ISSUE NO.67 July 2002
Prime Minister Lester Bird (center) and
British Officials in London
 Young
nationals receive major appointments in Ministry of Finance
Whitfield Harris Jr. and David Matthias have been appointed to
act as Financial Secretary and Budget Director respectively with
effect from 4th July 2002.
Mr. Harris holds a Master of Arts (Econ.) degree in Development
Administration and Management from the University of Manchester
in England.
In February 1986 he joined the Public Service in the Ministry
of Economic Development, Tourism and Energy. In October of 1986,
Mr. Harris joined the Ministry of Finance where he functioned in
various capacities until his promotion to the post of Permanent
Secretary, a position that he held in the Ministries of Youth Empowerment
and Tourism and Environment.
 In
January 2001, Mr. Harris was appointed as Budget Director, the
position in which he actively functioned until 3rd July 2002. Mr.
Harris will now act as Financial Secretary.
Mr. David Matthias holds a Master of Science degree in Development
and Project Planning from the University of Bradford in England.
He is currently in his ninth year of employment in the Public
Service and prior to 4th July 2002 actively filled the position
of Project Manager of the Public Sector Reform Project. Mr. Matthias
has also acted in the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry
of Trade and Economic Development.
Junior Minister of Finance, Asot Michael, commented that the appointments
of Messrs. Harris and Matthias are further evidence of the well-known
position of the government that young Antiguans and Barbudans should
be given the opportunity to contribute to the country’s economic
and social development.
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Government
wins again in tax case
Junior Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Asot Michael, has
welcomed the judgment of the High Court of Justice in the case
of British American Insurance Co Ltd vs. Attorney General of Antigua
and Barbuda delivered on 8th July 2002.
The High Court held that the amendments made to the Income Tax
Act by the Income Tax (Amendment No. 2) Act No 16 of 2000 by the
Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda were not unconstitutional.
The amendments made in 2000 require that a person or company
assessed to tax must pay the assessed tax before any objection
or appeal can be filed, pursued or heard by the Commissioner, Board
of Appeal or the Courts. Counsel for British American Mr. Justin
Simon argued that the amendments were unconstitutional and were
not justifiable in a democratic society.
Mr. Anthony W. Astaphan, S. C. on behalf of the Attorney General
replied that the amendments were in the public interest and intended
to galvanize the power of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to
collect taxes assessed and due to the Treasury.
Mr. Astaphan also submitted that the amendments were entirely
consistent with the Constitution and were reasonably justifiable
in a democratic society. The High Court agreed with the submissions
of Mr. Astaphan.
Senator Michael called upon all taxpayers to abide by the judgment
of the High Court and pay all taxes assessed and due to the Comptroller
of Inland Revenue now that the legality of the Act as been settled
by the Court.
Acting Financial Secretary, Mr. Whitfield Harris Jr. commented
that this victory, following on the heels of a recent Texaco case,
is another significant milestone in the Government’s campaign to
reverse the culture of tax evasion and avoidance that is so pervasive
in the society.
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Airport
and Seaport Security Enhancement Project for Antigua and Barbuda
At the 202nd Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean
Development Bank (CDB), held on 11th July 2002, an Airport and
Seaport Security Enhancement Project for Antigua and Barbuda was
approved. The CDB is to make available to the Government of Antigua
and Barbuda a loan in the amount of US$3.3 million to be repaid
on concessionary terms over a ten-year period.
The purpose of the project is to enhance security at major ports,
to meet acceptable international standards, and to maintain effective
capacity for the processing of goods and passengers. The project
consists of the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure,
the supply and installation of equipment and the upgrading of personnel
skills at the main seaport and airport in Antigua. This is expected
to enhance security at these facilities in order to meet the post
September 11 requirements of the respective international air transport
and maritime transport regulatory agencies.
Upon completion the project will see Antigua and Barbuda well
positioned to pass the upcoming security audits that will be undertaken
shortly by organisations such as the International Civil Aviation
Organisation.
According to Minister Asot Michael, “The bottom line is that this
project will help to secure the jobs of the many Antiguans and
Barbudans who work in the Tourism and Transportation industries,
and preserve the welfare of their families.”
Acting Financial Secretary, Mr. Whitfield Harris Jr., represented
Antigua and Barbuda at the CDB meeting.
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$23.7m schools’ repair
programme underway
The Board of Education’s $23.7 million programme
of repair, refurbishment and expansion on all government secondary
institutions officially began in July with the signing of contracts
awarded to Roberts Construction and Engineering Co. Ltd., and the
Chinese construction company COMPLANT.
