Today we celebrate the forty-fourth anniversary of the Independence of our beloved Antigua and Barbuda.

The theme for this year, “Solid • Stable • Soaring”, invites us to pause in gratitude for the blessings we continue to enjoy.

Our nation has been shaped by generations who placed their faith in God and their trust in one another. Through every season, we have drawn strength from that faith, and from the courage and creativity of our people.

To be _solid_ is to stand firm on the principles that define us, love of God, respect for one another, and pride in country.

To be _stable_ is to be focused on one’s mission and not to divert from the important things in life.

And to be _soaring_ is to maintain our levels of achievement and continue to build on them thereby making our nation stronger in accordance with the very words of our coat of arms and our anthem ‘Each Endeavouring, All Achieving’

As we look to the future, may we renew our sense of purpose and unity. Let this day of commemoration strengthen the bonds of friendship among us, deepen our gratitude to Almighty God, and inspire us to keep our nation moving forwards and upwards, solid in faith, stable in hope, and soaring in love.

May God richly bless you all, and may He continue to bless our beloved nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Happy Independence Day!

Thank you.