ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — The Antigua and Barbuda Government says it will table at the next sitting of Parliament legislation aimed at expunging the criminal records of individuals convicted for possession of small quantities of cannabis and granting them official pardons.

A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting said that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Steadroy Cuttie Benjamin, has been authorised to draft the legislation that will offer a pardon to persons convicted of having less than 15 grams of marijuana.

It said that the proposed legislation will also apply to individuals convicted under the Public Health Amendment Act during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, with a view to clearing their records as well.

Additionally, the Cabinet has agreed that Prime Minister Gaston Browne will advise the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, to exercise his constitutional authority under Section 84(1) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda to pardon individuals currently serving sentences at His Majesty’s Prison, who are actively engaged in the Home Advancement Programme for the Indigent (HAPPI) programme and have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation.

“Cabinet emphasised that the criminal records of these individuals will be expunged, allowing them a fresh start and an opportunity to continue contributing positively to society. This action aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration,” the statement said.

It said that upon receiving their pardons, these individuals will be immediately offered full-time employment within the HAPPI programme and that Cabinet also approved the granting of EC$500,000 to the HAPPI programme for the continued building and reconstruction of homes for the less fortunate.