The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has appointed former government minister Samantha Marshall and former opposition senator Joanne Massiah as ambassadors-at-large as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s diplomatic service.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, who said the appointments form part of a broader restructuring and review of diplomatic assignments following the April 30 general election.

Merchant said Cabinet expressed confidence that both women would bring valuable experience in governance, law and public service to their new diplomatic roles.

“Cabinet extended congratulations to both appointees and expressed confidence that their extensive experience in public service, governance, law and national development will significantly contribute to advancing the interests of Antigua and Barbuda regionally and internationally,” Merchant said.

According to Merchant, the appointments reflect the government’s intention to engage qualified and experienced individuals in specialised diplomatic and development assignments.

He said both ambassadors-at-large will be assigned specific portfolios and responsibilities from time to time based on national priorities and strategic interests identified by the government.

Merchant noted that the appointments are tied to an ongoing review of the country’s diplomatic corps, explaining that diplomatic appointments traditionally become subject to reassessment following general elections.

“Cabinet is presently engaged in assessing existing appointments while identifying individuals capable of effectively supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy objectives, economic interests, investment promotion efforts and international partnerships,” he said.

The government said strengthening the diplomatic service remains part of a wider agenda to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s international presence and deepen bilateral and multilateral relationships.

Merchant said the administration is also seeking to pursue new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, education, climate resilience and international cooperation through its diplomatic engagements.

Cabinet congratulated both Marshall and Massiah on their appointments and said additional diplomatic appointments are expected in the coming weeks.