Antigua And Barbuda: Us Commonwealth Status Explained

Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, having become an independent state within the Commonwealth on 1 November 1981, following independence from Britain. The country is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its head of state. It is also a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and Sustainable Blue Economy Action Groups.

Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth

As a member of the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda has benefitted from various initiatives and support networks. For example, the Commonwealth Secretariat sent observers to the country's 2018 general election, helping to ensure the election was fair and inclusive. The Secretariat has also provided technical advice to the Antiguan and Barbudan government on purchasing, auditing, and risk management, with the aim of preventing corruption and improving public financial management.

Antigua and Barbuda is also a member of the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance and Sustainable Blue Economy Action Groups, and has received support from the Commonwealth's Climate Finance Access Hub to help the country tackle climate change.

In addition to its membership in the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda has a close relationship with the United States due to its location near maritime transport lanes, which has led to the establishment of counter-narcotic and counter-crime treaties and agreements between the two countries.

Antigua and Barbuda's economy is largely dependent on tourism, which accounted for 80% of its GDP before the Covid-19 pandemic. The country also has a significant offshore financial services sector and offers a citizenship by investment program.

The country consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, which are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, as well as several smaller islands, including Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, Prickly Pear, York, and Redonda. The permanent population is approximately 97,120, with 97% residing in Antigua. St. John's, Antigua, is the country's capital and largest city, while Codrington is Barbuda's largest town.

The country gained independence from Britain in 1981

Antigua and Barbuda became an independent state on November 1, 1981, after gaining freedom from British rule. The country, however, remained within the Commonwealth of Nations, with Queen Elizabeth as its first Queen. The United States recognised Antigua and Barbuda as an independent state on the same day and established diplomatic relations with the country.

The road to independence for Antigua and Barbuda began in 1958 when it joined the West Indies Federation, which broke up in 1962. In 1967, Antigua, Barbuda, and the tiny island of Redonda became an associated state of the Commonwealth, with internal self-governance, while the United Kingdom maintained control of external affairs and defence. During this period, discussions about the islands' future took place, with the Progressive Labour Movement of George Walter and the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) of Vere Bird vying for power.

In 1978, Antigua reversed its position and announced its desire for independence. Following a period of internal self-governance, the country gained full independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981, with Vere Bird becoming the first prime minister. The country opted to remain within the Commonwealth, retaining Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. The constitution of Antigua and Barbuda was adopted on the day of independence.

The first two decades following independence were marked by the political dominance of the Bird family and the ABLP. Despite providing political stability and boosting tourism, the Bird governments were accused of corruption, cronyism, and financial malfeasance. In 1994, Vere Bird was succeeded by his son, Lester Bird, as prime minister.

It is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its head of state

Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The British monarch, King Charles III, is the head of state, represented by a governor-general. The governor-general exercises the functions of the monarch and usually serves a term similar to that of the prime minister. The current governor-general is Sir Rodney Williams, who has held the position since 2014. The role of the governor-general includes dissolving Parliament on the advice of the prime minister or when the majority of members of the House of Representatives pass a motion of no confidence.

The constitution of Antigua and Barbuda allows for a two-chamber legislature, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Senate is composed of 17 members appointed by the governor-general, including government senators, opposition senators, and independent senators. The House of Representatives is currently made up of 17 elected members, as well as the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the members of the House. Executive power is vested in a Council of Ministers headed by the prime minister, who is the head of government. The prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives and must be able to command the support of the majority of members.

The legal system of Antigua and Barbuda is based on common law. The judiciary is composed of magistrates' courts, the Supreme Court, and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which is the country's final court. The Privy Council currently holds the final appellate jurisdiction, but there are plans to eventually transition this role to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

As a constitutional monarchy, Antigua and Barbuda recognises King Charles III as its head of state, continuing its association with the British monarchy even after gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. This constitutional arrangement provides a framework for the country's parliamentary democracy and defines the roles of key institutions such as the legislature and the judiciary.

The country's economy relies heavily on tourism

Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and gained independence from the British Commonwealth in 1981. The country's economy relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for 80% of its GDP.

Tourism is a major driver of the economy in Antigua and Barbuda, with the country's picturesque beaches, bays, and natural harbours attracting visitors from around the world. The country's deep-water harbours, such as English Harbour and the capital city of St. John's, can accommodate large cruise ships, making it a popular destination for cruise liners. The country is also a major sailing centre, with its annual Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta attracting hundreds of yachts and sailors each year.

The country's tourism industry offers a range of luxury resorts, hotels, and other accommodation options along its coastline. The country's infrastructure, such as its international airport and transportation system, also supports the tourism sector. Antigua and Barbuda's tourism industry suffered a setback in 2017 when Hurricane Irma devastated the island of Barbuda, destroying most of its buildings and infrastructure. However, the country has been working to rebuild and recover from the hurricane's impact.

In addition to tourism, the country's economy also relies on other sectors such as financial services, construction, agriculture, and fishing. The government has recognised the need to diversify its economy and is working to enhance the skills of its workforce and promote investment in sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, and agriculture.

The country's agricultural sector, while now superseded by tourism, still plays a role in the economy, particularly in serving the domestic market. The country's manufacturing sector is small, contributing only 2% to its GDP, and consists mainly of assembly for export, including bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components.

Overall, Antigua and Barbuda's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and the country is working to diversify its economic activities to ensure sustainable growth and resilience to external factors, such as natural disasters or economic downturns.

Antigua and Barbuda is a major sailing centre

Antigua, the largest of the three islands, offers secluded bays and sandy beaches, coral reefs, and volcanic rocks, with Mount Obama rising to about 400 metres. The island has a notable absence of mountains and forestry, setting it apart from other Leeward Islands. English Harbour on the south-eastern coast of Antigua provides one of the largest deep-water, protected harbours in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a popular yachting and sailing destination and is home to Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Antigua Sailing Week, held annually at the end of April and the beginning of May, is a regatta that attracts sailing vessels and sailors from around the world to participate in sporting events. In addition, Antigua has been hosting one of the largest charter yacht shows for the past 60 years, welcoming super-yachts from across the globe.

The country's favourable sailing conditions, modern infrastructure, and close proximity to the United States and Europe have contributed to its reputation as a major sailing centre. Sailing is one of the most popular sports in Antigua, with competitions such as Antigua Sailing Week and the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta being well-known in the region.

The country's investment in its maritime infrastructure and promotion of sailing events have solidified its position as a premier sailing destination, attracting sailors and enthusiasts from all over the world.

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