Antigua wants to rename highest peak 'Mount Obama'

7 Nov, 2008, 0805 hrs IST, AGENCIES

ST JOHN'S: Antigua's prime minister wants to rename the island's highest mountain peak "Mount Obama" in honor of the US president-elect.


"Boggy Peak", as it is currently known, soars more than 396 meters over the island's southern point and serves as a transmission site for broadcast and telecommunication providers. It also is a popular hiking spot.

Political analyst Avel Grant says the name change could draw more tourists to the island.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer announced the plans Wednesday in a congratulatory letter to President-elect Barack Obama.

Attorney General Justin Simon said yesterday he will research if parliament needs to approve the name change.