His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, GCMG, KGN, KSt.J, DSc, DMSc, PhD(hc), MBBS, FCAMA, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, attended the 2025 Diwali Festival Celebration held at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial Centre, Factory Road, on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025.
The event was hosted by the Honourary Consul of India, Mr. Vijay Tewani, who welcomed distinguished guests including members of the Diplomatic Corps representing Cuba, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom, as well as members of the Indian community and friends of India.
In his remarks, His Excellency commended the Honourary Consul for his ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of India. He described Diwali as “a festival that reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.”
The Governor-General further highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, noting India’s generous development assistance to Antigua and Barbuda, including post-disaster support following Hurricane Irma and aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also pointed to continued collaboration in education, health, digital technology, investment, and tourism.
Reflecting on his and Lady Williams’ previous visits to India as Chief Guests at international conferences, His Excellency spoke warmly of India’s “rich cultural heritage and enduring commitment to global peace and understanding.”
The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional attire, Indian cuisine, and the symbolic lighting of lamps to mark the triumph of light and goodness.
Photo Caption:
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda (centre), joins members of the Diplomatic Corps and guests at the 2025 Diwali Festival Celebration hosted by the Honourary Consul of India, Mr. Vijay Tewani (fourth from left), at the Sir John E. St. Luce Financial Centre on October 25, 2025.
The Office of The Governor General – Antigua and Barbuda