Caracas, March 29, 2025 – Lance Browne, Senior Consular Affairs Officer of Antigua and Barbuda, highlighted this Saturday that the Agroalba food sovereignty program will further strengthen the solidarity of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).

During the 25th Political Council of the regional bloc, held at Casa Amarilla Antonio José de Sucre in Caracas, Browne asserted that now more than ever, the unity of the Bolivarian Alliance is both important and essential.

“We are meeting in an unpredictable period for the hemisphere, with the potential for tremendous immediate implications in establishing meaningful dialogue among key actors of our ongoing solidarity,” he stated.

“It is absolutely crucial—now more than ever—that we stand united to manage the possible economic, political, and social consequences. Now is the time—the time for strategic diplomatic engagement and regional solidarity,” he declared.

The Senior Consular Affairs Officer of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that, as governments, we have the responsibility to ensure that our region remains a zone of peace, “fostering economic stability and sustainable growth for all independent citizens. We must continue to defend our sovereignty, guided by the noble ideals of the exemplary leaders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez, for a united Latin America and the Caribbean.”

He stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, aimed at promoting friendly and cooperative relations, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to the commitment of non-intervention—whether direct or indirect—in the internal affairs of any state.

“It is essential to foster a culture of peace and promote nuclear disarmament. Therefore, it is important—indeed, imperative—that we continue our efforts to implement the programs identified for the development of ALBA member countries, as concrete responses to the political threats currently imposed by the United States,” he warned.

According to the diplomat, “It is our collective dedication to functional cooperation that will help us navigate these consequences. The current Agroalba initiative is a key strategic plan that will further reinforce our solidarity as the ALBA family, with the potential to transform the agricultural landscape.”