A veteran public servant working for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has capped off an accelerated academic journey with one of higher education’s most prestigious distinctions, drawing formal praise from the nation’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs.
Igene Haywood, who has been a member of the national public service since 2007 and held roles within the Ministry of Health throughout her career, recently graduated from Monroe University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. What makes her achievement even more notable is the speed with which she completed the degree: she launched her academic studies in April 2024 and crossed the graduation finish line just 20 months later, in December 2025. Along the way, she earned the designation of summa cum laude, the highest honors classification awarded by the institution, reserved exclusively for students who deliver exceptional, consistent academic performance.
In an official statement released this week, the Ministry highlighted Haywood’s long track record of excellence in public service. For nearly 18 years, she has consistently exemplified core values of unwavering professionalism and deep dedication to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda, the Ministry noted. Officials added that Haywood’s latest academic milestone is far more than a personal achievement; it directly reflects her ongoing commitment to growing her skills and advancing both her personal growth and professional capacity throughout her career.
The Ministry closed its statement by extending warm formal congratulations to Haywood on her remarkable accomplishment, alongside sincere best wishes for all her future professional and academic endeavors.