Antigua and Barbuda marks 45th Independence anniversary

Antigua and Barbuda is conducting a series of celebrations to mark its 45th anniversary of independence from Britain. The observances include National Heroes Day, where a ceremony at Heroes Park honored six national figures: Prince Klaas, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., Sir George Herbert Walter, Sir Lester Bryant Bird, Dame Georgiana Ellen “Nellie” Robinson, and Sir Vivian Richards.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed the nation during the heroes' ceremony, urging citizens to honor these legacies through service and national development. He emphasized that building a prosperous country requires collective responsibility and the rejection of division.

In the diaspora, members of the Antiguan and Barbudan community in New York held a church service in Harlem to launch the annual independence celebrations. During the service, Prime Minister Browne’s message, delivered by Dr. Walton Webson, highlighted government investments in infrastructure, education, and the creative industries as the nation moves toward its next chapter of independence.