Prime Minister Gaston Browne
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda has no interest in allowing any foreign military presence on its shores, even as the United States seeks to deepen regional security cooperation with Eastern Caribbean nations.
Speaking ahead of a two-day visit by U.S. Southern Command Commander General Alvin Holsey, Browne reaffirmed his government’s position that the twin-island state will not host any form of military installation or equipment.
“I can assure you that Antigua and Barbuda has absolutely no interest in hosting any form of military assets here in the country,” the Prime Minister said in an interview.
General Holsey is scheduled to visit Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada from October 14 to 15, meeting with Browne and Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. The U.S. Embassy in Barbados said the visit highlights Washington’s ongoing commitment to working with Eastern Caribbean partners to advance regional security and stability.
While Grenada has disclosed that it is considering a U.S. request to establish a radar system at Maurice Bishop International Airport, Browne made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda will not be following a similar path.
Browne’s comments come at a time when the Caribbean continues to attract attention from global powers seeking greater engagement in regional security. However, the Prime Minister maintained that Antigua and Barbuda’s focus remains on peace, neutrality, and non-alignment in foreign affairs.
That’s the right call. We don’t need to get dragged into anybody’s wars Antigua should stay neutral and peaceful.
While I get the peace argument, having some level of defense cooperation could strengthen our security.
Thank you PM Browne. Let’s not get wrapped up in these people affairs
AMEN
100% agree with the Prime Minister. Antigua small and peaceful we don’t need no foreign base or radar bringing other people’s war problems here. Keep the island a Zone of Peace, just so! 🇦🇬✌🏽
Hosting military assets is a trap. Today it’s a radar, tomorrow it’s a “joint operation,” and the next day you in the middle of global conflict. No thank you Antigua must stay neutral and free.
This is one of those decisions where pride meets strategy. Sovereignty is not just a word it’s a principle we must defend. PM Browne seems to understand that fully
Rass Gassy Dread right this time. Once you start letting big powers set up equipment, next thing you know you have troops, weapons, and drama. Antigua too small for that headache.
Dont know wa d big deal is about this but whatever
Antigua needs assistance with securing its waters and shores. If the cooperation is negotiated well, it could be a big win for Antigua in fighting drugs, guns and human trafficking that’s affecting our small island.
We’ve come too far to let foreign powers start setting up camp again. Gaston right Antigua belongs to Antiguans, not the U.S., not China, not nobody else.