ISSUE NO.58 October 2001
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Prime Minister Lester Bird
reads the Lesson at Antigua and Barbuda's20th Anniversary of
Independence Service
 House
of Representatives passes law making Terrorism a crime
The Antigua and Barbuda House of Representatives has passed a
law making terrorism a crime which has received the support of
both sides of the House.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act passed on October 18 is a direct
response to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.
It seeks to punish any person or group who support terrorism
and prevents the use of Antiguan banks and other financial institutions
to fund terrorist activities.
The opposition supported the measure but objected to the naming
of Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect behind the terrorist attacks,
and his Al Queda group in the bill. It also objected to the singling
out of Afghanistan as a country that sponsors and supports terrorism.
The opposition parliamentarians argued unsuccessfully that the
bill should be broad in its scope and not target any person, group
or country in particular.
Prime Minister Lester Bird, who piloted the bill, said that his
government was not afraid of naming and shaming those persons believed
to be involved in terrorist activities. He said bin Laden was "like
Hitler" and terrorism "runs against the economy of the
world."
The Prime Minister said "We need to demonstrate to the US
and the world that we are not going to tolerate terrorism."
There was no evidence of Antiguan banks being used by terrorists
but the bill makes such activities a criminal offence, Bird added.
"We are serious about ensuring that our financial institutions
will not be used by terrorists," Bird added.
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Antigua
and Barbuda Applauded for its fight against terrorism
The Government of Prime Minster the Hon. Lester Bird has been
applauded for its efforts to facilitate the freezing of assets
of known terrorists and their associates.
The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in a Press Release said that
Antigua and Barbuda and the Bahamas following the September 11 incidents in
the USA, examined banking records to determine whether any accounts belong
to any individual or organization included in the list provided by the Government
of the United States of America.
In November, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is also expected to sign
and ratify several United Nations Conventions designed to suppress terrorism.
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Prime
Minister to appoint Task Force on child abuse
Prime Minister Lester Bird is appointing a multi-disciplinary
Task Force to look in to child abuse in Antigua and to make recommendations
to the Government.
Mr Bird made this announcement in a broadcast to the nation in mid-October
following the revelation that a pornography ring involving underage girls may
have been operating in Antigua. The Police made several arrests following complaints
by parents of the one of the girls alleged to have been a victim of the ring.
The arrested persons appeared before the Magistrate's court and
were released on bail pending trial when the evidence against them
will be heard.
In making the announcement, the Prime Minister reminded the public
that it was under his stewardship and at his urging that the age
of consent was raised to 16 by the Act of Parliament passed on
June 26th, 1995.
Mr Bird said, "It is my view that the Police should vigorously
pursue their investigations into the complaints made and effect
charges against all those that have been party to these activities.
The Courts of Law should then deal with the matter as the law prescribes.
There is no place in our society for the exploitation of underage
young people."
Mr Bird went on to say that this case of alleged child abuse
is not an isolated incident. He said, "There are other instances
in our community of child exploitation - some of it within families.
The Ministry of Health - through its Social Welfare Officers and
Counsellors - have been dealing with such cases sensitively and
carefully with the well-being of the children at the core of their
concern".
The Prime Minister then announced, "As a further step to
everything that the Government and its social welfare and law enforcement
agencies have done, I propose to establish a broad-based national
Task Force on the instances of child abuse".
Mr Bird said that the Task Force will include Social Workers,
Counsellors, Psychologists, Educators, religious leaders and the
division of the police force that has had to deal with these matters.
He will also ask the trade unions to nominate appropriate persons
from among their ranks to serve on the Task force.
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 Senator
Asot Michael Negotiates Loan to finance Education and Tourism
projects
Minister Asot Michael, who has day-to-day responsibility for
the Ministry of Finance, has negotiated $8.7 million in loans of
direct benefit to the social and economic development of the country.
The loan was obtained on 22nd October.
The bulk of the funds - $6.3 million - has been used to pay the
University of the West Indies allowing Antiguan and Barbudan students
to continue their programmes of study at the regional institution.
Minister Michael commented, "I know the value of education to students,
their parents and Antigua and Barbuda as a country. It was my duty to join
with my colleague, Minister of Education, Dr. Rodney Williams, to put the education
of our young people first and I was pleased to be able to secure the loan to
ensure their future."
The second largest recipient of the loan, negotiated by Minister Michael at
extremely advantageous interest rates in the current climate, was for the European
Investment Bank to continue the solid waste project throughout the country.
