The spotlight of the world will focus on Antigua and Barbuda several times during
this year, 2024, as the nation hosts a major United Nations conference as well as
several Cricket World Cup matches.
And in his New Year’s Day message to the nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne
is making a fervent call to citizens and residents alike to ‘rise to the occasion’.
“My fellow citizens and residents, 2024 must be a year with a difference.
It must be marked by exciting achievements as we host both the United Nations
4th SIDS conference and several Cricket World Cup matches.
Our country will be buzzing with the preparation and delivery of these important
events. Thousands of people, representing governments, private sector
organisations, non-governmental organisations, international financial institutions
and many others, will gather here on our shores,” he remarked.
PM Browne sees the hosting of these events as an opportunity for residents and
citizens to demonstrate the hospitality of our people, the attractions of the country,
and their capacity as a society; to show that Antigua and Barbuda can match major
venues in the world.
“No one should leave here without enjoying and acknowledging the appeal of our
country and the charm of its people. They must all want to come back to Antigua
and Barbuda – these brilliant islands in the sun.
“That responsibility falls to all of us. We must rise to the occasion, as I know we
can,” the prime minister urged.
The 4 th UN Conference for Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) will take place
in May this year and will be hosted at a brand-new state-of-the-art facility that is
currently under construction at the American University of Antigua (AUA) campus
at Jabberwock.
Antigua and Barbuda will also host several international Cricket matches during
the year.
