ISSUE NO.104 October/1st
November 2005
HIGH COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE
Dear
Readers,
I
was delighted to meet so many Antiguans and Barbudans at the Independence Service
organised by the National Association in London at St
Marks Church in Dalston on 30th October.
In
my welcome address to a small gathering on the 31st October,
I emphasised that “Reflections should focus on what we
believe needs to be done for our beloved country, what attempts
have been made in addressing those needs and the fervent hope
that our united efforts will bear the fruit of success
and relief.
Needless
to say, the challenges faced by our islands are many.
Already
in 2005 we face escalating fuel prices, onerous debt repayment
requirements and failing infrastructure as a result of the effects
of the climatic outpouring of heavy rains which even though we
need badly, the excess of it has surfeited the appetite. Recently
the cry has been for the relief so that our roads can stand up
a little longer than they currently do in the present situation.
As
you know, Antigua and Barbuda like so many other developing countries
is in need of much direct investment; investment from its citizens
at home and just as important from those citizens, friends and
supporters overseas. The Government will be doing all within
its power to establish an enabling business environment, to foster
a transparent, ethical and generally productive and profitable
arena in which everyone, both local and foreign businesses can
prosper.
The
establishment of a good reputation for business and delivering
on the promise of a good tourism destination are top priorities
of the current government.
I therefore
call upon each of you to consider what you can do for your country
and to put your shoulders to the effort of nation building.
We hear often the proverbial statement that many hands make
the work light, and in applying that to our current situation
I would ask that we put aside the differences which separate
us and ask how best we can be engaged together to implements
plans for the strategic growth and development of our beautiful
and unspoilt nation.
Let us pledge to join together for the common good – for
we are too few in numbers, our resources too limited and our
economy too fragile to operate any other way.”
Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner
RETURN
Education System upgraded – board members named
The Ministry of Education is moving ahead with its plans on improving
the level of education in Antigua and Barbuda.
The
Ministry has released the names of a number of individuals who
will serve on the boards for three separate educational institutions.
Education
Minister Bertrand Joseph said that the boards consist of the Antigua
and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE), the National
Training Agency and the Tertiary Working Group which will be the
amalgamation of the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute
of Technology, the Antigua State College and the Antigua and Barbuda
Hospitality Training Institute.
According
to Minister Joseph, although each board will have different responsibilities,
they all serve one main objective and that is to ensure that the
quality of education disseminated to the residents of Antigua and
Barbuda is of the highest level in the region.
The
members of the ABICE board are as follows:
Chairman Cuthbert
Joseph
Deputy ChairEden
Weston
Other members: Everton
Cornelius Garfield Joseph, Pascal Hughes, Eloise Hamilton, Vernice
Mack, Carl Henry, Reginald Peterson
Ex-officio members: Acting Director of ABICE Joseph
Gilbert and Hollie Sebastian
To
be confirmed is a representative of the Student Government and
the ABICE campus in Barbuda.
RETURN
PM Spencer praises Stanford Cricket Tournament as revolutionary
The
initiative by Texan born Antiguan billionaire R. Allen Stanford
to launch a new Caribbean Regional Cricket Tournament has been
hailed by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer as revolutionary.
Commenting
at the launch of the Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament, which promises
to revitalize the game of cricket in the Caribbean, revive the
waning spirits of West Indies cricket fans and financially reward
the performance of teams and individuals; Prime Minister Spencer
said that the initiative is a major development for cricket in
the Caribbean and for the Caribbean in itself.
“This
effort by Allen will put us in a position to see the game of cricket
in a new exciting and dynamic way which is what the game needs
at this time. It is a shot in the arm for the game and it
will not only tap the cadre of young cricket talent in the region,
but it will also place us in a good position for World Cup 2007,” said
Prime Minister Spencer.
R.
