(L-R) – Zeina Hechme, Marie-Louise Francis, Kiz L. K. Johnson

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​The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has appointed women to several senior diplomatic and political positions, reflecting a renewed focus on gender equality and balanced leadership.

Marie-Louise Francis has been named Senior Trade, Investment and Diaspora Officer at the Consulate General in Miami, Florida, with plans to elevate her to Consul General in the New Year. An experienced attorney who has practiced in the United States, she is expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s trade and diplomatic presence in North America.

Zeina Hechme has been appointed Vice Consul at the Consulate General in Toronto, Canada. With over nine years of experience as a senior Foreign Service officer, she brings extensive diplomatic expertise to her new role.

Kiz L. K. Johnson, former Independent Senator and recently elected Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate for St. Philip’s South, will serve as a government-appointed Senator, further boosting female representation in the nation’s legislature.

The appointments are part of the Browne Administration’s broader effort to ensure leadership reflects the full diversity of Antiguan and Barbudan society. By promoting women to senior roles in diplomacy and governance, the government aims to strengthen decision-making, peace-building, and international engagement.

Antigua and Barbuda now joins a growing number of nations actively promoting gender equality in leadership, a move recognized as vital for sustainable development and national resilience.

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