Antigua and Barbuda
Horsford Accepts Tourism Ambassador Award
- Details
- Tourism News
- Wednesday, 02 November 2011 02:30
- By caribarena news
Antigua & Barbuda's newest tourism ambassador was appointed last Saturday during the Annual Independence State Banquet, held at Sandals Grande Resort and Spa.
Anna Maria Horsford, an award-winning actress and producer of Antiguan & Barbudan descent, took a few days off from filming her latest sitcom project, "Read Between the Lines," to accept the award.
Tourism Minister John Maginley made the presentation, and also recognised the actress for her successful 40-year career.
In accepting the award, Horsford thanked the government and people of Antigua & Barbuda for the warm welcome and the recognition and support she has received over the years. She expressed pride at her Antiguan heritage and described how being raised in Harlem by an Antiguan father, entrepreneur Victor Horsford, helped shape her values and drive.
“My father was not a man of many words, but he was firm in setting high standards for his children," she said. "He worked extremely hard to provide for his family, and was very supportive of other Antiguans who immigrated to New York. He was strict and focussed, and I strive to bring this same work ethic to my career. I am here to say that I survived having an Antiguan father.”
Horsford, best known for her roles as Thelma Frye on the sitcom Amen, and as security guard Dee on The Wayans Bros, was the fifth tourism ambassador to be appointed. This designation, created by the Ministry of Tourism, highlights how the “One Family” vision can bring all citizens together to support tourism promotions.
Horsford was warmly greeted by attendees at the Independence Banquet. Though most were familiar with her work, many were surprised to hear about her Antigua & Barbuda connection.
The new ambassador is already in discussions with tourism officials about how she can present the destination’s attractions and diverse offerings during her public appearances. She also wants to contribute to the development of the local film industry, and is passionate about youth development and empowerment.
The Tourism Ambassador is an honourary designation created by the Ministry of Tourism in 2007 as a part of the Independence celebrations, to highlight how the “One Family” vision can mobilize all citizens to support tourism promotions.
Successful Antiguans & Barbudans and their descendants in the Diaspora with a demonstrated ability to utilize their media platforms, networks, and credentials are honoured as key influences in their various fields. Tourism ambassadors lend their names and voices to support and extend the destination's promotional message.
Earlier this year, Barbados appointed Rihanna, a national and awarding-winning performer, as its first tourism ambassador. On the other hand, Mexico City recently appointed legendary fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, a non-national, as its tourism ambassador.
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7 Comments In This Article
My friends and I
The Antiguan
Ambassador? Oh please
"Though most were familiar with her work, many were surprised to hear about her Antigua & Barbuda connection." Of course because, only when it suits the person then they can say they are of Antiguan decent.
someone who knows
people please
rupert j
people please
rupert j
Another One!
If you go to them with an idea, they adopt it and call it their own or they do something that is just unbelievable. These people are not for real, they have been appointing these people for the past few years and what has come of it.
Why is Caribarena comparing this to Rhianna, Rhianna's promotion for Barbados is totally different - there is a contract there.
Avid Reader
chomsky
chomsky Brown
big deal
As for me i can not recall ever heard her really at any media event try to sell her Antigua and Barbuda.
carvaa
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