The Ministry of Tourism paused from its busy schedule over the weekend to recognise five long-serving team members whose work helped shape Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism landscape.

During a staff appreciation and team-building dinner held on Saturday night, colleagues gathered to salute Terrance Charles (21 years), Phillip George (23 years), Carlene Gilkes (7 years), Paula Claire Joseph (5 years), and Naomi Elizabeth Mason, who retired after an extraordinary 43 years of service.

Together, the five retirees account for 99 years of service — a legacy that spans decades of growth, change and expansion within the country’s tourism industry.

The evening blended reflection with celebration, as staff members shared stories and highlighted the quiet but critical roles played by the honourees behind the scenes. From administrative leadership to operational support, their combined experience contributed to strengthening the Ministry’s internal systems and supporting the broader tourism product.

Permanent Secretary Sean Cenac described the retirees as pillars within the institution, noting that their institutional knowledge and dedication laid groundwork that current and future officers will continue to build upon.

He also encouraged staff to use the occasion as motivation to deepen collaboration and strengthen workplace cohesion, particularly at a time when the tourism sector remains central to national economic growth.

While the night focused on those transitioning into retirement, it also served as a reminder that the Ministry’s ongoing progress depends on continuity, teamwork and strategic vision.

With nearly a century of combined service now stepping into retirement, the Ministry signalled its appreciation for the past while reaffirming its commitment to sustaining momentum in one of the country’s most vital industries.