Four decades of music and forty-plus years of building an outstanding nation blended beautifully for the perfect celebration of a nation on the move and a fitting tribute to four of Antigua and Barbuda’s most talented sons.
The annual Independence Gala, organized by the New York Offices of Antigua and Barbuda, served as a special tribute this year to the Burning Flames, whose members received one of the nation’s highest honors on Independence Day this year. While celebrating all its outstanding achievements for the past 44 years as a developing nation, the Gala also provided a red and gold tribute to the band members Sir Toriano ‘Onyan’ Edwards, Sir Clarence ‘Oungku” Edwards, Sir David ‘Bubb-I’ Edwards and Sir Rone ‘Foxx’ Watkins.
Together, the family band introduced a revolutionary sound to Caribbean music. Their legendary catalogue of hits has made a small nation proud, and they became living proof that our talents could stand toe to toe with the very best on the world stage.
For their legendary contribution to music and the culture of Antigua and Barbuda, the band received special awards from the New York Offices. And in a personal and heartfelt tribute, they were presented with memorabilia awards in the form of gold records and a brand-new set of musical instruments by their super fan, Eugene “Bobadilla” Otto, Kelly Morrissey and members of their family.
Sir Clarence, the bandleader of the musical tandem, expressed appreciation to all who turned out to make the gala a truly memorable celebration and said a place is already reserved for the instruments at a proposed museum on the property of their former band house in Potters.
When the Burning Flames released their first hit, Antigua and Barbuda was less than six years old as a nation. Its development was already flourishing into a thriving economy, and its citizens were reaping the benefits of its growth and success.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H. E. Walton Aubrey Webson, addressed the gathering, one of the largest in recent years, highlighting that the country’s rising standard of living is the product of a unified effort between citizens at home and those across the diaspora. He expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering service and for their continued support of the gala, which remains a cherished annual tradition.
Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene, delivered the evening’s feature address, reflecting on the nation’s 44 years of Independence. Drawing on this year’s theme, “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” he underscored the values essential to nation-building and revealed details of a new initiative designed specifically for the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from the many nationals who filled the Glen Island Harbour Club venue for the celebration.
Next year, Minister Greene announced, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will launch the “Solid, Stable, Soaring: Diaspora Investment Conference,” an initiative that invites the diaspora community to develop and submit project proposals in the areas of tourism, culture, and sports.
His call to fellow Antiguans and Barbudans was clear: “Be solid in your commitment to your homeland. Be a force for stability through your investments and engagement. And finally, help us soar by bringing your talents and treasures back to our shores.”
Following the evening’s inspiring speeches and well-deserved recognitions, Antiguans and Barbudans danced well into the morning to the music of their newly minted Knights, the Burning Flames, already looking ahead with excitement to next year’s milestone celebration marking 45 years of Independence.
The New York Offices would like to thank the event sponsors and partners again for their continued support – American University of Antigua College of Medicine, Arton Capital, Straberi Skincare & Lavish Beauty, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, PVBLIC Foundation, the Citizenship by Investment Unit, WTP Media and ABS Television and Radio.
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