The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has appointed former government minister Samantha Marshall and former opposition senator Joanne Massiah as Ambassadors-at-Large, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and reorganise the country's diplomatic service. According to Antigua.news, the announcement was made Thursday during the post-Cabinet briefing.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the government is conducting a review of diplomatic assignments as part of a wider effort to align foreign service roles with national priorities. He added that the Cabinet is committed to ensuring experienced and qualified individuals are placed in positions that advance Antigua and Barbuda's foreign policy goals, economic interests, and international partnerships.
Merchant noted that both Marshall and Massiah bring extensive backgrounds in governance, law, and public service — qualities the government believes will strengthen the country's diplomatic outreach.
The Ambassadors-at-Large will be assigned specific portfolios and responsibilities on a needs basis, determined by national priorities and strategic objectives identified by the government, Merchant said.
He explained that the appointments form part of a broader reassessment of the diplomatic corps, a process that typically follows general elections as administrations review existing postings and align them with updated policy objectives.
The government said the restructuring aims to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's international presence and improve engagement across key sectors, including trade, tourism, investment, education, climate resilience, and development cooperation.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the country's diplomatic footprint and ensuring that its foreign service reflects national priorities and development goals.
