to the Attorney General, the three bills have been posted on the government website at laws@ab.gov.ag.
Sir Steadroy is inviting members of the public to peruse the three legislative measures and to attend the committee meeting and to share their ideas as this will inform any proposed changes to the bills before they are adopted.
The committee meeting will start at 10:30 am on Thursday.
A quick insight into the three pieces of legislation shows that the Police Bill, 2025, seeks to repeal and replace the existing Police Act (Cap. 330) to modernize the legal framework governing the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. The Bill introduces enhanced governance structures, streamlines the roles and responsibilities of police officers, and incorporates contemporary policing methodologies while ensuring accountability, efficiency, and public trust in law enforcement.
On the other hand, the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services (ABFS) Bill will establish a legislative framework for the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services to assist law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences.
It will see the appointment and functions of the Forensic Director and Deputy Director, as well as the duties and obligations of staff and protection from personal liability.
This as the Fire and Rescue Service Bill which will see the Fire Department renamed as the Fire and Rescue Service (replacing the Fire Brigades Act).
In addition, the new Act once passed through the House will result in the Police Act and the accompanying regulations not being applicable to the Fire and Rescue Service.
This means that there will be a formal separation of the Fire Department from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, a move that has been recommended by the top rank of the department for many years.
