Minister Fernandez Congratulates ABAA’s Operations Manager on International Achievement

St. John’s, Antigua (October 14, 2025)…Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Rex Daly, Operations Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), on becoming the first Antiguan to successfully complete the Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP), earning the prestigious designation of International Airport Professional (IAP) in record time.

During a congratulatory meeting held on Monday, October 13, Minister Fernandez personally commended Mr. Daly on his remarkable achievement, noting that while the programme typically spans three years, Mr. Daly completed it in just nine months, an extraordinary feat that has made history.

Minister Fernandez underscored that Mr. Daly’s success is a reflection of unwavering dedication, discipline, and passion for aviation.

“The continuous development of our people is the cornerstone of progress and the most vital marker of true national development,” said Minister Fernandez. “I congratulate Mr. Daly for his outstanding accomplishment, which not only enhances the brand of the V.C. Bird International Airport as a world-class facility, but also underscores the Airport Authority’s commitment to investing in its human resources. There is no industry without its people.”

In expressing his gratitude, Mr. Daly said: “I am deeply grateful to the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority for affording me the opportunity to enroll in this programme and for their unwavering support throughout my journey. It is truly an honour to be the first Antiguan and Barbudan to achieve this prestigious certification. The journey was not without its challenges, balancing day-to-day operations while studying, but perseverance paid off. While participants are typically given three years to complete the programme, I am proud to have done so in just nine months.”

He also extended appreciation to the Global ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) and ACI World – Airports Council International for delivering an exceptional and transformative learning experience that continues to raise global standards in airport management.

Mr. Daly further shared that he is now preparing to complete his Airport Safety Professional (ASP) certification by 2026, which will make him the first Antiguan to achieve this distinction. The ACI-ICAO ASP designation is recognized globally as the premier certification for airport safety professionals and civil aviation regulators.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Investment, Mr. Sean Cenac, also joined Minister Fernandez in congratulating Mr. Daly, commending his achievement as a proud moment for Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation sector.