NEW YORK, March 21, 2026 — The Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in New York is launching a major initiative aimed at deepening connections between younger generations of the diaspora and their homeland, while drawing them into the nation's social and economic development.
According to Antigua News Room, the effort is being championed by Ambassador Walton Webson, Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who believes the Consulate can do significantly more to engage young Antiguans and Barbudans living in the United States.
"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 said.
As a first step, the Consulate General is hosting a Diaspora Networking Mixer — its inaugural engagement with young Antiguans and Barbudans in the Northeast — designed to encourage participation 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. "This, I believe, is an excellent first step in that direction."
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 25, at Jumeika Grand Restaurant, located at 346 Lexington Avenue in New York City, from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to a series of brief presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Chef Claude Lewis, winner of the popular television culinary competition Chopped and the son of Antiguans and Barbudans who emigrated to the United States in 1980. Antigua and Barbuda's Director of Tourism for the United States, Dean Fenton, will also be in attendance.
Looking ahead, the Consulate General aims to expand its database of young Antiguan and Barbudan talent, enabling the office to better serve the diaspora community and engage with its members more effectively.
"It's all in the interest of preserving our heritage and expanding the development of our young nation," Ambassador Webson added.
RSVPs are available via Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/AntiguaBarbudaDiasporaMixer. For further information, contact the New York Office at 212-541-4117.
