Antigua and Barbuda: Historical Overview

This tiny Island has a history that goes all the way back to the stone ages, when the Paleo Indian group called “Siboney” occupied it. These settlers were replaced in AD 35 by the Awarak Indians,  also called Amerindians. The Awarak Indians introduced the culture of farming and pottery in Antigua, substituting the nomadic trend of the Paleo Indians for settled agriculture. The Carib Indians followed.

The Island of Antigua found its way onto the world map around 1493, when Columbus first landed on the Island. He named the Island Santa Maria de la Antigua. The discovery of the Island was followed by various attempts by the French and the Spanish to colonise it, but they were dissuaded by attacks by the Caribs and the lack of fresh water.

Antigua was successfully colonized by the British in 1632, and the evidence of their rule still exists in the form of the various forts built by them.

The English settlers established sugar plantations on both Antigua and Barbuda and when the civil war in Brazil disrupted sugar exports from the country, both the Islands seized the sugar market. The massive deforestation that took place as a result of the sugar cane plantations is the reason for the frequent droughts on the Island. 

During the 17th century, African slave labour was imported in large number to work on the sugar plantations. These slaves were liberated in 1834 but the societal structure remained rigid, resulting in violence. Since then, various labour unions have been formed alleviating the conditions of the working class. 

Today, Antigua and Barbuda stand as an independent country (1981) within the British Commonwealth. Despite the strong campaign by Barbuda for independent status, it continues to be a dependency of Antigua.