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REMARKS BY THE GOVERNOR GENERAL’S DEPUTY
SIR CLARE ROBERTS KCN, KC
On the Occasion of the Swearing-in of Senator the Honourable Clement Antonio
as Minister of State in the Ministry of Works
Government House
Monday, July 28, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.
Honourable Members of Cabinet
Honourable Members of the Senate and in particular, Senator the Honourable Clement Antonio
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Distinguished Guests,
It is my honour and privilege to preside over this brief but meaningful ceremony, which marks the swearing-in of Senator the Honourable Clement Antonio as Minister of State in the Ministry of Works.
On behalf of Their Excellencies, Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General and Lady Williams, I extend congratulations and best wishes as you take up this important responsibility in service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Ministry of Works plays a pivotal role in advancing our nation’s efforts toward a sustainable development framework.
It is through this ministry that the lifeblood of our nation’s infrastructure flows, our roads, bridges, drainage systems, public buildings, and countless other facilities that define the everyday experience of our citizens and visitors alike.
The Ministry is also central to our resilience, how we respond to and recover from disasters, how we maintain critical infrastructure, and how we adapt to climate change.
As Minister of State, you assume your portfolio at a time marked by a surge in public expectations. Having witnessed notable progress and positive changes in service delivery, particularly in road repair, maintenance, and housing, the public now recognises that even greater achievements are within reach.
This momentum has naturally led to heightened aspirations and growing demands. I therefore encourage the Ministry to continue research into the use of environmentally responsible materials, cost-saving technologies, and design methods that respect both our climate goals and fiscal realities.
The Ministry of Works directly impacts the daily lives of every citizen, through good roads, safe bridges, adequate drainage during rainfall, and public infrastructure that enables learning, healthcare, security, and more.
As such, I commend the Ministry on its strategy of communicating clearly with the public, educating citizens on the proper use of infrastructure, soliciting feedback, and encouraging a shared sense of ownership.
I note that the Ministry’s use of the media, traditional and digital, is a powerful ally in this regard.
Permit me, Minister, to slip in one specific request. Let each and every centenarian have a road named for her/him soonest!! Help me push this mission.
Senator Antonio, your record of public service, including your tenure at the Development Control Authority coupled with your training in business management and community development, positions you well for this post. Your collegial leadership style, proven skills in data management, and community-centred approach will undoubtedly serve you and the Ministry with distinction.
I take this opportunity to commend the Honourable Maria Browne, the substantive Minister for Housing and Works, for her continuing work in shaping the Ministry’s direction and effectiveness. I am confident that under her leadership and with your support, the Ministry will continue to deliver results that truly enhance the quality of life for our people.
Let this new appointment serve as a reminder that leadership is both a privilege and a duty. Be ever cognizant of the fact that public trust, once given, must be earned daily, through transparency, responsiveness, and integrity.
Congratulations once again, Honourable Minister. I am confident that your tenure will be marked by vision, diligence, and tangible impact.
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Congratulations, Senator Antonio! We need strong, grounded leadership in housing and infrastructure. Hoping to see impactful changes, especially in rural areas.
Infrastructure across the island needs real attention. I hope the new Minister of State brings urgency and accountability to the Ministry of Works.
Just another state capture and increase on the payroll budget. So all manner of people who could have effect opposition and change to the government of Gaston coast of action is silent with largesse from the public treasury. Oops I forget my bad, we raised the vehicle license fee to offset these salaries, especially Ron saunders who had his salary increased.