In a move designed to deepen bilateral diplomatic collaboration between South America’s largest nation and the Caribbean twin-island state, Brazil has named veteran diplomat Marcia Abreu as its new Non-Resident Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda. This appointment marks a renewed commitment to nurturing the 42-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Unlike full-resident postings, Abreu will carry out her duties from Brazil’s existing embassy headquarters in Bridgetown, the capital of neighboring Barbados. This week, she formally completed the credential acceptance process, presenting her official papers to Sir Clare Roberts, Deputy to Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General, during a ceremony held at the nation’s Government House.
Speaking at the event, Sir Roberts reflected on the steady growth of bilateral ties since diplomatic relations were first formally established between the two countries back in February 1982. Over the decades, he noted, cooperation has expanded across a diverse array of high-priority sectors, ranging from agriculture, public health, and food security to national defense and professional diplomatic training.
Sir Roberts also highlighted Brazil’s long-standing leadership in advancing global South-South cooperation initiatives, which have been instrumental in supporting development goals across developing nations. He further recalled Brazil’s diplomatic history in Antigua and Barbuda, noting that the country maintained a full operational embassy in St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, starting in 2009, before the mission was eventually closed for administrative restructuring.
Today, the two nations continue to coordinate and collaborate through key regional multilateral bodies, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), creating consistent channels for dialogue and joint action.
Looking ahead to future collaboration, Sir Roberts pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s planned participation in the upcoming Brazil-Caribbean Summit, scheduled to take place in Brasília in June 2025. He framed the summit as a critical, timely opportunity to not only expand bilateral ties but also deepen strategic partnerships between Brazil and the broader Caribbean community.
Abreu takes over the post from former Ambassador Vera Lucia dos Santos Caminha Campetti, who has completed her regional diplomatic assignment and returned to Brazil to take on her next posting.