Dear Editor,
Antigua and Barbuda’s continued backing of María Fernanda Espinosa for United Nations Secretary-General is an unpleasant and ill-advised development that strains Caribbean solidarity, trust and unity. Supporting a competing candidate while CARICOM rallies behind Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett betrays the spirit of regional cooperation.
The chronology deserves accuracy: Antigua nominated Espinosa in May, before Guyana nominated Rodrigues-Birkett in June. Nevertheless, CARICOM’s subsequent endorsement of Rodrigues-Birkett created a compelling opportunity to unite behind a Caribbean candidate. Antigua must explain why it continues to pursue a competing bid despite that collective, regional position.
The argument for appointing a woman falls flat, as Rodrigues-Birkett is a female, with strengthened indigenous heritage, to wit. If selected, she would become both the first woman and the first Caribbean person to lead the United Nations. Her appointment remains undecided, making regional unity particularly valuable at this stage.
Antigua has the sovereign right to choose its candidate. It must also accept scrutiny of the diplomatic consequences. How can Caribbean governments confidently seek one another’s support on climate financing, security, territorial integrity and international appointments if collective endorsements fail to produce coordinated action?
The damage could outlast this contest. Such divisions invite doubts about whether regional commitments can be trusted when they matter most. Small states strengthen their influence through dependable partnerships; public disunity weakens their collective voice.
Antigua should reconsider its position, consult its CARICOM partners and support Rodrigues-Birkett. Caribbean solidarity requires governments to honour the cooperation they ask others to extend. Charity begins at home, Antigua and Barbuda!
Yours truly,
Hon. Albert Baldeo
Former Magistrate, Senior State Counsel and State Prosecutor (GUYANA); Community Leader, Judicial Delegate (NY,USA); President, Guyana Beyond Borders
Editor’s Note:
