By
Michael Freeland,Trade Affairs Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairsand International Trade
On the heels of the just concluded General Council
Session on July 31st, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Member
States have agreed to hold talks in one area of the Singapore issues.
They are so named because they entered the WTO work programme through
the declaration issued by the Singapore Ministerial Conference.
The issues involved are trade and investment, trade and competition,
transparency in government procurement and trade facilitation.
Modalities for negotiations on Trade Facilitation were set out
with the aim to clarify and improve relevant aspects of the GATT
1994 with a view to further expediting the movement, release and
clearance of goods, including goods in transit.
Since 1994, international trade rules signaled on member states to allow freedom
of transit by requiring them to comply with a number of specific obligations.
These rules also indicate a limitation to costs and complexities of the import
and export process by limiting the fee and charges that countries impose on
importation and exportation related activities. Further, there is emphasis
on transparency and an obligation by members to promptly publish laws, regulations,
judicial decisions, and administrative rulings of general applications pertaining
to customs, insurance, warehouse inspection and so on.
Some developing countries have hinted at a willingness to discuss this sole
Singapore issue which covers among other things customs procedures, provided
that technical assistance and capacity building-activities are assured to help
them implement the laws, institutions and financing necessary to fulfill their
obligations to this trade rule. The fact remains that developing countries,
such as Antigua and Barbuda are vulnerable in nature faced with financial constraints
and lack of human resources. Tariff elimination will no doubt have a significant
impact on Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, particularly given the reliance for
revenue taxes on international trade and transactions for fiscal revenue.
There is a need for the development of trade and business facilitation mechanisms
to be internationally competitive. Antigua and Barbuda’s financial system is
therefore adopting measures to advance trade with other member states and the
world at large. We will take a closer look at measures already in place and
those which need to be in place to facilitate trade.
Improving transparency and predictability in customs procedures
is key to making business operation flow smoothly and also reduce
costs at the port. A more efficient port could translate to lower
costs of goods on the supermarket shelves. Without predictable
information on costs and time, traders have difficulty making informed
business decisions. Transparency has been long adopted but never
clearly illustrated. Thus, new reporting structures should be introduced
and measures to maximize compliance with all trade agreements and
customs regulations should be in order to reduce any short term
negative impacts in implementing the agreements. The problem of
having clear guidelines of procedures so that anyone can simply
pick up a leaflet that says step-by step what the procedures are
for clearing their Christmas barrel is an example of the improvements
needed to facilitate trade.
Most of the documentation used in the average international trade transaction
contains the same information rather than necessary data for customs administration.
The excessive documentation requirement increases the formalities four-fold
which is a pedestal for delays and usually have to be presented at the time
of border-crossing. The question may loom as to whether the sizeable volume
of documentation is effective in restraining dishonest practices.
The Customs and Excise Division has been mandated to computerize the declaration
processing procedures, which required the identification of operational procedures,
review of the procedures for inefficiencies and consultations with the trading
community to identify the declaration processing procedures. This is a progressive
step as it is also done in other countries like Singapore and Jamaica who are
very competitive with transshipment and import of goods.
What should be evident is the utilization of two different declaration forms,
namely the Single Administration Document (SAD) and the Simplified Declaration
Form (SDF). SAD is used for all commercial consignments, whilst SDF is for
the imports of personal and household effects, used professional apparatus
and non-commercial items. Consumers who are generally unaccustomed to custom’s
procedures will be grateful that the SDF form entails one (1) copy for their
convenience and the SAD, four (4); mostly for importers or brokers.
In keeping with the simplicity of the declaration procedure,
the Customs and Excise Division introduced the Automated System
for Customs Data, or ASYCUDA to generate a number of printouts
to facilitate trade. These printouts show an assessment notice,
a receipt and a release order which will allow for the smooth progress
of clearance of goods rather than the usual three (3) hours (optimistically)
to 2 days. With proper completion, this project can also allow
for electronic data submission, effective risk assessment and facilitate
post-release payment of taxes and duties. Increasing the use of
information technology shows that border-crossing time can be reduced
significantly, while control of and revenue collection functions
are improved simultaneously.
Import transitions are vital to further expediting the movement, release and
clearance of goods, including goods in transit. If we look at other successful
customs within the region such as Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda could undertake
some of its practices that will help to alleviate the obstacles to the movement
of goods across borders.
