ISSUE NO.94 November/December
2004
A Message from His Excellency Dr. Carl B. Roberts,
High Commissioner
to the Court of St James’s
 It is a season of joy and of peace when our thoughts turn to family
and friends whether they are near or far. For a new Government,
the focus has been on restoring the image of Antigua and Barbuda
and strengthening the unity among all citizens in the State.
The visit by the Prime Minister to China and the improvements
in the relationship between the Government and one of the State’s
significant investor, R. Allen Stanford, have been some early initiatives
undertaken by the Government to address the state of the economy
and the island’s large debt of XCD $3 billion.
The historic budget presented on the 30th November by the Minister
of Finance and the Economy was the first to be presented to Parliament
and passed before the effective date of 1st January. It demonstrated
the Government’s determination to restructure its expenditure
and sources of income to improve the “fiscal and economic
situation in Antigua and Barbuda”.
We are therefore happy that with the start of a new year at hand,
the signs of a rebirth of our blessed country will take place and
bring to the fore the warmth and hospitality of our people. May
the expressions of goodwill lift our spirits and rejuvenate us
all for the tasks ahead.
I therefore take this opportunity to wish all of our readers
A Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
H E Dr Carl B Roberts
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Antigua and Barbuda receives 2 Million RMB for Military Aid
 |
Prime Minister Spencer and General
Cao signing the military
aid
agreement at the August 1st Building
in Beijing, China |
On the 18th November the Government of the People’s Republic
of China gave the government of Antigua and Barbuda 2 Million RMB
(US $241, 496.31) in gratis military aid.
A signing ceremony took place at the August 1st Building in Beijing China between
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and the Vice Chairman of the Central Military
Commission of China Cao Gangchuan.
During discussions with Prime Minister Spencer, General Cao Gangchuan, who
is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) stated
that China is willing to further strengthen relations between the armies of
China and Antigua and Barbuda. He remarked, “In order to strengthen the
ties between our countries I urge further exchanges. These include more Antigua
and Barbuda military exchanges and we will accept Antiguan and Barbudan military
students to study in our military schools here. The People’s Liberation
Army PLA is willing to help develop the forces in Antigua and Barbuda and we
will always continue to provide aid to your forces.”
Prime Minister Spencer thanked the Chinese Military for their
assistance and pledged his government’s support in promoting
the One China Principle and promoting peace which he considers
right, noble and honourable. “I fully support the principle
held by the People’s Republic of China that all nation’s
can co-exist peacefully and harmoniously. I am indeed looking forward
to our continued cooperation and understanding especially in military
and security issues,” Prime Minister Spencer remarked.
The Prime Minister said that the Chinese Government’s philosophy of promoting
peace around the world by pursuing a policy that all people’s and nations
are entitled to decision making and discussion on any affair is admirable. “I
am particularly pleased with the efforts of China on the Haiti Issue of accepting
that the problems of the Caribbean island can be resolved through dialogue
and not through force. Antigua and Barbuda will certainly rely on China as
a member of the United Nations Security Council to continue playing a meaningful
role in resolving the problems of Haiti,” said the Prime Minister.
“China believes that rather than countries pursuing their own interest
at the peril of others, cooperation and understanding is crucial in resolving
any conflict which may arise from differences which may occur from time to time,” outlined
General Cao who is also the Minister of National Defence and Director of the
PLA General Armament Department.
We should join hands and help each other,” added the General.
The agreement will allow for the upgrade of the facilities at the Antigua and
Barbuda Defence Force ABDF in the form of computers and electrical power generation
among other things.
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Prime Minister secures additional street lighting for major highway
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer signed an agreement with the Government
of the People’s Republic of China to provide aid for the
erection of additional street lights from the V.C. Bird International
Airport to the round-about at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.
