Prime Minister Browne will be accompanied by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry.

The Heads of Government will also discuss the Guyana-Venezuela border issue, as well as the Belize-Guatemala demarcation claim.

The meeting is being chaired by Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, who will deliver the feature address at the Opening Ceremony.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett and Roosevelt Skerrit, Outgoing Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Dominica, will also address the gathering.

The business sessions of the four-day meeting will be held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. During the meeting, the Heads of Government will hold discussions with the meeting’s special guest, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, as well as with other high-level guests.

Discussions will include the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and an update on the implementation of the free movement of all Community Nationals by March 31, 2024, as mandated at the 45th Regular Meeting in July last year.

The CARICOM Chairman, as lead Head of Government with responsibility for Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Security in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, will update the meeting on the Community’s 25 by 2025 initiative to tackle the Region’s rising food import bill and improve intra-regional trade.

Moreover, the meeting will also discuss climate change and climate financing; regional security, including the situation in Haiti and border issues; regional transportation; financial matters, including replenishment of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF); global and hemispheric issues, including developments in the Middle East; Reparations; and the 2024 ICC Men’s T-20 Cricket World Cup. The CARICOM meeting will end with a media conference on February 28.

Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the CARICOM meeting also includes Foreign Service Officer Kurt Williams and Project Development Officer in the Office of the National Authorization Officer, Juray Roberts.

The ACP team is expecting to end the month by receiving 78 calls and having served 141,000 passengers.

This is a clear indication of the growing popularity of the destination and the demand for cruise vacations.

The ACP statement comes as it announced the inaugural visit last week of Carnival Venezia, which brought “Fun Italian Style” cruising into St. John’s for the first time.

Over four thousand passengers sailed into the port aboard the vessel along with 1,401 crew members. St. John’s is the first port of call on the current 12-day roundtrip Southern Caribbean itinerary for this ship.

The recently rebranded Vista-class cruise liner is expected to call on St. John’s again in November.

In addition to Carnival Venezia, Virgin Valiant Lady, Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas, and Celebrity Beyond also visited Antigua Cruise Port, bringing the total passenger count for the day to 13,350 passengers.

This is a testament to the port’s growing popularity and its ability to attract some of the world’s largest cruise liners.

During the visit of Carnival Venezia, Officer In Charge at Antigua Cruise Port, Cynthia Jacobs Browne, accepted a gift from Captain Massimo Pennisi during a traditional plaque exchange ceremony. “We are delighted to have Carnival Venezia alongside today.

This visit is one of several that we anticipate from Carnival Cruise Line this year, which reflects the growing demand for our destination and for cruise vacations.”

Overall, the increasing number of cruise passengers visiting Antigua Cruise Port is a good sign for the tourism industry in the country.

It also underscores the importance of the port as a key destination for cruise liners in the Caribbean.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Browne expressed his gratitude to the government and people of India for their help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He acknowledged that it was difficult to obtain vaccines and medical equipment during that period, but India came forward to help and save lives.

He stated that Antigua and Barbuda will always be grateful for the assistance provided by India.

The prime minister also noted that it is time to deepen the areas of collaboration between the two countries, including investments, trade and people-to-people contact through tourism.

He expressed his desire to see more visits from Indian tourists to Antigua and Barbuda. Currently, officials and diplomats have visa-free entry, but he hopes that all Indians will eventually be granted visa-free entry to the country.

PM Browne believes that Antigua and Barbuda could be an attractive destination for Indians, especially as India’s middle class is growing and seeking more exotic destinations.

He called for the implementation of a system that allows people to move freely between both countries, and for more airlifts between Antigua and Barbuda and India.

Additionally, the prime minister highlighted the new University of the West Indies campus in Antigua and Barbuda, stating that it presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen contacts between the two countries.

He suggested that joint study programs could be organized between UWI FIC and universities in India.

Regarding India’s global role, PM Browne observed that with its growing population, financial markets, and economic growth, India will become one of the major powers over the next decade.

He encouraged India to continue on this path.

The Indian High Commissioner, Dr. Amit Telang, welcomed the prime minister’s remarks and noted that he had already met with officials of UWI FIC on Monday to discuss various areas of cooperation between The UWI and universities in India.

He also offered training opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda nationals to pursue various training programs in India.

In his discussions with PM Browne, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the United States to Antigua and Barbuda.

