Antigua and Barbuda: Some Interesting Facts

Public Holidays

Date 2005 Occasion
January 1 New Year's Day
March 25 Good Friday
March 27 Easter  
March 28 Easter Monday
May 1 Labour Day
May 16 Whit Monday
June 11 Queen's Birthday
July 4 Caricom Day*
August 4-5 Carnival holiday
October 7  Merchant Holiday
November 1  Independence Day
December 25  Christmas Day  
December 26  Boxing day

Weekend -Saturday, Sunday

Health and safety

Though all major tropical diseases have been eradicated, there are a lot of things you need to be careful about.

Before you hit the beach, make sure you carry mosquito repellent as well as a big supply of sunscreen even if you are aiming for a tan. Sunburn is a common phenomenon and can ruin your vacation.  The mosquito repellent is for the tiny sand flies (locally known as ‘Noseeums’) that often appear on the beach in the late afternoon. Keep away as they can give you nasty stings.

On the beach, be careful of the shiny black urchins who tend to hide conveniently in the sea grass. The spines of these sea creatures can prick you and on occasions can even enter your skin. If you do happen to step on one of them, try to get all the spines out, if you can’t get medical help.

Don’t attempt eating any of the little green apples, fruit of the ‘manchineel’ tree (identifiable by their shiny green leaves), as they are poisonous. Also, in case of rain, don’t take shelter under these trees as they gives off a poisonous sap, which will cause blisters if it drips on you.

There is a 24 hours casualty service. Most hotels have their own doctors on call; so in case of an emergency, ring the hotel reception. For more minor concerns, there are a number of local chemists.

On the West coast, keep a look out for jellyfish.

Generally a safe tourist destination, incidents of crime are not very common. But stay away from deserted beaches at night and be careful about your luggage. English Harbour is safe even at night.

Electricity

220/110 volts AC, 60Hz are in use on the islands..

Post & Communications

There is a post office at St. John’s. International Direct dialling service is available.

Tipping

Usual practice for tipping is 10% which may even be extended upto 15% depending on the service. Sometimes this is automatically included in the bill. The general rule is a 10% - 15% tip if no service charge has been added.

English Language Media

All newspapers are in English. The Daily Observer is the popular daily. The Outlet and the Antigua Sun are two other newspapers but they are not dailies.