ISSUE NO.88 May 2004
Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer chairs 17th Meeting of the Bureau
of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM
 |
| Prime Minister Spencer
(left) and CARICOM Secretary-General Carrington (right) with
Permanent Secretary Colin Murdoch and Senior Economist Elliott
Paige in the background |
The 17th Meeting of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government
of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with participation by the
Core Group on Haiti, was held at the Office of the Prime Minister,
St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda on 4-5 May 2004, under the Chairmanship
of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer.
Present at this Meeting were Bureau Members: outgoing Chairman of the Conference,
P. J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica; incoming Chairman (of the Conference),
Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; and His Excellency Edwin Carrington,
Secretary-General.
The members of the Core Group on Haiti present or represented at the Meeting
included the current Chairman and outgoing Chairman, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony,
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad
and Tobago; and Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Bahamas representing
the Prime Minister.
Also present at this Meeting was Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St.
Kitts and Nevis who chaired the last Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference
in place of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
In his opening remarks Prime Minister Spencer referred to the upcoming Cricket
World Cup (CWC) 2007 games and was of the view that the region should have
the capability of ensuring that none of the games be hosted in a non-West Indian
country.
He also made reference to the need to assist the people of Haiti
in taking charge of their own destiny and in placing their country
on the path to enduring democracy and development. He said that
other countries, including some of the world’s major powers, are
looking to CARICOM to point the way forward.
In concluding, he stated that speaking for Antigua and Barbuda, he would put
forward the view that the CARICOM Secretariat should be significantly strengthened
so as to enable it to relieve Member states of the cost and the high demand
on Ministerial and technical personnel time. “We would consider this a good
investment for the Member countries who participate in funding such a programme,” he
said.
In response, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica congratulated
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer on his election to Office and expressed the
hope that his tenure would be successful.
BACK TO TOP
Canadian
High Commissioner commends Prime Minister Spencer
 |
| Foreign Minister Harold
Lovell, Prime Minister Spencer and Canadian High Commissioner
Joanne Goulet |
Acting Canadian High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda Mrs.
Joanne Goulet has commended Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer for
his stance on governance within CARICOM.
During his opening remarks at the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government
of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Spencer called upon his
CARICOM colleagues to move governance to a higher level on its agenda outlining
that democratically elected leaders of Opposition must have a say in CARICOM
matters.
The Canadian High Commissioner said that many persons are praising the Prime
Minister for his stance as it gives an opportunity to re-examine and look at
the role of civil society in government. She said that in Canada, the opportunity
exist for all voices to be heard.
“It is necessary for as many people as possible to be given the opportunity to
make their views heard. They are not necessarily in a position to govern but
their views are equally important,” Mrs. Goulet outlined.
She also said that the Prime Minister’s remarks at the Bureau
Meeting were of interest to her government and urged him to continue
to have the topic of governance as an issue for discussion.
The Canadian High Commissioner also commended the Prime Minister
as Chairman of CARICOM, for the regional grouping’s position on
Haiti. She said that Canada believes that CARICOM’s role in trying
to find a solution to bring democratic governance to Haiti is essential. “CARICOM
is best placed to do so and offers the best hope to work towards
a solution in Haiti and Canada will continue to work with you and
engage in the dialogue to find a solution,” High Commissioner Goulet
remarked.
Prime Minister Spencer during exchanges with the Canadian High Commissioner
said that CARICOM is committed to be a part of a stabilisation Mission to Haiti
and they are determined to provide the necessary support in ensuring that Haiti
returns to democratic rule.
On the issue of Governance, the country’s leader noted that it is a matter
that is not only applicable to Antigua and Barbuda but to the entire region.
He said that it was his intention to bring the issue onto the front burner
and let his colleagues know that they can no longer continue to operate on
the basis that it is not important. He however outlined that he is hopeful
that the issue will be given serious attention.
BACK TO TOP
Prime
Minister Spencer addresses historic Rally of the Trade Union
Congress of Antigua and Barbuda
 |
 |
Prime Minister Spencer addressing
the supporters
of the Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress |
On the platform: (left to right)
Adolphus Freeland,
Prime Minister Spencer, Sir George Walter and Robin Bascus |
On 3rd May, Labour Day in Antigua and Barbuda, hundreds of supporters
of the recently formed Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress
gathered in St. John’s for the first Labour Day Rally under its
banner and to hear addresses from representatives of the various
affiliated unions.
