Anguilla

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – British Overseas Territory
• Currency symbol of Anguilla – Eastern Caribbean dollar(EC$)
• Capital City – The Valley
• Official languages – English.
• Population – 15,094 (2011)
• Country dialling code  –  (+ 264)
• Official website –  Anguilla
• Top 3 biggest industries  – Tourism, boat building, and offshore financial services .
• Google Maps link –Anguilla
• Where is it? –Anguilla, a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean, comprises a small main island and several offshore islets.

---

Anguilla In Pictures

---

Anguilla History

• How did the country get its first name? -Long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Caribbean, Anguilla had been settled by Arawakan-speaking Indians who called it Malliouhana. They were originally from the Orinoco River basin of South America and arrived on the island about 2000 BCE.
• How did the country get its current name? -The name Anguilla is from the Italian anguilla, meaning “eel” (in turn from the Latin anguilla, diminutive of anguis, snake) in reference to the island’s shape. It is believed by most sources to have been named by Christopher Columbus. For similar reasons, it was also known as Snake or Snake Island.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – Amerindians were the first to arrive on the island from South America, dating back to at least 1300 BC. Some sources claim that Columbus 2as the first European to see the island in 1493, but never visited. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? – Anguilla was colonized in 1650 by British settlers from Saint Kitts and thereafter remained a British territory, administered as part of the Leeward Islands colony. The British did not encounter any Arawak people on the island, but in 1656 a raid by Indians from one of the neighbouring islands wiped out their settlement. 
• When it was first recognized as a country? –  The island is a British Overseas Territory. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? – Peter Adams served as the first Chairman of the Anguilla Island Council.

---

Five Significant Events 

1. Referendum 11 Jul 1967: Referendum on Anguilla’s secession is held. 1,813 votes for secession, 5 against. Peter Adams President of first legislative council. He is deposed when he agrees to take Anguilla back to St. Kitts, replaced by Ronald Webster (http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp) 
2. Interim British administration 11 Mar 1969: British envoy (William Whitlock) arrives in Anguilla with a proposal for a new interim British administration..(http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp)
3. Elections 9 Mar 1984: Ronald Webster calls elections two years early; Opposition Anguilla National Alliance of Emile Gumbs wins four of seven seats.  Emile Gumbs sworn in as Chief Minister. (http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp)
4. 3 Mar 2000: New election called to resolve impasse in government. Election results in the same representatives being returned, but a new government being formed by Osbourne Fleming’s Anguilla United Front joining forces with Victor Banks of the Anguilla Democratic Party.   Fleming was sworn in as Chief Minister on 6 March 2000. (http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp)
5. 22 Apr 2015: Anguilla United Front (AUF) wins General Election by a landslide winning six of seven seats. Victor F. BAnks sworn in as Chief Minister on 23 April 2015. (http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp)

---

Five Places to Visit in Anguilla

1. Shoal Bay East : Shoal Bay East is a broad and long sweep of radiant white sand that beach connoisseurs consider to be Anguilla’s premier strand and one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Ideal for swimming and snorkelling, the waters offer some of Anguilla’s most beautiful coral gardens inhabited by hundreds of tiny iridescent fish, and the sand is soft and squeaky clean. A few resorts and restaurants fringe the shores here, and umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent. Despite its beauty, this beach remains blissfully peaceful and uncrowded.
   (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm)
2. Meads Bay Beach : One of the most popular beaches on the island’s west end, Meads Bay presents a stunning one-and-a-half kilometre stretch of white-sand beach with clear, calm waters for swimming. The sand here is the consistency of soft, finely ground flour. Luxury villas and resorts line the shores, tucked back in the tropical foliage. You’ll also find some excellent restaurants along this stretch. Blanchards is famous and among the Caribbean’s best fine-dining restaurants, but if you’re looking for a more casual option, you can grab a bite to eat at its sister restaurant, Blanchards Beach Shack, next door.
   (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm)
3. Rendezvous Bay Beach : Rendezvous Bay is a dazzling four-kilometre crescent of powdery sand and translucent sea, fringed by coconut palms. Calm and shallow, this peaceful stretch of coast is great for families with small children. Sunbathers, swimmers, and shell collectors will also be impressed. Small beach shacks dot the sand, and you can see Saint Martin from the shore. This is also a lovely beach for a sunset stroll. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm)
4. Maundays Bay Beach : Stretching for one and a half kilometres, Maundays Bay Beach is a sublime stretch of soft, powdery sand and aqua sea. The famous Moorish-themed Cap Juluca luxury resort is an eye-catching landmark along this beach, welcoming guests and day visitors alike. In calm conditions, beach lovers can enjoy great snorkelling and swimming in the clear water. On windy days, sailboats and windsurfers skim the bay. This magnificent beach is also a popular spot for weddings, with a glimpse of Saint Martin across the water. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm)
5. Dolphin Discovery Anguilla : If you’ve ever wanted to kiss a dolphin, this is your chance. Dolphin Discovery Anguilla allows you to interact with these lovable creatures in their natural habitat. The dolphins live in an enclosure off Blowing Point beach on the island’s south coast. Depending on the package you choose, you can cuddle the dolphins, dance with them, and enjoy being pushed or pulled through the water by these gentle animals. An educational talk is included, and professional photographers capture images, which you can purchase after the experience. (https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm)

---

References: 

• http://www.caribbeanelections.com/ai/education/timeline.asp
• https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/anguilla-anl.htm
• http://www.gov.ai/anguillahistory.php