Antigua and Barbuda’s insurance industry earned international recognition this year as local representative Elease Richardson, head of Salient Insurance Agents for Pan American Life Insurance, proudly carried the nation’s flag at two of the most prestigious gatherings in the global insurance world: LAMP (Leaders and Managers Program) and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).

From March 22–25, 2025, Richardson joined top insurance agency and unit managers from across the Americas, the Caribbean, and beyond at the Finseca LAMP meeting in Orlando, Florida.

LAMP is widely regarded as the premier event for insurance leadership, attracting the top one percent of managers worldwide. There, Richardson was able to interact with leaders from much larger markets, exchanging strategies and insights on managing agents, building strong teams, and driving growth.

Her Antiguan-based unit, operating out of Mandolin Place on Friars Hill Road, was among just six Pan American Life Insurance agencies that qualified for LAMP making it the only representative from the Eastern Caribbean Islands (ECI).

Richardson’s impressive track record continued in June 2025, when she attended the MDRT Annual Meeting in Miami Beach. Unlike LAMP, which focuses on agency leaders, MDRT is the pinnacle achievement for individual insurance agents worldwide.

Only about six percent of the world’s insurance professionals qualify for membership, and Richardson proudly marked her sixth MDRT qualification, bringing her closer to the coveted Life Member status (awarded after 10 qualifications).

“This career has been my passion for over 24 years,” Richardson reflected. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share knowledge with colleagues from across the world and to keep raising the standard for insurance professionals from Antigua and Barbuda.”

Since joining Pan American Life Insurance in 2015, Richardson has consistently set benchmarks for excellence. This year, she was also the only ECI representative at the company’s convention in London, where she received the Silver Award in Frontline Leadership further recognition of her dedication and performance.

Currently, Richardson manages a team of six agents and three administrative staff, and credits her success to their hard work alongside the continued support of clients.

“I am deeply honored to represent Antigua and the Eastern Caribbean at these world-class forums,” she said. “I look forward to qualifying at even higher levels in the years to come. To my staff, Pan American Life’s management, and our loyal patrons I thank you. People remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Richardson also extended an open invitation for individuals interested in pursuing a career in insurance to contact Salient Insurance Agents at Pan American Life Insurance.