The New York Offices of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda have organised two major activities to celebrate the country’s independence.
It is the first time since the start of the pandemic that full independence celebrations will be staged by the New York office.
This Sunday, Antiguans and Barbudans living in the tri-state area will come together to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Service.
It will take place this year at the Church of the Crucifixion at Convent Avenue in Harlem.
The service, which begins at 4:00pm, will be officiated by Reverend F. Craig Henry while the sermon will be delivered by Archdeacon Franklin Reid.
The Antigua and Barbuda International Chorale, under the direction of Dean Belgrave Pelle, will feature prominently.
The Chosen Generation will lead the congregation in a praise and worship segment and the City South Steel Orchestra will bring the melodious sounds of pan to the celebration.
“Our nation has survived a period that truly tested our collective will and fortitude as a people. It certainly is a timely occasion for us to give thanks for the many blessings that continue to fall on us as a nation,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Aubrey Webson.
The Independence Gala will feature entertainment by the legendary Burning Flames.
Tickets are already on sale for the Saturday November 12th event, which will take place at Mulino’s at Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York and can be purchased by calling 212-541-4117 or 646-215-6047 or by visiting the EventBrite website.
The proceeds from the event will be used to support the Mentorship Programme of the Antigua and Barbuda Associations United.
The association’s goal is to empower secondary school students in Antigua and Barbuda with the skills and knowledge to make informed educational and financial decisions in a competitive world.
Ambassador Webson, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the organisations and individuals who have sponsored the independence events.
They include Economic Envoy, Gisella Bru; Ambassador Hanna Akar; the American University of Antigua; Arton Capital, the Citizenship by Investment Unit; MBL Benefits Consulting; Monroe College and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
“We are extremely grateful to our sponsors this year. With their support they have identified with a cause that is both a meaningful and worthwhile initiative in strengthening the educational thrust of our young nation,” Ambassador Webson said.
Antigua and Barbuda’s 41st anniversary of Independence is being celebrated under the theme, Moving Forward with Unity, Strength and Stability.
