The Government of Antigua and Barbuda engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions on Monday with Fiona Ramsey, the European Union’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean. The meetings, held with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, centered on reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Caribbean nation and the European bloc.
Prime Minister Browne characterized the EU as a crucial development partner since the country’s independence, advocating for a more strategic framework for regional funding mechanisms under the existing Economic Partnership Agreement. He identified transportation infrastructure as a critical barrier to Caribbean economic integration, noting that exorbitant shipping costs continue to hamper intra-regional trade. Browne proposed innovative, EU-supported maritime solutions—specifically multi-island service vessels—as a potential mechanism to enhance regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
Foreign Minister Greene described the diplomatic engagement as particularly timely given ongoing reevaluations of EU support structures. While acknowledging decades of productive assistance, Greene expressed optimism that divergent perspectives on key issues—including European Development Fund allocations and concerns regarding Citizenship by Investment Programs—could be resolved through sustained diplomatic dialogue.
Ambassador Ramsey reaffirmed the European Union’s dedication to maintaining open channels of communication and collaboration. She highlighted climate change mitigation and maritime connectivity as primary areas for continued cooperation, indicating potential advancements in these sectors during her tenure. The discussions established a framework for addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategic priorities between the EU and Eastern Caribbean partners.