Antigua and Barbuda laid to rest former government senator and pioneering political figure Mary-Clare Hurst on June 2, 2026, in an official funeral service honouring her life and lasting legacy.
Hurst passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age that made her one of the most consequential women in modern Antiguan and Barbudan political history. She broke new ground as the first woman to serve as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP), a milestone that defined her place in the nation's political story.
Over the course of her public career, Hurst held several senior positions, including government senator, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Economic Development. She also served as Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, where she was credited with strengthening operations and modernising institutional management.
Colleagues and national leaders consistently described her as a dedicated public servant whose leadership helped shape both political organisation and public administration across the twin-island nation.
Tributes from Parliament and Cabinet following her passing underscored her role as a trailblazer for women in leadership and her deep commitment to mentorship and youth development. A Senate tribute delivered in May remembered her "calm nature but solid conviction" and her enduring contribution to political and civic life.
The Government accorded Hurst an official funeral in recognition of her service to the nation. The ceremony marked a final farewell to a figure widely remembered as a pioneer, mentor, and steadfast advocate for public service.
Her influence extended well beyond politics, leaving a lasting imprint on national institutions and the many people she served throughout her career.
