Antigua and Barbuda Government Elevates Women to Key Diplomatic and Political Posts

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St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — 5th December 2025……Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment through a series of strategic appointments to top diplomatic and legislative positions. The new appointments reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen representation, harness legal and foreign-service expertise, and draw on the unique talents women bring to national and international service.
Among the new appointments:

  • Marie Louise Francis has been named Senior Trade, Investment and Diaspora Officer at the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in Miami, Florida, with government intentions to appoint her as Consul General within the New Year. Ms. Francis is an attorney-at-law who has practiced in the United States.
  • Zeina Hechme has been appointed Vice Consul at the Antigua and Barbuda Consulate General in Toronto, Canada. Ms. Hechme brings over nine years of experience in the Foreign Service as a senior Foreign Service officer.
  • Kiz L. K. Johnson, former Independent Senator and recently elected Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate for St. Philip’s South constituency, will now be appointed to the Senate on the government’s benches, strengthening female representation in national governance.
    These appointments come within a broader context of the Prime Minister Browne Administration’s dedication to advancing women into leadership roles. In recent addresses, Prime Minister Browne has called for greater female political participation and underscored the need for balanced gender representation in public office.
    Globally, increased representation of women in diplomacy and foreign policy enhances decision-making, strengthens peace-building efforts, and brings diverse perspectives to international relations. By making these appointments, Antigua and Barbuda join a growing number of nations proactively promoting gender parity in diplomacy and governance.
    Prime Minister Browne and his Cabinet believe these appointments mark an important step toward transforming the promise of gender equity into concrete action. The Government remains committed to empowering women, nurturing talent, and ensuring that leadership reflects the full diversity of Antiguan and Barbudan society. As noted in recent national statements, the Government sees gender equality not only as a matter of justice but as essential to sustainable development—and vital for strengthening institutions and national resilience. (Ends)

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9 COMMENTS

  1. DEEEEEFLECTION #21

    After the recent unbalanced comparisons between Malaka Parker and Maria Bird-Browne, Gaston Browne had to address the lack of intelligent and capable women from entering the party.

    He had to do something, because many of us know women living right here in Antigua that are a lot more capable of running Maria Bird-Browne’s Ministerial office with one arm tied behind their backs.

    Nepotism carn work yah so

  3. Nice soundbite ANTIGUAFIRST.

    Challenge me word for word nah, that’s if you can. I dare you. I double dare you.

    Come on, Brixtonian is still looking for some worthwhile ABLP competition.

    I really miss the cut and thrust of Dr Dave Ray’s comments 😉

  7. Seeing more women in high-level positions helps inspire the next generation. Progress doesn’t always happen fast, but it does matter

Comments are closed.