ISSUE NO.98 April 2005
HIGH COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE Greetings!
 The 38th Antigua Sailing Week began on
24th April and culminated on 30th April. This great event is
considered by many sailing enthusiasts to be one of the top five
regattas in the world.
Over the years Sailing Week has evolved from a regatta for local yachtsmen
to an international event that spans five days. It attracts an average of 200
yachts , over 1500 participants , 5000 spectators and some of the biggest,
fastest and most impressive sailing yachts in the world. (sailingweek.com)
Additionally, the Tourism Industry
has recorded a 1.2% increase for visitor arrivals for the period
January through March 2005. This augurs well for the industry
and gives rise to the hope that this trend will continue in the
ensuing months.
BOTANICAL GARDEN
It is indeed gratifying to see that The Botanical
Garden Board has received Government's support as was evidenced
by Cabinet's tour of the Botanical Garden in early April.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer confirmed that the presence
of Cabinet signalled the importance that the government places
on the restoration of the garden as it related to the overall
enhancement of the city.
I believe that we can all agree with Peter Harker, the Chairman
of the Botanical Garden Board, and the government that the garden
would also become a tourist attraction and “a monument that signifies
that the people of Antigua and Barbuda appreciate
that a thing of beauty is a joy forever”.
Just to refresh your memory: The Botanical Garden is located
in Victoria Park at the top of St. John's in
the “greenbelt” area of the city. It borders the Queen Elizabeth Highway
and Independence Avenue . The Garden is just
to the east of the National Archives and the site for the new
Public Library building.
Inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
As is the tradition with most High courts, the Caribbean Court
of Justice (CCJ) marked its inauguration with much pomp and ceremony
on Saturday, April 16, at the refurbished Queens Hall in Port
of Spain , Trinidad and Tobago .
The ceremony which was preceded by an Inter-Faith Service,
included speeches from the President of Suriname and Chairman
of CARICOM, Ronald Veneetian, Prime Ministers Patrick Manning
and Dr. Kenny Anthony, Secretary General of CARICOM Dr. Edwin
Carrington and President of the CCJ, Michael de la Bastide.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer attended the inauguration accompanied
by Attorney General, and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin Simon,
Q.C., Justice Minister Colin Derrick and Registrar at the High
Court, Joanne Freeland-Roberts.
Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner
BACK TO TOP
PM Spencer urges closer relations with Brazil Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin Spencer has predicted
that the Antigua-Brazil connection will swiftly become a major
marketplace for Brazil/Caribbean trade. The Prime Minister was speaking at the opening of the First Antigua-Brazil
Trade Fair organized by the ABI Financial Group.
“I expect that in very short order, the Antigua-Brazil Trade Fair
will transform this island into a major hub for trade between Brazil
and the sub-region, and the wider Caribbean . This could eventually
lead to a central role for Antigua as the hub for trade between
the Caribbean Islands and Latin America , and the wider world,” he
said.
The country's leader noted that the vision of the ABI Financial
Group, its aggressive investment posture, and its outstanding record
for success, would make it possible. It was also pointed out that
it would mean direct economic benefits, significant entrepreneurial
opportunities and increasing job options for the Antiguan and Barbudan
people.
“I envisage even greater opportunity accruing to Antigua
and Barbuda from this event. It would be in the interest of Brazilian
suppliers for Antigua and Barbuda to become a more affluent and
therefore a more lucrative market. To this end, a tiny fraction
of the upper end of Brazil 's 182 million people would provide
a tremendous boost to Antigua and Barbuda 's tourism fortunes,” Prime
Minister Spencer said.
Prime Minister Spencer outlined that this can be achieved by direct
air services between the major cities of Brazil and Antigua and
Barbuda . He challenged the ABI Executive team and their Brazilian
counterparts to explore the possibility of direct airline connections
between the two countries.
“A logical option for and outcome from the Antigua-Brazil Trade
Fair would be expanding air traffic, and, ultimately, direct, scheduled
airlift between our two countries,” the country's leader concluded. BACK TO TOP
Ambassador Underwood presents credentials to President Chavez
 |
| Ambassador Underwood with Vice Ministers Bolivar
and Contreras |
The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , Hugo Chávez
Frías received the credentials of Ambassador Joan H. Underwood
at a ceremony that took place at the presidential palace Miraflores.
Also present at the ceremony was Eustoquio Contreras, Vice Minister
in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for Latin
America and the Caribbean .
While in Caracas , Ambassador Underwood also held discussions
with Government officials about the possibility of Antigua and
Barbuda accessing fuel at discounted prices under President Chávez's
Petro Caribe initiative. Since assuming office in 2004 the UPP
Administration has subsidized the cost of fuel at the pump thereby
shielding consumers from the escalating prices on the international
market. The contemplated agreement with Venezuela would represent
a more sustainable approach to the management of the cost of fuel
in Antigua and Barbuda .
Arrangements are currently being made for a high level delegation
to travel to Venezuela to advance the discussions ahead of a meeting
of fuel ministers scheduled to be held in Caracas at the end of
April.
In addition to the fuel initiative, the Venezuelan Government
has offered to assist Antigua and Barbuda by providing medical
services. Such services may provide an affordable, high quality
alternative to similar services provided by medical institutions
in North America .
In the upcoming months Ambassador Underwood will be facilitating
dialogue between the relevant healthcare authorities in Venezuela
and Antigua and Barbuda .
In addition to Venezuela Ambassador Underwood also has responsibility
for diplomatic relations with Brazil , Chile , Mexico , Argentina
and Colombia . BACK TO TOP
Antigua and Barbuda and Chile to further strengthen relations
 |
| Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
greeting Deputy Foreign Minister Christian Barros |
On 25th April, Antigua and Barbuda and Chile highlighted the need
for both countries to move towards further strengthening their
relations.
During a meeting with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Baldwin
Spencer, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Christian
Barros stated that both countries had developed strong political
links. He presented Prime Minister Spencer with a letter from President
Ricardo Lagos of Chile , outlining the strong relations which already
exist between the two countries.
He also pointed out that the strong relations can be improved
in the areas of tourism and commended the role being played by
Ambassador Joan Underwood in opening up relations with South America
. He stated that Ambassador Underwood will play a pivotal role
in firming up the relations between Chile and Antigua and Barbuda
.
The meeting was also attended by Ambassador of Chile to Antigua
and Barbuda , Alfonso Silva, who earlier in the day presented his
credentials to Governor General Sir James Carlisle.
Prime Minister Spencer, who received another invitation to officially
visit Chile from Deputy Minister Barros, informed the delegation
that he is pleased that Chilean experts would shortly visit Antigua
and Barbuda to assist the country in the development of its agricultural
sector by establishing a number of model farms.
The Prime Minister also outlined that his government is willing
to pursue the further development of relations with Chile , which
has been a friend to Antigua and Barbuda .
Earlier in the day, the Chilean Minister presented computers to
the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, Marine Resources
and Agro Industries.
On May 2, CARICOM's choice for Secretary-General of the Organization
of American States (OAS), Chile 's candidate José Miguel
Insulza was elected to head the Organisation. BACK TO TOP
Antigua and Barbuda to establish closer Cultural Cooperation with Cuba
 |
| The Antigua
and Barbuda delegation during
the Cuban talks |
Antigua and Barbuda and Cuba has established closer cooperation
in the field of culture.
At the recently held meeting of an Antigua/Barbuda/Cuba Joint
Commission during the official visit to Cuba of Prime Minister
Spencer, it was agreed that Cuba will provide training in the areas
of dance, visual arts and the production of handicraft for the
tourism market.
The Ministry is expected to identify an individual to be the counterpart
for all cultural collaboration purposes with Cuba .
Meanwhile, the construction of the Sir Vivian Richards monument
will resume with the arrival of Cuban sculptor Andres Gonzalez
to initiate the execution of the project. Andres Gonzalez was responsible
for the construction of the Sir V.C. Bird bust at the West Bus
Station.
During the Joint Commission Meeting invitations were extended
to the Minister of Culture to attend the IV International Congress “Culture
and Development” to be held in Havana, Cuba from June 6 to 9 and
the 25 th Edition of the Caribbean Festival to be held in Santiago
de Cuba from July 3 to 9.
The Cuban cultural division also expressed their willingness to
evaluate any project in the different artistic manifestations,
which may result from interest by Antigua and Barbuda . BACK TO TOP
Cuban Officials on follow-up visit to Antigua and Barbuda
On 25th April two Cuban Government officials paid a visit on Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer as part of an assessment and planning
programme which will lead to the implementation of a number of
projects agreed upon by Prime Minister Spencer and Cuban Leader
Fidel Castro recently.
Cuban Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda , His Excellency
Jose Jaoquin Alvarez Portela and Roberto Lepez, Senior Advisor
to the Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage visited Antigua and Barbuda
on direct orders from President Fidel Castro to move ahead with
implementation of the agreements signed with Antigua and Barbuda
.
Prime Minister Spencer, who handed a letter to Mr. Lepez for delivery
to President Fidel Castro, said that the Cuban officials' visit
shows the political commitment of Cuba to implement the agreements
reached with that country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to fast track the
LIAT initiative which he developed in Cuba for the airline to start
flights to Havana from St. John's . He requested that the Cuban
officials meet as soon as possible with senior management of LIAT.
It was also disclosed during the meeting that Cuba will send within
one week two experts relating to the establishing of a polyclinic
and other areas of cooperation. Antigua and Barbuda also promised
to provide information before July on the 50 scholarship applicants,
which was agreed to by Cuba .
The Cuban team also held meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Errol
Cort and Health Minister John Maginley. Antigua and Barbuda 's
Ambassador Designate to Cuba Bruce Goodwin, who attended the meetings,
informed Prime Minister Spencer of their outcomes and advised that
the need exists for additional economic and other data to be provided
to the Cubans in order for further analysis to be made of the various
sectors being assisted by Cuba . BACK TO TOP
Cabinet tours Botanical Garden in preparation for planned makeover
 |
| Mr Harker speaks to members of
the Cabinet |
The Botanical Garden Board has received the government backing
as the full component of Cabinet toured the Botanical Garden to
get a first-hand view of planned makeover of the garden into a
multi-functional park.
Speaking to the press after the tour, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
said, "It is an integral part of this government's effort
to make Antigua and Barbuda a garden of the Caribbean and in order
to do that we have to start with the Botanical Garden," Mr.
Spencer said.
He also highly commended the quick work of the Botanical Garden
Board in cleaning the area readying it for the major changes planned,
and pledged the government's support. Chairman of the Botanical
Garden Board Peter Harker added that it was government's intent
that the Garden would also become a tourist attraction and "a
monument that signifies that the people of Antigua and Barbuda
appreciate that a thing of beauty is a joy forever."
According to Harker, the complete makeover of the Botanical Garden
- which will include an amphitheatre, playground, gazebos, renovated
bathroom facilities, fencing of the entire gardens, ice-cream parlour
and confectionary area plus proper utilities - would take approximately
two years on an initial budget of $500,000.
It is also anticipated that the building that houses Citizens
Welfare Division will be reverted to the park and utilised for
arts and craft. It is also anticipated that the Prison Rehabilitation
Centre, in the vicinity of the Garden will also be relocated.
Harker is also seeking to have the Botanical Garden taken out
of the hands of government and the private sector and placed in
a trust so it is more permanent.
The legal requirements of such a trust are being researched. BACK TO TOP
Minister Daniel addresses
the Ministerial Segment of the Commission on Sustainable Development
 |
| Deputy Prime Minister Wilmoth
Daniel (2nd from right) at the United Nations |
In his first address to Ministers attending the High Level Segment
of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, Antigua
and Barbuda's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works,
Transportation and Environment, Wilmoth Daniel, underscored his
government's commitment to the environment and to greater involvement
with the important issues which are considered by United Nations
system.
“Our environment is a prime resource that Antigua and Barbuda
gladly shares with the rest of the world,” the Minister said, adding
further that, “the environment powers the economies of the Caribbean
, which are dependent on tourism [particularly] so in the case
of Antigua and Barbuda .”
Echoing some of themes that were the focus of the Commission's
discussions, Minister Daniel proudly observed “Antigua and Barbuda
is committed to achieving the goal [of water for all] well ahead
of the United Nation's Millennium Development target in 2015[and
to] the installation of the first and long overdue sewage system
in our capital city, St. John's.”
