Antigua-Barbuda
The country of Antigua-Barbuda actually consists of three islands: Antigua,
Barbuda, and Redonda. The capital city of Antigua is St. Johns. Antigua is
roughly 108 sq miles. Barbuda is 62 sq miles and Redonda is uninhabited.
The 1991 census posted the population at 63,400 with most of the population
of African descent. However, one feels the presence of other ethnic groups
within Antigua as well. A significant percentage of the population is East
Indian and Hispanic.
Antigua is located geographically
at the southern end of the Leeward chain of islands in the eastern Caribbean.
It is situated
250 miles to the southeast
of Puerto Rico. The primary language spoken is English. Other languages
spoken on Antigua are Spanish and Patois (a Creole of French, Spanish,
and African
languages).
The climate in Antigua
is very mild, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. It is mostly hot
in the day with temperatures ranging
from 85 - 92 degrees
on a daily basis. The rainy season is not as easy to pinpoint. However,
rain falls regularly during the months of October - March/April.
Antigua-Barbuda is an independent member of the Commonwealth. It attained
independence in 1981. The government follows a parliamentary system with
two legislative chambers and Governor General. The currency for Antigua-Barbuda
is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar EC$2.70=US$1.00 (Dec. 2002). The national
flower is the hibiscus. The national bird is the Frigate Bird.
Historically
this nation depended economically on agriculture. However, this industry
has been replaced by a heavy reliance on tourism. A resurgence of agriculture developed in 1983
and is focusing on the production of non-traditional crops such as carrots,
cabbages,
tomatoes, onions and sweet potatoes. However,the tourism market is crucial to economy of Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism
is the most important industry for Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.
According to a recent USAID study, it accounts for 85% of the country’s
foreign exchange earnings, generates about 60% of the state’s gross
domestic product and provides employment for 18% of the labour force. From http://www.euromonitor.com/Travel_And_Tourism_in_Antigua
The Church of the Nazarene
The island of Antigua had its first contact with the Church of the
Nazarene through a local layperson who had moved to the U.S. Virgin
Islands to
find employment. Mrs. Lorna James and her family were converted under
the ministry
of Rev. Lyle Prescott and became vigorous supporters of opening the
work on their home island. In 1968, the James Family moved back to
Antigua
to give feet to their hopes. Rev. Louie Bustle visited Antigua in
1973 along
with then Mission Director, Rev. Bill Porter from Puerto Rico. They
came to encourage and visit the two congregations that had been started
during
these years. In June1975, a W & W team from Southern Florida
constructed a large steel and concrete building to be used by the
Beacon Light congregation.
The second District Assembly, held in August 1975, reported five
churches with 105 members. Antigua is currently apart of the Leeward
/ Virgin Islands
District (Phase 3) home to 1300+ Nazarenes.
Sources:
For other inquiries:
Field Coordinator: District Superintendent of Leeward / Virgin
Islands District—Dr.
Ken Sharpe ceps@candw.ag 1-268-461-9098