WASHINGTON, CMC – The Biden administration in the United States has congratulated the islands of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda on their recent independence anniversary celebrations.
On November 3, 1978, Dominica achieved complete independence from Great Britain, with Patrick Roland John as its first prime minister.
Likewise, Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state from Great Britain on November 1, 1981, with Vere Cornwall Bird as its first prime minister.
On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated the people of Dominica on their 45th anniversary of independence.
“Dominica and the United States share an enduring commitment to tackling complex and critical issues, including climate resilience, energy security, and citizen security,” said Blinken. “Our partnership is based on shared democratic values and a common vision for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.”
He said the United States and Dominica will continue our work together under the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis (PACC 2030), which includes technical assistance to advance geothermal energy for the people of Dominica.
Blinken also said both countries will continue cooperation through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative to combat transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking.
“Best wishes from me and the American people for a happy and prosperous year ahead for all Dominica,” he said.
On Wednesday, Blinken congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on its 42nd anniversary of independence.
He also said the US and Antigua and Barbuda “share a commitment to democracy and a desire to promote a safe, resilient, and prosperous Caribbean region.”
Through the US-Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, Blinken said both countries have made “great strides in combating drugs and weapons trafficking.”
In addition, under the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030), the US Secretary of State said Washington pledges its close cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda on climate adaptation and resilience “with the urgency these challenges demand.”
“To all the people of Antigua and Barbuda, please accept congratulations from me and the American people on this joyous occasion,” he said.
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