Allen Stanford announced the programme before a group of international
and regional cricket media, and surrounded by 12 West Indies cricket
legends at the Pavilion Restaurant at the V.C. Bird International
Airport. The 20/20 Tournament which will take place annually
beginning in August and September of 2006 and feature 17 Caribbean
countries all vying for the top sport and the top prize of US $1
million.
Mr
Stanford explained that the tournament will be a single elimination
knock out competition where the winning team will receive US$1
million and the second place finisher US$500,000; the cricket boards
of the top two teams will receive US$200,000 and US$100, 000 respectively
which must be used toward the development and improvement of the
cricket facilities in those countries. In addition, the
Man of the Match in every game will receive US$25,000 and the Man
of the Match in the championship game will receive US$100,000.
Mr
Stanford also unveiled a US$28 million budget that will be invested
in cricket in the region over the coming months up to November
2006. At that time, a Stanford Super-Star team will be selected
by the legends to play one match against a world class team to
be named. This will be for a prize of US$5 million dollars.
The
17 countries which have been invited to participate in the competition
are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman
Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts
and Nevis, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent
and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
The
cricket legends who were in attendance comprised the Board of the
20/20 Tournament including Clive Lloyd, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Viv
Richards, Wes Hall, Lance Gibbs and Desmond Haynes.
RETURN
Minister Baptiste wants laws for the protection of senior citizens
 |
| Lady Carlisle
presents a bouquet to one of the oldest persons in church |
The
Minister of Social Transformation, Hilson Baptiste wants to enact
laws that will protect the nation’s elders.
Minister
Baptiste made the disclosure while speaking at a Thanksgiving Service
at the Holy Family Cathedral, which was in recognition of International
Day for the Elderly and was recently observed in Antigua and Barbuda.
According
to the Minister, it pains his heart that so many old persons are
left at the Fiennes Institute, while their family members take
over their possessions and pensions and use them for their own
interest. The Minister said he wants laws set up to protect
the senior citizens.
“I
want Government to pass the law that give Government the right
that if you have a house and can’t take care of yourself,
we will take it and maintain you until God take you from the earth.” He
added that when the person dies the funds will be used to cover
all expenses and what remains will go towards the family.
The
Minister’s comments evoked loud applause from the congregation,
as he added that family members who do not wish for this type of
arrangement should take better care of their loved ones.
The
Minister said that family members of a number of persons at the
Fiennes Institute are collecting Government pensions and Social
Security benefits and this should not be.
During
his address he said that he hopes next year that the Citizens Welfare
Division and the Ministry of Social Transformation can recognize
all those individuals who have given dedicated service towards
the safety and well-being of the elderly.
The
homily was delivered by Superintendent of the Methodist Church,
Rev Charles Seaton, who encouraged the elders not to forsake God
and strive to live in peace with everyone.
Also
participating in the service were Governor General Sir James Carlisle
and Lady Carlisle, who read the 1st Lesson.
A
musical selection was rendered by St. Stephens’ Golden Age
Choir while the talented Jeremy Jarvis blessed the hearts of the
elders with a pan rendition.
RETURN
Country Poverty Survey to help eradicate pockets of poverty
Antigua and Barbuda’s overdue Assessment of Living Conditions
and Country Poverty Assessment was officially launched on 5th
October, opening the gates for evaluators to take to the field.
The
survey is comprehensive in that it combines living conditions,
household income and expenditure. It is a rich source of
socioeconomic information on the household population and is often
regarded as an essential source of data for the determination of
social needs and the establishment of targets for development planning.
The
feature address was delivered by Minister of Social Transformation, Hilson
Baptiste who likens the study to a plan for building a house.
“You
cannot honestly solve the poverty situation in Antigua unless you
really know where it is…and anybody who told you otherwise
they are wrong”, Minister Baptiste said. He added
that, “You cannot build a house without a plan otherwise
you will have problems and to create a plan for economic /social
development you must conduct a study and this is the only way you
can help the persons who need help” Baptiste concluded.
