Antigua, West Indies – Visionary hotelier and entrepreneur, Sir Robert A. Barrett, KCN, passed away peacefully today surrounded by friends and family.
Sir Barrett was born on 21 May 1940. After growing up in California, Sir Barrett moved to the Caribbean in the early 1960s to pursue a career in travel and tourism.
After spending time working and living in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and New York, Sir Barrett moved to Antigua in the mid-1980s. He immediately fell in love with the people and beauty of Antigua and Barbuda and made Antigua his permanent home for the rest of his life.
Sir Barrett’s Caribbean hospitality career spanned over six decades. During this time, he purchased and built an impressive collection of beautiful all-inclusive resorts and related businesses in Antigua.
Over the years, he also owned and operated resorts in Barbados, the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Tortola. He loved the Caribbean lifestyle and enjoyed sailing, playing cards, and most of all, a good cigar.
During his career, Sir Barrett created employment and business opportunities for thousands of people in Antigua and throughout the Caribbean.
He established the Wishing Well Foundation in Antigua, a local charity that provides children and adults with lifesaving surgery, scholarships, and disaster relief.
Sir Barrett was also a major contributor to the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society, which operates Antigua’s beloved Donkey Sanctuary.
In 2023, Sir Barrett was knighted in Antigua and awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN). This national honor was in recognition of Sir Barrett’s significant lifetime contributions to Antigua and Barbuda tourism.
Sir Barrett will always be remembered for his many contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and business sectors. He helped countless young people develop successful business and hospitality careers.
To many, he was a lifelong mentor. Above all, Sir Barrett always took care of and looked after his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.
All of the hotels and businesses established by Sir Barrett will continue to operate for many years to come. His entire executive team and key staff members are committed to carrying on and honoring Sir Barrett’s legacy of excellence.
A private family gathering will be held in Sir Barrett’s honor. A celebration of life event will be held for close friends and colleagues in Antigua later in the year.
In lieu of cards or flowers, Sir and Lady Barrett ask that donations in honor of Sir Barrett be made to the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society.