ISSUE NO.65 May 2002
Government
to expand International Financial Services
The International Business Corporations Amendment Act 2002 has
gained the approval of the Upper House.
The Act is part of the Government's plan to expand and restructure
the International Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA).
It will establish a Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC),
whose responsibility will be to regulate certain financial businesses
which operate as non-banking institutions. These include institutions
that deal with mortgages and loans, insurance companies, cooperative
societies, as well as institutions that are engaged in the business
of money transfers, such as Western Union.
The Act will also change the administrative structure of IFSRA
and facilitate the appointment of an Administrator.
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Motor
pool for government vehicles to be set up
The Government has taken a decision to institute a motor pool
from which all government vehicles will be controlled.
The plans for this new project were discussed recently at a meeting
of heads of government departments and Transport Board officials.
Deputy Financial Secretary, Hendron Parker explained that "The
meeting was to work out the logistics as to how the motor pool
will be serviced. It was just an information-gathering meeting
and to examine any foreseeable problems."
He also noted that before the project is scheduled to come on
stream in June test runs will be performed on the system.
Once the motor pool is fully operational, government vehicles
will be dispatched to the various ministries and departments every
morning and must be returned at the end of each working day.
The plan is part of the government's commitment to implement
cost cutting measures, and it is hoped that the motor pool will
drastically reduce the costs of vehicular services.
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 New
Indian High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda visits
The new Indian High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency
Mr. Virendra Gupta, recently paid a one-day visit to the country
to present his credentials the Governor-General, Sir James B. Carlisle,
and to meet the Prime Minister.
During his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. Gupta said his
government wanted "to substantially upgrade co-operation with
the government of Antigua and Barbuda. I have been very encouraged
from talking to some people here and looking at the enormous possibilities
that exist in the economic and commercial fields."
Prime Minister Bird intimated that he would like to cooperate with India in
the areas of Information Technology (IT) and Small Business Development.
Mr. Gupta also met CARICOM Ambassador Sir James Thomas, Education Minister,
Dr. Rodney Williams, Agriculture Minister, Vere Bird Jr. and President of the
Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Clarvis Joseph.
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 Over
to Sir Viv
Antigua and Barbuda's Sir Vivian Richards, one of the most highly-respected
characters in the long history of West Indies cricket, was installed
as the new chairman of the selectors of the West Indies senior
selection panel on Saturday 25th May.
The 51-year-old Sir Viv is joined on the panel by his contemporary
of the great regional teams of the 1980s, Gordon Greenidge, and
Michael "Joey" Carew, the only survivor of the previous
panel which included chairman Mike Findlay and Joel Garner.
The new panel will take effect from the first One-Day International against
New Zealand on June 5.
"The WICB is privileged to welcome outstanding former West
Indies cricketers like Sir Vivian and Gordon Greenidge as new members
of the panel, along with the experienced selector Joey Carew," said
WICB president Wes Hall.
The appointments of Sir Viv and Greenidge are in keeping with
a pledge from Hall to have more former West Indies players involved
in the game.
Sir Viv, whose 8,540 runs (avg. 50.23) in 121 Tests are the most
by any West Indian, had a brief stint as coach in 1999, while Greenidge,
who scored 7,558 runs (avg. 44.72) in 108 Tests, has been used
in recent times as a batting coach at West Indies team camps.
Sir Viv, Greenidge and Carew were among seven nominees vying
for the three places on the panel. The others were Findlay of St
Vincent, Andy Roberts of Antigua, Maurice Foster of Jamaica and
Joe Solomon of Guyana.
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Prime
Minister congratulates Sir Vivian Richards
On Monday 27th May, Prime Minister Lester Bird sent the following
congratulatory message to Sir. Vivian Richards on his appointment
as chairman of the West Indies Selection Panel:
"Please accept my heartiest congratulations on your appointment
as Chairman of the selectors of the West Indies senior selection
panel. I received the news of your appointment with great delight.
You have already served Antigua and Barbuda and the West Indies
with great distinction as a player. I know you will repeat that
performance in this new capacity.
West Indies cricket is at the crossroads. However, it is obvious
from the recently concluded Test Series against India that there
are several young players with considerable relish for the game.
Their showing on the field will need the active support and experience
of persons like yourself to return our game to its former glory.
I have no doubt that West Indian cricket will be richer for this
new area of contribution that you will make. Please convey my congratulations
to your former teammate and now fellow selector Gordon Greenidge,
on his inclusion in the selection panel."