Baptiste
encouraged all persons involved in the survey to work diligently
and put nation above politics as the country needs all hands on
deck.
Also
speaking at the launch was Clairvair Squires, Portfolio Manager – Project
Finance Division of the Caribbean Development Bank, who stressed
the need for total cooperation from the public.
Mr Squires
told the press that he was heartened by the presence of the media and called
upon them to use their outlets to help publicize the event, which is a key
component for the success of the survey.
Plans
for the survey began earlier this year and its expected that the
entire process will be completed within one year.
RETURN
Ministers of Labour Conference in Mexico a success
 |
| Minister
Quinn-Leandro (seated second from right) with her Labour
colleagues |
Antigua
and Barbuda’s Minister of Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro
in hailing the 14th Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour
a resounding success.
Dr.
Quinn-Leandro said that at the Mexico meeting, Ministers of Labour
of the Organization of American States, OAS re-affirmed their commitment
to respect, promote and realize the principles of the International
Labour Organization as they relate to the Fundamental Principles
and Rights of workers.
She
outlined that two major commitments are reaffirming the conviction
that “decent work” is the key for improvements of living
conditions for peoples of the Hemisphere; and underscoring the
right to work as being fundamental to human dignity. The Ministers
of Labour also issued a draft Plan of Action with strategic objectives
which include promoting policies that encourage investment and
growth, strengthening the capacities of the Ministries of Labour
and ensuring effective application of core international labour
standards.
The
Mexico Declaration and Plan of Action will be further assessed
at the Fourth (IVTH) Summit of the Americas when Heads of State
and Government meet in Argentina later this year under the theme: "Creating
jobs to fight poverty and strengthen democratic governance.”
Minister
Leandro was accompanied to the Ministers of Labour Meeting by Ambassador
on Industrial Relations, His Excellency Keithlyn Smith.
RETURN
Police Communication capabilities boosted
On
the 29th October the communication capabilities of the Royal Police
Force of Antigua and Barbuda was further boosted with the
handing over of thirty cellular phones made possible through an
initiative mounted by the Ministry of Information.
The
Minister responsible for Information, Dr. Edmond Mansoor accepted
the handsets from Assistant CEO of Cable and Wireless Antigua,
Mr. Melford Nicholas. The handsets were made possible through
the collaboration of the government, which is subsidizing the cost
of the units and Cable and Wireless, the major telecommunications
provider in the nation.
Dr.
Mansoor said that the Ministry of Information will continue to
enter into arrangements with members of the business community
in an effort to assist the police in their crime fighting duties. He
noted that communication plays a very important role in that avenue
and the government is committed to ensuring that the Force is fully
equipped.
The
Information Minister also noted that his Ministry will soon continue
the upgrading of all the police stations in the country by outfitting
them with computers and high speed Internet service. He said
that the upgrading will also include networking the entire police
system in the country.
Mr
Nicholas said that his company immediately accepted the initiative
as proposed by the Ministry of Information and will continue to
assist the Police Force in whatever way possible. He said
that the thirty phones is the first in a set of donations that
will be made to the police.
Acting
Police Commissioner Ms. Delano Christopher thanked both Dr. Edmond
Mansoor and Melford Nicholas for the donation to the Police Force
and called upon other members of the business community to assist
them in their crime fighting efforts.
RETURN
Dollar Barrel Initiative to commence November 15
On 26th October, Minister of Finance and the Economy, Dr. Errol
Cort announced that the Dollar Barrel initiative of the Government
will commence on 15th November, 2005 and will continue through
to 31st December, 2005.
Minister
Cort noted that the Government will once again bring cheer to many
families at Christmas by allowing each household to import into
the country a standard-size shipping barrel of selected goods free
of all duties and taxes but for one dollar.
