Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee
National anthem of Antigua and Barbuda
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"Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" is the de facto[1] national anthem of Antigua and Barbuda. Written by Novelle Richards and composed by Walter P. Chambers, it was adopted in 1967 while Antigua and Barbuda was still a British colony.[2] It was adopted as the customary national anthem upon independence in 1981.[3] Officially, the song is not mentioned in Antiguan and Barbudan legislation although in practice the song is performed during various official events.[1]
National anthem of Antigua and Barbuda | |
| Lyrics | Novelle Richards, 1967 |
|---|---|
| Music | Walter P. Chambers, 1967 |
| Adopted | 1967 |
| Readopted | 1981 |
| Audio sample | |
U.S. Navy Band instrumental version (one verse) in B-flat major | |
History
Prior to the adoption of a national anthem, due to the Crown Colony of Antigua being part of the British Empire, "God Save the Queen" was the official anthem. In 1967, "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" was composed with the lyrics written by the President of the Senate of Antigua and Barbuda, Novelle Richards and the music being composed by the church organist Walter P. Chambers.[4] After Antigua changed its status to become an associated state as the Associated State of Antigua, "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" was de facto adopted as the national anthem with "God Save the Queen" being retained as the Royal anthem.[5] In 1981, following full independence, the original melody was retained but the lyrics were changed.[5]
The lyrics include the official national motto of Antigua and Barbuda of "Each endeavouring, all achieving", which is also on the country's coat of arms.[6] During Independence Day celebrations, it is customary for Antiguan churches to sing "Fair Antigua, We Salute Thee" during services of thanksgiving.[7]
Lyrics
During official events, usually only the first verse is performed[8]
I |
Former 1967-1981 lyrics
I[10] |