The and Barbuda High Commission

Official Newsletter - Issue 134 -- June 2009

Prime Minister Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer’s remarks at National

Economic Consultation See pages 3, 10

His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts presents ‘A Little Bit of Paradise’ to Prime Minister Peter Harry Carstensen of Kiel, Germany at the Kiel Regatta See page 8 In This Issue 1. Prime Minister’s remarks at the National Economic Consultation (pages 3, 10 2. World Environment Day Message - Commonwealth Secretary-General (page 4) 3. goes to cricket (page 6) 4. High Commissioner at Kiel Week regatta (page 8) Antigua and Barbuda High Commission Issue 134 - June 2009

telecommunication infrastructure. international services in and it It is indeed a major was through their links here that much of telecommunication market. As the traffic out of the region passed. several reports would readily admit, it is a market in which Early communications were simple. The several parts have main modes of communications were telecommunication infrastructure telegrams, government messages, press as advanced as anywhere else reports and operator-connected HF Radio in the world. Good trading transmitted telephone calls. I give you an relations with the United States, example of the type of telegram message. Canada, UK and Europe and the After the mandatory heading the message dominance of tourism as the read: principal economic activity, are the main reasons for this. “Addition to family stop mother and daughter doing well stop still in Let me first state what I mean by hospital stop more later”. the Caribbean. The Caribbean is a region or a chain of islands Or another: from the southern tip of Florida in the USA to the northern tip of “Reached safely stop place South America and often nothing like we discussed stop good includes such places as prospects for business” Bermuda, Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands in the Atlantic. Or yet another: The Region covers around 1000 square kilometres. In my “Richard in accident stop come presentation I will not include quickly” such places as Cuba, Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico and You will notice that brevity was the order the French and Dutch islands. of the day. Every word was counted and Telecommunications in charged. Sometimes the conciseness of Let me first provide a little history of this the message conveyed more worries then the Caribbean, then and important service. Telecommunication intended. Receiving a telegram was now Service was introduced into the Region frightening in and of itself before one by not long after Alexander Bell’s invention could decipher the contents of the H.E. Dr Carl B. Roberts of the telephone became commercially message. available in the capital centres of the then High Commissioner commercial world. The Service was If it were marked urgent then you opened to owned by Governments and was it with trepidation. Rotary Club of introduced in the main to support 22nd June 2009 mercantile interests, government official Making a telephone call was no less easy. communications and to a lesser extent If the country to which you were making PRESIDENT Marion, Sergeant-at-Arms public service. that call had direct circuits to your Roy, Fellow Rotarians, Ladies and homeland, you would simply call the Gentlemen, Good Afternoon. It is indeed As any research using reports on the operator, book the time of your call and a pleasure for me to speak today about a official site of the Caribbean Association await the call back. It could take hours subject which has been the focus of my of Telecommunications Organisations and days and the quality was at best life for over thirty-seven and a half years. (CANTO) will reveal the 1960s began a questionable. The cost was always Though the period over which I will point period of rapid changes within the region. higher than you expected. the flashlight spans from the 1960s to During this period, a US Company called present day, if one were to go back further, Continental Telephone (Contel) bought In the late sixties, Cable and Wireless one would find other interesting periods to the companies providing domestic upgraded the radio systems serving the speak about. I was very fortunate to have service in Barbados, and region. New emerging tropospheric worked in telecommunications in not only . and the entities scatter systems were introduced. Local one of the most dynamic periods, but in providing both domestic and international switchboard operators were able to seize my humble opinion, one of the most services in the Bahamas. Contel installed international circuits and connect directly interesting. new electro-mechanical switching and to some destinations without going Although the Caribbean is predominantly transmission systems in those places. In through transit points in Barbados, White made up of several small developing the small English speaking territories of Plains New York, Jacksonville Florida, countries, in fact many micro-states, it is the Eastern Caribbean Cable and and London. In the 1980s Cable and nevertheless a market where many Wireless, then owned by the the UK Wireless upgraded the radio system changes are taking place in government, provided both domestic and across the region with the installation of

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2 The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission Issue 134 - June 2009

Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer Remarks National Economic Consultation 25th June, 2009 Ladies and Gentlemen: Your government is prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to address the issues The world we live in today is drastically that confront us by devising new plans and different from the one we knew of some policies. You as Antiguans and Barbudans two to three years ago. Since 2008, the must also be prepared to make sacrifices world has been shocked by an economic for the good of this country – from public crisis of enormous proportions. servants, to the private sector, the trade unions – we all must play meaningful roles The collapse of world financial markets if we are to overcome this economic hurdle. has led to hundreds of thousands of persons in Europe, North America and Ladies and Gentlemen: Asia and most recently right here at home in the Caribbean and in Antigua and Over the past few weeks, The Ministry of Barbuda, being placed on the Finance, the Economy and Public unemployment line. Administration has been conducting widespread consultations with non- For Antigua and Barbuda, this global governmental organizations, community economic crisis has generated major based groups, the private sector and challenges that are impacting our regional and sub-regional partners in an economic output and employment. effort to finalize a plan that would bring about the structural changes and social Honourable Baldwin Spencer There is no doubt that as a small, open, and economic transformation that are Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda developing economy, Antigua and needed to propel our country into a secure Barbuda would have become susceptible and prosperous future. Ladies and Gentlemen: to the economic crisis that has gripped the large, developed economies of the world. The National Economic and Social I wish to address just a few major The recent developments within our region Transformation (NEST) Plan was rolled challenges that we are facing today - involving CLICO, British American out with four major components being the Tourism and the effects of the recession, Insurance, the R. Allen Stanford debacle fiscal consolidation programme, an to employ or not to employ and to borrow and more recently the possible fall-outs economic action plan, social or not to borrow – these are the questions from the alleged wrongdoings of the transformation, and financial sector that we must answer truthfully and with former boss of our financial services stability. reality. regulatory commission have further compounded the crisis for us here in It is my government’s belief that this NEST Our tourism industry is the driving force of Antigua and Barbuda. Plan will strategically address our fiscal our economy. It is also the sector that is and socio-economic concerns, fully hardest hit in the region and Antigua and This fourth instalment of the National cognizant that we, as a small open Barbuda is no exception. Economic Symposium, therefore, is of vital economy, have limited policy options. importance not only to your government in With an over thirty-percent reduction in charting the way forward but to every This NEST Plan is not unlike various occupancy, most if not all tourism related Antiguan and Barbudan as it would take all policies and strategies being developed entities have had to reduce staff in order to of our efforts combined to ensure that we and pursued by our regional counterparts remain in business. survive these harsh global economic as they too seek to cope with the fallout conditions. from the global economic crisis. In My government has made the issues addition, our NEST Plan reflects the sub- facing this sector immediate priority. The Today’s consultation is not about cosmetic regional approach to the crisis, which is yachting, hotels, cruise, tours and changes to the economy of Antigua and outlined in the Eastern Caribbean attractions aspects of the sector must be Barbuda. It is about making structural Currency Union (ECCU) Eight Point Plan. addressed if we are to stave off massive changes to our domestic economy and unemployment. finding real and workable solutions to At this point I wish to commend and effectively cushion the effects of a world- express the appreciation of the It is my government’s intention to continue wide recession that has never been seen government of Antigua and Barbuda to the to engage with members of the tourism before in most of our lifetime. Governor of the Eastern Caribbean industry to ensure we are able to stimulate Central Bank Sir Dwight Venner and his the sector by focusing more on promoting We cannot simply remove the rose- team for their expert guidance as we the industry on a regional and domestic coloured glasses and expect our problems address this daunting challenge. level. to go away. We must remove them and Commendation must also go to the focus our attention on whether or not our technicians in the Ministry of Finance for The time has come when we have to look actions will catapult our economy over the their dedication and hard work. inward and promote regional holiday travel brick wall that is before us or lead us and on-island holidays. It is my head-on into a massive collision. government’s belief that if we as a region Continued on page 10

