ISSUE NO.95 January 2005
High Commissioner’s message
 Greetings
On 13th and 14th January 2005 I, along with my fellow Ambassadors,
attended the Marketing Workshop held under the auspices of the
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Harold Lovell at the Curtain
Bluff Hotel in Antigua.
The workshop focused on national branding in the tourism sector.
Marketing Destination Antigua and Barbuda as a place to do business.
Our brand goals are to manage Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation,
changing minds and reshaping opinions; to explain Antigua and Barbuda
in a way that sets us apart and to impart a certain aspirational
aura about Antigua and Barbuda that says ‘come let us inspire
you’.
In his presentation, the Minister gave an overview of tourism
in Antigua and Barbuda. He stated that there was a 11.7% increase
in stayover visitor arrivals from the UK, USA and the Caribbean.
45% increase in cruise visitor arrivals and continuous growth is
projected in this sector to reach 600,000 visitors per year.
The workshop provided a unique opportunity for our overseas offices
to develop an integrated approach to the marketing of Antigua and
Barbuda, and to advise on the overall development of the industry
by sharing views on the status of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda
and recommending appropriate actions.
He identified the many challenges facing the tourist industry,
namely:
- Airlift
- Infrastructure
- Multi-Stakeholder Approach
- Investment
- Delivery of quality
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer visited the workshop and encouraged
the participants to attack the travel market vigorously, outlining
that the workshop was vital to ensuring a common approach in marketing
the country by the overseas offices. He said that his government
is committed to supporting the execution of the action plan formulated
and will be working towards addressing the problems affecting the
industry.
According to the Prime Minister, Budget 2005 was the first year that substantial
funding had been allocated for tourism development and marketing, however,
effective planning and execution is required to ensure success in developing
Antigua and Barbuda as the best brand in Caribbean Tourism.
The Workshop ended on a positive note with the Minister of Tourism stating
- “A boom in the tourism industry will make the streets of our city and
villages livelier. This will improve overall market sentiment, stimulate local
consumption, boost growth in related sectors and contribute to the creation
of wealth. This is indeed an exciting time for tourism and I look forward to
all us taking this wonderful and exciting journey.”
Dr Carl B. Roberts
High Commissioner
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Statement from the Prime Minister on the proposal for new facilities at V C Bird International Airport
While welcoming public interest and comment on the proposal for
new facilities at VC Bird International Airport, Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer, became concerned about the content and sources
of a number of public statements by participants in the process
now underway.
Following is the Prime Minister’s Statement on the issue:
“The Ministry of Civil Aviation is charged with negotiating a draft agreement
for a franchise for new facilities at VC Bird International Airport. When completed,
that agreement will be considered by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda.
“I am concerned at the sources and content of a number of public statements
by participants in the process now underway.
“I do, however, credit the ensuing public discussions with bringing to
light a number of issues that, on the surface, call for investigation.
“The assertion that the Government has no basis for calculating and does
not track the airport’s revenue and expenditure streams is without foundation.
“The airport’s cash flows are routinely computed and factored into
the annual budget, as well as into the Ministry of Finance’s monthly disbursements.
“Indeed, while portions of the revenue generated by the airport are committed
to specific creditors, those revenues are, from time to time, utilized for meeting
the monthly public service wage bills.
“I utterly reject the assertion that the financial markets are not prepared
to provide funding to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda against the airport’s
revenue streams.
“The recent Government bond issue to achieve a significant write off and
full settlement of the Devcon loan was fully and immediately subscribed.
“ABI is poised to launch a US$100 Million bond issue on
behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
“It is expected that these funds will be fully subscribed on the local,
regional and international financial markets.
“The country’s improving standing in the international financial
community ought not to be dismissed with the facility which participants in the
airport bid are demonstrating.
“It is fallacious to describe the proposed airport franchise as the first
major investment project to be actioned during the tenure of the Sunshine Government.
