Zonal Leaders Laul Thomas, Kareem Payne, Emil Michael and Jennifer Athill

Residents across the twin island state of Antigua & Barbuda are being urged to get involved in their Community Pride Activities, as part of the 24th Anniversary of Independence celebrations.

The call is being issued by Zone leaders, who are organizing the various events for the community pride celebrations.

Zone leaders took their publicity drive one step further earlier this week when they appeared on a number of radio and television programmes, during which time they stated that preparations are well on the way but they are still searching for more involvement from residents in their zones.

Earlier this year, the Independence Steering Committee released the names of the zone leaders as follows: North Zone-Laul Thomas (728-4757), South Zone is headed by Jennifer Athill (460-1703/727-1953). The East Zone is headed by Kareem Payne (775-6300/560-0122) while the West Zone is headed by Emil Michael (723-4464/724-3070) while Barbuda's representative is Veneta Burton (775-0609)

Minister of State with responsibility for Culture & Independence, the Hon. Eleston "Namba" Adams said the activities are for everyone and urged members of the various communities to display their various talents in arts & craft, drama and writing skills through the medium provided.

Meantime, the North Zone activities are well on the way and leader, Laul Thomas said that the main events, scheduled for 1st & 2nd October, will be preceded by a series of $7 Concerts set for the Multi Purpose Cultural Centre in September. However, Thomas is advocating that performers for these concerts must go through an audition that is scheduled to take place this Saturday, 27th August at the Evcon Printing Building off Old Parham Road.

Thomas said persons interested must register immediately by calling 462-1269/728-4757 or 724-1713.

Meantime, zone leaders are calling on young ladies who have collected applications forms for the Home Coming Queen Pageant to submit their applications as soon as possible. Director of Antigua Pageants Ltd and Head of the Independence Home Coming Queen Committee, Calvin Southwell, said the deadline for applications has been re-scheduled for 31st August 2005.

This year's independence celebration is being held under the theme, "Antigua & Barbuda One Family-Working Together to Achieve Excellence."

For further information contact:

Collin. B. Jno-Finn
Communications Officer
Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation
Dickenson Bay Street
St. John’s, Antigua.
(268) 562-5698
(268) 771-4006
Email: cjnofinn@yahoo.com

Photo by Collin Jno-Finn