Package No.1, which comprises All Saints Secondary,
Princess Margaret Secondary, Antigua Girls’ High School and Holy
Trinity, was awarded to Roberts Construction. Packages 2 and 3
were awarded to COMPLANT. These cover Clare Hall, Jennings and
Pares Secondary, as well as Ottos Comprehensive and the Antigua
Grammar schools.
The work will include repairs to the existing
structures as well as the construction of additional classroom
facilities where necessary.
Work has already begun on a new secondary school
in Barbuda. The current school will eventually serve as the primary
section of Holy Trinity.
Project Manager, Lucine Hanley, noted that the
Board had been in dialogue with the principals at the various schools
so as to keep them abreast of the developments and to ensure that
there is as little disruption to the schools’ activities as possible.
The principals welcomed the idea of the repair
project and stated that they were prepared to make the sacrifices
in order to improve the schools’ conditions.
The project, financed by the Caribbean Development
Bank and the Board of Education is expected to last approximately
two years, barring any setbacks due to natural disasters or other
unforeseeable events.
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Board
to announce scholarship recipients
The Board of Education has received the $1.5 million from
government for its scholarship programme and will be publishing
the names of the scholarship recipients soon.
Scholarship Co-ordinator, Sharon Proctor, said there were 106 students selected
by the National Scholarship Committee out of 243 that applied.
This number includes the Island scholar who will be announced
when the “A” level and CAPE results are released.
This year’s scholarships will send 48 students to study at University of the
West Indies campuses and other Caribbean tertiary institutions, 12 to Cuba,
21 to the United States, 12 to United Kingdom and Europe and four to Canada.
Nine scholarships have been allocated to teachers going off to
study.
Since its inception in 1994, the Board has assisted 836 students
in their tertiary studies to the tune of $30.1 million.
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Six million gallon dam
to assist farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture is constructing a
water dam for small farmers in the vicinity of Big Creek. The dam
is expected to hold six million gallons of water.
Acting head of the Agricultural Extension Services, Sereno Benjamin,
disclosed that the construction of the dam would provide small
farmers with an adequate water supply.
Benjamin noted that many small farmers in the area had complained
about the lack of water. He indicated that the small farmers came
together and pooled resources to help finance the construction
of the dam.
The dam is expected to be completed within a month.
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Prime
Minister Bird instructs UK lawyers to sue BBC for libel
Prime Minister Lester Bird has instructed the London legal firm
of Charles Russell Solicitors to sue the BBC for libel.
The libel was contained in a broadcast on the "Today" programme
on one of the BBC's domestic radio channels, Radio 4, and was repeated
by BBC World Television worldwide and on the BBC's website on the
Internet on Friday, 5th July.
The Prime Minister's London lawyers consider the BBC introduction
to the Radio 4 story by its reporter Fergal Parkinson and the story
itself to constitute a most serious defamation.
In introducing the Parkinson report, the BBC presenter said:
"A Royal Commission set up to investigate corruption on
the Caribbean island of Antigua has found that the Prime Minister
Lester Bird has spent more than 200 million dollars of the country's
health fund on parties, presents and foreign trips for his friends
and colleagues."
The fact is that the Commission of Inquiry, headed by Sir Alister
McIntyre, was not set up to investigate corruption on Antigua;
it was established to inquire into the operations of the Medical
Benefits Scheme. Further the Commission has not yet written its
report and has published no findings whatsoever. Therefore, the
BBC is wholly inaccurate by claiming it has made any findings of
any kind concerning the Prime Minister. It is also significant
that, at no time, was the Prime Minister a subject of the Commission's
Inquiry. He was not sent a Salmon Letter requiring him to appear
before it, nor was he asked to appear before it at all.
The public of Antigua and Barbuda, who watched or listened to
the live and recorded television and radio broadcasts of the Inquiry
as it transpired, are also fully aware that at no time was any
allegation made that the Prime Minister "spent more than 200
million dollars of the country's health fund on parties, presents
and foreign trips for his friends and colleagues."
Apart from the defamation contained in the words of the BBC presenter
who introduced the Parkinson report, the story itself is riddled
with libel. In essence, it claims that the Prime Minister caused
the death of many children in Antigua and Barbuda by spending money
that should have been spent on their health care to fund parties,
presents and foreign trips for his friends and colleagues.
