Veteran parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph has brought a 42-year political career to a close, delivering a deeply personal final address in Parliament that wove together faith, political counsel and an urgent call for national responsibility.

According to Antigua News Room, the long-serving Member of Parliament for St. Mary's North used his farewell contribution to reaffirm his commitment to public service even in retirement, while urging both citizens and leaders to safeguard the country's future through unity, discipline and strong governance.

"I am a proud and happy man," Joseph told Parliament, adding that constituents in St. Mary's North "will continue to get the service from me as they did before I retired."

Joseph framed much of his career through the lens of faith and upbringing, describing himself as "a deeply spiritual man" whose values were formed early in life. He recited lines from the hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus, declaring, "I will not forfeit my peace this morning… I will not be discouraged today." He credited his parents with instilling discipline and decency, recalling guiding principles such as "the meaning of courtesy" and "do the right thing."

Reflecting on his electoral record, Joseph pointed to eight election victories as evidence of sustained public trust. "You don't win eight elections in this country… without being a credible politician," he said, noting that his constituency support had grown to more than 5,000 voters over the course of his tenure. He described his career as part of a broader political tradition shaped by the Antigua Labour Party and the leaders who preceded him.

"Political stability does not come by chance," he said, warning against distractions and calling for continued focus on national development.

A central theme of Joseph's address was the need for a cultural shift toward personal and civic responsibility. He urged citizens to adopt a more proactive mindset, arguing that development demands individual action alongside government intervention. "We need a renaissance in this country… a new mindset," he said. "If your neighborhood is dirty, you clean it… you don't wait."

Joseph also delivered a strong defence of the current administration, cautioning against political change amid global uncertainty. "This is not time to play around with governance," he said, citing economic instability and international tensions as reasons for continuity in leadership.

Highlighting his tenure as Minister of Health, Joseph identified the COVID-19 pandemic as the most difficult period of his career. He expressed disappointment that national unity had not been stronger during the crisis. "How could anybody not support the efforts to fight COVID… when people were dying?" he asked, calling for bipartisan cooperation during national emergencies. He credited the government with steering the country through the crisis and successfully reopening the tourism sector.

In one of the most urgent passages of his address, Joseph raised alarm over rising non-communicable diseases. "I've never seen more cancers… more diabetes… more hypertension," he said, warning that unhealthy diets and processed foods are fuelling a growing national health crisis. He noted that conditions once associated with older adults are now affecting children, and urged citizens to change course collectively.

Joseph also reflected on a defining personal decision — declining the opportunity to obtain United States citizenship in order to return home and serve Antigua and Barbuda. "I chose to forego that… and say I am coming back to Antigua and Barbuda to serve," he said. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the Antigua Labour Party, stating plainly, "I ain't going anywhere… I will be sticking to this party."

Endorsing his successor in St. Mary's North, Joseph pledged "total support" and vowed to remain engaged in the constituency. He dismissed speculation that political pressure had driven his retirement, saying the decision was rooted in family considerations. "When your wife speaks… and the children speak, it's a super majority," he said.

Closing his address, Joseph described his political career as "a great opportunity to serve" and expressed hope that the country would remain on a path of progress under capable leadership. As he exits Parliament, he leaves behind a legacy defined by longevity, loyalty and an enduring conviction that nation-building requires both strong leadership and the active participation of its people.