Living in A&B

The breakdown of denominational affiliation based on the last completed census was : Anglican 18%, Seventh Day Adventist 12%, Pentecostal 12%, Moravian 8%, Roman Catholic  8%, Methodist 6%, Wesleyan Holiness 4%, Church of God 4%, Baptist 3%, other 12%, none or unspecified 13%

The education system in Antigua and Barbuda is fashioned off the British model with more recent modifications. It is governed by the provisions of the Education Act 2008 which makes it mandatory for students ages 5-16 to participate in the educational process. The sector comprises Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Technical Vocational and Tertiary Institutions including the University of the West Indies Five Island Campus. It comprises a mix of Government and Private Institutions. For expatriates, the Island Academy offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate curriculum.

There is also a buzzing nightlife and foodie scene with a tropical casual ambience. Antigua has a rich restaurant community that offers a great variety of foods and cuisines, making the most of the local products. You can find excellent Italian, French, Asian, & Caribbean meal choices in Antigua. There are many options of fine dining as well as many road side alternatives. An alfresco candle-lit dinner in one of the beautiful shoreline restaurants, or on your own private deck overlooking the Caribbean Sea is quite appealing. You can hear Live Music in Antigua almost every day of the week including soca, calypso, reggae, dancehall, jazz & rock. Many restaurants, bars & clubs will feature Live Music from both local and international bands and artists.

Healthcare

Health services are delivered at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels within the public and private sectors. Free health care is provided by the Government. At the primary level, Antigua is divided into six medical districts with a network of 25 public health clinics plus one clinic in Barbuda. Clinics are located within 3.2 km of every major community. Secondary and tertiary health services are provided at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, a 187- Bed facility in Antigua and the 8-Bed Hannah Thomas facility in Barbuda.

The health system is financed primarily through public taxation and levies in support of the Medical Benefits Scheme. The Scheme is funded by a payroll tax of 7 per cent that provides a dedicated revenue source for primary and secondary care. The government has taken preparatory steps to transition the Medical Benefits Scheme into a National Health Insurance program.

Shopping

Historic meets modern in downtown St. John’s where two charming shopping areas, the modern Heritage Quay and historic Redcliffe Quay are located near to the waterfront. For those seeking a bit of retail therapy, duty-free shopping is available in the Heritage Quay, where purchasers need only show their valid departure details, to purchase duty-free items from internationally recognized brands. The nearby Vendors mall offers a selection of local arts and crafts, straw goods, pottery and jewelry, while the boutiques at the historic Redcliffe Quay provides artisan products, trendy wine bars and cafes. Most shops are open Monday through Saturday from, 9am to 5pm.

During the week, the St. John’s Public Market on the southern edge of the city has folk crafts, colorful tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and meats as well as a buzzing crowd that make for a lively morning especially on the busiest of days, Saturday.

Along the Friar’s Hill Road on the northern side of the island, visitors will also find a growing commercial district, where they will find supermarkets, restaurants, banks, telecommunication services and other businesses.

#9 Factory Road, St John’s, Antigua, W.I.
P.O. Box 80, Sagicor Financial Center

Phone: +1 (268) 481-1000
Fax: +1 (268) 481-1020

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