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67-638: On 1 December 2011, the UK Government announced that they had awarded the contract to manufacture the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to the company. They producing around 450,000 medals. Today they are the approved manufacturers of all insignia issued by St James's Palace , which includes the George Cross , George Medal and the Queen's Gallantry Medal . In May 2018, the company

134-666: A ceremony at Government House . It was at the same time announced that each member of the federal parliament (MP) and senator would receive a jubilee medal. At least six Quebec MPs (four belonging to the Bloc Québécois party and two to the New Democratic Party (NDP)) declined the honour. Bloc MP Maria Mourani did so because she felt the medal was a "symbol of colonisation" and to accept it would be offensive to her belief in Quebec sovereignty , while Louis Plamondon stated

201-453: A consortium of small businesses holding royal warrants , led by Worcestershire Medal Service . Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda ( UK : / æ n ˈ t iː ɡ ə  ...   b ɑːr ˈ b uː d ə / , US : / æ n ˈ t iː ɡ w ə  ...   b ɑːr ˈ b j uː d ə / ) is a sovereign archipelagic country in the Caribbean . It lies at

268-584: A degree of political stability, and boosting tourism to the country, the Bird governments were frequently accused of corruption, cronyism and financial malfeasance. Vere Bird Jr. , the elder son, was forced to leave the cabinet in 1990 following a scandal in which he was accused of smuggling Israeli weapons to Colombian drug-traffickers. Another son, Ivor Bird , was convicted of selling cocaine in 1995. In 1995, Hurricane Luis caused severe damage on Barbuda. The ABLP's dominance of Antiguan politics ended with

335-546: A red stripe between. The ribbon of the Caribbean medal is similar to the aforementioned, with a black stripe between the middle two white stripes. The ribbon of the medal version issued in Papua New Guinea is the most different. It keeps the same black stripe in the centre like the Caribbean ribbon, the shade of red is lighter than the other three versions and the blue is replaced by the colour yellow. Therefore, this version of

402-606: A small number of East Asians and Sephardic Jews make up the remainder of the population. An increasingly large percentage of the population lives abroad, most notably in the United Kingdom ( Antiguan Britons ), the United States and Canada. A minority of Antiguan residents are immigrants from other countries, particularly from Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica , and, increasingly, from the Dominican Republic, St. Vincent and

469-572: A voluntary capacity, and who had completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2012. Holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross and members of the Royal Household were also eligible. The medals cost the Department for Culture, Media and Sport £8m to produce. The Canadian medal, which is to "honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians," is administered by

536-400: Is Codrington . It is estimated that 25% of the population lives in an urban area, which is much lower than the international average of 55%. Antigua and Barbuda consists mostly of its two namesake islands, Antigua , and Barbuda . Other than that, Antigua and Barbuda's biggest islands are Guiana Island and Long Island off the coast of Antigua, and Redonda island, which is far from both of

603-572: Is Spanish for 'ancient' and barbuda is Spanish for 'bearded'. The island of Antigua was originally called Wadadli by the Arawaks and is locally known by that name today; the Caribs possibly called Barbuda Wa'omoni . Christopher Columbus , while sailing by in 1493, may have named it Santa Maria la Antigua , after an icon in the Spanish Seville Cathedral . The "bearded" of Barbuda

670-472: Is a unitary parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy . The current Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda was adopted upon independence on 1 November 1981. This replaced the pre-independence constitution of the Associated State of Antigua , which did not thoroughly define the relationship between the two islands. The island of Barbuda maintains much autonomy, while the island of Antigua

737-515: Is a bed of four maple leaves and a ribbon with the dates 1952 and 2012 to the left and right of the shield and VIVAT REGINA (long live the Queen) below, all on a field of diamonds. In the United Kingdom, the medal, more properly known as The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal , was designed by Timothy Noad, a calligrapher and illuminator . It depicts on the obverse the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of

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804-499: Is a small, uninhabited island located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) to the south-west of Antigua. Redonda is a rocky island. In Antigua and Barbuda forest cover is about 18% of the total land area, equivalent to 8,120 ha of forests in 2020, down from 10,110 ha in 1990. The most populous cities in Antigua and Barbuda are mostly on Antigua, being Saint John's , All Saints , Piggotts , and Liberta . The most populous city on Barbuda