He highlighted that the US is the country’s largest trading partner and that the US enjoys a heavily imbalanced trading arrangement with Antigua and Barbuda. PM Browne noted that as small as the country’s economy is, it has a trade deficit of half a billion (US) dollars, and that the US is vital for the country’s food security.

“Eighty percent of our trade is with the United States and as small as our economy is, we have a trade deficit of a half billion (US) dollars. So, the US is very important from the standpoint of trade; even in terms of our food security, as a ‘food insecure’ country if the ships stop sailing for a few weeks from the US to A&B we will all starve,” Browne said

He pointed out that Antigua and Barbuda has supported the US in many international fora, and that it invariably supports US candidates presented for positions in international bodies.

PM Browne also drew attention to the outstanding WTO issue and requested that the new ambassador give it attention to arrive at an amicable solution.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Greene also praised the long-standing friendly relations with the United States, which remain strong even when both sides disagree on a particular matter.

He added that these disagreements have never been fatal as the relationship has survived as well as thrived.

He anticipated that there will be robust exchanges during Ambassador Nyhus’s tenure in the Eastern Caribbean.

From January 22 to 28, 2024, at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda and his delegation paid a state visit to China, becoming the first leader of a Latin American and Caribbean country to visit China this year.

On January 23, Prime Minister Browne attended the opening of the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in China, witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.

On January 24, President Xi Jinping met with Browne, followed by Prime Minister Li Qiang. Browne also laid a wreath at the Heroes Monument in tribute. On the same day, Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Central Propaganda Department and director of China Central Radio and Television (CCTV), and Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between China Central Radio and Television (CCTV) and the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Corporation (ABBC) in Beijing. Prime Minister Browne also visited CCTV’s Guanghua Road office area and highly praised the station’s achievements and its global influence.

On January 25th, Mr. Yi Lianhong, the Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People’s Congress, met with Prime Minister Browne and his delegation from Antigua and Barbuda in Hangzhou. On the same day, Prime Minister Browne also visited the Hangzhou headquarters of Alibaba Group and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health and Alibaba’s DAMO Academy in Hangzhou. The memorandum aims to promote the application and development of medical AI in Antigua and Barbuda, enhancing the level of digital healthcare.

In addition to visiting Alibaba Group, Prime Minister Browne also visited Hangzhou Normal University and participated in the Chinese traditional Spring Festival celebration at Zhejiang International Studies University. Zhejiang International Studies University has established a Confucius Institute in Antigua and Barbuda to promote cultural and humanistic exchanges. He also took the time to visit iMBIORAY, a biotechnology company in Hangzhou that specializes in cell immunotherapy for treating cancer and immune diseases.

During Browne’s speech at Hangzhou Normal University, he made statement on the Taiwan issue again. Browne reiterated his commitment to the One-China principle, continuing mutual understanding and support on core interests and major concerns between China and Antigua and Barbuda. He emphasized that Taiwan is a province of China, and there should be no illusions about whether Taiwan is a province of China. Browne said, “We all know the history of Taiwan, where Chiang Kai-shek left the mainland for Taiwan. However, Taiwan is still a province of the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan has not been recognized by the United Nations as a country because it is a province of the People’s Republic of China. We firmly believe in the principle of territorial integrity.”

Browne also mentioned that as a small island nation, Antigua and Barbuda has no military force. He said, “Respecting the international principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, and non-intervention helps protect small island nations like ours. We must consistently implement these principles, and we do not want anyone to violate our territorial integrity. Similarly, we believe that when others, including Taiwan, seek to separate Taiwan, thus violating the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China, we have an obligation to stand with the People’s Republic of China. I want to say that Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-island country. We have a sister island, Barbuda. Occasionally, there are foolish statements about leaving the country. Therefore, we share the same feelings with the People’s Republic of China, and we cannot allow any country or organization to violate our territorial integrity. Likewise, as I said, we have an obligation to uphold the truth and defend the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Regarding some Caribbean countries that still maintain “official relations” with Taiwan, Browne stated, “The ‘Constitutional Act of the Taiwan Region’ recognizes that Taiwan is a province of China. I think they didn’t anticipate that Chiang Kai-shek would leave the mainland for Taiwan and establish his own government there. If they better understand this history, all these facts confirm that Taiwan is a province of China. In fact, even in the ‘Constitutional Act of the Taiwan Region,’ it states that Taiwan is a province of China. Perhaps unless they have other reasons to support Taiwan, they should understand that supporting the One-China principle is the position they should maintain.” Browne believes he has an obligation to talk to some colleagues in the Caribbean to make them aware of this matter so that they can make wiser decisions. Browne expressed his desire to play a role in upholding the truth and educating others.

