First Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda Mission to the United Nations in New York, Mr. Claxton Duberry has added his voice to those supporting moves to end Colonialism across the world including the Caribbean

Duberry made his thoughts on the matter known at a meeting held in New York recently, held under the theme: “Implementation of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism: Innovative Steps to Ensure the Attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Non-Self-Governing Territories.”

Antigua and Barbuda serves on the Special Committee on the Situation regarding the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

The UN General Assembly Declaration states clearly “that all peoples have the right to self-determination, and that immediate steps should be taken to end colonialism unconditionally.”

“I take note that about fifty percent of the Non-Self-Governing Territories are within my region (the Caribbean). It is mind-boggling to say that this is my reality. This reality bears the fact that the process of decolonization is yet to be completed,” Duberry said.

He said the complete elimination of colonialism should remain top of the agenda of all nations

“As such, we must ensure as a body that the elimination of colonialism remains our priority. Greater attention is needed in my region. Madame Chairman I implore us to grab hold of the low-hanging fruits while at the same time embarking on a strong political will and shared compromise,” Mr. Duberry said

Mr. Duberry has been a long-standing member of the committee known as the Special Committee on Decolonization, or C-24 of the United Nations and as part of its work recently held its Regional Seminar in Bali, Indonesia from May 24-26.