In a formal announcement this week, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has announced a leadership transition at the nation’s Department of Environment, confirming the appointment of Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas as the agency’s new Acting Director. Alongside celebrating Camacho-Thomas’s new role, the Ministry has also paid public tribute to outgoing Director Diann Black-Layne, who is stepping down after a years-long tenure of landmark service to the country’s environmental agenda.
Throughout her professional career, Camacho-Thomas has established a well-documented track record of strong leadership, rigorous professionalism, and unshakable dedication to advancing both environmental stewardship and balanced sustainable development across Antigua and Barbuda. Ministry officials emphasized that they hold full confidence in Camacho-Thomas’s ability to build on the Department of Environment’s existing progress, noting that her decades of accumulated expertise, forward-thinking strategic vision, and deep commitment to the agency’s core mission will only strengthen the organization as it works to protect and responsibly manage the nation’s rich natural resources.
The Ministry extended its warm congratulations to the newly appointed Acting Director, expressing excitement for the work ahead under her guidance. Officials noted that Camacho-Thomas will inherit a robust, well-structured institution shaped by her predecessor’s efforts, and they are optimistic that the Department will continue to deliver tangible, impactful progress for Antigua and Barbuda’s environment during her tenure. The entire ministry extended well wishes for Camacho-Thomas as she settles into her new leadership role.
Meanwhile, the Ministry shared sincere gratitude for Black-Layne’s years of dedicated service and transformative leadership as Department Director. Over the course of her distinguished career at the helm of the agency, Black-Layne played a foundational role in building the Department of Environment into the respected, effective institution it is today. Her work laid critical groundwork for advancing environmental protection, boosting national climate resilience, and embedding sustainable development practices across Antigua and Barbuda’s policy framework. Ministry officials emphasized that her vision, passion, and lifelong commitment to environmental progress have created an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit the nation for generations to come.
All levels of Ministry leadership, alongside staff from both the Ministry and the Department of Environment, joined together to extend heartfelt thanks to Black-Layne for her decades of exceptional public service. The entire organization joined in wishing her a long, healthy, and deeply fulfilling retirement, as well as great success and joy in any new pursuits she chooses to take on in this next chapter of her life.