In a move aligned with his promise to engage directly with every agency under his ministerial portfolio, Hon. Michael Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, held a face-to-face meeting this week with leadership and frontline staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
The gathering drew a full roster of senior health officials, including Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige, EMS Director Shawn Greenidge, Deputy Directors Vermalie Brodie and Brandon Browne, as well as a cross-section of the agency’s management team and frontline personnel. This in-person consultation marked a key step in the minister’s ongoing push to better understand on-the-ground challenges across all departments he oversees.
A top priority on the meeting’s agenda was the long-debated issue of fair compensation for EMS workers. Leadership of the agency tabled a formal proposal calling for the creation of a structured, tiered salary framework that would adjust pay based on each worker’s professional credentials, cumulative years of service, and incremental career progression. The plan also aims to introduce stronger performance and training incentives for personnel who pursue advanced emergency medical credentials, including Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification and specialized paramedic qualifications. Minister Joseph made clear he is open to thoroughly reviewing the proposal to assess its feasibility and alignment with government priorities.
Beyond compensation, the discussion centered on broader efforts to upgrade the nation’s emergency medical response system. Minister Joseph reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with EMS leadership and staff to co-develop practical, actionable solutions that will improve staff well-being, boost the agency’s operational efficiency, and deliver a stronger, more reliable emergency care system for every citizen and resident of Antigua and Barbuda.
Closing the meeting, the minister extended his sincere gratitude to all attendees for their open and honest input, and publicly recognized the irreplaceable work EMS personnel carry out every day. He emphasized that their rapid, life-saving responses to emergencies across both islands form a critical backbone of the nation’s public health infrastructure.