Together We Shine: Our Success in Hosting SIDS 4”
On the Occasion of the Successful Hosting of
the 4th United Nations Conference on Small Island States (SIDS 4)
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans,
Today, I address you with a heart overflowing with pride and gratitude.
This past week, our beloved nation not only made history by hosting the 4th United Nations Conference on Small Island States (SIDS4), but also by demonstrating to the world the boundless capabilities of our united people.
We welcomed over 5,000 delegates to our shores from around the globe, an endeavour that many sceptics claimed was beyond our reach.
They doubted our capacity, questioned our readiness, and wondered at our ability to manage such a monumental event.
Yet, you, the people of Antigua and Barbuda, have proven them profoundly wrong.
With unwavering determination and exemplary commitment, you have showcased the indomitable spirit and resilience of our small nation.
Our taxi drivers, volunteer workers, airport staff, protocol officers, police force, public servants, medical officers, hotel staff, and every citizen played a pivotal role.
You provided unmatched hospitality and ensured the safety and comfort of our esteemed guests.
Not a single complaint of note was lodged – a testament to your dedication and patriotism.
As your Prime Minister, I am not only proud but deeply moved by the spirit of unity and excellence you have demonstrated.
Together, we have shown that Antigua and Barbuda can rise to the greatest challenges and perform to the highest standards.
Our leadership during this conference has echoed across continents.
We have been praised -even by representatives of the G7 countries – for our steadfast advocacy for the rights of small island states.
Our strong stance and persistent efforts have not only been evident in international forums like the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) but also at the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, where, on the eve of the SIDS 4 Conference, we secured a landmark unanimous decision in favour of our climate change advocacy.
This success is not mine alone – it is primarily yours.
It is the product of your resilience and the vibrant spirit that distinguishes our nation as special when we are faced with circumstances that are challenging.
The discussions at SIDS 4 have set the stage for significant global change, registering and emphasizing the urgent need for CO2 emission reductions, increased resilience against climate impacts, and the critical importance of debt restructuring and accessible concessional financing.
With these achievements, we have firmly positioned Antigua and Barbuda on a new trajectory of global respect and influence.
We will go forward from our small, but treasured small nation, to the centres of power to unlock the doors that have barred our access to more financing on better terms to catapult our nation into a brighter future.
The road ahead will not be easy; our battles will be hard fought; but we have shown our mettle.
We will not acquiesce; we will not surrender.
We will march onwards and upwards in pursuit of the rights, justice and happiness to which we are entitled.
Therefore, with a heart filled with immense gratitude and boundless pride, I thank each and every one of you.
You have accomplished a monumental task with grace and with competence that inspires profound respect.
We may be a small country, but we are mighty in our unity and determination.
In the words of Galatians, chapter 6 verse 9:
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Let us continue to move forward together, with our heads held high, determined to scale the highest heights of achievement, regardless of our size.
We are Antigua and Barbuda – small, yes… but also strong, steadfast, and full of courage.
May Almighty God continue to bless our beloved nation.
Thank you all.
Hon Gaston Browne
Prime Minister
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
SELF-CONGRATULATORY PRAISE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER. FOR GOODNESS SAKE MAN!
He’ll be making an award to himself for this soon – where’s my beer 🍻
😂😂😂
I believe BRIXTONIAN is GAY. He follows our Prime Minister very closely and just criticize. Get a life BRIXTONIAN. Go and follow those DUMB ,CRIMINALS in the UPP. Leave the WORLD BOSS alone.
BRIXTONIAN is NOT proud of Jamale Pringle..
Eh, check dis ting out! Antigua and Barbuda be flexin’ at SIDS 4 like no tomorrow, hosting 5,000 big shots from all ova! Dem skeptics must be scratchin’ deir heads now, ’cause we done showed ’em what we made of! Big up to Antiguans and Barbudans, keep it real, keep it shine! 🎉🌴 #RepresentingAtSIDS4 #AntiguaBarbudaStyle
Antigua boldly took on the enormous challenge of hosting such monumental event and executed it seamlessly. Well done to all who contributed to SIDS 4 success 👏 ✔️
Some people don’t know when the give up… It’s a boost for “OUR COUNTRY “ and fellow citizens but you had to be the bird brain. Go kick rocks
Written in the third person, emphasizing what we as Antiguans achieved. Regrettably. “I” slipped in a few times, notably, “This success is not mine alone – it is primarily yours”, spoilt the spirit, and tone that, I believe the PM meant to portray. Well done Antigua and Barbuda and well-done PM Gaston Browne.
Well done my peoples 👏 👍. A remarkable achievement. Proof positive that no matter our size, together we can achieve great and impactful things and we can lead the way in saving mankind. Planet earth will remain. Mankind can be snuffed out in just one natural disaster. Climate change is real my peoples.
Big up, Gassy!
WORLD BOSS. WORLD BOSS. As the WORLD BOSS said on Pointe Fm on Saturday, We shall CRUSH UPP next election.
I cannot understand why a professional radio such as Observer radio would have JOAN McEwen hosting a program. This woman is so DUNCE and out of control that makes you vomit. Mr.Knight please take back your show and drive Joan out of the studio. Joan is a disgrace to women.
@Brixtonian June 2, 2024 At 9:32 pm
Brix. I know it is hard for you to swallow, but the entire world has showered our country and our PM with praises. And the Secretary General of the UN has spared now effort in doing so. I really feel for you, but the more you show your hatred towards this Prime Minister of ours, the more you come out looking stupid. Best thing is to shut up and watch the movie. The Star of the Movie is Gaston Browne. The Movie is called Next Level Development. And the next Episode of this is called “Centre of Excellence”. Note this is not for dummies.
Gizelle Isaac Chairwoman of the UPP was asked by Daren Matthew Ward two weeks ago what she thought about the SIDS conference. And all she could say is that she was anxious that we do not make our country put to shame. But it was the UPP and the BPM that wanted to put our country to shame with their little protest. But no one really paid them any attention. I wonder what she will have to say now after the many praises we receive from all the delegates and people that visited the country. This was a moment that all of us could say and sing, Proud to be an Antiguan and Barbudan”. My proud moment was when our Prime Minister was handed the Presidency of the Conference. And how well did he carry out that task. I could not imagine Pringle or anyone of the UPP representing us so well. The would stumble over difficult words to read and just embarrass us in the entire world. God really has spared us that embarresment. Thank you Lord.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Why must everyone bring politics into everything?
I think our government should be commended for taking on the task of hosting SIDS 4. Hosting such a conference would obviously require a lot of resources and is not an easy task for a small island like ours.
I commend the Prime Minister for his vision. His remarks in this post was excellent and a sign of good leadership. He hardly took any credit and gave it all to his people.
Before you Gastonites pat yourselves on the backs about the so-called success of the SIDS4 conference.
LET’S JUST WAIT AND SEE SHALL WE?
Talks about talks isn’t ACTION …
I can recall the extensive damage to our mangroves during construction works, and to date I haven’t heard a pip-squeak outta Gassssston mout’
WHAT SAY YOU Gastonites?
TEK DAT TO GASTON BANK 😂😂😂
Comments are closed.