The collaboration of numerous institutions, including law enforcement, military, paramilitary, governmental, and intelligence agencies that seek to ensure Antigua and Barbuda's national security.
As per the Defence Act, which governs the Defence Force, the Governor-General may declare by proclamation that a unit shall be deemed to be on active service for a specific period, not to exceed three months, beginning on the date the proclamation enters into force, if it appears to him that doing so is necessary in the public interest due to the impending start of active service or the recent existence of active service.[1] The Defence Act has had various subordinate laws including the defence force regulations,[2] creation of units,[3] defence officers regulations,[4] defence pensions,[5] defence decorations regulations,[6] defence force reserve regulations,[7] defence summary jurdistiction regulations,[8] and defence regular force enlistment and service regulations.[9]
Uniforms Act
According to the legislation, no one who is not a member of the Defense Forces may wear the uniform of any such force, or any garment that closely resembles such a uniform or bears any of its unique markings, without the Governor-General's authorization.[10]
Police legislation
Police Act
The Antigua, Montserrat, and Virgin Islands Police Force personnel, transfers to Montserrat and Virgin Islands Police Force, continuity of service, guarantee of rank, pay, and conditions of service, retirement, and period of probation on appointment of police officer above are all governed by the Police Act. The Police Act also governs the establishment and objects of the Police Force, employment of the Force to repel external aggression, and liability to service.[11]
Prevention of terrorism legislation
Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2001
The definition of "supervisory authority" is the same as that given to it in the Money Laundering Prevention Act, No. 9 of 1996.[12] In the event that the Supervisory Authority has reasonable suspicions that an individual has engaged in terrorist activities, it is authorized to designate that person as a terrorist or terrorist organization. The Supervisory Authority will identify any individual or entity designated as a terrorist or terrorist organization in accordance with this section by publishing a declaration in the Gazette that includes the following information: in the case of an individual, the name, date and place of birth, nationality, address, phone number, passport number, and tax identification number; in the case of an entity, the name of the organization, the date and place of incorporation, address, telephone number, and facsimile number, as well as any affiliated groups.[12]
Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2005
The Minister of Foreign Affairs may, by order published in the Gazette, make any provisions that may appear to him or her to be necessary or expedient in order to enable those measures to be effectively applied when the Security Council of the United Nations decides, in accordance with Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, on the measures to be employed to give effect to any of its decisions and requests the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to apply those measures.[13]
Prisons legislation
Prisons Act
The statute requires the provision and upkeep of prisons, the creation of visiting committees for each jail, the authority of prison guards, and the segregation of convicts.[14]
Prisoners of War Act
Upon conviction, any individual found guilty of aiding or abetting a prisoner of war who is being held in Antigua and Barbuda to escape from any prison or place of confinement—whether it be inside or outside the country—will face felony charges and a maximum sentence of five years in prison, with or without hard labor. Anyone who knowingly and willfully helps or encourages a prisoner to leave Antigua and Barbuda or attempt to leave the country will be considered to have assisted the prisoner's escape under section 3 of the act and will face the appropriate penalties. However, they are not allowed to help or encourage the prisoner to leave the coast of any part of Antigua and Barbuda. Anyone found guilty of harboring, hiding, secreting, or providing assistance to a prisoner who has escaped from a prison or other place of confinement in Antigua and Barbuda where they were held as prisoners of war faces a misdemeanor conviction and a maximum fine of fifteen thousand dollars, as well as a maximum sentence of three years in prison with or without hard labor. In the event that a prisoner of war confined in Antigua and Barbuda escapes from any prison or other place of confinement, it will be legal for any person or people authorized for that purpose to board any ship, hulk, lighter, or boat in Antigua and Barbuda and search for any such escaped prisoner. If the master or any other person in charge of any such ship, hulk, lighter, or boat, or any other person, hinders or obstructs the person or persons authorized as above during any such search, that person will be arrested, brought before a magistrate, and will be subject to a fine not to exceed fifteen hundred dollars, and upon conviction on an indictment, up to a fine of $5,000 or up to a year and a half in jail, either with or without hard labor.[15]
Prison (Extramural Sentences) Act
Regardless of any legislation to the contrary, any of the following individuals—that is, anyone sentenced by the court to a maximum of six months in prison; any woman found guilty of a crime that the court deems not to be a serious crime; and anyone facing prison time for failing to pay a fine or a sum of money ordered to be paid in relation to any maintenance, affiliation, or civil proceedings—may, upon the recommendation of the court, at the discretion of the Extramural Prison Officer, and with their consent, work outside of prison under the supervision and control of a public authority (local governments, works departments), in lieu of being imprisoned, subject to the conditions specified.[16]
National security regulatory agencies
Defense Board