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 MET.
and NODS Offices ready for 2002 hurricane season
With the beginning of the 2002 Hurricane Season just days away,
officials at the Met. Office at the V.C. Bird International Airport
(VCBIA) and the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) are
well prepared for any eventuality in the upcoming season.
Head of the Met. Office, Patrick Jeremiah, said his department
is now in a stand-by mode. "You never really know until the
action begins," he said, adding that, a brand new Automatic
Weather System has recently been installed which will greatly assist
forecasters in the performance of their duties. According to the
Met chief, the new system will allow for more accurate reading
of the weather and is designed to work in the worst of conditions.
Meanwhile, officials at NODS are busy putting the final touches
on repairs to the office building on the American Road. Deputy
Director, Philmore Mullin, said a team from the steelworks department
of the Government's Workshop are carrying out some repairs to the
building in an attempt to make it safer and stronger as preparations
for the 2002 hurricane season continues. The building houses the
Command Headquarters for the country's emergency services. The
Director of NODS is Ms. Patricia Julian.
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 Nibbs
challenges Frank for Barbuda seat
Former chairman of the Barbuda Council Arthur Nibbs has indicated
his intent to lead the Barbuda's People's Movement (BPM) into upcoming
general elections. However, his rival within the BPM and the incumbent
member of parliament for Barbuda, Hilbourne Frank, has said he
will not be bowing out of politics any time soon.
Mr Nibbs declared, "My desire for Barbuda is in terms of
improvement. Being a young candidate, I can do more towards improving
the conditions and the general outlook for the Island. Part of
my mission is to improve the existing health system and definitely
seek to get Barbuda on par with all technological advances. Overall,
my mission is better quality of life for Barbudans."
Meanwhile, Mr Frank noted: "I am still a full member of
the BPM and I am going to contest the seat. I am carrying out my
agenda, which I know that the people of Barbuda want me to do -
to look after their interests and rights. I am the sitting member
of parliament for the constituency of Barbuda."
This means that the party will have to hold a primary, at which
party members will cast votes to determine who will contest the
next general elections.
Frank has been a member of the Barbuda Council since 1979 and
has held the position of chairman of the council and chairman of
the finance committee.
Nibbs presently serves as chairman of the health committee of
the Barbuda Council. He has served as senator in the Upper House
and is the president of the Barbuda Fishermen Co-operative.
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Barbuda Lagoon to become
a national park
The Barbuda Council has given its blessing to allow the Barbuda
Lagoon to become a national park.
Speaking in the House of Representatives recently, Minister of
Tourism and Environment Molwyn Joseph praised the Barbuda Council
for its decision.
Minister Joseph further announced that the University of the
West Indies had provided the Council with the information necessary
for the drafting of the legislation, enabling the lagoon to be
listed as a national park.
One of the key people behind the project is John Mussington,
principal of the Holy Trinity School in Barbuda. Mr Mussington
welcomed the news and explained the reasons why the Barbuda Lagoon
should be designated as a national park.
"Firstly, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, which is the largest
in this hemisphere, falls within the boundary of the Barbuda Lagoon.
If we do not protect and preserve the Bird Sanctuary, then we will
lose it," Mr Mussington said.
Secondly, the Barbuda Warbler is endemic to Barbuda. It reproduces
only in Barbuda, and makes its home in the mangroves, which are
within the boundaries of the national park.
Thirdly, Mr Mussington pointed out, "the lagoon acts as
a nursery for lobsters, (the sale of) which is the main economic
activity in Barbuda, and I fear that if the lagoon is not protected
and managed properly, there is a possibility that the lobster industry
may collapse."
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Work
on new Barbuda secondary school to begin soon
The government is working feverishly to build a secondary school
on Barbuda.
The Chairman of the Barbuda Council Fabian Jones, said the project
was expected to cost in the region of $1 million and would be completed
in six to eight months. He added that the government had been planning
for the past four years to refurbish and construct, where necessary,
schools in Antigua and Barbuda.
The secondary school will be located in an area known as Louis
Hill, half a mile from the Holy Trinity School.
At present the Holy Trinity School ihouses the secondary and primary
schools together, space is limited, and teachers are forced to
work in cramped classrooms.
Mr Jones said that with the new school "The students will
have something to look forward to. The new structure will act as
an incentive for students to excel. It is a great plus to the Island."
The project is expected to begin by the middle of next month and
Everett Roberts of Roberts Construction has been contracted to
undertake the construction.
The secondary wing will consist of five classrooms, biology and
computer laboratories, a learning centre, a cafeteria and an industrial
art centre.
The project will be financed through the Caribbean Development
Bank.
