The Antigua Constitutional Conference unfolded from February 28, 1966, to March 25, 1966, culminating in the signing of a consensus report. The report, documented as Cmnd. 2963, was subsequently presented to the UK Parliament. The Conference outlined key decisions, including the establishment of a new, voluntary association between Britain and Antigua, characterized by mutual freedom and the ability for either party to terminate the association at will. Antigua was to exercise full autonomy over internal affairs, while defense and foreign affairs remained under British jurisdiction. Both governments committed to negotiating a comprehensive plan detailing how Britain would fulfill its responsibilities in defense and foreign affairs, with considerable communication and delegation to the Antigua government in the realm of external affairs. The consensus also encompassed agreed-upon elements for the formulation of a new Antiguan constitution, with the specifics of this agreement detailed in Cmnd. 2963. Following the
1951 general elections, the
Antigua Trades and Labour Union and the
Antigua Labour Party (ALP) continued to nominate additional candidates, securing an increasing number of seats in the Antiguan Parliament. In 1961,
Vere Bird assumed the role of chief minister in the newly established position. After five years, he spearheaded a delegation to London to deliberate on the matter of Antiguan independence. Subsequent to a constitutional conference, Antigua achieved the status of an
associated state in February 1967, with
Barbuda and the minuscule island of
Redonda as dependencies. While Antigua attained internal independence, its foreign affairs and defense remained under British control. During the
1971 Antiguan general election, Antigua marked its first change of government. This resulted in the
Progressive Labour Movement (PLM) winning 57.72% of the popular vote and thirteen out of the seventeen constituencies. The administration was marred by repressive social measures, including limitations on freedom of the press and economic policies that resulted in a recession. Several leaders of the PLM party, including
George Walter, faced corruption charges related to their alleged mismanagement during their tenure in office. While Walter was released upon appeal, he found himself disqualified from participating in the
1980 elections. Robert Hall assumed the role of PLM party leader in his stead. Undeterred, Walter sought a return to political influence by establishing the
United People's Movement (UPM), enlisting the support of some of his followers from the PLM. Between 1976 and 1980, the ALP enacted policies that revitalized the economy and were considered to foster a reopening of society. These initiatives proved successful, allowing the ALP to solidify its dominance, at the expense of both the PLM and UPM. The 1980 election saw an easy victory for the ALP, with a campaign centered on the promise of enhanced economic and social conditions, as well as independence. As per section 10(2) of the
West Indies Act 1967, the Antigua Termination of Association Order 1981 officially ended the associated status between the United Kingdom and Antigua. When Richard Luce presented the order before the UK Parliament, discussions revolved around concerns such as the potential for a rebellion in Barbuda, akin to the
Republic of Anguilla's historical incident, and objections to Barbudans becoming part of the emerging state. Independence was scheduled for 1 November 1981. Upon
Princess Margaret's arrival in Antigua on October 30, 1981, she received a warm welcome from an honor guard composed of police and soldiers. The following day, October 31, 1981, amidst a tropical downpour, Antigua and Barbuda inaugurated its parliament building, just hours before achieving independence. In the harbor, five warships—three British, one Venezuelan, one American—stood ready for the midnight salute to mark the momentous occasion. on November 1, 1981, witnessed by 25,000 spectators, the Antiguan and Barbudan flag ascended while the Union Jack descended at the Antigua Recreation Ground, symbolizing the newfound independence of the country. == Governance ==