The use of pre-clearance verification is widely accepted in many other countries
as a measure to ease the flow of goods. Also, a post clearance audit and an
Intelligence Risk Management System (IRMS) to improve risk management could
be adapted. This system (IRMS) will enable resources to be deployed in high
risk areas, increase revenue collection as a result of enhanced intelligence
gathering on tax and import duty evaders, and aid in the compliance of laws
and regulations. The danger attributed by trade practices is of dire concern,
given the fact that customs revenue accounts for 50 % of trade taxes collected
by the government. Thus, the risk cannot be ignored.
These and other relevant actions can only be practical if Antigua
and Barbuda receive sufficient and resourceful means of technical
assistance. The training of operative level personnel; modernization
of methods of customs clearance; building and/or commission of
computer systems to provide effective price references and management
of valuation risk; and improving management techniques require
adequate preparation. No successful implementation programme can
be achieved without sufficient capacity building and technical
assistance initiatives to support the process and those involved.
As a small economy, we are faced with the stringent and protracted policy of
complying with various agreements, aiming to fit in with the competitive world.
The task for Antigua and Barbuda is to put the relevant mechanisms in place,
hold discussions with its regional partners and receive ample assistance from
funding agencies; all in a joint effort to adapt to Trade Facilitation.
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PM
Spencer calls for Public Sector Transformation in Antigua and
Barbuda
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer recently stated that the time
has come for the transformation of the public sector.
The Prime Minister made the statement while addressing members of the trade
unions during a consultation on the reform of the tax system. His comments
came against the backdrop of the public payroll exceeding all others in the
sub-region as a percentage of recurrent expenditure. The government is the
largest employer in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Antigua and Barbuda will be a certain casualty of the Caribbean Single Market
and the Free Trade Area of the Americas if we fail to transform our Public Service
and bring it into the 21st century. We have no option but to completely reject
the proposition of the Public Service as a gigantic welfare agency,” the Prime
Minister noted.
“Antigua and Barbuda has not been able to sustain that proposition.
It is easy to understand why Antigua and Barbuda is in economic
crisis,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He outlined that any miracle performed by the Minister of Finance and the Economy
during the November 2004 Budget, one of the imperatives to taking the country
forward would have to be all-embracing Public Sector Transformation.
“Public Sector Transformation is fundamental if Antigua and Barbuda is to keep
up with CARICOM. Radical Public Sector Transformation is fundamental if we are
to succeed in CARICOM and if we are to survive in the Free Trade Area of the
Americas,” Prime Minister Spencer concluded.
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Fisheries Development
Centre at the Point Wharf
Release from the Ministry of Finance and
the Economy
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is grateful to the Government
of Japan for the grant aid programmme which will lead to the construction
of the Fisheries Development Centre at the Point Wharf.
In accordance with the agreement between both Governments and
as is customary with this type of project, the principle contractor
is selected by the Government of Japan who, in this instance, has
awarded the contract to a Japanese company, TOA Corporation. TOA
Corporation decided, in turn, to employ Antigua Masonary Product/DevCon
International Corp. as its subcontractor.
The project is divided into two (2) phases, the first of which
is expected to commence once the project site has been prepared.
At this stage of the project, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda,
in accordance with the agreement between both Governments, is in
the process of fulfilling its contractual obligations which include
the demolition of three (3) buildings and the existing slipway.
To this end, the Tenders Board, on 13th October 2004, invited all
interested persons, by way of electronic media, to assemble at
the project site on 14th October 2004 for a description of the
scope of work. Bids were to be submitted no later than 18th October
2004. Eight (8) bids were received on Monday 18th October. After
carrying out appropriate checks, the Tenders Board awarded the
contract for the demolition to Mr. Neil Constant of Pares Village
on Tuesday 19th October 2004.
The Government wishes to assure the general public that it has
consistently maintained a position that available opportunities
for employment with respect to the Project must be provided to
the people of Antigua and Barbuda, with specific inclusion of persons
from the Point, Villa and surrounding communities.
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New
Chinese Ambassador pays courtesy call on PM Spencer
 |
| Prime Minister Spencer
and Ambassador Ren Xiaoping of the People’s Republic of China |
On 12th October the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Antigua
and Barbuda Ren Xiaoping paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer.
