Government Appoints Diaspora Officer, Plans 2026 Diaspora Forum
The government has appointed Dr. Davery as a dedicated Diaspora Officer, a move Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene said is intended to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s engagement with its overseas nationals.
Greene made the announcement during his 2026 Budget presentation in Parliament, saying the appointment reflects a renewed commitment to the diaspora community, particularly those based in New York and other major overseas hubs.
He said the role is aimed at building a stronger and more structured relationship with Antiguans and Barbudans living abroad, beyond traditional consular services.
Greene also announced plans for a Diaspora Business Forum to be held in St. John’s in 2026, with the timing expected to align with the Carnival season. He said the scheduling is intended to make it easier for members of the diaspora to participate without requiring multiple trips home.
The minister said the forum will focus on encouraging investment and knowledge transfer, noting that while remittances remain important, the government wants deeper economic engagement from overseas nationals.
“We can’t just be talking about remittances,” Greene told Parliament, adding that the forum is designed to create space for serious business discussions that support national development.
Greene said the initiative will be open to the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora worldwide and is part of a broader effort to convert overseas connections into long-term economic partnerships.
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Congratulations Dave!
What the heck is a diaspora officer? Waste tax payer money for Dave to travel on Antiguas money? Curious to see what the expected outcomes and what metrics he will be measured by. This government think people fooley
Davisha song for the position . All about the minions .
Dave Ray is one of their mouth piece on any news article on ANR . He been singing their songs and drinking the Red cool-aid in New York.So he will try to get some more Persons on the ABLP CHOIR . This is what you call singing for your supper. Trump is getting ready to deny them so from getting their medication.so why not get paid to sing for a little change
Congratulations to you Dr Dave Ray.
Here’s hoping that you’ll bring a sense of balance and fair play to this very important but undervalued role.
I’ve mentioned time and time again, that the diaspora has been well overlooked, and $ for $ they spend a lot more money locally than the average tourist whose money is tied to hotels and other financial packages, rather than on the locals.
Many of the diaspora are returning to these shores (especially after the racist undertones in the US, UK and Europe) to build, giving our local tradesmen and building contractors a much welcomed boost.
It’ll be interesting to witness if you change your ways drastically. I for one hope not. Stay you sir.
We support different political parties, but I’ve always respected your intellect and coherent views.
Well done again Dave 👏🏾
Waste of money! Waste of time! Period! Wasn’t this the same title he had, since, 2014?
The People in the Diaspora MUST push for…
A…the members of the Upper House MUST be elected by the People, rather than SELECTED by their masters to be rubber stamps and clones for their shenanigans and corruption.
B…the General Election Date MUST be set to a specific month and date every five (5) years, rather than being left up to the whims, schisms of anyone individual or group.
C…All Antiguans and Barbudans who were born in Antigua, Barbuda & REDONDA, regardless as to whether they become citizens of another Nation, MUST be able to sit in the Parliament without renouncing the citizenship of the other Nation. Certain requirements like residency can be worked out.
D…the Citizens in the Diaspora should be able to vote either at an Embassy, Consulate or by ABSENTEE BALLOTS. The registration process can be handled by an Embassy/Consulate or when they are in Antigua/Barbuda.
The question now begs, why is a separate Government Department outside of the Embassy’s or Consulate required to deal with the business and issues related to them.
It’s just the same #Paper_Pushing policies which stagnate businesses in the Nation.
A well designed and managed WEBSITE will probably be more effective and efficient.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
The COME RAIDS milking the poor treasury. Hope Faithful National #1 isn’t jealous.
Congrats Madame, you worked hard no hell for this
This man has been song for his supper a long time now.
In practice there has been no Consulate since Gaston Browne became Prime Minister, and the Dyaspora has continued to thrive until Donald Trump became President.
Strange title given he has been campaigning for a job of done sorts for over 15 years.
The Antigua and Barbuda Diplomatic Corps has generally been political operatives so he’ll fit right in.
Dave Ray excelled as a hairdresser, hopefully he will rise to given he has campaigned for a diplomatic related job of sorts for over 15 years.
Given this is an unconventional and made up title;I can see the need for a person dedicated to handling the situation with increased deportations.
Dyaspora what are the responsibilities of this new head count on the public payroll.
Is Dave Ray intended to carry out the functions of an Assistant Council under the supervision of the UN Representative.
With regards to the Dyaspora Forum, Minister Chet Greene first needs to embark on the process of bring efficiency to Government operations.
The Dyaspora is use to efficient processes and service. Antigua and Barbuda is a long way from that.
I can incorporate a company in 24 hrs if it’s a C Corporation and an LLC or an S Corp at the cost of $100. plus the cost of ads in local newspapers another $100.
In Antigua and Barbuda the publish attorneys would make your head spin.
Message to Chet Greene and I’ll shout it from Minks Hill.
Only a fool and his money will be at your Dyaspora Forum.
In practice there has been no Consulate since Gaston Browne became Prime Minister, and the Dyaspora has continued to thrive until Donald Trump became President.
Strange title given he has been campaigning for a job of done sorts for over 15 years.
The Antigua and Barbuda Diplomatic Corps has generally been political operatives so he’ll fit right in.
Dave Ray excelled as a hairdresser, hopefully he will rise to given he has campaigned for a diplomatic related job of sorts for over 15 years.
Given this is an unconventional and made up title;I can see the need for a person dedicated to handling the situation with increased deportations.
Dyaspora what are the responsibilities of this new head count on the public payroll.
Is Dave Ray intended to carry out the functions of an Assistant Council under the supervision of the UN Representative.
With regards to the Dyaspora Forum, Minister Chet Greene first needs to embark on the process of bring efficiency to Government operations.
The Dyaspora is use to efficient processes and service. Antigua and Barbuda is a long way from that.
I can incorporate a company in 24 hrs if it’s a C Corporation and an LLC or an S Corp at the cost of $100. plus the cost of ads in local newspapers another $100.
In Antigua and Barbuda the publish attorneys would make your head spin.
Message to Chet Greene and I’ll shout it from Minks Hill.
Only a fool and his money will be at your Dyaspora Forum.
Well said @Ras Smood