By Briana Anthony

Her Excellency Yolanda Alexandra Victoria, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Antigua and Barbuda, officially presented her credentials to Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne and His Excellency Ambassador Clarence E. Pilgrim on Monday.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Browne spoke warmly about the longstanding and robust partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of continuing to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship.

“Our countries share a history of collaboration and mutual respect, and it is my hope that this relationship continues to grow and evolve in the years to come,” stated Prime Minister Browne.

One of the key points highlighted by the Prime Minister was the potential for expanding educational cooperation, particularly through student exchanges.

He proposed exploring avenues for collaboration at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus and discussed the possibility of establishing joint programs between UWI and universities in the Dominican Republic.

PM Browne and Yolanda Alexandra Victoria (Photo Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

“The exchange of students between our nations, as well as the establishment of collaborative academic programs, could enhance the development of both of our countries and build stronger people-to-people ties,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Browne also touched upon the economic cooperation between the two nations, mentioning the movement of people between Antigua and the Dominican Republic on a daily basis and the opportunities for expanding trade, particularly through a free trade agreement.

He expressed hope that such an agreement would enhance the flow of goods, benefiting both nations and contributing to food security in the region.

“By exploring ways to import essential goods from the Dominican Republic, we can work together to strengthen food security and ensure a more resilient future for our citizens,” said the Prime Minister.

Ambassador Pilgrim extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Victoria and spoke of the exciting prospects for deepening the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.

“We look forward to strengthening this bilateral partnership and exploring new avenues of collaboration that benefit our countries and people,” said Ambassador Pilgrim.

Ambassador Yolanda Alexandra Victoria expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated the Dominican Republic’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Antigua and Barbuda.

“It is an honor to represent the Dominican Republic here in Antigua and Barbuda, and I look forward to working closely with the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties,” Ambassador Alexandra said.

Both sides expressed optimism for the future and the potential to create new opportunities for collaboration, growth, and prosperity. As Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic continue to strengthen their partnership, both countries remain committed to advancing shared goals and enhancing cooperation in various sectors.