Approximately EC $1.2 million was paid to the EIB in order to reduce the Government
arrears.
Minister Michael said, "It was extremely important to continue the solid
waste project, not only because of its usefulness to land fill sites across
the country, but also because of tourism." The 31-year-old Minister remarked, "Tourism
is our nation's life blood, but unless our environment is acceptable, tourism
will be endangered."
"Tourism was my second, third and fourth priorities because in addition
to the Solid Waste Project, other priorities for utilizing the loan funds were
the radar at the Airport that guides incoming and departing aircraft, and the
continuation of work on the parallel runway," the Minister said.
$579, 000 was used to pay the Kuwaiti Fund for Economic Development for work
on the improvement of taxiway facilities at V.C. Bird International Airport
and another $539, 000 went to the company providing the upgraded radar system.
The young Senator acts as Junior Minister to Prime Minister Lester Bird who
also holds the Finance portfolio. He said, "My task is to ensure that
loans are negotiated at advantageous rates and the money is used for productive
purposes. Ultimately, the country as a whole will have to repay these loans.
Therefore, they must benefit the people, and the terms and conditions of their
repayment must be bearable. With the Prime Minister's leadership, I am trying
to ensure that I meet that task fully."
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 High
Commissioner Sanders leads negotiations for a new agreement with
US Treasury
Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner to London, Sir Ronald
Sanders, who is also the country's chief negotiator on international
financial matters, led a delegation to Washington from 17th to
19th October to negotiate a new agreement with the US Treasury.
The agreement will focus on the exchange of information in relation
to terrorism and tax matters.
Included in the Antigua and Barbuda delegation was Solicitor-General,
Lebrecht Hesse, Commissioner of Inland Revenue William Schouten
and First Secretary in the Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Washington,
Ann-Marie Lane.
Sir Ronald described the discussions with the US Treasury as "very
cordial and productive". He said "The agreement is necessary
in today's world where financial services are abused. We, in Antigua
and Barbuda want to provide our major trading partners with the
comfort that our jurisdiction will not tolerate financial crime
and we will exchange information on matters such as tax evasion,
terrorism and other financial crimes".
Antigua and Barbuda and the US already have a Mutual Legal Assistance
Treaty on Criminal Matters and an Extradition Treaty.
The new Agreement is expected to be signed in Washington in November
by Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Lester Bird and US Treasury
Secretary, Paul O'Neill.
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Ukraine and Antigua
and Barbuda talk in London
Representatives of the Government of the Ukraine
met Antigua and Barbuda's High Commissioner in London, Sir Ronald
Sanders, in early October to discuss matters related to the freezing
of the assets of Eurofed Bank in Antigua.
Eurofed is an offshore bank, allegedly part-owned by a former
Prime Minister of Ukraine, Pavlo Lazarenko who is now imprisoned
in the United States for money laundering and wire-transfer frauds.
Last year the Supervisory Authority of Banks in Antigua asked
the Court to appoint Liquidators for the bank, froze its assets
and informed the US and Ukraine Governments that Lazarenko was
one of its shareholders.
It is suspected that some of the assets in the Bank under Lazarenko's
control may have been embezzled from the Government of Ukraine.
During the London discussions, the representatives of the Ukraine
Government, including representatives of the Chief prosecutor's
Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proposed to Sir Ronald
a formula for the Government of Ukraine and Antigua and Barbuda
to share the frozen assets once the Court in Antigua has determined
the portion of Eurofed's assets that belong to legitimate depositors.
"I have a draft agreement between the two Governments as
proposed by the Ukraine", said Sir Ronald. "We will review
the Agreement and try to reach an understanding soon with the Ukraine".
He added, "There has been a high level of cooperation between
our Governments on this matter".
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 Antigua
and Barbuda hosts Special Meeting of the Caribbean Association
of Regulators of International Business
Antigua and Barbuda hosted a special meeting of the Caribbean
Association of regulators of International Business (CARIB) on
25th and 26th October to discuss the United Nations Security Council
Resolution on terrorism including the abuse of financial services
by terrorists and their accomplices.
The purpose of the meeting was to develop a regional Action Plan
and timetable for addressing issues relating to the Security Council
Resolution, prior to a ninety-day deadline on 28th December. Each
member country of the UN is obliged to report on the actions it
has taken to combat terrorism.