The Prime Minister said that the aid, which is a part of a 5 Million RMB (US
$603, 740.78) package, will be used to provide 1500 street lights to enhance
one of the most important highways in Antigua. “The Chinese government
has seen the importance of the project and has graciously agreed to provide the
assistance. We thank the government of China wholeheartedly for the assistance
and pledge to develop our good relations,” outlined the Prime Minister.
The aid package will also provide funding for the construction of hurricane shelters
and the provision of sporting goods to develop the volleyball, tennis, golf,
athletics, netball, weightlifting, basketball and football programmes in the
schools.
The Chinese Government over the years has provided Antigua and Barbuda with a
total amount of 210 million RMB (US $25,357,112.67) in economic assistance under
which the Chinese have built schools, roads, bridge, drainage ditch, exhibition
centre and other projects for the Antiguan and Barbudan people.
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Ministers take 10% salary cut as Government implements austerity measures Government Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Secretaries
in the United Progressive Party Administration will take a 10%
pay cut as government implements austerity measures to re-energize
the country’s economy.
Finance and the Economy Minister, Dr. Errol Cort, made the announcement
on 30th November during the presentation of the 2005 “People’s
Budget – Foundation for a Fresh Start” in Parliament.
Dr. Cort said that the 10% cut, which will become effective from
January 1 2005, will be an added contribution by the top government
officials to a Stabilization Fund which will be financed mainly
by the introduction of Personal Income Tax.
“This means that when personal income tax becomes operative
on the 1st of April, 2005, our Honourable Prime Minister, my colleague
Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Secretaries, and
the Minister of Finance and the Economy, will be taking home a
lower portion of our salaries than will other income earners in
our tax brackets in Antigua and Barbuda,” Dr. Cort outlined.
The Finance Minister also noted that other officials, including
Senators and Board Members appointed by the administration, will,
more than likely, voluntarily take a similar cut in salaries and
fees.
He also challenged the members of the Opposition to do likewise. “I
am confident that Honourable Members opposite need no urging to
join the United Progressive Party in this symbolic sharing of the
burden of adjustment at this time,” Dr. Cort said.
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R. Allen Stanford fulfils first commitment in Alliance for Development through Education and Empowerment with Government
 |
Prime Minister Spencer accepting
the
$1 million cheque from Mr Stanford |
On 1st December, R. Allen Stanford handed over to Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer a cheque for EC$1 million towards the completion
of the construction of the National Library.
On 30th November, Finance and the Economy Minister, Dr. Errol Cort, announced
that Prime Minister Spencer had negotiated an arrangement with Mr. Stanford
with the prime fundamental being development through education and empowerment.
The arrangement included the donation towards the Library Fund.
During the presentation, it was also announced that further funds
which will be raised for the completion of the library in six months
will be matched by R. Allen Stanford.
“Not only are you a great Prime Minister you are a great negotiator Mr.
Prime Minister. We have just toured the site and I have committed myself that
over the next two weeks the monies that the Library Board can raise I will match.
I understand that there is about three million dollars needed to complete the
library and the Prime Minister and I agree that a year is too long to complete
the project, so the additional funds will reduce the time by six months,” announced
Mr. Stanford. Mr. Stanford also committed technical assistance to the completion
of the project.
Prime Minister Spencer commended Mr. Stanford for his contribution and the
gesture of matching the funds that will be raised during the special appeal.
He said that other business entities should follow Mr. Stanford’s lead
and make a contribution.
“I urge every Antiguan and Barbudan to contribute to this fund to create
a national institution for the education of our people. Whatever you can contribute
make sure you make a donation which will be matched by Mr. Stanford. We are seeking
to do what is right to ensure that we have a library in six months time,” outlined
Prime Minister Spencer.
The Library is being constructed by the Ministry of Public Works.
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PM Spencer addresses the Nation on budgetary matters
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer addressed the nation
on 2nd December on matters addressed in the 2005 Budget Presentation.
On 30th November, Finance and Economy Minister Dr. Errol Cort presented a $609
million dollar Budget which represents a reduction of $17 million from 2003.
