Since 1999, Waltham Forest has been twinned with Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica, and this recent visit marks a ‘major milestone’ for the The Waltham Forest Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association
The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association (WFTA) has successfully concluded its landmark ‘Connect2Reconnect’ 2026 delegation visit to Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica, marking a “major milestone” in the organisation’s 27-year history.
Running from Monday, 20th April to Thursday, 8th May, the visit brought together community leaders, government representatives, cultural organisations and residents across the Caribbean islands to strengthen longstanding twinning relationships and reaffirm shared heritage.
Led by WFTA’s chair Mervin Caesar-John, the delegation undertook a wide-ranging programme of official meetings, media appearances, cultural activities and community engagement projects focused on connection, culture, community impact and legacy.
During the Barbuda leg of the visit, the delegation met with representatives of the Barbuda Council, including MP Trevor Walker and council chair John Mussington, and visited The Lit! Project, a youth-focused community literacy initiative. The delegation also appeared live on the Barbuda Channel, sharing the aims of the Connect2Reconnect initiative with audiences across the island.
In Antigua, the delegation attended official engagements, including a meeting with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. The visit also included community activities and discussions around dementia awareness and community wellbeing.
The Dominica programme featured official meetings, attendance at the internationally recognised Jazz ‘n Creole Festival, and live appearances on Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS), the national radio station, diaspora connection and community support. The delegation also participated in cultural and environmental activities celebrating Dominica’s natural heritage.
At each destination, WFTA presented framed twinning declarations as symbols of the enduring relationship between Waltham Forest and its Caribbean partners.
WFTA said: “This visit exceeded our expectations in every way. We were welcomed with incredible warmth across Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica, and we leave with stronger relationships, renewed purpose and exciting opportunities for future collaboration.”
“Connect2Reconnect has shown the power of people-to-people partnerships and the importance of preserving and celebrating our shared Caribbean heritage.”
The Connect2Reconnect pilot was designed by the WFTA not only as a cultural visit, but as the foundation for future educational, cultural and community partnerships between Waltham Forest and the Caribbean territories.
The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association officially links the the London Borough of Waltham Forest with Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica.
It was founded by Dominican-born Mr Franklyn Georges, the first African-Caribbean Mayor of Waltham Forest (1990/91), with the Town Twinning Charters signed in April 1999.
Today, WFTA is supported by Waltham Forest Council and the UK High Commissioners for Antigua & Barbuda Karen-Mae Hill, OBE and Dominica Loreen Bannis-Roberts.
WFTA was also appointed by the UK Home Office in 2021 as one of 14 grassroots organisations supporting the Windrush Compensation Scheme and continues to deliver arts, heritage and community engagement programmes across Waltham Forest.
Find out more about WFTA here
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