29-year-old Okeen Lightfoot of Swetes Village
CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda today expressed profound condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Okeen Lightfoot, an employee of the National Solid Waste Management Authority who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident while carrying out his duties.
Cabinet members observed the incident with deep sadness and extended sympathies to all members of the National Solid Waste Management Authority family during this difficult period. Ministers acknowledged the invaluable contribution made daily by sanitation and waste management workers who perform essential services to maintain the cleanliness, health and well-being of communities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
The Cabinet also expressed grave concern over the increasing level of reckless and irresponsible driving on the nation’s roads. Ministers noted that the tragic death of Mr. Lightfoot preceded another recent incident in which another National Solid Waste Management Authority worker was struck by a vehicle while carrying out his duties along the roadway on Wednesday morning.
Cabinet is therefore appealing to all motorists to exercise greater caution, patience and responsibility while driving, particularly in areas where public workers are actively engaged in duties along roadways. The Government emphasized that road safety is a shared national responsibility and urged drivers to remain alert, obey traffic laws, reduce excessive speed and demonstrate greater consideration for pedestrians and frontline workers.
The Cabinet further reaffirmed its commitment to continuing discussions with relevant authorities and agencies on measures aimed at improving road safety and protecting workers who operate in vulnerable roadside environments.
The Cabinet also acknowledged the recent passing of former meteorologist Philbert Mason and contractor and philanthropist Evrod Roberts. In paying tribute, Cabinet underscored the exceptional and unmatched contribution of Mr. Mason to the field of meteorology and to the development of Antigua and Barbuda. Cabinet further recognized the life and legacy of Mr. Roberts, noting his enduring impact as a philanthropist, contractor, and dedicated supporter of culture and sports, whose contributions significantly advanced both the creative arts and the construction industry.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda again extends heartfelt condolences to the families of Philbert Mason, Evrod Roberts and Okeen Lightfoot and prays for strength and comfort for all those affected by this tragic loss.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING FROM CABINET PRESS BRIEFING:
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a fresh appeal for caution on the nation’s roads following the death of National Solid Waste Management Authority worker O’Keen Lightfoot and another recent incident involving a sanitation employee being struck while on duty.
During Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said ministers expressed “grave concern” over what they described as increasing reckless and irresponsible driving across the country.
Cabinet extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lightfoot, who died in a traffic accident while carrying out his duties as an NSWMA employee.
“Cabinet members observed the incident with deep sadness and extended sympathies to all members of the National Solid Waste Management Authority family during this difficult period,” Merchant said.
Ministers also recognized the work carried out daily by sanitation and waste management employees, describing them as essential workers who help maintain the health and cleanliness of communities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
Merchant noted that Lightfoot’s death came shortly before another sanitation worker was reportedly struck by a vehicle while working along a roadway on Wednesday morning.
“The cabinet is therefore appealing to all motorists to exercise greater caution, patience, and responsibility while driving, particularly in areas where public workers are actively engaged in duties along the roadways,” he said.
Cabinet said road safety must be treated as a shared national responsibility and urged drivers to obey traffic laws, reduce speeding and remain alert near roadside workers and pedestrians.
The government also said it intends to continue discussions with relevant authorities and agencies on additional measures aimed at improving road safety and protecting vulnerable workers operating near roadways.