About the Office

  2. About the Office

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) advises the government on legal issues, provides support for the institutions involved in the delivery of justice and enacts legislation to keep the laws current. The following Departments fall under the OAG:

  • The Barbados Police Service
  • Chief Parliamentary Counsel
  • Community Legal Services Commission
  • Criminal Justice Research & Planning Unit
  • Design and Implementation Unit
  • Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Financial Intelligence Unit
  • Forensics Sciences Centre
  • Law Reform Commission
  • Law Revision Office
  • Police Complaints Authority
  • Registration Department
  • Solicitor General's Chambers

Combatting Crime & Violence

There is a growing recognition of the impact that crime and violence have on democracy and development throughout the Hemisphere. Crime, violence and conflict sow fear and anxiety about personal security and hinder economic development by making countries unattractive for investment. Faced with an upsurge in crime and violence, the Office of the Attorney will work together with the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen the legislative framework in an attempt to address the rising levels of crime and violence in society.

This Office is also resolved to tackling those aspects of serious and transnational organised crime which fall within its mandate inclusive of corruption; illicit financial flows; money laundering; and terrorist financing, by cooperating with international and regional bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its regional affiliate the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). It will do so by adopting and implementing recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regulations. It is recognised that the fight against corruption can only succeed if countries cooperate effectively to tackle it through implementation of international and regional conventions and standards.

Improving the Justice System

The Ministry has committed to making a shift from a legal and justice system built on the colonial approach of punishment and incarceration, to more modern thinking and approaches, with a focus on rehabilitation and restoration for minor and victimless offences. This will involve review and reform of the justice system, including the Law Courts. 

Reforming Legislation

The Ministry will continue to work on new or revised legislation to underpin the policy and strategic objectives.