It is noteworthy that, in his evidence to the Commission of Inquiry,
Paediatrician Dr. Thomas Martin made reference to only one child
whose life he thought could be saved by appropriate action by the
Medical Benefits Scheme. At no time did he suggest that money that
could be used to save the child was used by the Prime Minister
to fund lavish parties, presents and foreign travel.
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New road signs to depict
Antigua’s history
Locals and visitors alike can look out for new directional
signs highlighting the historical aspect of the country and its
beauty.
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is behind this initiative
along with support from the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board
and the Traffic Department.
“The whole idea is to enhance the experience of the visitor to Antigua and Barbuda.
We know from surveys we have undertaken that one of the negative experiences
of visitors coming to the Island is the lack of directional signs. We also acknowledge
at the same time that villages, landmarks and other places of interest are not
properly identified,” Tourism Minister Molwyn Joseph said.
According to Joseph, the new concept has a blend of international
designs as well as an Antigua and Barbuda-Caribbean flavour.
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 Darkwood
road reopens
The new and improved Darkwood Road is now reopen to vehicular
traffic. The Darkwood Road, which runs along the popular Darkwood
beach, is about eight miles from St John’s and was severely damaged
during the passage of Hurricane Lenny in 1999.
The government sought assistance from the Peoples’ Republic of
China in rebuilding the road. The project included the erection
of infrastructure that will protect the road from rising sea levels
during hurricanes.
The project began on the 17th of March this year, and cost approximately
EC$1.3m.
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Tax
Relief: Government to review sections of Property Tax Act
Government will be reviewing sections of the Property Tax Act
(2000) in an attempt to provide some tax relief.
Prime Minister Lester Bird made this announcement in July during
a sitting of the House of Representatives in response to Member
of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke, Charlesworth Samuel.
Samuel’s bone of contention was the increase of property taxes,
specifically the land tax which was raised from $2 per acre to
$200 per acre.
According to Samuel this increase “constitutes an increase of
10,000 per cent.” But Mr Bird pointed out that the land taxes were
amended in 2000 and that the increase was the first since 1964.
“As such, the rate of $2 per acre was not even remotely commensurate
with what might have been considered a fairer rate of assessment.
Hence in order to realign the land tax to reflect a more meaningful
assessment, the rate of $50 per acre per year up to five years
was legislated, whilst in excess of five acres attracted a land
tax rate of $200 per acre on an annual basis,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, the rate increase for lands
in excess of five acres was an attempt to make the tax a progressive
one. “Whilst one might question the size of the increment between
the two rates, one must recognise that an annual rate of $50 per
acre is still very low.
It is no accident that legislation provides for a rate of $50 up to five acres,
since it is a given that most landowners in Antigua and Barbuda do not own
in excess of five acres.
Those land owners who own in excess of five acres tend to be
the more affluent Antiguans who can well afford to pay the annual
rate of $200 per acre, a rate that is close to a fairer assessment
than the nominal rate of $50,” he explained.
Mr Bird also said the Cabinet had recently reviewed sections
of the Property Tax Act with the intention of making some amendments
to certain sections in order to give some tax relief to elderly
tax payers, among others. He added, “I am also prepared to have
technicians in the Ministry of Finance revisit the size of the
increment between the two applicable land tax rates.”
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Government
disburses nearly $21 Million
The Government has made good on a number of outstanding financial
obligations.
Junior Finance Minister Asot Michael explained that disbursements
were made to the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the Board
of Education, Marconi Systems, Mohammed Abdul Al-Kharafi & Sons
and the Kuwait Fund.
Senator Michael said that the government’s remittance of $7 million
to the ECCB will go a long way in settling its obligations to the
Bank. Short-term credit from the ECCB has become necessary in recent
times, as the economies of the Eastern Caribbean have been affected
by the global economic downturn.
Commenting on the disbursement of nearly $2.5 million in respect
to Alenia Marconi, the Junior Finance Minister indicated that the
payment would facilitate the completion of the Secondary Surveillance
Radar System project at the V.C. Bird International Airport. The
commissioning of this system would improve the surveillance capability
at the airport, thus enhancing airspace safety at a time when the
volume of air traffic is rising.
The payments to Al-Kharafi and Sons and the Kuwait Fund of $2.04
million and $5.25 million respectively, will mean the recommencement
of the parallel taxiway and All Saints Road projects. He further
disclosed that the parallel taxiway project would accommodate an
upgraded airport lighting system.
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 Czech
Republic Ambassador visits
On 15th July, H.E. Mr Antoine Blazek, Ambassador of the Czech
Republic to Antigua and Barbuda, presented his credentials to the
Governor-General, Sir James Carlisle and paid a courtesy call on
Prime Minister Lester Bird.
