The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the renaming of a major roadway in St. Philip’s in honour of veteran politician Sir Robin Yearwood, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of his public service.
Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, announced that Cabinet agreed to rename the stretch of road running from the Mount Joy Roundabout to the Long Bay Roundabout. The roadway will now be known as the Sir Robin Yearwood Highway.
“Cabinet agreed to the renaming of the roadway in St. Philip’s from the Mount Joy Roundabout to the Long Bay Roundabout, and it will now be called the Sir Robin Yearwood Highway,” Merchant said during the weekly Cabinet briefing.
The decision forms part of a broader programme to recognise Sir Robin’s decades-long contribution to national development and public service, particularly his work and influence within the St. Philip’s constituency.
“The decision forms part of Sir Robin’s distinguished service to Antigua and Barbuda, particularly his long-standing contribution to national development, public service, and the advancement of infrastructure and community life within St. Philip’s and beyond,” Merchant said.
Cabinet has already established a special committee to oversee activities commemorating Sir Robin’s 50 years in public life. The committee includes Prime Minister Gaston Browne and several senior Cabinet members.
According to Merchant, the renaming of the highway signals the formal start of the anniversary recognition activities honouring Sir Robin’s legacy and decades of service. Additional details on commemorative events are expected to be announced as planning continues.
Sir Robin Yearwood, KGCN, was born on September 1, 1944, and entered Parliament in 1976 as a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ALP). Over the years, he has held several key ministerial portfolios, including Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, before taking on responsibility for Aviation, Public Information and Public Utilities following a Cabinet reshuffle in 1987.
He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in September 2002 and later served as Minister of Finance. Following the ALP’s defeat in the 2004 general election, Sir Robin was one of only three party members elected to the House of Representatives and subsequently became Leader of the Opposition, a post he held until 2006.
Sir Robin is widely regarded as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most enduring political figures, with a career spanning nearly five decades.