The country’s recurrent expenditure is estimated at $523 million with a
deficit of $86 million.
The Budget package included a number of belt-tightening measures designed to
help the government repair the economic woes left by the Antigua Labour Party
Administration. The measures include a reduction of the public sector through
voluntary separation and retirement, the introduction of Personal Income Tax,
a retail tax and an increase in property tax. The removal of a number of tax
measures such as the customs service tax and a number of other “nuisance
taxes” also formed part of the budget.
Another major component of the budget was the establishment of an alliance for
development through education and empowerment with Texan billionaire R. Allen
Stanford. The alliance includes the donation of $1 million EC dollars to the
Library Construction Fund, the establishment of a $10 million Fund for the empowerment
of new entrepreneurs, the construction of a $25 million higher education complex,
the transforming of the Stanford Development Company into a professional management
services company outsourcing 70% of its construction projects and the acquisition
of Guiana Island for the construction of a $3 billion dollar upscale resort.
In his address the Prime Minister said, “The Cabinet’s
recommendation that the government should proceed with the economic
opportunities that would result from alliance with the Stanford
Group was an economic decision.
I was in China when the matter came before the Cabinet.
I endorsed the Cabinet position, and I acted promptly in negotiating the numerous
agreements of the members of Cabinet who were present at the meeting.
I have taken the time to listen to the radio debate on the Alliance for Development
through Education and Empowerment that the Government has struck with the Stanford
Group.
Some of the slander, the defamation, of decent, upright people on the radio
talk shows, has been shocking and deplorable. It is unfair and it is wicked.
The imputation against the Minister of Finance that was permitted, if not encouraged
by the radio station is reprehensible.
The insinuation that there was misinformation of the reporting of government
debt to the Stanford Group is equally offensive. A proper reading would have
confirmed that IMF reported external debt due to the Stanford Group.
It is not my intention to get into legal intricacies that surround
the Dato Tan deal with the previous administration. I would observe
however, that the range and scope of the entitlement to which the
previous government assented in the Asian Village Agreement are
repugnant to any concept of sovereignty.
Those entitlements will form no part of the eventual agreement with the Stanford
Group and development of the lands that were ceded to Dato Tan Kay Hock by
the previous administration.
I am confident that any development of those lands by the Stanford Group will
be of the character and the standard they have established in this country.
The government has given approval for the Stanford Group’s development
of the land-package in the north of Antigua.
The land does not belong to the state. Dato Tan Kay Hock’s interests
hold the title to the land. The status is that the bulk of the money due on
the sale of the land to those interests remains unpaid. The Government has
filed court action to recover the land on separate bases. We have no control
over how long that process will take; nor can we control its outcome.
Acquisition of the land from Asian Villages is an option open to the government.
We have the obligation to establish the circumstances in which the land was
acquired for the sole purpose of passing it to Dato Tan.
Those options will be explored. One option we do not have the liberty to explore
is to turn away a legitimate investor with a plan that will generate some 2000
jobs in this country.”
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PM Spencer tells Shanghai and Hong Kong businessmen of investment opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda
 |
| Prime Minister Spencer addressing
the Chinese businessmen |
During his recent visit to the People’s Republic of China,
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer informed businessmen of Hong Kong
and Shanghai of the many investment opportunities that are available
in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with businessmen, the Prime Minister
said that Antigua and Barbuda offers a business-friendly regulatory
climate that is conducive to profitability. He noted that his government
offers meaningful investments to investors, without restrictions
on the repatriation of profits for foreign investors.
“We offer good communications and infrastructure and an
educated, skilled and highly adaptable work force. We offer to
foreign personnel involved with foreign investment projects ready
access. We have introduced integrity legislation intended to eliminate
corruption from the approvals processes for investment projects,” outlined
the Prime Minister.
He noted that his government has completed the preliminary work
for the establishment of The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority.