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Norris
Morris Harris enters Barbuda politics
One of Barbuda's most popular community activists, Norris Morris
Harris, has decided to test the political waters by declaring his
intentions to contest the next general elections on an independent
ticket.
Harris, who is disappointed with the lack of achievement of the
present parliamentary representative Hilbourne Frank and the Barbuda
Council announced his decision, saying, "I offer a great deal
of hope for things to change for the better and giving the young
people something to look forward to in the future."
Harris' focus will be on education, health, addressing social
problems and improving the way of life for Barbudans.
"There are a number of things that can be done in Barbuda.
The Sunset Resort is just sitting there deteriorating and it could
be utilised as an extension of the Antigua State College or the
Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality and Training Institute. I have
suggested this to the council numerous times and it (the idea)
seems to fallen on deaf ears," Harris said.
"I know I can make a difference," he added. "Barbuda
is bigger than all of us. We as Barbudans have to put Barbuda first
and we've got to create social and meaningful outlets --- everybody
has to get together to join hands for the benefit o the island."
Harris for many years served as chairman of the Caribana Committee.
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Government
makes decision on used cars
The Government has moved swiftly to resolve an issue that has
developed over the importation of used cars into the country.
The issue arose when the Ministry of Trade granted licences for the importation
of used cars, but the value of the cars were understated resulting in a loss
of revenue for the government in terms of import duties.
The Prime Minister has decided that the licences will be honoured
and the cars will be allowed into the country. The duty on each
car will be based on its value, which will be determined by an
evaluation team comprising a customs officer and two business people.
However, the Prime Minister warned that "While I intend that the government
should honour the licences that were issued to all the parties involved, definitive
decision will be made by Cabinet concerning the future importation of all used
cars based on the effect that such importation will have on government revenue,
the business of car dealers and on the medium term impact on the environment
of cars that will be scrapped sooner than newer ones."
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New
vagrant centre
Plans are afoot to construct a Vagrant Centre (more popularly
called a soup kitchen) in down town St. John's.
According to Mrs. Patricia Bird, of the Health and Social Improvement Division
which comes under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health, the soup kitchen,
will be the first of its kind in the country and is part of the government's
comprehensive macro-economic plan to alleviate poverty.
The centre will target vagrants who frequent the down-town area near the new
Heritage Market and Craft Centre Complex and who have little or no means of
feeding themselves.
Mrs. Bird indicated that the centre will provide counselling, health services,
a clothing and recreational facilities. It will also keep a register of vagrants
in the area.
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 Cricket
Hero Richie Richardson to run for the Antigua Labour Party
West Indies Cricketing Hero, Richie Richardson, has declared
that he is running in the next general elections for the Antigua
Labour Party (ALP).
Mr. Richardson said, "I am proud to join the Labour Party
team under the leadership of Lester Bird. I intend to bat for the
Labour Party with the same diligence and fervour with which I served
the Antigua and West Indies Cricket teams.
Prime Minister Lester Bird, leader of the Antigua Labour Party remarked, "I
am delighted that Richie has joined our team and I look forward to the contribution
I know he can make to our work for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Just
as he has filled us with joy on the cricket field, I expect to see him make
us proud in the cause of our country's development."
Neither Mr. Bird nor Mr. Richardson gave a clue as to which constituency the
former West Indies batsman will be contesting, but Mr. Bird explained, "An
announcement will be made when consultations have been held and the procedures
met."
Both the hierarchy of the Labour Party and the rank and file are expected to
be exhilarated by Richie Richardson's decision to represent the party.
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No
asphalt plant at Fitches Creek
Government has rescinded a decision to install two asphalt plants
at the site of the old Burma Dump following discussions with the
Fitches Creek community.
The decision was announced at a town hall meeting that had been
called to update the area's residents on the plan for the plants.
Pleased by the announcement, spokesman for the Fitches Creek
Residents' Association, Scott Kelsick, explained that in this case "everybody
worked together earnestly so that everybody won."
The community met government officials and the private sector
companies involved in the plan in order to discuss the siting of
the plants. The Fitches Creek Residents' Association had been concerned
about the proposed site. It received support from other communities
and as a result the government stopped the plans.
Mr Kelsick noted that "I think that it is important for
national dialogue that interested parties communicate better with
policy makers."
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Major road rebuilding
project in Darkwood as Government continues development programme
The government is sticking steadfastly to its development
programme said Prime Minister Lester Bird in a recent address at
a public political meeting in St. John's.