The Minister also cited the relatively high ranking of Antigua
and Barbuda of 55 among 77 countries on the Human Development Index,
which is published annually by the United Nations Development Programme,
but cautioned that “despite this high ranking, Antigua and Barbuda
retains all the vulnerabilities of a small island developing State.”
The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) is composed of
53 members elected for terms of office of three years, meets annually
for a period of two to three weeks. The Commission serves as a
high level forum on sustainable development that reviews progress
at the international, regional and national levels in the implementation
of recommendations and commitments contained in the final documents
of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED), namely: Agenda 21 ; and the Rio Declaration on Environment
and Development . The Commission elaborates policy guidance and
options for future activities to follow up the Johannesburg Plan
of Implementation to achieve sustainable development, and promotes
dialogue and build partnerships for sustainable development with
governments, the international community and the major groups identified
in Agenda 21 as key actors outside the central government who have
a major role to play in the transition towards sustainable development.
During his visit to the United Nations, Minister Daniel used the
opportunity to hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts
to discuss initiatives in areas of sanitation and clean energy.
Minister Daniel held bilateral meetings with Ms Connie Hedegaard,
Minister of Environment of Denmark; Lord Whitty, Minister of Farming,
Food and Energy of the United Kingdom; and Mr. Stavros Dimas, European
Commissioner for Environment.
On Friday, April 22, Minister Daniel participated in a town hall-style
meeting with Antiguans and Barbudans residing in the tri-State
area of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , on his government
plans to develop the infrastructure of Antigua and Barbuda . BACK TO TOP
Government to continue to meet the water needs of Antiguans and Barbudans
 |
| Minister of Finance and the Economy,
Dr Errol Cort |
Antigua and Barbuda 's Minister of Finance and the Economy, Dr.
Errol Cort, underlined his Government's commitment to the delivery
of basic water services to the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda
during a panel discussion at the United Nations Commission on Sustainable
Development (CSD) for Ministers of Finance and Development Cooperation.
Chairman of the UN commission on sustainable Development, Dr John
Ashe, chaired the panel discussions.
In response to the question on what roles do Governments
see for the private sector – whether large-scale or small scale – and
for public-private partnerships in meeting water supply and sanitation
needs, Minister Cort told his colleague Ministers that “while the
role of public-private partnerships is very important, the onus
for ensuring that water is supplied to all sectors of society,
especially to the less fortunate, must rest with Governments.”
On the subject of human settlements/slums, Minister Cort told
the panel that his Government supported:
- micro-credit and micro-financing that can both target
low-income people and increase their access to housing, thereby
reducing slum dwellings;
- Public-private partnerships to provide
low-cost financing for housing is necessary to tackle the problem
of slum dwellings;
- the need for international financial support
for community-based projects in slum areas and the provision
of unused public lands for low-cost housing as vehicles for achieving
the developmental goals on human settlements; and
- actions and
policy decisions to create alternatives to new or expanded
slum formations, including providing gainful employment for youth,
improving the system of land tenure and the inclusion of community
based groups in urban planning.
Minister Cort attended and participated in the first ever panel
for Finance and Development Corporation Ministers convened by the
United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD). He
also held a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts.
Other members of the discussion panel included: H.E. Ms. Carin
Jämtin, Minister for International Development Cooperation,
Sweden ; Mr. Len Good, Chairman and CEO, Global Environment Facility;
Mr. Suma Chakrabarti, Permanent Secretary, Department for International
Development, UK ; and Mr. Adolfo A. Franco, USAID Assistant Administrator
for Latin America and the Caribbean .
Opening presentations were made by: Mr. Ian Johnson, Vice President,
Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development, World Bank;
and Mr. Carlos Fortin, OIC, United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development (UNCTAD).
The panel was inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the United
Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, who delivered the opening remarks and
was co-moderated by the Minister of Finance of South Africa, Trevor
Manuel and the Minister for International Cooperation of Norway,
Ms. Hilde Johnson.
