Antigua and Barbuda, Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda (Spanish for "Ancient" and "Bearded") is an island nation located on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea. It consists of two major islands – Antigua and Barbuda as well as a number of smaller islets. The islands became an independent state within the United Kingdom Commonwealth of Nations on November 1, 1981, with Elizabeth II as the first Queen of Antigua and Barbuda and the Right Honorable Vere Cornwall Bird became the first prime minister. Tourism dominates the economy, accounting for more than half of the GDP. Antigua is famous for its many exclusive luxury resorts. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. Investment Banking and Financial Services also comprise an important part of the economy. Major world banks with offices in Antigua include: Bank of America, Barclays, Royal Bank of Canada, and Scotia Bank among others. Homosexual behavior is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda. Male and female same-sex sexual acts carry a penalty of 5 years imprisonment. A conviction for anal sex carries a penalty of 15 years. United Kingdom law does not apply in A&B, therefore a 1995 law criminalizing homosexual acts is enforceable.

 

 

Debaters fail to declare stance on decriminalising buggery

St John’s, Antigua- Though neither political party would take a firm stance on the decriminalisation of buggery laws at Thursday’s National Youth Forum, the party’s ideological leanings were evident. A question from social media quizzed the panellists about their party’s view on repealing the law which makes buggery a criminal act, and the redefinition of… Read more »

Sexual Minorities & HIV Status

Antigua’s Buggery Law Unlikely To Change- by www.caribarena.com on 10/03/11: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/98529-antiguas-buggery-law-unlikely-to-change.html Antigua St John’s – ?I don?t care what happens in Belize, there will be no change in the law on buggery in Antigua & Barbuda. At least not if I can help it. Being gay is morally wrong, and to be honest personally, I… Read more »

Rights Activist Deplores Antigua’s Vote Against Gay UN Resolution

What’s in the news down at the Antigua Observer today related to gay people? An article about one courageous person pushing the government to step up to the plate and recognize gay rights equal human rights: Human Rights Activist Sir Clare Roberts has told government it should have taken the lead in the local fight… Read more »

Online study probes issues in the MSM community

St John’s, Antigua – How do men who have sex with men (MSM) fare in Antigua & Barbuda? A new online survey conducted by UNAIDS seeks to find out. Carimis, the Caribbean Men’s Internet Survey, is underway now in the English, French, Spanish and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The anonymous study will shed light on issues that… Read more »

Antigua & Barbuda: UN Representatives Urge End To Anti-buggery Law

St John’s, Antigua(Antigua Observer) – A number of representatives at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday recommended that Antigua & Barbuda do away with its anti-buggery law. The recommendations came following Attorney General Justin Simon’s presentation of the country’s human rights policies. As expected, there were several questions and recommendations raised with… Read more »

Antiguan dignitary criticises government’s LGBT rights stand

Source: Antigua Observer – Human Rights Activist Sir Clare Roberts has told [the Antigua & Barbuda] government it should have taken the lead in the local fight to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons of a different sexual orientation by signing a recent United Nations statement on Gay Rights. “Government has to set the trend.… Read more »

Being Gay in Antigua and Barbuda

Letter to Editor – It is a well noted fact that Antiguans and Barbudans are very divided on the issue of homosexuality, however the exact ratio is still yet to be determined. The point that I am trying to raise is that just like any other hot issue, it is placed on the back burner,… Read more »

Gay Antigua and Barbuda News & Reports

1 Antigua and Barbuda 6/07 2 West Indies: Anglican Church maintains stance on homosexuality 12/07 3 Homophobia regarded as a major setback to the HIV fight 9/09 4 Local MSM Community Watching Buggery Law Test Case in Belize 9/11 5 UNAIDS director says buggery law debate is good 10/11 June 2007 – newint.org 1 Antigua… Read more »