Greene Says New Ambassadors-at-Large Will Support Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Policy Agenda
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene said Monday that Antigua and Barbuda’s two newest ambassadors-at-large will play a key role in advancing the country’s interests internationally, as he welcomed Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah into the foreign service and immediately tasked them with representing the country at upcoming regional and international meetings.
Speaking during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House, Greene described the appointments as recognition of the women’s experience in government, law and public service, while stressing that their new responsibilities would require dedication and hard work.
“You’re actually committing yourselves to real outstanding heavy lifting,” Greene told the newly appointed ambassadors.
Marshall and Massiah, both former government ministers and attorneys, were sworn in as ambassadors-at-large during a ceremony officiated by Governor General’s Deputy Sir Clare Roberts.
Greene said the appointments reflected the government’s confidence in their professionalism and ability to contribute to national development through diplomatic engagement.
“The attendance here today speaks volumes,” he said. “It tells me that we made the right decisions from the Cabinet room to appoint two outstanding Antiguan and Barbudan citizens to complement the diplomatic service of this country.”
The minister noted that the appointments come at a time when Antigua and Barbuda continues to strengthen its presence in regional and international affairs.
He emphasized that ambassadors-at-large differ from ambassadors accredited to specific countries or organizations, explaining that they are not assigned to permanent overseas postings but are available to undertake special assignments on behalf of the state when required.
“It is a very deliberate and determined position of government to have a cadre of ambassadors-at-large who can be deployed from time to time on special assignments,” Greene said.
He said the ambassadors could be called upon to represent Antigua and Barbuda in discussions relating to tourism, environmental matters, women’s issues and other areas of national importance.
Greene also used the ceremony to announce the pair’s first official assignments.
Marshall will represent Antigua and Barbuda at a European Union-Cariforum meeting in the Dominican Republic later this month, while Massiah will join the Antigua and Barbuda delegation attending meetings of the Organization of American States and the Association of Caribbean States in Panama.
“It is important that you be given assignments from the jump,” Greene said, noting that diplomatic responsibilities often arise with little notice.
The foreign affairs minister said the appointments also demonstrate the government’s willingness to draw on talent from across the political spectrum in service of the country.
Referring to Massiah’s recent tenure as an opposition senator, Greene said national service should transcend partisan politics.
“What we do here today is to show that our country is not the preserve of a single organization,” he said. “Persons are called upon to provide national service.”
Greene added that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has consistently advocated for a merit-based approach to national development.
“Prime Minister Browne is very clear about us building a single nation where, through meritocratic work, we give our contributions to national development,” he said.
The minister urged both women to maintain the professionalism that had brought them to the position and said the government expected them to continue serving Antigua and Barbuda with distinction.
“There is nothing greater than serving one’s country,” Greene said.