The CSD, which ended on Friday, April 22, adopted a series of
policy decisions on practical measures and options on water, sanitation
and human settlements. BACK TO TOP
Antigua and Barbuda to receive twenty community centres
While commenting on his recent visit to Nairobi , Kenya in Africa
to attend the 20th Session of the Governing Council of UN Habitat,
Minister of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, Hilson
Baptiste stated that Antigua and Barbuda is to be the recipient
of 20 community centres, which will be constructed at strategic
points around the island. The Governing Council of UN Habitat is seeking to eradicate slums
in parts of the world by the year 2010.
Minister Baptiste said that after much investigation and touring
of one of Africa 's major slums, he believes that Antigua and Barbuda
does not really have any slum areas and those areas that require
development, like Booby Ally, can be rectified.
“When I saw the living conditions of Africa's slums, I thought
it best that UN Habitat should spend the money on persons who are
more in need, therefore, I changed my approach from housing allowance
to community centres,” the Minister explained.
The Minister said the centres will provide an avenue for community
development and he hopes that the community centres will feature
day care facilities, learning centres, gym and libraries. He said
with the new facilities, the community would be further enhanced.
The Minister said that due diligence is yet to be done, and the
locations are yet to be decided. BACK TO TOP
Government
take steps in making Antigua and Barbuda a Multilingual Society
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda
has moved closer towards implementing its educational policy of
making the entire nation multilingual.
During his official visit to the Republic of Cuba , Prime Minister
Baldwin Spencer requested assistance from the Cuban government
in the provision of tutors in the area of Spanish, the second official
language of the Caribbean .
The Prime Minister also expressed the government's interest in
short courses in Spanish, including the possibility of teaching
that language on radio and television.
The Cuban government agreed to collaborate in the teaching of
Spanish Language both for primary education and for professors.
In the long term, the Baldwin Spencer administration plans to
make available language instruction in well-equipped language laboratories,
to the nation's young people and interested adults. BACK TO TOP
PM Spencer at Inauguration of Caribbean Court of Justice CCJ
 |
| Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
flanked by Justice Minister Colin Derrick on his right
and Registrar of the High Court Joanne Freeland-Roberts
and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin
Simon Q.C. on his left |
On 16th April Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer joined regional Heads,
members of the judiciary and diplomats at the inauguration of the
Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) at Queen's Hall, St Ann 's, Trinidad
and Tobago .
The event saw Prime Ministers from 10 Caribbean countries, several
Attorneys General and other distinguished guests from the Commonwealth
arriving at the Hall that was specially decorated for the occasion.
Following the ceremony, Prime Minister Spencer said that the inauguration
of the CCJ marked a significant milestone in the history of CARICOM. “This
signals our intent to truly unify the nations of the region. Although
Antigua and Barbuda will only for the time being participate in
the Court in its Original jurisdiction, we see this as a significant
event,” Prime Minister Spencer noted.
The CCJ will function as a court of original jurisdiction for
most of the Caricom countries under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas
in the operation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
President of the CCJ, Michael de la Bastide, introduced the justices
to the audience, following which Justice Adrian Saunders of St
Vincent and the Grenadines and Justice Desiree Bernard of Guyana
took the oath before President Richards of Trinidad and Tobago
. Professor David Hayton of Britain and Justice Jacob Wit of the
Netherlands Antilles will be administered the Oath of Office in
July. Justice Rolston Nelson of Trinidad and Tobago and Justice
Duke Pollard of Guyana took the Oath of Office earlier this year.
Also attending the Ceremony representing Antigua and Barbuda were
the country's Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin
Simon, Q.C., Justice Minister Colin Derrick and Registrar at the
High Court Joanne Freeland-Roberts. BACK TO TOP
Education Minister attends CARICOM Education Ministers Retreat
On 2nd and 3rd May Education Minister Bertrand
Joseph joined his regional counterparts at a Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) Retreat of Ministers with responsibility for Education
in Georgetown , Guyana .
The gathering discussed issues related to Secondary Education
and the Rationalization of Tertiary Education in the Region.
At a conference of Heads of Government in 1997, a vision was outlined
for Education and Human Resource Development in the region and
several specific targets were set for various levels of education.
Among these were:
- 15% enrolment of
the post-secondary age cohort in tertiary level education by
the year 2005
- Universal
quality secondary education be targeted for the year 2005 with
attendant annual targets set
In response to this mandate, Member States have put in place measures
for ensuring increased access to tertiary education for their citizens
and some Member States have already achieved and surpassed the
enrolment targets.