871-582: Is completely inactive, except for the Barbuda Council which is enshrined in the Constitution. Antigua historically had a system of village councils in the 1940s (although the legislation was never repealed), however, the Gaston Browne administration has expressed opposition to all forms of local governance. St. John's also historically had a city council during the late 1800s and early 1900s, however

938-583: Is directly governed by the national government. The executive branch has two primary leaders. The Governor-General , currently Rodney Williams , exercises the functions of the Monarch of Antigua and Barbuda , in whom executive power is vested in. The Governor-General serves at the pleasure of the Monarch, and usually serves a similar term to that of the Prime Minister . The Prime Minister, currently Gaston Browne ,

1005-456: Is largely dependent on tourism, which accounts for 80% of its GDP. Like other island nations , Antigua and Barbuda is vulnerable to the effects of climate change , such as sea level rise , and increased intensity of extreme weather like hurricanes . These cause coastal erosion , water scarcity , and other challenges. Antigua and Barbuda offers a citizenship by investment program. The country levies no personal income tax . Antigua

1072-723: Is responsible for the national security of Antigua and Barbuda . The Defence Force consists of the Regiment (army), the Air Wing , the Coast Guard , and the Service and Support Battalion. The Defence Force is led by the Chief of Defence Staff, who is subject to the orders of the Governor-General. The Defence Force is headquartered at Camp Blizzard . The National Security Council is responsible for

1139-554: Is the head of government , and is appointed by the Governor-General. The Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Representatives , and must be the member of the House of Representatives who is most likely to command the support of the majority of members. The Governor-General has the ability to dissolve Parliament on the advice of the Prime Minister, or when the majority of the members of

1206-647: Is the country's capital, major city, and largest port. Codrington is Barbuda's largest town. In 1493, Christopher Columbus surveyed the island of Antigua, which he named for the Church of Santa María La Antigua . Great Britain colonized Antigua in 1632 and Barbuda in 1678. A part of the Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands from 1871, Antigua and Barbuda joined the West Indies Federation in 1958. With

1273-542: Is the highest point on both Antigua and Barbuda. It is the remnant of a volcanic crater and rises a total of 402 meters. Boggy Peak is located in the southwest of Antigua (1,319 feet). Both of these islands have very irregularly shaped coastlines that are dotted with beaches, lagoons, and natural harbours. There are reefs and shoals that surround the islands on all sides. Because of the low amount of rainfall, there are not many streams. On neither of these islands can sufficient quantities of fresh groundwater be found. Redonda

1340-529: Is thought to refer either to the male inhabitants of the island, or the bearded fig trees present there. Antigua was first settled by archaic age Indigenous hunter-gatherers called the Ciboney . Carbon dating has established the earliest settlements started around 3100 BC. They were succeeded by the ceramic age pre-Columbian Arawak -speaking Saladoid people who migrated from the lower Orinoco River . They introduced agriculture, raising, among other crops,

1407-615: The 2004 Antiguan general election , which was won by Winston Baldwin Spencer 's United Progressive Party (UPP). Winston Baldwin Spencer was Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda from 2004 to 2014. However the UPP lost the 2014 Antiguan general election , with the ABLP returning to power under Gaston Browne . ABLP won 15 of the 17 seats in the 2018 snap election under the leadership of incumbent Prime Minister Gaston Browne. In 2016, Nelson's Dockyard

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1474-582: The Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) (Premier from 1967 to 1971 and 1976 to 1981) and the Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) of George Walter (Premier 1971–1976). Eventually, Antigua and Barbuda gained full independence on 1 November 1981; Vere Bird became prime minister of the new country. The country opted to remain within the Commonwealth , retaining Queen Elizabeth as head of state , with

1541-638: The Canadian Heraldic Authority , and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint . It takes the form of a disc with, on the obverse, a crowned effigy of the Queen circumscribed by the words ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA • CANADA ( Latin for "Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen • Canada"). The reverse features Elizabeth's royal cypher crowned and superimposed upon a diamond shield, behind which

