Prime Minister Gaston Browne Advocates for Dialogue in Letter to U.S. President

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reached out to U.S. President Donald J. Trump, voicing Antigua and Barbuda’s concerns regarding the escalating military presence in the international waters shared by Caribbean nations. He has called for renewed diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Venezuela to avert further tensions in the Caribbean region.

In his correspondence, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed the Caribbean’s enduring commitment to being a Zone of Peace. He noted that the region has established itself as one of the few areas globally where tranquility and stability provide refuge in an increasingly chaotic international landscape.

He pointed out that the economies of small Caribbean states—especially those reliant on tourism—are particularly susceptible to geopolitical conflicts. “A mere suggestion of armed conflict in our waters sends shockwaves through hotel bookings, airlines, foreign investments, and the livelihoods of countless families,” the Prime Minister stated. He cautioned that military activity near Caribbean shores could cast “a long shadow” over an industry crucial to regional growth and economic security.

Prime Minister Browne encouraged President Trump to “trust your instincts, which, from what I have observed, are rooted in dialogue and negotiation,” emphasizing that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has indicated a readiness to engage in direct talks. He stressed that while diplomacy may be slow and imperfect, it “brings fewer sorrows than the alternatives.”

Antigua and Barbuda, as the Prime Minister highlighted, is prepared to support any international initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and fostering constructive dialogue. The letter reinforces the nation’s primary goal of safeguarding regional peace and ensuring that the Caribbean—“your near-shore neighbor and long-standing friend”—remains a bastion of stability.

In closing, Prime Minister Browne reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s respect for the United States and the enduring friendship between the two nations. “We cherish the United States as a friend and a force for good,” he asserted, advocating for diplomacy to take precedence.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has shown a commitment to collaborate with regional and international partners in promoting the peace, security, and prosperity of the Caribbean.