The measures have included the establishment of new institutions
and the expansion of offerings and remit of others, e.g. in the
upgrading of Community Colleges to offer degree programmes, franchising
of year 1 and 2 University of the West Indies (UWI) programmes
in specific areas to Community Colleges e.g. in Antigua and Barbuda,
St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis. In addition, there has been
increased employment of Distance Education modalities for the delivery
of tertiary level programmes.
The Meeting is also expected to discuss issues related to the
agenda of the Fourth Meeting of Ministers of Education of Latin
America and the Caribbean to be convened in Trinidad and Tobago
from August 10 th to 12 th 2005.
BACK TO TOP
Social Transformation plans survey of Living conditions
A two-man team from Kairi Consultants Limited of Trinidad and
Tobago , recently concluded a familiarization trip ahead of a Survey
of Living Conditions in Antigua and Barbuda set to begin shortly.
The survey is a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Development
Bank, CDB and the Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation.
The Survey of Living Conditions will seek to obtain baseline data
to help the Ministry of Social Transformation plan programmes and
policies aimed at improving the livelihood of the general population,
while at the same time unearth shortcomings in the Government social
services.
The two-man team comprising Dr Ralph Henry and Edwin St. Catherine
met stakeholders of the project, outlined the necessity for the
survey and explained how the information obtained should help the
Government develop its social structure.
Dr. Henry, speaking to the National Assessment Team, which was
appointed by Cabinet and included members from the private and
public sectors, said the project is very important to the development
of any country. He said with the information provided, Government
can then make the necessary appeal to the CDB for grants or assistance
to further strengthen its services. Dr Henry said if Government
does not know the areas of deficiency then they cannot adequately
meet the needs of their residents, as projects may be directed
into the wrong areas.
Minister of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, Hilson
Baptiste said this new survey would help the Government meet its
mandate and provide continued improvement in the standard of living
through its social services programmes. He added that if persons
co-operate fully with the survey, it should help the Government
understand the real problems nationals face daily. He continued, “Once
we know the needs and concerns of our people then we will be in
a better position to help, thereby further improving their standard
of living.”
He added that his Ministry has as its motto “The social consciousness
of Antigua and Barbuda” and his Government believes that
every ‘pocket' of poverty must be reduced or totally eradicated,
adding that no one should be left out from advancing up the ‘ladder
of success'.
Preparatory work has commenced and the entire survey is expected
to last approximately one year and will include fieldwork, data
collection and analysis. BACK TO TOP
A HISTORY OF ANTIGUA: THE UNSUSPECTED ISLE
This book, written by Brian Dyde
and published by Macmillan Education in 2000, not only covers
the history of Antigua from
pre-Columbian days until the achievement of Independence in
1981 but also deals with events over the same period in both
Barbuda and Redonda.
The author is an Englishman who, having known the island
for over 40 years and being married to an Antiguan, has taken
great care to treat what could be thought of as potentially dry
historical material from a balanced cultural perspective and
to write for the widest possible readership.
His 360-page book covers the pre-Columbian migrations,
colonialism, slavery and the plantation economy, the rise of
the trade union movement, Associated Statehood, Independence
, and the transition from an agricultural to a tourist economy
in an interesting and highly-readable manner. As well as being
illustrated with maps, reproductions of paintings and prints,
and many photographs, the text also contains numerous apt contemporary
quotations from each significant period of Antigua 's
history. It is a book which will appeal to anyone with any connection
with Antigua , or with an interest
in West Indian history.
The author has also written the definitive visitor's guide
to Antigua (now in its third
edition) as well as a history of the West India Regiments.
His book, ISBN number 0 333 75169 8, is available from
any good bookshop, priced at £17.95
BACK TO TOP
TOURISM NEWS
New Air Services Agreement established between Antigua and Barbuda and The Netherlands Antilles
Representatives of the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda
and The Netherlands Antilles recently concluded discussions in
Curacao for a new air services agreement aimed at liberalizing
air transport between the two countries.
The new agreement will replace one agreed to in 1994 that limited
the number of flights that could be operated between the two countries
and also contained a number of other restrictive practices relating
to pricing and capacity.