The command, discipline, administration, and all other affairs pertaining to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force are under the control of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Board.[1] The Defense Board may assign additional responsibilities to the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.[1] By order of the Defense Board, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force may be organized into units or other military entities.[1] Any officer or soldier in the regular Force, or any officer or soldier in the Reserve with his assent, may be required by the Defence Board to go to a location outside of Antigua and Barbuda in order to receive instruction or training, assume duty, or work.[1] With the officer or soldier's permission, the Defense Board may give him to the military authorities of any nation or territory so that he might join that nation's or territory's armed forces.[1] The operational use of the Force is under the control of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force. Regulations issued by the Governor-General govern this duty. The Prime Minister can, nevertheless, give instructions to the Chief of Defence Staff about the operational employment of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force within the nation in situations when the Governor-General has not issued directives. The Prime Minister has been given this power in order to maintain public safety and order as they see fit.[1] The members of the Defence Board are: (a) the Prime Minister, who shall serve as chairman, ex officio; (b) the Minister responsible for Defence and National Security; (c) any other Minister that the Prime Minister designates; (d) the Chief of Defence Staff, ex officio; and (e) the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry responsible for Defence, or such other public officer that the Prime Minister designates.[1] Any member of the Defence Board may be nominated by the chairman to preside at any meeting of the Defence Board at which the chairman is not present. The nomination may be general or specific to a particular event.[1]
The Permanent Secretary or any person that the chairman designates to carry out the duties of Secretary at any Defence Board meeting in the case of the Permanent Secretary's absence or incapacity to do so, shall be the Secretary of the Defence Board.[1] The Defence Board may; (a) regulate its operations, how it will carry out its duties, and the responsibilities of its members; (b) delegate any powers or responsibilities of the Board to any member of the Board by notice published in the Official Gazette; (c) consult with any non-members it deems appropriate, including officers commanding units of the Force, on matters pertaining to their units, and the officers shall attend such consultations.[1]
The National Security Council of Antigua and Barbuda was established in 2006 by The National Security Council Act of 2006. The council serves as the government's main forum for debating issues pertaining to national security, coordinating the policies and actions of the government's departments and agencies in this area, and carrying out any duties assigned to it by legislation. Establishing priorities among activities that address national security interests and requirements, ensuring the collection and collation of information and intelligence relating to Antigua and Barbuda's national security and the integration of that information and intelligence into the government's domestic, foreign, and security policies, and approving policies for departments and agencies of government to follow in relation to national security are all part of the Council's duties. The Council may also recommend to the Minister related to these policies.[17]
The Prime Minister is required to present copies of each annual report produced by the Council to each House of Parliament, subject to section 7(2) of the 2006 act, and to state whether any information has been omitted from those copies in accordance with section 7(2). The Prime Minister may omit any item from the copy of the report presented to each House of Parliament if, following consultation with the Council and the Leader of the Opposition, it appears that the publication of that item in a report would be detrimental to the government's law enforcement agencies' ability to continue carrying out their duties.[17]
Within the terms of Section 101 of the Constitution, a National Security Adviser serves as a public officer and the chief professional adviser to the Prime Minister's department. As directed by the Prime Minister, the National Security Adviser will advise and recommend proposed policies, strategies, and matters pertaining to national security; assist in the formation of national security policies; serve on any other committees, boards, or authorities that deal with national security; represent the Government at national, regional, and international meetings whose topics affect Antigua and Barbuda's national security; advise on and support national law enforcement agencies with regard to the national security aspects of their strategic and operational plans; be in charge of gathering and compiling intelligence and information on matters of national security; be in charge of gathering and presenting operational information; advise the Council on the efficacy of law enforcement agencies in countering threats to national security and on their implementation of Council policies pertaining to national security.[17]
Intelligence agencies
The National Security Adviser and the National Security Council is responsible for the management and gathering of intelligence resources, as per the National Security Council Act of 2006.
Financial Intelligence Unit
As required by Section 11(i) of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 1996, the Financial Intelligence Unit of the ONDCP collects, evaluates, and disseminates financial intelligence provided by Financial Institutions via Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR's). The division is still Antigua and Barbuda's main national financial intelligence organization.[18] Its primary duty is to collect, analyze, and disseminate financial information to the appropriate authorities, especially when it relates to money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, and the proceeds of crime.[18]
Criminal Investigations Department
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda's Criminal Investigation Department is the primary investigation division, having its headquarters in St. John's. The Criminal Investigation Department is responsible to maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and identifying and looking into reports of severe crimes in line with the goals of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.[19]
Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation made up of: Antigua island which is divided into six parishes; and of the two dependencies of Barbuda island and Redonda island.