Colin Murdoch, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, chaired the meeting.
He said that upon perusal of the U.N. Security Council Resolution,
Antigua and Barbuda is already well on the way to fulfilling its
requirements.
"From what I have seen of the resolution and the actions
that I have known Antigua and Barbuda has taken, the nation is
well placed. I think we have already satisfied certain of the requirements…in
terms of criminalizing terrorist acts and the financing of them",
Mr Murdoch remarked.
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 Government
implements Anthrax Preventative Measures
The Ministry of Health in Antigua and Barbuda has put in place
measures for handling anthrax and other biological agent threats
if they were to occur in Antigua.
The Medical Officer of Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Rhonda
Sealey-Thomas, drew attention to the anthrax scare which has affected
North America.
Dr Sealey-Thomas said that the Ministry of Health has issued a Health Advisory
in dealing with the possible exposure to Anthrax. She said the most important
step is to remain calm and do not panic as this can cause the spread of the
disease.
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 Antigua
and Barbuda celebrates 20 years of Independence
Minister of Social Welfare and Improvement, John St. Luce, who
has special responsibilities for Independence, issued a call for
a "spirit of inter-dependence."
"Today we seemed to have lost that sense of caring and sharing;
that sense of community spirit; that sense of love of oneness.
Today it is all about 'me.'
"As our nation celebrates its 20th anniversary of Independence, it is that
spirit of inter-dependence of each other that we must strive to achieve. We must
rid ourselves of the 'me' syndrome and rediscover our 'we' culture. Get rid of
'ME' and look at 'WE,' which is so much a part our heritage."
The Minister called on the nation to "re-dedicate, rejuvenate,
re-focus and reassert our determination to prepare our nation and
people to face the challenges which now confront us. HIV/AIDS,
drug abuse, child abuse, crime, and violence are but some of the
ills of society, but we also have to face the reality of the effects
of international events over which we have no control," Mr.
St. Luce said.
Focusing on this year's Independence theme, "Volunteering
to Preserve and Safeguard our Heritage," Mr. St. Luce said
it was a timely reminder to all of us that "we are all involved
in nation building, we all have a responsibility as citizens of
this country to play our part. You can make a positive difference."
Looking ahead to the 21st anniversary of independence, Mr. St.
Luce said, "As from next year, the planning committee will
be broadened to include more of our private sector and social partners.
Efforts will also be made to institute national dialogue to help
improve the quality and scope of events planned for the celebration.
The youth of this nation will also be invited to play a more active
role in the planning and execution of national celebration activities."
At the ceremony, plaques were presented to the patriots who composed the national
anthem, the motto, and the designer of the national flag and the Coat of Arms.
Reginald Samuel designed the national flag of Antigua and Barbuda. James Carrott
penned the motto "Each Endeavouring, All Achieving."
The late Novelle Richards composed the lyrics of the National Anthem of Antigua
and Barbuda. His granddaughter Blondelle Browne accepted the award (posthumously)
on behalf of her late grandfather. Walter P. Chambers composed the National
Anthem.
Gordon Christopher designed the Coat of Arms. His sister Theodore Edwards accepted
the award on his behalf.
Lady Emma Carlisle, who handed out the awards, was presented
with a floral arrangement by Chairman of the Independence Celebrations
Committee, Agnes Bleau.
As part of the official celebration, there was also a flag raising
ceremony in which the uniformed bodies present unfurled their respective
flags.
Selections were also done by the National Youth Pan Orchestra,
the Combined Schools Choir, and Le Chateau D'or. Parade Grand Marshall
at the opening ceremony celebrations, Rikisha Terry, switched on
the lights to signal the official start of activities to mark the
11 days of celebrations.
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Nationals
in London hold Church Service for Independence
Antiguans and Barbudans in London attended a Church Service on
Sunday, 28th October to mark the 20th Anniversary of Antigua and
Barbuda's Independence.
The Service, organised by the Antigua and Barbuda National Association
in London, was held at St Mark's Cathedral in Dalston and was attended
by hundreds of Antigua and Barbudans and specially invited guests
including the Deputy Mayor of Waltham Forest and Deputy Mayor of
Hackney, two boroughs of London in which Antiguans live in large
numbers.
The congregation heard an address from High Commissioner Sir
Ronald Sanders who reviewed developments in Antigua and Barbuda
over the last 20 years. The High Commissioner also discussed the
impact on Antigua and Barbuda's economy of global economic recession
and the atrocities in the United States on September 11th.