Under the terms of the new agreement, airlines designated by Antigua
and Barbuda and the Netherlands Antilles , will be able to operate
under an Open Skies regime allowing almost unrestricted access
to each other's markets, and will allow for market driven flexibility
in relation to pricing and other commercial arrangements.
The new agreement also seeks to strengthen cooperation between
the two countries in relation to aviation security and safety by
incorporating requirements reflecting current international legal
obligations in these areas. This follows recent reductions in air
service by carriers from The Netherlands Antilles and other regional
carriers, and is expected to result in increased commercial, tourism,
cultural, and trading relations between the Eastern Caribbean and
the territories of the Netherlands Antilles . The agreement will
come into effect once government authorities in both countries
have completed the various legal requirements.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation consisted of Mr. Brian Challenger,
Technical Coordinator in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation;
Mr. Leon Smith Acting Aerodrome Superintendent at the V.C. Bird
International Airport; Mr. Edward Gilkes, Acting Chief Operations
Officer of Caribbean Star Airlines; Mr. Wilbur Edwards, Director
of Network and Sales at LIAT (1974) Ltd; and Mr. Sam Waithe, Aviation
Consultant to Caribbean Star Airlines. Dr. Siegfried Francisco,
Director of Civil Aviation of the Netherlands Antilles , led his
country's delegation.
BACK TO TOP
Tourism figures show growth for the first quarter of 2005
Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to see growth in the tourism
industry as indicated by visitor arrival figures to date for the
year 2005.
A 1.2% increase has been recorded for the period January through
March 2005, when compared to the same period in 2004, with March
recording a healthy 9.5 % increase over last year. Tourist arrivals
in January and February experienced an increase of 1.1% and a fall
of 7.2% respectively.
According to the acting Director General within the Ministry of
Tourism, Lorraine Headley, this pattern can be attributed to the
increased presence of Antigua and Barbuda in trade fairs and expos
such as the recently concluded ITB in Berlin , with a particular
focus on attracting European visitors.
The country, which has a strong UK marketing drive, will continue
its extensive campaign there later this year by participating in
World Travel Market 2005.
“The success of Tourism Minister, Harold Lovell in securing the
return of Condor to Antigua in November will contribute towards
increased airlift, with expected increased visitor arrivals from
Germany as well as surrounding European countries,” Miss Headley
noted.
The Canadian market has also seen strong growth with a 15.1% increase
experienced in 2005. A targeted public relations campaign being
planned for the North American market within the next few months
is expected to contribute to significant growth in the remaining
months of 2005.
With activities such as the launch of the 2005 Carnival celebration,
and Cricket just around the corner, a busy season for Tourism is
anticipated. Plans are underway to improve the visitor experience
during peak period.
With projections for this year's tourist industry seemingly positive,
all stakeholders are being urged to put their best foot forward
in ensuring that this year continues to record positive results.
BACK TO TOP
Ministry of Tourism provides training for small hotel owners
Recognising the role of small locally owned hotels in the accommodation
sector, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Organisation
of American States (OAS) provided a special training opportunity
for small hotel owner/ managers.
Focusing on the need for small hotel owners and managers to be
proficient in all aspects of hotel operations, this comprehensive
four day workshop, which began on Tuesday May 3 and ended on Friday
May 6 at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute,
covered Hotel Management and Operations, and Food and Beverage
Management with a view to providing existing and new owners with
the necessary skills to assist in the smooth functioning of their
properties.
The major objective of the programme was to improve techniques
and approaches for hoteliers through which improved performance
and profitability can be achieved.
Director of Product Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Lorraine
Headley, sees the training as critical in improving the standards
for the small hotel sector, “We are actively seeking to improve
the operations of local hoteliers to ensure their continued viability
within the industry. We recognise the important role that such
accommodation will play in 2007 for Cricket World Cup and we will
be ensuring that these and other stakeholders have the opportunity
to train in order to benefit fully from increased opportunities
in tourism.”
At the completion of the programme participants received their
internationally recognised certification from the American Hotel & Lodging
Association (AH&LA).
The training was conducted by OAS trainer, Bennett Brown.
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