Antigua was inhabited by the
Siboney(stone people)as far back as 2400BC. The Arawaks lived
on this island between AD 35-1100. Christopher Colombus
landed on Antigua in 1493. He then named this island Santa
Maria de le Antigua. Antigua has two dependencies, Barbuda
and (uninhabited) Redonda.
In 1674 Sir Christopher Codrington established the first large
sugar estate. Forests were cleared for sugarcane production
and African slaves were brought in. The slaves were then
emancipated in 1834 but economic opportunities were limited.
In 1943 Vere Bird formed the Antigua Labour Party and won the
first of
a long series of electorial votes. Antigua was administered
as part of the Leeward islands in 1959, and attained
associated status with full internal self-government.
In 1967 Antigua became a member of the West Indian
Association of States and gained control of internal
affairs.
Then in November 1981 Antigua and Barbuda, as one
territory, became independent.
Vere C Bird became the first Prime Minister and was
in office four times consecutively. Vere Bird retired
as Prime Minister in 1994 where his son succeded him.
Lester Bird,the current Prime Minister, led the ALP
party to its ninth out of ten victories.
Some important
facts.....
Antigua is 430 miles (692km) north of Venezuela
Antigua is 108 square miles (280km)
Barbuda is 62 square miles (161km)
Redonda is 1/2 a square mile (1.3km)
This island was formed by volcanoes worn down by wind
and rain
Average temp is 80F (27C)
