Steadroy Olivero Benjamin is an Antiguan politician and current member of Cabinet.

Early life and education

Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Olivero Benjamin obtained his primary education at The Goodwill Academy and upon completion he entered secondary school education at the Antigua Grammar School. He then enrolled at the University of The West Indies(UWI) and in he attained a Bachelors of Arts Degree with Honors in Economics and History in 1974. His Post Graduate studies took him to the United States and England where he gained a Diploma from the United States of America International Manpower Institute as well as a Diploma in Law from the Polytechnic of Central London.  Benjamin qualified as a Barrister when he attended the Council for Legal Education for Bar Final Examinations. In 1980 he was called to the Bar of England and Wales. 

Career

Benjamin’s professional background began as an Air Traffic Control Assistant before he began to apply his technical training via numerous consultancy positions. Throughout his distinguished career he has been at the forefront of labour relations, serving as Labour Commissioner; member of the National Labour Board; Senior Employment Officer in the Ministry of Labour; and as a Hearing Officer in labour disputes. He has also served as a Law lecturer at the University of the West Indies and the Antigua State College. 

Benjamin first became involved in Antigua and Barbuda’s government more than 20 years ago. He was first appointed to the Senate, where he served to terms, before being elected to House to represent the constituency of St. John’s City South. He has held on to that seat since 1994, and was eventually elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. Benjamin also serves as the Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Co-Operatives and as an Adviser on National Security.

Even with this heavy load, Mr. Benjamin maintains a close-knit relationship with his constituents and the entire populace of Antigua. He is committed to helping his community, and stays involved as much as possible. He frequently attends events and programs sponsored by small community organizations, and has given numerous speeches on citizen and community empowerment on local television and radio programmes.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Benjamin has been a strong advocate of labour relations, serving as Labour Commissioner, a member of the National Labour Board and as Senior Employment Officer in the Ministry of Labour. He has also acted as a Hearing Officer in labour disputes, using his unique experiences to mediate countless clashes.

Benjamin successfully retained his seat for the Gaston Browne led Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in the 2014 election and was appointed Attorney General.

He successfuly secured a sixth term in 2018 general election. He was re-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs on 22 March 2018.

ELECTION TIMELINE

Year District Party Votes % votes Result Notes 2018 St. John's City South Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party 895 70.31% 6th Term 2014 St. John's City South Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party 828 62.92% 5th Term 2009 St. John's City South Antigua Labour Party 816 56.01% 4th Term 2004 St. John's City South Antigua Labour Party 663 51.80% 3rd Term 1999 St. John's City South Antigua Labour Party 845 65.35% 2nd Term 1994 St. John's City South Antigua Labour Party 639 60.34% 1st Term

PARLIAMENTARY TIMELINE

Post Chamber Party Date Representative for St. John's City South House of Representatives ALP 1994 - present

PORTFOLIOS

Post Date Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs 22 Mar 2018 - present Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Labour, Immigration, and Police 13 Jun 2014 - 21 Mar 2018 Minister of Labour, Cooperatives, and Public Safety 8 Jan 2001 - 25 Jun 2003 Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Social Improvement and Cooperatives 12 Mar 1999 - 7 Jan 2001