In a heartfelt farewell ceremony, Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, lauded the departing Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Zhang Yanling, for her exceptional contributions to fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations. The event, held on Monday, marked the conclusion of Ambassador Zhang’s four-year tenure, during which she played a pivotal role in enhancing technical cooperation, educational exchanges, and cultural diplomacy. Minister Greene described Zhang as “a true friend of Antigua and Barbuda” and “a dedicated architect of stronger bilateral cooperation,” emphasizing her role as more than just a diplomat but as a bridge-builder between the peoples of both countries. As a token of appreciation, Greene presented Zhang with a symbolic gift representing “friendship that transcends time and borders.” The ceremony underscored the deep mutual respect and enduring partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and China, highlighting the ambassador’s legacy of fostering goodwill and collaboration.
分类： politics
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Felix cites betrayal, community neglect as he enters Castries Central race
As the election season gains momentum, the Castries Central constituency has emerged as a focal point of political intrigue following attorney-at-law Stanley Felix’s announcement to run as an independent candidate. Felix declared his candidacy on October 13 during a special broadcast on DBS Television, marking his dramatic return to politics after a decade-long hiatus. His campaign, symbolized by the color orange and the slogan ‘Let Castries Central Breathe Again,’ aims to transcend traditional party lines and address community disillusionment. Felix, a former Senate President under the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP), previously contested the seat in 2011, narrowly losing to Richard Frederick of the United Workers Party (UWP). This time, both Felix and Frederick will compete as independents, with Rosh Clarke representing the UWP. In his address, Felix emphasized his commitment to people over power, citing the neglect of community needs as his primary motivation. He spoke passionately about his deep ties to Castries Central, highlighting issues such as hunger, youth unemployment, and the marginalization of vendors and elders. Felix also shared personal experiences of betrayal in politics, framing them as refining rather than breaking him. His campaign, anchored in the slogan ‘Annou Viv Ansanm’ (Let us live together), promises to restore dignity, honesty, and hope through improved community safety, youth employment, and accountable governance. Felix clarified that his candidacy is self-driven, free from external political influence, signaling a bold new chapter in his political journey.
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PM Hails Outgoing Chinese Ambassador as “Extraordinary Diplomat”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has lauded outgoing Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yanling as an exceptional diplomat who significantly bolstered the relationship between the two nations during her tenure. Speaking at a farewell reception on Monday evening, Browne highlighted Ambassador Zhang’s professionalism, humility, and leadership, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged her pivotal role in securing vaccines and medical supplies from China, which were crucial for the Caribbean nation’s pandemic response. Browne also credited her with advancing key development projects, such as the Booby Alley Housing Redevelopment Project, and securing financial support for major international events, including the SIDS4 Conference and the OAS General Assembly. ‘It’s not very often that we hold farewell receptions for ambassadors,’ Browne remarked, ‘but this event speaks volumes about her impact and the affection she has earned.’ The Prime Minister’s tribute underscored the deep appreciation for Ambassador Zhang’s contributions to fostering stronger diplomatic and developmental ties between Antigua and Barbuda and China.
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The CARICOM governance paradox: Building free movement in a region without privacy
The recent announcement by CARICOM granting citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines the right to live and work freely across each other’s borders signifies a pivotal moment in the Caribbean’s long-standing vision of regional integration. However, this progressive step is overshadowed by significant structural challenges, particularly in the realms of data protection, privacy oversight, and the inconsistent definition of a ‘CARICOM citizen’ across member states.
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Stichting 8 December 1982: Gratie voor onrecht is ondenkbaar
The Foundation December 8, 1982 has issued a sharp rebuke against statements made during the recent NDP commemoration event marking the 80th birthday of Desi Bouterse. The organization labeled the remarks regarding the December 8 trial as ‘a gross violation of the rule of law’ and ‘a blatant insult to the families of the victims.’ The Foundation emphasized that the verdict against the convicted individuals was reached after a meticulous and independent legal process, upheld by the highest judicial authorities, and thus remains legally incontrovertible and binding. It criticized attempts to portray the trial as a political conspiracy, undermining the rule of law. The Foundation also condemned efforts to downplay the crimes of December 8, 1982, as a ‘political process’ or to elevate the convicted to the status of ‘comrades.’ It stressed that political leadership must never be used to justify serious human rights violations or trivialize the suffering of victims and their families. The Foundation rejected the notion of a pardon request as a means to achieve impunity, stating that clemency should not be manipulated for partisan political interests but reserved for humanitarian grounds, which are absent in this case. It urged the President of Suriname to resist political pressure from those seeking to exploit the highest office for party gains, warning that such actions would undermine the presidency’s authority both nationally and internationally. The Foundation reiterated that the rule of law is non-negotiable, and truth and justice for the victims are paramount.