In light of the recent distractions, the Prime Minister said "....I am
going to get on with the job of developing this country.....I am going to provide
jobs for you, I am going to build roads for you, I am going to provide houses
for you, I will not be derailed.....".
In a clear demonstration of his government's efforts to develop the country,
work is continuing on the rebuilding of the island's main road in Darkwood.
It is about 8 miles from St. John's and runs along the popular Darkwood beach
which provides a view of the neighbouring islands of Montserrat and Nevis.
The road was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane
Lenny in 1999.
The government is being assisted by a technical team from the Peoples' Republic
of China (PRC). The project includes the erection of infrastructure that will
protect the road from rising sea levels during hurricanes. Fifty-foot culverts
and other sea defences are being constructed on both sides of the road.
According to a spokesman, the project began on the 17th of March this year
and is progressing smoothly. Public Works Director, B.T.Lewis, said the project
costs some 1.3 million East Caribbean dollars and is expected to be completed
in six (6) months.
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Government to Implement
Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Ministry of Health and Social Improvement has announced
that it will be moving to fully implement the Convention on the
Rights of the Child (CRC), and the use of the law to protect the
best interest of children.
More specifically, the Antigua and Barbuda CRC implementation
committee will be seeking to use NGOs at every possible opportunity
to become involved in child-focused campaigns and initiatives.
Additionally, the corporate sector is being asked to consider
the impact that business decisions can have on children, and to
help whenever possible to protect the children of their employees.
The committee itself has said that the media must act as a responsible watchdog
on all public commitments to children and must make protection of children
a priority by giving children a voice in the media.
Ten imperatives have been drawn up. They are: leave no child
out; put children first; care for every child; fight HIV/AIDS;
stop harming and exploiting children; listen to children; educate
every child; protect children from war; protect the earth for the
children; and fight poverty so as to invest in children.
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Electoral Commission
in Antigua and Barbuda holds first meeting
The newly constituted Electoral Commission held its first
meeting on Thursday 23 May. All five Commissioners were in attendance
and the meeting was held in an amicable and cordial atmosphere.
At the end of the meeting the Commission issued a statement in
which they said "The discussions focused mainly on procedural
matters. Foremost among these was the issue of permanent office
facilities for the Commission. In this regard, a suitable site
has been identified and the Public Works Department will be required
to refurbish the structure as a matter of urgency."
The Commission also considered an appropriate organisational structure
and staffing requirements to satisfactorily discharge its mandate
of managing all aspects of the electoral process in Antigua and
Barbuda.
The Commission members stated that they "will benefit from
benchmarking the work of Electoral Commissions that are already
functioning, especially in Caribbean jurisdictions like Barbados
and St. Kitts, among others." They said they will also seek
to establish contact and maintain relations with organisations
like the Commonwealth Secretariat and the OAS Secretariat, which
provide support and technical assistance for elections management
bodies in various jurisdictions.
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 Young
Antiguan named top soldier
On May 2nd, 2002, the single minded determination of 26yr old,
Kurt Kirkpatrick Knight of St Johnston's Village, paid off when
he was named Best Recruit at the passing out parade at the British
Army Training Regiment in Lichfield, England. Kurt Knight was awarded
the coveted Spender Trophy for being the best all-round soldier
following the completion of a gruelling ten-week Phase One of army
recruit training.
Kurt's ambition to join the British Army was stoked by his involvement,
until recently, as the Regimental Sergeant Major with the Antigua
Army Cadet Force and as a Corporal with the Antigua and Barbuda
Defence Force Volunteers.
In October 2001, Kurt paid his own way and travelled to England where he underwent
a series of interviews and assessments at the army recruiting centre which
he passed with flying colours. He then enlisted in the distinguished Corps
of Royal Engineers (Sappers) and commenced training in February 2002 in Lichfield.
Following the parade, Corporal Larkin, a member of the training
staff and Kurt's Section Commander, stated, "Kurt is a natural
soldier. What he has achieved today has been through his own hard
work. I needed to do very little. I would willingly serve alongside
him on active duty." High praise from a tough paratrooper
of fourteen years service including active service in several hotspots
around the world.
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Port
workers get pay increase
The management and workers at the Antigua Port Authority have
reached an amicable agreement. Recently the workers went on a 3-day
strike to demand better working conditions and increased pay. In
the wake of the strike action a meeting was held between unions
representatives and Labour Commissioner, Austin Josiah.
David Jonas, general-secretary of the Antigua Trades and Labour
Union (AT&LU), explained "We arrived at an understanding
with respect to adjustment of wages for employees. It has already
taken effect. The weekly-paid workers have started getting adjustments.
