GENERAL INFORMATION

LOCATION
Antigua is located at 16 5’ N, 60 ' W and is one of the Leeward Islands. If you think of the Caribbean islands as a chain running between Florida and South America, Antigua is basically in the middle of that chain.

AIRPORT
Antigua has an international airport (V.C. Bird International Airport). Major airlines flying in and out of Antigua include American Airlines, Continental, US Airways, Air Canada, Delta, British Airways, Virgin, Condor and BWIA. There are at least two flights every day to Antigua from major cities in the US. There are also at least four non-stop flights to London every week.

GOVERNMENT
Antigua is part of a twin-nation state which includes Barbuda in the North, and Redonda to the West (Redonda being a small, uninhabited rock which juts out of the Caribbean Sea). Once an English colony, Antigua is now independent and a member of the British Commonwealth, meaning it is a constitutional monarchy with Elizabeth II as its figurative sovereign, though it actually manages its own affairs of state according to the Westminster parliamentary system.

GEOGRAPHY
Antigua is a 108 square miles; it is virtually round in shape and it takes approximately 40 minutes to go from N to S or E to W. The island is relatively flat with rolling hills, and the highest point is Boggy Peak at 1,325 ft. Antigua is well-known for its many white-sand beaches and pale, turquoise waters. There are few palms unfortunately as these have disappeared over time, due largely to sand erosion. Most of the island is covered in casi – a thorned shrub from Africa – or flowering trees like tamarind, neem, and flamboyant. Barbuda is a flat sand bar on a complex system of coral reef, and has a mangrove interior filled with bird-life and wild, boar. Both Antigua and Barbuda have many dive sites to explore.

CLIMATE
It is hot!! The average temperature in the winter months is 86 degrees F with Easterly Atlantic breezes coming off the Sahara. In the summer, the temperature remains virtually the same but the breeze dies down and the humidity rises, so it feels much hotter still. A good fan is generally needed, and it takes even a West-Indian at least a few weeks to re-acclimatize when coming from a cooler climate. Antigua is a very dry island which often suffers from drought, so downpours are uncommon and when they do come they normally finish quickly. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, but the riskiest months are September and October. Happily, we have not had a hurricane for several years, and before that we hadn’t had one since 1951.

POPULATION
The Antiguan population is predominantly of African descent but also includes a few families of Syrian and Portuguese origin. Additionally, there are ex-patriates from the UK, Italy, Canada, and the USA. The official population is just under 70,000.

LANGUAGE
The official language of Antigua is English, though “beewee”, a patois of English, African and a few bits of French, is commonly spoken.

HISTORY
It is generally accepted that Antigua has been inhabited on and off for the last 4000 years: -- first by the Siboney (or “Stone People”) and then by the Arawak Indians who established agricultural villages. By 1200 AD, the Arawaks had moved on or been killed by the war-like Caribs, another Amer-Indian tribe. The Caribs were exceptional seamen and though they never permanently settled on the island, they raided it frequently and often with bloody results. There are remnants from the Arawaks on Antigua – please pay a visit to the museum for more information -- and the Caribs still have a small reservation in Dominica, just to the S of Antigua.
By the end of the 17th Century, English settlements had been established and the first sugar plantations were in full operation, using thousands of slaves brought over from Africa during the great slave trade. Though slavery was abolished in 1834, sugar plantations remained the mainstay of the economy until the 1930’s. In 1981, the twin-nation of Antigua and Barbuda (and Redonda) gained independence.

RELIGION
Antiguans tend to be very devout and go to church every Saturday or Sunday. Most, if not all, Christian denominations are represented in the many churches scattered around the island. As such, Antiguans tend also to be conservative on the issue of faith.

INDUSTRY
The main industries are tourism and off-shore banking. There is basically no manufacturing on the island and limited agriculture. Most goods – food items, raw materials, machinery, electronics, etc. – are imported from abroad. Though our selection of consumer goods is nowhere near what can be accessed in Canada or the USA, we have a greater variety of refrigerated foods and other goods than many of the Caribbean islands.
English Harbour in the S of Antigua is also the yachting centre of the Caribbean and Europe during the winter season. Yachts of all kinds and ages and sizes base here during these months.

SAFETY
Antigua is an unusually safe place when compared to Canada, the US or Europe, and even many of the other Caribbean islands. There is still little violent crime, and random violence is virtually unknown. Having said that, everyone should take practical precautions as they would at home. Don’t leave valuables in the open, don’t leave homes or cars unlocked, don’t walk home late at night and in the dark.

