Transcript WELCOME TO ANTIGUA & BARBADOS

WELCOME TO ANTIGUA & BARBADOS
PROJECT REPORT BY:
J.S.TYAGI MEMORIAL SCHOOL
29 A, BURR ROAD, KHADKI,
PUNE – 411 003.
TEL. NO.: 25818100
E-MAIL ID:
[email protected]
NATIONAL DRESS
ANTIGUA'S HISTORY AND CULTURE
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.
NATIONAL DRESS
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 Harbourtown, are reminders of colonial efforts
to ensure its safety from invasion.
Slavery left a bitter legacy
on Antigua. "Freedom"
came on August 1, 1834,
but the lack of an
apprenticeship" or
transition period left
former slaves instantly
impoverished. They had no
choice but to continue
working on the sugar
plantations, where
conditions and wages kept
them dependent on their
former masters.
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.
THE ISLAND OF BARBUDA
Barbuda is one of those very few islands in the Caribbean that remains--and
probably will remain for some time--so undeveloped as to seem positively
deserted at times. With the exception of the guests of the island's small
number of accommodations, the population seems largely to consist of the
graceful Fregata magnificens, or frigate bird. As the birds possess a marked
preference for the northwest lagoon, Barbuda's seemingly endless white and
pink sand beaches are left to the peaceful wanderings of those lucky enough
to sojourn here.
Activities on Barbuda are appropriately relaxed, including beachcombing (on
the northeastern Atlantic coast), fishing and hunting and, at the island's
resorts, golf, tennis, snorkeling, diving, or simply soaking up the sun and the
calm. Points of interest include the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, the truly noteworthy
pink and white sand beaches, and an abundance of
shipwrecks and beautiful reefs. Barbuda can be reached easily from Antigua, either by air (a 20-minute
flight, twice daily) or by boat (in three hours). The island is home to the luxurious K-Club, Coco Point
Lodge and Hotel Palmetto resorts, as well as to a number of other hotels and comfortable guest
houses.
Barbuda's history has been intimately tied to that of Antigua for centuries. The first early attempts to
settle Barbuda (by both the British and French) were failures, and it wasn't until 1666 that the British
established a colony strong enough to survive the ravages of both nature and the Caribs. In 1680, four
years before he began cultivating sugar on Antigua, Christopher Codrington was granted (with his
brother John) a lease to land in Barbuda. With subsequent leases that granted them additional rights to
the substantial wreckage along Barbuda's reefs, they became the island's preeminent family. For much
of the eighteenth century the Codrington land on Barbuda was used to produce food and to supply
additional slave labour for the Codrington sugar plantations on Antigua, and so the Barbuda's fortunes
rose and fell with those of its larger neighbour. Testament to the influence of the Codringtons remains
today, both in the island's place names and in its architectural remains. On Barbuda's highest point
(124 feet) are the ruins of the Codrington estate, Highland House, and on the island's south coast still
sits the 56-foot high Martello castle and tower, a fortress that was used both for defense and as a
vantage from which to spot valuable shipwrecks on the outlying reefs.
ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA
The skyline of St. John's, the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, is
dominated by the magnificently evocative white baroque towers of St. John's
Cathedral. Built in 1845, the church is now in its third incarnation, as
earthquakes in 1683 and in 1745 destroyed the previous structures. The towers
are the first sight of Antigua for about half of the island's visitors each year, many
of whom arrive by boat. With its recently completed cruise ship dock and several
hotels, St. John's is a lively hub for shopping and dining.
For those interested in the early history of the island, there is the Museum of Antigua
and Barbuda, housed in the colonial Court House (1750). The museum displays both
Arawak and colonial artifacts recovered on archaeological digs on the islands. It also
features a thought-provoking, life-size replica of an Arawak house, models of sugar
plantations, etc.
On Friday and Saturday mornings, be sure to visit the vibrant farmers market on the
southern edge of the city. Folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits, and a buzzing crowd
make for a lively morning.
ACTIVITIES ON ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Land Activities
Water Activities
Excursions
Cricket
Boating
Day Cruises
Hiking and Birdwatching
Diving
and Snorkeling
Antigua Adventures
Eli's Eco Tours
Tennis
Antigua
Scuba Center
Tropical Adventures
Golfing
Fishing
Antigua Seafaris
Hunting
Kayaking
South Coast Horizon
Eco-Fantasies
Riding
Swim with the Rays
Sailing Cruises
Bike Plus
Island Speedboats
Caribbean Helicopters
Cheke's Scooter & Car Rental
Seasports Ltd.
