**St. John’s, Antigua –** Antigua and Barbuda’s House of Representatives has passed the **Magistrates Court of Procedure Amendment Bill 2025** , allowing magistrates to conduct remand hearings virtually. The legislation, introduced by **Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin** , modernizes judicial procedures by enabling remote proceedings via electronic communication platforms.
The bill amends the **Code of Procedure Act** by introducing **Section 239A** , which establishes a legal framework for virtual remand hearings. Under the new provision, magistrates may conduct remand hearings online, provided that all relevant parties—including the accused, legal representatives, and the prison superintendent—are notified in advance.
Benjamin highlighted that virtual remand hearings were successfully used during the **COVID-19 pandemic** and that formalizing the practice into law aligns Antigua and Barbuda with broader judicial modernization efforts across the **Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)**.
“This bill enhances the efficiency of court operations, minimizes logistical challenges, and reduces the burden of transporting remanded individuals between prison and court,” Benjamin stated. “It reflects the growing use of technology in the judicial process and aligns with global trends towards more modern, flexible court systems.”
While the bill passed without controversy, **Opposition MP and attorney-at-law Sherfield Bowen** raised concerns about its wording, specifically the clause permitting hearings via **“any virtual platform or electronic communication facility.”**
“I think that is too wide,” Bowen argued. “It lends itself to making a phone call an electronic communication, and I don’t think that would be sufficient. I would support a virtual platform but not the wide-open electronic communication facility.”
However, Bowen acknowledged that virtual remand hearings **enhance security** , reducing the risk of **prisoner escapes during transportation**. “Many persons on remand have escaped while being transported, so I think it is an element of safety to have remand done virtually,” he added.
With **Antigua and Barbuda leading the way in adopting virtual remand hearings** , Benjamin suggested that other **OECS nations** may follow suit. The bill is now set to be enacted into law following final procedural steps.