The
Caribbean Island Of Antigua &
Barbuda
Antigua, the largest of the English-speaking Leeward
Islands, is about 14 miles long and 11 miles wide, encompassing
108 square miles. Its highest point is Boggy Peak (1319 ft.),
located in the southwestern corner of the island. Barbuda, a
flat coral island with an area of only 68 square miles, lies
approximately 30 miles due north. The nation also includes the
tiny (0.6 square mile) uninhabited island of Redonda, now a
nature preserve. The current population for the nation is
approximately 68,000 and its capital is St. John's on Antigua.
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda are located in the
middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly
17 degrees north of the equator. To the south are the islands
of Montserrat and Guadeloupe, and to the north and west are
Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and
St. Martin.
Climate
Temperatures generally range from the mid-seventies in the
winter to the mid-eighties in the summer. Annual rainfall
averages only 45 inches, making it the sunniest of the Eastern
Caribbean Islands, and the northeast trade winds are nearly
constant, flagging only in September. Low humidity
year-round.
History
It would be difficult to overestimate the impact on
Antigua's history of the arrival, one fateful day in 1684, of
Sir Christopher Codrington. An enterprising man, Codrington had
come to Antigua to find out if the island would support the
sort of large-scale sugar cultivation that already flourished
elsewhere in the Caribbean. His initial efforts proved to be
quite successful, and over the next fifty years sugar
cultivation on Antigua exploded. By the middle of the 18th
century the island was dotted with more than 150
cane-processing windmills--each the focal point of a sizeable
plantation. Today almost 100 of these picturesque stone towers
remain, although they now serve as houses, bars, restaurants
and shops. At Betty's Hope, Codrington's original sugar estate,
visitors can see a fully-restored sugar mill.
Most Antiguans are of African lineage, descendants of slaves
brought to the island centuries ago to labor in the sugarcane
fields. However, Antigua's history of habitation extends as far
back as two and a half millenia before Christ. The first
settlements, dating from about 2400 B.C., were those of the
Siboney (an Arawak word meaning "stone-people"), peripatetic
Meso-Indians whose beautifully crafted shell and stone tools
have been found at dozens of sites around the island. Long
after the Siboney had moved on, Antigua was settled by the
pastoral, agricultural Arawaks (35-1100 A.D.), who were then
displaced by the Caribs--an aggressive people who ranged all
over the Caribbean. The earliest European contact with the
island was made by Christopher Columbus during his second
Caribbean voyage (1493), who sighted the island in passing and
named it after Santa Maria la Antigua, the miracle-working
saint of Seville. European settlement, however, didn't occur
for over a century, largely because of Antigua's dearth of
fresh water and abundance of determined Carib resistance.
Finally, in 1632, a group of Englishmen from St. Kitts
established a successful settlement, and in 1684, with
Codrington's arrival, the island entered the sugar era.
By the end of the eighteenth century Antigua had become an
important strategic port as well as a valuable commercial
colony. Known as the "gateway to the Caribbean," it was
situated in a position that offered control over the major
sailing routes to and from the region's rich island colonies.
Most of the island's historical sites, from its many ruined
fortifications to the impeccably-restored architecture of
English Harbour town, are reminders of colonial efforts to
ensure its safety from invasion.
Horatio Nelson arrived in 1784 at the head of the Squadron
of the Leeward Islands to develop the British naval facilities
at English Harbour and to enforce stringent commercial shipping
laws. The first of these two tasks resulted in construction of
Nelson's Dockyard, one of Antigua's finest physical assets; the
second resulted in a rather hostile attitude toward the young
captain. Nelson spent almost all of his time in the cramped
quarters of his ship, declaring the island to be a "vile place"
and a "dreadful hole." Serving under Nelson at the time was the
future King William IV, for whom the altogether more pleasant
accommodation of Clarence House was built.
It was during William's reign, in 1834, that Britain
abolished slavery in the empire. Alone among the British
Caribbean colonies, Antigua instituted immediate full
emancipation rather than a four-year 'apprenticeship,' or
waiting period; today, Antigua's Carnival festivities
commemorate the earliest abolition of slavery in the British
Caribbean.
