THRONE SPEECH
BY
HIS EXCELLENCY SIR JAMES B CARLISLE GCMG
GOVERNOR-GENERAL
AT
THE STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
ON
THURSDAY 11th NOVEMBER, 2004

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

By salutary circumstance befitting this historic year of change, I am called upon to present my Government’s immediate agenda at a second State Opening of this Parliament.

It is fitting that the state opening of this new session of Parliament is taking place at the dawn of our nation’s 24th year of Independence, with the Antiguan and Barbudan people newly empowered and imbued with the spirit of a new independence.

The 23rd anniversary of our nation’s Independence, last week Monday and during the preceding week, was marked by a celebratory spirit, a sense of unity, and a reverence for The Almighty that were most welcome.

This was accurately summarised and eloquently expressed in the theme of the first Independence Homecoming Festival and that of the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda World Gospel Festival:

“Antigua and Barbuda – One Family” and “Jubilation!”

In keeping with the concept of one family, my Government has introduced the Millennium Naturalisation Act conferring full and unconditional citizenship upon qualified persons born in other countries.

This is an executive decision, executed through parliamentary sanction, of immense humanitarian significance.

It is also an enlightened executive decision for a nation that is a recognised melting pot for the Caribbean, and an active participant in the regional integration process, committed to the imminent reality of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I presented my Government’s initial priorities at the commencement of the first session of this Parliament on the 29th of March this year.

That was a mere five days after the formation of my Government; as mandated by the collective will of the electorate and in accordance with the Constitution.

By resounding majority, the Antiguan and Barbudan people had, on the 23rd of March this year, given my Government a compelling mandate for change.

My Government began its first term with the world in turmoil, with our economy in crisis, and with endemic and worsening inadequacies in our social and physical infrastructure.

My Government was immediately confronted with a reality that was even worse than the direst perceptions of the ills of the economy.

The penury of the public purse, the extent of the state’s unfulfilled financial obligations to other countries and to local, regional and international organisations and institutions, together with the monthly wage bill due to its employees were, and continue to be, of intimidating dimensions.

Against this backdrop, it is appropriate to review my Government’s performance in the abridged first session of this Parliament, and to outline my Government’s intentions for the coming year.

Within the framework of good governance as its principal purpose, the first and critical task of my Government was and remains the rescue, recovery and revitalisation of the economy.

This task calls for vision, innovation and fiscal discipline of an unaccustomed character.

It calls for austerity, sacrifice and enterprise from the entire nation community as my Government continues to grapple with mounting interest on the public debt and with a public payroll that is out of all proportion to the country’s current and foreseeable revenue capacities.

It is to the credit of my Government that in the face of economic realities that turned out to be considerably grimmer than prior perceptions, the gap between public expenditure and revenue is beginning to narrow.

Though it would be precipitate to talk this early of an economic turnaround, my Government has enjoyed early success in its measures to stop the country’s decline into increasingly catastrophic economic trauma.

To the extent that our country’s economic realities have permitted, my Government has been meticulously faithful to its pledges to the Antiguan and Barbudan people.

My Government’s initiatives have been consistent with those defined in “Agenda for Change”, its election Manifesto.

Moreover, the Speech from The Throne on March 29th and the Budget that my Government presented on March 31st are both in consonance with the philosophy and policies articulated in Agenda for Change.

My Government has taken historic steps to institutionalise good governance and has given legal and lasting effect to the expression, “Government in the Sunshine”.

Beyond its stated intentions, my Government has been required to respond to challenges that it had not envisaged.

One of those challenges was the limited documentation available to my Government on a number of critical issues.

The constitutional requirement for the presentation of the 2004 national Budget within seven days of the transition between Governments was an early and intimidating challenge to my Government’s insight, innovation and capacities.

Faced with what must surely have been a unique baptism of fire for any first-time administration, and compelled to start from zero base within a week of its inauguration, my Government was, nonetheless, able to present its first Budget by due date.

That is to the credit of my Government.

It was early affirmation that my Government was up to the task which the electorate had entrusted to it.

Simultaneous with the daunting challenge of constructing its first Budget in a matter of days, my Government was confronted with the immediate necessity to source the substantial funds required for public service salaries for March.

With the public finances in serious and sustained crisis, those funds could not be generated within the state sector.