The Prime Minister and the Czech Ambassador discussed the possibilities
for expanding trade and economic contacts between both countries
including the facilitation of tourism.
Mr Bird explained Antigua and Barbuda’s view of the OECD Harmful
Tax Competition Initiative to the Ambassador and urged the Czech
Republic, as an OECD Member, to ensure that the Global Tax Forum
was a genuine multilateral organization where international tax
issues could be discussed in an atmosphere free from coercion.
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Prime Minister Bird
meets Commonwealth Secretariat officials
| Left to right: Winston Cox - Deputy Secretary-General,
Commonwealth Secretariat, Prime Minister Lester Bird, Florence
Mugasha - Deputy Secretary-General, Commonwealth Secretariat
and Senator Asot Michael in London |
 |
On Tuesday 23rd July, Prime Minister Lester Bird held a meeting
in London with the two Deputy Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth
to review a number of matters in which the Commonwealth has been
involved in Antigua and Barbuda.
Topping the list of discussion with the two Deputy Secretaries-General,
Winston Cox and Florence Mugasha, was the legislation to amend
the Representation of the Peoples Act.
The legislation, which was adopted by the House of Representatives
recently, amends the Act to provide for a new Elections Commission,
continuous voter registration and the provision of identification
cards that will include both photographs and a thumb print.
The new legislation arises from a recommendation by a Commonwealth
Group that observed the 1999 general elections. Subsequently, the
Commonwealth Secretariat provided the services of a legal expert
to draft the new elections law.
The Prime Minister told the two Deputy Secretaries-General that “the
Commonwealth had played an influential role in the new electoral
framework in Antigua and Barbuda”. He advised that his government
will be making a formal request to the Commonwealth Secretariat
to observe the next general elections which is not constitutionally
due until March 2004.
Mr Bird pointed out that a specific provision of the new legislation
is that “registration officers had to be trained to the satisfaction
of the new Elections Commission”. In this connection, the Prime
Minister requested that the Commonwealth Secretariat send a team
to Antigua to discuss the training needs with the Elections Commission
and to provide experienced trainers “if the Commission so wished”.
Mr Bird also reviewed the operation of the Joint Consultative
Committee of representatives of the Central Government and the
Barbuda local council. The Joint Committee is charged with responsibility
for the development of Barbuda. The Prime Minister has asked that
the Secretariat send a “good offices” mission to assess the operations
of the Joint Committee so far. Mr Bird said that he is interested
in “preventing conflict” between the Central Government and the
Barbuda local council and felt that a “good offices” mission by
the Commonwealth would help to avert conflict over “looming issues”.
The two Secretaries-General, who met the Prime Minister in the
absence of Secretary-General Don McKinnon who was officiating at
the Commonwealth Games, reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s interest
in playing any helpful role that the Secretariat was invited to
play in Antigua and Barbuda.
They also agreed to look favourably at a request from Mr Bird
for the services of a legal draftsperson to help Antigua and Barbuda
cope with the many new pieces of legislation required by the international
community particularly in the areas of money laundering, financial
regulation and airport and port security. The senior Commonwealth
officials also agreed to provide assistance in the strengthening
of the customs department to counter fraud and bolster security.
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 PM
Bird meets UK Treasury and Foreign Office Officials: Discussions
held on the Financial Services Sector
Prime Minister Lester Bird met a five-man delegation from the
British Treasury Department and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
on the 24th July.
The British team was led by Mr Joseph Halligan, the Head of the
International Financial Services of the UK Treasury, and included
Mr Syd Maddicott, Head of the Caribbean Department of the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office, Mr Ian Richards, the Team leader of the
Economic Crime and Tax Policy Department of the Foreign Office,
and Ms Heather Kempton, Head of the Financial Crime Branch of the
Treasury.
The discussions focussed on the Financial Services Sector and
Antigua and Barbuda’s role in combating money laundering and other
financial crime. Antigua and Barbuda has never been on the list
of non-cooperative jurisdictions compiled by the Financial Action
Task Force, a body charged with overseeing the regulatory and enforcement
regimes in countries worldwide.
Mr Halligan raised new issues that were of concern to the UK
government in the context of the global fight against money laundering.
It was emphasised that if the government failed to address these
concerns, Antigua and Barbuda could be placed on a future list
of non-cooperative jurisdictions. The Prime Minister assured him
that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is very sensitive to
the issues of financial crime, particularly terrorism financing,
that pose a threat to the security of the country’s allies especially
the United Kingdom and the United States.
