In a formal inauguration ceremony held Monday at Government House, two former Antigua and Barbuda government ministers, Samantha Marshall and Joanne Messiah, officially took office as Ambassadors-at-Large, receiving immediate diplomatic assignments to represent the small Caribbean nation on the international stage.
The appointments are legally grounded in Section 101 of Antigua and Barbuda’s Constitution, and the process was formalized when Sir Clare Roberts, Deputy to the Governor General, administered three core oaths: the Oath of Allegiance, the Oath of Office, and the Oath of Secrecy.
Speaking at the event, Sir Roberts highlighted the unique qualifications that both appointees bring to their new roles. He noted that Marshall and Messiah have accumulated decades of deep experience across public administration, legal practice, and national governance, making them exceptionally well-suited to advance Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic interests across global forums. Sir Roberts also underscored the current government’s explicit priority: strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Latin America and the broader Global South, a goal the new ambassadors will help advance.
E.P. Chet Greene, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, echoed that praise, framing the appointments as a formal recognition of the pair’s decades of professional excellence and unwavering commitment to public service. “These appointments recognize your long-standing dedication to national development,” Greene stated, adding that the ambassadors-at-large will be tapped for a range of targeted special assignments on behalf of the government, as needs arise.
Greene also revealed the first diplomatic missions for both new envoys. Later this month, Marshall will travel to the Dominican Republic to represent Antigua and Barbuda at a high-stakes meeting between the European Union and the Cariforum trade bloc. Meanwhile, Messiah will head to Panama to take part in scheduled meetings of two key regional hemispheric bodies: the Organization of American States and the Association of Caribbean States.
Unlike traditional resident ambassadors, who are permanently assigned to a single host country or international organization, Ambassadors-at-Large are flexible diplomatic assets deployed on an as-needed basis. They represent Antigua and Barbuda across a wide spectrum of issues, including bilateral diplomacy, trade and economic promotion, and multilateral negotiations.
In comments after the swearing-in ceremony, Messiah said she felt deeply humbled and grateful for the chance to continue contributing to her country’s growth. She pledged to carry out her duties with unwavering excellence and integrity, upholding the nation’s reputation across global venues. Marshall similarly expressed enthusiasm for the new role, noting she was encouraged by the widespread support she received ahead of taking office.
“I continue to make a contribution to overall national development,” Marshall said. “I recognize the very level of importance of this post, and I hope to carry it out with fairness, transparency and, of course, with a lot of pride for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
The ceremony was well-attended by a cross-section of guests, including senior domestic government officials, foreign diplomats based in Antigua and Barbuda, and the family members and personal supporters of both Marshall and Messiah.