The
list of goods to be allowed in the Dollar Barrel is as follows:
(a)foodstuffs;
(b) clothing, not exceeding
seven pieces of the same type;
(c)toilet paper;
(d) toothpaste;
(e)deodorant;
(f) soap; and
(g)shampoo.
The
Department of Customs and the Port Authority are presently finalizing
arrangements for the smooth implementation of the Dollar Barrel
initiative.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda commences development of Influenza Pandemic Plan
The
Minister of Health, John Maginley met senior health and veterinary
officials towards the end of October to discuss the avian influenza
situation. There has been a growing concern about a possible bird
flu epidemic as outbreaks have been reported in Asia. While the
H5N1 virus has most recently been detected in Turkey, Romania and
Russia, no human cases have been reported in these countries.
Senior
health officials are in the process of developing an influenza
pandemic plan for Antigua and Barbuda. Officials recently attended
a meeting at the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Trinidad
where they were updated on the avian influenza situation and given
draft preparedness plans.
“While
there is no major cause for alarm, we want to have plans in place
so that we are prepared and can respond rapidly in the event of
an outbreak” Minister Maginley said. No cases of human to
human transmission of avian influenza have been reported but scientists
are concerned the virus may combine with the human influenza virus
to produce a very virulent virus that may cause a pandemic.
The
Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Gikonyo Kanyuira also met poultry
farmers to inform them of the precautionary measures that can be
taken to prevent the spread of the disease and to improve surveillance
in animals. An animal disease emergency preparedness plan is already
in place and will be adapted for avian influenza. Live animals
are not imported from Asia or any other infected countries. There
is however a concern that migratory waterfowl could introduce the
virus into the country and so migratory birds need to be monitored.
While
avian influenza has sometimes been shown to infect man, this should
not be confused with human influenza virus, a common human disease
that affects populations seasonally. The Ministry of Health is
looking at procuring vaccines for the human influenza, which will
be made available firstly to vulnerable groups. A vaccine for avian
influenza is not yet available.
Minister
Maginley also outlined that members of the public need not be concerned
about the arrival of construction workers from China who will be
working on the construction of the new cricket stadium. He
said that although China has reported outbreaks of bird flu, no
human cases have been reported and so persons traveling from China
to Antigua do not pose a risk at this time. There are no travel
restrictions in effect for persons travelling from China and other
Asian territories with avian influenza.
On
an international note, poultry is being kept indoors as a precautionary
measure in some European countries and companies are stepping up
the manufacture of the anti-retroviral drug Tamiflu, which helps
to reduce the symptoms of human influenza.
“There
is no need to panic but we must continue to monitor the situation
carefully. The best thing the public can do is to keep informed
and stay alert.
Avian
flu is not a food borne virus so eating chicken and eggs is safe,” the Minister
said.
RETURN
Former AIDS Coordinator honoured
Antigua
and Barbuda was represented by the AIDS Programme Manager, Mrs.
Janet Weston at the 4th Annual General Meeting and Capacity Building
Workshop for Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS Programme Coordinators
(CCNAPC) held in St. Maarten from 17 – 19 October 2005.
Three
persons who made outstanding contributions to the fight of HIV/AIDS
were recognized and awarded for their effort at the general meeting.
Mrs.
Felicity Aymer of Antigua/Barbuda was awarded for her Outstanding
Service to a National Programme. Also honoured were Dr. Bilali
Camara from CAREC for Special Lifetime Award for Outstanding Service
to CCNAP and Ms. Mavis Huggins from St. Kitts and Nevis for her
Outstanding Service to CCNAPC.
The
CCNAPC is a peer based organization committed to improving the
quality of National AIDS Programme Coordinators and to supporting
member Caribbean nations in reducing the spread and mitigating
the impact of HIV/AIDS in the region. This is achieved through
the strengthening of membership capacity; facilitation of collaboration
among member coordinators, managers and directors; and the development
of regional and international alliances. To date the membership
consists of 35 countries throughout the Caribbean.
