Mr. Hughes was born on 21st August 1974 at Holberton Hospital, the son of Avonel Samuel and the late Maurice Hughes. He attended both the Bolans and Jennings Primary Schools and, later, the Jennings Secondary School where he served as a Head Boy, Prefect and Monitor. Mr Hughes continued his education at the George Meany Institute in Silver Springs, Maryland before continuing his studies at Ruskin College, Oxford, UK, following the path taken by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer.

Mr. Hughes began his career in public service as an Industrial Relations Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union and now serves as President of this respected labour organization, an organization which nurtured two influential regional leaders—Sir George H. Walter (National Hero) and Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer. Prime Minister Spencer was responsible for drafting Mr. Hughes into the labour movement. In his capacity as President of the Antigua Barbuda Workers’ Union, Mr. Hughes caters to the needs of thousands of working-class Antiguans and Barbudans, helping them in a variety of areas including job hunting, ensuring benefits for those who have become unemployed and negotiating contracts/terms and conditions on behalf of various individuals and groups. Mr. Hughes is also a titular member of the International Union of Foods (IUF).

Mr. Hughes is a man of faith and a strong believer in the Almighty; he is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Mr. Hughes is also an active member of several regional and international sporting bodies. He is President-emeritus of the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association and a current Executive Member of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation.

Mr. Hughes is passionately committed to the empowerment and further development of our Nation’s youth.