The Parliamentary Select Committee that is reviewing three proposed legislations now before parliament convened its first meeting in the Parliament Chambers on Thursday.
Chaired by the Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, the meeting was called to get input from stakeholders into the proposed Police Bill, 2025, the Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2025 and the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services Bill, 2025.
Attendance not only included members of the select committee, but from representatives of the police, the fire department, the director of Forensic Services, staff from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General’s Chambers and members of the public, including at least one senior former police officer.
Sir Steadroy described the session as generating ‘very detailed discussions’ on the first bill that was considered, the Police Bill, 2025. “There were very helpful contributions from the police, the representatives from the DPP’s Office, the Director of Forensic Services and even from former senior officer, Joseph Hughes. I was also particularly pleased with the input from select committee members including the Representative for St. John’s Rural West, Richard Lewis and from the member for All Saints West, Anthony Smith Jnr.,” Sir Steadroy reported.
He further described the discussions as rewarding as all parties were keen on having a legislation that is adequate to serve a police department for the 21st Century.
He said the committee will reconvene in two weeks to continue the discussions on the other two legislations. Sir Steadroy said the experience has reaffirmed his faith in the work of select committees to review specific legislations.
“Former Speaker, Sir Gerald Watt, was constantly promoting the benefits of select committees and I must say that following Thursday’s exercise, I am of the view that this is a tool that I will employ much more in the future to consider specific legislations,” he remarked.