Prickly Pear Island Excursion
Big O Rent A Car
Capt. Nash
Sailing Cruises
Estate Safari Tour
or Classic Jeep Tour
Windsurfing
Exotic Destination Day Charters
Jabberwocky Yacht Charter
Zip Line Canopy Tour
"Overdraft" Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Deep Sea Fishing
Horizon Yacht Charters
Indigo Divers
Miramar Sailing
Sailing has been a central part of Antigua's culture for
centuries, ever since the British under Horatio Nelson made
English Harbour their Caribean 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, its 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.
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.
ENGLISH HARBOUR, ANTIGUA
English Harbour, Antigua's graceful and evocative historic district, is focused on the fifteen square
miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park. Developed as a base for the British Navy in the great age of
sail, the harbour served as the headquarters of the fleet of the Leeward Islands during the turbulent
years of the late 18th century. Although the dockyard was greatly expanded at that time by Horatio
Nelson, it was gradually abandoned in the nineteenth century and was closed in 1889. Today Nelson's
Dockyard has been completely restored, and it is now the only Georgian dockyard in the world.
Almost all of the park's other sites of interest overlook the harbour. The closest of these is
Clarence House, a residence built for the future King William IV (1765-1837) when he
served under Nelson as captain of the H.M.S. Pegasus. Further above the harbour, at
Shirley Heights, are the partially-restored fortifications of the harbour's colonial observation
post; the view from Shirley Heights extends out over the harbour and far across the
Caribbean to Montserrat and Guadaloupe. On Sundays the vista is enhanced by barbeque
and live music at the bar there (Steel Band music from 3-6 pm & reggae from 6-9). Shirley
Heights can be reached via Lookout Trail, a nature walk that rises from the harbour
through a forest of trees--descending the trail is not advisable after dark or barbecue
revelry.
CARNIVAL
It is a ten-day festival of colorful costumes, beauty pageants, talent shows, and especially
good music. The festivities, which celebrates emancipation, are exciting and extensive,
ranging from the Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch competitions of Calypsonians, the
Panorama steel band competition, and the spectacular Parade of Bands to the Miss Antigua
Pageant and the Caribbean Queen's Competition. In addition to these major events, the
nonstop revelry of this eleven-day carnival includes innumerable smaller festivities, including
local concerts, food fairs, parades, and cultural shows. Please join us at Carnival 2008, the
Caribbean's greatest summer festival!
Antiguan Music
There are several different musical forms featured during Carnival. Calypso, the oldest, has
its roots in slavery; a common explanation of its origins is that it began as a way for slaves,
who were forbidden to speak in the fields, to communicate with each other. It is a polyglot,
improvisational form that depends largely upon the skill of a soloist, (the calypsonian) who
weaves the sounds of many cultures into a lyrical whole. Calypso competitions have long
been a highlight of Carnival.
Steel drum music was created when the bamboo percussion instruments traditionally used to back up calypso were replaced by
hammered steel pans cut from oil drums. Whereas there is no dispute that the steel pan was developed in Trinidad, the
indigenous development of the steel band in Antigua and Barbuda was an outgrowth of the iron bands which were prominent at
Christmas time. Steel drum music has been an important part of Carnival since that time, and Antigua is home to many of the
Caribbean's finest steel bands. Soca is a musical form that grafts the slower beat of American soul music to the upbeat tempos of
calypso. Soca began in the 1970s, and by the middle of the 1980s it had become an integral feature of Carnival. Another musical
form popular on Antigua is reggae. Although it originated in Jamaica, reggae has been incorporated into the Antiguan music scene
for years.
NATIONAL MILL2
NATIONAL DEER
NATIONAL TREE
NATIONAL FRUIT. PINEAPPLE
Antigua and Barbuda National Song
Fair Antigua, we salute thee!
Proudly we this anthem raise
To thy glory and thy beauty,
Joyfully we sing the praise
Of the virtues, all bestowed
On thy sons and daughters free;
Ever striving, ever seeking,
Dwell in love and unity.