“For example, the La Perla Living project, budgeted at well in excess of
$80 million, was launched last year, and is reported to be progressing satisfactorily.
“It is regrettable that participants in the approvals process
for the Antigua Airport Group proposal have opted to engage in
public lobbying on a matter that is still to be determined by Cabinet.
“Also regrettable is the facility with which a number of persons are using
the media for innuendos and charges patently intended to discredit named individuals
and organisations that are peripheral to the AAG bid.”
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Honorary Consul to South Korea pays courtesy call
on Prime Minister Spencer
 |
Prime Minister Baldwin
spencer
and Mr and Mrs Sung Hee Rhee |
On the 20th January, Antigua and Barbuda’s Honorary Consul
to South Korea, Mr. Sung Hee Rhee, held discussions with Prime
Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baldwin Spencer on the
Development of a Plan of Action for 2005.
Prime Minister Spencer outlined that his government’s foreign policy
includes utilising the country’s diplomats, and relations with friendly
countries to promote the tourism sector and investment opportunities in Antigua
and Barbuda.
To that end, Mr. Sung Hee Rhee met the Director of the Industrial Development
Board Ms. Gaye Hechme and the Director General of Tourism Ms. Shirlene Nibbs
to work out in detail the way forward.
Mr. Sung Hee Rhee also met Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary in
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Captain Jurgen Wendler, the Director of
Marine Services and Merchant Shipping.
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$10M Government-Stanford Alliance for Empowerment of Entrepreneurs commences
 |
| Minister Cort addressing
the gathering |
On the 19th January, the Minister of Finance and the Economy,
Dr Errol Cort and a delegation from his Ministry held a meeting
with officials of the Stanford Financial Group and the Antigua
and Barbuda Development Bank to concretize one of the policies
outlined in Budget 2005, which is, to empower entrepreneurs, specifically
micro and small business persons in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank will be disbursing the $10 million fund
provided by the Stanford Financial Group.
The Minister said that it is the intention of the government to empower the small
businessmen and women in Antigua and Barbuda. “We recognise that small
businesses suffer tremendously from many difficulties including their ability
to access funds and not having enough security which makes their proposals to
banks for assistance not bankable. As a government, we recognise the need to
step in and provide a facility that will recognise these deficiencies but never-the-less
allow a fair opportunity for small business persons to thrive in this country,” outlined
Minister Cort.
“Small micro businesses form a core in the economic sector
of this country and therefore the government wishes to ensure that
the sector flourishes. Small business persons will be able to access
financing through the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank at concessionary
rates and on terms that will be much more generous than a normal
bankable proposal,” Dr. Cort added.
“We will also use this facility to channel those public servants who are
desirous of voluntary separation. As a caring government we wish for them to
be able to make a reasonable livelihood and thus we will be providing the necessary
funding to make that possible,” he said.
The funds will provide financing of up to $50,000 to support micro and small
business ventures owned by Antiguans and Barbudans. The Stanford Financial
Group will also provide technical support and counselling for this project,
which will operate through the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank.
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Police investigates early morning bombing of Minister’s family business
On the 1st February, the Police launched an investigation
into the early morning bombing of the Hitachi Centre Compound on
Market Street which houses the Medical Practice and Clinic of newly
appointed Minister responsible for Information, Broadcasting and
Communications, Dr. Edmond Mansoor.
At around 2:15 am on the said morning police rushed to the scene
of an explosion which rocked nearby buildings and was heard for
miles on the outskirts of St. John’s.
According to Commissioner of Police, Rolston Pompey, the device
used in the bombing is a new phenomenon to Antigua and Barbuda
because it was apparently packed with hundreds of 2 ½ inch
cement nails which destroyed the steel gate entrance of the premises
and pierced the walls and glass showcases of nearby business places.
Police Commissioner Pompey although refusing to link recent attacks
on the Mansoor family in the media by known persons sympathetic
to another political party in Antigua and Barbuda to the bombing,
said that both incidents are being investigated and are being treated
separately.
