Antiguan Becomes First CARICOM Citizen to Receive Prestigious International Political Consulting Award

(CARICOM) – St. Kitts, June 12, 2013 — Campaigns & Elections magazine, the premiere publication for people working in politics, named Antigua’s Victor Richardson a Rising Star in political consulting. Mr. Richardson joins an elite group of international political consultants who have received the honour. Past honorees include President Barack Obama’s chief strategist David Axelrod, President Bill Clinton’s strategist James Carville and President George W. Bush’s campaign manager Ken Mehlman.

Mr. Richardson becomes the first CARICOM citizen to receive the honor.

According to the magazine, “Campaigns & Elections has a long tradition of recognizing the best and the brightest in the political industry. It’s a tradition that is anchored by our annual Rising Star award.

“Since 1988, C&E has honored up-and-coming campaign pros with Rising Stars and over the years recipients have reached the heights of the campaign business.

“David Axelrod, James Carville, Alex Castellanos, Ben Ginsberg, Hal Malchow and Mark Mellman are among the inaugural class of Rising Stars crowned in 1988. C&E Rising Stars have served in senior positions on the presidential campaigns of every major party nominee since 1992.”

Mr. Richardson serves as the International Director for BuzzMaker, an elite political consulting firm that has worked in 14 countries on 4 continents around the world. He is of humble origins and continues to fish

“Victor is a consummate professional and a highly effective political operative,” noted BuzzMaker’s President Matthew A. McMillan. “It’s no surprise to me that Campaigns & Elections would recognize him for his achievements. He is a true son of the Caribbean and a champion of the region. His commitment to his family, his community and advancing the Caribbean civilization is unwavering.”

Mr. Richardson noted, “I was surprised to hear that I received the honour. For me, my work is not about personal recognition, it’s about building a better life for my family and the people of the Caribbean region. I look forward to continuing to work with regional leaders and parties to advance a progressive agenda that improves the lives of all our people.”