The Trade Union Congress comprises unions representing teachers, hotel workers,
nurses, pensioners, air traffic controllers, LIAT engineers and the two major
unions in Antigua and Barbuda; the Antigua Trades and Labour Union and the
Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, addressed the gathering as the Minister of
Labour. He outlined that it was an historic day and the beginning of solidarity
among the trade unions in the country.
The Prime Minister said that the long journey to solidarity among
trade unions has come to an end and the time has come for all to
work together to build one another.
“As your Minister of Labour and Prime Minister, I am, essentially, your Chief
Servant. In this context, I feel that I can serve the trade union movement best
if we work together as partners. To this end, I can confirm that the Antigua
and Barbuda Trade Union Congress will have a permanent place in the National
Economic and Social Council,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also announced that his government will be supporting fully
the efforts of the Trade Union Congress.
“The Government is committed to strengthening every major institution in this
country. In my view, the Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress can be, should
be, and must be a pivotal institution of national development. To this end, the
Government will shortly provide the first of an adequate annual grant for the
establishment of a permanent Secretariat for the Trade Union Congress and for
its continuing operation,” he said.
President of the Trade Union Congress Maurice Christian who also addressed
the gathering, said that among the goals of the TUC will be the securing of
conditions most favourable for workers and the redress of any grievances, to
improve their interests and welfare, to assist member organisations/affiliates
with the development of their organisation while maintaining their independence
and to continue to raise the standard of industrial relations while maintaining
workers’ rights.
Among the stalwarts of the labour movement addressing the gathering were Sir
George H. Walter - former Premier of Antigua and Barbuda, and former General
Secretaries of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union, Adolphus Freeland and Robin
Bascus.
Following the official ceremony, supporters marched through the streets of
St. John’s then journeyed to their usual picnic areas.
BACK TO TOP
Minister Lovell attends
Fourth UK/Caribbean Forum
 |
| Minister of Foreign
Affairs Harold Lovell and Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene,
Minister-Counsellor at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission
at the Fourth UK/Caribbean Forum at Lancaster House, London |
The Fourth UK/Caribbean Forum was held at Lancaster
House, London from Monday 10th May to Wednesday 12th May 2004.
The Opening Ceremony on Monday 10th May at the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office was hosted by Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs, Jack Straw, with a special welcome message on video by
Prime Minister Tony Blair. Members of the Caribbean Diaspora in
the UK, businesses and organizations with special interest in the
Caribbean attended.
The meeting was co-chaired on the UK side by Jack Straw MP, and
Bill Rammell, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary with responsibility
for Latin America and the Caribbean and on the Caribbean side by
Dame Billie Miller, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade,
Barbados.
The issues discussed included, HIV/Aids, Development, Trade,
Investment, Tourism and Financial Services, and regional security – the
challenges which the Caribbean face in the new global arena.
Foreign Ministers from Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize,
Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia
and Trinidad and Tobago and National Security Ministers from Jamaica,
St Lucia, St Vincent and The Grenadines and the Minister of Foreign
Trade and International Cooperation of Guyana attended. Suriname
was represented at Ambassadorial level while Cuba, the Dominican
Republic, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, CARICOM
Secretariat and the Regional Negotiating Machinery participated
as Observers. Canada, the United States and several regional, private
sector and non-governmental organizations were represented.
Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, International Trade and
Transportation, Harold E Lovell, and Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene,
Minister-Counsellor at the High Commission in London represented
Antigua and Barbuda at the meeting.
Minister Lovell delivered a paper on financial services and tourism
and, in particular, cited Antigua and Barbuda’s dispute with the
United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO), for banning
cross border Internet gaming services which meant a loss of jobs
for our youths employed in the industry and revenue for the country.
The UK/Caribbean Forum, which is held every two years, the last
was held in Guyana in 2002, seeks to strengthen relations and cooperation
between the UK and the Caribbean and to discuss key areas of concern
for the region.