Ambassador Xiaoping brought greetings from the President of the People’s Republic
of China Hu Jintao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoing.
The Chinese diplomatic remarked that Antigua and Barbuda is a special friend
of the People’s Republic of China since it was the first country within the
region to recognise the One China policy. She noted that her government will
make every effort within its capacity to assist the country with its development.
Prime Minister Spencer also extended greetings on behalf of his Cabinet colleagues
and pointed out that both countries have had long and mutually beneficial relations,
and his government intends to strengthen that relationship. He noted that he
is confident that the relationship will move forward in practical and meaningful
ways.
Ambassador Xiaoping, whose last posting was in China said that her immediate
priority is to ensure that the Prime Minister’s proposed official state visit
to China in November is a success.
Other matters discussed included the Mount St. John’s Medical
Centre and World Cup Cricket.
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Prime Minister Spencer
to make official visit to China
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer will lead a delegation on an
official visit to the People’s Republic of China following an invitation
from the Chinese Government.
The delegation to the People’s Republic of China consists of
Prime Minister Spencer and Mrs. Spencer, Minister of State in the
Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, Antigua
and Barbuda’s Ambassador to China His Excellency David Shoul and
Mrs Shoul, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Chief Protocol Officer Ms. Cicely Solomon,
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Maurice Merchant and
Aide to the Prime Minister Lieutenant Uriah Sheppard.
Prime Minister Spencer said that he is delighted that the Chinese Government
has extended the invitation to visit and he intends to utilize the opportunity
to further consolidate the bilateral relations that exist between both countries. “Our
two countries enjoy very good relations and our peoples are bound by traditional
friendship,” outlined Prime Minister Spencer.
The Chinese Ambassador in Antigua and Barbuda Her Excellency Ren Xiaoping said
that she is pleased that Prime Minister Spencer has accepted the invitation
to visit the People’s Republic of China and her country will continue to do
everything within its capacity to enhance the friendly cooperation that they
now enjoy.
During the 21 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations,
the Chinese Government has provided Antigua and Barbuda with economic assistance
at a total amount of 210 million RMB (approximately US$26 million) under which
China has built schools, roads, bridge, drainage ditch, exhibition centre and
other projects.
Prime Minister Spencer and his delegation will depart Antigua and Barbuda on
November 13 for the People’s Republic of China and return on November 23. The
visit is fully funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China.
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PM
Spencer pledges to provide opportunities for young people
 |
 |
Dancers from the sister island of
Barbuda
at the National Youth Rally 2004 |
Adrien Lewis formerly of the Antigua
State
College receiving his Gold Award from
Governor-General Sir James Carlisle |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has reminded thousands of the nation’s
young people that they are the future of the nation.
Speaking during the Independence Youth Rally on the 29th October at the Antigua
Recreation Grounds, Prime Minister Spencer said that the future of the nation
is in the hands of the young people.
“I want you to understand that the future of our nation is in your hands. The
Government is working to make Antigua and Barbuda a land of opportunity for all
of our young people. No one will be left out. No one will be left behind. You
are tomorrow’s leaders. You will inherit the world. Go bravely into the future.
Later on you will go bravely into the world,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister, who was speaking at his first Youth Rally since elected
on March 23, pointed out that there is no substitute for hard work. He reminded
them of the importance of speaking Standard English.
“You might not have thought about it but there is also no substitute for speaking
English. I know how comfortable it is to talk in slang. Slang will not get you
very far in life. You will not pass exams that you write in slang. You will not
get good jobs if your applications or your interviews are in slang. It is said
that image is everything. Image has a lot to do with how you speak,” Prime Minister
Spencer pointed out.
The Youth Rally which is a gathering of Junior and High Schools in celebration
of the Antigua and Barbuda’s 23rd Independence also featured an address by
the country’s CARICOM Youth Ambassador Janelle Alexander.
Governor General Sir James Carlisle presented Academic Awards to the top Primary,
Post Primary, CXC and A-Level students in the land. Adrien Lewis formerly of
the Antigua State College received the Gold Award, Nicole Roberts formerly
of the Antigua Girls High School and now attending the Antigua State College
received the Silver Award while Jeron Christopher of the Antigua Grammar School
and Sandray Williams of the Princess Margaret School received the Bronze Award.
