Antigua's Prime Minister Lauds Mother-Daughter Duo’s Journey Into Space
ST.JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has lauded the achievements of two citizens – Keisha Schahaff and Anastatia Mayers who embarked on a journey into space on Thursday onboard Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic.
Keisha Schahaff and Anastatia Mayers (Photo courtesy of Virgin Galactic)Speaking ahead of the launch, the Prime Minister said that in the cosmic expanse of space, “they are not mere passengers but cosmic explorers blazing a trail into the unknown. Their courage reflects the power of human potential, reaching for dreams beyond the horizon.”
Their journey echoes the words of Carl Sagan, “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff.” Within each of us lies the universe, waiting to be explored. Their courage matches that of the Antigua Island Girls whose bravery transcends borders and genders, inspiring us to embrace the spirit of adventure and exploration.
“In the footsteps of the visionary, Sir Richard Branson, we recognize that the stars are within our reach. Our National Hero, Sir Viv, demonstrated the power of belief in self and the indomitable spirit of the Antiguan & Barbudan people to become one of the best cricketers of all time,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the courage of Keisha and Ana will fuel the dreams of young people and propel citizens to follow their cosmic destinies.
“Today, Antigua and Barbuda will be forever remembered among the stars and, here on earth, as a transformational small island-state striving to become an economic powerhouse. There are no limits to what we can achieve when Antiguans and Barbudans dare to reach for the unfathomable.”
He added that Keisha and Anastatia have given tangible expression to the phrase – reach for the stars.
“Therefore, we should never limit our ambition for great achievements. Thank you, Keisha and Ana, for igniting the fire of aspiration and for your inspiration. Thank you, Sir Richard Branson, for daring us all to dream. In the symphony of odyssey, we dance among the stars, for the cosmos is within us, and we are, indeed…each made of star-stuff. Godspeed Keisha and Ana, Godspeed!”
Keisha Schahaff, 46, and her daughter, Anastasia Mayers, 18 years old, were the first Antiguan and Barbudans in space, in addition to being the first Caribbean mother-daughter duo to travel there.
They won their tickets to fly through a fundraising lottery for the nonprofit Space for Humanity.
They blasted off from Spaceport America in New Mexico on Virgin Galactic’s first private astronaut spaceflight, which is also its second commercial spaceflight.
