Born and raised in Barbuda, Arthur Manoah Shabazz Nibbs entered frontline politics at the tender age of 18 when he contested for a seat on the Island's Council. As he recalls it, "I was rejected at the polls simply because the electorate felt that I was too young".

Two years later, Arthur Nibbs secured a seat on the Barbuda Council. Since then, first as Chairman of the Health and Social Welfare Committee and then in his 10 year stint as Council Chairman, he consolidated his position as a major player in the stewardship of Antigua's sister island.