Prime Minister Gaston Browne Hails Zhang Yanling as “An Extraordinary Ambassador”

Published
Prime Minister Gaston Browne Hails Zhang Yanling as “An Extraordinary Ambassador”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne Hails Zhang Yanling as “An Extraordinary Ambassador”
(photo by Everton Barnes)

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has described outgoing Chinese Ambassador H.E. Zhang Yanling as “an excellent and extraordinary diplomat” whose tenure in Antigua and Barbuda significantly deepened the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Speaking during a special reception hosted in her honour on Monday night, Prime Minister Browne said Ambassador Zhang distinguished herself through professionalism, humility, and decisive action—especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have been in politics for some 26 years and have interacted with many Chinese ambassadors,” Browne told the gathering. “But Ambassador Zhang stands out as one of the most effective and professional diplomats to ever serve here”.

He recalled that Zhang arrived in Antigua and Barbuda at a time of global uncertainty and immediately mobilized aid from Beijing—including vaccines and medical supplies—when the country needed it most.

The Prime Minister also credited her for spearheading critical development projects such as the Booby Alley Housing Redevelopment, as well as securing funding support for major international conferences like SIDS4 and the OAS General Assembly.

“It’s not very often that we hold farewell receptions for ambassadors,” Browne noted, “but this event speaks volumes about her impact and the affection she has earned.”

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/14/prime-minister-gaston-browne-hails-zhang-yanling-as-an-extraordinary-ambassador. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • SoLong October 14, 2025, 12:54 PM

    She was a good amabssador who represented her country welll
    Reply
  • Shana L October 14, 2025, 2:54 PM

    She help when Covid mash up everything. Those masks and vaccines from China help plenty people. Give jack he jacket.
    Reply
  • Linda October 14, 2025, 2:54 PM

    Give jack his jacket and Jacklyn her lipstick. She did well.
    Reply
  • Timothy J October 14, 2025, 2:57 PM

    Thank you for assisting Antigua in times of need. Your assistance has come a long way Ambassador Zhang Yanling.
    Reply
  • Timothy J October 14, 2025, 2:59 PM

    Thank you Ambassador Zhang Yanling for assisting Antigua in times of need. Your assistance has gone a long way
    Reply
  • Unruly One October 14, 2025, 3:09 PM

    Well she definitely do her part. China been real active here, and she always seem polite and respectful. Antigua need more like she
    Reply
  • Tromos October 14, 2025, 4:02 PM

    She was visible though. You always see she at events, schools, and community thing. Not like some diplomats who just disappear till Independence.
    Reply
  • Ash October 14, 2025, 10:15 PM

    Every time a diplomat leave is pure sweet talk. All ah dem “extraordinary” and “professional.” Me just hope the next one bring some jobs and not more loans
    Reply
  • Anonymous October 15, 2025, 6:47 AM

    He will hail the next one same way, once the dollars keep rolling
    Reply
  • Starch October 15, 2025, 10:37 AM

    To be fair, China been good to Antigua Booby Alley, the port, the roads, the housing. She deserve the thanks
    Reply
  • Mai October 16, 2025, 11:14 AM

    Love your jacket Gaston
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section