“I am very humbled for receiving this honour because it’s an honour that was
recommended by my constituents, the fine people of St. John’s City South,”
remarked Sir Steadroy Cutie Benjamin, moments after he received the honour of
Knight Grand Cross (KGCN) during the presentation of National Awards at the
Independence Ceremonial Parade on Wednesday.
Sir Steadroy, was one of two persons presented with Knighthood, one of the
country’s highest awards during the ceremony. The other was hotelier, Sir Robert
“Rob” Barrett, who received the Knight Commander Award (KCN). Sir Steadroy’s
KGCN is the second-highest National Award, to be conferred upon deserving
citizens. Only National Hero ranks higher.
In an exclusive interview with Point Express newspaper, Sir Steadroy said in
working on behalf of the people with their interests uppermost in your actions,
good things will follow. “I have served the people of the constituency for over
forty years, and it shows that once you love people and people love you and you
have their interests at heart, they will give you the rewards that you deserve,” he
stated.
Sir Steadroy is also committing himself to continuing to serve the people of St.
John’s City South and by extension, the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. “I will
continue to serve them to the best of my abilities; I will continue to work in my
community to develop the Ovals area, the rest of the constituency and all of
Antigua and Barbuda generally, and in particular the institutions in the country,”
he asserted.
As Attorney General over the past nine years, Sir Steadroy has been responsible
for the updating of many of the laws on the books of Antigua and Barbuda.
Additionally, he has been able to usher in a series of social legislations that have
benefited society.
Among his achievements has been the setting up of the Family Court system which
has been fully endorsed by the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme
Court, Dame Janice Pereira, which has used Antigua and Barbuda as a model for
the introduction of the Family Court system through the OECS.
Sir Steadroy says there will be no letting up, as he plans to continue the work on
behalf of the people.