Minister Mansoor has been the subject of numerous talk shows
and call in programmes on the island after he quoted a statement
from the United Progressive Party Election Manifesto which made
reference, unfavourable to some, to the late Prime Minister of
the country V.C. Bird Sr. The attacks in the media on Mansoor,
who is Antiguan and Barbudan by birth of Middle Eastern parentage,
have ranged from racial comments to being referred to as “Al-Qaeda
looking.” Mansoor recently filed official complaints about
the comments to the police.
Commissioner Pompey said in a statement that the attack was designed
to drive fear into persons and his department is not taking the
occurrence lightly and will be deploying additional officers
to patrol the streets and investigate the matter.
Dr. Edmond Mansoor, who is a medial practitioner, has worked in politics for
a number of years and is credited as one of the architects of the campaign
strategy which unseated former Prime Minister Lester Bird in the constituency
of St. John’s Rural East during the March 2004 general elections.
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Antigua and Barbuda and Chile commence negotiations on Agricultural and Language Training Projects
 |
The Antigua and Barbuda
delegation meeting
with the Chilean Government Officials |
On the 20th January Antigua and Barbuda received
a Chilean delegation lead by Ambassador Alfonso Silva. The delegation
also included the Executive Director of the Chilean Agency for
International Cooperation, Mr. Marcelo Rozas and Arturo Vergara
who is an Executive Member of the Agency.
Antigua and Barbuda was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Minister Joanne Massiah, Minister
of State in the Ministry of Agriculture who has special responsibility for Marine
Affairs and Food Production and Ambassador Joan H. Underwood, Non-Resident Ambassador
to Venezuela and South America. Also present at the meeting were Messrs Lesroy
Grant, the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Astley Joseph, Livestock Officer in
the Veterinary Division and Julius Ross from CARDI.
The one-day visit was designed to advance discussions between the two countries
about planned collaboration in the areas of agriculture and language training.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer initiated the discussion last June while attending
the European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean Summit in Mexico. Since then,
Antigua and Barbuda has submitted five project proposals for consideration by
the Chileans.
Based on the preliminary review of these proposals, both countries
are optimistic that a mutually beneficial system of technical cooperation
can be implemented within the short-term. To this end, both parties
agreed that two technicians from Chile – one specializing
in agriculture and the other in fisheries – would travel
to Antigua in February to evaluate the specific projects and that
Chile would host a technical delegation from Antigua later in the
year.
Ambassador Silva also took the opportunity to extend an invitation
to Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to visit Santiago in the near
future.
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Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro appointed Antigua and Barbuda’s
first woman Acting Prime Minister
Minister of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment, Dr.
Jacqui Quinn-Leandro has become the first woman to be appointed
Acting Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
On the 20th January 2005, Dr. Quinn Leandro received her Instruments
of Appointment from Governor General Sir James Carlisle appointing
her to the position in the absence of the Prime Minister.
The Minister received much commendations from all sectors of the
society for achieving the distinction of being the first woman
to act as Prime Minister. She was entrusted with the position by
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who left the country to attend
an OECS Heads of Government Meeting with the President of the World
Bank.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Quinn-Leandro said that while
she is humbled by the honour the Prime Minister has conferred
upon her she sees it as a tribute to the women, young men and
women of this nation. “For this I thank Prime Minister
Spencer tremendously,” she noted.
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Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force to be upgraded
 |
 |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
addressing officers of the
Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force |
Colonel Trevor Thomas – Commander
of the ABDF being
honoured
for 27 years of service |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has committed his administration
towards the transformation of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force
(ABDF) into an institution ready to meet the evolving security
challenges of the 21st Century.
Prime Minister Spencer made the announcement during a presentation ceremony
while honouring members of the ADBF for their contribution over the years.
He noted that the time had come for the ABDF to become a more flexible security
force.