Emancipation actually improved the island's economy, but the
sugar industry of the British islands was already beginning to
wane. Until the development of tourism in the past few decades,
Antiguans struggled for prosperity. The rise of a strong labour
movement in the 1940s, under the leadership of V.C. Bird,
provided the impetus for independence. In 1967, with Barbuda
and the tiny island of Redonda as dependencies, Antigua became
an associated state of the Commonwealth, and in 1981 it
achieved full independent status. V.C. Bird is now deceased;
his son, Lester B. Bird, was elected to succeed him as prime
minister.
Source: http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/aghis01.htm
Antigua and
Barbuda's flag
Antigua and Barbuda's flag was designed by Mr. Reginald
Samuel, an art teacher in an Antiguan high school, when Antigua
gained "statehood" status (Self-governing) in 1967.
L. Jacobs II , 21 September 1998 and Ivan Sache , 31 January
2000
Acording to L'Album 2000 [pay00] the construction details
are stripes in ratio 18:10:18, lenght 69~ [so total ratio
2:3~]. Is this based on some official data?
[smi80] have as civil ensign for Antigua and Barbuda to be the
british red ensign, but here the national flag is indicated to
be (among other uses) civil ensign too. Is that changed since
1980?
Željko Heimer, 5 January 2001
Meaning of Symbols and Colors
The sun represents the dawning of a new era; red - the energy
of the people; blue - hope; black, the African ancestry of the
people. The combination of yellow, blue and white represent the
sun, sand and sea.
James Dignan , 22 November 1995
Coat of arms of
Antigua and Barbuda
The coat of arms of Antigua and Barbuda was designed in 1966
by Gordon Christopher. It was officially introduced on 16
February, 1967. The symbolism of the arms is more complex than
that found on the Flag of Antigua and Barbuda, but many
elements are similar.
At the top of the Coat of Arms is a pineapple, a fruit for
which the islands are famous. There are several plants found
around the shield, all abundant in the country: red hibiscus,
sugarcane, and yucca plant. Supporting the shield is a pair of
deer representing the wildlife of the islands.
The design on the shield shows the sun, also found on the
flag, rising from a blue and white sea. The sun symbolises a
new beginning, and the black background represents the African
origins of many of the nations's citizens. At the bottom of the
shield, in front of the sea, sits a stylised sugar mill. At the
bottom is a scroll upon which is written the national motto:
"Each endeavouring, all achieving".
Getting
There
Travelling By
Air
V.C. Bird International Airport, located on the northeast
corner of Antigua, is the point of entry for visitors arriving
by air to Antigua & Barbuda. There are both direct flights
and connections from North America via San Juan and St. Martin
and several weekly flights from Europe. Scheduled and charter
service is available to many of the neighboring islands. Flying
times: New York--4 hrs.; Miami--3 hrs.; Baltimore--4 hrs.;
Toronto--4 hrs.; Puerto Rico--1 hr.; London--8 hrs.;
Frankfurt--9 1/4 hrs.; Paris--8 hrs.
Travelling By
Sea
Cruise ship ports are located at St. John's Harbour and
Heritage Quay, in the heart of the country's capital, and
minutes away from Antigua's great beaches and water sports.
Private boaters can enter at St. John's Harbour on the west
coast, English Harbour or the St. James' Club in the south, or
Crabbs Marina in the northeast.
Bare-boat or crewed chartering is available through:
Barbuda
Express
The Barbuda Express is an innovative wave-piercing design
giving maximum passenger comfort at high speed and a journey
time of 90 minutes in nearly all weather conditions.
It runs 5 days a week between St Johns and Barbuda:
Barbadians can spend a convenient day in St Johns for business
&/or shopping with a liberal allowance for personal goods
carried on board by hand
Antiguans can visit Barbuda for the day or longer, at
reasonable rates, to enjoy the amazing beauty and peace of
their sister island
Tourists can economically visit Barbuda with a selection of
packages to explore and discover this undeveloped and
little-visited island
Freight can be regularly and reliably moved between the
islands
Getting Around in
Antigua and Barbuda
Taxis
Taxis are available throughout Antigua. Fares between the
airport, harbour, and many hotels and destinations are fixed
and can be obtained upon arrival. Sample fares from V.C. Bird
International Airport to: Nelson's Dockyard--US$21; Shirley
Heights--US$21; St. John's--US$7. Taxi drivers are also
qualified as tour guides for sightseeing trips. Tour rates can
be obtained beforehand through hotels.
