The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda has ratified the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty, reinforcing regional cooperation in law enforcement and extradition.
During a debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday, government officials emphasized the treaty’s significance in ensuring that criminals cannot evade justice by fleeing across borders within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The treaty, which was adopted by CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2017 and came into force in July 2018, aims to establish a standardized system for the arrest and surrender of individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve custodial sentences.
With Antigua and Barbuda’s accession, the government now has the legal framework to expedite extradition processes within the region and make it easier to arrest foreign criminals.
During the debate, Members of Parliament underscored the importance of the treaty in maintaining regional security.
One government representative described it as a “non-contentious” measure that strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to law enforcement and public safety.
The treaty aligns with broader regional initiatives to enhance security, particularly within the context of free movement agreements under CARICOM.
The discussion also touched on the geopolitical implications, particularly in relation to deportations of Caribbean nationals from larger countries like the United States.
stressed that the treaty ensures that individuals convicted of serious crimes cannot seek refuge in member states to evade justice.
Another MP highlighted the treaty’s role in fostering greater CARICOM integration, drawing comparisons to historical efforts by regional leaders such as V.C. Bird, Forbes Burnham, and Eric Williams in promoting unity among Caribbean nations.
The discussion further advocated for deeper regional integration, envisioning a future where movement between CARICOM states could be as seamless as within a single nation.
Parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle expressed their full support for the treaty, noting that it establishes a legal obligation for Antigua and Barbuda to respond swiftly to arrest warrants issued by other CARICOM states.
The streamlined process is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve the efficiency of extradition requests.
With the ratification now complete, Antigua and Barbuda formally joins other CARICOM nations in reinforcing judicial cooperation, further strengthening the region’s ability to combat crime and uphold the rule of law.
The government will now proceed with the formal process of accession, marking a significant step forward in regional security collaboration.