“The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority will be a
one-stop regulatory and facilitation agency that will coordinate
and expedite the approvals process for investors,” he said.
The Antigua and Barbuda leader also outlined a number of specific
investment options that his Government is offering. “We have
an established and reputable banking sector, with strong regulatory
measures to protect its integrity. We are reorganizing our international
financial services environment,” he outlined.
He said that it is geared to significant expansion of the range
of financial products available to operators in the sector and
pointed out that Antigua and Barbuda and the United States share
the same time zone which will facilitate doing business in both
countries at the same time.
“I am inviting proposals for the establishment of a major
container trans-shipment port in Antigua. Our geographic location
is ideal for such a facility. Our proposed container trans-shipment
port can be a convenient, cost effective option for distributing
cargo to surrounding Caribbean countries, and to Central and South
America,” Prime Minister Spencer noted.
He also said that his government would welcome Chinese involvement
in related Free Zone projects that could be a manufacturing park
and a wholesale shopping centre for the Caribbean region.
“I also invite investment proposals for the development
of a premium Sea Island cotton industry in partnership with the
Government of Antigua and Barbuda. This will include linkages with
textile and garment manufacturing and marketing,” he noted.
Prime Minister Spencer told the Chinese business leaders that
he would be delighted to follow up on the opportunities outlined.
He stated that the country’s national Budget for 2005 will
also offer special incentives for investment in agricultural and
seafood projects.
“We will also offer special incentives to investors in
technology operations. Significant incentives will be targeted
to manufacturing and assembly of electronic products, including
communications hardware,” said Prime Minister Spencer.
Investment opportunities in the Caribbean Theme Park and resort
development were also pointed out by the Prime Minister outlining
that his government is intent on making Antigua and Barbuda the
best brand in Caribbean tourism.
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Government receives Debt Forgiveness from DEVCON
 |
 |
Dr Errol Cort and Richard Hornsby
signing the agreement |
In attendance – left – Rasona Davis and David
Matthias of the Ministry of Finance and right – Richards
Hornsby of DEVCON and Henly Richardson, Manager of ABI Bank |
On the 3rd December the Government began the process of reducing
the country’s debt with the signing of agreements allowing
the government and people to enjoy a debt reduction from US$29.4
million to US$11.5 million owed to DEVCON.
The long standing debt to DEVCON of US$29.4 million was for the dredging of
the harbour in 1987 which included the first expansion of the Deep Water Harbour
and the Deep Water Harbour pier construction.
The agreements signed between Finance and Economy Minister Dr. Errol Cort and
Director of the Antigua Masonry Product (AMP) and Executive Vice President
of DEVCON Mr. Richard Hornsby, were the result of extensive negotiations between
the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the AMP and DEVCON principals. The
Antigua and Barbuda Investment (ABI) Bank Limited has facilitated the full
payment of the balance on the loan of US$11.5 million which will be financed
through the floating of bonds to cover the new amount at a significantly lower
interest rate on the principal of the loan.
“In order to pay off the loan we have floated a US dollar bond with the
kind assistance of ABI Bank Limited. This represents the beginning of what promises
to be a fruitful partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and
the ABI Bank Ltd. in a joint effort to improve Antigua and Barbuda’s debt
situation and also to strengthen investor confidence in our country. The government
and the Ministry of Finance and the Economy express our gratitude to them for
assisting us in a time of great need,” noted Dr. Cort.
He said that the arrangements with ABI Bank Limited and DEVCON signifies that
there is a “fresh wind of change” in respect of Antigua and Barbuda
and it boosts the confidence level that the region and the international community
is displaying in respect of the government.
Executive Vice President of DEVCON Mr. Richard Hornsby said that the forty-year
relationship that Antigua Masonry Products and DEVCON have with Antigua and
Barbuda has reached a new level and believes that now is the right time to
assist in the restructuring of the economy as his company is impressed with
the new approach of the government. He indicated that the provision of this
debt relief to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is intended to facilitate
the Government and people’s efforts to improve the fiscal and economic
situation in Antigua and Barbuda.
