His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, GCMG, KGN, KSt.J, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, today conferred the Governor-General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards at an Investiture Ceremony held at Government House.
The ceremony formally recognised four distinguished individuals whose lives of dedicated service have made a lasting and meaningful contribution to national development across culture, public health, architecture, sport, and business.
The award recipients were:
- Mr. Eustace “Gaytooks” Harris, honoured for more than six decades of faithful service to culture through the steelpan, elevating it as a national treasure and an international symbol of Antiguan and Barbudan identity.
- Mrs. Phylis Ephena Vanetta Matthew, recognised for distinguished service to public health and community development through professional nursing, faith-based leadership, and advocacy for vulnerable and marginalised groups.
- Mr. Colin John Jenkins, honoured for outstanding contributions to the built environment, including leadership in architecture, sustainability, climate resilience, and national development.
- Mr. Donald Zorol Barthley, recognised for pioneering service to sport and business development, particularly through leadership in West Indies cricket, sports administration, entrepreneurship, and youth mentorship.
In his remarks, Sir Rodney Williams noted that the Governor-General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards were established by Warrant in 2015 to complement the National Honours system, recognising that not every deserving individual may be reached through a single awards framework. He explained that the awards were introduced to encourage excellence, dedication, and commitment to nation-building, and to affirm the value of faithful service over time.
The Governor-General also highlighted that nominations for the awards are made by application, noting that outstanding service often occurs quietly and may not always be visible unless brought forward by individuals, organisations, and communities. He encouraged institutions to continue recognising excellence within their own ranks as part of building a culture of appreciation and service.
The Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards are conferred in four grades: the Faithful and Meritorious Service Cross, the Faithful and Meritorious Service Medal – Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each reflecting varying levels of distinction and service.
Sir Rodney Williams expressed appreciation to the families, colleagues, and communities who supported the awardees throughout their journeys, acknowledging that their encouragement and sacrifice were integral to the recipients’ achievements.
As the ceremony concluded, His Excellency and Her Excellency Lady Williams extended warm holiday greetings and best wishes for a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2026, marked by unity, service, and national progress.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
