Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene welcomed Antigua and Barbuda's two newest ambassadors-at-large into the foreign service on Monday, tasking them immediately with representing the country at upcoming regional and international meetings. According to Antigua News Room, Greene made the announcement during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House, describing the appointments as a reflection of the women's combined experience in government, law and public service.
Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah, both former government ministers and attorneys, were sworn in as ambassadors-at-large before Governor General's Deputy Sir Clare Roberts.
"You're actually committing yourselves to real outstanding heavy lifting," Greene told the newly appointed diplomats.
Greene said the appointments reflected the government's confidence in their professionalism and their capacity to advance national interests through diplomatic engagement. "The attendance here today speaks volumes," he said. "It tells me that we made the right decisions from the Cabinet room to appoint two outstanding Antiguan and Barbudan citizens to complement the diplomatic service of this country."
The minister clarified that ambassadors-at-large differ from ambassadors accredited to specific countries or organisations. Rather than holding permanent overseas postings, they are available to undertake special assignments on behalf of the state as circumstances demand.
"It is a very deliberate and determined position of government to have a cadre of ambassadors-at-large who can be deployed from time to time on special assignments," Greene said.
He noted that the ambassadors could be called upon to represent Antigua and Barbuda in discussions spanning tourism, environmental matters, women's issues and other areas of national importance.
Greene also announced the pair's first official assignments. Marshall will represent Antigua and Barbuda at a European Union-Cariforum meeting in the Dominican Republic later this month. Massiah will join the country's delegation at meetings of the Organization of American States and the Association of Caribbean States in Panama.
"It is important that you be given assignments from the jump," Greene said, acknowledging that diplomatic responsibilities often arise with little advance notice.
The minister also used the occasion to highlight the government's willingness to draw on talent from across the political spectrum. Referencing Massiah's recent tenure as an opposition senator, Greene said national service must transcend partisan divides.
"What we do here today is to show that our country is not the preserve of a single organisation," he said. "Persons are called upon to provide national service."
Greene added that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has consistently championed a merit-based approach to national development. "Prime Minister Browne is very clear about us building a single nation where, through meritocratic work, we give our contributions to national development," he said.
The minister urged both women to maintain the professionalism that had brought them to their new roles, expressing the government's expectation that they would continue to serve with distinction. "There is nothing greater than serving one's country," Greene said.