ABI Bank Limited, as announced in Budget 2005, will also be assisting the government
in raising EC$151 million by placing Treasury Bills and Bonds on the platform
of the Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange (ECSE). This will give government access
to regional platforms and a wider capital base and provides investors with
an opportunity to invest in higher yielding securities. The listing also provides
transparency for investors.
Manager of ABI Bank Limited, Mr. Henley Richardson, said that through prudent
fiscal management the government could restructure some of its existing debts
as well as raise new capital that will assist with the development plan for
the 2005 fiscal year. He noted that ABI Bank Limited is happy to assist the
government in this endeavour.
Dr. Cort in commending the efforts of ABI Bank Limited and DEVCON made an appeal
to government creditors to work with the new administration as it grapples
with the near $3 billion national debt issue.
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Trade Facilitation: Duties Bound for the Port (Part 2)
 |
| Michael
Freeland |
By Michael Freeland
Trade Affairs Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
In the last issue, there was mention that the customs and exercise division had
already begun to implement measures to ease the flow of trade. Consumers are
to be aware of the Simplified Declaration Form (SDF) used for the imports of
personal and household effects, used professional apparatus and non-commercial
items. Clearance of goods should optimistically be effortless, because of the
introduction of an Automated System for Customs Data, or ASYCUDA which generates
a number of printouts showing an assessment notice, a receipt and a release order
in a few minutes.
One forgetful and important subject of the last commentary was that of an appellate
body. Such a body shows transparency and offers the customers some level of satisfaction
for due recourse. Individuals must have some legal or lawful justification to
resolve a dispute or an inappropriate deed.
It is known that the Customs and the Port Authority work closely together. Thus,
customs cannot be improved in an effort to promote free trade, while the Port
itself is not enhanced. The question may arise as to the Port being managed by
a private firm versus by the government whereby in the former case greater efficiency
would be prevalent. This can only prove true if the correct and proper measures
are taken to help ease the flow of goods.
Antigua and Barbuda has always held a strong position that being in a strategically
geographical spot, it sees itself providing a port hub between the North and
the South, especially in the FTAA. For this notion to be accurate, security is
just one of the many important factors that is a vital concern.
About two (2) months ago, Antigua and Barbuda had to comply and meet a deadline
on July 1 with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) security measures.
The changes to the body established new international standards relating to the
acceptable security levels at ports, which serve the international maritime transport.
Ports which handles ships over 500 gross tones on international passages, had
to be equipped at minimum with perimeter fencing, lights, closed circuit monitoring,
controlled entry, physical patrol, adequately trained personnel and a response
system. The ports which handled less volume of cargo only required lighting,
close circuit monitoring and other passive methods. Ports in this twin island
state are placed in both categories. However, the question may loom as to whether
these basic requirements can lead to an easier flow of goods.
There are high returns from an efficient security system. The returns are evident
in the seizure of drugs, guns and ammunition and goods valued at million of dollars.
Security systems have helped to identify several uncustomed goods that would
normally have passed through the system. Another security system is the Vehicles
and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). VACIS is in effect a mobile truck, which
is used to scan containers and then create an x-ray image of the contents. This
system is in operation at the ports in Jamaica. In addition, there is also a
VACIS pallet system, which is a fixed unit in the warehouse, which is used for
scanning barrels and boxes.
To be considered as an efficient Port, the turnaround time is very important.
What need to be keenly looked at are the latest technological devices and the
capacity to increase the size of the Port. Installing new ship to shore gantries
to move at twice the speed as the originals, and have larger storage areas to
accommodate increased traffic is ideal. The ability to handle more than 1,200
vessels and more than 1 million containers (TEUs) breathes a more competitive
stance. With such a proposition, the implementation of a global positioning system
for aide in the accurate parking and identification of containers should be incorporated.
