ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – July 30, 2026 — The Caribbean nation’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment is grappling with devastating grief after the line-of-duty death of a long-serving Beach Safety and Security Officer earlier this week.
Kevon Warner, who dedicated 16 years of his career to the beach safety unit after joining in 2010, leaves behind a legacy of selfless service. Colleagues and government leaders remember Warner as a consummate professional whose unshakable commitment kept both local residents and international visitors safe as they enjoyed the country’s world-famous coastal shorelines. His contributions to national public safety will be permanently etched in the country’s memory, honored with enduring gratitude and respect.
In the wake of the tragedy, senior government officials moved quickly to support Warner’s family. Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac, alongside senior leadership from the Beach Safety and Security Unit, met with the officer’s next of kin to deliver a full, transparent briefing on the circumstances of his death. During the meeting, the family received a step-by-step account of the incident, including details of on-site actions taken by Warner’s fellow officers and the full scope of emergency response protocols activated after the event.
The Ministry confirmed that the family has expressed satisfaction that all standard operational, emergency response, and safety procedures were followed correctly throughout the incident. Committed to full transparency, the government agency has pledged to share any new updates with the family as they become available, and to deliver every form of practical and emotional support possible during their period of loss.
Tourism Minister Hon. Charles Fernandez, who is currently abroad carrying out official government business, has delivered a formal message of heartfelt condolence to Warner’s family, friends, and colleagues. Fernandez has been kept fully updated on all developments related to the incident and has reaffirmed his full confidence in the Ministry’s leadership and the beach safety unit’s handling of the aftermath.
“On behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and fellow members of our Beach Safety and Security Unit on the passing of one of our own,” Fernandez said in his statement. “Today, we mourn a dedicated public servant who faithfully carried out his duties in service to our country. We honour his commitment, courage and professionalism, and we stand in solidarity with his loved ones and colleagues during this profoundly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we pray that they find strength and comfort in the days ahead.”
Authorities are currently conducting a formal review of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Out of respect for Warner’s family and to protect the integrity of the ongoing review process, the Ministry has declined to speculate on any details of the tragedy, and says additional public information will be released only when appropriate.