The Honourable E. P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, participated in the Twelfth UK–Caribbean Ministerial Forum held in London on 10 March 2026, joining Foreign Ministers and senior representatives from across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.
The Forum served as an important platform to assess progress in the UK–Caribbean partnership and to discuss key areas of mutual interest, including climate change, economic development, regional resilience, and security cooperation.
Strengthening Caribbean–UK Cooperation
During the discussions, Minister Greene reaffirmed the Caribbean’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the United Kingdom to address shared global and regional challenges. He highlighted the importance of expanding trade and services between the Caribbean and the UK, while also underscoring the value of the region’s Citizenship by Investment programmes, which continue to contribute to economic development in several Caribbean states.
The Minister also emphasized the urgent need for greater international ambition on climate action, noting that small island developing states remain among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. He called for improved access to climate finance to support adaptation and resilience initiatives across the region.
Focus on Disaster Preparedness and Resilience
Another key topic raised by Minister Greene was the importance of enhancing regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and resilience. With Caribbean countries facing increasingly severe climate-related events, he stressed the need for stronger partnerships to support early warning systems, emergency response capacity, and long-term resilience-building efforts.
Minister Greene also used the opportunity to highlight Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, expressing appreciation for the continued support from international partners, including the United Kingdom, as the country prepares to welcome leaders from across the Commonwealth later this year.
A Platform for Regional Collaboration
The UK–Caribbean Ministerial Forum continues to play a vital role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. Through discussions on economic relations, security, and sustainable development, the Forum helps strengthen partnerships that contribute to long-term prosperity and resilience throughout the region.
Minister Greene was accompanied at the Forum by Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London; Ms. Chantal Phillip, Minister Counsellor; and Mr. Brent Scotland, Second Secretary.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues its preparations for CHOGM 2026, engagements such as the UK–Caribbean Ministerial Forum reinforce the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, global partnerships, and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
