On November 1, a landmark date marking 45 years since Antigua and Barbuda secured sovereign independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, Dr. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, shared a formal public message of goodwill while attending the twin-island nation’s national anniversary festivities. The Vincentian head of government noted that he took immense personal and official satisfaction in being physically present alongside the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda for the historic milestone, rather than sending distant well-wishes from his home territory. He emphasized that the deep fraternal ties binding the two Caribbean island nations, rooted in shared regional heritage, common development priorities and decades of collaborative action across Caribbean community frameworks, made his participation in the celebrations particularly meaningful. Speaking on behalf of the entire administration and the full population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Prime Minister Friday extended heartfelt official congratulations, alongside sincere wishes for sustained long-term peace, inclusive social progress, and broad-based economic prosperity for every resident of Antigua and Barbuda. He noted he was eager to take part in the full slate of pre-planned anniversary events, and to share in the widespread national pride and collective joy permeating the country throughout the observances. Notably, this year’s independence festivities overlap directly with Antigua and Barbuda’s high-profile hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, a major multilateral summit running from November 1 to 4 in the capital city of St. John’s, drawing leaders from 54 Commonwealth member nations across the globe.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM in Antigua and Barbuda for 45th Independence celebrations
