Dr. Austin Josiah dies, aged 71, and is remembered as labour commissioner and educator who served the Nation well

Dr. Austin Josiah, the well-known former labour commissioner, has
died. Sources say Dr. Josiah passed away on Monday morning, July
17, after a period of illness.

Reports say that Dr. Josiah, 71, had been receiving treatment at the
Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for just over a week. However, he
succumbed to his ailment at 2:15 a.m.

The former labour commissioner had enjoyed a varied career in the
public service, having also served as a teacher, a school principal,
and a senior officer in the Ministry of Education. 

In the private sector, he spent some time in the hospitality sector,
and in human resources with the Stanford Group of Companies.
It was only last year (2022) that Josiah received a national award for
his exemplary contribution to nation building, and this was accepted
on his behalf by his brother.

Members of the public are expressing sadness at Josiah’s passing,
with some describing him as a prominent scholar. One woman
recalls him as her primary-school headmaster and a disciplinarian.

Another person credits him for her recent training in human
resources and says she will definitely put it into practice in Josiah’s
honour, while several workers recall his vast knowledge of the
Labour Code and labour-related matters.

Retired Police Commissioner Rawlston Pompey remembers Dr.
Josiah as one of the country’s toughest educators; an Antigua and
Barbuda Teachers Union president; a Ministry of Education official;
and a labour commissioner. 

Pompey says that Josiah served this nation exceptionally and
exceedingly well over the years and that his name and legacy will
live on.