Former Educator, Labour Commissioner and Human Resource expert, Dr. Austin
Josiah has died.
He passed away at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre on Monday morning at the age
of 71 years, following a period of illness.
Dr. Josiah was a familiar face in Antigua and Barbuda, having served the nation
for many years as a public school teacher, Chief Education Officer and Labour
Commissioner.
Following his retirement, Dr. Josiah worked as a human resource consultant with
the now-defunct Stanford Group of Companies, the Hadeed Group of Companies,
Antigua Commercial Bank and Elite Island Resorts.
He was also a member of the Public Service Commission.
At an International Labour Organization meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in 2002,
Dr. Josiah, in his capacity as labour commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda, said
the worst forms of child labour in Antigua and Barbuda were “drug trafficking and
sugar daddying.”
His contributions to education and the labour force in Antigua and Barbuda are
significant.
In 2022, during the Independence celebrations, the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda bestowed a national honour on Dr. Austin Josiah – Commander of the
Most Distinguished Order of the Nation, for exemplary service in the field of
labour relations and education.
Meanwhile, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has issued the following statement
on Dr. Josiah’s passing.
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) sadly announced today that Dr. Austin
Josiah PhD, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, has died after a
prolonged illness. Dr. Josiah was appointed as Deputy Chair in March 2023.
Mrs. Lisa John-Weste, SLBMC Board Chair commented, "It is with great sadness
that we announce today, the passing of Dr. Josiah. Dr. Josiah brought a wealth of
experience, wisdom and sound judgement to his role as Deputy Chairman of our
Board. He was also a wonderful supporter of the management team and a great
friend to many of his board colleagues. He will be greatly missed by all of us at
SLBMC and by all who knew him. On behalf of our Board of Directors,
management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dr.
Josiah’s family.”
Dr. Josiah was 71 years old; and throughout his life, had made significant
contributions in the areas of labour relations and human resource development in
Antigua. His life was characterized by his devotion and service to his country and
in 2022, he was awarded "Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of the
Nation (CN)”—An award given to citizens of Antigua & Barbuda (or other
persons) for distinguished or meritorious service.
The board of Directors, management and staff of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
extend sincere and deepest condolences to the immediate and extended family of
Dr. Josiah and by extension the people of Antigua & Barbuda.