1608-761: The Canadian order of precedence , the Order of Canada , or recipients of the Cross of Valour —or by selection by specific officials, such as the Governor General, senators, the Chief of the Defence Staff , or presidents of various non-governmental organisations. The Governor General was also permitted to make "exceptional awards" of the medal. On 30 May 2012, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales , presented British jubilee medals to 28 members of

1675-935: The Caribbean Community , the Alliance of Small Island States , and the World Trade Organization . Antigua and Barbuda's foreign policy has been described by Gaston Browne as "we are friends of all; enemies of none". Antigua and Barbuda has rejected the notion that it is in any country's "backyard". Antigua and Barbuda usually maintains close relations with other Small Island Developing States , and has hosted various summits on that subject. The United Nations has also praised Antigua and Barbuda for its "United Nations-based multilateralism" efforts. Antigua and Barbuda also has close relations with many Caribbean countries and territories, especially Montserrat , which Antigua and Barbuda accepted 3,000 refugees from in 1997 after

1742-466: The Merchant Navy , and St. John Ambulance were angered at being overlooked due to the "economic climate." Recognising that "some people and organisations might be disappointed," a government spokesman said: "It is also important to maintain the integrity and exclusivity of the medal, and it is simply not possible to include all these groups." The contract to produce the medal and ribbons was awarded to

1809-732: The Progressive Labour Movement government (predecessor of the UPP) from 1971 to 1976, and the United Progressive Party government from 2004 until 2014. On Barbuda, dominant party is traditionally the Barbuda People's Movement , being the only political grouping in the Barbuda Council since 2023 . Antigua and Barbuda is composed of six parishes and two dependencies . Saint John is the most populous parish, home to well over half of Antigua and Barbuda's population. During colonial times,

1876-580: The Soufrière Hills eruption. Many policies adopted by the Antiguan and Barbudan government have also often had an impact on Montserrat, due to Antigua and Barbuda hosting the only air and transportation links into the territory. The Minister of Finance, Corporate Governance & Public Private Partnerships is responsible for the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force , the country's military. The Minister of Legal Affairs, Public Safety, Immigration and Labour

1943-838: The Supreme Court including the High Court and the Court of Appeal, and finally the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council , the country's final court. Antiguan and Barbudan voters rejected a proposal to make the Caribbean Court of Justice the final court in 2018. Antigua and Barbuda is composed of three magistrates' courts districts, and is part of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court system. The acting chief justice of

2010-687: The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association , including individuals from the United Kingdom, Australia, Nepal, and Indonesia, as well as representatives from Malta and the Royal Ulster Constabulary , which had each been collectively awarded the George Cross between 1942 and 1999, respectively. In Jamaica, the Diamond Jubilee medal was awarded to members of the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force,

2077-591: The 2022 jubilee and 2023 coronation medals , and produces the Elizabeth Cross . As well as providing insignia to governments around the world, they also provide the largest selection of UK miniature and replacement medals. This award -related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal ( French : Médaille du jubilé de diamant de la reine Elizabeth II ) or The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal

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2144-553: The Barbudan one. When compared to Antiguan Creole , Standard English was the language of choice in the years leading up to Antigua and Barbuda's attainment of their independence. The Antiguan Creole language is looked down upon by the upper and middle classes in general. The Antiguan Creole language is discouraged from use in the educational system, and instruction is carried out in Standard (British) English instead. A significant number of

2211-673: The Canadian and British versions of the medal are the same, while the ribbon of the Caribbean and the Papua New Guinean medal differ slightly. The different iterations of the medal were presented to tens of thousands of recipients throughout the Commonwealth realms in the jubilee year. Named by Order in Council as the Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal , the Canadian medal was designed by Cathy Bursey-Sabourin , Fraser Herald of

2278-503: The Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall and was awarded to 60,000 citizens and permanent residents of Canada who made a significant contribution to their fellow countrymen, their community, or to Canada over the previous sixty years. The medal could have been awarded posthumously if the recipient was alive on 6 February 2012. The medals were allocated either automatically to individuals within certain prescribed categories—such as those in

