MOTTO OF THE NATION
Click to view largerThe motto of the nation is “Each endeavouring, all achieving”. It was composed by James H. Carrott MBE in 1967 when he was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Production and Labour. The concept was to provide inspiration to each Antiguan and Barbudan to recognize that the development of the whole country would be a benefit to all, but that development required the effort of each individual.
THE NATIONAL FLAG
Click to view largerThe golden sun image symbolizes the dawn of a new era and the dynamism of the people. Blue represents hope, black the soil and the nation’s African heritage. Gold, blue and white represent Antigua’s natural tourist attractions – sun, sea and the sand, and the “V” shape symbolizes victory. The national flag was introduced in 1967 when the country became a State in Association with Great Britain. It was designed by Reginald Samuel, an Antiguan artist, sculptor, painter and art teacher.
CURRENCY
The official monetary currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, locally known as EC, but the Sterling, US Dollar and Euro are accepted or traded at banks and most businesses. The rates fluctuate from day to day, but the EC dollar is fixed to the US$1 at EC2.60; the ₤ Sterling = roughly $4.00 EC and the € Euro = 3.50 EC dollars
COMMERCIAL BANKS
Most banks in Antigua have 24-hour ATM machines. American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diner’s Club and travelers Checks are generally accepted for at most establishments.
Banking Hours
Monday – Thursday: 0800-1500;
Friday: 0800-1300, 1500-1700;
Saturday: some banks open 9am until midday
LIFESTYLE
Those who decide to set up business in Antigua and Barbuda will enjoy a pleasant and comfortable lifestyle. Housing on the island is as good as Los Angeles or Florida in the U.S., or the suburbs of greater London in the UK. Cable television on the island provides several channels of American programming on a 24 hour-a-day basis. Excellent schools up to secondary education level are also available.
SPORTS
A wide range of water sports can be enjoyed, including scuba diving, jet and water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and sail boarding. Yacht charters, cruising and deep sea fishing are also available.
Cricket is the national game, and is played to the highest international standard. The cricket season is between January and May, and matches are played between the island’s leading teams. Inter-island matches and international test cricket also take place here. There are spectacular golf courses, numerous tennis courts, a squash club, many spas and fitness centres, and, of course, hundreds of secluded beaches where a wide variety of water sports are available.
AIRPORT
VC Bird International
Facilities at VC Bird International Airport: Texaco Fuel, Air Cargo Services, Hangers; restaurant, tourism information desk, taxi stand, car rental agencies and duty free shops.
AIRLINES
Direct flights as well as connecting flights are available to and from VC Bird International Airport.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick
Air Canada from Toronto
Continental from Newark, New Jersey
American Airlines from Miami
Caribbean Airlines
American Eagle from Puerto Rico
Delta from Atlanta and New York
US Airways from Philadelphia and Charlotte
Condor from Germany
The regional airline LIAT provides scheduled flights several times daily from V C Bird International to 25 Caribbean islands; Winair between Antigua and Barbuda daily.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
All visitors must be in possession of a return or onward ticket as well as a valid passport or Visa.
CAR RENTAL
Several international car rental companies are located at V C Bird International Airport and locations around the island. A local driver’s permit is available upon presentation of a valid driver’s license and payment of a nominal fee. Driving is on the left.
LANGUAGE
The national language is English but many other languages and a local dialect are spoken.
RELIGION
All denominations worship here ─Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Moravian, Seventh Day Adventist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Jehovah Witness, Buddhist and others.
GETTING MARRIED
There are few places more romantic to exchange your wedding vows or take your honeymoon that the exotic islands of Antigua and Barbuda…and we make it so simple, it can be done the same day! Visit www.antigua-barbuda.org for more info.
CLIMATE
Antigua and Barbuda has a tropical climate all year round ranging from 82-86 degrees. June through September is officially hurricane season.
CLOTHING
Light summer attire may be worn all year round. But the temperature can drop during December through January at evenings. Hotels and restaurants require a jacket and tie for men, and dresses for ladies at evenings. At the pool or at public beaches, swimwear is acceptable, but not recommended in the capital.
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications in Antigua and Barbuda are excellent and can compete with world standards. However, rates differ depending on terms set by communications providers. Cellular phone companies offer local and international calls and text messaging on their networks and roaming capabilities. Telephones have international dialing to most countries in the world. There are efficient postal services as well as global courier express services.
MEDIA
There are two main local English language newspapers and several that can be bought at bookshops and supermarkets. Antigua has one TV station, and several radio stations broadcasting on a daily basis. Local, regional and US broadcasts as well as the BBC and foreign language stations are also transmitted via radio and cable TV.
DEPARTURE TAX
Payable at airline check-in counter at time of departure or included in airline ticket cost. US$25.00 or EC$70.00 for visitors.
DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco, 1 litre wine or
spirits, 170ml (6oz) perfume. Prohibited items include sharp items weapons and non-prescribed drugs.
MEDICAL
The Mount St. John’s Medical Centre is Antigua and Barbuda’s newest and main Medical Hospital, but there are several private clinics, general practitioners, specialists and pharmacies on the island. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area.
EMERGENCIES
911 or 999
Fire (268) 462-0251
Ambulance 911
Police Headquarters (268) 462-0125
Air/Sea Rescue (268) 462-3062
Office of Disaster Preparedness (268) 462-4206
When calling from outside Antigua and Barbuda, please dial area 268
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day (January 1), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day
(first Monday in May), Whit Monday, Caricom Day (first Monday in
July), Carnival (first Monday and Tuesday in August), Independence
Day (November 1), Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 and 26).
TIME DIFFERENCE
Winter: UK time minus 4 hours. Summer: UK time minus 5 hours. US – + 1 hour EST during the winter.
ELECTRICITY AND WATER
220/110 volts AC; 60 cycles. Dual voltage appliances recommended.
American-type 2-pin electrical sockets prevalent, and therefore a suitable adapter may be required. Locally bottled distilled water and international brands are widely available and served in hotels and restaurants.
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION
High Commission for Antigua and Barbuda
2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486
There is a British Government Representative in Antigua, and
consulates or embassies for Germany, Venezuela, China, Denmark, France, Italy and the Netherlands among others.
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