标签： Antigua and Barbuda

In a dramatic pre-election maneuver, Adrian Richardson, the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate popularly known as ‘The Action Man,’ staged an unexpected convoy rally through the St. Phillips South Constituency on the eve of a crucial primary election. The event, which featured a motorcade escorted by law enforcement, culminated in a gathering at the Freetown Seventh Day Church, signaling a campaign deeply intertwined with faith and community engagement.

Sources close to the candidate reveal that Richardson, a Freetown native, attributes his political strength and resilience solely to divine support. His campaign has been characterized by sustained community involvement over an extended period, with notable contributions including educational investments, organized community clean-up initiatives, health fairs, motivational speaking engagements, and support for local community groups.

Political observers suggest that Richardson’s potential victory in the primary could position the ABLP favorably to reclaim the constituency seat in the upcoming general election, marking a significant shift in the local political landscape. The strategic timing of his final rally demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of grassroots mobilization techniques.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the strategic appointment of distinguished business consultant Celia Roberts-Morgan as Coordinator of the National Task Force for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This significant appointment positions Roberts-Morgan at the helm of the CHOGM Secretariat, headquartered within the Ministry of Trade on Friar’s Hill Road.

In her pivotal role, Roberts-Morgan will exercise executive oversight of multiple specialized sub-committees tasked with the comprehensive planning and execution of all summit-related events. Her extensive portfolio includes direct support for the committee organizing the prestigious CHOGM Business Forum, alongside other major ancillary gatherings such as the People’s Forum, the Women’s Forum, and the Youth Forum.

The official announcement was made public on Tuesday during a Task Force assembly held at the American University of Antigua, where chairs of the various sub-committees presented detailed progress reports on the ongoing preparations.

Roberts-Morgan brings a formidable portfolio of expertise to this high-stakes position. With over twenty years of dedicated experience in organizational effectiveness and public-sector transformation throughout the Caribbean region, she is a recognized authority in her field. She serves as the founder and principal consultant at Roberts & Associates, a firm renowned for advising national governments, leading financial institutions, and major hospitality enterprises on critical matters of governance, policy reform, and enhancing institutional performance.

Expressing her commitment to the role, Roberts-Morgan stated she was ‘deeply honoured’ by the confidence bestowed upon her. She described the appointment as ‘a profound responsibility and a significant moment for our nation as we prepare to welcome the Commonwealth family,’ further pledging to ‘serve with integrity and dedication.’ She also emphasized her anticipation for collaborating with ‘national, regional, and international partners to ensure CHOGM 2026 reflects the very best of who we are.’

The appointment has garnered strong endorsements from senior government officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Task Force Head Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim, and High Commissioner to the UK Karen-Mae Hill, who collectively extended their congratulations and wishes for her success in steering the nation towards a landmark event.

In the corridors of Antigua and Barbuda’s government, December 4th stands as a date of profound significance—marking the birthday of Sir Lionel Hurst, a multifaceted statesman whose enduring influence continues to shape the nation’s trajectory. As Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Sir Lionel represents a rare blend of diplomatic expertise, historical knowledge, and administrative excellence that has served the Caribbean nation across multiple decades.

Sir Lionel’s distinguished career embodies exceptional public service across numerous domains. Following his legal training and admission to the bars of New York and Florida, he embarked on an illustrious diplomatic career representing Antigua and Barbuda both in Washington and at the United Nations. During his ambassadorial tenure, he became renowned for his articulate advocacy on behalf of small island developing states, regional cooperation frameworks, and international justice mechanisms. Colleagues remember him as the voice that ensured Antigua and Barbuda’s perspectives resonated consistently within global forums.

Beyond diplomacy, Sir Lionel has established himself as an intellectual force through his scholarly contributions. His authored work ‘Democracy by Diplomacy’ provides critical insights into the political evolution of Antigua and Barbuda, while his public lectures and media commentary have positioned him as a respected educator. Within government circles, he is often regarded as an unofficial teacher who provides essential historical context during policy deliberations.

His current role as Chief of Staff places him at the epicenter of national decision-making, where he provides strategic guidance, institutional memory, and continuity between past and present governance approaches. Colleagues characterize him as a steady, principled adviser whose insights routinely inform government actions and policies.

Adding to his remarkable narrative is the profound personal story of resilience—in 2008, his sister Ivy Hurst donated a kidney that extended his life and preserved his invaluable contributions to national development. This act ensured the continuation of a legacy that includes mentoring generations of public servants and shaping the very fabric of Antigua and Barbuda’s political consciousness.

His formal recognition as Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN) stands as official acknowledgment of decades devoted to diplomatic excellence, national development, and unwavering public service. As government colleagues celebrate his birthday, they honor not just his professional achievements but the intellectual humility and deep patriotism that define his character.