Mayor’s Office Commemorates 44th Independence of Antigua and Barbuda with
Inaugural Flag-Raising Ceremony
New York, NY – December 1, 2025 – The Mayor’s office of New York City Hall
celebrated the 44th independence of Antigua and Barbuda with an inaugural flag-
raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan. The event brought together
various agencies from the Mayor’s office, showcasing the collective efforts in
organizing this significant occasion.
Initiated by Antiguan-born Mrs. Lynelle Maginley-Liddle, NYC Commissioner of
the Department of Corrections, the planning of the ceremony was spearheaded by
US Diaspora Liaison, Dr. Dave Ray and the Consulate Affairs team, including Mrs.
Joy Wehner, who also acted as the host of the proceedings.
The invocation was delivered by our own, Rev. Elouise Hill-Challenger, setting a
solemn and celebratory tone for the gathering. Attendees heard remarks from
prominent figures including Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green
Association; John Matthews, Financial Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda
Progressive Society; NYC Appellate Court Associate Judge, The Hon. Marsha D.
Michael, also born in Antigua; Deputy Commissioner Dilipkumar Chauhan in
Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Dr. Ray from the Consul General Office
of Antigua and Barbuda.
Additionally, the New York State Assembly team member, Mrs. Sandra Reid
presented a citation to Dr. Ray and UN Ambassador, the Hon. Dr. Walton Aubrey
Webson who spoke about the deep historic ties between New York and Antigua
and Barbuda, tracing back to the 16th century, suppling sugar and indigo to New
York when the island was one of richest in the Caribbean under Dutch control
before America gained its independence.
The ceremony featured Barbudan trumpeter Trevaughn Thomas and his team,
adding a vibrant musical element to the event. The flag will remain on display for
one to two weeks, and this ceremony is anticipated to become an annual tradition
celebrating the independence of Antigua and Barbuda. The Color Guards and
Honor Guards with Corrections Law Enforcement were on hand to celebrate this
event.
The event was well attended by many transplanted Antiguans and Barbudans,
alongside members of the CARICOM Consular Corps from Dominica, St. Kitts and
Nevis, and Grenada, reinforcing a spirit of unity and shared heritage within the
Caribbean co
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