The Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen international partnerships aimed at advancing healthcare resilience and sustainable development through ongoing collaboration with Mercy Ships Australia and the Margo Hartley Foundation.
As part of these efforts, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs Michael Joseph, and Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez recently met with Mr. Alan Burrell, Founder of the Burrell Family Office and Managing Director of Mercy Ships Australia, and Mrs. Margo Hartley OAM, Founder of the Margo Hartley Foundation.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Browne expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship and support extended to Antigua and Barbuda by Mercy Ships Australia and its partners.
The engagement builds on a relationship established during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which Mercy Ships Australia and its partners assisted Antigua and Barbuda through donations of personal protective equipment and medical supplies that helped strengthen the country’s healthcare preparedness and resilience. Support was also extended during Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in 2024.
This growing partnership, cultivated through the efforts of Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aurbry Webson, is expected to continue through collaboration with the SIDS Centre of Excellence headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda.
Discussions focused on the Government’s vision for building a more resilient Antigua and Barbuda, with particular emphasis on strengthening the healthcare system, advancing mental health initiatives, and identifying practical opportunities for future collaboration and support.
As part of the visit, Mr. Burrell and Mrs. Hartley toured the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where they met with members of the hospital’s leadership team led by Acting Director of Administration Dr. Acheabea Dyer. The discussions provided valuable insight into the institution’s current priorities and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes across Antigua and Barbuda.
Dr. Dyer expressed appreciation on behalf of the hospital for the generous donation of two 40-foot shipping containers filled with much-needed medical supplies, as well as for the delegation’s continued interest in supporting the nation’s healthcare sector.
Key areas discussed included the ongoing fight against non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes; innovative screening initiatives for both children and adults; nutrition and wellness programmes; and the Government’s renewed national focus on mental health awareness and care.
Mr. Burrell and Mrs. Hartley commended the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for its continued commitment to improving the lives and wellbeing of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to fostering meaningful international partnerships that contribute to stronger healthcare systems, improved public health outcomes, and national resilience