Former government ministers Samantha Marshall and Joanne Massiah were officially sworn in as Ambassadors-at-Large on Monday during a ceremony at Government House, where they were immediately assigned diplomatic duties on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.
The appointments were made under Section 101 of the Constitution and were 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 during the ceremony, Sir Clare said both women bring extensive experience in public service, law and governance and are well positioned to advance the country’s interests internationally. He also noted the government’s 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 the ambassadors would be called upon to undertake special assignments on behalf of the government.
Greene announced that Marshall’s first assignment will be to represent Antigua and Barbuda at a European Union-Cariforum meeting in the Dominican Republic later this month, while 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, Massiah 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 said she was pleased by the support shown at the ceremony and welcomed the opportunity to continue serving Antigua and Barbuda.
“I 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.”
The ceremony was attended by government officials, diplomats, family members and supporters of both appointees.