Each
year the CCNAPC meet to discuss and share knowledge and to
plan programme for the development of organization and its members.This
year a Capacity Building Workshop on Behaviour Change Communication
designed to build capacity of the participants in bringing about
a positive Behaviour Change as it related to HIV/AIDS, was added
to the agenda.
CCNAPC also
elected a new executive for the next two years. The new chair is Ms.
Suzette Moses, Director and the AIDS Programme Coordinator for St. Maarten.
RETURN
Ministry
of Tourism urges nationals to rediscover Antigua and Barbuda
for Tourism Week 2005
Plans
are underway to host the 2005 Tourism Week celebrations, an annual
event organized by the Ministry of Tourism to launch the upcoming
winter tourist season.
This
year the week which runs from November 27th to December 4th, will
be held under the theme, “Rediscover Antigua and Barbuda
together!”
According
to Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, “Much emphasis is being
placed on this year’s event as we hope to make it an all
inclusive national event
where everyone gets involved and recognizes the importance of the
tourism industry to our national growth and development.”
“It
is imperative that we as nationals know our product, and market
diligently and professionally if we are to compete for international
recognition, thus the reason for the theme,” Minister Lovell
continued.
Committees
have been set up within the technical department of the Ministry
of Tourism to organize and plan activities.
The advent
of a new event added to the week of events “Trading Places” is
already creating much stir among tourism stakeholders. On this day Tourism
officials will exchange roles for the day and act in the roles of their colleagues.
It has already been suggested that Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell will be
carrying out the duties of a Taxi driver on that day.
More
of national importance is the Tourism Summit where it is expected
that this gathering will see over 300 tourism stakeholders converged
at the GRAND ROYAL ANTIGUAN RESORT.
The
summit will feature key speakers such as Vincent Vanderpool Wallace,
and St. Lucia’s Minister of Tourism Phillip Pierre, who will
present papers on various salient tourism topics, after which notable
dialogue between stakeholders will serve as the basis for the pending
National Tourism Master plan.
It
is the Ministry’s intention to garner full public support
for this years’ event as we signal the start of the 2005-2006
Winter Tourist Season.
RETURN
PM Owen Arthur addresses Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet
 |
| Prime
Ministers Spencer and Arthur photographed with CARICOM
Secretary-General and his Technicians and the Cabinet
of Antigua
and Barbuda |
On
the 15th October the Cabinet was brought up to date on the status
of the country's readiness for the implementation of the CARICOM
Single Market by December 2005, by the Prime Minister of Barbados,
Owen Arthur on his recent visit Antigua and Barbuda.
Prime
Minister Arthur along with CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Edwin
Carrington and a number of technicians from the Secretariat updated
the Cabinet on the status of the implementation of the CSME and
the areas in which Antigua and Barbuda need to address in order
to become CSME compliant.
Among
the major issues which were brought to the fore were the matter
of non-citizens land holding rights and free movement of labour.
The
CARICOM Secretariat has consented to provide the necessary assistance
to Antigua and Barbuda in its efforts to become fully compliant.
RETURN
Finance Minister leads OECS preparation for WTO Ministerial
On
the 19th October Minister of Finance and the Economy,
Dr. Errol Cort chaired a special two-day meeting of the OECS Ministers
responsible for Trade at the Royal Antiguan Resort.
In
his opening remarks, Dr. Cort spoke of a challenging environment
for international trade at present, and urged his colleagues to
ensure that OECS member states are well prepared for the World
Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial which will take place in Hong
Kong in mid December.
WTO
member states are in the final stages of preparation for the Hong
Kong Ministerial, and WTO Director General Pascal Lamy hopes to
have a ministerial declaration ready for consideration by November
15.
During
their meeting, the OECS Ministers focused on the review of the
OECS trade policy framework especially in the area of services. Also
on the agenda was an examination of CSM processes; and assessing
the state of preparation for the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference. The
Ministers also had before them the impact studies for the OECS
on the proposed Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA’s) with
the European Union; and will review recent developments on bananas
in the WTO.