Following the Service, the High Commissioner talked with several
nationals about individual concerns including arrangements for
returning home.
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Preliminary
Census Report Released
The population of Antigua and Barbuda now stands at 75, 741.
This is the conclusion of the recently conducted Population and Housing Census
released in a Preliminary Census Report.
The report stated that of the total resident population, 36,016 are males while
39,725 are females. The new population figure represents a growth of 18.6 percent
over the 1991 census population.
Barbuda's population count was 1, 417 of which 748 are males
and 669 are females, an increase of 4.5 percent over the 1991 census
population.
The Preliminary Census Report was compiled from the Visitation
Records used by Enumerators during the field enumeration exercise.
It also details the population in each enumeration district in
Antigua and Barbuda.
The report also reviews the housing stock, the household structures,
and the crude population, by sex and parishes.
The Census Division is presently compiling further information
about the characteristics of the population, for publication within
a few months.
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Lovell
challenges Spencer for UPP leadership
The leader of Antigua and Barbuda's main opposition party,
Baldwin Spencer, says he will "vigorously defend" his
position against a challenger when his United Progressive Party
(UPP) holds its bi-annual convention on 10th and 11th November.
Spencer, who is also Leader of the Opposition in the House of
Representatives, was responding to a challenge by lawyer Harold
Lovell, who announced his candidacy for the party's top position.
"I certainly will vigorously defend my position. I believe
I stand as good a chance as any to retain the leadership of the
party," Spencer said in an interview.
Spencer has led the UPP since its merger in 1992/93 and staved
off one leadership bid from former MP and lawyer, Donald Halstead,
in 1997. He has been Leader of the opposition since 1989.
Lovell said his campaign will be based on a new vision and strategy
for the UPP.
"I don't know what new vision, new strategy Mr. Lovell is
speaking of. He has been one of the main players, movers, shapers
and shakers in the party over the years, so if there are any weaknesses
at all it is a reflection of the total leadership of the party,
including Brother Lovell." Spencer said.
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Prime Minister Bird
condemns alleged attempt to burn Opposition Leader's home
Prime Minister Lester Bird has condemned an attempt to burn the
car and home of Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer on the night
of Thursday 18th October.
Mr Bird said that he learned of the incident when Mr Spencer
reported it to the Police.
"I am aware that Mr Spencer says he does not know who is
behind this incident, but I strongly condemn it", Mr Bird
said.
Mr. Spencer is presently locked in a heated leadership battle within his United
Progressive Party (UPP) with Attorney at Law and executive member Harold Lovell.
Members of the party seemed divided as they expressed heated views in the media
on the leadership contest.
Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer has led his party in two unsuccessful General
Elections in Antigua, while Mr Lovell was defeated by ALP's John St. Luce in
the last elections. Mr. Lovell was also defeated at last UPP Convention for
the position of Chairman of the Party.
Whoever has sought to terrorize Mr Spencer in this way must be
brought to justice", the Prime Minister said, adding that "respect
should be shown to his position as Her Majesty's Leader of the
Opposition".
The Prime Minister said, "These acts of terror, particularly
when they are directed at the sanctity of someone's home, must
not be tolerated in our society. Mr Spencer's family could have
been hurt in this incident".
Mr Bird declared, "If Spencer wishes it, the Government
is ready to post a reward for information leading to the arrest
of the culprit or culprits behind this wicked deed".
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Hot
Mix Plant at Quarry Closed
The hot mix plant at the Bendal's Quarry was closed from 29th
October pending receipt of the Preliminary Report from the scientist
who conducted a study on the Quarry operations.
The Parliamentary Representative for the area, Environment Minister Molwyn
Joseph, said that Cabinet was mindful of the concerns of members of the Community
and the importance of the Government demonstrating sensitivity to those concerns.
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 Education
Minister speaks out on vandalism in schools
Education Minister Dr Rodney Williams, has spoken out against
the recent spate of break-ins and vandalism at public schools in
Antigua.
Dr. Williams said that on 7 October, a person or persons unknown
broke into the Clare Hall Secondary School, stole vital equipment
and vandalized sections of the school.
He further stated that the public should be aware that the Government is trying
its best to maintain and improve the quality of education in our schools, and
when persons break in, steal, and vandalize and thousands of dollars are lost,
then, such persons are seeking to undermine the foundation of our education
system.