The Youth Rally which included special drills throughout the streets of St.
John’s was held under the theme “Together, We Will Shape our Future.” The
Independence activities which ran from October 24 to November 1 was held under
the theme “Antigua and Barbuda – One Family.”
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PM
Spencer opens Jolly Beach Vacations Resort
 |
Prime Minister Baldwin
Spencer
addressing the gathering |
On the 28th October Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer opened the
Jolly Beach Vacations Time Share Resort which he described as a
major contributor to the nation’s development.
Jolly Beach Vacations Time Share Resort is a subsidiary of the
ABI Financial Group of Companies consisting of a 64 unit facility
located on the mile-long Jolly Beach.
In his address, Prime Minister Spencer said that the ABI Group
has gone boldly beyond many boundaries where no local business
organisation has gone before.
“What we see in ABI today is an inspiring demonstration of visionary
planning and bold leadership. The group is an inspiration to us
all. ABI not only does good business, it also does good things.
“In an era when corporate executives of good repute must feel
rather lonely, ABI has been winning awards for its good deeds in
the communities in which it operates. I congratulate ABI on its
civic consciousness and on its good citizenship. ABIB shows us
that good deeds are a valuable corollary to good business,” the
Prime Minister remarked.
The country’s leader also challenged the ABI Group and its Chairman
Sir Eustace Francis who is also the Chairman of the recently legislated
National Economic and Social Council, to do more within the business
community.
“I would like to see a number of areas in this country designated
Special Enterprise Zones in a National Blueprint for Balanced Development.
I would like to see this Blueprint for Balanced Development take
shape speedily through a partnership involving government and business,” the
Prime Minister said.
“A key strategy in the Blueprint for Balanced Development should
be affirmative action geared to levelling the economic playing
field in this country. I envisage that the formulation of the Blueprint
for Balanced Development and the establishment of the Special Enterprise
Zones will involve the Ministry of Social Transformation as the
government’s executing agency,” Prime Minister Spencer noted
He outlined that he is challenging the group and its Chairman
to use his considerable capacities to transform the concept into
reality.
“The bottom line to this is that we produce a new cadre of entrepreneurs
who can become self employed, and grow to wealth creators and job
creators. Nobody can do this better than ABIB,” he said.
Jolly Beach Vacations comprises one, two and three-bedroom units,
with some specially designed for handicapped access. Stylish, hand-made
Colombian bamboo furniture adorns the units. Each comes with a
well-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, ceiling fans, crockery,
cutlery, linen, cable TV, direct dial phone service and an in-room
safety deposit box.
Vacationers through ABI’s affiliation with Interval International,
can trade their Antiguan vacation for one in the USA, Europe, Asia,
Africa, Australia or other parts of the Caribbean.
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Antigua
and Barbuda promoted at FCCA Trade Fair
 |
| General of Tourism,
Miss Shirlene Nibbs |
Antigua and Barbuda had a very good showing at the Florida Caribbean
Cruise Association trade fair held recently in Barbados.
The country was highlighted by the use of pictorials and other
exhibits depicting the varying facets of the country’s tourism
product. Over 800 delegates received packages with Antigua and
Barbuda being featured among the top cruise destinations within
the region.
Director General of Tourism, Shirlene Nibbs and Minister of State
within the Ministry of Tourism Hilson Baptiste represented Antigua
at the conference in Barbados that formed part of the Trade Fair
and exhibition.
The meeting proved to be historic as it was the first time that
three major organizations, namely, the Caribbean Tourism Organization
(CTO), the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), and the Florida Caribbean
Cruise Association (FCCA), came together to discuss issues pertinent
to the Caribbean cruise industry.
“It was a meeting of the key stakeholders of Land and Cruise
Tourism. The basic bone of contention usually between these two
partners, is the fact that land tourism operators and Governments
often complain that cruise line operators do not contribute enough
to the economic development of the region,” outlined Ms Nibbs.
In this regard, two Cruise lines (Royal Caribbean and Carnival
Cruise Line) made commitments of US$30,000 each towards scholarships
for two regional students to study tourism. Also, a commitment
has been made that all Cruise lines will run a destination (non-commercial)
video when entering a Caribbean destination port.