Raise the standard! Raise it boldly!
Answer now to duty's call
To the service of thy country,
Sparing nothing, giving all;
Gird your loins and join the battle
'Gainst fear, hate and poverty,
Each endeavouring, all achieving,
Live in peace where man is free.
God of nations, let Thy blessings
Fall upon this land of ours;
Rain and sunshine ever sending,
Fill her fields with crops and flowers;
We her children do implore Thee,
Give us strength, faith, loyalty,
Never failing, all enduring
To defend her liberty.
Lyrics: Novelle Hamilton Richards
Antigua and Barbuda
Coat of arms
Flag
Motto: Each Endeavouring, All Achieving
Anthem: Fair Antigua and Barbuda
Royal anthem: God Save the Queen 1
Capital
(and largest
city)
Official
languages
Demonym
Government
Saint John's
Head of State
Elizabeth II
Governor-General
Louise Lake-Tack
17°7′N, 61°51′W
English
Antiguan, Barbudan
Parliamentary democracy
under a federal
constitutional
monarchy
Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer
Independence from the United Kingdom
Date
November 1, 1981
Area
-
Total
442 km² (198th)
171 sq mi
-
Water
(%)
negligible
Population
2005 estimate
82,786 (197th)
Density
184/km² (57)
394/sq mi
GDP (PPP)
2005 estimate
Total
US$875.8 million (170th)
Per capita
US$12,586 (59th)
HDI (2007)
▲ 0.815 (high) (57th)
Currency
East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Time zone
AST (UTC-4)
Internet TLD
.ag
Calling code
+1 268
God Save The Queen is officially a national
anthem but is generally used only on regal and
vice-regal occasions.
Sport
Cricket ground in St. John, Antigua.
Like many commonwealth countries, cricket is the most popular sport. The 2007 Cricket World Cup was
hosted in the West Indies from 11 March to 28 April 2007. Antigua hosted eight matches at the Sir Vivian
Richards Stadium, which was completed on 11 February 2007 and can hold up to 20 000 people at full
capacity. Antigua is also a Host of Stanford Twenty20 - Twenty20 Cricket, a version started by Allen Stanford
in 2006 as a regional cricket game with almost all Caribbean islands taking part. Viv Richards is from Antigua
and scored the fastest Test Century and Brian Lara twice scored the World Test Record at Antigua Recreation
Ground.
Association football is also a very popular sport. Antigua has a national football team although it is
inexperienced.
Athletics is also popular. Talented athletes are trained from a young age and Antigua and Barbuda have
produced a few fairly adept athletes. Janill Williams, a young athlete with much promise comes from Gray's
Farm, Antigua. Also, Sonia Williams and Heather Samuel have represented Antigua and Barbuda at the
Olympic Games. Others prominent rising stars include Brendan Christian (100 m, 200 m), Daniel Bailey (100
m, 200 m) and James Grayman (High Jump).
Education
The people of Antigua & Barbuda have a high level of literacy at well over 90%. In
1998, Antigua and Barbuda adopted a national mandate to become the preeminent
provider of medical services in the Caribbean. As part of this mission, Antigua and
Barbuda is building the most technologically advanced hospital in the Caribbean,
the Mt. St. John Medical Centre. The island of Antigua currently has two medical
schools, the American University of Antigua (AUA),[4] founded in 2004 and The
University of Health Sciences Antigua (UHSA),[5] founded in 1982.
There is also a government owned state college in Antigua as well as the Antigua
and Barbuda Institute of Information Technology (ABIIT). The University of the West
Indies has a branch in Antigua for locals to continue University studies.
Foreign relations
Main article: Foreign relations of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of
Nations, Caribbean Community, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States,
Organization of American States, World Trade Organization and the Eastern
Caribbean's Regional Security System.
Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the International Criminal Court (with a
Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military as covered under
Article 98).
PRIME MINISTER OF ANTIGUA &
BARBADOS MR. BALDWIN SPENCER
CONCLUSION
Antigua Barbuda are group of Islands in the Caribbean, but the people are
highly enthusiastic and exuberant in Sports, specially in Cricket. It is
noteworthy that with such a small population, they are participating in the
Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. We, warmly welcome them to India and
to the third Commonwealth Games to be held in Pune.