Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne will advise the Governor General to exercise his constitutional authority to pardon individuals currently serving prison sentences.

This will apply to those 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 removed, allowing them a fresh start and an opportunity to continue contributing positively to society.

Meanwhile, the country will table a law to remove the criminal records of persons convicted for a possession of small quantities of cannabis and grant them official pardons.

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin was authorized to draft the legislation which will offer a pardon to persons convicted of having less than 15 grams of marijuana.

The proposed law will also apply to individuals convicted under the Public Health Amendment Act during the COVID-19pandemic, with a view to clearing their records as well.