Canada and Antigua / Barbuda has had a relationship of mutual respect that goes all the way back to 1926 around the time of post slavery when governors from the Britain still ruled over the Island. When other governors severely mistreated the island people especially workers, one man decided that he wanted to make a difference not just for the sake of ego but to help improve the lives of Antiguans overall. Governor Fiennes was living in Canada at the time of his appointment and soon the Islanders will find their lives of not only their families but the entire Island begin to change drastically.
Governor Fiennes took a special interest in the conditions of the people left in an appalling condition after slavery. His greatest achievements were improving the water supply and medical care for Islanders.In addition to digging wells for clean water he built roads for better travel. He began program for planting trees especially (willow trees) as a source of medicine food and shelter. He built the islands first institute for the elderly known today as Fiennes Institute. To further improve the lifestyles of Island he started a tourism campaign to get Canadians to travel to Antigua and hence St Johns became the capitol for bringing tourism into the Island.
Today Canada and Antiguan still enjoy trade relationship between one another.
Canada’s trade relationship with Antigua and Barbuda, bilateral merchandise trade totalled $9.9 million in 2017.
There are several agreements between the two countries, including a Social Security Agreement (1994) and an Agreement regarding the sharing of Forfeited Assets and Equivalent Funds (1999). Approximately 10,000 Canadian tourists visit Antigua and Barbuda annually. Today you will find a great number of Canadians who call Antigua their home.
Foot note information on Governor Fienne was sourced from The Book to Shoot Hard labour
