TNAG-0831-FCO40-1039-Commonwealth-Parliamentary-Association-(CPA)-annual-conferen-1979 — Page 93

ANTIGUA

General

1. The island of Antigua has an area of 108 square miles and a population of around 71,000. Its two dependencies are Barbuda, 25 miles to the north with an area of 62 square miles and a population of around 1,200 and

Redonda, 25 miles south-west, an uninhabited rock islet with an area of

half a square mile. The capital and commercial centre is St Johns.

Antigua was discovered by Columbus in 1493. The first permanent settle-

ment was made by the English in 1632 after earlier attempts by the Spanish

and French. For a short time it was in French occupation but has remained

a British possession since 1667 when it was ceded to the English by the

Treaty of Breda.

2.

Flat-topped

Antigua can be divided into three distinct zones.

mountains of volcanic origin rising to 1,000 feet are predominant in the south-west where the characteristic vegetation is mixed evergreen-decious forest. Beyond the volcanic region is a central plain with deep clay topsoils which is the principal agricultural area. In the north and north-

east the plain gives way to a series of rolling limestone hills rarely exceeding 300 feet, which support little but scrub vegetation.

Antigua has

no rivers and only two perennial streams. Barbuda is an island of coral

limestone foundation. A distinctive feature is a large shallow lagoon on

the west side of the island.

Political

3. Antigua has been an Associated State since 1967. In the February 1976 General Election, Mr V C Bird's Antigua Labour Party (ALP) was returned to power, gaining 11 of the 17 seats, after five years in opposition; Mr Bird, a veteran politician, was previously Chief Minister/Premier from 1956 to

1971. Mr Bird increased his Government's strength to 12 by inviting the independent MP for Barbuda to become Minister for Barbuda Affairs. The

election result reduced the prospects for early independence, which the ALP campaigned against. Independence is, however, still being actively discussed and preliminary talks with the British Government have been held.

/Economic