Ambassador Daven Joseph has issued a formal public apology to environmentalist Martha Watkins-Gilkes over comments he made on social media in September 2024, which he acknowledged were defamatory.

In a written statement dated October 27, 2025, Joseph said the comments were posted on the _Antigua Newsroom_ Facebook page in response to an article titled _“Local groups celebrate withdrawal of Antigua’s bid to resume commercial whaling.”_

He admitted that his post included a statement about Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes and said he has since reflected on the impact of his words. “Upon reflection I have thought it proper that I apologise to Mrs. Watkins-Gilkes,” the statement read.

Joseph expressed regret for his remarks and withdrew them “in their entirety.” He further pledged to refrain from publishing or causing to be published any similar statements in the future.

The apology was signed and dated October 27, 2025.