“My government has therefore approved the transformation of the Infantry
battalion of the ABDF into a Marine Unit that will more efficiently address the
security concerns of our nation. The Marine Unit would be better trained and
equipped to function independently in a maritime environment and would be better
poised to support the ABDF Coast Guard in its counter narcotics, counter terrorism
and other security related maritime operations,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that the boom in the Cruise Tourism Industry has also
brought with it an elevated threat to acts of terrorism and outlined that his
Government has seen it necessary to mandate the ABDF to provide escort duties
for the cruise vessels and security patrols in and around St. John’s
Harbour, focusing on the security of vessels docked at Heritage Quay.
He said, “In addition, the blossoming Pleasure Craft Industry in English
and Falmouth Harbours requires conformity to International Ship and Port Security
code standards; therefore, my government in conjunction with the US Military
will embark on the construction of a satellite ABDF Coast Guard Base in the
said area within the first half of 2005. My government is further committed
to establishing a second satellite base in Barbuda, which would address the
security concerns and significantly reduce the Coast Guard’s response
time to the search and rescue needs of Barbuda’s Maritime community.”
Prime Minister Spencer also paid tribute to the sacrifices in service made
by the officers, men and women of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force through
their contributions to national and regional security and stability.
Since the establishment of the force in 1981, it has been deployed to hostile
overseas missions in Grenada, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago. Elements of the
force have recently returned from Grenada in the conduct of security, disaster
relief and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan.
The ABDF Officers were praised for their involvement in community development
through the adoption of schools, its involvement in charitable construction
projects, the assistance in the security of schools, its pivotal role in the
recent review of the Boys Training School, its participation in the review
for the implementation of a National Youth Service and the beautification of
some of our landmarks.
Prime Minister Spencer stated that his government is determined to equip the
Force for greater interaction and service within the community.
Over twenty-five officers of the ADBF were honoured for their long and distinguished
service in the force, outstanding service during Hurricane Lenny, Exercise
Tradewinds 2002 and outstanding service through the National Cadet Corps. Members
of the Volunteer Unit and Civilians were also honoured.
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Minister Cort addresses Heads of State and Government
at UN Conference in Mauritius
 |
Dr Errol Cort, Minister
of Finance
and the Economy |
In a bold and forceful address to Heads of State and Government
attending a crucial United Nations conference on the future of
Small Island Developing States (SIDS),
on the island of Mauritius, Minister of Finance and the Economy, Dr. Errol Cort,
challenged the participants to produce outcomes that are “…practical;
measurable, implementable and time bound.”
Seizing on what he described as a “…unique opportunity to share the
concerns of and seek appropriate assistance from the international community
for SIDS,” Minister Cort identified the economy; the environment; new and
existing infrastructure; education; health care; employment; and good governance,
as among the most “urgent concerns” of Antigua and Barbuda.
During his well-received address to the Heads, the Minister identified
a number of key issues confronting SIDS in general and Antigua
and Barbuda in particular. He also provided the Conference with
a list of the concrete actions Antigua and Barbuda’s government
had taken to address the challenges of sustainable development
at the national level. These include: annual public sector budgets
based on realistic revenue projections and involving stakeholder
consultations; a National Strategic Development Plan that will
detail the Government’s economic programmes for the period
2005-2010; the establishment of an Investment Authority that will
serve as a one-stop-shop for investors; the establishment of an
Integrity Commission; a Prevention of Corruption Act; and the establishment
of a National Economic and Social Council to promote the goals
of economic growth and development, and participation in economic
decision-making and social equity.
In highlighting the important contributions of civil society to the achievement
of sustainable development of Antigua and Barbuda, The Minister noted that “…[the]
government is making every effort to involve [civil society] in all aspects.” As
an example, he cited current efforts aimed at “…finalizing a National
Environmental Management Strategy, which [would require] the government to
collaborate with civil society to develop, implement and promote a programme
that will ensure the proper management of [the nation’s] natural resources”
The United Nations International Meeting to Review the Implementation
of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small
Island Developing States is seen by SIDS as an opportunity to present
their case to the international community and to seek partnerships
and innovative ways to improve their situation. More than 2,000
participants from the islands, their traditional donor partners
and other countries, including a number of Heads of State and Government,
participated in the meeting, which took place from 10th to 14th
January, 2005.