BACK TO TOP
Government
commissions forensic investigation into misappropriation of public
funds during the ALP administration
On 7th May the Government commissioned a forensic investigation
into the misappropriation of public funds during the former Antigua
Labour Party (ALP) administration.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin Simon, said that the
government is in the possession of information which provides the basis for
investigating the actions of specific public officials. While refusing to mention
names, the Attorney General noted that such public officials have taken elaborate
measures to cover their tracks.
The Forensic Investigation will be led by a specialist organisation; CITIGATE
Investigative and Forensic Accounting headed by renowned investigator Robert
Lindquist.
Mr. Lindquist led investigations in Trinidad and Tobago as early as 1988 – 1990
involving illegal payment to public officials in Trinidad and Tobago involving
the American Corporation of Mc Donald Douglas and Tesoro Corporations where
over US$7M were recovered.
The Attorney General also outlined that the government expects that Mr. Lindquist’s
considerable skills will lead to where the funds diverted from the Antigua
and Barbuda Treasury to other places in the names of the public officials.
The Forensic Investigations will be coordinated by special counsel Gerald A.
Watt Q.C. through the office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance.
BACK TO TOP
PM Spencer takes steps
to make his Government accountable
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has taken a number
of steps to ensure that his government remains accountable.
In an address to the nation on 23rd May, Prime Minister Spencer
announced that he has ordered his ministers to declare any gift
given to them in excess of $500 EC in conduct of their duties,
and now list them as state property.
“It is my intention that all gifts of meaningful value that other
governments present to my Ministers will not only be properly designated
as property of the state, but will also go on public display at
a designated time, every year,” the Prime Minister noted.
He noted, “Antigua and Barbuda has been crippled by the seemingly
genetic inability of the dynasty that ruled this country up to
March 23 to recognize any line between what was government property
and what was the politician’s.”
“It seems that once they could get their hands on it, politicians
in the former government treated all public possessions as their
personal property. Those days, thank God, are finally, past. They
must not be allowed to return,” Prime Minister Spencer added.
The Prime Minister also announced that his government will be
taking integrity and anti-corruption legislation to parliament
in a matter of weeks and his administration is also drafting freedom
of information legislation for public consultation.
“The first word in the vocabulary of every person holding public
office in this country, and every person doing business with members
and representatives of the government of this country must henceforth
be accountability,” Mr. Spencer concluded.
BACK TO TOP
Mass
Communications Scholarship
Cabinet agreed to the establishment of the Samuel Fergie Derrick
Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism and an Annual Mass
Communications Scholarship.
The late Fergie Derrick was the Chairman of the Observer Group
of companies and Publisher of the Daily Observer. He was a champion
in the movement towards freedom of the press in Antigua and Barbuda,
and his name became synonymous with the Privy Council and the long
courageous fight for freedom of the press. The Mass Communications
Scholarship will be determined by the Board of Education in collaboration
with the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Fergie Derrick Award for Excellence in Journalism will be
awarded annually to an outstanding journalist whose work advances
free expression and citizen empowerment.
BACK TO TOP
Former President of
Costa Rica pays courtesy call on Prime Minister Spencer
 |
| (left to right) Foreign
Affairs Minister Harold Lovell, Prime Minister Spencer, Permanent
Secretary Colin Murdoch and Former President Miguel Angel
Rodriquez |
On 18th May former President of Costa Rica, Miguel Angel Rodriguez,
paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to seek
support for his candidacy to the position of Secretary General
of the Organisation of American States (OAS).
Mr Rodriguez said that now is a difficult time for the OAS especially in relation
to the matters of Haiti and Venezuela. He said that institution building was
a necessity and noted that participation of CARICOM countries in building democracy
is very important.
It was also stated that the OAS has a mandate to implement certain aspects
of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) but it seems that negotiations
will continue for longer periods. He also pointed out that the record of the
OAS as it pertains to human rights has improved tremendously.
Mr. Rodriguez explained that the OAS can assist small countries like Antigua
and Barbuda in the areas of scholarships and technical assistance. He said
the organisation needs to be more flexible and practical in its operations.
