Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed optimism following the brief U.S. military strike on Venezuela. He said the short duration and limited damage brought reassurance to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean. Importantly, he noted that there were no confirmed reports of significant civilian casualties during the operation.

Moreover, Browne said Caribbean citizens should be thankful that the situation did not escalate. He explained that a prolonged conflict could have caused serious regional disruption. Therefore, he stressed that Antigua and Barbuda avoided economic and social instability.

Additionally, the Prime Minister said citizens at home should feel reassured. He pointed out that an extended war could have affected trade, fuel supply, and travel. Instead, the region appears to have avoided long-term fallout.

At the same time, Browne said he hopes tensions will now ease across the region. He emphasized that his leadership has always focused on defending national interests. Consequently, he continues to monitor developments closely.

Furthermore, Browne highlighted possible economic opportunities ahead. He referenced the 25 percent stake held by Venezuela’s state-owned oil company in the West Indies Oil Company. As a result, he suggested this could open doors for negotiations with Venezuela’s new leadership.

In particular, he said WIOC could expand its role in bunkering, storage, and fuel supply. He added that such developments could benefit Antigua and Barbuda and other Caribbean nations.

However, Browne made clear that his views are not hostile. Instead, he described himself as both a realist and an optimist. Likewise, he urged Antiguans and Barbudans to remain calm, strong, and hopeful.

He also stressed that the U.S. military presence in the Caribbean is temporary. Additionally, he reaffirmed confidence that 2026 remains a strong year for Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister spoke after the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. forces detained them during a strike on January 3, 2026. They were later flown to New York to face charges related to drug and weapons trafficking.

Meanwhile, no official death toll has been released. However, Venezuela’s Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López claimed members of Maduro’s security detail were killed. He also alleged civilian and military deaths, though these claims remain unconfirmed.

Finally, former President Maduro is expected to appear before a New York court at noon on Monday, January 5, 2026.

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