Former Agriculture Minister Hilson Baptiste Passes Away

Former Antiguan politician Hilson Baptiste, known for his long-standing career in public service, has passed away. Baptiste had been hospitalized following a major stroke and other complications that greatly affected his health.

Baptiste was a member of the United Progressive Party and served as the Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s South across four consecutive general elections: 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009. His tenure included significant contributions as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, where he was instrumental in launching the Seafood Festival in 2009.

This initiative aimed to foster community pride and encourage the public to embrace seafood consumption.

However, his later years were marred by controversy. In January 2017, Baptiste was convicted of assaulting a police officer and fined $500, which raised questions about his conduct in public office.

On August 21, 2023, Baptiste suffered a major stroke that resulted in aphasia, a condition affecting his ability to communicate. Despite these challenges, his legacy in Antiguan politics and the agricultural sector will be remembered.