From left: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne shakes hands with Prime Minister of Jamaica and Chair of CARICOM, Andrew Holness. Photo: Antigua News Room

Speaking during the final plenary session of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Prime Minister Gaston Browne underscored the immense potential for enhanced collaboration and economic partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean.

“There are tremendous opportunities for our region to deepen cooperation with Africa – particularly in trade, e-commerce, agriculture and sports. But most critically, the establishment of direct air links will serve as the catalyst for unlocking these possibilities,” Prime Minister Browne stated.

The prime minister emphasised that air connectivity remains a critical enabler for strengthening economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. He reflected on Antigua and Barbuda’s past efforts to initiate direct flights through a partnership with Air Peace, which faced operational challenges.

“We must ensure that any future attempt to bridge the Caribbean and Africa by air is better managed, with the risks mitigated through proper planning and collective support,” he cautioned.

To this end, Prime Minister Browne proposed a strategic investment – both public and private – in the acquisition or leasing of at least two wide-body aircraft to facilitate regular passenger and cargo movement between the two regions.

“This is not only an economic imperative but an historical and cultural one. We must invest in the infrastructure that connects our people and builds a stronger transatlantic partnership rooted in shared heritage and mutual advancement,” he concluded.

Antigua and Barbuda will continue to champion this initiative leading up to the Africa-CARICOM Summit, positioning regional air connectivity as a cornerstone of future cooperation with the African continent.