Local government in Antigua and Barbuda

Last updated

Administrative structures for local governments can be found in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda had seventeen district councils corresponding with the constituencies. Under the direction of the Local Government Officer, the district councils have been categorized into a total of four distinct zones. At a more fundamental level, village councils are encouraged the participation of local citizens. The island of Barbuda has a constitutionally-protected unique status, and it has given the authority to solicit financial contributions in order to meet the needs of its inhabitants. [1]

Contents

The Barbuda Council is the only functioning local government institution in the country. [2] The St. John's Development Corporation has some characteristics of a local government but mostly only serves the Downtown St. John's area, rather than the whole city. Many services once provided by local governments in Antigua are now directly provided by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda or by special districts.

The Local Government Department had existed in Antigua and Barbuda until 2023 when it was absorbed into the Community Development Division. [3]

Barbuda

There is an active and functioning Barbuda Council, which has authority over the island of Barbuda. It is an elected body enshrined in the Constitution.

Parishes

There has not been any form of parish government in Antigua and Barbuda since the parish vestry system became defunct in the late 1600s. The parishes do, however, have some restricted powers, such as the issuing of papers. Antigua is administratively divided into parishes, which are also known as civil parishes.

2023 Asot Michael proposal

Asot Michael claimed in his manifesto that one of his first priorities as MP for Saint Peter would be to establish a "modern" system of parish councils within the first sixty days of his election. In his manifesto, he proposed that parish councils receive their money from property taxes. This was one of his proposals. Michael also proposed the establishment of a Saint Peter Parish Council; however, the geographic boundaries of this particular parish are unknown. This is because Long Island is sometimes considered to be part of both Saint George and Saint Peter, and the boundaries of the St. Peter Constituency are distinct from those of the Saint Peter Parish. [4] As an independent candidate, Michael was successful in winning the election for his seat.

2023 Democratic National Alliance proposal

The Democratic National Alliance campaigned on the promise that it will repeal the "Local Government Act" and replace existing municipal governments with a network of parish councils. The minority political group is working toward the goal of constructing a Council Administrative Headquarters and taking powers away from the central government. [5] In the event that they did win the election, they planned to establish Parish Councils in each parish, with the exception of Saint John Parish, which contains the majority of the country's population. Saint John Parish would instead be transformed into a municipality and would be led by a Mayor in this scenario. In the 16th parliament, the DNA was not successful in gaining any seats.

Zones

Under the former local government system on Antigua, there were four zones. While these zones had no local government purpose, they were under the supervision of the Local Government Officer. [2]

District councils

Antigua and Barbuda had 17 inactive district councils which correspond to the borders of parliamentary constituencies. District councils were composed of at least five members, and among those members, a chairman and secretary/treasurer were elected. The member of parliament who represents that constituency automatically had a seat in the committee as an ex-officio member. The responsibility for providing service to three (3) councils was shared between one officer of the local government and the assistant. [2]

Village councils

This section is an excerpt from Village councils (Antigua and Barbuda).[ edit ]

Village councils in Antigua and Barbuda were[ when? ] local government bodies responsible for the administration of the villages on the Island of Antigua. Village councils were responsible for the delivery of public services, such as waste management, road maintenance, and community development projects, to the residents of the village. Village councils were also responsible for collecting taxes and fees from residents, as well as for creating and enforcing local by-laws and regulations. The members of the village councils were elected by the residents of the village, and they served a specified term of office. The village councils worked in collaboration with the national government of Antigua and Barbuda to ensure the effective delivery of services to the communities they serve.

A system of village councils was created by the Village Councils Act (1945). While all village councils are inactive, the legislation has never been repealed. [6]

Local government in St. John's

St. John's once had a city council during the late 1800s and early 1900s. [7] [8] In the downtown area, the St. John's Development Corporation has assumed many local government responsibilities and has control over some utilities and various city services and lands. [9]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antigua and Barbuda</span> Country in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies

Antigua and Barbuda is a sovereign island country in the Caribbean. It lies at the conjuncture of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean in the Leeward Islands part of the Lesser Antilles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Politics of Antigua and Barbuda</span>

The politics of Antigua and Barbuda takes place in a framework of a unitary parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, wherein the sovereign of Antigua and Barbuda is the head of state, appointing a governor-general to act as vice-regal representative in the nation. A prime minister is appointed by the governor-general as the head of government, and of a multi-party system; the prime minister advises the governor-general on the appointment of a Council of Ministers. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two chambers of the Parliament. The bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Capital of Antigua and Barbuda