A port cannot be operational unless there is a 99% and higher reliability on
power supply.
Many consumers would appreciate the fact that they can clear their goods before
arrival at the Port. An electronic commerce (e-commerce) system which involves
a value-adding IT-business solution and superior customer service is fundamental
towards efficiency and accountability. Inefficient payment and credit arrangements
remain an obstacle to trade, often resulting in long delays for the payment of
goods. Payment should be as easy as a click of a button rather than being subjected
to waiting 45 minutes at the one cashier and/or additionally paying rent if the
goods have arrived over 5 days. Therefore, rules that recommend faster payment
methods and faster bank handling of transactions should be created. Rules providing
greater flexibility on payment methods where foreign controls persist also need
addressing.
The crucial ingredient to the suggestions mentioned above is personnel. No new
advanced method can be integrated without proper training of new and existing
employees. A comprehensive programme must be developed relevant to people skills
and personal expertise. Training of employees should have a special emphasis
on multi-skilling. Extensive mechanical and electrical surveys followed by a
systematic repair and maintenance programme to improve the reliability of all
container-handling equipment are necessary for improvement.
However, employees of the Port must appreciate their work to ensure that the
plans put in place are executed in a beneficial manner. Hence, the introduction
of a productivity scheme, which could take on the form of rewarding operations
and engineering employees when set levels of performance on vessel output and
truck turnaround times have been achieved, could be an example. A similar approach
could also be taken into account for supervisors and other areas of the Port
staff.
Trade facilitation can only be achieved if obstacles are removed. The critical
aspect of such lies heavily on measures to ensure fewer complications and loss
of revenue. In this article, as well as the previous, some of Jamaica’s
programmes have been mentioned. Reason being that this island is the closest
within the region that is already on the path of readiness towards the free movement
of goods. Also, and very noteworthy, its Port is ranked 63 among all the ports
(some 250 ports) trading in the world.
In another issue, a discussion on tariff elimination to accommodate Trade Facilitation
will be the viewpoint. It has been suggested that a country can reap benefits
from reduced trade transaction costs by easing border procedures. However, there
is a grave concern that to spend scarce resources on developing infrastructure
to facilitate trade is not greater than meeting the basic social needs of the
people.
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PM Spencer meets Commonwealth Secretary General
 |
| Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer with Commonwealth Secretary-General
Donald McKinnon |
On the 6th December Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Commonwealth
Secretary General, Donald McKinnon, held wide ranging discussions
on the Commonwealth’s assistance to Antigua and Barbuda.
The main focus of the meeting was the Commonwealth’s work in connection
with relations between Antigua and its sister island Barbuda. Prime Minister
Spencer told the Commonwealth Secretary General that the people of Barbuda have
a new attitude towards the new government and the issue now is how to cooperate
in moving forward. He said that secession is no longer an issue. The review report
of the Commonwealth Review Team on the Antigua/Barbuda relationship conducted
in September this year is due out shortly.
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was Antigua and Barbuda’s
indebtedness to the Commonwealth Secretariat and a number of its institutions.
The government presently owes the Commonwealth Foundation over £109,000
while the Commonwealth Secretariat is owed over £185,000.
For every dollar Antigua and Barbuda pays to the Commonwealth it gets $10 in
return. The organisation has assisted the country in debt management, public
sector reform, legislative drafting, reform of the financial services sector
and skills training for over 81 Antiguans and Barbudans over the past five years.
Prime Minister Spencer outlined that his government is willing to commit to the
new regulations of contributing to the Commonwealth Secretariat and will negotiate
the arrears left by the previous administration. As a result of Antigua and Barbuda’s
indebtedness to the organisation, the country has seen a reduction of benefits
and will be reclassified as a “special member” if the arrears are
not covered. If Antigua and Barbuda is classified as a special member it will
have implications for its participation in the next Commonwealth Heads of Government
meeting next year.
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East Bus Station to be transformed
The East Bus Station will soon be transformed into a modern bus
terminal and car par facility.