An early and defining measure of my Government’s resourcefulness, competence and credibility, was its ability – in its first week in office - to source funds from private sector financial institutions to pay public service salaries.

Within one week of its inauguration, my Government was able to arrange for public servants to be paid their March salaries by due date.

Though the resources of the Treasury continue to be disastrously inadequate, my government has succeeded in ensuring that our public servants have received their salaries every month, to date.

Considering all attendant circumstances, this is most noteworthy and its significance should not be overlooked.

Together with the continuing crisis of meeting a substantial public service payroll in an economy in deep decline, my Government had only two months to comply with the stringent requirements of the United States mandated International Ships and Ports Security programme, the ISPS.

Failure to comply with the measures imposed by the International Ships and Ports Security programme would have had catastrophic consequences for Antigua and Barbuda.

Again, despite starting from close to zero bases, my Government was able to meet this challenge.

By the July 1st, 2004 deadline, Antigua and Barbuda was certifiably in compliance with the International Ships and Ports Security requirements.

The green light was thus activated for two-way carrier traffic between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States, and between this and other countries.

Shortly after my Government entered office, the country was faced with monthly increases in the price of fuel.

Recognising the impact that increases in the price of gas and diesel at the pump would have on the cost of services and goods throughout the economy, and on the pockets on the vulnerable in the society in particular, my Government, by direct subsidy, contrived to cushion the public from fuel increases for several months.

Conscious of the country’s vulnerability in this area, my Government has initiated a review of the contract binding Antigua and Barbuda to a sole supplier operating a monopoly on fuel imports.

Parallel with this, my Government initiated bi-lateral discussions with Trinidad and Tobago and with Venezuela concerning alternative fuel supplies at concessionary rates.

Those discussions have been promising and are continuing.

Yet another early challenge with which my Government had to contend was a spate of violent crimes that peaked around the Carnival season.

Taking a tough stance, my Government responded swiftly to this assault upon a law-abiding society with legislative measures mandating stiffer penalties for crimes involving violence and guns.

Those measures were a categorical assertion that my Government would not coddle criminals.

The deviant minority bent on lawlessness appear to have heeded the stern position that my Government articulated.

Though crime continues at an unacceptable level, what seemed to be an incipient crime wave appears to have subsided.

Related to this, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated increased effectiveness, with detection and apprehension in the most notorious recent cases; and with a number of seizures of significant amounts of shipments and cultivations of illegal drugs.

Despite the exigencies with which it had to deal in its early months and the parlous state of the public finances, my Government was able to initiate its core social, economic and legislative agenda for the first session of this Parliament.

My Government brought welcome relief to parents across Antigua and Barbuda with the provision of free uniforms for every child attending primary and secondary school.

This was of particular benefit to households of modest incomes.

Arrangements are in place for reduced utility rates for our senior citizens.

Provisions are being made for increased payments to pensioners.

My Government has put arrangements in place for the processing of Christmas Gift Barrels, which will be released by customs free of all duties and taxes, save for a symbolic fee of One Dollar per Gift Barrel.

Through measures such as this, my Government is faithful to its promise to put people first.

My Government gave vigourous support to Antigua and Barbuda’s successful bid for selection as a venue for World Cup Cricket in 2007.

Indeed, Antigua and Barbuda has been awarded one of the more attractive packages for the series.

With the generous assistance of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, Antigua and Barbuda will have a new international cricket facility for the World Cup Games 2007.

In delivery of its pledged intention to transform Antigua and Barbuda into a truly participatory democracy, with good governance as its hallmark, my Government has constituted the National Economic and Social Council by Act of Parliament.

This underlines my Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusion.

Though such mechanisms have dotted the regional landscape from time to time, they have been defined, essentially, by limited impact on national perspectives; and by limited duration.

The Antigua and Barbuda National Economic and Social Council will be an enduring mechanism through which all sections of civil society will have an ongoing, authoritative and effective voice in shaping our country’s social and economic policies.

The National Economic and Social Council is a viable means of giving permanent power to the people and building national consensus on important national issues.

This is a landmark development in governance in the region.

Through other measures, my Government has already profoundly and permanently changed the character of governance in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Freedom of Information Act is one such measure.

The Prevention of Corruption Act is another.