During the meeting Prime Minister Spencer assured Mr Rodriguez
that CARICOM is supporting his candidacy for Secretary-General
of the OAS and pointed out that no member of CARICOM or Central
America has ever held the position.
He also stated that it is important for a small state to lead the OAS. On the
issue of Haiti, Prime Minister Spencer said that CARICOM had a principled position
and that article 20 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter may be invoked
to address the issue.
Prime Minister Spencer also emphasized that the OAS national offices in CARICOM
member states have played a vital role in development and while acknowledging
the financial constraints of the OAS, he urged that they be strengthened.
BACK TO TOP
Antigua
and Barbuda to explore maritime cooperation with the Netherlands
 |
| Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer and Ambassador van der Gaag |
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is to explore entering into
an agreement on maritime cooperation with the Netherlands to combat
drug trafficking within the Caribbean.
This was disclosed on 24th May by Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer during a meeting
with the Netherlands Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Mr.
Maarten Maria van der Gaag, who was on his first official visit to Antigua
and Barbuda.
Prime Minister Spencer pledged his government’s cooperation in anti-drug trafficking
efforts and gave the assurance that the treaty establishing Maritime cooperation
with the Netherlands will be reviewed.
Ambassador van der Gaag also took the opportunity to commend Prime Minister
Spencer as Chairman of CARICOM for the moves being made towards integration
and the position the grouping has taken on Haiti. He also congratulated the
Prime Minister of his impressive election victory at the polls last March.
He also said that the move to get Trinidad and Tobago involved
in addressing the energy problems facing the region is admirable.
Prime Minister Spencer remarked that the meeting with Prime Minister
Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago was very positive and Antigua
and Barbuda is looking forward to a special arrangement as he believes
that Trinidad and Tobago can play a very important role at this
time.
The Netherlands Ambassador also spoke of ways in which his embassy can assist
Antigua and Barbuda in its development and mentioned that the European Union
provided most of the assistance, but there is also mission funds for small
projects.
BACK TO TOP
Government
secures freeze on fuel prices
 |
| Government and the
West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) during the recent discussions |
After three days of intense negotiations with the West Indies
Oil Company WIOC, the Government has secured a freeze on the price
of gasoline and diesel at the pumps.
On 25th May Prime Minister Spencer assembled a team of ministers and called
an urgent meeting with the principals of the West Indies Oil Company, the suppliers
of fuel in the country, to discuss a proposed increase in the price of gasoline
and diesel. The extended meeting was designed to minimize the effects on local
consumers of a worldwide increase in fuel prices.
Minister of Finance and the Economy Dr Errol Cort, who led the discussions
with WIOC over two days, said that he is delighted that as a result of government’s
intervention and shared initiatives by Government and WIOC, prices at the pumps
would not be increasing in spite of the rise in the cost of oil internationally
in recent weeks. Dr. Cort added that most economies in the Caribbean and the
USA have already increased prices at the pumps.
“This relief will continue for at least the next few weeks, during which time
the government and West Indies Oil will continue to monitor world prices and
examine further ways to cushion Antigua and Barbuda from the full impact of price
increases in the future,” said Dr. Cort.
Prime Minister Spencer, who was at the time on his way to Guadalajara Mexico
for the EU-LAC Summit said that he is pleased with the outcome of the discussions
given that his government’s intervention was structured to protect the population
from the hardship that will result from any increase in the price of gas and
other fuels.
While in Mexico, Prime Minister Spencer held discussions with the Prime Minister
of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Patrick Manning and President of Venezuela, Mr.
Hugo Chavez to explore alternative energy sources.
Currently the price of gasoline stands at 7.98 per gallon while diesel is 7.82
per gallon.
BACK TO TOP
Government
Signs MOU for British Military Assistance Training Team (BMATT)
 |
 |
Minister Lovell signs the MOU as
Commander Thomas
of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force looks on |
Baroness Scotland and Minister Lovell
shake
hands after the signing ceremony |
On 26th May Minister of Foreign Affairs, Harold Lovell and Baroness
Scotland of Asthal QC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
to further extend the life of the British Military Assistance Training
Team (BMATT) in Antigua and Barbuda.
