In a significant development for youth development in the Caribbean, the Antigua and Barbuda Scout Association (ABSA) has successfully concluded its triennial elections during the Annual General Meeting convened at Government House on February 26, 2026. The proceedings were honored by the presence of His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General and Chief Scout, who presided over the assembly that elected a revitalized Executive Committee.
The newly constituted leadership team, mandated to guide the organization through the March 2026 to February 2029 term, features Dr. Fitzmore Burns as Chairman, supported by Vice-Chairmen Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and Mr. Cordel Josiah. The financial stewardship will be managed by National Treasurer Ms. Lily Schofield, while administrative coordination falls to National Secretary Dr. Janil Gore-Francis. The committee further comprises Scout Leader Representatives Ms. Brianna Pereira, Mr. Tarik Mussington, Mr. Kadeem Charles, and Ms. Abigail Burke, alongside Lay Members Mr. Norman Spencer, Mr. Joseph Prosper, Mr. Novelle Williams, and retired Commander Auden Nicholas.
This elected body will collaborate with uniformed members, including Chief Commissioner Patricia Salmon and Assistant Chief Commissioners Lt. Col. (ret’d.) Ivor J. Walker, Mr. Delano Richards, Ms. Heather Cole, Mrs. Patsy Quinland-Richards, Mr. Kibwé Harris, and Ms. Denise Jarvis, plus two co-opted members to form the complete Executive Committee.
This electoral milestone represents a transformative chapter for Scouting in the twin-island nation, building upon its historic achievement in 2022 of becoming a fully independent National Scout Organization within the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM). The association now stands at the threshold of substantial expansion and program innovation.
The incoming leadership has been entrusted with capitalizing on this autonomous status to usher in a rejuvenated phase of youth participation and community service. Association spokespersons emphasized that this transition extends beyond mere administrative change, representing a recommitment to Antigua and Barbuda’s younger generation. The independent status enables the design of tailored programs addressing contemporary youth needs while promoting leadership capabilities, resilience, and national pride.
Strategic priorities for the forthcoming three-year period encompass territorial expansion of Scout groups into every parish and enhancement of mentorship quality for participants aged 5 to 25. To realize these objectives, ABSA is actively seeking partnerships with corporate entities, community organizations, and faith-based groups as potential Scout Group sponsors. Such collaborations offer organizations distinctive opportunities to contribute to youth mentorship, facilitate skill-building workshops in vocational training, environmental conservation, and digital literacy, and support community development initiatives that foster civic engagement among young citizens.
Reaffirming its commitment to providing ‘a world of adventure’ through Scouting, the Association anticipates that this dynamic new executive formation will extend the Scouting experience to communities nationwide.