Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has once again positioned the twin-island nation as a rising voice in sustainable ocean development—this time on one of the world’s premier maritime stages.
The young minister travelled to Mumbai, India, where he participated in India Maritime Week 2025 and contributed to the second edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue. The international event brings together ministers, policy experts, academics, and sector leaders to shape global strategies for ocean governance and the Blue Economy.
Smith served as a featured panellist during Plenary 8: Oceans of Opportunity – Re-imagining the Global Blue Economy, sharing insights alongside other global policymakers. His intervention, focused heavily on human-capital development, drew notable attention from delegates.
“Our greatest ocean resource isn’t only the sea—it’s our people,” Smith told the audience. “To truly unlock the Blue Economy, we must invest in our youth, empower our women, and create opportunities that allow small island states like ours to lead with resilience and purpose.”
He highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s continued progress in advancing Blue Economy policies, with particular emphasis on the government’s Centre of Excellence for Ocean and Blue Economy (COBE). The initiative aims to train and empower a new generation of professionals equipped to lead the region’s ocean-based industries.
Delegates responded enthusiastically, especially young professionals and students who described the minister’s remarks as both relatable and forward-thinking. Smith also held side meetings with environmental engineers and researchers from the Indian Institute of Engineering and the Indian Institute of Science, exploring possible partnerships in marine innovation, ocean technology, and sustainability research.
The Minister was accompanied by Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy, who noted that the engagement reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most committed voices on ocean sustainability.
At just 30 years old, Smith continues to emerge as one of the region’s youngest and most ambitious leaders in ocean policy. His message in Mumbai was clear: small island states can—and must—play a central role in shaping the global Blue Economy.
“Antigua and Barbuda is ready to lead,” he affirmed.
Representing our islands in India shows how far our diplomacy and innovation have come.
India another helpful partner to Antigua and Barbuda
The indians need to show us how to tighten our systems against buying vehicles that governmenet dont know about
The blue-economy push is one of the few long-term development strategies that makes sense for small island states. Presenting it internationally helps attract partners who actually understand the value of sustainable oceans.