Wednesday 20th March, 2019-Prime Minister Gaston Browne has re-affirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s Position on Venezuela as one of principle and respect for that country’s sovereignty.
His latest comments come as the United States President Donald Trump will meet the leaders of the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia at his Florida resort on Friday to discuss “predatory economic practices” and the Venezuela situation, the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.
Antigua and Barbuda is among several Caribbean States that was not invited to the meeting due to their unwavering support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Speaking at a farewell dinner last evening for outgoing Venezuelan Ambassador Carlos Perez Silva, Prime Minister Gaston Browne admitted the support for the current Venezuelan administration is a difficult one, considering the punitive action being taken by the United States. But he has promised to stand firm, despite attempts to cause divide within the Caribbean Community.
Earlier this year, Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Guiado declared himself interim leader of the South American nation.
Prime Minister Browne revealed that at a recent meeting of the OECS, a representative of Mr. Guiado was making overtures to those in attendance.
