Antigua and Barbuda continues to deepen its strategic partnerships on the global stage, marking a significant milestone this month: 25 years of diplomatic relations with Ireland.

During an official visit to Dublin on May 19th, Her Excellency Ambassador Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Ireland, led a series of impactful engagements focused on strengthening ties and advancing shared goals—especially in relation to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) priorities.

A Vision for Sustainable Development

The visit centered on ongoing collaboration between both nations under Ireland’s SIDS Strategy, where Antigua and Barbuda remains a key partner. Ambassador Hill met with several departments within Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to discuss initiatives such as:

• The SIDS Ireland Fellows Programme, which provides scholarship opportunities to citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.
• Outcomes of the 2024 SIDS Conference, where Ireland provided both financial and technical support.
• Climate initiatives, including further cooperation in the blue economy and marine-based development.
• Ireland’s upcoming 2026 Presidency of the EU Council, with a call from Ambassador Hill for greater attention to SIDS issues on the European agenda.

Support for ABAS and Caribbean Development

Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS)—specifically the development of a Centre of Excellence for Data and a Debt Sustainability Support Service, both of which will be based in Antigua and Barbuda. These efforts complement broader goals around:

• Funding access
• Water security
• The implementation of the Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)

Ireland also supports the Caribbean through initiatives like:

• The ProBlue Trust Fund
• The Blue Action Fund
• Annual contributions to global climate finance, including €25 million to the Loss and Damage Fund
• Support for the BBNJ Clinic Programme to aid SIDS in navigating the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

Ambassador Hill also held meetings with Irish cultural institutions, including the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library, and the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland, laying the groundwork for future collaborations in heritage and the arts.

In a nod to shared history, she highlighted the upcoming 2026 Antigua showcase of the “Entangled Islands – Ireland and the Caribbean” exhibition, originally launched at EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin.

Discussions also revisited ongoing efforts to secure direct Aer Lingus flights from Ireland to Antigua and Barbuda—an initiative with significant potential to boost tourism and cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead

Ambassador Hill shared details on Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and explored Ireland’s participation in side events on ocean research and sustainability.

“Ireland remains one of our strongest partners—committed, consistent, and collaborative. Together we are driving sustainable solutions that serve the real needs of Small Island Developing States,”
— Ambassador Karen-Mae Hill

“In Antigua and Barbuda, Ireland has a partner in the Caribbean with shared roots from the past, shared values in the present and a shared vision and ambition for the future.”
— Sharon Lennon, Head of Ireland’s Office for the Caribbean

Ambassador Hill was accompanied on this important mission by Brent Scotland, Political and Consular Officer.

For more updates on Antigua and Barbuda’s international partnerships and events, stay tuned to our official website: www.antigua-barbuda.com