ISSUE NO.103 September 2005
HIGH COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE
Dear Readers,
 The
month of September can be deemed fulfilling for the Government. Prime
Minister Spencer twice addressed the General Assembly of the World
Summit of the UN; first on the progress made on the Millennium
Development Goals and again when he reported on the outcome of
the High Level Plenary Roundtable that he chaired. He expressed
enthusiasm on the progress made in some areas, and frustration
with the lack of progress in other areas.
He
noted that while much remains to be done for a world free from
want and fear, the discussion underscored that the steps taken
so far are significant in helping to meet the aspirations and concerns
of people everywhere.
During
his meetings at the United Nations, the Prime Minister met several
Government leaders with whom he held bi-lateral meetings, established
international relations, received a promise of assistance towards
debt forgiveness, and he also took time out to meet Antiguans and
Barbudans living in the USA.
Two
very important agreements were signed that will greatly enhance
our ability to attract investment to our country: The Multilateral
Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and the Caribbean Open Trade
Support (COTS).
MIGA
was signed in Washington by Minister of Finance and the Economy,
Dr. Errol Cort, while attending the World Bank/IMF meeting. He declared
that, “Antigua and Barbuda's membership of this important
multilateral agency is yet another step by the UPP Government to
foster and create a domestic investment climate that is conducive
to private sector led growth, both through foreign direct investment
and local investment as well.” The Minister explained
that “Antigua and Barbuda's membership in MIGA would place
the country in a position to compete for foreign investment with
the required backing and support of the international financial
community.”
This was
followed by the signing of a MOU in Antigua and Barbuda by the Prime Minister
with the Government of the United States of America through USAID to provide
technical assistance to build an environment to spur private sector development.
In
his address Prime Minister Spencer said that the signing of the
MOU signals the commencement of the Caribbean Open Trade
Support (COTS) initiative undertaken by USAID which would
provide about US$2 million on an annual basis for four years.
The
Prime Minister said “The Agreement complements the
recent US$10 million small and medium size enterprise initiative
which the government recently established in partnership with the
Stanford Group of Companies. It also promises to strengthen
the trade environment, create jobs and investment, forge new public-private
sector partnerships and improve disaster and physical planning
frameworks.”
It
all augurs well for our country!
Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda establishes diplomatic relations with Poland
On 13th September, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Minister
of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Adam Daniel Rotfeld met to sign agreements
establishing diplomatic relations.
During
the meeting, Prime Minister Spencer stated that his government
is pleased to establish diplomatic relations with Poland, which
recently joined the European Union, and hoped that relations
would blossom into a wider relationship with CARICOM.
It
was outlined that practical steps will be taken to deepen the relationship
with CARICOM on a more bilateral basis and this will be developed
during a Vienna Meeting in May of 2006.
The
Polish Minister, who also attended the United Nations General Assembly
hoped for some success with the overall reform of the United Nations.
Prime
Minister Spencer said that reform of the organs of the United Nations
is needed and it has been disappointing that nations have not been
able to reach a consensus on any form of reform.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda called upon to lobby USA on behalf of the Peoples Republic of China
Antigua
and Barbuda along with other Caribbean countries are being asked
to join forces in lobbying for the United States to ease restrictions
on Chinese Nationals wishing to travel to the Caribbean on vacation.
The
appeal came from China's Deputy Director General of the Department
of American and Oceanic Affairs in the Ministry of Commerce, Jin
Xu.
Mr.
Jin Xu told a Caribbean Media delegation in Beijing that the Caribbean
is becoming the destination of choice for Chinese holiday-makers;
due to the major role its governments have placed in boosting their
tourism products. He however noted that due to the unavailability
of indirect access, visa applications are being rejected when Chinese
nationals apply to US Embassies to use their country as a transit
point to the Caribbean.
The
leader of the Ministry of Commerce in China's capital has
called for a unified approach among Caribbean Countries to lobby
the US into having a flexible visa policy, thereby making
it possible for Chinese holiday-makers to experience what
the Caribbean has to offer.
Despite the apparent blockade, Jin Xu is optimistic that the Caribbean's
Tourism Industry will be boosted, since his government is currently
in talks with Canada to use that country as a gateway to the
Caribbean.