Minister of Public Works and Deputy Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Wilmoth
Daniel, made the announcement during his presentation on the 2005 Budget in the
House of Representatives.
The Minister noted that the multi-storey car park facility, which will house
at least 300 cars, will be undertaken by a Trinidad and Tobago consortium which
will fund the project and within 15 years the government will have ownership
of the property.
“The company is well known to the government and we are confident that
some 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project. They
have presented their proposals to the Cabinet and will be conducting further
studies shortly,” Minister Daniel outlined.
The facility will also feature commercial space for rent, a mini-mart, and areas
for vendors. The bus terminal will be a covered facility, while the adjacent
park will be remodelled to include a playground with uncovered seating.
During his presentation the Minister also announced that the government will
be constructing a new headquarters for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority
(APUA). The government pays $80,000 per month in rent for the present facility
in Cassada Gardens. In addition, Minister Daniel stated that a headquarters for
the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board will be constructed and a sewage treatment
system will be introduced in the city of St. John’s.
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Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Light-Up transformed Country Pond
On the evening of 16th December, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer,
Deputy Prime Minister Wilmoth Daniel and Engineer Gordon “Sunshine” Chambers
flicked the switch turning on the lights and water fountain in
the transformed historical Country Pond in St. John’s.
The Country Pond, formerly known as Congo Pond, is believed to
have been fashioned off ponds in Burundi, Africa and built during
the latter days of slavery/early post emancipation period by Congolese
with special skills. The Country Pond which is fed by an East Pond
was said to be the main source of water supply for the surrounding
villages during that period.
The historical site has been transformed into a tourist attraction
with the addition of lights reflecting on the huge body of water,
a fifteen-spray fountain located in its centre and a back drop
of a mural painted by a Haitian resident depicting pre and post
colonial living in Antigua and Barbuda.
The project, which was the brainchild of the Deputy Prime Minister
Wilmoth Daniel, was funded by contributions from members of the
public and business community in the country. “This project
bridges the political divide in this country as contributions were
received from staunch supporters of the Opposition Labour Party
and the government. We believe that the time has come to transform
our country into a place where visitors and locals alike can be
proud of,” remarked the Deputy Prime Minister speaking to
a throng of people gathered to witness the event.
Tourism Minister Harold Lovell said that he is delighted that the Deputy Prime
Minister came up with the idea to beautify the area as it falls within his Ministry’s
thrust to re-brand Antigua and Barbuda providing additional attractions and activities
for visitors to the nation’s shores.
Prime Minister Spencer who also spoke at the function noted that his government
is committed to changing Antigua and Barbuda into a better place and having the
lighting ceremony before the Christmas Season is a special gift to the people
from his Government.
The government has also engaged the services of the local electrical company
APUA to construct water pumps in the area to assist the young men who utilise
the pond to carry out the business of washing vehicles.
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Antigua and Barbuda listed as a destination for Chinese tourists
 |
| Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer and Vice President of the People’s
Republic of China, Zeng Quinhong. Seated on the Prime Minister’s
right is the Minister of State, Dr Quinn-Leandro |
On Prime Minister Spencer’s recent visit to China, Vice-President
of the Peoples Republic of China, Zeng Quinghong announced that
Antigua and Barbuda
is listed as a destination for Chinese tourists.
The announcement was made during talks between Prime Minister Spencer and the
Vice President at the Great Hall of the People. Both governments also pledged
to continue to develop economic, trade and cultural cooperation.
During the discussions Vice President Zeng outlined that the decision to list
Antigua and Barbuda as a tourist destination is designed to bring economic growth
to the country and further develop cooperation between both countries. “My
government will also make every effort to further expand the economic, trade,
cultural and military friendship that exists between our countries,” outlined
the high ranking Chinese official.
