Newly appointed Ambassador-at-Large Samantha Marshall says she is prepared to serve Antigua and Barbuda in a new capacity, describing her appointment as an opportunity to advance national development and represent the country's interests on the regional and international stage.
According to Antigua News Room, Marshall made the remarks Monday shortly after being sworn in at Government House as one of two new ambassadors-at-large. The former minister and attorney-at-law took the Oath of Allegiance, Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy before Governor General's Deputy Sir Clare Roberts in a ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, family members and supporters.
Speaking after receiving her instrument of appointment, Marshall expressed gratitude for the public turnout and said the strong show of support was encouraging.
"I'm very pleased with this morning's event and I'm equally pleased that we both have quite a good level of support coming out to support us this morning," she said. "So it shows that there are a lot of persons that are very happy with our appointment and I'm very pleased for that."
Marshall was also asked about Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene's announcement that she would represent Antigua and Barbuda at an upcoming European Union-Cariforum meeting in the Dominican Republic — one of her first assignments following the appointment. She acknowledged the news came unexpectedly but said she was ready for the responsibility.
"I'm still trying to recover from that; however, you know it's expected," she said.
Marshall noted that her years in government had prepared her for assignments that arise with little advance notice. "I've served as a minister of government. I'm accustomed to this. There are things that you have to do at the last minute, and so I will just get the brief and prepare myself accordingly."
When asked what Antiguans and Barbudans could expect from her in the role, Marshall pointed to her track record in elected office and cabinet.
"I think it's very much what I have been offering before as a servant of the people, Member of Parliament, Member of the Cabinet," she said.
She described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility. "I'm very humbled by the opportunity to continue to make a contribution to overall national development," Marshall 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."
Marshall and fellow appointee Joanne Massiah were sworn in under Section 101 of the Constitution. Unlike ambassadors accredited to specific countries or international organizations, ambassadors-at-large are available to undertake special assignments on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda and may be called upon to represent the country at regional and international meetings as required.
Minister Greene said the appointments form part of the government's broader effort to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's diplomatic engagement and provide additional support to the country's foreign service.