A
suggestion was also made by the Dutch representatives on the Media
delegation for the Chinese to engage the Dutch Government to use
the Netherlands as another gateway to the Caribbean.
Last
year, during his State visit to China, Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer signed an agreement with Chinese officials designating
Antigua and Barbuda as a most favoured destination for Chinese
tourists. Upon his return to Antigua, the Prime Minister
revealed that plans are being put in motion to have the first plane
load of tourists from the Asian Continent arrived on island before
year end.
The
Chinese Government has also commenced discussions with other Caribbean
countries in a bid to create a direct air bridge from China to
the Caribbean.
Despite
the geographical location between China and its Caribbean partners,
officials in Beijing are confident that achieving a tourism
link with the Caribbean will become a reality in a short while
because of the fruitful diplomatic relations it has with 15 Caribbean
states.
RETURN
Dr Cort leads delegation to Annual Meetings of the World Bank/IMF in Washington
On
24th September, Minister of Finance and Economy, Dr Errol Cort
headed a delegation to the Annual Meetings of the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C. In
his capacity as Finance Minister, Dr. Cort is also Antigua and
Barbuda's Governor of both the World Bank and the International
Monetary Fund.
Minister
Cort was in attendance at the Opening Joint Session that was chaired
by the Minister of Finance of the Democratic Republic of Congo,
Andre Philippe Futa.
In
his address to the Governors, Chairman Futa called for international
co-operation at all levels in the face of wars, terrorism, rising
oil prices, inflationary tendencies and natural disaster occurrences. Dr.
Cort was also on hand for the two featured addresses by the new
President of the World Bank, Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, and the Managing
Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mr. Del Rato.
While
at the Meetings, the Finance Minister participated in a special
Small States Forum that was chaired by the Prime Minister of the
Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas. The Forum focused
on a number of issues critical to the development of small states,
and special attention was given to small states' vulnerabilities
to natural disaster, and the role of insurance in that regard.
The
high point of the Minister's visit to the Annual Meetings was the
signing of an Agreement between Antigua and Barbuda and the World
Bank formally making Antigua and Barbuda a member of the Multilateral
Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The agreement was signed on
26th September, and will provide the necessary guarantee to foreign
investors desirous of investing in Antigua and Barbuda.
According
to Dr. Cort, Antigua and Barbuda's membership of this important
multilateral agency is yet another step by the UPP Government to
foster and create a domestic investment climate that is conducive
to private sector led growth, both through foreign direct investment
and local investment as well. The Minister went on to state that
Antigua and Barbuda's membership in MIGA would place the country
in a position to compete for foreign investment with the requisite
backing and support of the international financial community.
The
Minister is accompanied at the Meetings of the World Bank and the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) by Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador
to the United States and the Organization of American States, Miss
Deborah-Mae Lovell, the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of
Finance and the Economy, Mr. Whitfield Harris Jr., and the Minister
Counsellor in Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Mission to the Organization
of American States, Mr. Starret Greene.
RETURN
Farewell to Justice Joseph-Olivetti
 |
| (l to r) Attorney-General and Minister of Legal
Affairs, Justin Simon, Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti, Minister
of Justice, Colin Derrick |
Ministers
and staff of the Ministries of Justice and Legal Affairs and members
of the local judiciary bade fond farewell to Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti
during a recent reception held in her honour, at the High Court,
in the Government Office Complex on Factory Road.
Justice
Joseph-Olivetti, originally from Grenada, served as High Court
Judge in Antigua and Barbuda from September 2002 to September 2005,
this jurisdiction being her first assignment as High Court Judge
within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states (OECS).
During
her three year tenure, Justice Joseph-Olivetti, described as being
very hardworking and thorough, had also officiated as chairperson
of mediation. A pioneer of this project, she was responsible for
setting up mediation facilities on behalf of the Eastern Caribbean
Supreme Court.
Minister
of Justice, Colin Derrick, extended words of appreciation to Justice
Joseph-Olivetti for her valued contribution to the justice system
in Antigua and Barbuda, presenting her with a copy of the recently
updated edition of ‘A Little Bit of Paradise.’
She
was also presented with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, volumes
1 to 13, by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin
Simon, Q.C.
In
response, she expressed her enjoyment of the work, with the promise
that she would always reflect on Antigua and Barbuda with
affection.