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tackled by countries pulling collectively World Environment Day to achieve shared global solutions. Message Fortunately, consensus is building in this direction. Within the 5 June 2009 Commonwealth, climate change is By central to our concerns. In 2007, Commonwealth Commonwealth Heads of Government demonstrated their commitment to Secretary-General making a difference, by agreeing to Kamalesh Sharma the Lake Victoria Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan. The term ‘rising sea levels’ has real expression in the Maldives and Tuvalu. The Plan has seen significant results in These and other low-lying states are supporting developing country effectively threatened with negotiations on climate change, using submergence. The tides have already the Commonwealth civil society risen, and wholesale migration is a network (statisticians, geographers, possible response. The front lines foresters, meteorologists, and others), have already been breached. launching new programmes on land management and forestation, and Elsewhere in the Commonwealth, we studies on the exports of agricultural see the effects of climate change in produce, and supporting the poor crop yields, destructive storms, management of natural disasters. Commonwealth Secretary-General shrinking rainforests, dwindling fish Kamalesh Sharma stocks, thawing tundra, encroaching Further, the practical response to desert, flooded lowlands. climate change has also been discussed by the wider concerns of the poorest and most It is an existential emergency, in that it Commonwealth family: governments, vulnerable of people – for it is they who is concerned with our very existence. officials, parliamentarians, youth in general contribute the least to the Typically and ironically, it is the leaders, human rights officials, and way our climate changes, and who countries with the least carbon others all have a role to play. suffer the most. footprints which are fighting for sheer survival. The Commonwealth recognises that Some of the other key outcomes which all nations have different interests and must be pursued in Copenhagen The world knows this only too well. objectives, and require freedom to include new mechanisms for financing Last week it was reminded again, with shape their own development agenda. the preservation and regeneration of the publication of the Global And it believes that it is possible to forests, that will deliver genuine Humanitarian Forum’s report entitled develop beneficial outcomes for all, development benefits both nationally Climate Change: The Anatomy of a providing we share the spirit of co- and locally. We also need to see new Silent Crisis. Climate change is operation and a common goal. It frameworks emerge that will enable already responsible for 300,000 expressed this in the Marlborough small and low-emitting developing deaths a year, the report said, and it House Statement adopted by its countries to create their own low- directly affects 300 million people, leaders in 2008, which sets down the emission economies, and remain mostly in the developing world. Unless principles of inclusiveness, legitimacy, competitive. These countries do not radical action is taken, it argued, these responsibility, transparency and just need finance: they also need the figures can only rise. Within just 25 effectiveness that should inform the technology, skills and institutions years, it estimated that climate change new paradigm of international which will help them to adapt to will push 20 million more people into environmental governance. changing circumstances well into the poverty, with 75 million more people future. being displaced. Cavilling about Negotiations are currently underway in figures is not the issue: it is Bonn, under the United Nations Providing we stay united and true to incontrovertible that we are face to Framework Convention on Climate the principles of collective face with an incipient catastrophe. Change, to discuss and shape the responsibility and equity, and never These are stark reminders of the international agreements that will be lose sight of the goal of achieving importance of recognising today’s made in Copenhagen later this year. genuine sustainable development and World Environment Day theme: ‘Your the alleviation of poverty, we can be planet needs you, UNite to combat Those debating in Germany should hopeful of tackling the climate change climate change’. pay heed to the lessons of last week’s challenge. I am heartened to see that report, and respond to the call of this year’s theme for World Climate change is a core development today’s World Environment Day theme. Environment Day captures this challenge, and one which can only be We wish to see a strong climate collaborative spirit. change agreement that addresses the

