New York, September 27, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, called on Friday for the removal of U.S. sanctions against countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

“We call for the lifting of sanctions against countries like Cuba; these are senseless measures that limit their economic development. It is time to break the chains of this outdated measure, which no longer serves the interests of our modern, interconnected world. Let us work together for a future based on respect and cooperation,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that the United Nations must address the issue of arms manufacturing and export. “I will address the crucial issue of small and light arms being exported from wealthy countries to our shores, creating instability and chaos. I urge the United States and other countries that produce these weapons to establish systems to limit the export of these lethal arms to our nations.”

He also called for serious attention to be given to climate justice, especially by the larger, more polluting nations.

Browne condemned the ongoing armed conflicts around the world. “Let us give peace a chance in Gaza, in Yemen. The anguish caused by wars spreads anguish across the world. It is humanity as a whole that bleeds. (…) Conflict kills not only the victims of bullets and bombs but also diminishes all of us as human beings.”