ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service (ABMS), with authorization from the Cabinet, is pleased to announce the official renaming of its Media Centre as the Philbert Mason Media Centre, in honour of one of the country’s most distinguished meteorologists and most recognisable voices in weather communication.
The renaming recognises the enduring contribution of Mr. Philbert Cleofoster Mason to meteorology, public service and the communication of weather information to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Mr. Mason dedicated approximately four decades to the Antigua Meteorological Service, rising to the position of Deputy Director and serving in that capacity for many years before graciously declining an offer to serve as Director. During his distinguished career, he became a trusted and familiar voice to the nation, particularly during periods of severe weather and tropical cyclones.
For generations of Antiguans and Barbudans, the sound of Philbert Mason delivering a weather update was synonymous with authoritative information, calm communication and preparedness. His voice was particularly prominent during major hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Luis in 1995, when accurate and timely information was critical to public safety.
Mason’s contribution extended beyond the technical practice of meteorology. He had a remarkable ability to communicate complex weather information in a manner that ordinary citizens could understand and act upon. His professionalism, confidence and calm presence helped establish the Meteorological Service as a trusted source of information during some of the country’s most challenging weather events.
His contribution to meteorology and national service was formally recognised by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in 1995. He also made significant contributions beyond meteorology, including through his support for Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural community.
The ABMS believes that the naming of its Media Centre after Mr. Mason is particularly fitting because it is through this facility that the Service continues the work for which he became so well known — bringing weather and climate information to the people of Antigua and Barbuda and helping them make informed decisions to protect lives, livelihoods and property.
Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service, Dale C. S. Destin, said the decision was both a tribute to Mr. Mason’s legacy and a reminder of the responsibility carried by today’s meteorologists.
“Philbert Mason represented something very important in meteorology — the ability to take highly technical information and communicate it clearly, confidently and calmly to the people who needed it most.
“For many of us in the profession, Philbert was more than a colleague or former Director. He was an inspiration. He demonstrated what it meant to be the voice of the Meteorological Service when the country was facing its greatest weather threats.
“It is therefore especially appropriate that the place from which we communicate weather information to the public now carries his name. Every time a forecaster stands before the cameras or a media briefing is conducted here, the Philbert Mason Media Centre will remind us of the standard of professionalism, clarity and public service that he represented.”
The ABMS will also encourage forecasters, broadcasters, media partners and other users of the facility to use its official name when referring to the Centre.
During broadcasts and media engagements originating from the facility, the Service recommends references such as:
“Coming to you from the Philbert Mason Media Centre at the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service…” or simply: “We’re here at the Philbert Mason Media Centre…”
The ABMS hopes that, over time, the name Philbert Mason Media Centre will become as familiar to the public as the voice of the man whose legacy it represents.
The naming is intended not simply as a commemoration, but as a living tribute — connecting the history of meteorological service in Antigua and Barbuda with the continuing responsibility to provide trusted weather, climate and hazard information to the nation.
About the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service
The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service (ABMS) is a critical national institution entrusted with the provision of weather, climate, marine, and tsunami services for Antigua and Barbuda. As the national authority for meteorology and the focal point for meteorological early warning systems, the ABMS serves as a cornerstone of national resilience, delivering accurate, timely, and actionable information to government agencies, businesses, communities, and the public, which has real, measurable, significant economic value that has the potential to amount to up to 6% of GDP annually by avoiding disaster losses and improving efficiency — that’s roughly XCD 200–400 million (USD 74-150) in avoided costs every year. Through its forecasts, warnings, climate services, and hazard monitoring programmes, the Service plays a vital role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, property, and critical infrastructure while supporting disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. Its services underpin key sectors including aviation, maritime transport and the blue economy, tourism, agriculture, water resources, health, energy, and emergency management, contributing significantly to national safety, economic stability, and sustainable development.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABMS Announces Renaming of Media Centre in Honour of Philbert Mason.