Flagman to Receive Honorarium After 20 Years of Volunteer Service

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Hilson Flag Man Joseph photo by Wayne Mariette

Flagman to Receive Honorarium After 20 Years of Volunteer Service

Hilson “Flagman” Joseph, a fixture at national ceremonies for more than two decades, will receive a significant honorarium and ongoing financial support following a Cabinet decision announced Friday by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.

Merchant said during the post-Cabinet media briefing that the decision came after Minister Anthony Smith presented Joseph’s long record of voluntary service, noting that he has hoisted and managed the national flag at official ceremonies, state events and sporting occasions for over 20 years — work he has carried out free of cost.

According to Merchant, Cabinet agreed to provide a substantial honorarium in recognition of Joseph’s contribution, along with consistent financial support to ensure he can continue performing ceremonial duties.

Joseph, popularly known as “Flagman,” has long been associated with national celebrations and was previously acknowledged with a national award during an Independence observance. The Cabinet’s latest decision formalizes additional support for one of the country’s best-known ceremonial volunteers.

The announcement formed part of a wider briefing that also covered health-sector modernization, sports development initiatives, diplomatic appointments and preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

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13 COMMENTS

  1. Congratulations Flag Man..He should get an official uniform and have him train with Defense Force and Police for ceremonies.

  4. This is a feel good news…. well deserved

    He has set the standard. Congratulations Flagman a national treasure.

  5. This is a feel good news…. well deserved

    He has set the standard. Congratulations Flagman a national treasure.

    Anybody remember the year when they did not want him to take part in the independence March pass? Just wow, how quickly they forget.

  6. Remember when they did not want him to be a part of the independence march pass.

    Congratulations Flagman, well deserved. Flagman has set the standard.

  7. Very well deserved! Commendation to the Gaston Browne led administration for graciously acknowledging and rewarding “Flagman’s consistent demonstration of national pride and duty.
    I clearly recall that many of the just-come-Johnies from the previous administration were highly incensed.by what they considered the “come uppance” of this young man particularly during the first five years at the helm 2004 2009. By 2009, however it was becoming clear that the administrations popularity had cooled considerably. In a strictly survival mode, the then administration decided the young man was too popular, too admired, too well-loved, to be seen as yet another victim of their “ah wha’ arwe go do now”, pseudo elitist, comical mantra! Thanks ABLP for further evidence of a true “People First” Administration!
    Congratulations, Flagman! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

  8. Absolutely! I don’t know this brother here, but his efforts most definitely should be recognized with some sort of financial tangible appreciation. I live in another country, but I am undoubtably proud of my country, Antigua and Barbuda when I see it doing things like this and recognizing a national while they are alive just as they did for the Burning Flames.
    This is a beautiful thing.
    Great job.

    Reply

    Antiguan Pickney on 7

  10. Now tell me who can argue with that. The man deserves this. I am very happy for him and thank minister Smith for his recommendation.

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