Antigua and Barbuda remains strongly committed to the principles of
multilateralism as promoted through the United Nations system.
The reaffirmation came on Wednesday when the new United Nations Resident
Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett, paid a
courtesy call on Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
The Prime minister noted that Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda were featured in
a recent UN report as among the top countries that are supportive of the principles
of multilateralism.
“We are pleased that such a small country in the world is considered as a beacon
for multilateralism. We have taken the position that multilateralism works for us
and as you look at all these treaties, that is how we get our protection, so, we have
to make sure that we support multilateralism, to ensure the cooperation among
nations, and to ensure that the principles of non-interference and non-intervention
are the principles upon which we stand as we seek t have a more peaceful world,”
PM Browne noted.
The prime minister said it is important for nations to work together in their mutual
interest especially in light of ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the
war in Gaza. “We are perhaps just a press of a button away from further escalation
so multilateralism which promotes dialogue, peace and security is always a very
powerful tool. I am hoping that as small states in the Caribbean we can be an
example to larger states especially those who are ‘war-mongers’,” he remarked.
PM Browne said these countries ought to recognize that as mankind, people should
seek to live in harmony especially knowing that we ‘one people living in this
global community’.
In response, Representative Springett agreed with the prime minister that today
multilateralism is under threat and he recognized Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to
promote this concept. He also singled out PM Browne for his advocacy on the
issues of climate change and for a restructuring of the global financial architecture.
He especially commended the prime minister for his involvement in helping to
draft the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) which goes before the UN
for approval at the General Assembly in September.
Representative Springett also met Wednesday with Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P
Chet Greene when he presented his letter of appointment as he formally assumed
office on June first.
Both men discussed a range of issues regarding the UN involvement in various
projects in Antigua and Barbuda, including the UN supported digital
transformation initiatives to enhance climate action, disaster risk reduction, health
systems strengthening, educational transformation, women empowerment, and
social protection.
The Representative later met with members of the Cabinet when he noted that he
was present in Antigua during the SIDS4 Conference. He took the opportunity to
congratulate the Cabinet for a very well-executed four-day Conference (May 27 to
30, 2024, inclusive), and pledged to work closely with the Government to
achieve the ABAS (Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS). He noted that 2024
promises to be a very busy hurricane season, and pledged a strong U.N. response to
the extreme weather events that are likely to strike the region.
