The Antiguan government is exploring direct salary deductions as a mechanism to improve compliance with court-ordered child support obligations, as part of a broader push to strengthen enforcement across the country.
According to Antigua News Room, the proposal surfaced during a Cabinet discussion focused on the introduction of MainCollect, a new digital payment platform designed to modernise the collection and monitoring of child maintenance payments in Antigua and Barbuda.
Officials informed Cabinet that chronic non-payment remains a significant and persistent challenge, prompting serious consideration of stronger enforcement tools to ensure children receive the financial support they are legally entitled to.
Among the measures discussed were legislative amendments that would empower employers to deduct child maintenance payments directly from the wages of individuals who repeatedly fail to comply with court orders. Cabinet also examined the introduction of tougher penalties for persistent defaulters and the possible creation of a public register of delinquent parents.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant indicated that any move toward employer involvement would likely require legislative changes, and that the matter remains under active discussion between government officials and the Family Court.
Officials acknowledged that enforcement is particularly difficult in cases involving individuals who receive cash payments, as monitoring income and securing consistent payments from that group presents unique challenges for authorities.
The deliberations coincide with the government's preparations to launch the MainCollect app, which will enable maintenance payments to be made electronically. The platform is also expected to give both courts and parents real-time visibility into payment histories and outstanding balances.
No final decisions have been announced. Cabinet signalled, however, that discussions on reinforcing child maintenance enforcement mechanisms will continue.
