By Robert Andre Emmanuel
Struggling to hold back tears during the National Honours Ceremony to mark the nation’s 43rd anniversary of Independence, one awardee — renowned reggae artiste Gregory “Causion” Bailey – took the time to reflect on his life and work after receiving one of Antigua and Barbuda’s highest awards while battling cancer.
Bailey, who was appointed Commander of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage (CH), told Observer media that he had to receive special permission from his doctors in the US to attend the ceremony, as he is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Florida.
“Just being here today is even more difficult because the doctors put me back on chemotherapy. I had to get permission just to be able to come here, and I have to be back in Florida [on November 2] to continue the treatment,” Bailey revealed during an emotional interview with Observer media.
The veteran musician, who has served as Antigua and Barbuda’s Reggae Ambassador for over three decades, used his battle with cancer as inspiration to establish the “Thank You Mission” foundation, which assists artistes with medical expenses.
“You reach points in your life where you’re wondering what it is all about,” Bailey reflected, his voice thick with emotion. “And then you get a phone call like this at a very difficult stage in my life.”
Despite his health challenges, Bailey has continued to promote Antigua and Barbuda.
In May 2022, he collaborated with Elite Island Resorts on the “Antigua Me Come From” campaign, which garnered over one million views globally and recently won Travel Weekly’s 2024 Gold Magellan Award for marketing excellence.
During the interview, Bailey shared profound reflections on his journey. “With all the things that we can achieve in life and all the financial benefits that we can achieve in life, nothing is worth more than the memories,” he said.
This year’s National Honours Ceremony recognised 10 individuals and one institution for their contributions to national development, with Bailey’s recognition specifically acknowledging his outstanding contribution to community service and music.
Samuel Aymer and Ronald Leslie Randall were both appointed as Knight Grand Commanders of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN).
Aymer was recognised for his service in national development and healthcare advancement, particularly his role in establishing the first haemodialysis unit at the Holberton Hospital.
Randall, owner of the Blue Waters Hotel since 1984, was honoured for his contributions to national development and philanthropy.
Under his leadership, the hotel has grown from 45 rooms to 118, employing 240 staff and his philanthropic work includes supporting the Halo Foundation and the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Vernest Mack was appointed Grand Officer of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (GOM) for her over 45-year contribution to education and nation-building.
“I am just happy that I was recognised for the work that I did and I’m still doing,” Mack told the Observer. “When I was doing it, I didn’t really expect to get a national award.”
Currently serving as the local representative for Hands Across the Sea, a Boston-based foundation, Mack continues to champion literacy in schools.
“Right now, I’m promoting literacy in schools … I visit libraries and help children to read,” she said.
Her community involvement extends beyond education, and as President of the Swetes Community Group since 2007, she initiated the first village reunion.
She has also served as the internal auditor for the Wesleyan Holiness Church in Swetes for the past 20 years, a role she continues to embrace.
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring community activists, Mack emphasised the importance of selfless service: “Just continue to do what needs to be done. Do not watch who is doing what or who is saying what. Just do what you have to do and do it well. And that’s the bottom line – do it with a willing heart and do it well and do not expect any rewards.”
Catherine Chiddick and Dr Cynthia Lucilla Agatha Crump Russell were both appointed as Grand Officers of the Most Illustrious Order of Princely Heritage (GOH) for their contributions to education and community development.
Chiddick’s Gray’s Crescent Primary School maintained a 90-100 percent pass rate during her 40-year tenure as principal.
Alongside Bailey, three other individuals were appointed as Commanders of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage (CH): Elaine Browne-Howson who has spent 42 years with Seventh-Day Adventist Youth Ministries, Miriam Samuel, and Everton Jacobs.
Fresh from a successful trip to England and celebrating her 90th birthday with a published book, veteran educator Miriam Samuel saw this remarkable year capped off with this latest honour.
Samuel revealed that her passion for education has not dimmed, as her next project would be to visit nine schools in the country, sharing with them her book, she said, referring to her continued commitment to education even after retirement.
“I always had an open house,” Samuel reflected, describing her approach to teaching that went beyond the classroom. Her former students, now grown, she said, still remember her impact.
Jacobs told Observer that his recognition was the fruit of decades of “hard work and a lot of struggles”.
The co-founder of the Invaders Mas Troupe (later known as Ali and Associates) in 1977 has left an indelible mark on multiple aspects of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural landscape.
Beyond carnival, he performed with the Harmonites Steel Orchestra and made history by co-producing the first Miss Big and Beautiful Pageant in both Antigua and the rest of the Caribbean.
In the sporting arena, Jacobs founded the National Warri Association, where led Antigua and Barbuda to victory at the 1998 World Mind Sports Olympia in London.
He also established the country’s first National Domino Association and has earned respect as a cricket umpire since 2002.
When asked about his message to others, Jacobs offered simple but powerful advice: “Do your best and don’t do it for [recognition]… and it will eventually come.”
The Team Antigua Island Girls received the institutional award of the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage (Gold) for their remarkable achievement in rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in 2019, and the Pacific Ocean in 2023.
The team, consisting of Christal Clashing, Kevinia Francis, Samara Emmanuel and Elvira Bell, completed the 2,800 nautical mile journey in 35 days while raising awareness for troubled girls.
