Governor General Hosts Reception for Candidates Selected for The King’s Foundation UK Building Crafts Programme

— Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Lady Williams hosted a cocktail reception on Thursday evening at Galley Bay Resort and Spa in honour of the eight Antiguan and Barbudan participants selected for The King’s Foundation Building Craft Programme in the United Kingdom.

The reception provided an opportunity to formally recognise the cohort ahead of their departure for training and to celebrate their achievement at the national level.

In his remarks, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams congratulated the participants and underscored the wider importance of the programme.

“This programme represents far more than individual advancement,” he stated. “It is an investment in the preservation of our heritage and the strengthening of our national capacity. The skills you gain will contribute directly to the future of Antigua and Barbuda.”

The evening brought together representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), government officials, and programme partners, including His Excellency John Hamilton, British High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda; Kasia Howard, Senior Education Manager at The King’s Foundation; and Dr. Reg Murphy, Heritage Expert, reflecting the collaborative effort behind the initiative.

President of ABCAS, Dr. Ezra Jonah Greene, highlighted the intentional composition of the cohort and the long-term impact of the programme.

“What is especially important about this cohort is the mix of individuals and experience they bring,” Dr. Greene said. “This was a deliberate effort, not only to build capacity in heritage preservation, but to ensure that the knowledge gained is brought back home, shared, and used to strengthen our historic buildings and structures. With our tutors also participating in the programme, we are creating a pathway for continued training and development within ABCAS.”

The King’s Foundation Building Craft Programme, delivered in collaboration with ABCAS, equips participants with practical training in traditional building techniques and sustainable construction practices. The experience will support ongoing efforts to strengthen local capacity in heritage conservation and resilient building methods.

The reception also reaffirmed the continued commitment of Their Excellencies to initiatives that promote education, skills development, and national advancement.

Their Excellencies expressed appreciation to the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, The King’s Foundation, the management and staff of Galley Bay Resort and Spa, as well as valued philanthropic partners including the Mill Reef Club and other donors whose support continues to strengthen initiatives in heritage preservation and skills development.

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