Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez

Living by the motto, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively,” Henry Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez has dedicated his life to service – both to his constituents in Rural North and to the wider population through his meritorious Ministerial work. Hon. Henry Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez is currently the minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment.

During his tenure, Minister Fernandez has consistently delivered his annual back-to-school supplies distribution, provided Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute scholarships to scores of nationals, refurbished the Cedar Grove Community Playground, created the Yorks Community Recreation Park, organized international cruise jobs recruitment drives, and conducted yearly laptop distributions. Minister Fernandez also provides support for his constituency clinics, supported several sports clubs, and helped to ensure an active community center.

Minister Fernandez was awarded Caribbean Tourism Minister of the Year 2020/2021 based on his stellar management of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry during the COVID-19 crisis. As Tourism Minister, he has launched a series of initiatives and programs such as Airport Taxi operators’ engagements, the redevelopment of the cruise industry, and Tourism Vision 2032- the first blueprint for the local tourism industry inclusive of sports and health tourism.

Under the leadership of Minister Fernandez, several resorts have successfully opened their doors in Antigua and Barbuda. These include; The Royalton Resort, Hammock Cove, and Hodges Bay Club. On-going tourism projects include, Moon Gate Development, Nobu Barbuda, PLH Barbuda, Royalton Chic, and the expansion of Tamarind Hills and Sandals Resort.

Minister Fernandez earned an Executive Diploma in Management from the University of the West Indies in 1999 and pursued an Executive Masters in Business Management from the University of the West Indies in 2003. Minister Fernandez holds a C. Dir certification, (Chartered Director Program) from the Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

Prior to serving in government, Minister Fernandez operated a family-owned business and private business ventures. He also served on a variety of boards.

Minister Fernandez is married to Jill Fernandez and has three sons. He is a practicing Roman Catholic and attends the Holy Family Cathedral. He is also an active blood donor and a member of the Lions Club of Antigua and Barbuda.

In his spare time, he enjoys walking, reading, snorkeling, and engaging with people.