Minister
Cort said that during the 1980’s and early 90’s, OECS
Ministers and technicians formed an effective partnership to advance
OECS interests within the wider CARICOM framework.
“I
call on my colleagues and all senior officials to duplicate that
synergy and drive in the current globalization environment because
economic growth and development very much depends on it,” Dr.
Cort asserted.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda salutes Andy Roberts’ induction into the US Cricket Hall of Fame
 |
| Former Antigua
and West Indies fast bowler, Andy Roberts |
On
1st October former fast bowler Andy Roberts represented
the West Indies once again, as
the only West Indian to be inducted into the US Cricket Hall of
Fame.
This
year’s Cricket Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
was held in Hartford, Connecticut and Roberts shared the spotlight
with famous Indian leg spinner Bhagaat Chandrasekhar.
Roberts
was also honoured at a cocktail reception preceding the formal
Induction Ceremony co-sponsored by The Ministry of Tourism and
ABSTA. The major presenter for this event was Mr. Hugh Gore, one
of Roberts’ early cricket contemporaries who took guests
on a walk down memory lane as he chronicled the accomplishments
of Andy Roberts’ impressive cricket career. Gore described
Roberts as “Antigua and Barbuda’s trailblazer in the
world of cricket and a force to be reckoned with among formidable
fast bowlers in the 70s and 80s.”
One
of the highlights of the cocktail reception was the unveiling of
a portrait of Roberts by renowned Antiguan artist Danny Knowles.
This is a first in a series of oil paintings featuring Antigua
and Barbuda’s legendary cricketers that have been commissioned
by ABSTA. Knowles indicated that he will release a series of oil
paintings as a part of the Calendar of Events for the 500-Day Countdown
to Cricket Carnival.
A
short film chronicling Roberts’ career and featuring tributes
from many of Roberts’ cricket colleagues and famous cricket
commentators was well received by guests.
Cricket
trivia was also a highlight of the evening and guests and fans
had the opportunity to win cricket balls personally autographed
by Andy Roberts.
One
of the crowning features of the evening was the distribution of
life size solid chocolate cricket balls which were described as “bouncer
balls that capture the essence of Andy Roberts.”
In
accepting an award of Excellence from the Government and People
of Antigua and Barbuda an emotional Roberts said “I am humbled
and moved by this programme and the outpouring of kind words and
well wishes…. this has surpassed my expectations and I am
at a loss for words.”
RETURN
Tourism Minister strongly advocates national tourism education
 |
| Minister of
Tourism Harold Lovell |
“Do
not only teach our people to smile, but give them a reason to smile!” were
the words echoed from Tourism Minister Harold Lovell during his
address to the 2005 Graduating class of the Antigua and Barbuda
Hospitality Training Institute.
The
Tourism Minister delivered a resounding message speaking on the
importance of creating a tourism minded nation through proper education
and training and ultimately certification. “In this
new world environment no country can survive if its people lack
the training and skills to compete with others. A well trained,
competent and motivated workforce is a must if our small nation
state is to remain competitive and increase our market share,” the
Minister noted.
Minister
Lovell took the opportunity to inform the gathering of a new thrust
being undertaken by the Ministry to grant higher accreditation
to its students. “The Institute is currently finalizing
the necessary logistics to introduce at the Certificate and diploma
levels culinary and housekeeping courses. Discussions are also
currently taking place with the University of the West Indies to
start the degree programme in Tourism, with students completing
the first two years in Antigua and Barbuda and their final year
in one of the campus territories like Jamaica, Trinidad or Barbados,” he
concluded.
In
this same vein, the Ministry of Tourism through the ABHTI will
be forging linkages with tourism businesses with a view to increasing
the efficiency of the tourism education system and its relevance
to the labour market.