Rental
Cars
Renting a car is an ideal way to discover more of Antigua
while on your vacation. The cost is about US$40-50 per day. In
addition to a valid driver's license from your country of
residence, or an international driver's license, a permit to
drive in Antigua is required. The rental agency can assist you
in getting this temporary license, which costs approximately
US$20 and is valid for three months. Don't forget that driving
here is on the left side of the road! Here is a listing of
rental agencies:
More and more people are getting married while on vacation,
and it's now easy to do in Antigua and Barbuda. Even cruise
ship visitors can now get married. There are three simple
steps: Visit the Ministry of Justice located on lower Nevis
Street in downtown St. John's with your valid passports,
complete the application and pay applicable fees.
Marriage in Antigua
and Barbuda
When getting married in Antigua and Barbuda there is a
registration fee of US$40 that must be paid at the courthouse
in the new government buildings on Queen Elizabeth Highway. The
application fee for the special marriage license is US$150, and
the Marriage Officer's fee is US$50.You both will need valid
passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been
previously married, then bring along the original divorce
decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original
marriage and death certificates. Both parties must be over 15,
if under 18, written authorization from your parents or
guardians is required. It is important that all documents
presented are original or certified original by the issuing
departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your
legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known
by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or
celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from
the Marriage Officer. (Just ask a guest or two to do this for
you). Getting marriage in Antigua requires the permission from
the church authorities where you wish to be married. Have your
pastor contact the church to establish the requirements. Some
churches ask that the couple attend pre-nuptial consultations.
Allow some extra time if planning a church ceremony. Contact
the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism for a list of
churches on the island. Most of hotels in Antigua and Barbuda
offer wedding and honeymoon packages. Check with your travel
agent or the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism for more
information. The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to
Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to
3:00pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3:00pm will not
permit couples to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to
apply for the Special Marriage License. In such cases, the
couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the
next day after completing the application process, or, on any
available day thereafter.
Travel
Tips
Tipping/Gratuities, Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on
the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically
add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and
bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.
Telephones, Calling
the U.S. is easy from Antigua and Barbuda. Most hotels offer
USA Direct calling service, or they can connect you with a U.S.
operator for calling home.
Taxes,
Antigua & Barbuda has a US$20.00 airport departure tax, a
room tax of 8.5% and service charge of 10% (in lieu of
tipping).
Electricity, Part of
the island is 110 volts, the remainder is 220 volts. Most
hotels have both voltages available.
Appropriate
Attire, Informal, but conservative. Beach
attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or
restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and
tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.
Customs and
Import, The importation and wearing of
camouflage clothing is prohibited in Antigua and Barbuda.
Visitors should leave such items at home to avoid
confiscation.
Time
Zone, Atlantic Standard Time, one hour
ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight
Time. GMT -4.
Currency/Money,
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is
fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 =
EC$2.65. US currency, traveler’s checks and major credit cards
are welcome everywhere.
Banks,
Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, Antigua and Barbuda
Investment, Bank Antigua Commercial Bank, Bank of Antigua, Bank
of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank PLC, Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce, Caribbean Corporation Bank, Royal Bank of Canada,
Swiss American National Bank of Antigua. Banking hours are
Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and again from
3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to
5:00pm.
Medical
Facilities, There are several general
practitioners and specialists on the island, a hospital and a
private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor
is arriving from an endemic area. Decompression chambers are
available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas.
Pharmaceutical services are widely available.
Passports &
Immigration
U.S., Canadian and U.K.
nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport,
original or certified birth certificate. U.S. residents and
others should contact the nearest tourist office for entry
requirements.
Click here for Visa Information.
Cruise Ship
Passengers
Cruise ship passengers who are "in-transit" and stay less than
24 hours are not required to present a visa.
Traveling with
Pets
The following guidelines must be
followed when importing any animal into Antigua &
Barbuda:
An import permit must be obtained from the Chief Veterinary
Officer before the importation of all animals. In order to
obtain this permit, the intended animal must first be
micro-chipped and its blood tested for Rabies Titer at an
approved laboratory. The result of such tests must then be
forwarded to:
The Acting Chief Veterinary Officer
PO Box 1282
St. Johns, Antigua Tel/Fax: (268) 460-1759
The Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory is an approved
Lab that uses the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization
Test (FAVN). The FAVN consists of a of a three-fold serum
dilution series and is used to detect rabies virus neutralizing
antibody after vaccination, and is required by many rabies free
countries in order for dogs and cats to qualify for a reduced
QUARANTINE PERIOD.
