2023
Key Themes in 2023
2023 marked a period of political transition and consolidation for Hon. E.P. Chet Greene following his re-election as MP for St. Paul in January and subsequent re-appointment as Minister, with his portfolio later expanded to include Agriculture, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs. He completed his term as Chair of COFCOR, delivering key remarks that stressed collective CARICOM action on Haiti, climate change, trade, and global challenges. Diplomacy deepened particularly with China through high-level visits, participation in human rights governance forums, and a co-authored op-ed celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations. He also advanced agriculture and trade priorities via IICA and IABA meetings, promoted investment opportunities through virtual “Meet the Minister” events, and began laying groundwork for Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the SIDS4 Conference in 2024, all while maintaining active constituency and party duties.
Ongoing throughout 2023
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade & Immigration (portfolio expanded during the year to include Agriculture, Trade & Barbuda Affairs)
- Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Paul (re-elected 18 January 2023)
- Chairman, Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP)
- President, Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC)
- Served as Chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) and CARIFORUM (term concluded mid-2023)
November 23
Participated in the “Meet the Minister” virtual event, outlining Antigua and Barbuda’s trade and investment agenda, infrastructure development, tourism growth, agricultural diversification, employment opportunities, and healthcare sector potential.
October 24
Participated in Antigua and Barbuda’s 2023 UN Day flag recognition ceremony in New York.
September 28
Led Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York; conducted multiple bilateral meetings, including productive talks with the Serbian Foreign Minister.
September 22
Co-authored and published an op-ed with China’s Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
September 21
Delivered remarks at the Global Development Initiative meeting on the margins of UNGA.
July 19-20
Attended the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA) Board Meeting and the regional agriculture ministers’ meeting hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) in Costa Rica.
June 15
Met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing; attended the Forum on Global Human Rights Governance.
- Mid-June: Delivered a speech highlighting China’s approach to human rights during the same visit.
May 16-17
Attended the 26th Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) in Kingston, Jamaica; delivered opening remarks as outgoing Chair, emphasizing collective action on Haiti, climate change, trade, and global challenges.
February 15
Presided and delivered remarks at a special COFCOR meeting in The Bahamas, calling for joint CARICOM action on Haiti and stressing global cooperation on climate change, trade rules, terrorism, and pandemics.
January 20
Re-appointed/confirmed as Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade & Immigration by Prime Minister Gaston Browne (portfolio later expanded).
January 8
Re-elected as MP for the St. Paul constituency in the General Election.