The Ministry of Education is appealing to citizens, parents and
school children to assist in apprehending those arsonists and vandals
who perpetrated these vile acts, and to give assistance in caring
for our schools.
The Education Minister said that he will be asking for stiffer
penalties to be meted out to persons who break in, steal and vandalize
our schools, since they have no sense of appreciation for our education
system.
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Antigua launches State
College committee
The Antigua State College Steering Committee was launched
on October 9 by Education Minister, Dr Rodney Williams.
The Minister said that the Committee was established to help
chart the course of the Antigua State College and to initiate a
restructuring exercise that will bring the institution more in
line with the realities and development imperatives of the 21st
Century.
The Minister also noted that the establishment of a Board and
the proposed changes that will come from a review should enable
more control and authority to be devolved to the College Administration
in such matters as planning, budgeting, staffing, programming,
curriculum changes and student policies.
Dr Ekua Richards, Curriculum Development Officer in the Ministry
of Education is Chairperson of the Committee and Dr. Clarence Henry,
Senior Officer in the Ministry of Trade is the Deputy Chairperson.
The Committee comprises fifteen persons drawn from across the
public and private sectors of Antigua and Barbuda.
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Harmonites receives
donation
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has donated $10,000.00
to the Harmonites Steel Orchestra to aid in their participation
in the CAR-PAN Competition in Grenada from November 25 to December
1.
Approximately sixty-five panists are expected to represent Antigua
and Barbuda at the competition.
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 Prime
Minister congratulates Janill Williams
Prime Minister, Lester Bird has joined hundreds of nationals in
congratulating Antigua and Barbuda's track star Janill Williams,
who on 19th October won two gold medals at the Junior Pan-American
Games in Argentina.
Mr. Bird himself a former national athlete, won a bronze medal
at the Senior Pan-American Games in 1959, expressed delight in
Janill's victory, adding that it's a victory for all Antigua and
Barbuda.
"Janill's victory on Friday 19th October makes a bold statement
for the athletes of Antigua and Barbuda. Janill herself has demonstrated
to the world that the young people of our nation have the capacity
to rise to the challenge and excel at the highest level.
"As Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda and on my own
behalf, I wish to congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.
This is indeed a seminal moment in her life and I wish her all
the best in her future endeavours," Prime Minister Bird concluded.
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 Williams
honoured for double gold
Antigua and Barbuda's star middle-and-long distance runner Janill
Williams was toasted to a heroine welcoming party on 23rd October
after winning double gold medals at the Junior Pan Am Games in
Argentina.
The 16-year-old was met on the tarmac of the V. C. Bird International
Airport by a delegation that included Minister of Sports, Senator
Guy Yearwood, Commissioner of Sports E.P. Chet Greene, her coach
LeRoy Williams, and her parents.
She was honoured with a VIP reception where several speakers
made short addresses and afterwards there was public recognition
ceremony inside the car park of the airport accompanied by music
from the Halcyon Steelband.
A national motorcade was held in her honour on Saturday 27th October.
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Fund
set up for Janill Williams
A Janill Williams Development Fund, with an initial start-up
capital of between EC$15,000 and $20,000 has been set up to take
care of the teenage distance runner future engagements.
The fund, initiated by businessman Philbert Mason, at the Antigua
and Barbuda Investment Bank (ABIB), is separate from the government-administered
trust fund which is taking care of Janill's educational needs.
"We are hoping that this effort will grow more elaborate
for all athletes in Antigua. So far the response has been overwhelming," Mason
said.
A local company has also offered her a full computer system with
a replacement every three years.
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Talks
on UK Tourist Market end in accord
High Commissioner Sir Ronald Sanders presented a new tourism
marketing plan for the UK to a joint meeting of the Ministry of
Tourism and the Marketing Committee of the Antigua Hotels Association
in St John's on 22nd October.
Sir Ronald laid out a strategy for trying to win new flights
into Antigua from London by three airlines. The purpose of the
plan was to increase the number of UK tourists to Antigua and Barbuda
over the January to March period next year to fill the void left
by US tourists who have cancelled their travel plans following
the September 11th terrorist acts in New York and Washington.
The meeting was Chaired by Minister of Tourism, Molwyn Joseph
and attended by top executives of the Hotel Industry including
the owners and managers of Galley Bay, Hawksbill, Pineapple, and
St James Club.
