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Anguilla
Quick Overview:
Anguilla, the most northerly of the Leeward Islands, is located at latitude 18°N and longitude 63°W. It is bounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is 16 miles long and three miles across at its widest point. Anguilla is a British Dependent Territory with a two-party, Parliamentary system of government. The island is governed by an Executive Council, which is comprised of the Governor (who is appointed by The Queen), the Deputy Governor, the Chief minister, three other elected Ministers, the Attorney General and Secretary to the Executive Council. The island enjoys low humidity, refreshing trade winds and a mean monthly temperature of 80° F. The island is low-lying and ringed with twelve miles of spectacular, white sand, coral beaches, which make up thirty-three beaches and coves. Surrounding the island is a reef system and seven islets and cays, which is excellent for diving and snorkeling. The waters are clear and range in color from blue to aquamarine. Historians believe that Anguilla was given the name, Anguillé, which means eel, in 1565 by the French explorer, Pierre Laudonnaire. The British first occupied Anguilla in 1650. The present population of approximately 8,500 are descendants of West Africans and Europeans. Many of the family names on the island are of English, Welsh and Irish origin. The island is rich in pre-Columbian history. Archaeologists believe there was a large population of peace-loving Arawak indians living on Anguilla when the Europeans first arrived. The Arawaks called the island Malliouhana. Anguilla is a marine-oriented island. The principal industries have been fishing and tourism. The island's official offical sport is also associated with the sea and is simply called,"Boat Races". This sport is usually enjoyed on public holidays, with the high point of the year during the first week in August when Anguilla has three public holidays and celebrates Carnival.
Geography:
Before the Europeans came to Anguilla, the Arawak Indians had called it arrowshaped.....Malliouhana.They had dwelled on Anguilla since AD 600 ,as was deduced by an archaeologist who found a vase that dated back to the said date. The Indians had constructed a ceremonial worshipping site to be used by Arawaks from the north eastern Caribbean inside of an underground cave, located at Shoal Bay. The cave is 70 feet deep and an excellent source of fresh water, in it was found a 16 foot,carved, petroglyph ( a figure carved from stone). The figure depicts the Supreme God of the Arawaks; Jocahu , "Giver of Cassava", the main crop grown by the Arawaks.Twelve other petroglyphs can be found in this cave called The Fountain. The Arawaks were brown, tall people with long, straight, black hair.They grew cotton from which they made cotton clothing to cover their bodies and to make hammocks. Besides cassava, they ate different varieties of reef fish; conchs, shellfish, whelks. Corn and sweet potato were also cultivated. Their jewellery was crafted from seeds, bones, seashells, and conch shells.
Related Links:
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News Anguilla News |
Offical Sites |
Country Guides Anguilla Homaepage Country Guide on Anguilla |
Education Anguilla Teacher's Union |