The people of Antigua and Barbuda are mourning the loss of one of their most distinguished diplomats, Dr. Patrick Lewis, who passed away on January 5 at the age of 85 after a short illness.

Dr. Lewis served as the country’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as Ambassador to the United Nations.

He was a man of great dedication and commitment, and his diplomatic service will be deeply missed.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, E P Chet Greene, expressed his condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

He acknowledged Dr. Lewis’s remarkable contributions to their nation’s diplomacy and international relations and noted that his service as Ambassador to the United States and the OAS from 1992 to 1995 and as Ambassador to the United Nations from 1995 to 2004 was marked by unwavering dedication.

Before embarking on his diplomatic career, Dr. Patrick Lewis served as Professor of History at the Hampton Institute in Virginia.

His academic work was widely acclaimed, and he was recognized as a leading expert on Caribbean history and politics.

In recognition of Dr. Lewis’s remarkable contributions to their country, Minister Greene announced that the flags at the Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in the United States and at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York have been lowered to half-mast for the entire week.

The Minister emphasized that this is a fitting tribute to a man who served his nation with distinction and honor, and who represented them with great dignity and pride on the world stage.

Finally, the Minister expressed his deepest sympathies to Dr. Lewis’s family, friends, and colleagues.

He noted that the Antigua and Barbuda Government will be represented at Dr Lewis’ memorial service by its current Ambassador to the US and the OAS, Sir Ronald Sanders, and that they will continue to honor his memory and legacy in the years to come.