The Integrity in Public Life Act is yet another.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

Never has so much been done in so short a space of time to permanently protect the patrimony, ensure the entitlements, and advance the interests of the people of this nation.

Never has a government, of its own accord, by its own hand, and without Opposition agitation, moved so swiftly to so empower the people.

Never in my tenure in the office that I am privileged to occupy, will I more promptly, or with greater satisfaction, give assent to any Act of Parliament than with the four initial components of the Charter for Good Governance, the Freedom of Information Act; the Prevention of Corruption Act; the Integrity in Public Life Act; and the National Economic and Social Council Act.

This legislative package is as ambitious, as comprehensive, and as catalytic a Charter for Good Governance as any country has in place.

It is to the enduring credit of my Government that this early in its existence it has defined its character by good governance in its fullest meaning.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

Fiscal responsibility is, for my Government, a key fundamental of good governance.

It is a sworn commitment in my Government’s contract with the Antiguan and Barbudan people, which the working policy document, Agenda for Change, represents.

In this context, rationalisation of the timing of the presentation of the Annual Budget received early attention from my Government.

One of the first major decisions of my Government was that the Budget was to be presented prior to the period in which its measures are to be implemented.

In implementation of that consideration, my Government has discontinued the practice of March Budgets and will present the 2005 Budget - and all future Budgets - a full month ahead of the relevant Budget period.

In yet another significant development, my Government has broken new ground in the national series of public consultations on the fiscal and economic issues facing the country.

This series of consultations is without precedent.

It reaffirms my Government’s respect for the Antiguan and Barbuda people.

It emphasises my Government’s integrity in its relationship with the people.

It underlines my Government’s commitment to the inclusion of all stakeholders in determining policies that will significantly impact the lives of the population.

It should be a matter of satisfaction to all that my Government has made considerable progress in its all-embracing campaign for the restoration of respect for our country in the international community.

Let us look, now, to the new session of this Parliament.

Given the state of the country’s finances, my Government has no option but to examine all options for reducing the cost of government and for increasing revenues.

My Government will conduct an extensive audit of all the assets of the state.

This will identify crown land occupied or appropriated by private individuals and organisations.

This process will be relevant to the formulation of a national land use plan in tandem with a tourism master plan which will identify heritage sites and resort development areas and which will be sensitive to environmental and ecological concerns.

Consistent with its commitment to a market driven economy, my Government will initiate a programme of divestment of state entities that will embody options for public participation as shareholders.

It must by now be evident to all that it has always been impossible for the Government to continue to support the massive public sector wage bill which, of necessity, is now funded by private sector advances, every month.

The stark reality is that time has run out on this option.

My Government will, however, consider every available measure to facilitate a smooth transition from public sector employment to self employment.

To this end, my Government will reintroduce a Buildup Business Bill which will direct specific benefits to public servants making the transition to micro and small business ventures.

The Buildup Business Act will reserve a substantial share of all government procurement, which will be directed to public servants opting to transition to their own enterprises.

My Government will give consideration to measures that will enable Social Security to provide interim relief to certain categories of public servants who may be displaced in the transformation of the pubic service into a rational establishment.

My Government recognises that the present public service establishment is simply not sustainable and that the financial institutions will not long continue to provide funding for the public sector payroll.

Confronted by these realities, my Government is unwavering in its resolve that any rationalisation of the public service must be characterised as much by compassion as by economics.

To cushion the consequences of any dislocation in the public service, my Government is exploring alliances with financial institutions that will be geared to providing low interest rates on mortgages and on loans to public servants for small business ventures.

My Government is confident that as investment proposals which are now being processed come to fruition, they will bring significant numbers of jobs and business opportunities for the enterprising.

Having set full employment as a key national objective, my Government is encouraged by a resurgence of investor interest in establishing new projects and in upgrading and expanding existing operations in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

There is urgent need for new options for increasing government revenues.

There is urgent need for moderation of the facility with which duty free warrants have been issued.

There is urgent need for improvement in the quality of service and the value that we offer visitors.

This is key and critical since tourism will continue to be the principal pillar of the Antigua and Barbuda economy.

In this regard, my Government will activate a nationwide programme of physical upgrade that will include our airports and the Port of St. John’s.

My Government will proceed with advance planning for the transformation of the City of St. John’s.

