Stuck in Antigua in the Caribbean due to Covid, we made sure we marked the Twelfth of July

It you want to see a picture of the ‘12th at home’ then here is an image of our celebrations.
By William Cudworth
Published 14th Jul 2020, 12:25 BST
Updated 14th Jul 2020, 13:55 BST
Celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. From left to right: Helen and Rick Bell from Canada, William Cudworth from Bangor, Matti McFall from Donaghadee, Michael Ryan from Miami and Megan from Los AngelesCelebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. From left to right: Helen and Rick Bell from Canada, William Cudworth from Bangor, Matti McFall from Donaghadee, Michael Ryan from Miami and Megan from Los Angeles
Celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. From left to right: Helen and Rick Bell from Canada, William Cudworth from Bangor, Matti McFall from Donaghadee, Michael Ryan from Miami and Megan from Los Angeles

We have just marked the Twelfth in Antigua in the Caribbean.

We have been stuck on the island since March.

I started a company once I was made redundant from Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast. Knowing a lot about carbon fibre wings (C-Series) I came to Antigua January 2018 and started working here.

A bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Taken by William Cudworth from Bangor, of himselfA bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Taken by William Cudworth from Bangor, of himself
A bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Taken by William Cudworth from Bangor, of himself
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Soon after I brought my two younger brothers here and my friend Matti McFall arrived a year later.

So due to the flight restrictions and Covid-19 happening, we had to make a decision on whether to head home or stay in Antigua in late March/ early April.

Due to being busy at work Matti and I decided to stay in Antigua.

Unfortunately one week after this Antigua ended up in a lockdown, from 7am to midnight.

Celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua, including William Cudworth and Matti McFall, in the Union flag face masks, and Rick Bell from Canada, front left, and his wife Helen, in the Canada flag face masks, alongside other friends including Michael Ryan from Miami, at the back of the picture in the centre, also in a face maskCelebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua, including William Cudworth and Matti McFall, in the Union flag face masks, and Rick Bell from Canada, front left, and his wife Helen, in the Canada flag face masks, alongside other friends including Michael Ryan from Miami, at the back of the picture in the centre, also in a face mask
Celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua, including William Cudworth and Matti McFall, in the Union flag face masks, and Rick Bell from Canada, front left, and his wife Helen, in the Canada flag face masks, alongside other friends including Michael Ryan from Miami, at the back of the picture in the centre, also in a face mask
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Luckily enough out mothers (in Northern Ireland, Yvonne and Gina) made us get enough to see us through the lockdown.

They pressed on us both to buy a lot of pasta, rice, chicken and powered milk — whatever that is for tea.

I had to learn how to make soda bread!

We explained to our friends here the whole reason behind why we have the Orange Order and the Twelfth.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

Mike Ryan from Miami and Rick Bell from Canada own catamarans and met at North Sound Marina in Antigua, where I base my business — they decided to stay on their boats due to them being classed as safe in the Caribbean.

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When we explained to them about bonfires etc we soon realised that Rick’s family were actually from Scotland and Michael’s family were from Kilkenny.

It has been an exciting time, though hopefully it is the only time I will be missing home during the Twelfth.

William Cudworth, Past master Bangor Abbey LOL 726

A bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Mattie McFall from Donaghadee, who has been stuck on the island since March due to CovidA bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Mattie McFall from Donaghadee, who has been stuck on the island since March due to Covid
A bonfire celebrating July 12 2020 in Antigua. Mattie McFall from Donaghadee, who has been stuck on the island since March due to Covid

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Related topics:CaribbeanNorthern IrelandBelfast