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Rodney WilliamsGovernor-General of Antigua and Barbuda since 13 August 2014
Date of Birth: 02.11.1947
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Content:
- Rodney Williams: A Career in Service
- Political Career
- Minister of Education, Culture, and Technology
- Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda
- Honours and Awards
- Personal Life
Rodney Williams: A Career in Service
Education and Early CareerRodney Williams, the former Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, was born to Ernest Williams, a Labour Party parliamentarian, and Irene Williams, a dedicated educator. Williams attended Antigua Grammar School and taught at his alma mater before pursuing medical studies at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He graduated in 1976 with an MBBS in Medicine and Surgery. Upon completing an internship at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados in 1978, he established a private medical practice in Antigua and Barbuda.
Political Career
Williams' political journey began in 1984 when he became the Member of Parliament for St. Paul's, a constituency previously represented by his father. From 1992 to 2004, he held various ministerial positions, including Education, Culture, Technology, Economic Development, Tourism, and the Environment. He represented St. Paul's until 2004, when he lost his seat in the general election after the Labour Party's defeat by the United Progressive Party.
Minister of Education, Culture, and Technology
Following the Labour Party's victory in the 1994 general election, Prime Minister Lester Bird appointed Williams as Minister of Education, Culture, and Technology, a position he held until the end of his political career in 2004.
Williams' most controversial decision as Minister of Education was the introduction of the Education Levy Act, which imposed a fee on education. This decision sparked protests by opposition forces.
Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda
On August 14, 2014, Williams was sworn in as the fourth Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda.
Honours and Awards
In August 2014, Williams was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (GCMG) by Queen Elizabeth II at the 2014 Special Honours Ceremony. In November 2014, he was awarded the Gold Medal Benemerenti of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and was made Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I by Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro. On December 22, 2014, Williams was made a Knight of the Order of St. John (KStJ), also bestowed during the 2014 Special Honours.
In May 2019, Williams was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by St. Mary's College of Maryland. In January 2021, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of the West Indies.
