Burning Flames Receive Diplomatic Passports

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Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David Edwards and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards

The members of legendary Antiguan band Burning Flames have been issued diplomatic passports by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced today, recognizing their four-decade contribution to Caribbean music and culture.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife Maria with members of the Burning Flames Band

The diplomatic passports will allow Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David Edwards and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards to travel internationally with enhanced dignity and respect as cultural ambassadors for their nation.

The band is also being considered for knighthood, with the Cabinet planning to nominate them for a National Award at the next Independence Award ceremonies to pay tribute to their exceptional legacy.

Meanwhile, in another gesture of recognition, Potters Main Road is set to be renamed “The Burning Flames Highway.”

This story was first published by Antigua News on August 27, 2025: antigua.news/2025/08/27/burning-flames-receive-diplomatic-passports. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (4)

  • Fan August 27, 2025, 7:57 PM

    Nice congratulations
    Reply
  • Apex Jones August 27, 2025, 8:51 PM

    Congratulations guys well deserved. 49 years is a long time for a band to stay together
    Reply
    • Juju Bee August 27, 2025, 8:53 PM

      40 years
      Reply
  • Informed citizen August 27, 2025, 10:29 PM

    Congrats to Burning Flames! They’ve put our little nation on the global stage for decades true cultural ambassadors
    Reply

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