As Antigua and Barbuda approaches the 45th milestone of its political independence, the nation’s Ministry of Creative Industries has launched a special commemorative magazine project to honor this historic occasion, with a familiar local media firm tapped to lead production.
Barnes Media Group Ltd, a family-owned company headed by veteran Caribbean journalist Everton Barnes, has been selected to create the commemorative publication. This is not the firm’s first major national commission: it previously produced the official magazine marking the country’s 40th independence anniversary back in 2021, giving it proven experience in crafting high-quality national commemorative content.
What makes this new project particularly meaningful, according to Petley O’Keiffe, Director of the National Events Department, is its timing alongside Antigua and Barbuda’s upcoming role as host of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled for November. The magazine will serve dual purposes: marking a key independence milestone and showcasing the nation to visiting global leaders.
Production and distribution plans are already finalized. A total run of 10,000 copies is planned, with half of these set to be included in official souvenir bags distributed to the hundreds of delegates expected to attend CHOGM. The remaining 5,000 general copies will be circulated across local communities in Antigua and Barbuda. A special limited run of 300 high-end hardcover editions has also been arranged, reserved as formal gifts for visiting dignitaries, senior national government officials, and official project sponsors.
Content for the magazine has been structured to offer a comprehensive portrait of modern Antigua and Barbuda. Coverage will span core national sectors including economic development, public education, youth empowerment, women’s representation in leadership, and national environmental initiatives. It will also highlight the archipelago’s rich cultural and natural heritage, featuring profiles of historic landmarks and popular tourist attractions across Antigua, Barbuda, and the smaller dependent territory of Redonda.
A roster of prominent national figures and experts have signed on as contributors to the publication. The line-up includes academic Professor C. Justin Robinson, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant, development expert Dr Jonah Greene, communications specialist Joshuanette Francis, former education minister Dr Jacqui Quinn, veteran diplomat Ambassador Anthony Liverpool, and award-winning local journalist Colin James.
Mali Barnes, spokesperson for Barnes Media Group, explained that the project is designed to deliver two core outcomes. First, it will give attending CHOGM delegates a holistic, nuanced understanding of Antigua and Barbuda’s progress, culture, and priorities as an independent nation. Second, it will stand as a durable, tangible memento for all participants and locals to mark the 45th anniversary celebrations.
In a closing call for public-private partnership, the Ministry of Creative Industries and Barnes Media Group have issued an open invitation to local and regional businesses to support the commemorative magazine project through sponsorship.