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Brian Stuart-Young Ends Eleven-Year Tenure as Antigua’s Non-Resident Ambassador to China
Brian Stuart-Young, the Non-resident Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to China, has announced his resignation after an impactful 11-year tenure. Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed the news during a farewell reception for outgoing Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yanling at Weatherill’s Restaurant on Monday night. Stuart-Young, who first visited China in 1983 as part of then-Prime Minister V.C. Bird’s inaugural delegation, described his role as a “privilege to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda as an adopted son.” Appointed by Browne in 2014, Stuart-Young played a pivotal role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. His contributions include the modernization of the seaport, the Booby Alley Housing Project, and the establishment of Antigua and Barbuda’s embassy in Beijing in 2024. Although based outside China, Stuart-Young maintained daily communication with embassy staff, ensuring continued support for students and military personnel in the region. Reflecting on his service, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to “give back” to the nation he now calls home. A successor is expected to be announced shortly.
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Citizenship by investment schemes come under opposition scrutiny
Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has raised significant concerns over Barbados potentially becoming a gateway for individuals acquiring CARICOM passports through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Speaking on Monday, Thorne urged immediate scrutiny of the Free Movement of Nationals Bill and related citizenship laws, which aim to facilitate regional integration with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Belize. He warned that the legislation could allow individuals from outside the region to enter and remain in Barbados indefinitely once they obtain citizenship from another CARICOM member state. Thorne highlighted the risks of such a scheme, emphasizing that it could undermine the integrity and value of Barbadian citizenship. He questioned the government’s haste in pushing the Free Movement Bill separately from other related legislation, which is currently under public consultation. Thorne cautioned that this arrangement might open a ‘back door’ for individuals with no cultural or historical ties to the region, potentially leading to the devaluation of Barbados’ national identity and pride. He called for a thorough examination of the motives behind the legislation, suggesting that it could be driven by financial interests rather than regional unity.
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Mottley rejects opposition claims as House backs free movement plan
Prime Minister Mia Mottley has staunchly defended her government’s regional free movement initiative, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring Barbados’ long-term stability and fostering Caribbean unity. Speaking during a rare Monday session in the House of Assembly, Mottley dismissed opposition claims that the policy is a covert strategy to influence future elections, labeling such accusations as “embarrassing and lazy.”
Mottley clarified that the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill is not about electoral gains but about addressing Barbados’ demographic challenges, including a declining population and a widening skills gap. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting a near 50% drop in births over the past two decades and an ageing population that threatens economic growth and social security systems.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of migration and managed labor mobility as solutions to these challenges. She assured Barbadians that the policy would not compromise access to healthcare, jobs, or national security. Regional nationals, she explained, would only have access to emergency and primary healthcare and would not burden public resources. Mottley also emphasized that incoming workers would contribute to national insurance and taxes, with CARICOM social security arrangements ensuring benefits follow workers wherever they go.
Addressing concerns about worker exploitation, Mottley highlighted increased inspection capacities within the Labor Ministry and collaboration with contractors and unions to enforce fair labor practices. She also reassured the public that robust national security checks remain in place, with individuals screened through regional and international systems before entering Barbados.
Mottley expressed disappointment that the initiative, which she described as a “seminal moment” in Caribbean integration, had become mired in partisan controversy. She urged unity, reminding lawmakers of Barbados’ historical commitment to regional cooperation, from CARIFTA to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
On workforce needs, Mottley pointed to critical shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and renewable energy. She cited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as an example, where hundreds of positions remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified personnel. Mottley reiterated that the policy is not about replacing Barbadians but filling essential gaps to ensure the country’s systems function effectively.
Concluding her address, Mottley appealed for calm and collective resolve, urging the public not to succumb to fear or xenophobia. She pledged that her administration would safeguard Barbadians’ quality of life while ensuring the nation remains stable, secure, and prosperous for future generations.
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OPINION: Antigua, Island of US Defense!
In the aftermath of World War II, the United States, with the consent of the United Kingdom, established a significant military presence in Antigua and the surrounding northeastern region. This strategic move was aimed at safeguarding U.S. interests in the Caribbean Sea. Over time, Antigua emerged as a central hub for U.S. air, sea, and ground operations, solidifying its role as a key military base in the Caribbean Basin. Other nations, including Jamaica, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Trinidad, also hosted U.S. support bases, but Antigua remained the cornerstone of U.S. defense in the region.
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Juliet Benjamin Reappointed to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission
In a formal ceremony held at Government House in St. John’s, Mrs. Juliette Benjamin was sworn in for her reappointment as a Member of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC). The oath was administered by Sir Clare Roberts, KCN, QC, the Governor General’s Deputy, who lauded Mrs. Benjamin’s unwavering commitment to electoral integrity and professionalism. Her reappointment comes as ABEC continues to set benchmarks in electoral administration, recently earning the prestigious International Electoral Management Award in Gaborone, Botswana. Sir Clare emphasized that Mrs. Benjamin’s reappointment reflects the trust placed in her ability to uphold transparency, fairness, and independence in the electoral process. Her previous seven-year term, which began in 2018, was marked by significant contributions to the Commission’s success. The reappointment was made under Section 3(2A)(d) of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2001, following the recommendation of the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Jamale Pringle. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including the Chairman of the United Progressive Party, Mrs. Benjamin’s son, and a close family friend. This event underscores ABEC’s pivotal role in safeguarding democracy in Antigua and Barbuda and highlights the nation’s growing reputation as a leader in electoral management on the global stage.