Caricom Secretary General Edwin Carringtion now has a new honour to add to his list of accolades, having been knighted by the Antigua and Barbuda government yesterday.
The regional diplomat was named a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN) and was presented with the official insignia by Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack.
Sir Edwin, 72, who demits office at yearend after 18 years, said the experience was “truly humbling” and noted that the twin-island state has always been central to his service to the region. He recalled that his first mission as Secretary General took him to Antigua where he received advice from then Prime Minister Vere Bird Sr.
“Thanks to the kind consideration of the honourable Prime Minister and the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. I accept it with all humility,” Carrington said.
“I doubt very much that I would have been as successful had I had not, along the way, received significant help and support, much of it from Antigua and Barbuda itself,” he added.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said the honour was a fitting tribute to a man who did so much for Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region. He added that it was particularly important to pay tribute while he was still alive.
“In Caricom, you have followed in the footsteps other great Caribbean icons of regional integration and development. You are also bequeathing to the present and future generations of Caribbean people an exemplary legacy of outstanding public service and selfless regional commitment,”