On Thursday 18th January 2024, Her Excellency Natalie Campbell-Rodriques, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Antigua and Barbuda, presented her Letter of Introduction to the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who warmly received the High Commissioner and expressed his desire for Her Excellency to utilize her office to strengthen the bilateral relationship between both countries.
Prime Minister Browne remarked that Jamaica is culturally one of the closest to Antigua and Barbuda, due to the similarities in accents, dialect etc., stating that “It is clear that we all emanated from the same space in West Africa”.He further expressed that “Antigua and Barbuda today is one of the most representative countries of CARICOM due to its diverse population, as our residents are comprised of CARICOM nationals and their descendants”.
Prime Minister Browne, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has a significant Jamaican demographic, expressed that there is an opportunity and market for air link between both countries, as well as the opportunity for trade and capacity building for Antiguans and Barbudans in a host of areas to include sports, culture and economic development.
“It is in our best interest now to work together to build stronger relations in the best interest of both our countries”.
Prime Minister Browne wished Her Excellency success and health and conveyed the same sentiment to the Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, who he stated has maintained great relations and alignment with Antigua and Barbuda, especially in international arenas such as the UN, CELAC, OAS etc.“Prime Minister Holness is one of the most respected leaders in the region… his leadership is being displayed within CARICOM [Heads of Government], on the issue of Haiti as we strive to collectively make our contribution to resolving the violence”.
he High Commissioner also paid a courtesy call to Minister Greene, delving further into discussions on the opportunities for trade and sporting exchanges, noting that “Jamaica hosts over 100 students from all over the world who undertake training as athletes”.
Minister Greene, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Agriculture and Barbuda Affairs, and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Association, welcomed these areas of opportunity for Antiguans and Barbudans, which will be explored in due course.