BMATT provides counter drugs training, advice, and assistance
to security organisations of the Regional Security System (RSS),
Caribbean Overseas Territories (COTs) and other independent Caribbean
nations. This includes training and advice to Defence Forces, Coastguards,
Police Special Service Units, Maritime Police Units, Customs Services
and all Headquarters and administrative formations.
Minister Lovell said that Antigua and Barbuda has great concerns
over security issues and the government is happy that it could
have been discussed at the recently held UK-Caribbean Forum, but
feels that there is still a lot of work to be done. “Certainly
we felt that the work you have been doing through the BMATT programme
has been very beneficial to us and we will give every encouragement
to you to assist us in this way. They have given tremendous assistance
to our coast guard in relation to our counter narcotics programme
and the military training has been very helpful,” Minister Lovell
added.
Baroness Scotland guaranteed Minister Lovell that the UK will
do everything they can to support Antigua and Barbuda in its efforts
to keep interdiction at appropriate and high levels so that drug
traffickers do not despoil the country and the region.
BACK TO TOP
PM
Spencer heads delegation to EU-LAC Summit in Mexico
 |
| Antiguan delegation
in discussion with the Venezuelan delegation headed by President
Hugo Chavez |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer headed a delegation comprising
Foreign Minister Harold Lovell and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs Colin Murdoch, to the European Union-Latin American
and Caribbean Summit held in the historic Mexican city of Guadalajara
from 28 to 30th May.
On the second day of the Summit, Prime Minister Spencer co-chaired the Summit
meeting between the EU Troika and the member states of the Caribbean grouping
CARIFORUM with Mr. Bertie Ahern, Prime Minister of Ireland.
In opening the session, PM Spencer said: “This morning we wish
to take the opportunity to focus on a few issues of specific relevance
to EU-CARIFORUM cooperation. Our relationship is a longstanding
one, and one to which the Caribbean attaches the highest importance.
This meeting carries special significance, involving as it does
for the first time the new members of the European Union.”
The Prime Minister stated that the innovative procedure of having roundtable
sessions instead of set speeches helped to foster genuine dialogue and a better
understanding of the issues at the Summit.
In reporting to the plenary, Mr. Spencer said: “Participating states recognized
the UN system as a fundamental element of the multilateral system. Nevertheless,
the UN should be strengthened to face more efficiently the new global challenges
and to perform its fundamental role in aspects such as the preservation of
international peace and security, conflict prevention and actions towards crisis
management as well as development.”
Mr. Spencer stated that he felt that the key message of the Summit was that
global problems require global solutions. He added that the Summit was a mechanism
of strategic cooperation on key issues between the European Union, Latin America
and the Caribbean, two important regions of the world.
The Meeting noted the advancement of the process for the establishment
of the CARICOM Single market and Economy as an integral step towards
deeper and more effective integration of the region.
They reiterated support for the multilateral trading system which
is responsive to the development needs and conditions of developing
countries, such as those in the Caribbean. In this regard they
emphasized the need for the conclusion of the ongoing multilateral
trade negotiations within the WTO in a manner which will facilitate
the effective integration of developing countries, such as those
of the Caribbean, into the liberalised global economy.
Mr. Spencer held meetings with the President of Venezuela, Hugo
Chavez, and other leaders in Latin America.
The bilateral discussions focused on cooperation in energy and
technical cooperation in a number of areas, including Spanish language
education.
A Meeting was also held with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.
Mr. Spencer described the meetings as very useful and encouraging. He promised
that his government would follow-up with concrete proposals within weeks.
BACK TO TOP
Antigua and Barbuda
represented at Senior Diplomats Seminar in China
Miss Curliss Bart, Counsellor in the Antigua and Barbuda High
Commission in London recently attended the 3rd Annual Seminar for
Senior Diplomats from Latin America and the Caribbean in the People’s
Republic of China.
The Seminar, which ran from 9 to 20 May 2004, was convened to
deepen mutual understanding between China and the Latin America
and Caribbean Region. The seminar covered several cities - Beijing,
Guiyang, Xiamen, Fuzhou and Shanghai.
