Antigua Pays Tribute to Sir Robert Barrett
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described the late Sir Robert Allen Barrett, as “the single-most successful entrepreneur who relied on accumulated capital from early ventures to finance succeeding hotel and hospitality projects,” across the region.
Sir Robert BarrettSir Robert, the celebrated local hotelier, died on Thursday at the age of 84 and Prime Minister Browne said given his success in the tourism industry, the government conferred one of the highest national honours “on this outstanding citizen several years ago”.
Sir Barrett was knighted in Antigua in 2023 and awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN).
Browne said he will be granted an official memorial service.
The British born Sir Robert came to the Caribbean in the early 1960s, establishing many all-inclusive resorts and related businesses here as well as in Barbados, the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Tortola.
Browne said that Sir Barrett decided to make Antigua his home and to become a citizen. He said several entrepreneurs who had faith in his abilities, conjoined with him to invest in the hotel/hospitality industry.
“None regrets their decision. He was smart, unrelenting in his quest to make a success of every venture, showed enormous staying-power, and multiplied his talents many times in his lifetime. He will surely be missed. May his soul rest in peace and rise in paradise,” Prime Minister Browne added.
The Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) described Sir Robert as a visionary hotelier and entrepreneur whose contributions to the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda have been monumental.
“Sir Robert’s death marks a pivotal moment in the history of our hospitality sector, and it is with profound respect that we honour his legacy.”
ABHTA chairman, Craig Marshall, said Sir Robert’s impact on the hospitality landscape here cannot be overstated.
“His presence was larger than life, not just in his business acumen but in his generous spirit; always eager to share his expert knowledge of the industry. His guidance was instrumental in shaping the ABHTA into what it is today. He was not only a leader in the industry but a mentor to many, constantly pushing the boundaries for the betterment of the hospitality sector.
“As an organization, we recognize that his passing leaves an enormous void. However, his legacy is one that will live on in the countless professionals whose careers he helped to shape, in the businesses he nurtured, and in the generosity he extended to his community,” he said, adding that his vision for a thriving tourism industry has left a solid foundation upon which the sector must continue to build”.