Prime Minster Spencer said that his government is pleased that Antigua and Barbuda
has been listed as a tourist destination as his country is heavily dependent
on Tourism for economic development. “I am looking forward to the day when
Air China makes its inaugural flight to Antigua and Barbuda packed with Chinese
tourists,” he noted.
Vice President Zeng noted that President Hu Jintao, who is on a trip to Latin
America, attaches great importance to the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda
and is looking forward to bringing the bilateral relationship to a new high.
He said that his government is pleased to see that the assistance provided have
contributed and continues to contribute to the development of the society in
Antigua and Barbuda.
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Tourism season off to a grand start
(Excerpted from the Antigua Sun)
On the 2nd December, the 2004-2005 tourism season began in a
high gear when four ships carrying 10,360 passengers pulled alongside
Heritage Quay dock for a warm Antiguan welcome from Tourism Minister
Harold Lovell.
Accompanying Minister Lovell were Minister of State in the Ministry
of Tourism, Hilson "Brother B" Baptiste, Director of
Tourism Shirlene Nibbs and President of the Antigua and Barbuda
Cruise and Tourism Association Nathan Dundas.
In welcoming the visitors to Antigua, Lovell said, "We expect
an increasing number of visitors by sea and air. This means therefore
that all Antiguans and Barbudans can look forward to earning the
income that they so richly deserve.
The Minister emphasised the need for excellent delivery on service
to visitors as this will ensure that Antigua maintains its competitive
edge in the tourism industry. Heritage Quay was alive with activities
and entertainment as the Tourism Department presented a full cultural
package featuring poetry by Sylvanus Barnes, and a musical treat
by Calypso Joe, Dell Richardson, and the National Youth.
The Antigua Dance Academy, Mr. Moves, Sunny Dale dancers also
entertained the tourists while a fashion show was put on by Vanda
Neile.
The Greenbay Iron Band brought the curtains down on the programme.
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bmi now flies from Manchester to Antigua
 |
bmi in the background of Mrs Florence Cash who is
flanked by Sir Michael
Bishop, Chairman bmi – left and Nigel Dolman, Senior Manager Regions – bmi
- right |
Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Officers have over the years
been asked about the prospect of a direct flight from Manchester
to Antigua. We now have such
a service and sincerely hope that nationals and non-nationals alike will use
what we think is an excellent service.
Mrs Florence Cash from Antigua and Barbuda’s Office in
London was invited on the inaugural flight; she reports that the
service was very good and the reception on arrival in Antigua was
well organized - dignitaries from all areas of the tourism industry
were on hand to welcome the journalists and special guests.
It was a prestigious occasion for all involved. The Antigua service
was hosted by Chairman Sir Michael Bishop. Along with Nigel Turner
and Florence Cash from Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office, he welcomed
the first passengers and then departed with a press group to introduce
them to the island.
At the end of their visit the press unanimously announced that
Antigua was the place to be - “the sun shone all week!”.
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World Travel Market 2004
Antigua and Barbuda was recognized as a premier destination
among the myriad of competing destinations in the Caribbean and
the world, and increased its standing among the UK travel trade
on the heels of significant growth in the UK visitors in 2004.
With UK visitors increasing by 23% up to September, compared
to overall growth in visitor arrivals of 12%, a number of extensive
meetings were held with the Minister of Tourism, Harold Lovell,
and Antigua and Barbuda’s existing partners, tour operators
and airlines who indicated their satisfaction with the growth of
business over the past year. Plans were extended to work jointly
with the destination to continue the growth particularly among
high yield sectors of the UK and European market.
World Travel Market 2004 will be remembered as a high point for
trade fair participation by Antigua and Barbuda have definitely
left its mark among the international media, trade visitors and
general public who clamoured for autographs from the cricketing
greats - Sir Vivian Richards, Richie Richardson and Curtley Ambrose
- and their colleagues Joel Garner and Brian Lara congregating
around the pulsating rhythms of Rawdon Edwards and Lacu Samuel
on the lively stand representing the best of Antigua and Barbuda.
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