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Minister Maginley attends Congressman Eliot Engel. Issues discussed included the global Annual Caribbean Tourism financial crisis and its impact on Summit the Caribbean Tourism industry, the impact of natural disasters, the The Hon. John Maginley, Minister of managing of health concerns, Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture energy, security and capacity and current chairman of the Caribbean building. Tourism Organisation, attended the Annual Caribbean Tourism Summit in The first component of the summit Washington D.C. from June 8 to 10. that took place on June 8, consisted of a CTO think-tank session moderated by Adam The Summit sought to provide (left to right) Mr Colin James, Minister John Ministers and officials engaged in the Sacks, Founder and Managing Maginley, Ambassador Deborah-Mae Lovell and tourism industry from the greater Director of Tourism Economics Mr Cortwright Marshall Caribbean region with the opportunity who focused his presentation on to meet with Congressional establishing an understanding The Antigua and Barbuda delegation Representatives, members of the between the economy and tourism as comprised Director of Tourism Policy executive and private sector leaders in a basis for destination strategy. In this and Planning Mr. Cortwright Marshall, order to promote tourism by examining regard, areas discussed included Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua the various policies that affect the pricing, promotion, partnerships and and Barbuda Tourism Authority Mr. industry while crafting strategies to policies. Colin James and Ambassador meet the requirements of the new Deborah-Mae Lovell, Antigua and global environment. Before leaving for Washington the Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United Minister described the benefits he States and the Organisation of Among the officials with whom Minister hoped to obtain from the summit as American States. Maginley interacted were those from the importance of having an exchange the Department of State, the United of best practices with his colleagues Following his meeting in Washington, States Agency for International as well as having the opportunity to Minister Maginley travelled to New Development USAID, the Department meet face to face with officials in the York where he attended Caribbean of Homeland Security, the World Bank, United States whose work has a direct Week. Congresswomen Donna Christian- bearing on the industry in Antigua and Christensen, Yvette Clarke and Barbuda and the Caribbean. Maria Blackman appointed Marketing Executive - Communications

Maria Blackman has been appointed Marketing Executive - Communications for the UK, effective June 15, 2009. She is now part of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, having previously worked as acting communications officer at the Ministry of Tourism, where she assisted with the Marketing Department’s development plans, and functioned as press liaison officer. Miss Blackman holds a BSc with honours in Tourism Management, and brings to the team a good knowledge of the Antigua and Barbuda market. She will assist both the Marketing & Administration Manager, Miss Cherrie Osborne and Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Tourism for the UK & Europe, Mr Hilary Modeste.

The Authority's CEO, Colin C James, said, “The appointment of Maria to the London office further demonstrates our commitment to ensure that the UK office is fully staffed with the right competencies as we implement new strategies to meet the challenges of the market head-on. It is also an investment in building the human capacity of our team. I wish Maria every success in her new role." The role of Ascension Street Pastors is an international In a continued effort to foster social initiative made up of individuals and transformation in Antigua, Street Trust and Street Pastors groups form different denominations. Pastors Antigua propose to continue Street Pastors initiatives work closely to encourage and facilitate medical Ascension Trust is a charitable with governments, police, social, missions where UK based doctors can organisation which has been running health and statutory agencies. The come on a voluntary basis to Antigua for 15 years and takes teams to Street Pastors scheme was launched and promote health and social well- various parts of the world for short in Antigua in 2005 and reports to date being through innovative community term missions. Ascension Trust has have shown the positive and projects. maintained a continual relationship significant effect that this scheme has with the Antiguan Government had in the country. through its Street Pastors Scheme.

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Antigua and Barbuda goes to Cricket!

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s- UK Office engaged and informed attendees at the Caribbean International Cricket Fun Day about Antigua and Barbuda, when the office participated in the fundraising event held at the Thames Ditton Cricket Club in Giggs Hill on Sunday.

Marketing Manager, Cherrie Osborne said: “The event attracted the affluent middle-class in Surrey, England and our presence there afforded us the opportunity to target this specific community that makes up a sizable percentage of our market.” Tony Pitchford, the Scholarship Foundation. proud winner of this holiday auction was H.E. Dr. Carl Roberts, High excited about his Commissioner of Antigua and spontaneously Barbuda for the UK and his wife were planned trip and guests of honour at the event. was exploring the possibility of Photographs extending his stay in Antigua by an Top - (l to r) High Commissioner additional 7 nights. Dr Carl Roberts, Tourism Staff - Cherrie Osborne, Joel Henry and Maria The Antigua and Blackman with Mrs Pauline Roberts at extreme right Barbuda Tourist Office also supplied Left - High Commissioner with cricket the Man of the teams Match with a gift basket containing a Bottom right: High Commissioner with Internationally known Antiguan bottle of 5-year-old English Harbour ‘man of the match’ and Cricketing cricketers, Richie Richardson, who is Rum and two Gilly Gobinet books - Ambassador- Ritchie Richardson affiliated with the Thames Ditton Top 20 places in Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Club, and Curtly Ambrose and Cocktail recipes. 50 miniature made guest appearances at the event cricket bats branded and featured in a 20/20 cricket match. with the Antigua and Barbuda logo were also The over 2000 attendees at the match distributed to the crowd between the Richie Richardson for autograph signings. International XI and Lashings World XI, were also able to bid for an Antigua The Caribbean and Barbuda package holiday to St. International Cricket James’s Club for 7 nights, courtesy of Fun Day hosted by Elite Island Resorts. Thames Ditton Cricket Club raised money for “The chance to win a holiday with the Shooting Star flights to Antigua created a huge buzz Hospice, Thames in the ground, and raised over £1,500 Ditton Cricket Club and for good causes”, said Angela Slater, the Richie Richardson event coordinator.