Justice
Joseph-Olivetti has been transferred to the jurisdiction of Tortola
as resident judge.
RETURN
Italy’s Prime Minister to assist Antigua and Barbuda in obtaining debt forgiveness
 |
| Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer and Italy’s
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi during the discussions |
Prime
Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi has offered to assist Antigua
and Barbuda in further reducing its debt to countries around the
world.
During
a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Spencer at the United Nations
Headquarters in New York, Prime Minister Berlusconi said that he
would personally speak with other heads of government including
France and other European countries with which Antigua and Barbuda
has debt commitments; in getting them to provide debt forgiveness.
“Now
is a positive time to achieve debt forgiveness and the reduction
in debts and I will ensure that this is done, once I receive the
necessary information from your Finance division on the countries
with whom you have obligations,” Berlusconi said.
The
media tycoon also announced that he is presently constructing four
homes for his children in the Non-Such Bay area in Antigua and
once they are completed, he is certain that Antigua and Barbuda
will become more exposed to the world because of the European media
attention they will receive.
Prime
Minister Spencer during the discussions thanked Prime Minister
Berlusconi for his country’s role in the reduction of the
National Debt and expressed the hope that other European countries
will follow.
He also discussed with the Italian Prime Minister, assistance in
the construction of a network of roads in the state which he said
need to be significantly improved.
Prime
Minister Berlusconi immediately stated that he will request of
Italian architect Gamonde to evaluate the road situation in the
country and report on how best some of the largest road construction
companies in Italy can assist Antigua and Barbuda.
The
Italian leader who regularly vacations in Antigua also announced
that he will be sending a delegation of business persons to evaluate
how trade between the two countries can be improved.
Both
men pledged to continue the good relations, with the Italian Prime
Minister outlining that he will continue providing assistance in
the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.
RETURN
PM Spencer chairs Interactive Roundtable at United Nations World Summit
Antigua and Barbuda’s leader Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
chaired one of four high-level plenary meetings as the World Summit
at the United Nations continued.
In
addressing the leaders, Prime Minister Spencer said that as a family
of nations, their actions and decisions will influence the nature
of the world and equally important, one which future generations
will inherit.
He
outlined that he was elated and humbled to take on the role of
Chairman of the important round-table and outlined that as a member
of CARICOM, his country supports the ideals of the United Nations.
The
High Level plenary addressed issues relating to the Millennium
Development Goals with most contributors focusing on the importance
of MDG 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
It is felt that developed nations have not met the Official Development
Assistance goal with assistance declining to poor countries from
0.33% in 1992 to 0.25% in 2004. CARICOM states have not benefited
from the recovery ODA and have seen sharp declines in assistance.
Major
interventions during the plenary came from the President of the
People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, CARICOM Secretary General
Edwin Carrington, President of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa, President
of Colombia Alvaro Uribe Velez and President Bharrat Jagdeo of
Guyana.
RETURN
PM Spencer and CARICOM Heads hold meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister
 |
| Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer seated next to Canada’s
Prime Minister Paul Martin |
On the 15th September, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and his
CARICOM colleagues held a breakfast meeting with Canada’s
Prime Minister, Paul Martin, which was designed to enhance the
relationship between Canada and the region.
Prime
Minister Spencer said that discussions were held on finalizing
the Canada/CARICOM Trade Agreement and also called for a CARICOM/Canada
Summit to re-ignite the strong historical ties that has waned over
the years. Heads also expressed the need for more bilateral
relations with Canada.
The
Prime Minister also noted that regional heads called on Canada
to become an advocate for the grouping in the international arena
on matters affecting them. He said that of particular importance
to the region is the issue of climate change and its effects on
coastal countries. It was agreed that CARICOM would have
full representation at a Climate Change meeting in Montreal later
this year to discuss the issue.
The current situation in Haiti and its readiness for general elections
later this year was also discussed at length with Canada. CARICOM
leaders ventilated their concerns and looked at ways of finding
a solution.
Following the meeting with Prime Minister Martin, Prime Minister
Spencer held a bilateral meeting with President of Nigeria His
Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
During
the meeting Prime Minister Spencer discussed issues affecting Small
Island Developing States, which he hoped will be raised during
the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November in Malta,
which will be chaired by President Obasanjo.
