Against the backdrop of sustained economic and humanitarian strain on Cuba, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has publicly reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to standing with the Caribbean island, while making clear it will honor all obligations to regional assistance efforts organized through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The pledge came during a post-Cabinet press briefing held Thursday, where Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant addressed questions from journalists about regional support frameworks for Cuba and Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in CARICOM’s coordinated humanitarian initiative. Merchant confirmed that the specific topic of Cuban assistance did not appear on the agenda for Wednesday’s weekly Cabinet meeting. He did, however, note that Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, is currently participating in high-level regional gatherings where Cuba-related challenges remain a key standing discussion item. In clear, formal remarks, Merchant emphasized that the Antigua and Barbuda government’s commitment to supporting Cuba has not shifted, and the nation is fully prepared to meet any commitments tied to CARICOM’s regional support programs. “Antigua and Barbuda stands ready to fulfill its commitment to supporting the humanitarian effort towards Cuba,” Merchant stated. Framing Cuba as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest and most reliable bilateral partners, Merchant added that the administration remains willing and able to extend tangible support wherever its resources allow. Beyond direct humanitarian assistance, Merchant also highlighted that Antigua and Barbuda has a long track record of advocating for Cuba in multilateral international forums, most notably on the issue of long-strained diplomatic and economic relations between Cuba and the United States. He confirmed that this advocacy work will continue, with Antigua and Barbuda remaining dedicated to all international efforts that aim to improve living and economic conditions for the Cuban public. “Anything to lessen the burden of the people of the Republic of Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda stands ready to give support,” he added. CARICOM’s leadership has for months repeatedly voiced public concern over the deepening economic hardships facing the Cuban population, and regional leaders have actively worked to develop and scale practical assistance programs through coordinated cross-national cooperation and targeted humanitarian initiatives. The diplomatic partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Cuba stretches back decades, with deep, ongoing collaboration in core sectors including public health, education, and technical skills exchange. Government officials have repeatedly emphasized that this close bilateral relationship remains a central pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader foreign policy strategy.
Antigua and Barbuda Reaffirms Support for Cuba and CARICOM Relief Efforts