Minister Cort concluded his speech with an expression of condolence from the
government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, to the government and people
of the countries of South East Asia which were affected by the tsunami of December
2004.
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PM attends LIAT meeting in Barbados
On the 8th January a meeting of regional leaders and members
of the Board of LIAT 1974 was convened in Barbados in a bid to
once again address the financial woes of the regional carrier.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who attended the meeting with Advisor in the
Ministry of Communications on matters relating to LIAT, Mr. Brian Challenger,
said that his government remains committed to keeping LIAT flying and will continue
to lend its support to the restructuring of the carrier.
Prime Minister Spencer added that his government sees LIAT as playing a vital
role in the soon to be established CARICOM Single Market and Economy, moving
people within a single economic space and as a government they are prepared to
play their part and contribute towards making the airline viable.
In October last year the Government of Prime Minister Spencer, through an act
of parliament, agreed to inject 5.7 million dollars into the cash strapped airline
through a loan of $17 million from the Government of the Republic of Trinidad
and Tobago. Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will also benefit from
the loan facility.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda owns 20.3 percent shares
in LIAT, followed by Barbados with 24.4 percent, St. Vincent and
the Grenadines with 17.6 per cent and BWIA with 13 per cent. Private
shareholders, local banks, LIAT employees and the private sector
control the remaining shares.
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Nation moving forward in Education
On 12th January Minister of Education Bertrand Joseph and Minister
of Agriculture Charlesworth Samuel met members of the Stanford
Financial Group to discuss Investment of $25M that was pledged
to the advancement of education in Antigua and Barbuda.
The groups’ vision, according to Minister Joseph, is set towards Secondary
education and therefore everyone can look forward to the construction of a state-of-the-art
secondary school.
The school will be built on a large portion of land and consideration
will be taken into account for an agricultural as well as an athletic
component. There will also be language arts as well as computer
labs and all other modern facilities.
Although the site has not been finalized the Minister said that the new secondary
school will ease the over-crowding situation in other secondary learning institutions.
For the first time all the views of stakeholders in education will be used
to conceptualize this new secondary school.
Minister Joseph continued that this learning institution will be one of excellence,
not in terms of architecture, but what will be offered.
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Stanford keeps his word to match funds for new library
 |
(left to right) Keva Margetson
of
Stanford financial Group, Minister
of Education, Bertrand
Joseph
and Dr Austin Josiah, Vice Chair
of
National Library
Building Committee |
On 12th January a cheque totalling EC$101,970 was presented to
the Minister of Education on behalf of R. Allen Stanford and his
Group. The cheque is Stanford’s matching contribution to
funds raised between the time of his original presentation of $1M
to the library fund and the 15th December 2004.
“Mr. Allen Stanford has kept his word”. That was
the sentiment of Minister Bertrand Joseph in accepting the cheque.
This latest contribution by Mr. Stanford according to the Minister
will go a long way towards making the library become a realization,
one that will educate the people of Antigua and Barbuda as well
as empower them.
Dr Austin Josiah, Vice Chair of the National Library Building
Committee accepted the cheque on its behalf.
Dr. Josiah also noted that the Hadeed’s have pledged $1.3M
to complete the payment on furniture for the building.
The steel frame structure of the building is underway and the library is expected
to be completed within the next nine months.
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Health Care providers attend HIV/AIDS Nutritional Workshop
 |
Minister of Health, Sports
and
Youth Affairs, John Maginley |
From the 24th to 28th January Health Care providers in Antigua
and Barbuda attended a Nutrition and HIV/AIDS Workshop at the City
View Hotel in St. John’s.
