Nicknamed the “Land of 365 Beaches,” the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda gained its independence from Britain on November 1, 1981. Besides the two major islands, the Caribbean nation also consists of smaller islands including Great Bird, Green, Guiana, Long, Maiden, York and to the south – Redonda.
Antigua has about 365 beaches, lagoons, natural harbors which are rimmed by reefs and shoals, while Barbuda, on the other hand, has pink and white sand beaches and coves from once volcanic craters.
In addition to the beach highlights, the country also has rich vegetation and wildlife. About 150 species of birds have been recorded in Antigua and Barbuda’s game reserve which has a variety of wildlife: deer, wild pigs, duck, guinea-fowl, and a large colony of frigate birds.
The islands also have a complex mix of history from their indigenous West Indians – the Caribs and the Arawaks, Spaniard colonizers, and once enslaved African inhabitants.
To commemorate their independence day, Face2Face Africa shares with you six famous people you didn’t know are from the twin-island Caribbean nation: