UN General Assembly
2004

I stand before the General Assembly of the United Nations with an equal measure of pride and humility. Of the more than 190 nations that make up the United Nations, Antigua and Barbuda is among the smallest in population and land mass. In the face of these strikingly modest statistics, my humility in standing at this renowned and universally respected podium will be readily understood. The fact that 21 Antigua and Barbuda is accorded the privilege to address the United Nations today is obvious cause for pride. On a personal note, I have just completed my first six months as Prime Minister in the first term of the party that was elected to govern Antigua and Barbuda on 23 March of this year. It is, therefore, a particular pleasure and a special personal privilege for me to be afforded this opportunity to take the podium at the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Secretary-General for the kind sentiments he graciously extended on the formation of my