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6-8 November 2009 Jolly Beach Resort & Spa

FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival, begun in 2006, is an annual 3-day celebration of literary arts, with workshops, author readings, book signings and special events in a beautiful tropical setting. This year the festival, held on 6-8 November 2009, features prominent Caribbean authors.

To date more than 65 authors have participated, and the line-up of literary stars for the 2009 Festival will soon be announced. Our goal is to include noted writers in a broad range of genres from poetry, photography and non-fiction to performance arts and drama.

The venue in 2009 will be the Festival Village at Jolly Harbour, an elegant resort, marina and business centre on one of Antigua’s most picturesque beaches. The village will include a stage for workshops, readings and entertainment, a children’s tent, a food demonstration tent, a bookstore, and food and beverage tents.

Among the specific activities planned for the 2009 Festival are:

Youth Day, where talented young writers attend workshops led by noted authors

School visits by authors brought in from other Caribbean islands as well as Antiguan authors

A Gala Opening Ceremony and reception attended by the Governour General, Prime Minister and government officials of Antigua as well as the authors and Festival participants

Two days of workshops on the practical aspects of writing as well as lively discussions on timely literary topics by panels of authors and publicists

A book sales area where participants can obtain books to be signed by the authors

A children’s tent where children’s authors and the crew from Sesame Street will entertain children with readings and other activities to encourage reading

A cooking demonstration tent featuring noted Caribbean cookbook authors and Antiguan Chefs

Food and drink vendors and live entertainment

U.S., Canadian and Caribbean region literary fans can join in all the activities by booking a “Booklovers in Paradise” package, which features all-inclusive accommodations at Jolly Beach Resort. These will be coordinated by Carib-World Travel in St. John’s, Antigua.

To find out more about the Festival and see the latest list of authors participating in 2009, go to www.antiguaandbarbudaliteraryfestival.com.

c/o Carib-World Travel Woods Centre • St. John’s, Antigua 268-480-2987 • 268-723-7740

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CDC ESTABLISHES Development Committee as already indicated that they will be demonstrating that Carnival truly sponsoring the seventh contestant PARTNERSHIP WITH belongs to all of us and the equal who will join six other girls for a night BARBUDA participation of persons from both of competition at Carnival City on July Antigua and Barbuda demonstrates 27 tagged “Fiesta.” COMMITTEE our uniqueness as a people and our On the 4th June the Carnival varied talents. I am sure that all of 16 year old Kendra Beazer, the Development Committee announced Antigua and Barbuda is looking Teenage Pageant winner from that it had entered into a partnership forward to this year’s competitions,” Barbuda will represent his school - the with the Barbuda CARIBANA said Chairman Walter. Holy Trinity School in the 2009 Teen Committee that will result in greater Splash competition while 14 year old participation of the winners of the Secretary of the Barbuda Council Cha¢ -chena “De Empress” Warner annual CARIBANA festivities. which manages the CARIBANA will join the Juniors in the Calypso celebrations, Mrs. Dorothy Rae said Competition on Sunday July 26. Vaughn Walter, Chairman of the CDC that she welcomed the inclusion of the said that this year the winners of the winners from CARIBANA 2009 in the The winner of the CARIBANA Calypso CARIBANA Queens Competition, festivities in Antigua and believes that competition Bonita “Missy” John will Teenage Pageant and Junior Calypso it is the beginning of a relationship that enter the semi-finals of the Wadadli will be added to the number of can further strengthen the ties Beer Calypso Competition on July 18. contestants in the competitions for between both countries and the Carnival 2009. In addition, the expansion of the CARIBANA festivities. Carnival 2009 runs from July 25 to Calypso Monarch of CARIBANA will August 4 with a theme of “It’s Yours – be admitted into the semi-finals of the Ms. Jameel Jones, the winner of the It’s Mine – Antigua’s Carnival 2009.” Wadadli Beer Calypso Competition. 2009 CARIBANA Queens Competition “The inclusion of the winners from will become the seventh queen CARIBANA 2009 is seen by the contestant. The Barbuda Council has