On January 26, Prime Minister Browne and his delegation arrived in Shanghai. They were received by Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng. Mayor Gong expressed Shanghai’s willingness to seize the opportunity of jointly promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. He aimed to further strengthen cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda in various fields such as infrastructure construction, healthcare, new energy vehicles, agriculture, and tourism. The goal is to enhance mutual exchanges and achieve win-win cooperation. On the same day, Prime Minister Browne also visited Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Academy of Engineering Member and President of Ruijin Hospital, Ning Guang, Vice President Zhao Weili, Director of Endocrinology and Metabolism Department Wang Weiqing, and heads of relevant departments warmly received and accompanied the delegation during the visit.

On January 28, Prime Minister Browne visited Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) in Shanghai and experienced a ride on the domestically-produced large aircraft C919. He praised the design and production of the Chinese-made aircraft, describing it as “spacious and well-designed,” leaving a lasting impression. Browne also expressed the hope that the Caribbean region could have C919 large aircraft in the future.

Browne expressed satisfaction with the smooth progress of his visit to China. Both sides made commitments and reached agreements to strengthen bilateral relations between the People’s Republic of China and Antigua and Barbuda. He stated, “China has been a great example in helping people overcome poverty. Antigua and Barbuda has been a beneficiary of Chinese assistance in various areas of our economy, including the development of aviation and seaports, providing practical help on how to consolidate and enhance many capabilities.” Browne emphasized that China and Antigua and Barbuda have become an exemplary model of equal and mutually beneficial cooperation between large and small nations.

During Browne’s visit to China, both nations signed agreements covering approximately ten different areas. He mentioned that further cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative would contribute to global development. Agreements were also reached to increase trade and investment and to allow visa-free entry for citizens. Antigua and Barbuda, which already provides visa-free treatment to Chinese citizens, has received reciprocal treatment, allowing its citizens visa-free entry into China. Projects in infrastructure development, including assistance in replacing pipelines, were also discussed. Browne emphasized that cooperation could extend to various areas, including climate change, a threat faced by all humanity.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda. Browne believes that the two countries have demonstrated a firm and enduring friendship. He stated, “In general, when there is such asymmetry in power, size, and resources, there usually is not a high degree of cooperation. However, China has proven its philosophy of respecting all nations, upholding sovereignty policies and territorial integrity for all nations, treating us with mutual respect. Such opportunities are not available when dealing with major developed countries. Therefore, China is an example for all humanity.”

On January 26, 2024, Prime Minister Browne and his delegation from Antigua and Barbuda visited Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the School of Medicine at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. They were warmly received by Dr. Ning Guang, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of Ruijin Hospital, Vice Director Zhao Weili, Dr. Wang Weiqing, Director of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Department, and other department heads who accompanied them during the tour.

The Antigua and Barbuda delegation toured the National Standardized Metabolic Disease Management Center located on the 5th floor of the outpatient building at Ruijin Hospital. This visit provided them with a deeper understanding of the endocrinology and metabolism team’s expertise in diabetes prevention and control, as well as innovative medical technologies. Director Ning Guang introduced the National Standardized Metabolic Disease Management Center (mmc), emphasizing its philosophy of “one center, one-stop service, one standard.” The mmc adopts an integrated online and offline, intra-hospital and extra-hospital, multi-center collaborative model, breaking away from the traditional approach to diabetes diagnosis and treatment. Patients at the mmc can address all aspects of diabetes management, including blood glucose testing, fundus examination, and medication adjustment, eliminating the need to navigate multiple departments and floors. Following the visit to the mmc, the delegation proceeded to the Smart Metabolism Research Center to tour the world’s largest and most influential metabolic chamber cluster. Dr. Wang Weiqing explained that the Human Digital Metabolism Chamber, through the construction of an environmental exposure omics topological network, has established a unique and continuous monitoring system for the human-environment relationship, enabling precise measurements of human energy metabolism.

Prime Minister Browne expressed his deep appreciation for the insightful visit, believing that the Chinese model of chronic disease management, exemplified by the mmc, will bring benefits to a greater number of patients. He eagerly anticipates leveraging the assistance of China and Shanghai to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a hub for healthcare excellence in the Caribbean.

