The Minister of Housing & Social Transformation, Hon. Hilson Baptiste has expressed sadness at the passing of Judie Labadie OM, who passed away on Friday morning.

Minister Baptiste, who was transferred to the Ministry of Social Transformation in January 2005, described Ms Labadie as a close friend whom he worked with for several years, in the community, prior to joining the ministry.

“She (Ms Labadie) can be described as an extremely hard worker, committed to the task and a woman of example”, said Minister Baptiste, while reminiscing on his relationship with the former Director of Community Development.

According to Baptiste, before her retirement Ms. Labadie developed a Community Development Policy and he believes that this will help the present and future staff of that division to further enhance the work within communities around Antigua and Barbuda.

The Minister who is responsible for Community Development said “I intend to find a way to ensure that the legacy of Judy is around for a very, very long time”. Baptiste said he plans to work with the senior staff at his ministry along with his Cabinet colleagues to find a suitable manner to keep her memory alive.

Ms Labadie has been involved in the public service for many years and is well known for her community/social work. She retired from the Public Service on 23rd March 2006.

During the Ministry’s annual Christmas Banquet in 2005, Ms Labadie received the Twenty-Five Year Service Award for unbroken years of service to the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. (Ends)