Rodney Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rodney Williams
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Official portrait, c. 2015
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| 4th Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda | |
| Assumed office 14 August 2014 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Prime Minister | Gaston Browne |
| Deputy | Clare Roberts |
| Preceded by | Louise Lake-Tack |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 November 1947 Swetes, Antigua and Barbuda |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Spouses | Sandra, Lady Williams |
| Alma mater | University of the West Indies |
| Website | https://gg.gov.ag |
Sir Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams was born on November 2, 1947. He is an important figure from Antigua and Barbuda. He used to be a politician and is now the 4th Governor-General of his country. Before this, he was a Minister for Education, Culture, and Technology. He also served as a Member of Parliament until 2004.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Rodney Williams grew up in Antigua. His father, Ernest Emmanuel Williams, was also a politician. His mother, Irene B. Williams, was a teacher.
School Days
Rodney went to the Antigua Grammar School in St. John's. After finishing school, he taught there for one year.
Becoming a Doctor
He then decided to study medicine. He went to the University of the West Indies, Mona. In 1976, he earned his degree in Medicine and Surgery. After his studies, he worked at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. From 1978, he started his own medical practice in Antigua and Barbuda.
A Career in Politics
Rodney Williams began his political journey in 1984. He became a Member of Parliament for the St Paul area. This was the same area his father had represented before him.
Serving as a Minister
Between 1992 and 2004, he held several important jobs in the government. He was a minister for different areas. These included education, culture, technology, economic development, tourism, and the environment. He continued to represent St Paul until 2004. In the 2004 general election, his party lost, and he lost his seat.
Leading Education and Culture
After his party won the 1994 General Elections, Prime Minister Lester Bird chose Williams to be the Minister of Education, Culture, and Technology. He kept this role until he left politics in 2004.
The Education Levy
As Minister of Education, Williams introduced a new law called the Board of Education Act. This law created a special tax called the Education Levy. This tax helped raise money for public schools. The money was used to buy school supplies and fix school buildings. When this idea was first discussed, some people protested in the capital city, St. John's.
Becoming Governor-General
| Viceregal styles of Sir Rodney Williams (2014–present) |
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| Reference style | His Excellency |
| Spoken style | Your Excellency |
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On August 14, 2014, Rodney Williams became the 4th Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. The Governor-General is the representative of the King or Queen in countries like Antigua and Barbuda. This role is mostly ceremonial. It means he performs important duties like opening Parliament and welcoming foreign leaders.
Awards and Special Recognition
Sir Rodney Williams has received many honors for his service.
Royal Honors
On August 30, 2014, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG). This is a very high honor. On December 22, 2014, he also became a Knight of the Order of Saint John (KStJ).
Other Important Awards
In November 2014, he received the Gold Benemerenti Medal. He was also made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Francis I.
In May 2019, he received an honorary PhD degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland. In January 2021, the University of the West Indies gave him an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc) degree.
In November 2024, during a visit to India, he received two special awards. He was given the Mahatma Gandhi Award. This was for his work towards peace and unity around the world. He was also recognized for his contributions to helping people and to education.
See also
In Spanish: Rodney Williams (político) para niños