Monthly paid workers will receive their adjustments at the end
of the month."
However, further discussions are being held between the union
and the port management concerning certain anomalies which exist
within the wage/salary structure at the port.
Mr Jonas also described, with respect to the work environment,
a number of initiatives that have started to improve the work environment
including new telephone access for security personnel.
In addition, construction has begun on new toilet facilities
- a project being undertaken by the Port Authority in conjunction
with the Ministry of Public Works.
Jonas said that the union and port management still have to meet to discuss
other areas in relation to the negotiations.
He added that the workers were relatively satisfied with the
progress made.
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Prime
Minister to sign Inter American Press Association Declaration
on press freedom
Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister the Hon. Lester Bird
has invited the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) to send
a delegation to St. John's to facilitate his signing of the Declaration
of Chapultepec which sets out ten principles governing a free press.
Mr. Bird's invitation was contained in a letter sent on May 28th to IAPA's
headquarters in the United States.
In a statement, the Prime Minister said, "The government of Antigua and
Barbuda already upholds the principles set forth in the Declaration. The press
in Antigua and Barbuda is not subject to prior censorship or restrictions on
the circulation of the media or dissemination of their reports. We also apply
no tariff and exchange policies or licences for the importation of newsprint.
In fact, the press in Antigua and Barbuda is as free as any in the hemisphere
and freer than most."
Mr. Bird disclosed, "I have told the Inter American Press
Association that I would be very pleased to receive an appropriate
delegation in St. John's to facilitate the signing of the Declaration."
"Freedom of expression and freedom of the press are principles for which
the Antigua Labour Party has fought from its inception. We continue to uphold
these freedoms despite their abuse by certain sections of the media in the certain
knowledge that the people are well aware when these abuses occur," the Prime
Minister declared.
BACK TO TOP
 UPP
Leader is accomplice in Observer skulduggery
On 9th May Prime Minister Lester Bird, responded to a letter from Opposition
Leader, Baldwin Spencer, in which the UPP leader called for the Prime Minister
to resign.
In his letter, Mr Bird told the Opposition Leader that the call
on him to resign was based on nothing short of gross libels and
fabrications. He stressed that adults employed by the Observer
Group took a minor into a studio and encouraged her to make unsubstantiated
and uncorroborated remarks on videotape. In addition, one of the
interviewers, Julius Gittens, has repudiated the videotape as a
mere scrap book with unconfirmed and unproven claims.
Mr Bird drew attention to an episode in which a lady charged
a leading member of the United Progressive Party with rape. At
that time Mr Spencer did not seek the resignation of the parliamentarian
from the ranks of the UPP's executive. In fact, he actively and
consciously sought to stop the police taking action.
The Prime Minister told Mr Spencer that when he (Spencer) writes to the Governor-General
seeking a Commission of Inquiry on what is clearly a concoction by a number
of people, including employees of the Observer Group, he should also demand
an Inquiry in to the charge of rape against the UPP parliamentarian and his
own shameful actions in seeking to stop a police investigation.
Mr Bird also accused Mr Spencer and senior members of the UPP
of deep involvement in the touting and promotion of the videotape.
Instead of drawing the allegations to the attention of the law
enforcement authorities, they chose to peddle it to innocent members
of the public in an attempt to lure people to the UPP/AWU rally
last Labour Day.
The Prime Minister made it clear that contrary to the assertion,
in Spencer's letter, he (Mr Bird) was in no way connected to the
management or direction of the investigation into the videotape
affair. Mr Bird said his only role is to hold himself available
to assist the investigators in any way that they desire.
Replying to Mr Spencer's question about the acceptability of
Mr Wrenford Ferrance's involvement in the investigation, the Prime
Minister pointed out that it was the Attorney-General, not he,
who was establishing the investigation and that Mr Ferrance had
handed over the conduct of the investigation to Mr Colin Warburten
of the British Metropolitan Police. He added that Mr Warburton
would be provided with the resources to conduct a full and thorough
inquiry.
Mr Bird explained that he was not surprised by Mr Spencer's request
that the videotape be shown on national television. It underscored
the depths to which Mr Spencer had sunk in his anxiety to destabalise
a government that he had failed to replace through the electoral
process. However, showing the videotape on national television
would involve a State enterprise in the purveying of what could
be criminal libel, calumny and defamation.
The Prime Minister reminded the Opposition leader that in his
years as Head of Government and before, he has demonstrated full
commitment to the principles of good governance and transparency
by calling commission of inquiry and causing investigations to
be done whenever there was evidence suggesting the need for them.
