Hilson Joseph, commonly known as ‘Flagman’
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an honorarium for Hilson Joseph, widely known across the nation as ‘Flag Man.’
According to Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, the initiative was brought forward by All Saints West MP Anthony Smith and received full Cabinet support.
“So Minister Anthony Smith made a presentation for a financial or an honorarium to this gentleman for his over 20 years of consistently doing this thing free of cost,” Merchant explained. “So Cabinet agreed to a recommendation for a significant honorarium to the gentleman, and also to ensure that he receives consistent financial contributions for his continued work in carrying the flag of Antigua and Barbuda like no one else does. And so that was agreed to by Cabinet.”
Merchant noted that Joseph was previously recognized at the national level. “He was honoured during one of our independence celebrations with a national award. But the Honourable Anthony Smith felt that there needs to be something tangible for Mr. Hilson Joseph, known as Flagman.”
In 2023, Joseph was inducted by the Governor General as a Member of The Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage. He is well known for his giant flags, his presence at events of all kinds, and his distinctive displays of the national colours through his outfits.
Absolutely! I don’t know this brother here, but his efforts most definitely should be recognized with some sort of financial tangible appreciation. I live in another country, but I am undoubtably proud of my country, Antigua and Barbuda when I see it doing things like this and recognizing a national while they are alive just as they did for the Burning Flames.
This is a beautiful thing.
Great job.
Absolutely! I don’t know this brother here, but his efforts most definitely should be recognized with some sort of financial tangible appreciation. I live in another country, but I am undoubtably proud of my country, Antigua and Barbuda when I see it doing things like this and recognizing a national while they are alive just as they did for the Burning Flames.
This is a beautiful thing.
Great job.
If anyone deserves this is, then its him. Always representing. Always flying that flag!
Now tell me who can argue with that. The man deserves this. I am very happy for him and thank minister Smith for his recommendation.
Very late but better late than never
Flag Man deserves every bit of recognition. His energy is part of our culture now.
Flagman you deserve every cent