As you may know, Antigua and Barbuda is a small island country in the Northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean Sea. The country consists of three islands -Antigua, Barbuda and Redonda with a rough estimate population of around 80,000 inhabitants. The majority of the population are descendants of African slaves who were brought to grow sugarcane and tobacco the island in the colonial era - such as the British in the 17th century. The celebration of Independence Day on Antigua and Barbuda is a festive one - there is an abundance of food fairs, parades and various competitions. Schools, businesses and government buildings are decorated in traditional yellow and red check of national dress which is also used for clothing. Generally, this week the locals seemed a little more upbeat and not as grumpy as usual.

But... Independence from what? There have been a series of ups and downs in the history of Antigua & Barbuda since its independence (in 1981) from Britain. The "ups" seem to be marked by the various regattas, festivals, the "thriving?" tourism and money brought in by "overseas investors". Independence has, however, made the "downs" more difficult to bear: damage from Hurricane Luis 1995 has never really been shaken off and the 2009 criminal fraud (ponzi scheme) orchestrated by American Financier (crook) Allen Stanford will continue to have a major negative effect on the country. This place is hurting.