Antigua and Barbuda

 

Quick Facts

• Continental region – Country in the Caribbean
• Currency symbol of Antigua and Barbuda –Eastern Caribbean dollar(EC$)
• Capital City – Saint John’s
• Official languages – English.
• Population – 96,286 (2018),WB
• Country dialling code  –  (+ 268)
• Official website – Antigua and Barbuda
• Top 3 biggest industries  –Tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances)
• Google Maps link –Antigua and Barbuda
• Where is it? –Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth country comprising its 2 namesake islands and several smaller ones. Positioned where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet, it’s known for reef-lined beaches, rainforests and resorts.

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Antigua and Barbuda In Pictures

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Anguilla History

• How did the country get its first name? -Antigua was originally called Wadadli by Carib tribes and is locally known by that name today.  
• How did the country get its current name? -Antigua is Spanish for “ancient” and Barbuda is Spanish for “bearded”. Christopher Columbus, while sailing by in 1493 may have named it Santa Maria la Antigua, after an icon in the Spanish Seville Cathedral.
• When and by whom the country was first discovered? – The Ciboney first arrived on the islands somewhere around 3100 BC. Christopher Columbus was the first European to arrive in 1493. 
• Who were the first Inhabitants? -Pre-Columbian settlements (2900 BC–17th century) Antigua was first settled by pre-agricultural Amerindians known as “Archaic People”.
• When it was first recognized as a country? – 1 November 1981 the country gained full independence. 
• Who was the first leader of the country? -Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., KNH (9 December 1910 – 28 June 1999) was the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

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Five Significant Events 

1. Independence 1981: Antigua and Barbuda becomes independent. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)   
2. 1983: Antigua and Barbuda supports the US invasion of Grenada (as it has supported US sanctions against Cuba).. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
3. Allegations of money laundering 1998: Government closes down six Russian-owned banks accused of money laundering. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
4. 2001: Multi-national Financial Action Task Force reports that Antigua is “fully cooperative” in the fight against money laundering. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
5. 2007 March: World Trade Organisation sides with Antigua in ruling that the US has failed to comply with a ruling to relax its restrictions on offshore, online gambling. Antigua, which has an internet betting industry, filed the case in 2003. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)

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Five Places to Visit in Antigua and Barbuda

1. Cade’s Reef: Cade’s Reef is a two-mile barrier reef and is the main area for scuba diving and snorkelling in Antigua. You can find snorkel boat tours, glass bottom boat tours, motor boats or sailboats visiting the reef. A segment of the reef has been selected as an underwater park where visitors can find dozens of dive sites on the inner and outer areas of the range. Coral reefs like Cade’s Reef lure a number of marine creatures such as eels, reef sharks, nurse sharks, barracudas, parrot fish, conch, lobsters and more with some sheltering under the ridges. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)

2. Devil’s Bridge : Located on the east coast of Antigua, Devil’s Bridge is an arch formed by natural limestone by the crashing Atlantic waves for over hundreds of thousands of years. Visitors often enjoy viewing the natural blowholes from the blasts of the crashing waves. Walking across the bridge is not advised because of the slippery limestone from the waves but persons often walk on the bridge at their own risk. The bridge is said to have gotten its name from the slaves from nearby plantations who leaped to their deaths during Antigua’s slavery period. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
3. Dickenson Bay Beach : On the northern side of Antigua, Dickenson Bay is one of the most famous tourist locations. The bay regularly has calm seas and offers a variation of water sports. It is a great spot for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling or windsurfing. You can find beach bars, nearby resorts and restaurants usually crowded with people. This beach is ideal for families with children or even those persons who are looking to relax and soak up some sun. Visit while in Antigua. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
4. Fort James : This well-known site is located in St. John and offers a unique and educational experience for those who love history and culture. Soak up the stunning views across the ocean or take advantage of the picturesque background as you take photos with your family and friends. Get to know how much the fort means to the beautiful island and make sure to try the nearby bar after you’ve trekked through the site. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)
5. Museum of Antigua & Barbuda : Wish to learn about the interesting history of this Caribbean gem? This 1750 courthouse museum traces the past of Antigua and Barbuda back to their geographical and geology origin, up to their political independence in 1981. The exhibits include a mix of past and present cultural artifacts including Arawak pottery, narrow-gauge locomotives from the early 20th century, models of sugar plantations and even a cricket bat of hometown idol Viv Richards. Once your tour is finished you can visit the gift shop on site and purchase and of locally made jewelry, drawings or pottery.
   (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm)

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References: 

• https://history.state.gov/countries/antigua-barbuda#:~:text=U.S.%20Recognition%20of%20Antigua%20and%20Barbudan%20Independence%2C%201981.&text=The%20United%20States%20recognized%20Antigua,Johns%20to%20Embassy%20status.
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1202625.stm
• https://www.goingplacestravel.com/destinations/caribbean/antigua-barbuda/1314-top-10-attractions-in-antigua.html
• https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/history-culture/