2345-711: The Department of Correctional Services, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Emergency Services. Some orders of precedence are as follows: In keeping with previous jubilees, plans for a commemorative medal were first announced by the Lord President of the Council , Lord Mandelson , in early 2010. The design and eligibility criteria were subsequently announced by the Secretary of State for Culture , Jeremy Hunt , in

2412-553: The Diamond Jubilee Medal uses the colours of the flag of Papua New Guinea . All four versions of the medal were awarded unnamed. In the United Kingdom and its overseas territories, 450,000 medals were awarded only to members of HM Armed Forces (regular and reserves) who had served longer than five years, operational members of HM Prison Service , and emergency services personnel (including Police Community Support Officers ) who have been in paid service, retained or in

2479-464: The Diamond Jubilee Medal. The obverse and reverse are exactly the same as the version issued to the Commonwealth Realms of the Caribbean, however with the name PAPUA NEW GUINEA above the royal cypher (instead of "CARIBBEAN REALMS"). Both the Canadian and British versions of the medal are worn suspended from a broad red ribbon with blue outer stripes and, at the centre, double white stripes with

2546-532: The Grenadines and Nigeria . An estimated 4,500 American citizens also make their home in Antigua and Barbuda, making their numbers one of the largest American populations in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean. 68.47% of the population was born in Antigua and Barbuda. The language most commonly used in business is English . There is a noticeable distinction between the Antiguan accent and

2613-453: The Grenadines —each issued a Diamond Jubilee medal. The obverse bears the same effigy of the Queen as does the British medal circumscribed by the words DIAMOND JUBILEE HM QUEEN ELIZABETH II . The reverse shows the royal cypher of Elizabeth II with CARIBBEAN REALMS above and the years 1952–2012 below. The medal itself is rhodium plated. Papua New Guinea has also created its own version of

2680-534: The House of Representatives as an ex officio member. The Attorney-General also attends sittings of the Senate. Any bill except money bills may be introduced in either chamber: money bills may only be introduced in the House. Parliament may not amend the Barbuda Local Government Act without the consent of the Barbuda Council. The judiciary of Antigua and Barbuda is composed of the magistrates' courts,

2747-424: The House of Representatives pass a motion of no confidence, and the Prime Minister does not within seven days resign or advise the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament. The legislative power of Antigua and Barbuda is vested in Parliament, which is composed of the Monarch, the Senate , and the House of Representatives . The Senate is composed of seventeen members, who are appointed by the Governor-General. Ten of

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2814-480: The Queen crowned with a tiara and is circumscribed by the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF ( Latin for "Elizabeth II by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith"). The reverse shows a faceted hexagon with a crowned royal cipher, inscribed with the years 1952 and 2012. Eight Commonwealth realms in the Caribbean— Antigua and Barbuda , The Bahamas , Barbados , Grenada , Jamaica , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , and Saint Vincent and

2881-406: The St. John's Development Corporation has since consumed most of its functions. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Barbuda Affairs is responsible for overseeing the foreign relations of Antigua and Barbuda. The current minister is Paul Chet Greene . Antigua and Barbuda is a founding member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States , as well as a member of the United Nations ,

2948-426: The Supreme Court is Mario Michel , serving since 5 May 2024. Since the 1990s, the two major parties in Antigua have been the centre-right (formerly left-wing) Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party , and the left-wing social democratic United Progressive Party . The Labour Party and its predecessors have traditionally been the dominant party on the national level since the 1946 general elections , with brief pauses during

3015-420: The advice of the Barbuda Council , and an independent senator is appointed under the discretion of the Governor-General himself. The House of Representatives is currently composed of seventeen elected members, as well as the Speaker of the House , who is elected by the members of the House itself. The Attorney General , while currently an elected member of Parliament, Steadroy Benjamin , may also be appointed to

