Apia, Samoa – Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne, concluded a highly successful day of bilateral engagements with senior government officials from the Republic of Malta, the Independent State of Samoa, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Fiji. These engagements aimed to strengthen collaboration on critical global issues including climate change, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
During his meeting with Hon. Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta, Prime Minister Browne discussed Antigua and Barbuda’s bid to host CHOGM in 2026. Having successfully hosted CHOGM in 2005 and 2015, Malta committed to supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s bid and Honourable. Dr. Borg offered to share best practices and technical assistance to ensure the event’s success.
Prime Minister Browne expressed his gratitude for Malta’s strong support in water production following a visit from Maltese experts to Antigua and Barbuda in August 2024. The partnership has already led to significant progress in addressing water scarcity in the island nation.
Both leaders also exchanged views on the global fight against climate change. They discussed the work of Malta’s Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence, particularly its role as a data hub for the climate vulnerability index while advancing resilience indices. Prime Minister Browne noted how this work complements the initiatives of the Antigua and Barbuda SIDS Centre, and the two leaders explored avenues for deeper cooperation between the institutions. The Prime Minister called for a continued collective push from Commonwealth countries to ensure that climate-vulnerable nations receive adequate support and compensation for the damages caused by climate change, which disproportionately affects small island developing states (SIDS).
In addition, Prime Minister Browne raised the vital issue of reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade, a key initiative being advanced by CARICOM. He underscored the importance of securing justice and compensation for the historical injustices faced by Caribbean nations, calling for more robust international support. Dr. Borg acknowledged the significance of the reparations agenda and committed to continued dialogue.
These bilateral discussions reinforce Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in advocating for the rights and needs of SIDS, particularly in climate change, sustainable development, and reparatory justice.