Employment of Caribbean nationals was another area deeply discussed
among key representatives. It has been agreed that a formal structure
for recruitment of Caribbean nationals in a transparent manner
will be produced.
An initiative has been put forward to have all Caribbean countries
engaged in a “Best of the Caribbean Expo” to be held in St. Thomas
in August 2005. This initiative is geared towards encouraging the
purchase of top quality local goods and produce from the various
Caribbean destinations. During this Expo, Caribbean producers will
showcase their best supplies to purchasing representatives of the
major cruise lines that visit the region.
Considering all the strides made in relations among key agencies,
Antigua’s Director General has noted that another major stimulus
occurred during the Barbados experience.
Miss Nibbs had the opportunity to interact with the chairpersons’ of
Taxi Associations representing islands such as Barbados, St. Lucia
and the British Virgin Islands who were meeting with key executives
of the various Cruise Lines represented with the hopes of selling
quality island tours.
Those local taxi associations have unified their approach towards
the vending of their services. All local associations have come
together under one umbrella taxi organization inclusive of their
unions in their respective islands instead of exhibiting numerous
taxi associations with varying standards of service.
These Taxi Officials have come to the realization that they are
no longing just delivering a carrier Taxi Service, they are now
in the business of marketing a professional, high quality Tour
Operation.
The Director General is hoping to pass on this innovative ideology
to the Taxi associations in Antigua in an effort to lift the standard
of the service offered in Antigua.
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Prime
Minister launches Property Development Project at NonSuch Bay
 |
 |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and
President/CEO
of La Perla Living, Geert Duizendstraal cutting
the ribbon to begin the project |
A view of the section of NonSuch
Bay
that will be developed |
On 22nd October Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer cut the ribbon
to official commence work on 40 acres of land for up-scale market
residential development at NonSuch Bay in the south eastern section
of the island.
The project by La Perla Living offers 22 plots for free-standing
villas, 16 luxurious townhouses with direct sea access, beach front
properties in the form of 40 apartments and 30 pied a terre suites.
The development will also feature a club, recreation and commercial
area and a boat dock.
Prime Minister Spencer said that the clientele the project will
attract will produce benefits for the economy of Antigua and Barbuda.
In his address at the Opening Ceremony, the Prime Minister Spencer
said “Though Antigua and Barbuda has long been a preferred option
for luxury living communities, La Perla Living will bring added
cachet to this very special island.
I doubt that any country in this region will be able to boast
a collection of gems of the calibre of Mill Reef, Jumby Bay and,
in the very near future, La Perla Living.
The La Perla Living project will add significant value to Antigua
and Barbuda’s profile among preferred upscale residential locations
and premium resort destinations.”
He continued. “I expect that among NonSuch Development Bay property
owners there will be a goodly number of prospective investors.
I am confident that La Perla Living executives will share their
positive experience in negotiating the approvals process for this
project with the international investment community.”
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 |
| Health Minister John
Maginley |
HEALTH
Ministry of Health
to focus on women in the society by promoting equal access to
treatment
“A very important health issue that affects women in Antigua and
Barbuda is the HIV/AIDS epidemic”.
Health Minister John Maginley made this statement while indicating that his
government will be focusing on women in the society by promoting equal access
to treatment.
Minister Maginley says a report from the Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) indicated that women now accounts for half the people living
with AIDS throughout the world.
The Health Minister notes that the government is concerned about the number
of young women between the ages 16-24 who are contracting the disease. He said
that the government has organized a child transmission prevention programme
for pregnant women that are infected with the virus. This programme he says
allows the mothers to be treated with antiretroviral drugs which prevent the
virus from passing on to the baby.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the antiretroviral drugs are available
and accessible to everyone that requires them. These antiretroviral drugs are
provided to patients in Antigua and Barbuda through the Clinton Foundation,” outlined
Minister Maginley.
The Health Minister cites that he is encouraging people to come forward for
voluntary counseling and testing as the drugs offer great hope. He said the
ARVS do not cure HIV, but prolong a healthier life for persons living with
HIV/AIDS.
Digital photo and story by Teste Thomas – PR Division
Ministry of Health
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