CURRENCY
The currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) Dollar which is tied to the US Dollar. Most shops, hotels and restaurants will accept US Dollars, though banks usually offer a better rate. The general exchange rate is $ 1.00 US=$ 2.6 EC
Credit cards and Traveller’s Cheques are widely accepted. Visa/MC cards are preferred (some shops/restaurants will not accept AMEX).
There are several ATM machines where you can use your non-Antiguan Visa/MC debit card if you would like. Note: vendors will often try to charge back their percentage fee (2.5-5.5 %) so be aware of this in case you want to argue the point.

TIME ZONES
Antigua is on Atlantic Standard Time all year round.

BANKS
Bank of Antigua -- 480- 5300
Bank Manager – Caroline King will assist teachers from IA
Bank of Antigua has two branches; one is located in Nelson’s Dockyard and the other outside VC Bird International Airport. Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia Bank, Barclays, and other regional banks also have offices in Antigua.

ELECTRICITY
Antigua has a definite current quirk. Some homes and buildings are 220V and some are 110V. And some are both. Be sure to check what voltage you have access to before plugging in your appliances. Adapters may be needed so bring some from home just in case.

VACCINATIONS
No additional vaccinations to what you might get at home are necessary before you come to Antigua.. Tetanus does exist here so make sure your tetanus shot is up-to-date or get one here as soon as you arrive. Be aware too that HIV is also present here, as in most nations.

DOCTORS
Antigua has many internationally-accredited doctors and specialists and generally medical care is both good and modern. There are also many pharmacies on the island – but if you are taking an unusual medication please make sure to first check whether it is available here. (If it is available, it is likely to be less expensive than the prices charged in the US, Canada or Europe).
Dr. Madeleine Carrick-Fraser (general) 460-3434 (w) 460-8786 (c)
460-8786 (h) * her office is out of Tree House Salon in English Harbor (M-W-F)
Dr. Sorhaindo (pediatrician) 562-1931 (w) 562-2660 (w)
Dr. Hadeed (pediatrician) 462-9499 (w) 461-4248 (h)
Dr. Fevrier-Roberts (OB/Gyn) 462-1805 (w) 462-2770 (w)
Dr. Nick Fuller (GP) 462 0931 (w) 464 7333 (c))
Dr. Bert O’Marde (surgeon) 462-1935 (w)

PHARMACY
Woods Pharmacy 462 9287/8 -modern pharmacy at Woods Centre

DENTISTS
Sumi Sengupta 462-9312/3 -located at Woods Centre

CHIROPRACTOR
Madeleine Findlay 460-5705 (w) 724-7878 (c)
*located at Akparo in the Officers Quarters in Nelson’s Dockyard

HOSPITALS
There are two places on the island which cater to health and emergency needs. Holberton Hospital in St. John’s is the general hospital: grim but effective. Less daunting is Adelin, a private clinic, which is more personal. It too performs surgeries, including modern procedures like laparoscopies.
Adeline Clinic (private) 462-0866
Holberton Hospital (public) 462-0251

ABSAR
PARAMEDIC/ ANTIGUA BARBUDA SEARCH AND RESCUE
Jonathan Cornelius 725-5044 463-3236

DRIVING/LICENSE
Driving is on the LEFT. You must have a local driving permit and be over 25 years old. In order to get a local driving permit, you must show a copy of a valid Canadian, US or European license. No test is required.; there is just a form to sign and a fee to pay.
The local license is valid for three months and costs approximately US$ 20.

CAR REGISTRATION
To obtain a permanent license you need to go to the Transport Board located on Factory Road. It’s best to take someone with you that knows the routine to help make the process easier.
To register you need:
-Copy of vehicle insurance,
-Canadian or American or European driver’s license,

CAR DEALERS
Hadeed Motors 481-2500 located on Old Parham Road
Harney motors 462 1062 located on American Road

TAXIS
J.B. Taxi 464-3467 460-1497
John Taxi 464-6112 460-1571

ROADS
They are not the best in the world, so prepare yourself for navigating pot-holes! There are also very few road signs. Thankfully all roads lead to “Rome” , so it is difficult to stay lost for very long. A few weekends of driving around quickly educates the new arrival to where’s what.

