Serious crime in Antigua and Barbuda fell by 10% this year, the Governor General announced Thursday as he outlined several major reforms aimed at strengthening law enforcement and modernising criminal justice in 2026.

Delivering the Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, Sir Rodney Williams said police data from January to October show a year-on-year decline in serious offences, crediting “very competent leadership” within the Royal Police Force and an expanded focus on community policing, neighbourhood watch support and increased foot and vehicle patrols.

He said the administration will build on these gains by introducing legislation early next year to establish the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services. The new agency will handle drug analysis and support the development of a dedicated biology and chemistry division, giving investigators access to modern scientific tools that are not currently available in the local system.

Sir Rodney also highlighted plans to expand the Industrial Court with additional judges to speed up the resolution of labour-related cases, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and the rule of law. Antigua and Barbuda ranked second in the Caribbean and 38th globally on the 2025 Rule of Law Index, he noted.

The Throne Speech also placed new emphasis on rehabilitation within His Majesty’s Prison. Sir Rodney said reducing recidivism will become a core priority, with more skills-training programmes and the recruitment of correctional officers qualified to teach trades that can help inmates reintegrate after release.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, which continues to operate joint patrols and security initiatives with the police, was praised for its role in curbing antisocial behaviour, particularly during peak festival periods.

Sir Rodney framed the combined strategy—modern policing, forensic science capacity, and structured rehabilitation—as essential to sustaining the country’s improving public-safety outlook.