Antigua and Barbuda makes dual diplomatic moves at United Nations

During the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Antigua and Barbuda made two significant diplomatic announcements. Ambassador Walton Aubrey Webson called for the United States and Cuba to return to diplomatic negotiations to resolve long-standing differences, emphasizing that the Cuban people should not suffer collective punishment due to political disputes.

In a separate move that diverges from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) consensus, Antigua and Barbuda has officially nominated former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. By endorsing Espinosa, Antigua and Barbuda has broken ranks with regional allies who have been supporting Guyana’s candidate, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Webson argued that Espinosa possesses the necessary executive competence and represents an opportunity for the United Nations to be led by its first female executive.