Antigua and Barbuda is preparing a major overhaul of its justice system as part of efforts to clear the long-standing backlog of criminal cases.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin said a series of reform bills will be brought to Parliament in early 2026, aiming to streamline how cases progress through the courts.

Speaking at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and UNDP PACE Justice Lecture on Thursday, he outlined a package of legislative and administrative changes.

The first bill to be introduced will be the Voluntary Bail of Indictment Act, followed by legislation to formalise plea bargaining. The new measure would allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to send selected matters directly to the High Court, bypassing procedures that often slow cases down.

Sir Steadroy said the move would “directly confront procedural delays” and improve the efficiency of criminal prosecutions.

The government also intends to establish a Public Defender’s Department to provide legal support for defendants unable to afford private counsel.

Administratively, a criminal master will be appointed to manage pre-trial matters, allowing High Court judges to focus on trials. Additional acting magistrates and acting High Court judges are also being considered to ease immediate pressures on the system.