Governor General Sir Rodney Williams has reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the Caribbean as a “Zone of Peace,” urging the peaceful settlement of disputes and warning against the use of force in regional waters.
Delivering Thursday’s Throne Speech at the opening of Parliament, Sir Rodney said, “My Government continues to advocate for the Caribbean region and its environs to be considered ‘A Zone of Peace’. And, my Government joins with all others to advocate for the peaceful settlement of disputes between States and to eschew the use of force.”
He also raised concern about aggressive actions at sea, pointing to the risks they pose to smaller vessels. “The use of lethal force against fishing vessels and other small craft in the Caribbean Sea cannot be deemed lawful,” he said.
The appeal comes as part of the government’s broader foreign-policy agenda outlined in the speech, which emphasized stability, diplomacy and regional security cooperation.
Sir Rodney’s remarks underscore Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding position within CARICOM and other multilateral forums, where the country has repeatedly urged larger powers to avoid escalating tensions in Caribbean waters.
