Former Senator Clement Antonio is expected to take up his post as Antigua and Barbuda’s ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in June, according to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant.

Merchant provided the update during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing after being asked why Antonio, whose appointment was previously announced, had not yet departed for Beijing.

He explained that the process of appointing a resident ambassador involves multiple institutions and governments and takes time to complete.

“The elections came and the elections went,” Merchant said. “Senator Antonio is due to arrive in China to take up his posting next month, June.”

Merchant noted that the appointment process extends beyond Antigua and Barbuda and requires coordination with Government House, the Palace in the United Kingdom, the Government of the People’s Republic of China, diplomatic missions and Antigua and Barbuda’s office in London.

“The process is not a simple process in getting someone to be a resident ambassador there,” he said.

According to Merchant, all necessary arrangements have now been finalized.

“All has been concluded where His Excellency Clement Antonio is concerned, and he will take up his posting in China during the month of June, I think around the middle of June,” he said.

Antonio’s appointment forms part of a broader review of Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic service following the April 30 general election. Cabinet has indicated that additional diplomatic appointments and assignments are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the review continues.