On the other hand, Mr Spencer has never once shown the kind of
serious responsibility necessary in a leader. Instead, Mr Spencer
has kept an alleged rapist high up in his party and sought to intervene
to cover up the vile wrong doing.
Mr Bird told Mr Spencer, "By failing to be responsible and
choosing instead to be the hussy of the dirtiest political tricksters
in our country's political experience, you, Mr Spencer, have contributed
immeasurably to the saddest and most shameful period of our history".
BACK TO TOP
 Minister
boycotts media Conference
Information Minister Guy Yearwood decided to boycott the fifth
Caribbean Media Conference (CMC) to protest the involvement of
the conference hosts, the Observer Group, in "the manufacturing
of a videotape that was designed to destabilise the government."
"I could not give them credibility as a genuine and serious
media house by participating in any way in a conference with them
as hosts. By their own actions, the directors of the Observer Group
have shown that they are abusing the media and their own employees
for a political rather than a journalistic purpose," Mr Yearwoood
stated.
The media conference took place from 16 to 18 May. But Mr Yearwood made it
clear that he could not, in good conscience, associate his office or himself
with the Observer Group that had "manifestly demonstrated its readiness
to discard the basic tenets of public information for a political purpose."
"I am guided by the public statements by one of the participating
interviewers in the videotape, Mr. Julius Gittens, who said that
he was called in by the directors of the Observer Groups to interview
the minor. This means that the interview was not initiated by the
news staff of the Observer Group, but by the directors themselves.
Mr. Gittens said that he disassociates himself from the release
of the tape that he forwarded to the directors of the Observer
Group. In other words, only the directors of the Observer Group
had the tape and only they were in a position to distribute it," the
Minister stated.
"Its distribution, when it was in the sole possession of
the directors of the Observer Group, strongly suggests that the
entire affair was a political conspiracy in which the directors
of the Observer Group are deeply implicated," Yearwood added.
He concluded: "My government continues to maintain its commitment
to a free and vibrant media that delivers objective public information
for the benefit of our region, but we believe that the regional
media and regional journalists should be keenly aware that the
Observer Group does not subscribe to the cannons of journalistic
ethics."
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Tape
showing 'ill-advised and unfortunate'
The Professional Organisation for Women in Antigua and Barbuda
(POWA) expressed alarm and incredulity at the "ill-advised
and unfortunate" showing, at a UPP public meeting, of the
notorious videotape with unsubstantiated allegations of a female
minor against the Prime Minister and senior government officials.
In a release POWA pointed out that "the child in the video
is abused each and every time the tape changes hands or is disseminated
in such a sensational and insensitive manner."
POWA challenged all parties involved to consider the impact that this situation
will have on other minors who find themselves in positions where they are abused
- sexually or otherwise - by people in authority.
"Have we as a nation become so callous that we give no consideration
to the damage that we are doing to this child and possibly other
minors who might be traumatised as they watch this drama unfold?" asked
POWA.
Referring to Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer's assertion that
the public was anxious to see the tape, POWA questioned "whether
this anxiety - to the extent that it does exist - is attributable
to a desire to get to the truth … or if it is founded on an almost
morbid desire to get a first hand look at the girl at the centre
of it all."
POWA has called on all concerned to "stop the madness. Let
us cease and desist any and all efforts to vilify this child. Rather
let us concentrate on investigating the allegations made in order
to ensure that justice is done."
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Prime Minister sues
Derricks
Prime Minster Lester Bird has instituted legal action against
the Observer Group, their directors and others, in relation to
the videotape made in the Observer Studio.
Attorneys Anthony Astaphan S.C. and John Fuller, on 13th May
2002 announced that, acting on behalf of Prime Minister Bird, they
had filed claims against Observer Radio Ltd., Observer Publications
Ltd., Samuel Derrick, Winston Derrick, Monique Kim Barua, Julius
Gittens and Bettye J. Reed-Aitken, Baldwin Spencer, Harold Lovell,
Colin Derrick and Wilmouth Daniel, for damages including exemplary
and aggravated damages and injunctive relief.
The Attorneys explained that the Prime Minister had no alternative
after the deliberate and malicious conduct of these persons.
They noted with regret that they were obliged by law to join the
female minor as a Defendant in one of the cases. They pointed out,
however, that "… the Prime Minister has given us clear and
strong instructions that we must at all times protect the dignity
and interests of the female minor who may well be the pawn or victim
of a well engineered conspiracy to defame him by persons politically
opposed to him. We will proceed accordingly." They will also
not claim any damages or costs against the minor unless they are
fully satisfied that the burden of payment will be borne by the
other Defendants."