President
Obasanjo also reissued an invitation he extended while in Antigua
and Barbuda in August, for Prime Minister Spencer to pay an official
visit to Nigeria.
RETURN
Minister of Justice addresses WIPO General Assemblies Meeting in Geneva
 |
| (l to r) Ms. Sonia Cruickshank – Consultant,
Economic Development Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean,
Mrs Laurie Freeland-Roberts, the Director General of WIPO – Kamil
Edris, the Minister of Justice – Colin Derrick and Mr
Alejandro Roca Campana – the Director of the Economic
Development Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean Bureau
within WIPO |
On
the second day of the World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO) General Assemblies Meetings in Geneva, the Minister of Justice,
Colin Derrick addressed the General Assembly on the controversial
question of the proposed programme and budget for 2006-2007 on
behalf of the Delegation of Antigua and Barbuda and on behalf of
the Caribbean states represented at the General Assemblies.
During
the period September 2003 to August 2005, the World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO) has been confronted with a financial
crisis, which is alleged to be as a result of financial mismanagement.
The
Organisation’s general financial practices were questioned
by the Member States during WIPO’s General Assemblies Meetings
in 2004, and consequently a decision was made during the 2004 General
Assemblies Meetings for an investigation to be conducted on the
financial management policies of the Organisation.
A
United Nations Joint Inspection Unit was given the mandate to review
the management and administration in WIPO, and in 2005, several
recommendations were made by the unit as to the best approach towards
the implementation of strict financial measures that will address
the Organisation’s current financial crisis.
The
Minister expressed that the Caribbean delegates supported the proposed
programme and budget for 2006-2007, which is a balanced one that
excluded any increase in fees and has no deficit. He indicated
that the delegates were pleased to note that the budget took into
account two main recommendations from the Joint Inspection Unit,
namely -
- that the budget for the next biennium should be based on the
revised budget for the current biennium, and
- that a comprehensive desk-to-desk assessment of the human and
financial resources of WIPO should be undertaken and that, based
on the result of this exercise, there might be an adjustment
to the budget, to be decided by Member States in 2006.
Minister
Derrick stated that the Caribbean delegates were awaiting the results
from the discussions on the other proposals made by the Joint Inspection
Committee that are currently before the relevant committees within
WIPO for consideration.
The
Minister indicated that the Caribbean delegates noted that there
is a general increase in the activities regarding development cooperation,
but that they are concerned about the 13% decrease in the budget
for all bureaus including the budget for the Latin American and
Caribbean bureau for 2006/2007 especially in the context of the
Cooperation for Development Agreement that was signed between WIPO
and the Caribbean Ministers responsible for Intellectual Property
in 2003.
He
expressed the hope that this decrease will not affect the full
implementation of the agreement and the Caribbean delegates are
looking forward to further engagement with WIPO in this regard.
He
concluded that the Caribbean delegates also supported the engagement
of the external auditors to examine the financial practices of
WIPO, the establishment of a WIPO Audit Committee and the adoption
of the internal audit charter by WIPO.
It
was agreed that those measures are expected to bring transparency
to the financial management of WIPO.
RETURN
Public Viewing and Unveiling of the Land folio Cadastre and Land Registry Project
The Minister of Justice, Colin Derrick delivered the feature address
at a recent public unveiling of the Land folio Cadastre and Land
Registry Project which was held at the Royal Antiguan Beach Resort.
Stewart
Information International Inc., (Stewart) in collaboration with
the Organisation of American States (OAS) has developed and implemented
e-Government technology systems to support the development of
real estate markets, providing a standardized Land Registry and
Cadastre System for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
As
a result of being selected as a Pilot and Demonstration Site to
showcase the benefits of an Integrated Land Administration and
Tax System focused on affordable and measurable results, Antigua
and Barbuda has made significant progress in the reorganisation,
modernization and management of its Land Registry and Land and
Surveys Departments.
A
demonstration of this System, clearly revealed the many benefits
that can be derived both in the public and private sectors in terms
of productivity, transparency, accuracy and greater efficiency
in the preparation of documents as well as accessing records.
It
also provided information on the opportunities of using this system
as the foundation of a National Geographic Information System.