Saint John, officially the Parish of Saint John, is a civil parish of Antigua and Barbuda, on the northwestern portion of Antigua island. Its capital is the city of St. John's. Saint John borders Saint Mary, Saint Peter, Saint George, and Saint Paul. Saint John faces the Caribbean Sea. Saint John is surrounded by some of Antigua's most premier beaches. Saint John had a population of 56,736 in a 2018 estimate, making it home to the majority of the population in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Senate is the Upper House of Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda. It consists of 17 members appointed by the Governor General. Ten members are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, four on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition, one on the advice of the Barbuda Council, one resident of Barbuda on the advice of the Prime Minister, and one at the Governor General's discretion. Subject to the provisions of Section 30 of the Constitution, any person who at the time of his appointment: is a citizen; is twenty-one years of age or older; has lived in Antigua and Barbuda for the twelve months immediately prior to the date of his appointment; and is able to speak and, unless disabled by blindness or another physical condition, to read the English language with enough proficiency to allow him to take an active part in the proceedings.
The monarchy of Antigua and Barbuda is a system of government in which a hereditary monarch is the sovereign and head of state of Antigua and Barbuda. The current Antiguan and Barbudan monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. As sovereign, he is the personal embodiment of the Crown of Antigua and Barbuda. Although the person of the sovereign is equally shared with 14 other independent countries within the Commonwealth of Nations, each country's monarchy is separate and legally distinct. As a result, the current monarch is officially titled King of Antigua and Barbuda and, in this capacity, he and other members of the Royal Family undertake public and private functions domestically and abroad as representatives of Antigua and Barbuda. However, the King is the only member of the Royal Family with any constitutional role.
The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda is the law enforcement agency for Antigua and Barbuda. The Commissioner in 2017 was Atlee Rodney. The force has 350 officers.
Speaker of the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda is the presiding officer in the House of Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda. Prior to conducting any other business, the House must elect a Speaker at its first session following a general election. If the position of Speaker becomes vacant at any point before the next dissolution of Parliament, the House must elect a replacement as soon as is practically possible. The Speaker may be chosen from among House members or from among individuals who are not House members but are eligible to serve in that capacity. Before conducting any other business other than electing the Speaker during the first meeting following a general election, the House shall elect a member to serve as Deputy Speaker. If the position of Deputy Speaker becomes vacant at any point prior to the next dissolution of Parliament, the House shall, as soon as is practically possible, elect another member to fill the vacancy. A minister or parliamentarian cannot be elected as the speaker or deputy speaker of the house by the house. When the position of Speaker is open, the House may not conduct any business.
President of the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda is the presiding officer in the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda. Prior to conducting any other business, the Senate must elect a senator to serve as president when it convenes following a general election.
The Chairperson of the Barbuda Council is the leader of the Barbuda Council. Established by the Barbuda Local Government Act of 1976, the first council election was on March 22, 1979.
Newfields is a village in Saint Philip Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.
St. Philip's, also known as Ffryes, or Simpson is a town in the parish of Saint Philip, Antigua and Barbuda. St. Philip's is the capital of Saint Philip, and one of the smallest settlements in Antigua and Barbuda. St. Philip's had a population of 131 in 2011, and an area of 0.57 square kilometres. St. Philip's is south of Newfield and west of Freetown, and is home to the parish church and a post office.
John Hughes is a village in Saint Mary Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.
Buckleys is a village in Saint John Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.
Coolidge is a village and community in Saint George Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.
Johnsons Point is a village in Saint Mary Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.
The National Security Council of Antigua and Barbuda was established in 2006 by The National Security Council Act of 2006. The council serves as the government's main forum for debating issues pertaining to national security, coordinating the policies and actions of the government's departments and agencies in this area, and carrying out any duties assigned to it by legislation. Establishing priorities among activities that address national security interests and requirements, ensuring the collection and collation of information and intelligence relating to Antigua and Barbuda's national security and the integration of that information and intelligence into the government's domestic, foreign, and security policies, and approving policies for departments and agencies of government to follow in relation to national security are all part of the Council's duties. The Council may also recommend to the Minister related to these policies.
The Supreme Audit Institution of Antigua and Barbuda, co-officially known as the Office of the Director of Audit, is the supreme audit institution of Antigua and Barbuda, and as such, assists the Parliament in holding the government accountable in management of the country's finances and operations. The institution describes itself as "an independent, constitutionally established office that exists to serve Parliament."
Administrative structures for local governments can be found in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda had seventeen district councils corresponding with the constituencies. Under the direction of the Local Government Officer, the district councils were been categorized into a total of four (4) distinct zones. At a more fundamental level, village councils are encouraged the participation of local citizens. The island of Barbuda has a constitutionally-protected unique status, and it has given the authority to solicit financial contributions in order to meet the needs of its inhabitants.
The National Security Council Act of 2006 is an Act of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Civil Aviation Act 2003 is an Act of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda. The act received royal assent on 2 February 2004.
The island of Barbuda is constitutionally mandated to have at least one parliamentary constituency within itself. The member of the house of representatives for Barbuda is also an ex officio member of the Barbuda Council. The island has one polling district, polling district "A", which supported the Barbuda People's Movement in the 2023 general elections.
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