01/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE:
From Waltham Forest to the Caribbean: WFTA Strengthens Bonds Through Historic Connect2Reconnect Visit.
Through cultural exchange, community collaboration and renewed partnerships, the Connect2Reconnect (C2R) Pilot 2026 has strengthened ties between Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica.
WALTHAM FOREST, LONDON - The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association (WFTA) has successfully concluded its landmark Connect2Reconnect Experience (C2R) Pilot 2026 delegation visit to Antigua, Barbuda and Dominica, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s 27-year history.
Running from 20 April to 8 May 2026, 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 Chair Ms 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.
Strengthening Caribbean Connections
During the Barbuda leg of the visit, the delegation met with representatives of the Barbuda Council, including Honourable 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.
Quote from WFTA Chair
“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.”
Mervin Caesar-John – WFTA Chair
Lasting Legacy
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 delegation’s activities generated significant public interest through local media appearances, community events and engagement with grassroots organisations, helping to raise awareness of WFTA’s work both in the UK and across the Caribbean.
About WFTA
The Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association officially links 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 patronised by The Mayor of Waltham Forest, and supported by the London Borough of Waltham Forest and the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission UK (Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, OBE) and the High Commission of Dominica, London (Her Excellency Mrs Loreen Bannis-Roberts). The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Tony Bell, was the patron of the WFTA during 2025-2026.
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.
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Notes to Editors
1. Image titles and captions included:
• Barbuda 1 – Presentation of the framed twinning declarations in Barbuda – left Barbuda Council Chair, John Mussington, WFTA Chair, Mervin Caesar-John, Honourable MP Trevor Walker.
• Barbuda 2 - WFTA Chair, Mervin Caesar-John, on a pristine Barbuda beach.
• Barbuda 3 – WFTA Chair, Mervin Caesar-John, visiting The Lit! Project, a youth-focused community literacy initiative.
• Antigua 1 – The delegation arriving at V.C. Bird International Airport, Antigua, to start their tour, left WFTA Chair, Mervin Caesar-John and member, Cyril Henderson.
• Antigua 2 - Presentation of the framed twinning declarations in Antigua – left Sandra Dyer, Vice-President ABNAUK and Director of SN Travel, Cyril Henderson, WFTA delegate, Mervin Caesar-John, WFTA Chair, His Excellency Sir Rodney Errey, Lawrence Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Dawn Thomas, past President ABNAUK/WFTA C2R 2026 link.
• Antigua 3 – Enjoying the views over Antigua - delegate, Cyril Henderson at Shirley Heights, Antigua.
• Dominica 1A – Presentation of the framed twinning declarations in Dominica, left to right: WFTA member Cyril Henderson, WFTA Chairperson Mervin Caesar-John, General Manager of DBS Cecil Joseph (Mayor of Roseau 2001-2013), Mayor of Roseau City Council - Lucy Belle-Matthew, Sandra Ermine Royer (former Mayor of Roseau City Council 2020-2026), Cllr Rhonda St. John.
• Dominica 2 – Appearance on Dominica Broadcasting Station (DBS), the national radio station.
• Dominica 3 - WFTA Chair, Mervin Caesar-John, at viewpoint Morne Trois Pitons National Park - World Heritage Site.
2. Interview opportunities with delegation members are available on request.
3. WFTA annual reports are publicly available from the 2021–22 reporting year.
4. The Connect2Reconnect Experience (C2R) Pilot 2026 ran from 20 April to 8 May 2026.