3082-723: The ages of 5 and 16 years. The system is modeled on the British educational system. The current Minister of Education, Sport & Creative Industries is Daryll Sylvester Matthew . The adult literacy rate in Antigua and Barbuda is approximately 99%. A majority (77%) of Antiguans are Christians, with the Anglicans (17.6%) being the largest single denomination. Other Christian denominations present are Seventh-day Adventist Church (12.4%), Pentecostalism (12.2%), Moravian Church (8.3%), Roman Catholics (8.2%), Methodist Church (5.6%), Wesleyan Holiness Church (4.5%), Church of God (4.1%), Baptists (3.6%), Mormonism (<1.0%), as well as Jehovah's Witnesses . Antigua and Barbuda

3149-417: The breakup of the federation in 1962, it became one of the West Indies Associated States in 1967. Following a period of internal self-governance, it gained full independence from the United Kingdom on 1 November 1981. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Commonwealth and a Commonwealth realm ; it is a constitutional monarchy with Charles III as its head of state. The economy of Antigua and Barbuda

3216-493: The conjuncture of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Leeward Islands part of the Lesser Antilles . The country consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda , which are approximately 40 km (25 mi) apart, and several smaller islands, including Great Bird , Green , Guiana , Long , Maiden , Prickly Pear , York , and Redonda . The permanent population is approximately 97,120 (2019 estimates), with 97% residing in Antigua. St. John's , Antigua,

3283-401: The famous Antigua Black Pineapple ( Ananas comosus ), corn , sweet potatoes , chiles , guava , tobacco, and cotton. Later on the Caribs settled the island. Christopher Columbus was the first European to sight the islands in 1493. The Spanish did not colonise Antigua until after a combination of European and African diseases, malnutrition, and slavery eventually extirpated most of

3350-511: The first governor , Sir Wilfred Jacobs , as governor-general . Succeeding Sir Wilfred Jacobs were Sir James Carlisle (June 10, 1993 – June 30, 2007), Dame Louise Lake-Tack (July 17, 2007 – August 14, 2014.), and the present governor, Sir Rodney Williams: (August 14, 2014 – present). The first two decades of Antigua's independence were dominated politically by the Bird family and the ABLP, with Vere Bird ruling from 1981 to 1994, followed by his son Lester Bird from 1994 to 2004. Though providing

3417-521: The following rebuilding efforts on Barbuda that were estimated to cost at least $ 100 million, the government announced plans to revoke a century-old law of communal land ownership by allowing residents to buy land; a move that has been criticised as promoting " disaster capitalism ". Limestone formations, rather than volcanic activity, have had the most impact on the topography of both Antigua and Barbuda, which are both relatively low-lying islands. Boggy Peak, also known as Mt. Obama from 2008 to 2016,

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3484-624: The island are further made worse by climate change , where, not unlike other island nations affected by climate change , sea level rise and increased weather variability, create increased pressures on the communities on the islands and the land, through processes like coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion . Antigua has a population of 93,219, mostly made up of people of West African , British, and Portuguese descent. The ethnic distribution consists of 91% Black, 4.4% mixed race, 1.7% White, and 2.9% other (primarily East Indian ). Most Whites are of British descent. Christian Levantine Arabs and

3551-415: The island has since remained uninhabited. Part of the Leeward Islands colony, Antigua and Barbuda became part of the short-lived West Indies Federation from 1958 to 1962. Antigua and Barbuda subsequently became an associated state of the United Kingdom with full internal autonomy on 27 February 1967. The 1970s were dominated by discussions as to the islands' future and the rivalry between Vere Bird of

3618-462: The main islands. Rainfall averages 990 mm (39 in) per year, with the amount varying widely from season to season. In general the wettest period is between September and November. The islands generally experience low humidity and recurrent droughts. Temperatures average 27 °C (80.6 °F), with a range from 23 °C (73.4 °F) to 29 °C (84.2 °F) in the winter to from 25 °C (77.0 °F) to 30 °C (86.0 °F) in

3685-418: The medal's design at Rideau Hall. The first medal was struck by the Governor General on 6 December of the same year. On Accession Day 2012, the first Canadian medals were presented to 60 recipients by the Governor General at a ceremony at Rideau Hall and to others at other locations across the country; the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island , Frank Lewis , awarded the medal to six persons at

