ABTA Honours Diaspora at Event in New York

March 14, 2026, Manhattan, New York – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) hosted its second annual Diaspora Celebration at a recognition event in Manhattan to honour a group of individuals, including members of the diaspora, whose dedication, generosity, and professionalism have significantly contributed to promoting Antigua and Barbuda in the United States.

The event was attended by the Hon. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, along with Dean Fenton, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Director of Tourism, USA, and Michelle Lightfoot, Consular Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Consulate General in New York.

Several long-time friends and partners of the destination, whose behind-the-scenes efforts help ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is represented with warmth, professionalism, and excellence in the New York market and beyond, were celebrated.

Among those recognized was Marcia Skyer James, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Kimberly Hotel. A trusted partner of ABTA, Skyer James has repeatedly stepped in to secure last-minute accommodations for visiting VIPs and dignitaries, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s guests receive exceptional care and hospitality.

Also honoured was Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kathy Sledge, a founding member of Sister Sledge and an ambassador for the Halo Foundation. A long-time friend of Antigua and Barbuda, Sledge has consistently lent her support to the destination and to charitable initiatives benefiting local communities.

Additional honourees included Tabassum Qureshi, owner and operator of Ann’s Car and Limo Service, affectionately known as “Mr. Tabs,” whose dependable transportation services ensure that visiting dignitaries and VIP guests are cared for with professionalism and efficiency.

Veteran steelpan musician Patrick ‘Johnny’ Gomes, a founding member of the City South Steel Orchestra in the Bronx, was also recognized for his longstanding contributions in bringing the vibrant sounds of Caribbean steelpan music to ABTA events, often stepping forward to assist even in the organization’s earliest days.

The ABTA also recognized Kim Essen, Business Development Manager for the West Coast, for her dedication to Antigua and Barbuda, which began even before her official appointment. She volunteered her time and expertise to support events and initiatives that promote the destination.

Also recognized was Sandra Reid, who was formerly an Administrative Officer with the Department of Tourism in New York and the Ministry of Agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda, and is now an Administrative Executive with the New York State Assembly. Reid was praised for her many contributions to tourism initiatives, including facilitating wedding ceremonies for couples visiting Antigua and Barbuda.

Finally, the Tourism Authority acknowledged Ashton Gregory, known as “Junior,” for his dependable assistance with logistics and event support, ensuring that deliveries, supplies, and operational details run smoothly for ABTA activities in the New York area.