TV
Cable TV is available on the island and there are two providers. The programmes are predominantly from US television. TV sets in Antigua are largely from the US and are NTSC compatible, though there are a few multi-systems available for purchase on the island.
CTV 462-4224
Karib Cable 481-1280

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TELEPHONE
Antigua has a modern communication system in place, but calls are generally expensive. There are local mobiles to rent or purchase, with pay-as-you-go card phones; cards are readily available at most shops. If you purchase a cell phone in Canada or the US, make sure it is a quad-band. That way, you know it will work in Antigua (not all cell phones purchased outside Antigua work here).
Callback programmes exist from abroad, but are expensive. Alternatives are either SKYPE (www.skype.com). or Vonage (www.vonage.com). For the Vonage system, make sure you purchase a system like Linksys WRTP54G which has a router and a cheap telephone.
Cable & Wireless 480 4000
Caribbean Cellular 480 2600

INTERNET
Antigua has high-speed internet and there is wireless access in some hotels and cafes as well as some restaurants. There are numerous cyber-cafes but no laptops and very few computers for rent or inexpensive purchase: make sure you bring your own laptop or PC, and best to set up your own internet access when you get here. Cable and Wireless or APUA both offer broad band internet service.

IMPORT DUTIES
The Antiguan economy depends heavily on import duties and taxes – anything that is sent here will get charged! This means that if your family mails or fed-exes you anything regardless of whether it’s your favourite shampoo or a laptop, the item will need to be cleared and duties paid.

GENERAL DRESS
People in the Caribbean are fairly conservative about dress. When you go to “town” (the capital St. John’s), dress appropriately and absolutely no swimwear should be worn. If you need to enter a government office (ex: immigration) you will need to wear slacks or a dress. No shorts, T-shirts or tank tops are allowed.
When packing, make sure you consider loose, light clothing. Cotton and linen are best. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers are also good for those times you want to dress more conservatively, but also help fend off mosquitoes in the early morning and late afternoon.

SWIMMING
Swimming in Antigua is wonderful. There are hundreds of beaches, some with a bit of Atlantic surf, others with the leeward calm of the Caribbean, and all with white sand beaches and beautiful water colours. There are also a few nice pools which may be accessed at hotels with day-passes. Be careful about swimming at night. Before you throw yourself in, beware of the reefs as they can be close to the shore and they are very sharp. There is also boat traffic that might not see you in the dark, and marine hunters feed at night. Topless bathing is frowned upon, though many ex-pats do so on certain beaches.

SUN
The sun in the Caribbean is fierce. Do not be fooled by a strong breeze, an overcast day, or PF30…! Always wear and re-apply a strong sunblock throughout the day, and maybe even a hat, especially if near or on the water. Skin can burn here after two hours, even when wearing PF30 or higher. A daily lotion with added sunscreen is best if you don’t want to wear sunscreen all the time. It’s an important habit to get into and good practice for anyone who lives in the Caribbean: drink plenty of water each day to avoid getting dehydrated which can creep up on you before you know it.

SPORTS
Antigua is ideal for the person who likes to be active. Golf and tennis are widely available, as are squash and horse-back riding. There is also sailing on everything from sunfish to lasers, and on classical to racing yachts if you can make friends with a crew member! Wind-surfing, kite-surfing, scuba diving, and many more water-sport variations are also here, and if you like long walks and exploration there are many challenging hikes. Also para-gliding, and more…

RECREATION
Aquanaut – scuba diving
SeabySea --- boat tours 771 1474
Spring Hill Riding 460-7787
Temo Sports 463-6376
Antigua Athletic Club 480 6600

ENVIRONMENT
Antigua is a small island recently inundated by the demands of the tourism industry. It needs all the conscientious care it can get so please always think about your trash and how you run your water. As mentioned above, Antigua tends to be a dry island so water is always scarce, even after sporadic rains. Adhering to general and sound environmental practices – saving water, minimizing trash, unplugging appliances, feeding grey water to plants, etc. – will do well to help us out!

ALOE
This famous plant grows abundantly in Antigua! If you don’t already have it near you when you settle in, please let the school know and they’ll get you some plants to start growing. Aloe is truly a wonder-plant, and the most cynical mind will be converted

LOCAL FOOD
FAVOURITES
Conch -- (pronounced “conk”) large sea snail, served in a variety of ways.
Seasoned Rice – Rice and kidney beans cooked with salt pork and herbs
Fungi -- Corn meal pudding, a local version of polenta
Pepperpot – Thick meat stew with ground provisions and dumplings
Salt Fish – traditional Sunday morning breakfast: dried salt cod stewed in a tomato and onion sauce with herbs
Doucana – dumplings made from sweet potato and coconut and boiled in a banana leaf
Goat Water – (or Fish Water) – a simple broth soup with goat or fish and vegetables
Rotis-- a cornmeal pancake wrapped around curried vegetables, meat or seafood

FOOD
Most food is imported in Antigua. Our waters are heavily fished so sometimes local fish is scarce; imported frozen fish, however, is generally available. Most fruits and vegetables, too, are imported, either from the US or other Caribbean islands like Dominica where there is more rain and farming.

