Antigua and Barbuda Consulate in New York leads effort to strengthen ties with next generation

Antigua and Barbuda Consulate in New York leads effort to strengthen ties with next generation

NEW YORK, 21st March, 2026…The Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in New York is embarking on an ambitious initiative geared at deepening the connections of younger generations of the diaspora with their roots while engaging them in the nation’s social and economic development.

Since the attainment of Independence in 1981, the office has been responding to a broad spectrum of diaspora matters. But the Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson feels strongly that more could be done in connecting with young Antiguans and Barbudans in the US.

“It is our obligation to ensure the voices of our first, second and third generations are heard and their ties to Antigua and Barbuda are preserved and strengthened for the future, no matter how far removed they are,” Ambassador Webson noted.

As a result, the team at the Consulate General is hosting its first engagement with young Antiguans and Barbudans in the Northeast, a Diaspora Networking Mixer, aimed at encouraging them to get involved in national and diaspora activities.

“This is the type of dialogue we need to foster so that we can build stronger connections, better understand the needs of our young people, and ensure that they remain engaged and connected to Antigua and Barbuda,” Ambassador Webson stated, noting that “This, I believe, is an excellent first step in that direction.”

The engagement will take place next Wednesday, 25th March at the Jumeika Grand Restaurant at 346 Lexington Avenue from 6 to 9 pm. Besides a number of brief presentations, the event will feature the winner of popular television culinary competition, Chopped, Chef Claude Lewis, himself the offspring of Antiguans and Barbudans who moved to the US in 1980. Also present will be Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Tourism for the United States Dean Fenton.

Ultimately, the Consulate General is working to expand its database of young Antiguans and Barbudans whose talents it would be able to access more readily in serving the needs of the diaspora community and to connect with more effectively.

“It’s all in the interest of preserving our heritage and expanding the development of our young nation,” Ambassador Webson noted.

RSVP is available online at the following EventBrite link:
https://bit.ly/AntiguaBarbudaDiasporaMixer. For more information contact the New York Office at 212-541-4117.

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