My Government will expand its national road enhancement programme and will refurbish public buildings.

My Government will continue to direct resources to the development of Barbuda and will continue to its efforts to deepen integration between our sister islands.

In this context, Barbudans will shortly be able to turn on the taps on a new pipe borne water supply, and arrangements for significant road works and other infrastructure are in place.

The appointment of the Member of Parliament for Barbuda as Minister of State in the Office of Prime Minister is historic, and is already of distinct benefit to Barbudans.

My Government will continue to reorder the education system to the needs of the 21st century and will ensure that no child will be left behind.

My Government has been honest in conceding that the Treasury is not now in a position to fund the completion and operation of the Mt. St. John Medical Centre and is now examining a number of proposals for private sector institutional participation from international sources.

Holberton remains the country’s principal health care facility and a continuing programme to upgrade this hospital is in operation.

My Government will continue its efforts to strengthen our country’s institutions as it continues its strategies for economic recovery, reconstruction and growth.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

The elevation of Parliament to its intended position of primacy among the institutions of government is a dominant priority on my Government’s agenda.

Parliament now meets with unaccustomed regularity and is enacting legislation geared to the lasting benefit of the society.

This will continue and will settle down to a weekly rhythm.

My Government’s legislative agenda for the new session of Parliament is as ambitious as was its agenda for the first.

Matters that my Government will bring to Parliament will include:

Family Law Reform, with emphasis on child maintenance and protection, juvenile justice, social service support, and the establishment of a Family Court to deal with family issues.

Reform and Revision of the Magistrates Court Act, to provide for increased monetary jurisdiction in civil matters, a better system for enforcement of judgments, community service for first-time offenders, and security of tenure for Magistrates.

Amending the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code and the Industrial Court Act, to provide a better balance between the rights and obligations of employees and those of employers, to ensure reasonable recognition of employees' equity for faithful service, and to recognise the need for a regulatory climate conducive to business viability.

A Small Business Incentive Act and a Company Management and Financial Services Act, to stimulate growth and development among our rapidly growing corps of small and medium size entrepreneurs.

A Mutual Fund Act, to expand the array of financial products on offer in our international financial services sector.

An Insolvency Act, to provide the opportunity for failing businesses to re-organise and re-fuel without the burden of debt overload.

A review of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, to address specific shortcomings in the voter registration process.

Taking the issue of Constitutional Reform to the people, with special emphasis on human rights, our legislative structure, the civil service apparatus, and introduction of the Caribbean Court of Justice in our judicial system.

A new Legal Profession Act, which would institutionalise the Bar Association as a vehicle for continuing legal education and the maintenance of high ethical standards through a disciplinary body which will include non-lawyers.

A new Education Act, based on the OECS model to provide for better management of students and a deeply rooted curriculum to expand the horizons of our nurturing leaders.

Regional and International Issues and Initiatives such as:

Prevention of Terrorism; Defence; Banking; Insurance; Witness Protection in criminal matters; and Caribbean Single Market compliance legislation; and

Criminal Law Reform in the areas of traffic regulations and enforcement, evidence, jury selection, capital punishment, imprisonment terms and conditions, and societal rehabilitation.

Mr. President and Members of the Senate;
Madam Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

I have reviewed in modest measure my Government’s responses and initiatives in its first Session of Parliament.

I have presented, in modest measure, a preview of my Government’s agenda for the current session of Parliament.

I have alluded to the integrity manifest in the coherence between the Speech from the Throne and the national Budget with my Government’s Agenda for Change.

In a global environment in which rapid change is a guaranteed constant, my Government will continue to be confronted with changing circumstances and increasing challenge.

It is heartening that in its brief tenure, my Government has demonstrated the capacity to manage change and to respond effectively to continuous challenges.

In meeting the challenges in these testing times it will redound to the common good immeasurably if we all recognise that endemic problems that bedevil our society cannot possibly be solved overnight.

I am confident that working together as one family, we can succeed in making Antigua and Barbuda a land of opportunity for all.

With the good will and honest effort of all who live in this land and all who love our islands, Antigua and Barbuda will become a land of opportunity, compassion, and equal justice for all; and a worthwhile legacy for our children and for our children’s children.

I pray God’s Blessings on these aspirations.

I pray God’s Blessings upon your deliberations.