Forgotten World (182): Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda (Spanish for “Ancient” and “Bearded”) is one of the Caribbean’s most prosperous nations, thanks to its tourism industry and offshore financial services. The country’s strength lies in its tropical climate and good beaches, which have made it popular as a stop-off point for US cruise ships and have attracted large investments in infrastructure. The population is a mere 85,000.
For decades Antigua and Barbuda’s politics was dominated by the Bird family, with Vere Bird being the country’s prime minister from independence in 1981 until 1994, when he was succeeded by his son, Lester, who spent a decade in office. Underlying this stability was a succession of scandals, including allegations of corruption. The Bird family was also accused of abuse of authority.