Antigua and Barbuda

2400 BCE

Initial Settlement by Siboney People

The first human inhabitants, the Siboney, arrived on the islands around 2400 BCE. They were hunter-gatherers who established some of the earliest known settlements in the region.

35

Arawak Settlement

The Arawak people migrated from South America and established agricultural communities on the islands around 35 CE. They developed sophisticated farming techniques and social structures.

1493

Christopher Columbus Sightings

Christopher Columbus sighted the islands during his second voyage in 1493. He named the larger island Antigua after the Church of Santa Maria la Antigua in Seville.

1632

English Colonization

English settlers from Saint Kitts established a permanent colony on Antigua in 1632. This marked the beginning of official British colonial rule.

1674

Establishment of the Sugar Industry

Christopher Codrington established the first large-scale sugar plantation on Antigua in 1674. This initiated the island's transition into a plantation economy dependent on enslaved labor.

1834

Abolition of Slavery

The British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act, which went into effect on August 1, 1834. Antigua was the first Caribbean island to choose immediate full emancipation over the apprenticeship system.

1967

Associated Statehood Status

Antigua and Barbuda became an Associated State of the United Kingdom in 1967. This granted the islands full internal self-government while Britain remained responsible for defense and foreign affairs.

1981

Independence from Great Britain

Antigua and Barbuda achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981. Vere Bird became the nation's first Prime Minister.

1995

Impact of Hurricane Luis

Hurricane Luis struck the islands in 1995, causing catastrophic damage to the infrastructure and tourism sector. The recovery process prompted significant economic reforms and changes in building codes.

2014

Gaston Browne Becomes Prime Minister

Gaston Browne led the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to victory in the 2014 general election. He became the youngest Prime Minister in the nation's history.

2017

Evacuation of Barbuda

Hurricane Irma devastated Barbuda in September 2017, forcing the complete evacuation of the island's population to Antigua. This event triggered significant debate regarding land rights and rebuilding efforts.

2023

General Election Victory

In the January 2023 general election, the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party secured another term in government. Gaston Browne continued his tenure as Prime Minister.