From the 'name it and they will come department', is an announcement from the office of The Prime Minister of Antigua. According to The Antigua Sun, Antigua's highest point, Boggy Peak (OK, so it's not really a lofty snow-capped mountain), will be re-named to Mount Obama in honor of The United States' new president. The peak's moniker is set to change on Mr. Obama's next birthday, August 4. As luck would have it the timing of the renaming of the 1300 foot 'mountain' will happen during Antigua's annual carnival in August.
This would appear to be another PR coup for the island. Already, the tourist board likes to claim that there are 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Having been there a number of times I would dispute that. But whose counting. However, there are some truly great beaches on the island, like Turners Beach which is my favorite. I also like the beach at Galley Bay.
The best view on the island certainly has to be from the Shirley's Heights Lookout. From the bar on top, there is an excellent view of historic English Harbour. They make a good rum punch here, as well as offer a weekly jump up, featuring live bands and a BBQ cookout.
More information can be found in the files of The Antigua Sun.
I think you'd better wait a few years before you do anything as stupid as naming a mountian after him.
Posted on February 19, 2009 3:21 PM
What about the 40+ percent of people who voted against Mr. Obama? Do you think this ad campaign will cause them to visit or avoid your location?
If/When Mr.Obama's popularity ratings sink, could your mountain still be a popular destination?
Posted on May 9, 2009 12:01 AM
Wow the animosity and negativeness towards Obama is quite palpable. Not resentful at all that other U.S. Presidents have had the same honors right? Ha Ha. Enough said.
Posted on May 29, 2009 7:55 PM
I was surprised to see the amount of support for Obama on my last trip to Jamaica. Not sure if the people like him because he is black or for some other reason, but there were banners and bumper stickers everywhere. This was 3 months after the election. I don't recall ever seeing a Clinton or Bush sign hanging in Montego Bay!
Posted on August 11, 2009 8:09 AM
Wow, that is really amazing birthday present for President Obama. Just try to imagine that it will be named after his name. For any reason, for me I think there is no harm, if whatever name they want to call it but I was wondering why people are making it as a big deal.
Anna Marie
Posted on January 13, 2012 11:27 AM