ST JOHN'S, Antigua - Antigua and Barbuda celebrated its 28th anniversary of political independence from
Britain on Monday
by recognising the contribution of nationals to nation building.

Under brilliant sunshine, hundreds gathered at the Antigua Recreation Grounds
for the National Honour And Awards Ceremony where some 41 outstanding nationals, including educators, business people, army personnel and
sportsmen and sportswomen
were recognised.

Nurse Hyacinth Richardson and the late Mitchell A. Michael received the two highest honours - Dame Commander of the
Most Distinguished Order Of The Nation
for services to the nurses and legal profession;
and Knight Commander
of the Most Precious Order Of The Nation
for services in entrepreneurship and community service
- respectively.

Opposition Leader Lester Bird was among those paying tribute
to the late businessman who would have celebrated his 102nd birthday on a day that is also observed as the birthday
of National Hero,
the late V.C. Bird.

"Mitchell Michael
was an outstanding businessman . . . and
I think he deserves
to be honoured," Bird
said in support of the government's decision to bestow the honour on the late businessman who is credited with creating
St Michael's Village.

"I think he contributed a lot to the development
of Antigua and Barbuda."

The son of the late businessman, Victor Michael, said the family were "very appreciative"
of the award".

"We are humbled.
I think it's an honour
for all those others who helped to frame modern Antigua before the independence period."

Other awardees include public servant and former parliamentarian Victor McKay; World War II veteran Oscar Peters; former director of sport Patrick Whyte; and former educator Lesroy Merchant.

The awardees each received one of three awards, the Most Distinguished
Order of The Nation;
the Most Illustrious Order of Merit; or the Most Precious Order
of Princely Heritage.

Antigua and Barbuda became independent
on November 1, 1981.

(CMC)