Mr Bird invited Mr Halligan to raise ways in which Antigua and
Barbuda can be of greater assistance in these matters with Sir
Ronald Sanders, the country’s High Commissioner to the UK, for
onward transmission directly to him.
The Prime Minister also drew attention to legislation that was
introduced in the House of Representatives in July to amend the
International Business Corporations Act. Under the amended legislation,
Antigua and Barbuda has tightened-up the requirements for persons
to act as agents for international business corporations, including
banks. Mr Bird also revealed that in the current session of parliament,
the Government would introduce amendments to the Money Laundering
Prevention Act to expand the range of activities for money laundering
offences and to stiffen penalties. He said that an Act to strengthen
the Financial Intelligence Unit of the ONDCP has already been introduced
in the House and should become law during the present session of
parliament.
The two governments agreed to strengthen their cooperation and
increase their dialogue on ways to meet the challenges faced by
small countries in ensuring that regulatory and enforcement machinery
is vibrant and effective.
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 Ambassador
of the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria pays courtesy
call
On 15th July, H.E. Mr Mohammed Khalladi, Ambassador of the
Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria to Antigua and Barbuda
paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Lester Bird after presenting
his credentials to the Governor-General, Sir James Carlisle.
Discussions touched on issues such as the international campaign
against terrorism, South - South Co-operation, the New Partnership
for African Development and the possibilities of co-operation with
Caribbean countries in the field of energy.
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Second secondary school
for Barbuda
Government is keeping its promise to construct a secondary
school on the island of Barbuda.
Chairman of the Barbuda Council, Fabian Jones, said the Council has kept its
end of the bargain by ensuring a supply of water and electricity is available
at the site. “We have done all we are supposed to do. The site is already cleared
and we will give the government our full support to ensure that the school
is constructed within the allotted time frame.”
“It’s an added plus to have another secondary school in Barbuda. At present a
child attends the Holy Trinity School from pre-school to secondary level. This
new Secondary school will be an incentive,” he said.
Member of Parliament for the Constituency, Hilbourne Frank, is
in favour of the separation of primary school students from their
secondary counterparts.
“I’m glad to see it is going through. We want to make a distinction.
It sort of gives hope to the older students who are moving on to
college. It is something that the whole community is in favour
of,” Frank said.
In his 2002 Budget presentation, Prime Minister Lester Bird disclosed
that government would enter into an arrangement with contractors
to start the construction of two new schools to mark the 21st anniversary
of the country’s independence. The new secondary school in Barbuda
is one of these and will be built in the Louis Hill area.
The Caribbean Development Bank, under its basic education project,
made $24 million available to the government for the renovation/repair
and construction of schools. Of this amount, $2.1 million was earmarked
for the new secondary school in Barbuda.
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Contractor sues Barbuda
Council for $2m
A local contractor is taking the Barbuda Council to court,
alleging that the Council owes him over $2 million and has reneged
on a contractual agreement between the parties.
Contractor Charles Purcell said that he has completed work on
the project concerned, and had borrowed $1.3 million from the Bank
of Antigua to finance it. He added that the Council agreed to pay
for the cost of the project in sand.
Chairman of the Barbuda Council Fabian Jones noted that an agreement
had been signed by the Council to build a sports complex in Barbuda
opposite the Council hall. The agreement was signed in September
1999 for the three-phased project to be completed in 18 months,
but, according to Jones, the project is yet to be completed.
“They did not adhere to the agreement. The seating is not finished,
no electricity or plumbing work has been done. The lockers for
the showers are incomplete. It’s far from completed.”
Jones said the Council was not prepared to pay Purcell the more
than $2 million he claims the Council owes him.
“They say we owe them over $2 million. If you have a project
which costs $1.3 million, how is it going to come up to over $2
million. A lawyer has written us on 4 July concerning the matter.
We are not afraid. We can’t do anything once the matter is going
to court. The Council will be meeting on Monday to decide its next
course of action.”
“During the initial stages of the project, the Council agreed
to make a down payment or a mobilization fee $529,000. We were
trying to get the funds from donor agencies but were unsuccessful.
Apparently, Purcell was in a hurry and decided to take the (value
of the) mobilisation fee in sand,” the Council Chairman said.
Jones admitted that the Council sometimes found it difficult
to meet Purcell’s demands for the sand but also said that there
were some disagreements between the Council and the contractor
with regard to the work being done.
