Codrington: The Hidden Jewel of Barbuda

• HelloWadadli
  [wah-dahd-lee]
• GoodbyeLeh we meet
  [lay we meet]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNoh
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePreez/Yuh welkum
  [preez/yuh wel-kum]
• Thank youTanks
  [tanks]
• Excuse me/SorrySkews mi/Saari
  [skews mee/sah-ree]
• How are you?How yuh duh?
  [how yuh doo?]
• Fine. And you?Aright. An yuh?
  [ar-ite. an yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Yuh speak English?
  [yuh speak English?]
• I don't understandMi na onastan
  [mee nah oh-nas-tan]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wud like fi si di menu, pliz
  [mee wood like fee see dee menu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatMi na eat meat
  [mee nah eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wud like fi pay, pliz
  [mee wood like fee pay, pleez]

• Help!Aid!
  [ayd!]
• Go away!Goh weh!
  [goh way!]
• Call the Police!Ring di Police!
  [ring dee Police!]
• Call a doctor!Ring a dockta!
  [ring ah dock-tah!]
• I'm lostMi loss
  [mee loss]
• I'm illMi sick
  [mee sik]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wud like fi buy...
  [mee wood like fee buy...]
• I'm just lookingMi jus a luk
  [mee just ah look]
• How much is it?Ow much it deh?
  [ohh much it deh?]
• That's too expensiveDat too pricy
  [dat too pry-see]
• Can you lower the price?Yuh cahn drop di price?
  [yuh can drop dee pryce?]

• What time is it?Wah time it be?
  [wah time it bee?]
• It's one o'clockIt wan o'clak
  [it one o-klock]
• Half past (10)Afta (10)
  [aftah (10)]
• MorningMahnin
  [mahn-in]
• AfternoonAftanun
  [af-ta-noon]
• EveningEevinin
  [eev-nin]
• YesterdayYestadeh
  [yes-tah-deh]
• TodayTuday
  [too-day]
• TomorrowTamara
  [ta-mar-ra]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Tree
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Fie
  [fye]
• 6Siks
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eyt
  [ate]
• 9Nahn
  [nahn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Way di...?
  [way dee...?]
• What's the address?Wah di address?
  [wah dee address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh cahn show mi (pan di map)?
  [yuh can show mee (pan dee map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Wen di nex (bus)?
  [wen dee next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A tiket (tu ....)
  [ah tick-et (to ....)]

Codrington was founded in the late 17th century by Christopher Codrington, an English soldier and colonial administrator. The Codrington family leased the island of Barbuda from the British Crown in 1685, and the settlement quickly became the administrative center of their operations. The Codrington family established a plantation-based economy, primarily focused on sugar, cotton, and indigo production, which was sustained by the labor of enslaved Africans.

The Codrington Estate on Barbuda played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on the plantations, and Codrington House served as the headquarters for these operations. The Codrington family was known for their harsh treatment of slaves, and the conditions on the plantations were notoriously brutal. Despite this dark chapter in its history, the estate remains a key historical site in Codrington.

The abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 had a profound impact on Codrington and the island of Barbuda. The emancipation of the enslaved population led to significant social and economic changes. Freed slaves established their own communities and began to engage in subsistence agriculture, fishing, and other forms of livelihood. The legacy of slavery, however, continued to shape the social and economic landscape of Codrington for many years.

The Codrington Lagoon, located to the west of the town, is a significant natural feature and an important part of the local culture. The lagoon is home to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest breeding colonies of magnificent frigate birds in the world. This sanctuary attracts bird watchers and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The lagoon and its surrounding mangroves also play a crucial role in the local economy, supporting fishing and tourism.

In September 2017, Codrington was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, destroying homes, infrastructure, and the natural environment. The entire population of Codrington was evacuated to Antigua. The rebuilding process has been slow and challenging, but it has also brought the community together and highlighted the resilience and determination of the people of Codrington.

Codrington is rich in cultural traditions that reflect its diverse heritage. The town hosts several annual festivals, including the Caribana Festival, which celebrates Caribbean culture with music, dance, and traditional food. The influence of African, European, and indigenous cultures can be seen in the local cuisine, music, and crafts. These cultural practices are an integral part of the community's identity and continue to be passed down through generations.

Codrington, the main settlement on Barbuda, is accessible primarily by air and sea. The Barbuda Codrington Airport (BBQ) receives small aircraft from Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) with flights operated by local airlines. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from St. John's, Antigua, to Codrington. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes and offers scenic ocean views.

Codrington is a small town where many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, local taxis are available and can be arranged through your accommodation. Renting a bicycle or golf cart is also a popular option for getting around. Public transport is limited, but some local buses operate on the island. Make sure to confirm schedules in advance as they can be irregular.

The official currency in Antigua and Barbuda is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available in Codrington for cash withdrawals.

Codrington is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Codrington does not have high-crime neighborhoods specifically targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Codrington has a local police station and a small medical clinic for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Antigua may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Codrington for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local villages. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of any religious ceremonies or events. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't expect strict schedules; flexibility is key. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' A handshake is appropriate in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Codrington like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage in conversations with locals; they are typically friendly and willing to share insights about their culture and history. Don't miss a visit to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest in the world, and take a guided tour to learn about the island's unique ecosystem. Exploring the pink sand beaches and participating in community events can also provide a deeper understanding of local life.