CONRAD DORAM IS CARNIVAL 2009 GRAND MASTER

Conrad Doram, one of the nation’s long-serving costume builder and avid lover of Carnival, has been appointed this year’s Parade Grand Master. Doram said that he is honoured to have been given the title and is happy to make a contribution to the annual summer festival in this way. He also thanked the Carnival Development committee for sticking with the Grand Master tradition over the years. Doram also explained that, over the years, he enjoyed building Carnival costumes, even though it was hard work. "It was quite rewarding and enjoyable...because of the satisfaction you get at the end of it, which is seeing your own creation (move) from paper to reality," he stated. Building costumes as a sort of career, however, really began in 1981, Doram said, when his wife Heather began designing them. The demand for costumes created by the husband-wife team increased quickly – they were desired by contestants and sponsors and well received by the public. Of his wife, Doram said, "She’s an artist." She is the one, he explained, who puts ideas down on paper for him to turn into reality.

The Kiel Week got underway with the traditional ringing of High Commissioner the bell at the Town Hall Square, followed by a long blast attends Kiel Week Regatta on a ship's horn to signal the commencement of festivities.

His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts, Mrs Roberts and other Ambassadors were invited by the Prime Minister Peter Harry Carstensen of Kiel, Germany to attend the Kiel Week Regatta from 24th – 27th June 2009.

The Kiel Week Regatta claims to be the largest sailing event in the world, but it is also the largest public festival in Northern Europe. Top class sailors from around the globe compete in various classes of small craft, and capture the view a sail-past by tall ships.

On land, a music festival kept the party in full swing.

More than 5,000 sailors attend each year, in international and Olympic dinghies, and about 250 off-shore yachts The Prime Minister of Kiel, Germany, Ambassador Dr Carl Roberts compete in the off-shore area of Alpha. and the other Ambassadors at the Kiel Regatta

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Press Statement Issued by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs - 19th June 2009

The Government has been reliably again placed under intense Cabinet. This matter will be definitively informed that the US Securities international scrutiny, and this will addressed at the next Cabinet Exchange Commission has today clearly have adverse effects on the meeting to be held on Tuesday the Friday June 19 2009 filed in the economy and raise questions about 23rd. Northern District Court of Texas a our regulatory legal framework. I wish Motion for Leave to file an Amended to reassure the general public and the These events touching and concerning Complaint in its pending civil suit wider international community that the the operations of Stanford against Stanford International Bank Commission’s Board has itself been International Bank Limited which Limited (SIB), Stanford Group engaged during the past several began in February 2009 has had an Company, and R Allen Stanford weeks in rigorous self‐examination adverse effect on the economy with among others. The civil suit was along with an internal investigation of employees being laid off or dismissed filed by the SEC in February 2009. Mr. King’s employment conduct. without payment of severance, trade creditors remaining unpaid from as far The Amended Complaint adds Leroy The Government has confirmed that a back as November 2008, and the King, among others, as a defendant. number of criminal indictments have inability by the various Stanford Mr. King who is the Administrator been laid against both R Allen entities to provide their accustomed (currently on suspension) of our Stanford and Leroy King which include services. The Bank has been placed in Financial Services Regulatory conspiracy to commit mail fraud, liquidation in an effort to collect its Commission (FSRC) is therein alleged conspiracy to commit wire fraud, various assets for distribution to to have, among other things, conspiracy to launder illegal proceeds, depositors and creditors, but this will facilitated the Stanford International and obstruction of the SEC. These be a long legal process. Government’s Bank’s Ponzi Scheme “by ensuring charges do raise the issue of a acquisition of the lands of these that FSRC ‘looked the other way’, and possible extradition request by the entities has been challenged in the conducted sham audits and United States authorities. High Court, and attempts by the examinations of SIB’s books and Registrar of Companies to assess the records in exchange for bribes paid to I can authoritatively state that following financial viabilities of the entities are him over a period of several years”. a meeting with Mr. King, the also being challenged. But Commission yesterday penned a letter Government cannot and will not sit idly 2 to the Hon. Minister of Finance making by, given its abiding duty and The Government is naturally certain recommendations for obligations to its citizens and all those concerned over these serious Cabinet’s consideration as to Mr. adversely affected by these unfolding allegations which suggest that Mr. King’s continued employment with the events. Given the circumstances, we King was engaging in unlawful Commission. firmly believe that the compulsory activities for personal gain thereby acquisition of the lands, Government’s compromising the due performance of 3 financial support of the Bank of his duties as an FSRC employee, The International Business Antigua, the liquidation of Stanford given the strict regulatory standards Corporations Act provides for the International Bank, and the action established over the years by the appointment of and disciplinary action initiated by the Registrar of Commission. Antigua and Barbuda’s against the Administrator of the Companies are all in the best interest offshore business activities is once Commission are to be done by of the country.