3752-405: The members are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, these members being known as government senators. An eleventh government senator is also appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, who must be an inhabitant of Barbuda. Four of the members are appointed on the advice of the Leader of the Opposition , these senators being known as opposition senators. One of the members is appointed on

3819-425: The money being spent by the Crown on jubilee events and markers was a waste. NDP MP Pierre Nantel stated his then four months in the House of Commons did not warrant such recognition and it should go to a more deserving constituent in his riding . It was reported in April 2012 that some recipients of the British medal had been criticised for offering their awards for sale on eBay , while ex servicemen and women,

3886-455: The native population; smallpox was probably the greatest killer. The English settled on Antigua in 1632; Christopher Codrington settled on Barbuda in 1685. Tobacco and then sugar was grown, worked by a large population of slaves transported from West Africa, who soon came to vastly outnumber the European settlers. The English maintained control of the islands, repulsing an attempted French attack in 1666. The brutal conditions endured by

3953-425: The parishes were governed by parish vestries, however, the parishes now lack any sort of government. Since the 2023 general elections, various proposals have been made to establish parish councils, however, as of June 2024, none have been established. The dependency of Redonda is part of the parish of Saint John under the Redonda Annexation Act, in Magistrates' District "A". Local government in Antigua and Barbuda

4020-502: The situation as follows: "Public utilities need to be rebuilt in their entirety... It is optimistic to think anything can be rebuilt in six months ... In my 25 years in disaster management, I have never seen something like this." Like other island nations , Antigua and Barbuda faces unique environmental issues created by its proximity to the ocean, and small size. These include pressures on drinking water resources, natural ecosystems, and deforestation more generally. Existing issues on

4087-431: The slaves led to revolts in 1701 and 1729 and a planned revolt in 1736, the last led by Prince Klaas , though it was discovered before it began and the ringleaders were executed. Slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833, affecting the economy. This was exacerbated by natural disasters such as the 1843 earthquake and the 1847 hurricane. Mining occurred on the isle of Redonda , however, this ceased in 1929 and

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4154-671: The summer and autumn. The coolest period is between December and February. Hurricanes strike on an average of once a year, including the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Irma , on 6 September 2017, which damaged 95% of the structures on Barbuda. Some 1,800 people were evacuated to Antigua. Officials quoted by Time indicated that over $ 100 million would be required to rebuild homes and infrastructure. Philmore Mullin, Director of Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services, said that "all critical infrastructure and utilities are non-existent – food supply, medicine, shelter, electricity, water, communications, waste management". He summarised

4221-448: The summer of 2011, stating "I hope the official medal will serve as a mark of thanks to all those who give so much in the name of society and public service and I extend my congratulations to all the recipients." The Governor General of Canada , David Johnston , announced on 3 February 2011 that the Queen had approved the creation of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled

4288-426: The words that are used in the Antiguan dialect are derived from both the British and African languages. This is readily apparent in phrases such as "Innit?" which literally translates to "Isn't it?" Many common island proverbs can be traced back to Africa, such as the pidgin language. Approximately 10,000 people are able to speak in Spanish. Education in Antigua and Barbuda is compulsory and free for children between

4355-449: Was a commemorative medal created in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II 's accession in 1952. There are four versions of the medal: one issued by the United Kingdom, another by Canada, the third for the Caribbean realms of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the fourth issued by Papua New Guinea . The ribbons used with

4422-497: Was awarded the contract to manufacture all medals issued by the UK Ministry of Defence, including all Military Gallantry, Campaign and Long and Meritorious Service Medals — an historic move away from the Royal Mint , which had manufactured these awards for over 200 years. This includes all gallantry awards to HM Armed Forces: the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross , Distinguished Service Cross , Military Cross , Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Force Cross . The company also produced

4489-422: Was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Most of Barbuda was devastated in early September 2017 by Hurricane Irma , which brought winds with speeds reaching 295 km/h (185 mph). The storm damaged or destroyed 95% of the island's buildings and infrastructure, leaving Barbuda "barely habitable" according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. Nearly everyone on the island was evacuated to Antigua. Amidst

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