Antiguans and Barbudans poured into St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New York on Sunday and joined hands with fellow nationals to give thanks in prayer and song for the country’s 42 years of Independence.
Scores of nationals, many of whom were dressed in their national colours, attended the service, which offered an invaluable occasion to fellowship and reflect on the opportunities a blessed nation has provided so many Antiguans and Barbudans since Independence 42 years ago.
An Antiguan and Barbudan clergy corps officiated at the service while the congregation heard messages from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne as well as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson.
The sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl White-Lewis, a New Winthorpes native, whose message to the congregation was based on this year’s Independence theme, Embracing the Legacy, Shaping the Future.
“Embrace the legacy, but not without the word of the Lord,” Dr. White-Lewis preached, as she admonished Antiguans and Barbudans to never lose sight of their faith and the virtues of family in seeking to build a better life for themselves and to help in the development of their beloved nation.
Ambassador Webson, on behalf of the Mission, welcomed the many Antiguans and Barbudans who attended the service and commended them for the work they continue to do in building a strong and proud nation.
“Antigua and Barbuda has been tested by a variety of challenges over the past few years. But on sturdy knees we stand and with courage and resolve, we carry on. As a nation, we continue to rise to estimable heights, and our people, as resilient as they come, have stayed the course despite the obstacles,” he noted.
He further took advantage of the attention of the congregation to share the details of a major event that will engender a sense of pride among nationals as a result of the role the country will play in its organization and its final outcome.
He was referring to the 4th International Conference of Small Island States, which Ambassador Webson noted will establish a collective and decisive 10-year policy framework for action on the many issues affecting millions of the inhabitants of island nations around the globe.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s name will be attached to the outcome document, providing our nation with a lasting imprint on the pages of history and the way forward for all those affected by the many pressing issues affecting island states,” Ambassador Webson expressed.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tumasie Blair delivered Prime Minister Browne’s message to the congregation.
In the message, Prime Minister Browne noted that all indicators point to a bright future that every national is encouraged to embrace.
He reflected on the many accomplishments the government has been able to achieve including the establishment of the fourth landed campus of the University of the West Indies, the soon to be opened Harrison Technical and Vocational Centre and a rejuvenated economy that is already showing growth of six percent in 2023.
“In a world challenged by conflicts, we are at peace. We are moving forward at a steady pace towards building an economic powerhouse. We urge you to answer the call and join in the shaping of a bright, prosperous, and economically resilient future for our nation and people,” was the Prime Minister’s message.
Up next for the Antigua and Barbuda New York Office is the annual Independence Gala and Awards which will take place on Saturday November 18th at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle featuring the Original Burning Flames.
To reserve tickets to the gala, persons may call the Antigua and Barbuda New York Office at 212-541-4117 or 646-215-6013.
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We are building an ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE. WHERE AND WHEN DID I HEAR THOSE WORDS BEFORE AND FROM WHOM? IF WISHES WERE DONKEYS BEGGARS WOULD RIDE.
Independence, when the former colonial power still stages a governor general on the island?
@Dell.
What does it take to make some people realize a given, simple fact. “the former colonial power still stages a governor general on the island ” as you say. The Governor General is in place because Antigua and Barbuda like other countries are members of the British Commonwealth with King Charles The Third as its head. If you do not approve, as many do not, then lobby the government for Antigua and Barbuda to sever ties with the monarchy. Your problem solved. For your info other countries with a British Governor General include Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Australia has tested the waters to become a republic and its people said, no. Just ask Antiguans and Barbudans to give their opinion on the matter and hear their response. It’s either yes or no. Not rocket science by any means.
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