The workshop, conducted by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute
(CFNI) in collaboration with the AIDS Secretariat, was aimed at
instructing the participants on the use of a nutritional manual
in the assessment and care of HIV-infected individuals.
Health Minister John Maginley, who declared the workshop open,
said that he hoped the participants would use the opportunity to
become aware of their personal views and feelings of stigma and
discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS as negative
attitudes. “Discrimination,” he said, “can create
one of the greatest barriers to effective management.”
Minister Maginley added that the AIDS epidemic continues to present
huge challenges for our nation, as it does for the entire world.
While efforts to prevent new cases of HIV are being intensified,
treatment strategies must keep pace with the most up-to-date scientific
information.
CFNI Dietician and Nutritionist, June Holdip said the workshop would assist
the health care providers to handle nutritional problems that they may encounter
from time to time while dealing with persons diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.
AIDS Programme Manager, Janet Weston said that healthcare workers should be
equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in order to guide persons
living with HIV/AIDS on how to make the best choices for healthy eating and
living.
Healthy eating patterns, she added, can help to boost the immune system and
prevent or correct nutrition related problems, thus helping to delay the progression
from HIV infection to full-blown AIDS.
During the four-day workshop, participants covered topics such
as nutritional implications, inter-disciplinary health care, nutritional
care process, anti-retroviral therapy, pregnancy and mother-to-child-transmission,
HIV infected children and case studies.
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HIV/AIDS patients in Antigua and Barbuda receive free anti-retroviral drugs
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Clinton Foundation
have collaborated to provide anti-retroviral drugs to persons who
are affected with HIV/AIDS.
Minister of Health John Maginley made the announcement while noting that the
new initiative is a major step in the development of the national AIDS programme.
The Health Minister also added that not only will the drugs be available without
direct cost to individuals but a comprehensive programme with supervision by
Clinical Coordinator Dr Prince Ramsey and collaboration with Nutrition and other
healthcare personnel will ensure that the best possible standard of care is provided
to persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Already the programme to prevent mother to child transmission has seen positive
results, according to Minister Maginley. He said that so far no babies born to
HIV positive mothers, who have been treated appropriately have been diagnosed
with HIV.
Minister Maginley also noted that mothers are also provided with infant formula
for up to six months by the AIDS Secretariat to help reduce any hardships on
the affected families and to enable them to adhere to recommendations for reducing
mother to child transmission of the virus by avoiding breastfeeding.
The Minister said that the training of healthcare workers in the areas of Nutrition
and HIV/AIDS is also well timed with the establishment of voluntary counseling
and testing services at the various centres across the island.
Studies have shown that persons living with HIV/AIDS improve their quality of
life tremendously when emphasis is placed on proper nutrition as part of a healthy
life style.
Healthcare workers involved in providing voluntary counselling and testing services
are in a key position to include in their counselling the importance of good
nutrition from the earliest stage of the disease process.
PRO Ministry of Health
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IMF Executive Director visit Antigua and Barbuda
On the 26th January the International Monetary Fund IMF Executive
Director for Antigua and Barbuda, Mr Kevin Lynch, along with his
assistant, Richard Campbell, paid a courtesy call on the Minister
of Finance and the Economy, Dr Errol Cort, and senior officials
in the Ministry.
During the meeting discussions focused on the Government’s progress in
a number of areas, including institutional strengthening, taxation and debt management.
Mr. Lynch was very positive with regard to the steps that have been taken to
date, and the plans which were outlined by the Minister in Budget 2005.
The Executive Director, who incidentally was former Deputy Finance
Minister in the government of Canada, further undertook to use
his influence to assist the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in
securing whatever support is necessary to ensure that the country
is successful in its effort to overcome its current economic and
fiscal challenges.
Also attending the meeting was Mr. David O. Robinson, team leader of the IMF’s
last Article IV mission to Antigua and Barbuda in September 2004.
