FEATURE: Barbuda - an island paradise in the sun

Barbuda - an island paradise in the sun
 
Monday November 03 2003
 
 
When Christopher Columbus stumbled upon Barbuda he must have said, "yes, yes, 
I have found my Jewel," because for many who have visited this tiny island 
paradise, it is just that, a jewel in the sun. A visit to Barbuda is an 
experience that should not be missed. The flatness of the island creates an 
immediate impact upon the visitor. The most lasting impression would be the 
incredible beauty and emptiness of the pink, coral beaches and the colours of 
the surrounding sea. One can relax in the warm, tropical sunshine and be 
interrupted only by nature.


The Beaches

The beaches on Barbuda are among the finest in the Caribbean; they are 
incredibly stunning and remarkably private and you may not see anyone for 
hours. The beach at Coco Point on the south-eastern tip of the island is most 
often voted the number one on Barbuda. Along the western side of the island 
(Low Bay/Palm Beach) is a long stretch of beach which spans the entire 
western side of the lagoon for a number of miles. The beach at Palmetto also 
has a lot to offer; the crystal clear waters provide the unmatched beauty 
that visitors crave.


The Bird Sanctuary

The bird sanctuary is a short boat ride across the Codrington lagoon. It is 
among the largest frigate bird sanctuaries in the world. These majestic 
creatures are black in colour and a large red pouch, which is inflated during 
nesting as a defence mechanism, identifies the males. Their white breasts and 
their brownish body identify the females. Hundreds of birds soar the blue 
skies while others nest in the mangrove below.


Martello Tower and Forte

Situated about three miles away from the village at our nearest beach is a 
sight to behold. This magnificent tower is a sight to behold. Built at the 
main landing place for Codrington, the tower defended the south-western 
approach to Barbuda and ships anchored off the landing. The tower was also 
used as a look out and signal station, especially for the reporting of 
shipwrecks, which were a major income to the Codrigntons when they leased the 
island. Nine guns were housed in the embrasures at the tower. Today, there's 
a lovely view from the top of the tower. This 56 feet high beauty is a sight 
to behold. 


Highland/Highland House

It is situated at the highest point of Barbuda, estimated at 128 feet. 
Believed to have been built in the 1720s, it was occupied by the Corington 
family until about the 1790s. The remains today are ruins of stables, 
offices, cisterns, slave quarters, and a complex that contained the main 
house. This area offers a breathtaking view of the northern half of Barbuda 
that is very superb. 

Discover Willy Bob and you will realise why the slave masters wanted to be on 
top of everything. All the plantations were viewed from this vantage point, a 
triangular view (north, west, south) that captured everything. 


The Caves

The caves at the Highlands are interesting and full of surprises. Inside some 
of these caves, one can find writings - left there by people who occupied 
them. The caves on Barbuda offer many clues to the island's formation. Other 
caves are accessible only by foot paths and caution must be exercised in 
finding them. A guide would be recommended. 

A visitor to Barbuda once composed a poem after spending a few days here. 
Here is a recollection of the first three verses of that poem:



Beautiful Barbuda 

Is a friendly, quiet isle.

Really, if you knew her

You"d want to stay a while.


Her blue lagoon and reefs, 

Her miles of pink, coral sand.

Where gently breaks the surf 

These make her a lovely land.


Red roofs, gay painted homes,

Where the friendly people are.

Gives cheer to one who roams 

One who comes here from afar.
 

SOURCE: Antigua Sun