The twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda today Friday 1 November celebrates 38 years of independence. Antigua and Barbuda became an associated state on 27 February, 1967.
The islands gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 1 November, 1981, when the Right Honourable Vere Cornwall Bird Sr, known affectionately as ‘Papa Bird’, became the first Prime Minister. On that day, the Union Jack was finally lowered and replaced by the new country’s symbolic flag.
The flag features red to symbolise the dynamism of the people, blue for hope, and black representing the soil and the islands’ African heritage; the seven pointed Golden Sun symbolises the dawn of a new era, and the ‘V’ is for victory.
Soca News wishes all Antiguans and Barbudans a Happy Independence.
