In 1981 Antigua gained independence from Britain, though its system of Government is patterned after the British Parliamentary system. Stability is the watchword in Antigua with the both political parties having a deep regard for the principle of free entrerpise and private investment.

Infrastructure and Communications

Roads

The infrastructure of the Islands is well developed. A network of excellent roads links the major productive centres and residential areas with the capital and also with the airport and deep-water harbour.

Airlines

Many major airlines connect Antigua with important centres in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. These include American Airlines, which has daily flights to Miami and Puerto Rico: British Airways, which has four flights weekly to London and Air Canada, which flies twice weekly to Toronto.

There are also two main regional carriers: BWIA and LIAT. BWIA flies to New York, Canada, Frankfurt and Miami. LIAT services a network of connecting flights to the Caribbean. In Antigua, a new airport terminal was recently opened to accom-modate the increased volume of traffic.

Marine

Some of the world's largest cruise ships dock at the new Heritage Quay Pier in St John's, the capital of Antigua. Eleven shipping lines call at the Deep Water Harbour. These provide shipping services to North America, Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.

Telecommunications

The internal telephone system is as good as any elsewhere in the world. It is accessible by direct dialing. Overseas telephone, cable, telex, and Internet services are available 24 hours a day. Express courier is also readily available to and from Antigua.

Professional Services

Individuals and business men can choose from a roster of experienced and capable attorneys and accountants. A comprehensive listing of such professionals is available on request.

Banking

There are five international banks in Antigua; Royal Bank of Canada, Barclays Bank Intern-ational, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Swiss American and Bank of Nova Scotia. The domestic banks are Antigua Commer-cial Bank, Bank of Antigua and the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank, which were established by the bank in the 1970s.

The Free Trade and Processing Zone

The Zone is an autonomous entity offering preferential treatment to investors.

The priority industries for the zone are:

  • International data services.
  • High-tech state of the art industries.
  • Recycling of automotive parts.
  • Manufacture of automotive and construction tools.
  • Designer garments.
  • Household fixtures, tools, windows, nails, plumbing accessories, pharmaceutical supplies.
  • Medical supplies.
  • Electronic accessories.
  • Wood veneering.
  • Textiles designs.
  • Full colour printing.
  • Publishing.
  • Carpet weaving and manufacturing.
  • Top of the line office and home furniture.
  • Plywood manufacture.
  • Door locks and keys.
  • Mill work.
  • Offshore banking.
  • Offshore insurance.
  • Shoe manufacturing.
  • High quality leather products.
  • Manufacture of top quality electronic products.
  • Transportation (shipping etc).
  • Food preservation and canning.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

This article also appears in the 'International Offshore and Financial Centres Handbook 1999/2000'. For further information about this highly informative guide to offshore centres, or to order your copy, please phone +44 (0) 207 820 7733 or send an email to iofch@mondaq.com