Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate the country’s Forty-Third Anniversary of Independence on 1 November. To mark this occasion, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett issued a congratulatory message to the country’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Gaston Browne. In the message, she commended the twin-island nation for its successful hosting of the critical Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), in May this year and its support to the Region in the services sector, for which the Prime Minister has lead responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

The full message is highlighted hereunder:

Begins:

“Prime Minister,

It is my pleasure to extend, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), warmest congratulations to the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda, on your Forty-Third Anniversary of Independence.

The theme selected for this year's celebrations “From Community Collaboration to Global Gains”, underscores the importance of collective action in achieving our shared goals.

Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda's support to the Region, particularly in the services sector, for which you have lead responsibility in the Quasi-Cabinet of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, is much appreciated. The Community looks forward to Antigua and Barbuda's continued active role in furthering regional integration.

I also commend Antigua and Barbuda for its successful hosting of the critical Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), in May. Your leadership of the Conference served to strengthen global solidarity in advancing the sustainable development agenda for SIDS.

As we join you in commemorating this auspicious occasion, I extend wishes for continued resilience, prosperity and unity, as Antigua and Barbuda seeks to shape an even brighter future for its people.”

Ends.