Ambassador Daven Joseph Issues Public Apology to Martha Watkins-Gilkes
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador Daven Joseph has issued a formal public apology to environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes for defamatory comments he made in September 2024 on social media.
In the signed statement dated October 27, 2025, Ambassador Joseph acknowledged that he posted a comment on on Facebook page on September 27, 2024, under an article titled “Local groups celebrate withdrawal of Antigua’s bid to resume commercial whaling.”
His comment, he admitted, included statements about Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes which he has since retracted.
“I have had the opportunity to reflect on the impact that my statement may have had on Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes,” Joseph wrote. “Upon reflection I have thought it proper that I apologise to Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes.”
The Ambassador went on to express regret for his remarks, stating that he withdraws the statement “in its entirety” and pledges not to publish or republish any similar comments in the future.
“I take this opportunity to apologize to Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes and to express my regret for what I said,” he continued.
The apology follows public discussion surrounding Joseph’s previous comments, which were viewed as defamatory toward the well-known marine conservation advocate.
Watkins-Gilkes, a long-time environmentalist, has been a vocal opponent of commercial whaling and a supporter of marine protection initiatives across the Caribbean.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/28/ambassador-daven-joseph-issues-public-apology-to-martha-watkins-gilkes. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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