The nation of Antigua and Barbuda is in mourning following the passing of Mr. Rufus Adolphus Lewis, OM, a revered national figure and community pillar, at the age of 94 on December 20, 2025. His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, the Governor General, and Lady Williams have expressed profound sorrow at the loss of this distinguished son of the soil, recognizing his lifetime of unwavering dedication to national development and community service.
Hailing from the village of Swetes, Mr. Lewis’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the physical and social fabric of his community. He maintained a decades-long partnership with the Williams family, particularly collaborating with Sir Rodney’s late father, Sir Ernest Emanuel Williams, in shaping Swetes’ infrastructure during its formative development phase. Their visionary planning established the foundational road networks, water systems, and public lighting that continue to serve residents today.
As a master carpenter and construction supervisor for the Ministry of Works, Mr. Lewis left an indelible mark on the nation’s built environment. His expertise guided the construction of numerous primary educational facilities across Old Road, John Hughes, Cobbs Cross, Liberta, Newfield, Five Islands, and Parham, in addition to critical infrastructure including the All Saints and Freetown Police Stations.
Beyond his official retirement, Mr. Lewis maintained an extraordinary commitment to public service, assuming the role of Caretaker at the Swetes Government School (later renamed Irene B. Williams School). Residing opposite the institution, he voluntarily performed plumbing, carpentry, and maintenance duties to ensure the school remained safe and operational for generations of students.
Mr. Lewis stood as a titan within the Caribbean labor movement, dedicating over six decades to advancing workers’ rights. Beginning his advocacy as a teenager with the Antigua Trades and Labour Union, he ascended through numerous leadership positions including Secretary of the Swetes Section, Shop Steward, Chairman of the Union’s Works Committee, and ultimately First Vice President after twenty-two years on the Executive. His principled advocacy extended to membership on the National Labour Board and National Minimum Wage Committee, alongside representing the nation at international labor conferences.
Faith constituted a central pillar of Mr. Lewis’s life as a lifelong devotee of the Cana Moravian Church, where he served as Elder and Steward while contributing to physical developments including the Christian Education Building. His spiritual commitment transcended denominational boundaries, supporting various community ministries and civic initiatives such as the Swetes Men 4 Life program.
Remembered for his warmth, humanity, and passion for cricket—evidenced by naming sons after legendary West Indian cricketers—Mr. Lewis was a devoted family man. He shared fifty-seven years of marriage with his beloved wife Hildred Jerome Lewis, raised thirteen children, and established a successful trucking business in his later years to support his family.
In 2009, his exceptional contributions to labor relations and national development were formally recognized with The Order of Merit (OM), the nation’s highest honor. Governor General Williams eulogized Mr. Lewis as “a builder in the truest sense of the word” whose legacy endures in national infrastructure, labor history, and countless lives touched through his mentorship and compassion. Official condolences have been extended to the Lewis family, the Swetes community, the labor movement, and the Cana Moravian Church, with hopes that his exemplary life of service continues inspiring future generations.