RETURN
Iceland and Antigua and Barbuda to develop closer relations
 |
Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer and Prime Minister Halldor Asgrimsson
of Iceland |
Antigua
and Barbuda is to develop closer links with Iceland. This was agreed
at a meeting at the United Nations between Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer and the Prime Minister of Iceland, Mr Halldor Asgrimsson
.
During
the bilateral discussions, it was agreed that Iceland would provide
technical assistance to Antigua and Barbuda in the area of deep-sea
fishing. Mr. Asgrimsson said that his government is willing
to offer six-month scholarships in fisheries to Antigua and Barbuda
students to learn modern techniques in fishing.
The
Prime Minister of Iceland, who is a former Minister of Fisheries,
outlined that fisheries has made Iceland a rich nation and countries
need to utilize their fisheries resources in a productive way to
develop their economies.
Prime
Minister Spencer thanked the Iceland Prime Minister for his government’s
generous offer and outlined that his government would also like
to enter into discussions on ways that country can assist in improving
his country’s coast guard capabilities.
Prime
Minister Asgrimsson urged Prime Minister Spencer to send a technical
team to Iceland to explore avenues of developing the areas discussed.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda and USAID sign agreement for Private Sector Development
 |
 |
| (l to r) Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer, Minister of Finance and The Economy,
Dr Errol Cort, Mrs Mary Gilroy – Deputy Chief of
Mission U.S Embassy/Barbados and the Eastern
Caribbean, Ms. Karen Turner – Mission
Director USAID/Jamaica and Caribbean Region |
USAID General Development Officer
Sean Hill in conversation with Chairman of National Development
Foundation, Gaye Hechme |
On
30th September, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer signed a Memorandum
of Understanding with the Government of the United States of America
through USAID to provide technical assistance to build an environment
to spur private sector development.
In
his address Prime Minister Spencer said that the signing of the
MOU signals the commencement of the Caribbean Open Trade
Support (COTS) initiative undertaken by USAID providing
approximately US$2 million dollars on an annual basis for four
years.
“The
Agreement compliments the recent US$10 million dollar small and
medium size enterprise initiative which the government recently
established in partnership with the Stanford Group of Companies. It
also promises to strengthen the trade environment, create jobs
and investment, forge new public-private sector partnerships and
improve disaster and
physical planning frameworks,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime
Minister Spencer also stated that the initiative also supports
the work of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority along
with the creation of the Business Development Centre that would
offer different types of product development support to Small Medium
Enterprises across the nation.
Finance
and Economy Minister, Dr. Errol Cort commenting on the gesture
by USAID said that as a small island state with limited resources
Antigua and Barbuda cannot do it alone and that is why the partnership
between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States through USAID
is important as it assist not only the public sector but the private
sector as well. “We have challenges ahead and in order
for us to survive we must build local capacity and we are pleased
to welcome our friends form USAID and thank them generously for
this contribution,” he said.
Deputy
Chief of Mission at the US Embassy for Barbados and the Eastern
Caribbean Mary Ellen Gilroy said that the initiative demonstrates
that the governments of the United States and Antigua and Barbuda
can work as equals and is a commitment by the USA to assist the
country in enabling it to compete internationally.
“The
government of Antigua and Barbuda has made serious efforts to transform
the economy and it has shown success as it goes along. The
country has unlimited possibilities under the leadership of Prime
Minister Spencer along with the untapped potential of citizens. There
exist the capacity for creating a bright future and there could
be economic growth that will also propel growth in the region,” she
said.
Mission
Director for USAID/Jamaica – Caribbean Regional Programme
Karen D. Turner, remarked that one of the key reasons for
the programme is because the Government of Antigua and Barbuda
has commenced actions to transform the government and the economy
to create foundations for sustainable growth.
“We
believe Antigua and Barbuda has opportunities to create an economy
that is attractive to foreign and domestic investors; that is competitive
and sustainable; and creates broad-based prosperity for the people
of Antigua and Barbuda. Through this Economic Competitiveness and
Growth initiative, we expect to help Antigua and Barbuda identify
and eliminate barriers to competitiveness and enhance government
efficiency; increase the private sector’s competitiveness
in global and regional trade; and stimulate greater private sector
led growth which will translate into increased opportunities for
the people of Antigua and Barbuda.” Ms. Turner stated.