Mr. Robinson expressed satisfaction with plans tabled by the
Minister and hailed the Government’s policy of openness and
transparency in financial matters, as a new paradigm with respect
to fiscal reform.
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National Home and Business Lighting Competition to be renamed
 |
 |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer presenting
trophy to the 2004
winner |
Participants at the Awards Ceremony |
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has announced that the National
Home and Business Lighting Competition should be renamed the Festival
of Lights.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the awards ceremony for the
2004 Lighting competition which has been held for the past 8 years
under the auspices of the
Prime Minister.
“Our annual lighting competition and the wider brightening of the night
are fitting for a nation with the sun emblazoned on its flag. The sun is also
proclaimed on the Licence Plates of the motor vehicles on our roads as one of
our country’s recognised natural attributes. In this context, I invite
the organising committee to consider renaming the annual Lighting competition
the “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS,” he said.
“This would be a natural evolution. After all, what happens when we light
up for Christmas every year is truly a “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS”. Antigua
and Barbuda’s “FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS” can span our Independence
and Homecoming Festivals, through Christmas, into Easter. This would embrace
the winter tourist season and enhance the experience visitors enjoy,” Prime
Minister Spencer outlined.
The Prime Minister also complimented the organizers of the 2004 Lighting Competition
for the enlightened change and for their service to the community in organising
the competition and for arranging the awards event.
“Theirs was a job well done. I thank them. Tonight, the
spotlight properly falls on the winners of the National Home and
Business Lighting Festival. Tonight’s awardees are judged
to have been most successful in making our sunshine nation brighter
with their creative use of manufactured light,” he said
Prime Minister Spencer congratulated all of the honourees and those who made
the extra effort in entering the Lighting Competition. The individuals who
conceived and developed the event were also commended.
The 2004 competition was won by Donna Francis from the North Zone who won cash
prizes totally EC$5000 and a day pass for two at the Jolly Beach Resort. The
winner of the Business Lighting Competition was Shouls Toys/Gifts and Housewares. “Theirs
was a job well done. I thank them. Tonight, the spotlight properly falls on
the winners of the National Home and Business Lighting Festival. Tonight’s
recipients are judged to have been most successful in making our sunshine nation
brighter with their creative use of manufactured light,” he said
Prime Minister Spencer congratulated the recipients and those who made the
extra effort in entering the Lighting Competition. The individuals who conceived
and developed the event were also commended.
The 2004 competition was won by Donna Francis from the North Zone who won cash
prizes totalling EC$5000 and a day pass for two at the Jolly Beach Resort.
The winner of the Business Lighting Competition was Shouls Toys/Gifts and Housewares.
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Prime Minister Spencer leads delegation to First China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum
On 1st February Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer headed Antigua
and Barbuda’s delegation to the First China-Caribbean Economic
and Trade Cooperation Forum in Kingston Jamaica.
Included in the delegation to the four day forum which will saw leaders of the
region interacting with Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China
(PRC), Mr. Zeng Quinghong were Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, Ambassador to
the PRC David Shoul, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador
Colin Murdoch and Marketing Manager of the Industrial Development Board Gaye
Hechme.
The Prime Minister who recently paid a State Visit to the People’s
Republic of China and held discussions with Vice-President Zeng
will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the PRC on the facilitation
of Group Travel by Chinese Tourists to Antigua and Barbuda.
Prime Minister Spencer said that the Business Conference of the Forum presented
an opportunity for companies in Antigua and Barbuda to market their products
to the Chinese officials and develop business links with the various Chinese
and Caribbean companies which are expected to improve the manufacturing and
service sectors in the region.
“We’ve had a long and beneficial relationship with the Chinese Government
and this Forum has opened avenues for my government to work closer with the PRC
Government. The seminars on Trade, Human Resources Agriculture, Fisheries and
Technology and Tourism has provided an avenue for us to attract investments from
China,” outlined Prime Minister Spencer.