In
early 2006 a Tourism Education Summit will be held with all relevant
stakeholders present for the Ministry to outline its strategic
position and dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen the ABHTI
by expanding the institution and its programs.
Emphasis
in this regard will be placed on the developmental needs of the
tourism sector and the crafting of a long term Strategic Program
of Action to drive the institution in better preparing the industry
to face the challenges of globalization.
During
the proceedings Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer lauded the efforts
and exceptional work being done by the Tourism Minister.
The
Prime Minister said that through the negotiating skills of Minister
Lovell the government is currently looking at a number of new tourism
investment proposals that represent an additional 2000 rooms with
as many direct jobs for Antiguans and Barbudans, and considering
the caliber of students passing out at the ceremony he is confident
that the future of tourism is in good hands.
159
students graduated from the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training
Centre during a ceremony held at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre.
The
areas of discipline included Basic Cookery, Food and Beverage Service,
Entertaining with Style, Quality Customer Care, and the Service
Ambassador Program.
The
Ministry of Tourism congratulates the staff of the ABHTI under
the directorship of Muriel O’Mard for the excellent work
which they continue to do in enhancing the cause of tourism in
Antigua and Barbuda.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda emerges as preferred Cruise destination
 |
| Antigua and Barbuda Cruise
Conference delegation |
Following
a series of meetings with top cruise line executives at the Florida
Caribbean Cruise Association Conference in St. Kitts, Antigua and
Barbuda emerged as one of the preferred and evolving destinations
as recognised by the cruise lines.
Royal
Caribbean Cruise Lines, Regional Vice President of Government Relations,
Horace Hord, acknowledged the strengthening partnership with Antigua
and Barbuda and recognised the responsiveness of the country to
the concerns and issues raised over the years by the cruise line.
Minister
of Tourism, Harold Lovell, presented a Government initiative to
the cruise line executives, which seeks to reduce the costs incurred
by cruise lines at the port. “We have analysed the current
industry and note the growing importance of cost as a determining
factor in the development of itineraries especially as the cost
of fuel continues to escalate,” indicated Minister Lovell.
Another
area of concern raised over the years was also being addressed
by the sector, with the improvement of the taxi dispatch system
and general ground transportation in St. John’s.
Mr.
Hord concurred with the recommendation of the Florida Caribbean
Cruise Association that St. Maarten be used as a model and was
encouraged that Antiguan taxi drivers had visited St. Maarten and
were moving toward implementing a similar system in St. John’s.
He emphasised the need to continue the development of taxi services
as a critical component in the cruise visitor experience by focussing
on the condition of the vehicle, the appearance of the driver and
the knowledge of the driver which was relayed to President of the
St. John’s Taxi Association, Evanson Ellis who attended the
conference to represent the taxi drivers’ interest along
with the Vendors Association representative, Colleen Richards.
Information
was garnered from the cruise lines of new ship builds with the
possibility of Antigua being included in the ultra voyager class
itineraries of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in 2007 and the P&O
Cunard’s largest new build Queen Mary 2.
“It
is vital that we ascertain directly from the cruise lines their
plans for upcoming years so that we can position the country to
benefit as the global industry continues its growth,” added
Minister Lovell. “We have a number of industry transforming
innovations we plan to propose to the cruise lines in the upcoming
months to ensure that our Winter business continues to develop
and more importantly, to develop the cruise sector in Antigua as
a year round activity. We have approached our attendance of these
Conferences strategically and have already seen tremendous results
from a developing relationship with the decision makers in the
global industry.”
Following
the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association in St. Kitts, a smaller
delegation comprising representatives of the Ministry of Tourism,
Antigua Pier Group and the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Association
travelled to the Cruise Line International Agents (CLIA) trade
show in Fort Lauderdale.
This
show was the first in CLIA’s history and Antigua and Barbuda
was one of only three Caribbean destinations displaying their attributes
to this captive large group of travel agents.