Mayor Gong, on behalf of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Browne and the delegation’s visit to Shanghai. He stated, “Currently, we are accelerating the construction of a socialist modern international metropolis with global influence in accordance with the new positioning, new judgments, new requirements, and new tasks proposed by President Xi Jinping for Shanghai’s development. Antigua and Barbuda is an important cooperative partner for China in the Caribbean region and one of the earliest countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in the Eastern Caribbean region. Shanghai is willing to take the opportunity of high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda in various fields such as infrastructure construction, healthcare, new energy vehicles, agriculture, and tourism, enhance personnel exchanges, and achieve mutual benefits. We welcome Antigua and Barbuda enterprises to make good use of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) platform to introduce distinctive goods and services to Shanghai and China. We believe that Prime Minister Browne’s visit will further propel bilateral exchanges and cooperation to broader and higher levels.”

Prime Minister Browne acknowledged China as the world’s second-largest economy and highlighted the exemplary relationship between China and Antigua and Barbuda over the 41 years of diplomatic ties, emphasizing the model of cooperation between nations of different sizes. He stated, “We have witnessed China’s and Shanghai’s developmental transformations and felt the vibrant energy. We are willing to become a reliable partner for China, deepen strategic alignment, and achieve common progress. We welcome investments and cooperation from Shanghai and also invite Shanghai tourists for sightseeing. We look forward to leveraging the support of China and Shanghai to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a hub for healthcare excellence in the Caribbean.”

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Greene, Ambassador Stuart-Young, Ambassador Zhang Yanling of China to Antigua and Barbuda, Deputy Mayor Hua Yuan of Shanghai, among others.

Yi Lianhong said, Antigua and Barbuda is China’s important partner in the Caribbean region, the two countries over the years, political mutual trust is everlasting, pragmatic cooperation is fruitful, people’s friendship is deepening. Prime Minister Brown’s visit to China, Zhejiang as an important stop, fully embodies the promotion of the development of friendly relations between Ambar and Zhejiang Province attaches great importance to.

When President Xi Jinping worked in Zhejiang, he formulated the “Eight-eight Strategy”, a comprehensive plan and top-level design for the development of the province, which has guided Zhejiang to undergo an all-around, systematic and deep wonderful butterfly change over the past 20 years, with its economic strength rising rapidly, beautiful cities and towns, social harmony and stability, and people living and working in peace and contentment, especially after the successful hosting of the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para-Games last year. Hosted the Hangzhou Asian Games Asian Para Games.

In the past, Zhejiang and Ambar have had close exchanges and pragmatic cooperation, and have achieved fruitful results and forged a deep friendship. At present, China is promoting Chinese-style modernization with high-quality development, which brings new opportunities for cooperation between Zhejiang and Ambar. Zhejiang is willing to further deepen exchanges with Ambar, together with the high-quality construction of “One Belt, One Road”, to promote economic and trade reciprocity, and to strengthen cooperation in the digital economy, biomedicine, clean energy and other fields; deepen humanistic exchanges, in-depth cultural performances, youth forums and other activities; strengthen cooperation in tourism, and in the design of tourism routes, to create high-quality projects, etc. We will actively explore ways to bring more benefits to the people of the two places, so that the people of the two places will know each other better and be more intimate with each other, and make greater contributions to the deepening development of China-Antigua friendship and cooperative relations.

Prime Minister Browne thanked Zhejiang for its warm reception and spoke highly of the remarkable achievements in economic and social development under the guidance of the “88 Strategy”. He said, “Zhejiang is one of the most dynamic provinces in China and plays an important role in promoting the relationship between China and Ambar. This visit to Zhejiang will help us to experience the real, three-dimensional and comprehensive China, and will also help us to further deepen our understanding of Ambar, laying a more solid foundation for deepening bilateral relations between the two countries. In recent years, Ambar economic and social development has achieved rapid development, we hope to continue to maintain the good momentum, will take this visit as an opportunity to learn from the good experience and good practices of high-quality development in Zhejiang, to further strengthen exchanges and contacts with Zhejiang, in the context of building a “Belt and Road”, deepen the digital economy, transportation and tourism, education and science and technology, Medical and health care and other areas of practical cooperation, to achieve more cooperative results, to achieve more sustainable development, to better benefit the two peoples, hand in hand to promote the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and China to a new level.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, Green, Minister of Health, Social Transformation and Environment, Joseph, Ambassador to China, Stuart-Young, provincial leaders Qiu Qiwen, Lu Shan, Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Zhang Yanling, attended the meeting.