Molwyn Joseph is an Antiguan parliamentarian and Cabinet Minister. He is the Member of Parliament for St. Mary’s North, and the former Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.

Early life and education

Molwyn was born in the picturesque village of Jennings, Antigua. He is a devout husband and the proud father of two.

Molwyn’s primary education began at the Cedar Hall Moravian Church School in Jennings, which he continued at the Seventh Day Adventist and Otto’s Comprehensive Schools. After receiving a scholarship, he completed his secondary education at the Princess Margaret School.

In pursuit of tertiary education and to broaden his horizons, he migrated to the United States in 1969 to attend university. After graduating in 1974, he went to work for the Standard Oil Company, eventually working his way up to become a senior executive.

Career

Molwyn first entered politics in 1984 when he was made a Minister in the government of V.C. Bird. He became Minister of Finance and Trade seven years later, renegotiating the Antiguan national debt and introducing fiscal reforms, including expenditure control, improved revenue collection, external debt management, proper evaluation of projects, improved public sector efficiency, price controls on basic foods and commodities, tax reform, and good governance. As Minister, he stood firm against the suggested creation of an income tax.

He later served as Minister for Planning, Implementation and Environment, Minister of Health and Social Improvement, and Minister of Tourism. As Minister, Joseph worked to attract new visitors and investment to Antigua, increasing the number of hotel rooms and bringing new air carriers to the island. He also led the Antiguan delegation to the World Travel Market in 2001.

Outside of his duties as tourism minister, he led an official Antiguan delegation to China to discuss bilateral relations, and issues of common concern.

Joseph succesfully retained his St. Mary's North seat in the 12 June 2014 general election. On 18 June 2014, he was appointed Minister of Health and the Environment.

He secured a seventh term in the 2018 election and was appointed Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment on 22 March 2018.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2018 St. Mary's North Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party 1,882 60.67% 7th Term 2014 St. Mary's North Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party 2,089 56.80% 6th Term 2009 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 1,757 50.01% 5th Term 2004 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 1,591 45.61% Lost to Bertrand Joseph (UPP) 1999 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 1,493 51.55% 4th Term 1994 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 1,295 56.01% 3rd Term 1989 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 1,059 58.48% 2nd Term 1984 St. Mary's North Antigua Labour Party 908 68.68% 1st Term

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date Representative for St. Mary's North House of Representatives ALP/ABLP 12 Mar 2009 - present Representative for St. Mary's North House of Representatives ALP 17 Apr 1984 - 23 March 2004

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment 22 Mar 2018 - present Minister of Health and the Environment 18 Jun 2014 - 21 Mar 2018