About Antigua

Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea at 17 degrees 5’ north and longitude 61 degrees 45’. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua is a 108-square mile limestone and coral island recognized for its numerous coves, bays, 365 white sand beaches and clear turquoise-colored waters. 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/Maarten. The sister island of Barbuda (Bar-byew’ da) lies 27 miles northeast of Antigua with a land area of 62 square miles.

The capital of Antigua is St. John’s with two distinctive waterfront areas and a selection of shops and restaurants.

Sunny and warm all year with soothing trade winds, the average temperature ranges 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.

English is the spoken language.

A majority of the 80,100 people (2004 Census) residing on Antigua are of African descent, the remainder being of British, Lebanese, Syrian, Chinese and Portuguese origin.

ANTIGUA ISLAND HISTORY
Christopher Columbus named Antigua in 1493 in homage to Santa Maria de la Antigua, the miracle-working saint of Seville, Spain. In 1632, the British permanently settled Antigua as a colony. The arrival of Sir Christopher Codrington began the sugar era for the island with more than 150 cane-processing windmills—each the focal point of a sizeable plantation. 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 fortification, to the impeccably restored architecture of English Harbourtown, are reminders of colonial efforts to ensure its safety from invasion.

Horatio Nelson arrived in 1784 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. Serving under Nelson at the time was the future King William IV, for whom the more pleasant accommodation of Clarence House was built. It was during William's reign, in 1834, that Britain abolished slavery in the empire.

As the sugar industry of the British islands began to dissolve, the island turned towards the development of tourism. In 1967, under the leadership of V.C. Bird, 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.

ANTIGUA AIRPORT INFORMATION
VC Bird International Airport
There are direct flights and connections from North America via San Juan, Montserrat and St. Maarten (and several weekly flights from Europe) provided by Air Canada, Air Montserrat, American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, LIAT and US Air. 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. V.C. Bird International Airport, located on the northeast corner of Antigua, is the point of entry for visitors arriving by air. There is a $20 airport departure tax for stay-over visitors.

GOLF

There are two golf courses on the Antigua: an 18-hole, 70-par course at the Cedar Valley Golf Club and another at Jolly Harbour. The K- Club on Barbuda also has its own 9-hole course.

JOLLY HARBOUR GOLF CLUB

Green Fee prices are already included in the membership fees, if a member does not have their own carts and clubs they can be rented at a special membership rate. For non-members the

Telephone # 268-462-7771 Ext 608
Fax # 268-562-2810
E-mail: jollygolf@candw.ag

CEDAR VALLEY GOLF COURSE

• Obtain and fill out a membership form. Form has to be returned for approval - is usually approved. Once approved payments have to be made. There is a joining fee of $260.00EC
• Membership fees: Single - $1,280.00EC per year Husband & Wife - $2,050.00EC per year
  Family (husband & wife + Kids in school not college) $2,300.00EC per year
• Green Fees $30.00US per 18 holes daily
  Carts $30.00US per 18 holes (if cart is shared $15.00US per person)

Telephone # 268-462-0161
Fax # 268-562-2762
E-mail: golf@candw.ag

ANTIGUA ACTIVITIES

A variety of land and sea activities await the adventure-seeker. Water sports abound from sailing, boat cruising, water skiing, deep sea and reef fishing to scuba diving and snorkeling among the thriving coral reefs surrounding the island. For land lovers, two 18-hole golf courses and professional tennis and squash courts are accessible and open to the public. In addition, the island offers other popular recreational activities such as horseback riding, helicopter tours, hiking and eco-tours. The

Island also harbors a fierce devotion to the sport of Cricket, with the season running from January to July.

Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Other attractions include a historic overview of six periods of Antiguan history through a multimedia presentation at the Dow Interpretation Center.

Visitors may also enjoy a panoramic view of the Caribbean’s longest continuously operational port from Shirley Heights. Further evidence of the island’s historical roots is St. John’s Cathedral, visible from around the capital; it is regarded as one of Antigua’s national monuments. Betty’s Hope, which was built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Antigua is also recognized for its picturesque landscape and natural preserves. Explore the lush vegetation of the rainforest with an expedition down Fig Tree Drive. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch.

ANTIGUA WEDDINGS

As destination weddings become even more popular, we offer special packages and wedding planners to help accommodate every desire. There is no waiting period or residency requirement to secure a marriage license, just begin by visiting the Ministry of Justice with a valid passport, complete the application and pay a $40 registration fee, $150 application fee and the Marriage Officer's fee of $50.

Once a date and time for the ceremony has been determined, the ceremony may be performed in the presence of a registrar or marriage officer and two witnesses. All applicants must be over 18 years of age and if previously married, the original divorce decree or, in the case of a widow or widower, the original marriage and death certificates will need to be presented.

BARBUDA

Barbuda is part of our three-island state with Antigua and Redonda in the northeastern Caribbean. In Barbuda you will see an island that is unspoiled by tourism. It is renowned for its beaches that are natural, sprinkled with pink sand, and miles long.

Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary is located in the island's northwestern lagoon and is accessible only by boat. The sanctuary contains over 170 species of birds and is home to over 5,000 frigate birds. Fregata magnificens, the most aerial of water birds, possesses the largest wingspan (four to five feet) in proportion to its body size of any bird in the world. It is also known as the man o' war bird, and the comparison to warships is a particularly apt one — with its superior size and flight capabilities, the frigate bird harasses less agile flyers like pelicans, egrets, and cormorants until they drop their catch. The male frigate is marked by its red throat pouch, which it can inflates as part of its courtship behaviour and as a defensive display. Courting takes place in the fall, and chicks hatch late in the year. We offer day tours to Barbuda

ANTIGUA TRANSPORTATION

Taxis are available throughout Antigua. Fares between the airport, harbour, and many villas and destinations are fixed and can be obtained upon arrival. Sample fares from V.C. Bird International Airport to: Nelsons 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.

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$25 and is valid for three months. Don't forget that driving here is on the left side of the road! We recommend Tropical Car rentals among others.

There is some local bus service; schedules and routes can be obtained through our offices.

ANTIGUA SECURITY & HEALTH

There is a number of very highly qualified European and US trained physicians in Antigua, but in-patient facilities are limited to a single public hospital (Holberton Hospital, Hospital Road, St. John's; tel. 268-462-0251). There is also a private Adelin Medical Center, Fort Road, Antigua 268 462 0866 clinic. There is no hyperbaric chamber; divers requiring treatment for decompression illness must be evacuated from the island, usually to either Saba or Guadeloupe. Pharmacies are well supplied. Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. Serious medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Antiguan and Barbuda security forces consisted of the Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force, which was a constabulary of 350 personnel, and the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, which had 115 members. The Defense Force filled the role of the SSUs established in other OECS countries; it had only a ground element, as Antigua and Barbuda had no navy or air force. There is also the National coast guard.

ANTIGUA TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cable and Wireless, and Digicel and APUA provide international direct dialing telephone service, as well as telex, facsimile and data service (including electronic mail and international database to Europe, North America and other parts of the Caribbean).

Licensed operations and services are: Radio and TV Broadcasting Station Cable TV and Multimedia Services Satellite EarthStation, Radio Communications Amateur Radios, Citizens Band (CB) Radios, Very High Frequency (VHF), Ultra High frequency (UHF), Submarine Cable Landing, Mobile Telephone Network

ANTIGUA WEATHER

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 however watch out for the sun!

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