Prime Minister Gaston Browne expresses relief at the fact that the United States’ military strikes on Venezuela ended quickly, stressing that a drawn‑out conflict would have posed serious risks for the Caribbean.

On the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, he said the region should be grateful that the Venezuelan people avoided widespread casualties. He also said Antiguans and Barbudans should be “happier for ourselves,” as the country has likely escaped the economic and social strain a long conflict could have caused.

Browne said his position is shaped by a mix of realism and optimism, rooted in protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s national interests. He expressed hope that tensions will ease and stability will soon return.

He noted that Venezuela’s twenty‑five per cent ownership of the West Indies Oil Company could lead to new opportunities, including talks with a future Venezuelan administration to expand fuel, storage and bunkering services across the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister encouraged the public to stay calm and hopeful, saying he believes any instability will be temporary and that 2026 still holds promise for Antigua and Barbuda.

His statements came after pre‑dawn US strikes in Caracas on Saturday ended with the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Reports indicate they were taken to New York to face drugs and weapons charges.

Browne said his government will continue monitoring developments closely while putting peace, regional stability and the protection of Antigua and Barbuda’s economic and strategic interests at the forefront.