Antigua has marked a significant step forward in surgical care with the successful performance of a Wardill-Kilner palatoplasty—a classic and effective cleft palate repair technique—by Dr. Carlos Albornoz, an accomplished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon from the Cuban Brigade working with the Ministry of Health.

The procedure was recently carried out at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, offering new hope to children born with a cleft palate and reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized surgical intervention. The Wardill-Kilner technique, which involves lengthening the soft palate to improve speech outcomes, has long been a cornerstone in cleft palate repair worldwide. Its successful implementation in Antigua highlights the island’s growing capacity for advanced surgical procedures.

In recognition of this achievement, the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association honored Dr. Carlos Albornoz with a commemorative framed certificate during a special impromptu meeting on Thursday evening. Also honored was Dr. Guillermo A. Quiepo Caballero, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, for his longstanding support and valuable assistance to the dental community. Dr. Quiepo works with the Ministry of Health and is also from Cuba.

Dr. Albornoz’s contribution reflects the spirit of Caribbean medical collaboration and underscores the importance of international partnerships in expanding access to specialized care. His expertise not only delivers world-class treatment to local patients but also lays the groundwork for the future development of cleft care services in Antigua.