https://antiguanewsroom.com/barbudans-want-discussions-on-their-own-national-flag/?swcfpc=1Mayor’s Office Commemorates 44th Independence of Antigua and Barbuda withInaugural Flag-Raising CeremonyNew York
celebrated the 44th independence of Antigua and Barbuda with an inaugural flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Park in Manhattan.
The event brought togethervarious agencies from the Mayor’s office, showcasing the collective efforts inorganizing this significant occasion.
Initiated by Antiguan-born Mrs. Lynelle Maginley-Liddle, NYC Commissioner ofthe Department of Corrections, the planning of the ceremony was spearheaded byUS Diaspora Liaison, Dr. Dave Ray and the Consulate Affairs team, including Mrs.Joy Wehner, who also acted as the host of the proceedings.
The invocation was delivered by our own, Rev. Elouise Hill-Challenger, setting asolemn and celebratory tone for the gathering. Attendees heard remarks fromprominent figures including Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green
Association; John Matthews, Financial Secretary of the Antigua and BarbudaProgressive Society; NYC Appellate Court Associate Judge, The Hon. Marsha D.Michael, also born in Antigua; Deputy Commissioner Dilipkumar Chauhan in
Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Dr. Ray from the Consul General Office
of Antigua and Barbuda.
Additionally, the New York State Assembly team member, Mrs. Sandra Reidpresented a citation to Dr. Ray and UN Ambassador, the Hon. Dr. Walton AubreyWebson who spoke about the deep historic ties between New York and Antiguaand Barbuda, tracing back to the 16th century, suppling sugar and indigo to New
york when the island was one of richest in the Caribbean under Dutch controlbefore America gained its independence.
The ceremony featured Barbudan trumpeter Trevaughn Thomas and his team,adding a vibrant musical element to the event. The flag will remain on display forone to two weeks, and this ceremony is anticipated to become an annual tradition
celebrating the independence of Antigua and Barbuda. The Color Guards andHonor Guards with Corrections Law Enforcement were on hand to celebrate thisevent.
The event was well attended by many transplanted Antiguans and Barbudans,
alongside members of the CARICOM Consular Corps from Dominica, St. Kitts andNevis, and Grenada, reinforcing a spirit of unity and shared heritage within theCaribbean co