BACK TO TOP
 Antigua
Trades and Labour Union President, Wrigley George, dismisses
Alister Thomas
The Antigua Trades and Labour Union AT&LU President, Mr. Wrigley
George, has expressed astonishment at the statement made by Mr.
Alister Thomas of the newly formed political party National Movement
for Change (NMC), on Observer Radio demanding that the Prime Minister
step down in seven days.
The AT&LU President said, "No right thinking person could
possibly accept Alister Thomas' ridiculous call which would do
nothing but cause a negative impact on the economy and gravely
affect the livelihood of workers."
Mr. George said, "Persons throughout our society who are
busily engaged in this rhetoric should reconsider their statements
in the light of the harm they are doing to the country, the economy
and the working people."
Mr. George continued, "What is more, Alister Thomas has,
in effect, issued an ultimatum to the Prime Minister who is there
at the express will of the majority of the people of Antigua and
Barbuda. Alister Thomas is not an elected member of Parliament
and represents no substantial number of people. For him to make
such a call is absurd, particularly as it is based on unsubstantiated
and uncorroborated allegations of a minor."
"We live in a civilised society with rules and norms. In
our society, the rule of law prevails, not the wish of those who
crave attention. Since the circulation of this videotape with its
outrageous allegations, a process has been put in place by which
the allegations will be investigated in accordance with the law.
Further, the Prime Minister has taken certain legal actions to
defend his reputation and to cause those who have made these allegations
to prove them. The rule of law in our society and the keepers of
justice will decide the guilty and the innocent in this matter,
not the wildness of Alister Thomas," the AT&LU President
said.
Alister Thomas' call for the Prime Minister to step comes amid
the backdrop of the circulation of uncorroborated videotape allegations
made by a female minor. The Prime Minister has since filed claims
in the High Court against a number of persons including the Derricks
of Observer Radio for the production, distribution and public broadcast
of the tape.
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 Governor-General
rejects call for him to set up inquiry
Antigua and Barbuda's Governor-General, Sir James Carlisle has
rejected a call from the Antigua Christian Council to initiate
an investigation into allegations of impropriety involving a minor
and top government officials.
The allegations were contained in a videotape that was made in
December last year by the Directors of the Observer Group and surreptitiously
distributed in early May this year.
In a letter to the Governor-General dated 27th May, four members
of the Christian Council said that they "believe a person
is innocent until proven guilty" but they called on the Governor-General
to initiate what they described as "a full and independent
inquiry" into the allegations.
Replying to them, Sir James said that he "would like to make
it quite clear that such an investigation does not fall within
the purview of the Governor-General. He observed that "quite
rightly the Attorney-General has assembled a team of investigators
who will investigate the allegations. The investigative team is
headed by Mr Warburton, an experienced investigator from the British
Metropolitan Police".
The Governor-General was firm that "the correct action has
been taken to deal with the allegations mentioned".
The exchange of letters comes amid growing evidence that the
allegations made on the videotape are false. A handwritten letter,
allegedly written by the Prime Minister to the minor, who made
the allegations, has been conclusively shown by a leading handwriting
expert at the Barbados criminal investigation department not to
have come from Mr Bird. Investigations by the Outlet newspaper
have also revealed that a house to which the minor claimed she
was taken does not exist.
On 26th May, indications of the unreliable nature of the minor
were also disclosed by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rawlston
Pompey, who said, in a public statement, that the minor's mother
had reported her to the Police last year as a delinquent who was
unruly. He revealed that the Police had found her last June in
an apartment in Bolans Village with a 33-year old Trinidadian man.
When the Police interviewed her in the presence of her mother,
the girl was "evasive, uncooperative and alarmingly untruthful",
Pompey said.
Mr Pompey said that at no time did the minor make any of the
allegations about the Prime Minister or other public officials
that she did on the videotape.
Barbadian journalist Julius Gittens, one of the interviewers
on the videotape, who said he was "called-in" by the
Directors of the Observer Group to participate in the making of
the tape, has described the allegations as "uncorroborated" and
not worthy of release to the Antiguan public."
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Elton Martin is firm
in his position that the investigation into the allegations made
on a videotape, is "fully independent".
The Deputy Commissioner was responding to a question put to him
by the that the investigation team of which he is a part may appear
to certain sections of the community to be subject to influence
from politicians.