After the meeting Sir Ronald said "We had a very productive
encounter with wide agreement on all aspects of the plan. This
meeting solidified the close working relationship between the London
office and the Hotels who are an essential part of successful marketing
in the UK".
Over the next few months, it is expected that Antigua and Barbuda's
profile will be raised in London and other major UK cities with
consumer advertising in the media and in public places such as
the London underground.
The message will be "Come to Antigua and Barbuda. We are
safe, we are sunny, and we welcome you".
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 Antigua
Welcomes Mega-Cruise Liner
On October 18 Antigua and Barbuda welcomed to its shores the first
of a series of mega-cruise ships scheduled to make regular calls
to the country.
The 91,000-ton Infinity of Celebrity Cruises eased into the newly
dredged Heritage Quay Harbour witnessed by a large crowd of curious
spectators.
During a welcoming ceremony onboard the ship attended by a number
of special invitees, Tourism Minister, Molwyn Joseph said that
his Ministry is anticipating the development of a relationship
with the captain and crew of the Infinity, similar to the good
working arrangement that existed with the Monarch of the Seas which
is now in dry dock.
 The
Minister said that it was an historic day for Tourism in Antigua.
The Government has spent millions of dollars to dredge the harbour
so that it could accommodate the mega cruise ships.
The Infinity, which has the capacity to accommodate 2000 passengers
and a crew of 1000, will visit Antigua weekly until April 20, 2002,
as part of a seven-night cruise.
The 11-deck vessel has a wide variety of facilities including
a basketball court, spas, salons, cafés, theatres, cinemas,
restaurants and penthouses.
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 New
Vendors' Mall opens in St John's
Hundreds of souvenir vendors have moved into the new vendors
mall located in the heart of the duty free shopping area of Heritage
Quay in St. John's, Antigua.
The new vendors' facility, owned by the government of Antigua
and Barbuda, is operated by the St. John's Development Corporation,
which also manages Heritage Quay Duty Free Shopping Complex, and
the new Vegetable Market on Market Street.
The government has provided this new facility for vendors who previously cluttered
the streets of St. John's.
The compound comprises 127 booths, with 91 located outside the compound, while
36 air-conditioned booths are located in the four-storey high establishment.
There is also space on the first and second floors for shops designed for those
vendors who wish to upgrade their services. The third and the fourth floors
will house a hotel and restaurant.
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Miss
World Pageant
Antigua and Barbuda will be represented at the Miss World
Beauty contest by Janelle Williams, a tutor at the Antigua State
College.
The contest will be held in South Africa on November 16.
Miss Williams took with her an autographed bat and book of Sir
Vivian Richards, which will be sold at an auction to raise funds
for the less fortunate.
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 Excitement
grows as Dolphins arrive
A new era of family fun and entertainment will come into being shortly as the
Dolphin Park operated by Dolphin Fantaseas, prepares to open its doors.
Earlier this year, the government granted a license to Dolphin Fantaseas to
operate a Dolphin Park in Antigua.
The arrival of the three dolphins created a great deal of excitement. Several
schools and other civic organisations have called Dolphin Fantaseas inquiring
about visiting.
Bud Crames, the man in charge of the mammals said that the dolphins are adapting
to their new Antiguan home quite nicely and a number of steps are being made
to allow the mammals to "sound out" their new environment before
the gates open.
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Caribbean Star honours
ITC
Caribbean Star Airlines has made its first sales award to a local
travel agency. International Travel Consultant has been recognised
by the airline as the local travel agency to produce the most sales
for the last quarter.
Director of Marketing Sandra Scotland and Caribbean Star''s Public
Relations Officer Avonelle Pole presented two representatives of
ITC, Joanne Liverpool and Lorraine Friday, with a plaque for the
travel agency''s outstanding performance in ticket sales.
Caribbean Star now serves 11 destinations, and as of 15 November
the airline will be serving Guyana. "We have a lot of people
who are up North and who would like to travel down South," Pole
said.
"Caribbean Star will be providing that link from Tortola
and Antigua, and will also be starting a new service from Barbados
to Port-of-Spain on the same day," the PRO added.
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Transport
Board Implements New Control Measures
Taxi operators in Heritage Quay have begun operating from
a new dispatch area.
The Transport Board said the move is designed to clear the roads
of taxi operators with the opening of the New Vendors Mall at Heritage
Quay. Taxi Operators will now collect and drop-off tourists from
the entrance of Heritage Quay on Thames Street.
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