In a dignified ceremony at Government House, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, presented the Governor-General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards to four exceptional citizens who have made transformative contributions to national development. The investiture ceremony celebrated decades of dedicated service across multiple sectors including cultural preservation, public health, architectural innovation, and sports development.
The honored recipients included Mr. Eustace ‘Gaytooks’ Harris, recognized for his six-decade commitment to elevating the steelpan as both a national treasure and international symbol of Antiguan and Barbudan cultural identity. Mrs. Phylis Ephena Vanetta Matthew was celebrated for her distinguished work in public health and community development, particularly through nursing leadership and advocacy for marginalized populations.
Mr. Colin John Jenkins received honors for his pioneering contributions to sustainable architecture and climate-resilient infrastructure development. Mr. Donald Zorol Barthley was acknowledged for his groundbreaking leadership in both sports administration, particularly within West Indies cricket, and business entrepreneurship with significant youth mentorship components.
Governor-General Williams emphasized that these awards, established by Warrant in 2015, complement the National Honours system by recognizing exemplary service that might otherwise remain unacknowledged. The program specifically aims to encourage sustained excellence and commitment to nation-building while affirming the value of long-term dedicated service.
The awards framework includes four distinct grades of recognition: the Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross, and the Faithful and Meritorious Service Medal in Gold, Silver, and Bronze classifications, each reflecting varying levels of achievement and service duration. His Excellency noted that nominations typically originate through community applications, highlighting how exceptional service often occurs without public visibility unless formally brought forward by organizations or institutions.
Concluding the ceremony, the Governor-General and Lady Williams extended holiday greetings and expressed aspirations for a unified and productive 2026 marked by continued national progress and community service.