Antigua & Barbuda is an independent twin-island nation rich in British and European flare, but with a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere that is uniquely its own.
Antigua's first settlements date back to around 2400 BC when it was inhabited by Meso-Indians knows as the Siboney. Between 35 and 1100 AD, the island was settled by the Arawak Indians, and agriculture-based society that was eventually overtaken by the Carib Indians.
Christopher Columbus first sighted Antigua in 1493 and named it after the Church of Santa Maria de la Antigua, in Seville. However, it was not until 1632 that a group of Englishmen arrived and established the first European colony on Antigua.
In 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington arrived from Barbados, and soon established a thriving sugar cane industry. The island was dotted with over 150 monolithic stone windmills, many of which can still be seen today.
By the mid 1700s, Antigua becme a strategically important economic and military centre. Lord Horatio Nelson commanded the British Fleet from The Dockyard at English Harbour from 1784 to 1787 (now known as "Nelson's Dockyard").
In 1834, slavery was abolished in Antigua and the sugar cane industry was gradually replaced by other commercial and agricultural developments.
With the exception of a brief French occupation between 1666 and 1667, the island continued under British rule. In 1967, Antigua and Barbuda became an Associated Statehood with Great Britain, and finally acheived full independence in 1981. To this day, Antigua and Barbuda remainds part of the Commonwealth of Nations and is a member of the United Nations. Today, Antigua and Barbuda ranks as one of the most popular and most successful Caribbean tourism and investment destinations.
LOCATION. Antigua is located in the sunny Eastern Caribbean, about 300 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Rico. For sailors, the geographical coordinates are 17 03 N, 61 48 W. The island comprises about 108 square miles (280 square kilometers), and typically enjoys warm, sunny weather year round.
STABLE ECONOMY. Antigua enjoyes an open economy with one of the Caribbean's highest per capita earnings. The country's official currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$) is stable and fixed to the US Dollar at the rate of EC$2.7 to US$1. The US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island. While the economy is primarily tourism based, other important business sectors include banking, insurance, business services, and light agri-business.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Getting to Antigua is a breeze. The island's V.C. Bird International Airport accommodates large passenger jets, private jets, and regional carriers. Direct flights are readily available from the US, UK, and many other points of origin.
INVESTOR FRIENDLY. Antigua welcomes foreign investment, which is supported by the island's climate of economic and governmental stability and a rangeof investor incentive programmes. To protect foreign investors, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has entered into Investment Protection Agreements with the United Kingdom. The country's Constitution further protects foreign investment and investors.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. Many international banks maintain branches in Antigua, including the Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank of Canada, FirstCaribbean International Bank, in addition to other regional and local financial institutions.
PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is democratically elected and includes the Prime Minister, his Cabinet, and a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives. Elections are held every five years.
SOCIETY & CULTURE. Antigua and Barbuda boasts a diverse culture with a uniquely Caribbean blend of African, European, American, and British influences. The nation's population is about 80,000. A number of local groups promote history, art, music, drama, animal rescue, and education. The national sport is Cricket, popularized by local heroes like Sir Vivian Richards and Richie Richardson.
SHOPPING. Shopping in Antigua is a pleasure and an adventure! The capital city of St. John's offers a wide range of duty free shops, along with boutiques selling local arts and crafts. Everything from designer clothing, to amazing jewelry and precious gems, and handcrafted items can be found in town and at smaller venues throughout the island.
DINING. Antigua is a fantastic place to indulge your culinary appetite. Dining options range from the elegantly sophisticated, to the wonderfully rustice. Everything from fantastic French and Italian cuisine, to spicy local dishes can be found in Antigua.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES. Antigua's laid back lifestyle comes to life with a variety of exciting events and festivities throughout the year. These include Carnival, which takes place in late July / early August; Sailing Week in May; not to mention Cricket tournaments, golf, tennis, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, hiking, bird watching, sport fishing, horseback riding, eco-tours, and guided historical tours.....and don't forget the weekly reggae party and BBQ at Shirley Heights every Sunday evening...a local favourite!
PLACES TO EXPLORE:
- English Harbour (Nelson's Dockyard)
- Shirley Heights (Historic Fort)
- Betty's Hope (Historic Sugar Mill)
- Devil's Bridge (Natural Wonder)
- Fig Tree Drive (Rain Forest / Zip Line)
- Nearby Islands
- Museum of Antigua & Barbuda
- St. John's Cathedral
- Island Catamaran Tours
- Scuba Diving Tours
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