Twenty two countries were represented, namely, Antigua and Barbuda,
Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica,
Mexico, Peru, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay
and Venezuela.
Some of the highlights included meetings with top legislators
of the National People’s Congress and officials of the Ministry
of Commerce. Discussions were held with officials of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and a visit to a rural community and attendance
at the China Cross-Straits Scientific and Technological Achievements
Fair was also included.
BACK TO TOP
European
Development Fund (EDF) Programme for Antigua State College progressing
smoothly
 |
| Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer and Ambassador Amos Tincani |
On 26th May Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer received an update
on the progress of work on the Tertiary Education Expansion programme
of the Antigua State College being undertaken by the European Development
Fund EDF.
Ambassador of the European Communities, His Excellency Mr. Amos Tincani, assured
Prime Minister Spencer that the procedural work is progressing smoothly and
construction should commence shortly.
The Expansion programme at the Antigua State College includes the construction
of six classrooms, a modern library, lecture theatre, a staff and student lounge
and cafeteria.
The Prime Minister said that he and his government are fully onboard with the
8 million dollar expansion project and commended the European Union on its
work in Antigua and Barbuda. He
said that he hopes to significantly improve the relations in terms of obligations
and also hopes to work more closely in terms of development issues and meeting
deadlines.
Ambassador Tincani also offered the assistance of the European Union in the
country’s financial stabilization programme and in the translation of programmes
into acting ideas.
In addition to the Tertiary Education Expansion Programme, the
European Development Fund is also funding the Youth Skills Training
Programme where work is being done to upgrade the facilities along
with the rehabilitation of the engineering workshop at the Antigua
State College. The programme also involves the equipping of both
facilities.
The EDF also funds the Drug Demand Reduction Programme which is attached to
the Ministry of Social Transformation.
BACK TO TOP
PM Spencer urged to
attend ACP Summit of Heads of States
 |
| Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer and ambassador Filipe Chidumo |
On 31st May His Excellency Mr. Filipe Chidumo, the Permanent Representative
of Mozambique to the United Nations paid a courtesy call on Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer. His visit comes ahead of the 4th African,
Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Summit of Heads of States to be held
in Mozambique on 21-24 June 2004 to discuss future plans of the
group on issue relating to trade, the economy, business, and foreign
relations.
His Excellency noted the importance of having Caribbean Heads at the Summit
and gave a personal invitation to Prime Minister Spencer to attend, if possible.
The Prime Minister noted that some CARICOM heads have already given a commitment
to attend this Summit and that he will do the best he could to determine the
possibilities of his presence. Prime Minister Spencer stressed the close relationship
that many African countries have had with CARICOM and noted the importance
to continue to build on this relationship.
BACK TO TOP
Excerpts from Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer’s Action Agenda Weekly Broadcast of
30th May 2004
In this broadcast the Prime
Minister speaks on Social Cohesion, the Millennium Naturalisation
Act and the Build-up Business Act:
“Social cohesion is a dominant concern of my own administration.
The policies of the previous administration had the effect of widening
the gap between the rich and the poor in Antigua and Barbuda.
The United Progressive Party Government is aggressively confronting and beginning
the eradication of the problems of poverty, inequality and social exclusion.
I am pledged to equity, justice and social cohesion as fundamental pillars
of development policy in Antigua and Barbuda.
My government’s commitment to social cohesion is exemplified in the National
Economic and Social Council. This Council will represent all sections and all
strata of the Antigua and Barbuda society.
The National Economic and Social Council, which will be headed
by Sir Eustace Francis, will assist in shaping social, economic
and development policy in our country. The Council, in embryo,
came into play when the head of the Stanford Group presented his
proposals for Guiana Island to civil society.
The United Progressive Party’s fight against exclusion is behind the Bill for
the Millennium Naturalisation Act which we have laid in Parliament. Non-natives
in Antigua and Barbuda must no longer be treated as second class citizens.
My Government’s commitment to social cohesion drives the Equal Opportunity
legislation that is now in preparation. The fundamentals to social cohesion
are central to the Sunshine Government’s fiscal and development policies.
