Antiguans and Barbudans filled the pews of the Westchester Methodist Church in the Bronx this past Sunday as they came together to give thanks for the many blessings that have fallen on the nation as it celebrates its 44th anniversary of political Independence.

Members of the Antigua and Barbuda diaspora in the New York area turned out in their numbers to hear the inspiring messages from members of the clergy, joining in the worship by lifting their voices in song and prayer for their nation.

The sermon, delivered by Antiguan and Barbudan Rev. Dr. Lennox Pigott, brought the congregation’s attention to the various social ills affecting Antigua and Barbuda, likening them to significant mountains that stand in the way of achieving the nation’s full development. Dr. Pigott, drawing on his experience as a psychologist and minister, encouraged members of the diaspora to remain steadfast in their faith and their commitment to nation building, considering the challenges being faced by the youth especially.

“And so, the challenge this afternoon is for those who sit on the side and criticize. We have too many critics. Get up, grab a mountain and work on it,” he urged the congregation, encouraging those in leadership to ask pointedly of those Antiguans and Barbudans they encounter: “Are you getting involved in the affairs of our nation? Are you getting involved in the lives of the youth there?”

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Walton Webson, used the theme of this year’s celebrations, **_Solid, Stable, Soaring_ , **to reflect on the many gains that Antigua and Barbuda continue to make as a young nation. He made note of the tireless efforts of Antiguans and Barbudans at home who continue to build a solid foundation for their country’s future development. Like Dr. Pigott, Ambassador Webson issued a stirring call for members of the diaspora to strengthen their engagement with the land of their birth.

“To our diaspora, this is your moment too. Your homeland calls you home to opportunity. Your skills, your experience, your entrepreneurship can accelerate the transformation already underway. The expansion of housing, tourism infrastructure, and small businesses opens doors for investment, family ventures, and corporate partnerships. There has never been a more promising time to reconnect, reinvest, and return,” Webson declared.

Also offering prayers for the nation were other members of the Antigua and Barbuda clergy to include Rev. Dr. Freddie Mason, Rev. Eloise Hill Challenger, Rev. Dr. Cheryl White-Lewis and Rev. F. Craig Henry. Rev. Stanley Charity rendered a solo, and playing their usual role in the service, the Antigua and Barbuda International Chorale under the direction of Dean Belgrave Pelle offered musical selections while the City South Steel Orchestra, led the congregation in a joyful and melodious accompaniment of our patriotic songs.

The celebration of Independence continues with community events throughout the Northeast and concludes with the annual gala which will be held on 15th November paying special tribute to the iconic Burning Flames.