Antigua
and Barbuda rose above the multitude of competing destinations
at the show with the official launch of its world class destination
DVD which will be used to inform travel agents, cruise line staff
and consumers of the vacation highlights of Antigua and Barbuda.
The DVD, produced by the PPI Group which produces similar quality
material for the cruise lines themselves, is the first destination
commissioned DVD which will be played in passenger cabins to assist
in encouraging their visit and spending onshore.
Antigua
Pier Group Managing Director, Cameron Fraser, was satisfied by
the impact that Antigua and Barbuda made among travel agents. “Although
our presentations targeted cruise line travel agents, we are very
aware that the travel agent industry is moving away from specific
sector agents towards comprehensive travel agents that sell both
cruise and hotel vacation packages. We were able to position Antigua
and Barbuda as a premier destination of interest to both potential
cruise passengers and hotel guests.”
Mr.
Fraser continued, “We are particularly excited about the
growing interest in Barbuda as a day tour for the exclusive passengers
from high end cruise lines such as Radison Seven Seas out of Europe
and Windstar, a Carnival subsidiary.”
Antigua
and Barbuda is set to experience a bumper season with projections
of 600,000 cruise passengers, an anticipated 15% growth in 2005.
RETURN
Agreement between Government and Service Station Dealers Association
 |
PM Spencer
and Ministry of Finance Officials
meeting with the
Service Dealers Association |
On
the 17th October the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance
and the Economy along with officials of the Ministry of Finance
met representatives of the Service Station Dealers Association
(SSDA) to complete negotiations for an increase in the margin to
the service station operators.
These
negotiations between Government and the SSDA were prompted by the
service station dealers’ indication that over the past few
years, their operating costs have increased significantly with
no adjustment in their margin.
The
SSDA stressed that this situation has continued to negatively affect
the viability of their operations and pointed out that between
2003 and 2005 their margin as a proportion of their costs has deteriorated
to an untenable level.
Similarly,
the consumption tax earned by the Government has also decreased
markedly as the Government has continually absorbed these increases
in an effort to cushion the effect of rising prices. Government,
though understanding of the dealers’ plight, was concerned
about the potential impact of an increase in the dealers’ margin.
Following
intense discussions, which attempted to take both parties’ concerns
into account, the Government and the SSDA agreed to a 23 cents
increase in the margin for gas and a 10 cents increase in the margin
for diesel. This outcome, though not an ideal one for either party,
represents a high level of compromise which was driven mainly by
their concern about the potential implications on an increase in
the dealers’ margin for the general public.
This
consensus was arrived at with due consideration given to the impact
of rising prices on all stakeholders; the Government, petrol dealers,
and consumers. Whilst the Government would wish to see the prices
of gasoline and diesel stabilized, it was persuaded by arguments
submitted by the dealers that an increase in their margin was merited.
In that regard, an increase in the margin for gas to 98 cents and
the increase in the margin for diesel to 85 cents were agreed upon.
These increases are expected to take effect from the next shipment
of gasoline and diesel.
RETURN
Antigua and Barbuda participates in CCL Fair
On
Saturday 5th November the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission along
with members of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association in
London again participated in the “Foods and Crafts of the
Commonwealth”, a yearly Charity event by the Commonwealth
Countries League (CCL) held at the Kensington Town Hall. CCL
raises money to educate needy girls of academic potential around
the Commonwealth.
 |
 |
High Commissioner’s
wife, Stall Holder Mrs Pauline Roberts
displays one of
our best sellers - Antigua’s Cavalier Rum |
This
year, the Antigua and Barbuda National Association in London was
in charge of the Food Stall. This was the first time that
Antigua and Barbuda held a Food Stall.
Local
Antiguan and Barbudan dishes such as doucana and saltfish, seasoned
rice with chicken or fish, conch soup, sweet potato pudding, cakes
and other niceties prepared by the ladies of the Association were
quickly sold.
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