An important component of the initiative will be public-private
partnerships, in recognition that the private sector in part, is
reliant on the government to have in place the policies and processes
that facilitate private sector activity.
USAID will assist with reforming the investment climate in Antigua
and Barbuda which includes examining and improving laws and administrative
policies and processes that affect the private sector. The
assistance will also target the private sector directly to help
them reform their business operations to increase competitiveness,
to operate more effectively in the marketplace, and to interface
effectively with each other and with the government to ensure the
availability of services, finance and other key ingredients for
successful business operation and competitive trade.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda soon to benefit from Clinton Foundation
The country’s HIV/AIDS programme will soon receive a substantial
contribution from the Clinton Foundation Grant, due for disbursement
in November 2005.
A
special meeting of the OECS-RCM was held in St Lucia recently,
and was called to access among other things, the countries state
of readiness for the OECS HIV/AIDS Global Fund Grant in accordance
with priority indicators against which each country will be evaluated
and to provide an update on the status of the Grant.
The
meeting was attended by the government representatives on the OECS-RCM,
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mr. Lauchland Lake
and the AIDS Programme Manager – Mrs. Janet Weston.
Antigua
and Barbuda’s allocation is US$2.1 million over
a period of five years, while the Government of Antigua and Barbuda
is to match that amount covering that period.
The
funds will be used for medication, outpatient primary and specialty
medical care, inpatient medical care, laboratory services, equipment
and capital improvements, prevention and education, training technical
assistance, surveillance, monitoring and evaluation and programme
support.
The
Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
is a grant to the OECS for US$11 million, to mitigate the impact
of HIV/AIDS regionally. Out of this grant, the OECS Regional Coordinating
Mechanism (RCM) was formed, comprising of 12 voting members, 3
non-voting members and a Secretariat.
The
OECS RCM member countries; Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada,
St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines have
pooled their resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS. They will
also act as a single unit to access the Global Funds.
RETURN
High Commissioner wants Street Pastors by year’s end
 |
H.E. Dr Carl
Roberts making a presentation to Southwark Mayor,
Councillor Vicky Naish |
High
Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Dr. Carl Roberts told the
Antiguan delegation of Street Pastors to ‘fire on all cylinders’ to
set up the programme by the end of this year.
Dr
Roberts was at the time speaking at a conference organized to bring
stakeholders and the Antiguan and Barbudan delegation together
to get an insight into the country’s state of affairs, while
at the same time appealing to the guests to lend assistance wherever
possible.
Speaking
to the gathering, Dr Roberts said that the crime situation is not
at a panic state, but his Government is being proactive, and not
waiting until the problem get to an uncontrollable stage. He
said he was happy to see the Antiguan delegation taking up the
mantle to run with the programme and encouraged them not to waste
any time, as the programme is vital to the survival of any community
and by extension the country.
During the
conference, which was attended by a number of officials involved in Street
Pastors Initiative (SPI), representatives of the Antigua delegation made power-point
presentations to the guests. President of Cops for Christ, Corporal William
Holder walked the group through his organization and informed them of a new
programme that will take members of Cops for Christ into the schools to share
their faith, while at the same time encourage youths to avoid anti-social behaviour.
The
delegation comprised Rev. Selina Joseph from the Antigua Christian
Council, Rev. Joscelyn Martin from the United Evangelical Association,
Sergeant Everton Jeffers, Corporal William Holder, Mr. Byron Maxam
representing the police force and Collin Jno-Finn representing
the Ministry of Social Transformation.
The
Antigua and Barbuda Street Pastors have now returned home and are
putting plans in place for the establishment of a Street Pastors
programme in Antigua and Barbuda. Street Pastors has
its origins in Jamaica but was launched in the United Kingdom in
2003 and statistical data indicates that crime and violence have
decrease significantly where the programme is practiced.
The
SPI is a collaborative effort of the Church, the police and the
Government, commonly called the ‘urban trinity’, and
involves Christians patrolling the streets to meet and share the
concerns of people.
The
SPI will work with other key agencies to assist persons who may
need advice and or assistance where necessary.
The
logistics of the programme are still being fine tuned, but Christians
willing to become a Street Pastor will have to undergo a series
of training sessions to effectively deal with the tasks ahead.
The delegation
was in London understudying the Street Pastor Initiative (SPI).
RETURN
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