Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne Pays Tribute to Sir Robert Barrett: A Pillar of Nation Building and Philanthropy

ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – 24th May 2025 – In a heartfelt address at the official memorial service, Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne paid tribute to the life and legacy of Sir Robert Allen Barrett, Antigua and Barbuda’s most accomplished hotelier and a beloved philanthropist who dedicated decades of his life to the country’s economic and social development.

Sir Robert Barrett, an American by birth, made Antigua and Barbuda his home, embedding himself deeply into the fabric of the nation. His entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering belief in the country’s potential led him to invest heavily in the local economy, particularly in the hospitality sector. Over the course of several decades, he developed and operated numerous successful hotels and resorts, becoming the single most impactful private sector employer in the country.

“Sir Robert Barrett was easily our country’s most successful hotelier for several decades,” Prime Minister Browne remarked. “His business interests spanned not only hospitality but also distributive trades, housing, and land development. He provided thousands of Antiguans and Barbudans with employment and opportunity,” said Prime Minister Browne.

Despite his success, Sir Robert remained grounded, choosing to reinvest his earnings back into Antigua and Barbuda rather than seeking safer returns abroad. His commitment to national development was matched only by his compassion for the vulnerable. Through countless philanthropic efforts, particularly to support the poor and marginalized, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people.

“He was a visionary leader who saw the future and concluded that it would be good,” said the Prime Minister. “Instead of exporting his capital, he stood with the people and reinvested to grow and develop our economy,”  Prime Minister said.

In 2023, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda honored Sir Robert Barrett with one of the nation’s highest awards in recognition of his immense contributions to national development.  He was Knighted KCN.

Prime Minister Browne also shared a poignant moment from Sir Robert’s final days, relayed by his trusted associate Larry Bashcom. On the morning of March 6, 2025, just before his passing, Sir Robert expressed his confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership and his deep affection for the nation he had come to love.

Drawing on the biblical parable of the talents from the book of Matthew, Prime Minister Browne likened Sir Robert’s life to that of the faithful servant who multiplied his gifts: “Sir Rob did as the protagonist in the parable was applauded for doing. He multiplied his talents. He did God’s work and the nation’s work while he lived here in Antigua.”

In closing, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences to Sir Robert’s family on behalf of the government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, thanking them for sharing his life and legacy with the nation.

“May his soul rest in peace and rise in paradise,” he said.

Sir Robert Barrett leaves behind a remarkable legacy of vision, generosity, and nation-building that will be remembered for generations to come.