Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are working to publish a single, comprehensive list containing the names and photographs of sex offenders, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Thursday.
Merchant provided the update during the post-Cabinet news briefing while responding to questions about the government’s plan to give the public greater access to the Sex Offenders Registry
He said information about individuals is currently made public as cases progress through arrests, charges and convictions. However, authorities are now working to compile a central list that members of the public can consult.
“What the authorities are looking at is having a general list, a comprehensive list, and publishing that,” Merchant said.
He described the initiative as a work in progress but did not announce a publication date.
Merchant also did not clearly state whether the proposed public list would include all people already on the registry or apply only to people convicted after new publication rules take effect.
The update came during wider discussions about sexual offences against children and women and the government’s efforts to strengthen penalties and improve public protection.
Cabinet has also backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s proposal to consider chemical castration for repeat sex offenders. Merchant said increased fines, imprisonment and other legislative measures remain under consideration.
Further details about the government’s approach to sexual offences and child protection are expected when Parliament meets on September 28.
Until the proposed comprehensive list is published, Merchant said information continues to be released as individual cases arise.
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