Statement by the Rt. Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Chairman of the OECS Authority, on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of the State of Qatar
OECS Media Release
On behalf of the Heads of Government and the people of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), I extend our deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Government and people of the State of Qatar, and the Al Thani family on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar. His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in modern statecraft and national transformation.
The Father Emir will be remembered as a visionary whose bold leadership transformed Qatar from a small Gulf nation into one of the world's most influential centres of innovation, diplomacy, education, investment and international cooperation. Guided by strategic foresight and an unwavering belief in the capacity of his people, he demonstrated that a nation's influence is measured not by its size, but by the clarity of its vision, the strength of its institutions, and the confidence with which it embraces the future.
His legacy extends far beyond the borders of Qatar. Through his commitment to dialogue, development, education, humanitarian engagement and international partnership, he offered the world a compelling example of how enlightened leadership can transform national resources into enduring human progress. His stewardship inspired many developing states to think more boldly about their own possibilities and to invest with confidence in future generations.
The OECS recognises in the Father Emir's life important lessons for small states everywhere. His belief that vision, strategic planning, investment in human capital, and engagement with the global community can redefine a nation's destiny resonates deeply with our own aspirations for sustainable development, resilience and shared prosperity.
As the people of Qatar mourn the loss of their Father Emir, they may also take comfort in the enduring institutions he built, the opportunities he created, and the international respect he earned for his country. His legacy will continue to shape Qatar's future and will remain an inspiration to nations across the world.
At this time of profound sorrow, the OECS stands in solidarity with the leadership and people of the State of Qatar.·We pray that Almighty God grants His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani eternal peace and comforts all who mourn his passing.
May his memory continue to inspire generations to come.
OECS Communications Unit