This is demonstrated in the UPP Government’s first national budget, as it will
be in all future budgets. Antigua and Barbuda has been too stratified a society.
Increasingly, the rich were getting richer, and the poor were
getting poorer. I have no problem with the rich getting richer,
once it is by legitimate means. I will not, however, permit the
poor to get poorer.
The only sensible development policy, the only viable development policy, is
for the Government to intervene in order to ensure that the national pie is
equitably shared, and that the slices of that pie grow bigger for every one.
The Buildup Business Bill, which goes to Parliament in a matter of weeks, is
geared to those objectives. The Buildup Business Bill is geared to providing
a level playing field for businesses of all sizes; micro, small, medium and
large. The Buildup Business Bill will also be geared to leveling the playing
field for local entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
This legislation will mandate Requests for Proposals from local
contractors. It will mandate the use of local labour, once the
supply and skills are available. And it will mandate strong local
content in material and supplies.
The Buildup Business Bill will also provide for 25% of all government procurement
and all projects requiring government approvals to be reserved for micro and
small businesses.
In the past, this country’s destiny was left to the disposition
of foreign investors. Some of those investors were speculators,
bent only on plunder. They found a compliant government in the
dynasty that ruled this country, and among their accomplices. It
is not going to be business as usual under my watch.
We promised the Antiguan and Barbudan people transparency, accountability,
integrity and inclusion. We also promised to roll out the same red carpet for
local investors that we roll out for foreign investors.
We will announce a regime of special incentives to energise the local business
sector very shortly. We will also announce the startup of a major foreign investment
project, very shortly.
Foreign investors have no difficulty working with a government that insists
on rules and standards. They have no problem dealing with public officials
that play by the book. They have no difficulty dealing with a government resolute
on transparency and accountability. Mr. Allen Stanford has demonstrated that.
New investors will be demonstrating that.
People who have been doing business with Antigua and Barbuda through politicians
bending over backwards, are discovering that members of my government will
not be in a supine position when dealing with investors. I am convinced that
Antigua and Barbuda has unmatched value to offer investors.
We do not have to give away the whole store when we negotiate with them.
I am satisfied that every investor worth having here will want, as we do, a
manifestly win-win result to any negotiations with the Government of Antigua
and Barbuda.”
BACK TO TOP
Hawksbill Hotel sold...workers
consult union on labour issues
Excerpted from the Antigua
Sun
The Hawksbill Resort has been sold to the Rex Resort group -
Management Resorts International (MRI) and is now operating under
new ownership.
A well-placed source told the SUN that 100 per cent shares in
Hawksbill Resort were sold to MRI.
Bargaining agents for the hotel employees, the Antigua and Barbuda
Workers Union however, wants the new hotel management to allow
for optional severance, so that if an employee wants to move on
he or she can be given the opportunity to do so.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union's Industrial Relations
Officer, Senator Chester Hughes, had a meeting with the management
of MRI to discuss certain issues that could affect the former Hawksbill
employees. The law makes provisions for the successor employer
to take over the liabilities of the predecessor employer whereby
the employees can continue to work on a continuous basis.
It is, however, always recommended that in the best interest
of both the new employer and the employees that severance be paid
before the successor employer fully assumes the running of the
particular company.
This leaves the successor employer with the option of choosing
staff and starting with a clean slate without having to worry with
the past record of employees on file. It also gives employees a
chance to be paid their severance and to determine their options.
Hawksbill Resort comprises 111 rooms and Rex Resort will now
be the third largest hotel operator in the country - the company
already operates Rex Halycon Cove and Rex Blue Heron.
BACK TO TOP
Travel
Agents see first hand Antigua’s Tourism product
Mrs Florence Cash, Tourism Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda
Tourist Office has returned to London after escorting a group of
Travel Agents from various travel agencies in the United Kingdom
on the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office/Virgin Atlantic Familiarisation
Visit to Antigua from 19 - 26th May 2004.
In spite of the unseasonably heavy rains, the Agents had a “whale
of a time”.
They expressed delight at seeing first hand what Antigua and Barbuda
has to offer their customers and have pledged to promote Antigua
and Barbuda with increased vigour.
BACK TO TOP
|