St. John's is the capital and largest city of Antigua and Barbuda, part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. With a population of 22,219, St. John's is the commercial centre of the nation and the chief port of the island of Antigua.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Antigua and Barbuda</span>

The history of Antigua and Barbuda covers the period from the arrival of the Archaic peoples thousands of years ago to the present day. Prior to European colonization, the lands encompassing present-day Antigua and Barbuda were inhabited by three successive Amerindian societies. The island was claimed by England, who settled the islands in 1632. Under English/British control, the islands witnessed an influx of both Britons and African slaves migrate to the island. In 1981, the islands were granted independence as the modern state of Antigua and Barbuda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbuda</span> Island and dependency in Antigua and Barbuda

Barbuda is an island and dependency located in the eastern Caribbean forming part of the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda as an autonomous entity. Barbuda is located approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Antigua. The sole settlements on the island are Codrington and its surrounding localities. Barbuda is a flat island with the western portion being dominated by Codrington Lagoon, and the eastern portion being dominated by the low-lying Barbuda Highlands, with salty ponds and scrubland spread throughout the island. The climate is classified as tropical marine.

Antigua and Barbuda's transport systems include both public and privately run services. Roads in the country are paved and follow a winding and gently sloping course connecting parishes to villages and communities. Driving is on the left-hand side. The speed limit is set at 40 mph, Traffic signs posted throughout main roads in Antigua and Barbuda allow for ease of commute, and with GPS coordinates posted throughout the country, the process of navigation has become even easier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parishes and dependencies of Antigua and Barbuda</span>

Antigua and Barbuda is an island nation made up of: Antigua island, which is divided into six parishes; and of the two dependencies of Barbuda island and Redonda island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint George, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua and Barbuda

Saint George, officially the Parish of Saint George, is a parish of Antigua and Barbuda on the island of Antigua. Saint George borders Saint Peter to the southeast, and Saint John to the west and south. Saint George is mostly farmland and savanna in the south, dense forest in the Blackman's Peninsula area, marshland in the Fitches Creek area, and dense forest in the northwest. It is the smallest parish in Antigua and Barbuda, and the parish capital is Fitches Creek. The largest city in the parish is Piggotts. Saint George is the newest parish, splitting from the parish of Saint Peter in 1725. It had an estimated population of 8,817 in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Philip, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua and Barbuda

Saint Philip, officially the Parish of Saint Philip, is a civil parish of Antigua and Barbuda, on the easternmost portion of Antigua island. Its capital is the village of St. Philip's. Saint Philip borders Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Saint Philip faces the Atlantic Ocean. Saint Philip is surrounded by various islands and islets. It had an estimated population of 3,689 in 2018, which makes it the least populous parish of Antigua and Barbuda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Mary, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua and Barbuda

Saint Mary, officially the Parish of Saint Mary, is a parish of Antigua and Barbuda on the island of Antigua. Saint Mary borders Saint John to the north, and Saint Paul to the east. Saint Mary is dominated by the Shekerley Mountains, and its northern border is largely defined by the mountains, and by Cooks Creek. The largest city in the parish is Bolans, home to the Jolly Harbour neighbourhood, and the parish church is located in Old Road. Saint Mary was permanently established with the other four original parishes in 1692. It had an estimated population of 8,141 in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Paul, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua and Barbuda

Saint Paul, officially the Parish of Saint Paul, is a parish of Antigua and Barbuda on the island of Antigua. It had an estimated population of 9,004 in 2018. The parish capital, and the location of the parish church, is Falmouth. The main economic and tourism hub of the parish is English Harbour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Peter, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua and Barbuda

