Antigua and Barbuda’s Non-resident Ambassador to China, Brian Stuart-Young, is stepping down after 11 years in the role.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced his departure on Monday night during a farewell reception for outgoing Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yanling at Weatherill’s Restaurant.

Stuart-Young described his service as “a privilege to serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda as an adopted son.” He first visited China in 1983 as part of then–Prime Minister V.C. Bird’s inaugural delegation and was later appointed by Browne in 2014.

During his tenure, he helped advance key bilateral projects, including the seaport modernization, Booby Alley Housing Project, and the opening of Antigua and Barbuda’s embassy in Beijing in 2024.

Though based outside China, Stuart-Young said he maintained daily contact with embassy staff who continue to support students and military personnel there.

He called his ambassadorship a form of “giving back” to the nation he now calls home. A successor is expected to be named soon.