London, United Kingdom – Karen-Mae Hill, the High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, recently hosted a meeting at the High Commission with the new President and Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association (ABNA).
The engagement marked the High Commissioner’s first formal meeting with the newly elected President of ABNA, Mrs Lyndia Bowers, and her executive team. The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration with the diaspora community and to discuss shared priorities for the year ahead.
Opening remarks were delivered by the High Commissioner, followed by introductory remarks from Mr Dave Ray, Diaspora Liaison Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda, who joined virtually. Mr Ray underscored the importance of deeper coordination among diaspora communities, particularly between London and New York, and encouraged greater collaboration in advancing national development initiatives.
Discussions covered key areas on the agenda, including updates on the High Commission’s programmes and projects for 2026, such as activities surrounding Commonwealth Day, celebrations for the 45th Anniversary of Independence, and preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. Additional initiatives highlighted included plans for a Heritage Evening, the continuation of the annual cricket exchange programme, and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening engagement between elderly and young members of the Antigua and Barbuda community in the United Kingdom.
President Bowers also outlined ABNA’s recent activities and proposed initiatives for the coming year, with emphasis on community engagement, youth involvement, cultural promotion, and strengthening support networks across the diaspora.
The High Commissioner stated: “Our diaspora remains an essential partner in Antigua and Barbuda’s development. Through sustained dialogue and cooperation with organisations such as ABNA, we can better connect our communities, empower our youth, and advance initiatives that benefit our nation both locally and internationally”.
Mrs Lyndia Bowers, President of ABNA, noted: “This introductory meeting is very important, as it marks not only the beginning of a new working year, but the strengthening of a shared commitment to our people, our culture, and Antigua and Barbuda”.
Both the High Commission and ABNA reaffirmed their shared commitment to continued partnership in promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage, supporting community development, and encouraging meaningful diaspora participation in national progress.
The High Commission looks forward to sustained collaboration with ABNA and the wider diaspora as Antigua and Barbuda advances its national priorities at home and abroad.