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 Yearwood:
Barbuda Council stalling on osmosis plant
Minister of Public Utilities Robin Yearwood has accused the Barbuda
Council of preventing the Antigua Public Utilities Authority from
setting up a reverse osmosis plant in Codrington.
Admitting that the quality of water in Barbuda does not meet
World Health Organisation’s standards, Yearwood said that once
the Council gives the go ahead, APUA would be ready to give quality
service. “We have offered to set up a reverse osmosis plant in
Barbuda in order to improve the quality of water, and the Council
has refused.”
Yearwood was responding to queries as to whether or not the government
would approve the deal between the Barbuda Council and a private
company to supply Barbuda with water and electricity services.
The Public Utilities Minister said under the APUA Act, only the
Authority was responsible for providing water, electricity and
telephone services in the country.
However, Chairman of the Barbuda Council, Fabian Jones, has already
gone on record saying it is the Council which is responsible for
utility services in Codrington.
Commenting on the proposal of the private company, which government
has studied, Yearwood said, “when we analysed that proposal we
discovered that it was risky and the cost will almost be doubled
to the consumer in Barbuda, along with no guarantee of proper services.”
Yearwood continued that the Barbuda Council had been shown the “pitfalls” of
the proposal.
He pointed out that Barbudans pay less for electricity than Antiguans,
and the service is subsidised by the government.
“No private company is going to give it cheaper. Based on the
proposal that was given to us, when we worked it out, the people
of Barbuda’s bills would be doubled.
“We are not backing away from our responsibilities. If the Council
approves it today, we can put down the reverse osmosis plant,” Yearwood
said.
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 St.
Luce to throw in the towel on politics
One of Antigua’s longest serving Ministers of Government is
calling it quits from active politics.
Parliamentary Representative for the constituency of St. John’s
City East, John St. Luce, informed his constituents at a recent
constituency branch meeting, that he will not be seeking re-election
at the upcoming polls.
General elections are constitutionally due to be held in Antigua
and Barbuda by June 2004.
St Luce’s decision throws open the contest for selecting a new
candidate for that constituency, and could well present the party
with its toughest battle to hold onto that seat.
St. Luce, an economist by training, has represented the ALP in
parliament for over 30 years, firstly as a senator from 1971 to
1976 and then as a cabinet member from 1976 to the present.
He has served in almost every Cabinet position, with the exception
of the education and tourism ministries.
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Nambalamba
wins St. Paul’s primary
Eleston “Nambulumbu Nambalamba” Adams will contest the St.
Paul’s seat on the opposition United Progressive Party’s ticket
in the next general elections.
Adams received overwhelming support during a primary at the Liberta
Primary School. He won a total of 86 votes beating businesswoman
Valerie Hodge and Desroy Maile, a hotel maintenance supervisor.
St. Paul’s is a strong hold of the Antigua Labour Party and the
current Member of Parliament is Education Minister Dr. Rodney Williams.
In the last general elections (1999) Adams garnered 830 votes
compared to Dr. Williams 1,201.
This will be the third time that Adams will be running on the
UPP’s ticket, the first time being in 1994.
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Potter
to run for UPP in All Saints West
Senator Ralph Potter, who unsuccessfully contested the All Saints
seat against former Trade Minister Hilroy Humphreys, has been chosen
to represent the United Progressive Party for yet another time
in upcoming general elections.
Senator Potter obtained 25 votes during in the primary against
his rival Deon Browne.
Potter, who narrowly lost to Humphreys by 131 votes in the 1999
elections, has been urged by his competitor, Browne, to be more
pro-active in the constituency this time around.
Pledging his full support to Potter, Browne, who received 14 votes,
said the aim must be to capture the seat for the UPP and to meet
the high expectations of the constituents of All Saints West.
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New legislation in
the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives gave a first reading in July
to two pieces of legislation that will play a significant role
in the future of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Representation of the Peoples (Amendment) Act 2002
The first bill was The Representation of the Peoples (Amendment)
Act 2002, which amends existing electoral guidelines and institutes
new procedures that will govern general elections. The changes
are intended to strengthen the underlying democratic principles
of elections in Antigua and Barbuda.
Apart from ensuring that the Elections Commission carries out
its function in a fair, impartial and transparent manner, the Act
institutes the appointment of a Deputy Chairman of the Commission
by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Leader of
the Opposition after consultation with the Prime Minister. It also
regulates the selection of election officers; the monitoring of
electoral lists; and the improvement of the registration process,
including provisions to replace the present system of annual registration
by a continuous registration system.
