CARICOM commends Antigua and Barbuda’s resilience on its 36th independence anniversary

As Antigua and Barbuda marks its Thirty-sixth Anniversary of Independence, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has commended the country’s perseverance in the face of extreme adversity.

Residents of Antigua’s sister island Barbuda had to be evacuated in September after Category Five hurricane Irma devastated the island.

 “Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to the Community”, CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said in his congratulatory message to Antiguan Prime Minister Mr. Gaston Browne.

“As you seek to build back better and strengthen your resilience, it is expected the upcoming High-Level Pledging Conference in New York will provide assistance in this regard”, the Secretary-General said.

CARICOM, in collaboration with the United Nations, will host the Pledging Conference on 21 November, and a number of friendly countries, international development partners, private sector entities and NGO’s will be represented.   

Read full congratulatory message:

“Honourable Prime Minister:

It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to convey heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of your country’s Thirty-Sixth Anniversary of Independence.

The theme chosen to commemorate Antigua and Barbuda’s Thirty-Sixth Independence Anniversary “Unite to rebuild” is fitting as it encourages and challenges the people of the twin islands to work together in pursuit of common goals and to contribute to the rebuilding process of the one country that they all share.

We commend the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for its leadership in disaster preparedness and response which surely saved many lives during the recent passage of Hurricane Irma.  The perseverance of the people of Antigua and Barbuda in the face of extreme adversity is most commendable. Your resilience and steadfastness brings added strength to the Community.

As you seek to build back better and strengthen your resilience, it is expected the upcoming High-Level Pledging Conference in New York, will provide assistance in this regard.

We highly appreciate Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to the integration process, and join with you as you proudly celebrate thirty-six years of nationhood.

Honourable Prime Minister, please accept sincerest congratulations from the Caribbean Community on this significant day of celebration and our best wishes for the continued advancement of Antigua and Barbuda.”