Dr. Sir Prince Ramsey, an Antiguan family doctor who played a pivotal role in advocating for HIV patients at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980 has died. He was 76.
Sir Prince died in hospital Friday in Antigua.
The beloved family physician also pioneered HIV services for pregnant women in the Caribbean region.
In recognition of his many achievements, Dr. Ramsey received the 2018 UN Population Award at a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York in June 2018.
“Dr. Ramsey was one of the first to recognize the devastating effects of HIV and AIDS in the country. In response, he emerged as a prominent expert and champion in combatting the epidemic, not only in Antigua and Barbuda, but throughout the Caribbean,” said United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.
Dr. Ramsey “acquired antiretroviral medications before they were widely available, sometimes at his own cost,” said UNFPA’s Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. Dr. Ramsey also worked to destigmatize HIV and AIDS, and he promoted services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Tributes have already started to come in with Prime Minister Gaston Browne leading with the following tribute:
“On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, deepest sympathies and condolences are expressed to his wife, Ava, and the entire Ramsey family on the loss which they have suffered. The nation of Antigua and Barbuda has also suffered a great loss.
Dr. Prince Ramsey was a superb physician who frequently delivered services to his patients at no cost. He was recognized as a very generous and thoughtful caregiver. Dr. Ramsey was also a servant of the calypso community; his contribution to the art-form was surpassed by no-one.
Dr. Prince Ramsey’s family can be comforted by the fact that he was well-loved by all, and that he lived a full life. His contribution to nation-building, to wellness, and to the development of the cultural life of Antigua and Barbuda are applauded by all.
News of his demise resulted in a decision by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda to afford Dr. Prince Ramsey an official funeral. The official funeral is afforded in recognition of Dr. Prince Ramsey’s work in nation-building. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
May his Soul Rest in etrnal Peace.