In an effort to enhance and improve the voting system, the new
legislation stipulates identification card usage, non-partisan
voter education programmes, and free and balanced reporting by
the media. In addition, it permits the attendance of international
and local observers.
Over the past several months the office of the Attorney General has met with
members of the public in open meetings across the country to discuss the provisions
in the new Act.
The International Business Corporations (Amendment) Act
2002
The second piece of legislation was The International Business
Corporations (IBC) Act, which had previously been amended in April
of this year. At that time the Financial Services Regulatory Commission
(FSRC) was formed in order to expand the functions of the International
Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA). This new amendment
further strengthens the regulations of the financial services sector
in Antigua and Barbuda.
The amended law ensures that anyone wishing to work as a registered
agent in Antigua and Barbuda must be licensed by the FSRC. It also
clearly defines the term “non-bank financial institution” as such
businesses now fall within the scope of the FSRC since the April
revision of the Act. These businesses include insurance companies,
cooperatives, credit unions, casinos, lotteries and money remittance
entities, including the General Post Office and Western Union.
Additionally, the legislation allows penalties to be changed to
companies which fail to file returns or other required documents
on time.
Most significantly, the Act abolishes the 3% tax that was imposed
on offshore banks and interactive gaming institutions in 2001.
Licensed financial institutions will no longer have to pay the
tax. It is hoped that this will attract more investment into the
country and boost the economy.
The passage of this legislation is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s
continuing commitment to be at the forefront of international regulation
of the financial services sector.
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Hospitality
industry workers to receive training
Hotel and restaurant employees will have the opportunity to
receive skills training in the areas of guestroom attending and
restaurant service through the Skills for Success programme hosted
by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA), the
Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Development
Programme.
This training will lead to employees being AH&LA certified
in internationally recognised occupational standards in housekeeping
and restaurant server skills.
Co-ordinator of the programme, Lorraine Headley commented that, “The
two four-day programmes will teach participants the detailed steps,
methods and industry tips for providing a superior product to global
standards in the very critical areas of quality of guest rooms
and the serving of food. ”
She added that, “This idea is to provide employees with exposure
to international best practices in terms of quality and efficiency
allowing them to provide a better service and a sense of achievement
in completing their daily tasks. We also thought it necessary to
provide workers with the opportunity to receive international certification
for their efforts, which can serve as a foundation for further
career development in the industry.”
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 BA
to fly every day to Antigua from this winter: Total UK flights
to Antigua to rise to 12 a week
Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner in London, Sir Ronald
Sanders, has announced that British Airways will be flying every
day to Antigua from 28th October 2002.
The High Commissioner disclosed that British Airways has revealed
that it will increase its flights from five per week to seven,
serving Antigua and Barbuda everyday.
Sir Ronald said, “This is great news from British Airways demonstrating
its confidence in Antigua as a major destination and as a hub for
nearby Caribbean islands. It also shows that our increased marketing
effort in the UK is paying dividends.”
The decision by British Airways to increase the number of its
flights means that Antigua and Barbuda will benefit by 12 flights
per week from the UK. These are made up of 7 by British Airways,
2 by Virgin Atlantic, 2 by BWIA and 1 by Air 2000.
“Antigua and Barbuda has never had 12 scheduled flights per week
from the UK. This development augurs well for our tourist industry
and for employment for Antigua and Barbuda nationals”, Sir Ronald
remarked.
Figures show that for the first five months of this year, January
to May, visitor arrivals by air to Antigua from the UK have increased
by 7.6%.
The High Commissioner observed, “We have to recall that last year’s figures
were before September 11th. This makes this year’s improved performance even
more significant because it has come in the wake of a downturn in worldwide
tourism”.
Sir Ronald added, “Our strategic alliance and cooperation with
major airlines and tour operators in the UK are paying off for
the benefit of the people of Antigua and Barbuda, but I repeat
what I have said before: to sustain this, we have to improve the
facilities at the Airport urgently”.
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Prime Minister Lester
Bird reviews investment opportunities in London
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Lester Bird, met investors
in London on 26th July to review the status of current investments
and to consider new opportunities in the twin-island State.
Mr Bird met Dato Tan Kay Hock, the Malaysian entrepreneur, who
undertook to construct a large Asian Village tourist resort on
Guiana Island. The project ran into financing difficulties in 1999
when the Asian Capital Markets collapsed and the currencies of
several countries were devalued with Malaysia imposing restrictions
on the movement of capital from the country.
Recently, the Prime Minister has stated that the Government is
unhappy that Dato Tan has retained control over Guiana Island and
adjacent lands while while there has been no movement on the project.
