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Karel Forde-Harrigan
Mary-Jean Benjamin Prime
Antigua -108 sq miles Barbuda - 62 sq miles
Redonda -an uninhabited rock
63,400 (1991 Population Census)
V C Bird International
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar is legal tender and maintains an exchange rate of EC$2.70 = US$l.00.
The White Crown Pigeon
Antigua and Barbuda are coral islands with rugged volcanic hills in the south and limestone deposits in the north. The island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and colonised by the British in 1632. After three hundred years as a British Colony, Antigua and Barbuda gained its independence on November 1, 1981. The islands have a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from an average low of 73°F in the winter months to 85°F in the summer. The cool climate, coupled with a number of sheltered coves and beaches which rise from the indented coastline, has made Antigua and Barbuda a top tourist destination in the Caribbean.
Antigua - St John's
Barbuda - Codrington Village
Antigua and Barbuda is located in the leeward chain at approximately 62° west longitude and 17° north latitude.
Antigua and Barbuda is an independent member of the Commonwealth, being the first of the Eastern Caribbean islands to attain internal self-government in 1967. Antigua and Barbuda attained Independence in 1981. The Queen is the Head of State, and she is represented by a Governor General. The Government is based on the British parliamentary system with two legislative chambers. The lower chamber or house of representatives consists of 17 members who are elected every five years; the upper chamber or the senate consists of 17 members who are nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Antigua has had a long history of peaceful and constitutional political change.
The Hibiscus
Historically, the economy of Antigua and Barbuda was dominated by agricultural production of sugar cane and cotton. By the 1960's falling international prices for sugar and cotton caused a shift in resources into tourism. At present the tourism industry is the largest industry in Antigua employing one quarter of the labour force. An attempt was made to develop a manufacturing industry in the 1970's. This has declined considerably but there is still industrial activity in the production of clothing, furniture, paints, mattresses, galvanise and electronic assembly. A resurgence in agricultural activity followed an agricultural diversification programme instituted in 1983. Production of non-traditional crops such as carrots, cabbages, tomatoes, onions and sweet potatoes is ongoing.
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has an Agency office under the management of a Country Managers in each of its member territories. The last such office to be established was the Agency Office located in Antigua which was formally opened on July 16, 1992.
