Known for it's many beaches, luxury hotels cultural diversity and music, Antigua is a popular Caribbean destination for North American and European tourist during the winter season. If you are planing a vacation in Antigua, or just visiting the islands, here are a few infrastructure statistics and little things you should know about vacation requirements, shopping, site seeing, tours and events in Antigua.
Date of Independence 1 November 1981. Head of State HM The Queen. Head of Government Hon. Winston Baldwin Spencer, United Progressive Party UPP. Governor General HE Sir James Beethoven Carlisle, GCMG, OBE. Governor General Deputy Mrs. Yvonne Maginley. Political System Parliamentary Democracy. Political Orientation Social Democratic
Climate in Antigua
Antigua can be described as tropical and humid, while Barbuda would be more arid. The islands have an annual temperature of 24 degrees Celsius (75 F) and remains constant throughout the summer and winter. The average annual rainfall is 42 inches, but drought can be a factor.
Ethnic Makeup
Primarily people of African descent with a diversity of British, Portuguese, Lebanese and Syrian stocks comprising the Ethnic Makeup.
Education
Compulsory schooling from age five to sixteen. The majority of schools are funded by the government, with some assistance from religious groups.There are a total of 72 primary and secondary schools. In 1972 the training colleges were merged to form the Antigua State College.Profile of Schools in Antigua
Historical Sites Sounds & Shopping Information
Beyond the beaches , visitors can get a glimpse of Antigua and Barbuda culture traditions, island life and history. Make Antigua your next Caribbean vacation and enjoy the breath taking sites, sounds and hospitality of the people and island of Antigua and Barbuda.
Nelson Dockyard
This regien in English Harbor is one of the area's most important historical sites. Admiral Horatio Nelson used this secure port as an additional repair and observation post for the British Royal Navy. Nelson's Dockyard includes naval colonial structures, ancient archaeological sites and much more. Nelson Dockyard and Antigua Hotels Tour
Shirley's heights:
See the ruins of an 18th century fort at the top of one of the highest hills in Antigua with an astonishing view of English Harbor. On a clear day you can easily see the island of Guadalupe, Martinique and Montserrat. Historical Sites in Antigua
Take a Video tour of popular hotels and resort accommodations in tropical Antigua
Red cliff Quay: A preserved and picturesque water front area where you will find historical buildings, a variety of restaurant, tax and duty free shops.
There are said to be 365 beaches on Antigua one for every day of the year! Outdoors enthusiast find activity-packed beaches where water skis break the surf, wind surfers glide across the waves and colorful coral reefs welcome snorkelers. There's also secluded strands, hidden covers and quiet shorelines that lure romantics and beachcombers. Beaches in Antigua & Barbuda
Redonda is known worldwide for its curious catalogue of whimsical "Royal Characters" created by famous British literary figures. There have been many "Kings" of Redonda, there is a "High King"' and many pretenders.
It all started in Jun 1865 Matthew Dowdy Shiel (s.a.), an Irish merchant in Montserrat dedicated to shipping, was on the island of Redonda, which at that time did not belong to any country. In celebration of the birth of his son, and with certain influence of the abundance of the alcohol, Matthew Shiel proclaimed the island for himself as a kingdom, and himself as King Matthew I.
Seven years later Britain took possession from the island ignoring the claim of Shiel. Following the British annexation, several dubious events occurred. Matthew abdicated on 21 of Jul 1880 in favor of his son, Philippe Shiel (Matthew Phipps Shiel) (b. 1865 - d. 1947), who was proclaimed king Philip (or Felipe) I, he died in 1947. leaving "the succession" - by testament to his literary adviser, the poet John Gawsworth as Juan I (whose real name was Terence Ian Fytton Armstrong)(b. 1912 - d. 1970).
In 1936, a blood letting took place, making the Irish poet, John Gawsworth, King Juan I. In the 1940's and 50's several literary figures were given Redondan appointments, these include. Ellery Queen, Arthur Ransome, L. Durrell, Dylan Thomas, V. Gollanz, A. Knopf, Dorothy Sayers, Stephen Potter, J.B. Priestley and Rebecca West. Gawsworth tried to sell the island to the Swedish royal family but was prevented by Britain.
After the death of Juan I in 1970, the crown was demanded by John Wynne-Tyson (Juan II). However in 1984 the "nobility" recognized Cedric Boston (Cedric I) as king. In 1989 Juan II, designated a successor, history professor William Leonard Gates (Leo V) in favor of whom he abdicated on the 26 Oct 1989.
At the moment there are nine pretenders to "the throne" of Redonda, among them Bob Williamson (Robert I) a successor of Jon Wynne-Tyson, who assumes he inherited the "kingdom" on the death of Juan II. Robert I supposedly "acceded" to the throne in 1997. That there are now as many as nine pretenders to the Redondan throne is a testament to the confusion of Gawsworth's last years.
Power seems to be a wretched failing of the human race even to the extent of holding an influential meaningless title. This seems to be true for Redonda as much controversy has arisen over this fanciful title that really means nothing at all! Whoever now rightly holds the title of "King" we are sure he has a philosophy of "Live and Let Live", and prefers to go quietly about his business, just as he hopes that the fragile island of Redonda can be left to go quietly about the business of providing a safe environment for the birds and other wildlife that eke out a living on it's craggy shores!
