Plans to award knighthood to MP Steadroy Benjamin are met with criticism and questions about his ‘outstanding service’
Another Antigua Labour Party (ALP) politician is expected to be
knighted during the 42 nd Independence ceremonies – to be held on
November 1, 2023.
Sources tell REAL News that the name of Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin,
the attorney-general and minister of justice and legal affairs, was
submitted to the Honours Committee and approved by the majority.
The news has been greeted with cynicism and disgust in several
quarters, with critics saying it appears that all the under-performing
ALP ministers are being rewarded for their ineptitude.
Under the stewardship of Minister Benjamin, several police stations
have had to be relocated to areas outside their district.
The latest of these, the St. John’s Police Station, is being moved to
Dredge Bay, because of the urgent need for repairs due to mold and
other structural defects at the Newgate Street location.
Youth violence, an increase in crime, and issues with the courtrooms
are among the many issues that have not been addressed properly
by the minister of justice and legal affairs.
Yet, the critics say, he is receiving a national honour while residents
are fearful of criminals and the police infrastructure continues to
crumble.
A resident says that Antigua and Barbuda appears to be the only
country with so many dames and knights per capita. Not even in
England are so many politicians honoured for the work they beg for
during election campaigns, she adds.
According to this citizen, these politicians have done nothing
exemplary and have not gone beyond the call of duty.
Meanwhile, there are many other deserving citizens and residents
who have sacrificed for this country, but whose hard work and
dedication are not recognized or honoured, she complains.
The honours system in Antigua and Barbuda recognises the
outstanding service and contributions of citizens.
The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation recognises
distinguished and outstanding service to the country,
the Caricom region, or the international community, and was
established in 1987.
The Order consists of four awarded grades of membership: Knights
and Dames Grand Collar (KGN); Knights and Dames Grand Cross
(KGCN/DGCN); Knights and Dames Commander (KCN/DCN); and
Commanders (CN).
These honours are presented to the recipients by the Governor-
General on behalf of the King to acknowledge and thank them for
their contributions.
