In a strategic move to deepen ties with its overseas citizens, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has established a specialized diplomatic position dedicated to diaspora relations. Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene formally announced the appointment of Dr. Davery as the nation’s first Diaspora Officer during his parliamentary address on the 2026 Budget.
The creation of this role signifies a substantial policy shift from conventional consular assistance toward building a more structured and impactful partnership with Antiguans and Barbudans residing abroad. Minister Greene emphasized that this initiative reflects a renewed commitment to engaging diaspora communities, particularly those in major hubs like New York.
Complementing this appointment, Minister Greene unveiled plans for a landmark Diaspora Business Forum, scheduled to take place in St. John’s in 2026. The government has strategically planned the event to coincide with the vibrant Carnival season, facilitating greater participation by enabling overseas nationals to combine cultural celebration with economic engagement without the need for multiple transcontinental trips.
The forum’s primary objective will be to catalyze investment and foster the transfer of knowledge and skills from the diaspora to the domestic economy. Minister Greene explicitly stated that while financial remittances are valued, the administration seeks a more profound level of economic involvement. “We can’t just be talking about remittances,” Greene told Parliament, outlining a vision for the forum to serve as a platform for serious business dialogue that directly contributes to national development.
This dual-pronged strategy—a dedicated officer and a major investment forum—forms part of a broader governmental effort to transform global overseas connections into sustainable, long-term economic partnerships for Antigua and Barbuda.