Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs have welcomed participants of the 2025 Summer Internship programme organized to expose young people to the workings of the central government.
In the welcome exercise held at the Ministry headquarters, Minister E.P Chet Greene, extended a warm welcome to the participants to the programme noting that it offers insights into the operations of government that they would not yet have at this stage of their development.
“This is an initiative of the Gaston Browne Administration as we recognized the need to have our young people exposed to the realities of the world of work as soon as practicable while at the same time allowing you to begin making your contributions to national development even at this stage in your careers. Here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs we are the point of contact between Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the world; a world that has seen a rise in conflicts and tension in recent times,” he explained.
Additionally, he noted that the Ministry of Trade is the agency that oversees the nation’s trade relations with other countries and together these ministries provide an excellent launch-pad for their entries into the government service.
Minister Greene also noted that the government was quite pleased with outcome of the internship programme instituted across the various ministries and departments last year and had given its approval for the continuation of the summer internship programmes across the government sector for 2025.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Ambassador Dr. Clarence Pilgrim noted that the internship marks a small but significant step in the participants’ journey of professional discovery and personal development.
“During your time here, you will be exposed to the inner workings of a government institution. You’ll engage with real issues—trade policy, consumer protection, international commerce, and economic data. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside committed public officers who are charged with implementing policies that affect our nation’s future. We encourage you to observe, participate, ask questions, and think critically. Let curiosity be your compass,” P.S Dr. Pilgrim remarked.
Coordinator of the programme, Jomica Carbon said the interns will spend six to eight weeks working at various developments within the ministry aimed at strengthening their understanding of its role and functions. There are also plans for an engagement with Barbuda as part of the exercise.
