United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday afternoon to begin a familiarisation tour.
He was greeted at the airport by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer, Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles Fernandez and other government and diplomatic officials.
Guterres’ first stop was in Barbuda to see the devastation of hurricane Irma fist hand.
On return to Antigua, the UN official’s next stop was to meet with Barbudans at the National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) on Nugent Avenue which is presently operating as a shelter for Barbudans who were evacuated to Antigua. Hurricane Irma, on September 5, decimated the 62 sq mile island, leaving its inhabitants homeless.The vast majority of Barbudans were evacuated to Antigua in anticipation of being hit by Hurricane Jose a few days later.
Guterres was given a tour of the shelter where he observed living conditions, asked questions and socialised with the Barbudan people.
There is a media Briefing/Press Conference planned for the Office of the Prime Minister. 4:45 pm.
The UN Secretary General will leave Antigua on Sunday, October 8 to visit the nature isle of Dominica.
