Antigua and Barbuda set to Ratify Treaty of San Jose at upcoming sitting of Parliament.
Attorney General the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin made the announcement during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime Security workshop on the Treaty of San Jose.
The treaty facilities regional cooperation in the suppression of illicit maritime and air trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances throughout the Caribbean Region.
Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defense Staff Antigua and Barbuda expressed his support for the development noting that discussions have been ongoing for years and he is pleased that this workshop is being held to finally bring into force the Treaty of San Jose which is critical in directing the path of Maritime protection within the twin island state.
Benjamin further mentioned that the treaty plays a critical role in helping the country to maximize its maritime resources and to forge greater connection and synergies with regional and international partners in assisting the island in protecting its vast ocean space.
Assistant Director Policy Strategy and Innovation CARICOM IMPACS Callixtus Joseph says though the country may be small in size, it’s a large ocean nation, which needs to further capitalize on its Blue economy, which could offer a broad horizon of benefits and opportunities to the island.
Joseph says, “With a land area of just over 440 square kilometers, Antigua and Barbuda commands a maritime space of more than 110,000 square kilometers—a domain that is 249 times larger than its landmass. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, this vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) grants Antigua and Barbuda sovereign rights over marine resources, including fisheries, energy production, and seabed minerals. This EEZ is not merely a geographic feature—it is an instrument of opportunity and a strategic national asset, central
to the country’s sustainable development.”
The Assistant Director, commends Antigua on hosting the workshop and signaling its commitment to the Treaty of San Jose. He added that the treaty is a tool of empowerment and the ratification will further help to protect Maritime from various security threats that have plagued the island and region for years.
He further inputs, “CARICOM IMPACS respectfully encourages the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to take the necessary steps to ratify the San José Treaty. Such a step would: Reinforce the country’s capacity to protect its vast ocean domain; Strengthen the legal foundation for maritime law enforcement operations; Expand the country’s access to shared operational frameworks; And demonstrate a clear commitment to regional security cooperation and ocean governance.”
Attorney General the Hon. Steadroy Benjamin, clarified that the twin island state will lead the way with the ratification of the treaty and will strengthen legislation pertaining to Maritime protection. Benjamin noted that the country notes the importance of the Blue economy hence the creation of a maritime division and with the further assistance from CARICOM IMPACS will further be equipped with the necessary tools to protect and also advance the Blue economy.
He further added that, “I cite the Framework Convention and the resulting Agenda in order to provide strong evidence of my country’s commitment to international law. During our four decades of sovereignty, Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated its strong and lasting adherence to the rule of law among states—especially so when our vital interests are at stake. The Treaty of San Jose, which forms the bedrock of our commitment to fighting the illegal trade in
narcotics and psychotropic substances, will get Antigua and Barbuda’s strong commitment and support.”
The Minister encourages all security agencies participating in the workshop to pay close attention to the information shared by regional and international professionals, as their insights and recommendations will help shape the country’s maritime strategy.
The Treaty is described as a robust, legal framework that enhances regional collaboration in the suppression of illicit maritime and air trafficking of narcotics and other transnational crimes. It acts as a tool of empowerment. It offers the legal certainty, procedural clarity, and a cooperative framework needed to: Interdict suspect vessels across jurisdictions; Board and search with mutual authorization; Share intelligence and strengthen maritime situational awareness; And ultimately assert sovereign control over one’s own maritime domain, in partnership with trusted regional actors.
The workshop will conclude on Tuesday June 17th 2025
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