Asot Michael

Asot Michael is a Member of Parliament for Antigua and Barbuda and a third-generation Antiguan community leader. Elected from the Saint Peter Constituency of Antigua, Michael is a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. In 2014, Michael served as the Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy for the Caribbean nation. In 2018, Michael was appointed the Minister of Investment and Trade.

Michael was born in Guadeloupe, French West Indies on December 21, 1969, to a politically active family. He bears the same name as his grandfather, Asot A. Michael, who died of a heart attack following social riots in 1968. Both Asot Michael’s grandfather and father, Patrick Michael, were businessmen who supported the Caribbean nation’s ruling Labour Party into the 1970s. Michael’s early exposure to these social and political spheres influenced him to pursue higher education abroad.

Michael grew up in Antigua and attended secondary school from 1982-1986 at St. Joseph’s Academy in the capital city of St. John’s, Antigua. He completed his Cambridge Ordinary Level GCE in 1986 and passed 6 subjects. In 1986, Michael moved to Miami Shores, Florida to pursue a degree at Barry University. In 1989, he graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science with Honors in Business Administration from Barry University. While there, Asot Michael appeared on the Dean’s List twice and the President’s List once.

From 1990-1991, Asot Michael attended the University of Miami's Graduate School of Business where he earned an MBA and was named to the Dean’s List.

Asot Michael also studied law at the University College of London before he returned to Antigua where he engaged in public service and started his political career.

In 1995, Michael began his political career in St. John’s, Antigua, where he served as Special Administrative Assistant to the honorable Lester Bryant Bird. Michael officially served as Special Administrative Assistant from 1995-1997. Bird served as Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda from 1994-2004. In 1997, Asot Michael was named Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister. Michael stayed in this position until 2000.

In March 1999, Michael became a Government Senator in the Upper House of Parliament and the Minister of State in the Office of Prime Minister Bird. With these offices, Michael was responsible for Public Works, Communications, Insurance, Energy, and St. John’s Development Corporation. Michael was later named the official Minister of Public Works and served as Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Upper House of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda. He retained these positions until 2003.

In 2004, Michael received favorable results in his first participatory election for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ALP). He was elected as the ALP Representative for the St. Peter’s Constituency. He won re-election to this post for three consecutive elections in 2009, 2014, and 2018. When the ALP formed Antigua and Barbuda’s government in 2014, Michael became a member of the Cabinet of Ministers, where he was named Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment, and Energy. And, in 2018, Michael became the elected Minister of Investment and Trade.

Through his political and social position, Michael supports the economic growth and development of Antigua and Barbuda. He is a proponent of numerous infrastructure projects and favors legislation that intends to help businesses in Antigua and Barbuda grow.

Asot Michael owns several businesses. He is the co-founder and CEO of Asot’s Arcade in the touristic hub of St. John’s. He is also the President and CEO of the Caribbean Energy Engineering Company and Sarkis Management Company Ltd.

During his academic career, Asot Michael was selected for the Who’s Who among International Students at American Universities and Colleges. Where he appeared in recognition of his academic performance. He was also named the United States Achievements Academy National Award Winner for high scholastic achievement. And, Michael was a member of the Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society in Business Administration.