Remembering Sir Robert A. Barrett: A Life of Hospitality and Generosity

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am writing to advise that our friend, mentor, and Chairman, Sir Robert A. Barrett, KCN, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by friends and family.

True to form, Sir Barrett asked that I thank you deeply and sincerely for your many years of friendship and support.

Moreover, he wanted you to know that Elite Island Resorts and all of the hotels and businesses within the Elite Island Resorts portfolio will continue on for many years to come.

The entire Elite Island Resorts executive team—including our longstanding sales, marketing, and hospitality leadership group—will remain firmly in place. We are fully committed to enthusiastically carrying on Sir Barrett’s legacy of excellence.

Sir Barrett carefully organized his businesses to ensure that the Elite Island Resorts group will continue seamlessly and solidly for the benefit of the amazing countries we call home—namely Antigua, Barbados, and Panama—and for our highly valued employees, colleagues, and suppliers.

Most of all, Sir Barrett wanted to make sure that we continue to make the world a better place by sharing the hospitality, love, and friendship of the Caribbean with all who wander our way.

Sir Barrett (or simply “Rob,” as most of us knew him) 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. Donation checks from outside of Antigua may be sent to: Humane Society Donations c/o 1065 SW 30th Avenue, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442.

Many, many thanks for all you do. We honor Sir Rob by looking forward to a bright future full of adventure, travel, and joy.

On behalf of the Barrett Family & All of Us at Elite Island Resorts,

Larry Basham
Chief Operating Officer