July 15th, 1963 – Sandra Scotland-Williams was born to Jasper Alexander ‘Bobby’ Scotland of Ottos and Mary Helena Augusta Royer Dublin of Swetes Village. She began her early education in Antigua at Teacher Violet’s School before migrating at the age of 3, to Ottawa, Canada and then to Toronto with her family. She returned to Antigua for two years before moving to North Wales, United Kingdom and Guyana where she completed her secondary education. During her brief time in Antigua, Her Excellency also attended the Christ the King High School and the Antigua Girls’ High School.
In 1991, Lady Williams completed a BA in Modern Languages and Classics from St. Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Later on, she received a Commonwealth scholarship to complete an M.Sc. in Tourism Management with the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (UK). She also holds a postgraduate diploma in Marketing from the Chartered institute of Marketing in the UK and is a full time member of the Institute.
In her professional life, Lady Williams has held several senior positions. These include serving as Marketing Director of the former Caribbean Star/ Caribbean Sun Airlines, Tourism Marketing Executive for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) based in Frankfurt, Germany and Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda based in London, UK.
In December 2014, Lady Williams achieved a milestone through the founding of the Halo Foundation. According to the Foundation’s website, the foundation’s main purpose is ‘’to assist the underprivileged and vulnerable in Antigua and Barbuda;. Through the Halo Foundation, Lady Williams actively contributes to national development and empowerment. The Foundation supports the fundraising and advocacy efforts of the 32 charities of which she is a patron along with her husband, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda. Listed among very noteworthy causes is ‘Team Antigua Island Girls’ in their quest as the first female Antigua and Barbuda team and the first, all black female team to row across the Atlantic Ocean. Halo Foundation also grants scholarships and awards to deserving individuals in the local community and supports The Arts.
On May 17th, 2019, Her Excellency was recognized by her alma mater, St. Mary’s University through the bestowment of an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law for her philanthropic efforts over the years. Prior to that, in 2018, she received the Faithful and Meritorious Cross for outstanding voluntary service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.
Lady Williams is currently the Governor General’s Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Antigua and Barbuda China Friendship Association.
Lady Williams credits her chosen path in life to her parents who have both set spiritual and moral examples and offered the guidance and education needed by her four siblings and herself. Her Excellency counts her greatest achievement as ‘waking up each day to face challenges and opportunities.’ She points out, ‘Without God, our eyes would never open to witness the dawn of a new beginning every 24 hours. For me, this is a huge blessing.’
For young persons reaching towards their goals, she advises, ‘Persevere. Persevere. Persevere. Never give up because your success is just behind the ridge of the horizon.’
