In an official public statement addressing circulating misinformation and unsubstantiated claims reported in regional media, the 2026–2028 Executive Board of the Medical Association of Antigua and Barbuda (MAAB) has moved to set the record straight, reframing the national conversation around collective support for fire-impacted medical professionals and community healthcare continuity.
The organization’s top priority right now, leaders emphasize, is supporting local physician colleagues and their practices upended by a recent destructive blaze. The tragedy has displaced committed healthcare providers and disrupted access to care for vulnerable patients across the community, making cross-profession solidarity far more critical than internal infighting. ‘This is a moment that demands we stand together to help colleagues rebuild their livelihoods and ensure no gap in care leaves local residents without the medical support they need,’ the statement reads.
Turning to recent public allegations of widespread internal dissatisfaction among MAAB members, the current Executive issued a clear formal clarification: as of March 2026, no physician has submitted documented complaints or official verbal grievances regarding the issues cited in recent media reports. The association has held weekly open meetings paired with mandatory Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions since the start of the term, and all practicing physicians in the country are welcome to attend and raise concerns through these established forums. While the Executive affirms its full commitment to protecting freedom of speech for all members, it notes that public narratives must align with the actual state of internal association operations.
To guide constructive engagement, the board reminded all members that MAAB maintains formal, accessible channels for submitting grievances, and leadership remains committed to full transparency and member advocacy—though it can only resolve concerns brought forward directly through proper processes. Any physician with concerns is encouraged to reach out through these official pathways to have their needs addressed.
In a demonstration of the association’s ongoing work to build cohesion, the Executive highlighted a successful series of International Doctors’ Day events hosted across March 2026, aligned with the 2026 organizational theme of ‘Unity’. The lineup, which included a community Sunset Social, inter-profession Church Service, and friendly Sports Day, was intentionally designed to foster connection between rank-and-file physicians and the Executive Board. The events created open, low-pressure spaces for networking and collaborative conversation about the future of the local medical profession, with ample opportunity for members to share feedback directly with leadership.
The statement also emphasized the Executive’s ongoing behind-the-scenes work to advance the interests of the entire local medical fraternity. While the board acknowledges that constructive criticism is a healthy part of any democratic professional organization, it urged members to avoid personal ad hominem attacks that erode the association’s collective bargaining power and damage its public standing. Leaders called on colleagues to refocus attention on systemic challenges impacting medical practice across Antigua and Barbuda, rather than engaging in divisive personal conflict.
Closing out the statement, the board emphasized that meaningful progress for the local medical community depends on active, collaborative participation from all practicing physicians. The organization encouraged all local doctors to formalize their membership by paying annual dues, noting that lasting change requires more than just public commentary—it requires active contribution from the entire profession. ‘Instead of leaving all the work to volunteer leaders who have dedicated their time to governing and protecting this association, we invite every physician to be part of the change they want to see,’ the statement concludes.
The official release was signed and submitted by the full 2026–2028 MAAB Executive Team.