In the London meeting with Prime Minister Bird, the Malaysian
businessman has proposed new financing arrangements for the project
including a 15% equity by the Government at no cost to the Treasury.
The inclusion of the Government in the ownership structure would
help to attract certain concessionary financing.
Mr Bird has given Dato Tan three weeks in which to place a firm
proposal before the Government. The Prime Minister said that “If,
after review by the government’s technicians, the financing proposal
appears sound, Government will work with Dato Tan to get the project
off the ground”. Mr Bird declared, “The project, as originally
envisaged, still remains a sensible way in which to grow the Antigua
and Barbuda tourist industry, and I want to give Dato Tan every
help to perform”.
But, Mr Bird added that his Government “will not wait forever”.
He said, “If within a reasonable time, the project does not get
underway, Government will move to recover the land and to develop
the project elsewhere”.
The Prime Minister also held discussions with Pat Doherty, the
Irish property magnate, who is developing the Carlisle Bay resort
on Antigua. Construction of the property is progressing well and
Mr Doherty revealed that he has recruited a top UK Hotel operator
to manage the Resort. Carlisle Bay is expected to open its doors
this winter as a top-class hotel equal to the most majestic in
the world.
While in London, Mr Bird also reviewed a proposal from a German
group of financiers who are interested in building a new hotel
in Antigua. The Group has already begun discussions with Kempinski,
a large European luxury five-star Hotel Chain, to manage the proposed
Hotel.
The Antigua and Barbuda office in Germany and the High Commission in London
are handling the ongoing work on the potential German investment.
The Prime Minister also received a proposal from an Australian
firm backed by a multinational bank to establish one of the largest
Internet Gaming operations on Antigua. The firm is negotiating
the purchase of two Internet Gaming operations in Antigua and another
two in the Dominican Republic to combine them as a single entity
headquartered in Antigua.
Internet Gaming accounts for significant high-paying employment
in Antigua particularly among young people, and Mr Bird is keen
to attract large operators to the Antigua and Barbuda jurisdiction.
The Australian company says that its “corporate strategy is to
establish a world class and leading entity in the on line gaming
and wagering sector that caters to a global market of millions”.
The Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister said that he could not
disclose further details about the German and Australian companies
and their proposals “because they are still negotiating terms and
conditions”.
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 EMS
better equipped to serve
The Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is now better equipped to
provide emergency response services to the nation, with the arrival
of two more ambulances.
Health Minister, John St. Luce, explained that two ambulances
returned to the country last week following repair work in Miami,
bringing the EMS fleet to seven. He outlined that the improved
emergency response fleet will ensure that ambulance service is
available to the entire country within thirty minutes from strategic
points.
“There are two ambulances that had been sent to Florida about
two years ago because of transmission problems. They are now repaired
and sprayed over and are now functional,” said Minister St. Luce.
The Minister also noted that the other clinics being built as
part of the government drive to improve the health care system
in Browne’s Avenue, Johnston’s Point and All Saints are nearing
completion and will be fully ready in a month’s time
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Court
battle continues between leadership and branch
The leadership of the opposition United Progressive Party
and the dissident constituency branch of St. John’s Rural East,
will be in court again to seek a judicial interpretation of a consent
order agreed to between both parties.
Justice Ian Mitchell made a consent order that if more than 50%
of the financial membership signs the requisition requesting a
nomination process, the executive should issue directions to the
St. John’s Rural East constituency branch.
However, on 31st July, Attorney Ralph Francis, counsel representing
Valerie Samuel, party branch chairman of St John’s Rural East served
an affidavit on the respondent.
Samuel supports the nomination of Melford Nicholas to contest
the seat on behalf of the UPP.
In light of this last minute service by Attorney Francis, Justice
Mitchell felt that he needed more time to read the affidavit, as
would the respondent and his lawyer, and as a consequence he adjourned
hearing until 12 August.
With regard to the consent order agreed to between both parties,
Attorney Derrick stated that a requisition signed by over 50% of
the financial membership of the constituency branch was received
by the central executive.
“In accordance with that consent order, a directive was sent
to the constituency branch of St. John’s Rural East to have a nomination
process not later than 24 July. The constituency branch did not
comply with the order because they felt that they interpreted the
order in a different manner and as a result of that we are now
before the judge to find out which interpretation is the correct
one,” Derrick explained.
The UPP’s Rural East party chairman agrees there is a difference
of interpretation of the consent order, but their position is that
Melford Nicholas is the party branch nominee.
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