American University of Antigua (AUA) has made a financial contribution to support the September 1st festivities marking the 30th anniversary of the Antigua Barbuda Defense Force (ABDF).

The August 17th check presentation took place on the AUA campus. Dignitaries attending included Colonel T.A. Thomas, CMG, MBE, Chief of Defense Staff; Captain France Rouxelin, Staff Officer, Logistics and Finance; and Basil Stuart, AUA Vice President for Administrative Services and Community Affairs. Colonel Thomas remarked, “We would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to AUA. You have always been there for us and we appreciate all the gestures you have given in the past. This will go a long way towards the celebration of our 30th anniversary.”

Anniversary festivities planned include a dinner, gala, and an awards ceremony at Antigua Sandals Resort with a program published to commemorate the event.

AUA and the ABDF are neighbors with a longstanding, mutually supportive relationship. AUA has donated financial and material support many times to the defense force which fulfills many roles including maintaining security, protecting fishing rights, preventing marine pollution, search and rescue operations, and disaster relief.