The Ministry of Creative Industries has commissioned a high-quality commemorative magazine to mark Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of political Independence.
Barnes Media Group Ltd., owned by veteran journalist Everton Barnes and his family, has been selected to produce the publication. The company previously produced the country’s 40th anniversary Independence magazine in 2021.
Director of the National Events Department Petley O’Keiffe said this year’s publication will take on added significance as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November.
Ten thousand copies will be printed, with 5,000 to be included in souvenir bags for CHOGM delegates and the remaining copies distributed locally. An additional 300 special-edition hardcopies will be presented to visiting VVIPs, senior government officials and sponsors.
The magazine will feature contributions from several prominent writers, covering the economy, education, youth, women in leadership and the environment. It will also showcase historic sites and attractions across Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda.
Contributors include Professor C. Justin Robinson, Senate President Alincia Williams-Grant, Dr Jonah Greene, Joshuanette Francis, Dr Jacqui Quinn, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and journalist Colin James.
BMG spokesman Mali Barnes said the publication is intended to give CHOGM delegates a rounded view of the country while serving as a lasting keepsake of the Independence celebrations.
BMG and the Ministry of Creative Industries are inviting the business community to support the magazine project.
45 years of Independence is definitely something worth documenting. I hope the magazine really captures our journey as a nation, the good, the difficult and how far we’ve come.
Would love to see plenty of old photographs in this. St. John’s back in the day, Carnival, Independence celebrations, Barbuda, our sporting legends, cultural icons, all of it.