Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin says communities should be given advance notice when convicted sexual offenders are released from prison and return to live among residents.
Benjamin told Parliament he supports a policy requiring notification about two weeks before a convicted sexual offender is released.
“We are going to make it a policy that two weeks before he’s released, we send notification to the community,” Benjamin said, adding: “Beware, the predator is coming.”
Benjamin argued that residents, particularly parents, should know when someone convicted of a sexual offence has completed a sentence and is returning to their community.
He said information about convicted sexual offenders should not be limited to people who specifically visit a police station to make inquiries.
“We are of the very firm opinion that once you’ve committed a crime, you have served your time, you come back into the community, they must know,” Benjamin said.
The attorney general made the comments during debate on the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026, which increases penalties for several sexual offences, particularly those involving minors.
The bill was subsequently passed by the House without amendment.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: VIDEO: AG Wants Residents to get Advanced Notice When Sexual Predators Return to Communities.

