MUMBAI, India — Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., has positioned the twin-island nation as a leading Caribbean voice in sustainable ocean development, representing the country at India Maritime Week 2025.
Smith participated in the second edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue, an international gathering of ministers, policymakers, and industry leaders focused on advancing global ocean governance and the Blue Economy.
As a featured panellist during Plenary 8: Oceans of Opportunity – Re-imagining the Global Blue Economy, Smith shared insights alongside international policymakers, emphasizing the importance of human-capital development for small island states.
“Our greatest ocean resource isn’t only the sea—it’s our people,” Smith told delegates. “To truly unlock the Blue Economy, we must invest in our youth, empower our women, and create opportunities that allow small island states like ours to lead with resilience and purpose.”
He outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s progress in advancing Blue Economy policies, highlighting the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Ocean and Blue Economy (COBE), which aims to train and empower future professionals to lead regional ocean industries.
Delegates, particularly young professionals and students, responded positively to Smith’s address, describing his contribution as both inspiring and forward-thinking.
During the visit, Smith held discussions with environmental engineers and researchers from the Indian Institute of Engineering and the Indian Institute of Science on potential collaborations in marine innovation, ocean technology, and sustainability research.
He was joined by Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy, who said the engagement underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a regional leader in ocean sustainability.
At 30, Smith continues to emerge as one of the Caribbean’s youngest advocates for ocean policy. His message in Mumbai was clear: small island states can—and must—shape the global Blue Economy.
“Antigua and Barbuda is ready to lead,” he affirmed.
