Antigua and Barbuda’s former Minister of Health and the Environment, has paid tribute to members of the country’s Permanent Mission in New York for their support of his work on the global stage.

Joseph, who retired from active politics ahead of the last general elections, acknowledged the Mission’s role in advancing advocacy on critical issues affecting Antigua and Barbuda and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Sir Molwyn held the Environment portfolio when Antigua and Barbuda was country chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

During a special visit to the Mission yesterday, he reflected with members of the team on some of the major achievements that Antigua and Barbuda secured for SIDS during its chairmanship of AOSIS, including the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at the COP27 climate summit in Egypt in 2022.

Antigua and Barbuda took over the AOSIS chairmanship from Belize in 2021, and under Sir Molwyn’s leadership the alliance, which represents 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states, pressed the case for the fund until it was secured.

Leading tributes to his years of sterling service was Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr Walton Webson, who thanked him for his steadfast leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of small island developing states.

First Secretary at the Mission Asha Challenger made mention of the lasting impact of his work, especially in the area of plastic pollution, noting that his was a voice that is missed on some of the issues still impacting SIDS.

Other members of the Mission team also reflected on his many years of service to the nation and praised his leadership on the ban of single use plastics and the role he played in getting Antigua and Barbuda through the Covid crisis.

Sir Molwyn thanked the members of the Mission for their kind words and encouraged them to continue advocating for Antigua and Barbuda and for small island developing states, reminding them that the work they do at the UN has a real and lasting impact on the residents and citizens back home.

Also present and joining in the tribute were members of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) team. Minister Joseph was also Minister of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda at one time in his political career.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sir Molwyn Joseph Honours Antigua and Barbuda’s UN Mission Staff During New York Visit.