NEW YORK (May 28, 2025) – Cardigan Connor is no stranger to delivering under pressure. Whether it was opening the bowling alongside the legendary Malcolm Marshall at Hampshire or facing the demands of political leadership in Anguilla, the newly appointed Minister of Health, Sports and Tourism brings with him a wealth of experience and an unshakable commitment to teamwork. As he prepares to address delegates at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Caribbean Week in New York next week, Minister Connor stands out not just for his sharp vision for Anguilla’s tourism, sports and health care sectors, but also for his lived ethos of discipline, collaboration, Caribbean camaraderie and service – skills honed on cricket fields at home and abroad. “I was privileged to be opening the bowling with (West Indies cricketing legend) Malcolm Marshall,” Minister Connor shared, referring to a remarkable first class career playing for Hampshire in the United Kingdom where he bagged more than 1,000 wickets. “We shared a house together. I lived in his house for 13 of the 15 years that I was at Hampshire. And when you work together, live together for six months of the year, but never say a bad word about each other … there’s something special … and I will do whatever I can to keep his legacy alive.” Minister Connor’s ministerial style is rooted in collective effort. He speaks proudly of the new Director of Tourism, Jameel Rochester, a former colleague who shares his passion for elevating Anguilla’s profile while strengthening local ownership within the industry. “He’s someone who’s got a great passion for tourism. He’s a young man with great ambition … and he’s got my full support. But most importantly, it’s not just my support. He’s got the support of so many people within the industry.” With a portfolio that includes health, Minister Connor is also doubling down on medical tourism, pointing to the opportunity for Anguilla to emulate health care models found in destinations such as the Cayman Islands and attract wellness travelers seeking high-quality recovery options in a tranquil setting. “There’s something that says that when the weather is good, it puts us in a positive frame of mind. And we’d like to think that in the Caribbean, we’ve got God’s gift when it comes to weather throughout the year that’s conducive to that.” Sports tourism, a natural fit given his own career and one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry, is a top priority for Minister Connor, who is committed to launching a Sports Ambassador program to inspire and mentor young athletes. He also envisions youth development and scholarship pathways rooted in sporting activities such as golf, tennis, football, and Anguilla’s national sport of traditional boat racing. Minister Connor looks forward to a revitalized push for regional sporting events to drive economic growth, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen community, regional and international bonds. Reflecting on his journey from a young boy in Anguilla to a cricketing stalwart in England and now a senior government minister, Minister Connor is deeply aware of the platform he holds. “I came back home to Anguilla to give an opportunity — as I had when I was in England — to other youngsters,” he said. “So, when you talk about sports tourism and my role in government, it is about giving someone a chance that I was given.” |
| About the Caribbean Tourism OrganizationThe Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), headquartered in Barbados, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency, comprising membership of the region’s finest countries and territories, including Dutch-, English- and French-speaking, as well as a range of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year-round, warm-weather destination, and its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. Among the benefits to its members, the organization provides specialized support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, event planning & execution, and research & information technology. The CTO’s headquarters is located at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados BB 22026. |
