The four members of the Burning Flames band and one of the country’s long-serving ambassadors and historian, Lionel Max Hurst, top the list of awardees in the 2025 Antigua and Barbuda National Awards announced last evening during the Independence Ceremonial Parade.
The Burning Flames is a family band that took Antigua and Barbuda music across the globe with their unique beat and pulsating rhythm. The band is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and the government saw it as a fitting tribute to honour the members – brothers Toriano, Clarence and David Edwards and nephew Rone Watkins with one of the nation’s highest honours, To be Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation – KCN – For distinguished and outstanding contribution to music, culture and national development.
“Burning Flames have, for over four decades, exemplified artistic excellence, innovation, and national leadership. Their pioneering fusion of soca, calypso, reggae, and contemporary Caribbean rhythms has not only redefined the musical landscape of Antigua and Barbuda but has also earned them international acclaim, establishing them as global ambassadors of our nation. Through their music, they have inspired generations of musicians, energized Carnival celebrations, and carried the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of Antigua and Barbuda to audiences across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and beyond,” the Citation reads.
Ambassador Lionel ‘Max” Hurst has been equally honoured with the award of being named a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation, KCN, For distinguished contribution in the diplomatic service.
“Ambassador Lionel A. Hurst, Esq. has dedicated a lifetime to the advancement and representation of Antigua and Barbuda, distinguishing himself as a diplomat, legal expert, scholar, media personality, and national advisor. His career spans decades of exceptional service, including his tenure as Ambassador to the United Nations, where he chaired key international committees and represented the nation in numerous General Assembly sessions, and as Ambassador to the United States and Head of Mission in Washington, D.C. where he skillfully advocated for Antigua and Barbuda’s political and economic interests before the U.S. government, the World Bank, and other international institutions,” the Citation stated.
Other persons honoured this year include;
- FAUSTO FATTARELLI, ESQUIRE – To be Commander, the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation – CN – For exemplary service in the fields of economic and urban development.
- MRS CLAIRE ALTHEA WEST – To be Grand Cross, The Most Illustrious Order of Merit – GCM – For outstanding service in the fields of nursing and community service
- LIEUTENANT COLONEL DALTON ERIC GRAHAM – To be Grand Cross, The Most Illustrious Order of Merit – GCM – For outstanding service in the fields of national and community service
- ALEXANDRINA ATHENA BROWN – To be Grand Cross, The Most Illustrious Order of Merit – GCM – For outstanding contribution in the fields of education and community service
- ZONA IOTHA ICILMA BARTHLEY – To be Grand Cross, The Most Illustrious Order of Merit – GCM – For outstanding contribution in the fields of community service and youth development
- RONALD ‘Mayfield’ HOSIER, ESQUIRE – To be Grand Cross, The Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage – GCH – For outstanding contribution in cultural, community and artistic service
- NOVELLA PAYNE –To be Grand Cross, The Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage – GCH– For outstanding contribution to heritage entrepreneurship and community service.
