Young Leadership, Bold Vision: Minister Anthony Smith Jr. Champions the Blue Economy on Global Stage by Marver Woodley

Mumbai, India — November 2025

Recently, the Honourable Anthony Smith Jr., Antigua and Barbuda’s dynamic Minister of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, made waves on the global stage during India Maritime Week 2025, where he participated in the second edition of Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue—one of the world’s leading ocean and maritime policy events.

Representing the twin-island nation, Minister Smith took part as a key panellist in Plenary 8: Oceans of Opportunity – Re–imagining the Global Blue Economy, where he joined other ministers, policymakers, and international industry leaders in discussions on how nations can harness the potential of the oceans while protecting the planet and empowering their people.

With a commanding yet youthful presence, Minister Smith’s contribution to the discussion drew strong attention and admiration. Speaking passionately on capacity building and human capital development, he emphasized that the Blue Economy must be people-centred, driven by innovation, inclusion, and education.

“Our greatest ocean resource isn’t only the sea—it’s our people,” the Minister declared. “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 highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s strides in Blue Economy development, showcasing the government’s commitment to training, research, and partnerships, particularly through the Centre of Excellence for Ocean and Blue Economy (COBE)—a flagship initiative focused on empowering the next generation of ocean leaders.

The Minister also reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s belief that education and regional collaboration are key to transforming the Caribbean’s Ocean future. His remarks received an enthusiastic response—not just from his ministerial peers—but from the many young professionals and students in the audience who viewed his message as both relatable and inspiring.

Following the plenary, Minister Smith engaged in lively discussions with environmental engineers and researchers from the Indian Institute of Engineering and the Indian Institute of Science, exploring new partnerships in ocean technology, marine innovation, and sustainability research.

Accompanied by Ms. Marver Woodley, Senior Operations and Policy Manager within the Department of the Blue Economy, the Minister’s presence at Sagarmanthan underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a Caribbean leader in sustainable ocean development.

As one of the youngest government ministers in the region, Smith’s participation signals a new generation of leadership—one that blends vision with action, and diplomacy with determination. His message in Mumbai was clear: the future of the Blue Economy belongs to the bold, the skilled, and the prepared—with Antigua and Barbuda is ready to lead.