Saint Peter, officially the Parish of Saint Peter, is a parish of Antigua and Barbuda on the island of Antigua. Saint Peter borders Saint Paul to the south, Saint Philip to the east, and Saint George and Saint John to the west. Saint Peter is dominated by farmland, savanna, and undeveloped fields, and its borders are not well-defined. The largest city fully within the parish is Parham, which is also the capital. However, the portion of the city of All Saints in Saint Peter is significantly larger than Parham. Saint Peter was created with the other four original parishes in 1692. It had an estimated population of 5,706 in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint John, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Parish in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Saint John, officially the Parish of Saint John, is a civil parish of Antigua and Barbuda, on the northwestern portion of Antigua island. Its capital is the city of St. John's. Saint John borders Saint Mary, Saint Peter, Saint George, and Saint Paul. Saint John faces the Caribbean Sea. Saint John is surrounded by some of Antigua's most premier beaches. Saint John had a population of 56,736 in a 2018 estimate, making it home to the majority of the population in Antigua and Barbuda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbuda Council</span> Barbudan local government authority

The Barbuda Council is a local authority that manages the internal affairs on the island of Barbuda. The council has the authority to buy, acquire, hold, mortgage, and dispose of land and other property. It also possesses a common seal and perpetual succession. The Barbuda Council, which has the authority outlined in the Barbuda Local Government Act, is the government of the island and its coastal zone. The members of the Senate who meet the requirements outlined in paragraph (1) of section 6 of the Barbuda Local Government Act, nine elected members, and the member of the House of Representatives from the Barbuda constituency make up the Council. A Commonwealth citizen who is eighteen years of age or older, was born in Barbuda, is the child of parents who were at least one of their parents' birthplaces, or who has lived in Barbuda for at least three years prior to the date of their nomination for election, and who is a regular resident of Barbuda and a registered voter under the Representation of the People Act are all required to be eligible to be elected as a member of the Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Saints, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Village in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

All Saints is the second largest settlement in Antigua and Barbuda, with a population of 3,412. It is located in the middle of Antigua, at 17°3′N61°47′W. Just 5 miles NW of here is the capital, St. John's. It had a population of 3,900 in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parham, Antigua and Barbuda</span> Town in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Parham, officially known as the Town of Parham, is the capital of Saint Peter, the largest city in Saint Peter, and the fourteenth largest city in Antigua and Barbuda. Parham's population was 1,307 in 2011, distributed over 1.99 square kilometres. Parham is similar in population to Potters Village, the thirteenth most significant city in Antigua and Barbuda, and Bendals, the fifteenth largest city. Parham is situated on the shore of Parham Harbour, one of the most important harbors in the country, enclosed by the Parham Peninsula and Long Island.

Asot Michael is an Antiguan politician and a Member of the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, elected from Saint Peter Constituency. He was also the Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy under Prime Minister Gaston Browne. He was formerly a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Antiguan general election</span>

General elections were held in Antigua and Barbuda on 18 January 2023 to elect members of the House of Representatives. The Labour Party (ABLP) has held an absolute majority of 15 seats in the House of Representatives after the 2018 general election, with Gaston Browne remaining as prime minister. Browne initiated a constitutional referendum after the 2018 election, which was rejected by voters, and following the death of Elizabeth II in 2022, he announced his intention to organise a referendum for the transition of Antigua and Barbuda to a republican system. Besides ABLP, the United Progressive Party (UPP), Democratic National Alliance, Barbuda People's Movement (BPM), and three independent politicians filed candidacies for the 2023 general election.

Vernons is a village in Saint Peter Parish, Antigua and Barbuda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Mary's South</span> Parliamentary constituency in the parish of Saint Mary, Antigua and Barbuda

St. Mary's South is a parliamentary constituency in the parish of Saint Mary, Antigua and Barbuda. A by-election was held in the constituency on 24 October 2023.

References

  1. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230106013811/http://web.worldbank.org/archive/website00951/WEB/OTHER/CC47E0-5.HTM?OpenDocument&ExpandSection=4
  2. 1 2 3 "Voice, Participation and Governance: The Case of the Eastern Caribbean". web.worldbank.org. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
  3. ↑ "2023 Antigua Estimates" (PDF).
  4. ↑ "Manifesto". Asot A Michael. Retrieved 2023-01-19.
  5. ↑ "Policy Highlight: Parish Councils" (PDF).
  6. ↑ "The Village Councils Act" (PDF). 16 June 1945. Retrieved 2023-04-01.
  7. ↑ "Public Health Act" (PDF).
  8. ↑ Abbott, W.J. (13 August 1914). "At a meeting of the Saint John's City Commissioners held at their office in Church Lane on Thursday the 16th day of July, 1914" (PDF). The Leeward Islands Gazette . pp. 272–273. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 June 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  9. ↑ "SJDC | Home". sjdcanu.com. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.