In a robust response Mr Martin said, "we are conducting a
full and independent investigation with direct access to the Director
of Public Prosecutions to whom we will report our findings. As
Mr Colin Warburton has publicly stated, this is a serious inquiry.
We are Police Officers with considerable experience. We have a
job to do and we will do it. Persons with no experience of investigations
or Police work should not second guess our ability to do a thorough
job".
The Senior police officer concluded, "We will pursue our
work diligently without any interference from anyone. We have already
made some progress in our task, and the DPP will receive our findings
and recommendations when we have done the job thoroughly".
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Legal
fraternity pays tribute to the late Lloyd Luckhoo, Q.C.
The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, sitting in Antigua
and Barbuda, held a special session on 27th May to pay tribute
to C. Lloyd Luckhoo, Q.C., a leading regional lawyer who passed
away on 13 April.
The legal luminary started practicing at the Antigua bar in 1983.President
of the local Bar Association Clare K. Roberts hailed Luckhoo as
one of the most courteous yet toughest lawyers.
"He did not win his cases by being boisterous and cantankerous,
he did so by hard work and his sheer intellect.
"He believed that there was no small case and thoroughly
researched each and every matter that was referred to him. He prepared
his matters in detail," Roberts said.
Luckhoo, he said, will be remembered for his Herculean efforts
in many leading cases on behalf of the Government of Antigua and
Barbuda, having worked on unravelling the intricacies of land tenure
in Barbuda, which he said was the foundation for matters that are
still being pursued in the courts.
Also paying tribute was Queen's Counsel Sydney Christian, who
said Luckhoo's presentations to the court with his piercing voice
demanded full attention and noted that he had been the chief advisor
to the government on constitutional cases.
"He was extremely fair. I learnt a lot from him," Christian
said.
Queen's Counsel Gerald Watt also paid tribute. He mentioned that
Luckhoo worked not because of the love of money but the love of
the law.
Attorney Justin Simon said Luckhoo made a sterling contribution
to the growth and development of jurisprudence in the Caribbean
and was a stickler for details.
Justice Satrohan Singh said he shared the view of the president
of the Bar Association while Sir Dennis Byron endorsed and adopted
everything that was said about Luckhoo.
Lloyd's father Edward Alfred Luckhoo, O.B.E, was a solicitor
and mayor of New Amsterdam, Guyana, and his uncle Joseph Alexander
Luckhoo was the first Guyanese King's Counsel.
He was the brother of the late Sir Edward Victor Luckhoo Q.C.,
former chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and High Commissioner
to India, and Sir Lionel Luckhoo Q.C., former High Commissioner
to the Court of St. James (England).
Luckhoo practiced extensively at the civil and criminal bar and
appeared in many important criminal, civil, constitutional cases,
arbitrations and election petitions in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth
Caribbean.
He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1958 and practiced in the
Courts of Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent, St.
Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda and the Privy Council (UK). Also present
at the special session was Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer.
BACK TO TOP
 Stay-over
tourists from UK rising in Antigua and Barbuda
The number of stay-over visitors in Antigua and Barbuda from
the United Kingdom rose by 13.19% in the first quarter of this
year.
Making this announcement in London, Antigua and Barbuda's High
Commissioner Sir Ronald Sanders disclosed that March was the best
month and that "We have seen steady growth over the quarter
with a 4.94 per cent increase in January, 13.27 per cent in February
and 21.38 per cent in March."
Sir Ronald explained that British Airways has reported near full
capacity on its flights into Antigua in June, and BWIA has confirmed
that its best selling route into Antigua is from London. Virgin
Atlantic has also reported "good load factors and forward
sales."
In addition BWIA will launch its new A340 plane at the end of
June, with an increased number of airplane seats.
Sir Ronald elaborated that "These results are undoubtedly
due to our increased marketing efforts in the UK. We are keeping
Antigua and Barbuda in the forefront of the industry with a multi-media
campaign backed up by inter-personal contacts with tour operators
and travel agents across the country" .
 "Magic
FM radio (a UK radio station) has told us that a promotion we did
with them was the most successful in their history with over 5,000
responses to a competition on Antigua. In addition, the number
of visitors to our Web site has risen from 16,417 in January to
19,410 in April, and we are obviously very pleased with this result
which translates into the maintenance of jobs in Antigua and Barbuda,
and income for the country."
However, Sir Ronald did express concern that arrangements at
the V.C. Bird International Airport need to be improved immediately.
He pointed out that "More tourists from the UK means increased
demand for better quality service from the airlines on behalf of
their passengers. If we are to maintain the unprecedented number
of flights we now have per week from London, the airport facilities
have to be improved."
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