Ministry of Health PRO J’noure Smith-Kellman Earns MBA with Merit from Edinburgh Napier University

J’noure Smith-Kellman, the Public Relations Officer at Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, has earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Merit from Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, marking a significant milestone in her public service career.

The achievement has drawn congratulations from the Ministry, which recognised her commitment to professional growth and her contributions to strengthening public communication within the health sector.

Smith-Kellman began her public service career in 2015 as a news reporter and anchor, a role that helped develop her understanding of the health sector and the importance of communicating information to the public.

In November 2018, she was transferred to the Ministry of Health as Public Relations Officer, where she has since played a central role in communicating government health initiatives, public health programmes and other important information to residents.

Her newly acquired MBA qualification expands her professional expertise beyond communications, providing additional knowledge in management, organisational development, leadership and institutional operations.

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph commended Smith-Kellman for pursuing further education while continuing her professional responsibilities.

“J’noure's achievement is particularly commendable because it reinforces an important message within the public service: professional growth does not have to be confined to one's current job description,” Joseph said.

“The willingness to learn, acquire new competencies and prepare for greater responsibilities is an investment that benefits both the individual and the organisation.”

Beyond the professional significance of the qualification, Smith-Kellman has dedicated the achievement to the memory of her late grandmother, Genevieve Smith, affectionately known as Teacher Gen.

Her grandmother, who devoted many years of her life to the teaching profession, passed away in 2025 at the age of 91.

Reflecting on the personal meaning of the milestone, Smith-Kellman said her grandmother's memory remains an important source of inspiration.

“Although she is no longer here to witness this milestone, I carry her memory with me, and it is my hope that this achievement honours, in some small way, the legacy she leaves behind,” she said.

For Smith-Kellman, completing the MBA represents more than an additional academic qualification. It is also an investment in her future professional development and an opportunity to build on the experience gained throughout her years in public service.

The Ministry of Health has extended its congratulations to Smith-Kellman, wishing her continued success as she applies her expanded knowledge and experience to her career and ongoing contributions to public service.