JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 30thDecember 2025……His Excellency the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, GCMG, KGN, has announced that threedistinguished individuals have been included in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth.
The Palace has announced the honours will be formally conferred in accordance with the established protocols of the King’s Honours System .
The Honorees are:
Mrs Janey Howell – Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) – For Philanthropic Services to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth
Dr Gabriella Poppy Valentine Howell – Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) – For Philanthropic Service to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Desmond Dinard – King’s Police Medal (KPM) – For Service to the Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams stated:
“It was both an honour and a privilege to recommend these three outstanding individuals for recognition under His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours. Their service reflects the very best of Antigua and Barbuda — dedication to duty, generosity of spirit, and a deep commitment to the welfare of others.”
“Each recipient has, in their own distinct way, contributed meaningfully to national development, whether through public service, cultural preservation, philanthropy, or the protection of our citizens. Their achievements bring great pride to Antigua and Barbuda and stand as an example to future generations.”
“The confirmation of these honours by the Palace underscores the international respect earned by Antiguans and Barbudans whose service extends beyond our shores and strengthens the bonds of the Commonwealth.”
His Excellency extends warm congratulations to the recipients, whose dedication, leadership, and service exemplify the highest ideals of public duty, philanthropy, and national development.
Mrs Janey Howell – Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) – For Philanthropic Services to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth
Mrs Janey Howell is recognised for decades of distinguished service spanning philanthropy, heritage preservation, education, and humanitarian outreach. Raised in Antigua and Barbuda and shaped by a lifelong commitment to community upliftment, Mrs Howell has consistently bridged her professional success abroad with meaningful contributions at home .
As Director of Restoration and Planning for the Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda, she has provided voluntary, unpaid expertise to major national heritage initiatives, including the restoration and transformation of Government House into a museum and learning centre. Her work has strengthened heritage conservation standards and promoted cultural education across the nation .
Mrs Howell’s philanthropic impact extends internationally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated the shipment and distribution of essential medical supplies to Antigua and Barbuda over an extended period, supporting frontline services and institutions. Her ongoing charitable commitments continue to benefit healthcare, animal welfare, environmental organisations, and cultural institutions both locally and within the Commonwealth.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr Desmond Dinard – King’s Police Medal (KPM) – For Service to the Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda
Assistant Commissioner Desmond Dinard is awarded the King’s Police Medal in recognition of more than four decades of exemplary service to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and to regional security .
Since enlisting in 1982, Mr Dinard has served with distinction across numerous critical divisions, including Beat and Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Special Patrol Group, Major Events and Operations, and key leadership responsibilities. His career progression reflects sustained excellence, professionalism, and dedication, culminating in his appointment as Assistant Commissioner of Police .
Mr Dinard has represented Antigua and Barbuda with distinction throughout the Caribbean and internationally, contributed significantly to regional security training, and earned specialised qualifications in advanced law-enforcement disciplines. His service has strengthened public safety, national security, and regional cooperation, leaving an enduring legacy within the policing profession.
Dr Gabriella Poppy Valentine Howell – Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) – For Philanthropic Service to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth
Dr Gabriella Howell is recognised for her outstanding contributions to heritage preservation, cultural governance, academic research, and philanthropy. An accomplished academic and heritage specialist, Dr Howell has played a leading role in strengthening cultural and historical understanding between Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Commonwealth .
As Managing Director of The Great House Antigua, Dr Howell led the restoration and adaptive reuse of the island’s oldest stone plantation house, transforming it into a sustainable heritage-based boutique hotel and cultural asset that supports education, employment, and national identity. Since 2023, she has also served as Director of Historic Preservation for the Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda, leading the restoration and redevelopment of Government House into a landmark cultural and educational institution — the Government House Museum .
Her scholarly work, international engagement, and sustained charitable initiatives have delivered tangible benefits in healthcare, education, animal welfare, and cultural development, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s global cultural presence .
The King’s New Year Honours provide an opportunity to recognise individuals whose service has strengthened institutions, preserved national heritage, enhanced public safety, and advanced the social and cultural life of Antigua and Barbuda.
His Excellency the Governor General commends the honourees for their exemplary dedication and expresses the gratitude of the nation for their lasting contributions.
Details regarding the formal investiture ceremonies will be announced at a later date.
