Former government ministers Samantha Marshall and Joanne Messiah were officially sworn in as Ambassadors-at-Large on Monday in a ceremony at Government House, where they were immediately assigned diplomatic duties on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.
According to Antigua News Room, the appointments were made under Section 101 of the Constitution and formalized through the administration of the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy by Governor General's Deputy Sir Clare Roberts.
In remarks at the ceremony, Sir Clare noted that both women bring extensive experience in public service, law and governance, and are well positioned to advance the country's interests internationally. He also highlighted the government's broader efforts to strengthen ties with Latin America and the wider Global South.
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene described the appointments as recognition of the pair's professionalism and long-standing service to the country. "These appointments recognize your long-standing dedication to national development," Greene said, adding that both ambassadors would be called upon to undertake special assignments on behalf of the government.
Greene announced that Marshall's first assignment will take her to the Dominican Republic later this month to represent Antigua and Barbuda at a European Union-Cariforum meeting. Messiah will travel to Panama to participate in meetings of the Organization of American States and the Association of Caribbean States.
Unlike ambassadors assigned to specific countries or organizations, Ambassadors-at-Large are deployed as needed to represent Antigua and Barbuda across a range of diplomatic, economic and multilateral matters.
Following the ceremony, Messiah said she was "humbled, thankful and appreciative" of the opportunity to continue contributing to nation-building, and pledged to represent the country with excellence and integrity.
Marshall welcomed the opportunity to continue serving Antigua and Barbuda and acknowledged the significance of the role. "I continue to make a contribution to overall national development," she said. "I recognize the very level of importance of this post, and I hope to carry it out with fairness, transparency and, of course, with a lot of pride for the people of Antigua and Barbuda."
The ceremony was attended by government officials, diplomats, family members and supporters of both appointees.
