By Theresa Goodwin
Outgoing President of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society, Michael Joseph is calling it a wrap after serving in the capacity for five years.
Joseph made history in 2015 by becoming the first individual under 30 to be elected to the post of president in the 152-year history of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In a social media post on Sunday, he noted that the journey has been filled with many great moments and some painful ones as well, but he has enjoyed every day that he served in the capacity because of the daily impact the society has made in helping people.
Joseph also stated that there are a lot of stories and experiences that will never be told and a lot of lives changed through the assistance people have received.
“The last five years [have] been anything but easy. Challenge after challenge, with each one more testing than the last. I’ve had to sacrifice quite a lot and ask those that love me dearly to sacrifice even more. To my wife, Jessica Joseph, you have been a true source of inspiration and support. Words can’t express the level of respect and gratitude I have for you,” Joseph wrote.
“You’ve been my company through those long nights into the morning, the mother and father to our daughter on those frequent trips and boss of our business when Red Cross consumed my entire day and even at times – the week. To my family, friends and support system, it’s been a journey that without your continued encouragement would have seemed lonely. To my many mentors who taught, inspired and molded me over this journey, I am an ultimate product of your love for humanity. I cannot say thank you enough,” he added.
Meantime, in a follow-up interview with OBSERVER, Joseph said he hopes that his achievements will serve as an inspiration to other youth.
“Through this, young people will know that there are no criteria for top leadership; it’s a matter of the right time and the right individual,” Joseph said.
Elvis Murray has been identified to be Joseph’s successor.