Just over a month after taking office, Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Minister Michael Joseph is continuing efforts to engage staff across his ministry, hosting a bush tea and breakfast meet-and-greet at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday.

The informal gathering brought together employees from across the ministry and provided an opportunity for the minister to interact with staff in a relaxed setting while expressing appreciation for their work and dedication.

Joseph told staff that much of his first month in office has been spent meeting with senior technical officers and departmental leaders as he works to gain a deeper understanding of the ministry’s policies, programmes, priorities and challenges. However, he noted that the ministry’s extensive portfolio means those discussions are still ongoing.

He said he did not want another week to pass without taking the opportunity to meet directly with the wider staff complement, whose efforts are critical to the ministry’s operations and service delivery.

The minister emphasized that every employee plays an important role in helping the ministry fulfill its mandate and serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

The event featured a variety of traditional bush teas and breakfast offerings, creating an atmosphere that encouraged conversation and relationship-building among staff members and ministry leadership.

Employees also participated in a light-hearted trivia competition focused on Joseph’s background, including questions about the date of his appointment and his years of service as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society. Participants had the opportunity to win prizes sponsored by Monifa St. John and Kerriann Bramble-Browne, while another prize was awarded in a best-decorated mug competition.

Joseph thanked staff for the warm reception and encouraged them to continue working together to advance the ministry’s goals, including improving public health and wellness, strengthening environmental stewardship and enhancing public service delivery throughout the country.