The Twelfth UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum convened in London on March 10, 2026, bringing together foreign ministers and senior officials from Caribbean nations and the United Kingdom. The high-level dialogue served as a strategic platform to evaluate progress within the bilateral partnership and address critical areas of mutual concern.
Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs for Antigua and Barbuda, led his nation’s delegation. In his address, Minister Greene reaffirmed the Caribbean’s steadfast dedication to deepening collaborative ties with the United Kingdom to confront pressing global and regional challenges. A central pillar of his discourse was the advocacy for expanded trade relations and enhanced service exchanges between the UK and Caribbean nations.
Minister Greene brought significant attention to the role of Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme as a vital mechanism for economic development. Furthermore, he issued a compelling call for escalated international ambition on climate action, highlighting the critical need for improved access to climate finance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which remain on the front lines of the climate crisis.
The Minister emphasized the urgent requirement for fortified cooperation in disaster preparedness and regional resilience. He pointed to the increasing severity of climate-induced disasters affecting Caribbean states and advocated for stronger partnerships to bolster early warning systems, emergency response capabilities, and long-term infrastructural resilience throughout the region.
Looking ahead, Minister Greene expressed anticipation for hosting Commonwealth leaders later in the year and acknowledged the continued support from international partners, including the UK, in preparatory efforts for the upcoming event.
The UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum stands as a crucial diplomatic conduit for fostering economic collaboration and promoting initiatives aimed at sustainable development, regional security, and shared prosperity. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation included Her Excellency High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill, Minister Counsellor Ms. Chantal Phillip, and Second Secretary Mr. Brent Scotland.