New Zealand is one of several countries and organisations that have contributed
funds towards Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Small Islands Developing
States (SIDS) Fourth conference from May 27-30.
And to show the appreciation of the government and people of Antigua and
Barbuda, Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene expressed a heartfelt ‘thank
you’ to the government and people of New Zealand for their generosity.
Greene’s comments were made Thursday when he met with the newly appointed
New Zealand High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, E. Linda Te Puni
during a courtesy call.
“SIDS4, as you know, is a major global event as we set the agenda for the next ten
years for countries such as ours. Let me thank you for your country’s support of
our hosting of this conference. Over the years, our two countries have grown closer
as I recall your assistance to us following the passage of Hurricane Irma that
devastated Barbuda. That in itself, is an issue confronting small islands states,” he
noted.
Following assurances from High Commissioner Te Puni that she intends to be
present at the conference in May, Greene stated that her attendance there would be
further testament to the close relations between the two countries.
Both Minister Greene and High Commissioner Te Puni discussed other areas of
cooperation that would be beneficial to both countries. HC Te Puni noted that there
are short courses from which Antiguans and Barbudans may benefit and she
outlined that research is ongoing in her country into the sargassum weed, the
results of which will be shared with countries in the Caribbean such as Antigua and
Barbuda.
The two officials also discussed the love for the game of cricket which remains
quite popular in the Caribbean as much as it is in New Zealand.
HC Te Puni also referenced New Zealand and Antigua and Barbuda’s common
history and their current membership of the Commonwealth of Nations.
The meeting between Foreign Minister Greene and High Commissioner Te Puni
took place at the margins of Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
Following that meeting, the High Commissioner also met with Opposition Leader,
Jamale Pringle.
