A National Treasure: Celebrating Sir Lionel Alexander “Max” Hurst, KCN

By Aneka Lee

For more than a decade, 4 December has held special significance within the Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. It is the birthday of Sir Lionel Hurst – diplomat, historian and the country’s long-serving Chief of Staff – whose influence on national development spans several decades.

Sir Lionel, widely regarded as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most accomplished public servants, has served as diplomat, educator, administrator and author. His knighthood, awarded in recognition of distinguished service, reflects a career spent advancing the country’s interests at home and abroad.

His life was extended in 2008 when his sister, Ivy Hurst, donated a kidney to him – an act his colleagues say preserved a statesman whose contributions continue to shape national life.

A trained lawyer called to the bars of New York and Florida, Sir Lionel represented Antigua and Barbuda in Washington and later at the United Nations. During his tenure as Ambassador, he advocated for regional cooperation, international justice and the concerns of small island developing states.

He became known for his eloquence, discipline and deep understanding of global politics. Colleagues recall him as a diplomat who ensured Antigua and Barbuda’s voice was consistently heard on the world stage.

Today Sir Lionel serves as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, a position in which he provides strategic advice, policy guidance and institutional memory. His role places him at the centre of key national discussions, offering continuity between past and present policy directions.

His colleagues describe him as a steady and knowledgeable adviser whose insight routinely shapes government decision-making.

Outside government, Sir Lionel is recognised for his scholarly work, including his book Democracy by Diplomacy, which explores the political development of Antigua and Barbuda. His public lectures, media commentary and community engagements have positioned him as a respected educator and communicator.

Staff members say he often serves as an “unofficial teacher”, offering historical context and reasoned explanation in an era marked by rapidly shifting information.

Many who have worked with him credit Sir Lionel as a mentor, describing him as patient, principled and committed to developing others. His influence, they say, is felt not only through his public service but through the individuals he has encouraged.

His appointment as a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN) formally recognised his decades of service to diplomacy, national development and public life.

As he marks another birthday, staff within the Office of the Prime Minister say they honour not only his achievements but his character – defined by intellect, humility and unwavering patriotism.

Sir Lionel Hurst remains a central figure in government and a respected custodian of Antigua and Barbuda’s political history.

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