During the Inter-governmental exchange which made possible government to government
exchanges; Tourism Minister Harold Lovell presented a paper on Human Resource
Development in the Caribbean.
The Trade Forum and Fair, in which a number of Antiguan and Barbudan companies
participated, greatly enhanced the level of technical and economic cooperation
Antigua and Barbuda has already received from the Chinese.
The Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association, Town House Furnishings,
Antigua Home and Garden Discount Centre, Bike Plus, Little B & J Fabric
Store, Sight Sound and Time Gift Shop, Hendersons Limited and Eagle Garment
Factory are among the Antiguan and Barbudan companies that participated in
the Trade Forum and Fair.
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Ministers of Government participate in CARICAD Retreat
On the 29th and 30th January 2005 the CARIBBEAN Centre for Development
Administration (CARICAD) facilitated a Retreat for Government Ministers
at the Jolly Beach Resort.
The CARICAD team expounded on the roles of Ministers, Permanent
Secretaries, Chief Establishment Officers, Financial Secretaries
and Cabinet Secretaries within the Westminster-Whitehall system
of parliamentary democracy practiced in Antigua and Barbuda.
The retreat also assessed the role of the Public Service Commission
and the proposed merger of established and non-established workers
into one public service. A special committee has been charged with
producing a detailed assessment of senior public sector appointments
and formulating a policy document to be presented to Cabinet.
The committee comprises Attorney-General and Minister of Legal
Affairs Justin Simon, Dr. Edmond Mansoor, Minister of State in
the Prime Minister's Office, Clarvis Joseph and Celia Roberts.
Minister of Labour and Public Administration, Dr Quinn-Leandro,
will chair the committee.
The team will receive technical and research support from CARICAD.
A final retreat bringing together Ministers and Permanent Secretaries
will be held in the first quarter of this year.
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Sail away in Antigua
 |
| Sailing Week 2004 |
Antigua will soon be preparing for its 38th annual Sailing
Week, when the world’s fastest and most attractive yachts
congregate for racing and a series of social events.
Sailing Week will take place in various stunning locations around
the island and is thoroughly enjoyable for both sailors and spectators.
With a wide range of activities and events together with Antigua’s
idyllic climate and some of the best beaches in the world, the
international regatta is indeed a very entertaining event.
2005 Sailing Week promises to be the most spectacular with the
growth of the international sailing community and even more beautiful
luxury sailboats. Antigua Sailing Week is now the largest regatta
in the Caribbean and one of the top three regattas in the world.
The festivities begin with the Cavalier Rum Beach Party at Pigeon
Point on Thursday 21st April, with the official start of Sailing
Week commencing on the Sunday and closing with The Lord Nelson’s
Ball on 30th April.
Sailing Week 2005 officially begins 24th April and ends 30th
April 2005.
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BARBUDA
Beautiful Barbuda only a boat ride away from Antigua
Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office is pleased to announce
the launch of a new ferry service between the two islands.
Previously the only way for visitors to travel was a short 20-min
flight. The new Antigua - Barbuda Ferry takes 1hr 30mins (check-in
1hr prior to departure) and costs EC$135 (approximately £28)
return. It presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to view
the spectacular coastlines of the two islands.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters, Antigua’s sister island
Barbuda, is sparsely populated and less frequently visited than
any other island in the region. Barbuda boasts one of the most
stunning secluded pink sand beaches in the world, a rich and varied
wildlife and beautiful coral reefs. Barbuda is the perfect destination
for those yearning for a peaceful, relaxing retreat.
The ferry, which began service in December 2004, departs at 8.30am on Wednesdays,
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Heritage Quay, St John’s and arrives
at River Dock, Barbuda. The return service from Barbuda departs at 3.15pm.
On Tuesdays and Fridays the service departs Antigua at 4.45pm
and returns the following day from Barbuda at 6.30am.
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with your name and address to the: Antigua and Barbuda High Commission,
15 Thayer Street, London W1M 5LD |