Specimen
Requirement, 1 ml serum without preservatives;
spun and separated from the clot.
Microchip identification must be implanted prior to sample
draw.
NOTE: A waiting period of at least 114-21 days between rabies
vaccination and sample draw is advised.
Processing Time,
The test is initiated each week on Monday
and Wednesday mornings. Results can be expected in the mail 10
- 14 days after the set-up date. Fax and/or phone results will
only be granted upon request. KSU receives packages 24 hours
per day, 7 days per week. However, the lab is only open Monday
through Friday and samples will not be dated until they reach
our lab.
Shipping
Information, Serum should be packed in a
leak-proof container with absorbent material. This should then
be placed inside a container with dry ice or ice packs. An
overnight or next day carrier is recommended since regular mail
can take up to two weeks.
Cost:
$35.00 by check, money order or credit card made payable to
FAVN. Payment must be included at time of submission. A delay
in testing may occur if payment is not included. For credit
card payment, please contact the lab.
Boating
Sailing has been a central part of Antigua's culture for
centuries, ever since the British under Horatio Nelson made
English Harbour their Caribbean base. Today, the stately
Georgian architecture of Nelson's Dockyard hosts a more
pleasure-seeking fleet--the international racing boats,
recreational yachts, and classic sailboats of Antigua's annual
Sailing Week. With such a rich marine tradition, it’s no
surprise that boats of all sorts can be hired in Antigua. Most
hotels have Sunfish or Sailfish, and a number of companies hire
yachts.
Cricket
Antiguans
are more than a little devoted to cricket. The island has
historically been a very strong contributor to West Indian and
international cricket, and the Antigua Recreation Ground is one
of the finest places in the Caribbean to take in a local,
regional, or international match. Devotees of the game can
visit the Antigua and Barbuda Museum for a look at the infamous
cricket bat of Vivian Richards, native Antiguan, former captain
of the West Indies Cricket Club, and one of the greatest
batsmen of all time. Matches can be found almost anywhere on
the island, at almost any time.
Tennis
Although more recently established than its sailing
counterpart, Antigua's annual Tennis Week draws an impressive
field of international competitors to the island in May of each
year. Quite a few of the island's hotels have excellent
facilities.
Diving and
Snorkeling
Antigua & Barbuda has hundreds of wrecks to explore and
good shelf diving. Arrange for diving equipment through your
hotel or guest house.
Adventure Antigua: Eli's Eco
Tour
Local Antiguan, Eli Fuller will show you the "other side" of
Antigua. Growing up spending most of his time on the water, Eli
wants to make sure that even if you have been to Antigua on 10
other holidays, your day out with him will leave you with a new
picture of Antigua. This tour has been spoken about on all of
the cruise and travel forums as well as in countless guides and
periodicals, This tour shouldn't be missed while on
Antigua.
ANTIGUA
SAFARI
Around The Island Eco Tour
Discover the Eco-system of Antigua. Come be adventurous and
experience the off-shore deserted islands, hidden caves and the
amazing scenery of Nelson's Dockyard, not too mention the wild
life encounters and perhaps a chance of seeing a dolphin or
whale.
Snorkel on colorful reefs or just relax on the beach with our
locally made fruit juices or rum punch.
Windsurfing
Windsurf
Antigua is located at Dutchman's Bay - best location, superb
climate and ideal wind conditions. They have good
equipment and also specialize in teaching beginners.
Hiking and Bird
watching
Hiking has not been much
developed as an organized activity, although Antigua has many
trails and tracks that are well suited to it. Most of the
popular hikes lead to one or another of the island's many
hilltop fortifications: Fort George sits atop Monk's Hill, and
Fort Barrington (captured by the French in 1666) is on the
promontory at Deep Bay. The Historical and Archaeological
Society frequently arranges group hikes.
Much of the appeal of the natural environment in Antigua and
Barbuda is the multitude of bird species to be found there. The
Frigate Bird Sanctuary on Barbuda, though accessible only by
boat, is the largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean and
contains over 170 species; Long Island and Great Bird Island
also offer outstanding opportunities for birdwatcher's.
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