Antigua and Barbuda has issued a compelling call for enhanced representation of small states within international decision-making forums, asserting that global policies frequently impose disproportionate consequences on vulnerable nations. Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene articulated this position during a farewell meeting with India’s outgoing High Commissioner to St. John’s, Dr. Amit Telang.
Minister Greene emphasized that despite constrained resources, smaller countries persistently contribute significant value to global diplomacy and must not be sidelined in critical discussions. He declared Antigua and Barbuda’s intention to leverage its forthcoming chairmanship of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as a platform to champion the specific interests of small states. This agenda will prioritize confronting existential threats and systemic challenges that jeopardize their stability and development.
Further elaborating on his nation’s strategic vision, Greene underscored the vital importance of forging stronger alliances within the Global South. He posited that such collaborative partnerships are indispensable for equipping smaller nations with the tools to effectively maneuver through complex international crises and economic upheavals.
The gathering also served to honor Dr. Telang’s diplomatic service, concluding a nearly four-year tenure. Minister Greene commended the outgoing High Commissioner for his instrumental role in deepening bilateral relations between Antigua and Barbuda and India. Dr. Telang reciprocated by expressing gratitude for the consistent support extended by the host government, which he cited as a fundamental component of his mission’s accomplishments.
Adding a distinguished presence to the event was National Hero Sir Vivian Richards. The cricketing legend, who is revered as an icon in India, fulfills the role of Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CHOGM, symbolizing the unique cultural and diplomatic bridges between the nations.