The government is taking steps to give the public greater access to information on convicted sex offenders in Antigua and Barbuda, including their photographs.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Saturday that he had instructed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin to begin the process of making the Sex Offenders Registry publicly accessible.

Currently, people who qualify to view the registry must first apply through the Commissioner of Police. Although the registry has been operational since November 2022, its information has not been freely available to the general public.

Browne acknowledged concerns that publishing the identities and photographs of convicted offenders could raise constitutional issues. However, he argued that the public’s right to know should take precedence.

The proposed change would significantly expand access to the registry and allow residents to identify people convicted of sexual offences.

The government has not yet announced when the registry will become public or what specific information will be published.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Orders Sex Offenders Registry Made Public With Photos.