WATER
Public water is chlorinated in Antigua and officially safe for drinking. However, it doesn’t taste very good so best to drink bottled water. You can purchase water at the grocery store or through a water company which can (for a fee) provide you with a tank. Most of these companies will also deliver the water to your door.
Island Coolers 560-8718 (ask for Desmon)

GROCERY
Epicurean –Woods Mall - fully stocked and air-conditioned supermarket outside St. John’s. Deli, fresh and frozen meats, large frozen section (ice creams, vegetables, meals, fish, etc.) pastries, etc. Gourmet section.
Bailey’s Market – English Harbor - small family run grocery store. Fresh
vegetables, fruits, eggs, etc. Not a large frozen selection.
Famous Mauros -- English Harbor - fresh baked breads daily. Seasonal.
Dockside Liqours – English Harbor –small local market at Yacht Club Marina but with several more exclusive imports from abroad like shrimp, smoked salmon, etc.

BUGS
You are coming to the tropics: --- they exist!
Our most annoying and present pest is the mosquito, and it tends to be more active at dawn and dusk. All newcomers need a month or two to get acclimatized; take precautions and apply repellant frequently, use a mossie net and fan at night.
Mosquitoes spawn in shallow water so be aware of puddles, ponds or vases with stagnant water…Check whether these spots can either be emptied, or apply a bit of bleach if this makes sense as bleach will kill the larvae.
We have roaches too: big and impressive but not here because of dirt. Occasionally you will see them on the run across a porch floor or wall but they much prefer the outdoors to the house. Rarely, you might see a local tarantula. They are brown and furry but move slowly and tentatively and very rarely strike. Just as rare is the sighting of a monkey spider (a thin-legged orange variety), small scorpions, and centipedes. Again, they do not like human activity and houses so you are unlikely to meet any unless you are barefoot in the bush while outside at night.
IMPORTANTLY: We have no dangerous bugs in Antigua.
You are only likely to be adversely affected by a sting or bite if you are allergic to bee-stings at home. If you are allergic, we advise bringing an epi-pen in case of emergency.
BUG-ZAPPERS
Love every lizard you see. They may look odd and move jerkily, but they eat flies, mosquitoes, roaches and any other bug that is just a little smaller than they are – they are magnificent and tend to move in behind any wall art you might put up (one per painting as they are territorial with their own kind).
OFF is sold in most shops and can be applied to the skin to deter mosquitoes.
There are also mosquito coils for sale; these are somewhat effective as a deterrence, but do not kill the mosquitoes and they also smoke up the room…
Citronella candles are widely available. There are a couple of homeopathic and herbal stores in St. John’s that sell natural concoctions to put on one’s skin, and to burn as incense. These are often effective.
BAYGON is a household pesticide and should be used sparingly. It is extremely strong. A quick zap on a roach (while you catch some fresh air somewhere else) will kill the roach within a couple of minutes, and the residue will evaporate a few minutes after that.
There are also exterminators on the island:
GETCO 462-0353
Terminix 463-0885

OTHER ANIMALS
We have no dangerous animals lurking in the bushes – only goats and sheep! Be careful when you drive as these frequently un-tethered animals sometimes rush into the road (they may be cute but they are not smart).
Antigua also has a lot of mongoose (as in Kipling’s Riki-Tiki-Tavi). These were once imported to kill snakes on the island, which they did very successfully; we have no more snakes but we do have mongoose! They will go through uncovered garbage at night so make sure you keep lids on what you leave outside.
There is some tension between goat and sheep farmers (whose animals roam freely though this is against the law) and dog-owners.. If you do adopt a dog while you’re here, MAKE SURE IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE LOOSE. Take precautions to keep it away from goats and sheep, and don’t allow it to gobble up food scraps on the road as these have been known to be poisoned.

LOLITA’S
Local fabric store downtown on Market Street near Nevis and Redcliffe. They carry a wide variety of craft items such as fabric, pipe cleaners, glue sticks, yarn, etc.

HARPERS
Office supply store located at Woods Centre. They carry lots of school supplies but be prepared to pay. Office supplies are very expensive here so bring every thing and anything you think you might want.