(Left) - High Commissioner Dr Roberts presents ‘A Little Bit of Paradise’ to the Mayor of Lyon Mr Ge’rard Collomb while at an official function in Lyon, France - Mrs Roberts and Mr Preud’homme look on.

(right) High Commissioner and Mrs Roberts with Honorary Consul to France for Antigua and Barbuda Mr Preud’homme and Mrs Preud’homme.

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Continued from page 3 of gains must factor highly in any the challenges of the present and secure and as nationals support our own, arrangement. the future of our beloved nation. unemployment will remain low and businesses related to the sector will be Lastly Ladies and Gentlemen: The trials that we are now facing are able to remain open and thriving. characteristic of the economic cycle. Many have suggested that government There will always be the peaks and troughs, Ladies and Gentlemen: should borrow to stimulate the economy lows and highs of economic activity. and increase employment. In a limited way Some have criticized our policy of placing this cannot be ruled out. However, I believe that by working a freeze on public sector employment. It together as one people, we are fully has been touted that a policy of no new However, the question is, in a financial capable of overcoming the adverse effects employment by the private sector and the crisis, who is willing to lend and on what of this global recession. government can only spell disaster on an terms? In an environment of tight liquidity already fragile economy. and high risk aversion, the options are Our cooperation – our coordinated efforts limited for small island economies such as will ensure that we emerge a stronger and However, with a 25 percent decline in ours that are not “poor” enough to access better positioned nation, able to realize the government’s revenue, we must be even most concessionary or grant funding but promise of a vibrant economic future for more prudent in the management of are also not “rich” enough to either do it on every Antiguan and Barbudan. expenditure. our own or to afford the high premiums associated with borrowing in this financial I welcome each and every one of you here This Government has however determined climate. We simply cannot borrow our way once again to this important interaction. I that it would seek to maintain the levels of out of this crisis. thank our regional and international employment, at least in the short term, so partners for your continued support and as not to add to the impact of the global The NEST Plan will re-prioritize our public assistance as we strive to develop a better crisis on the level of employment. I wish to sector direction and put emphasis on that Antigua and Barbuda. also state that in these trying economic which can deliver maximum benefits with times, employees must also recognize that minimum expenditure. To you the members of the audience, here they too must make a sacrifice. and at home, I urge you to take advantage Our NEST Plan will ensure enhanced of this opportunity to engage in dialogue on Now is not the time to agitate for pay productivity and more efficient and reliable the issues that are important to our increases. In fact some labour specialists delivery of services to the citizens and development and critical for securing the may suggest that now is the time for the residents of Antigua and Barbuda. welfare of the people of this great nation of trade unions, employers and workers to Antigua and Barbuda. reach tripartite agreements in the interest The NEST Plan will afford all Antiguans of job security. and Barbudans the opportunity to be a part I thank you very much and I look forward of a transformative process that allows us to a successful symposium. Of course, issues such as productivity to correct the mistakes of the past, address linked to wages and salaries and sharing May God bless each and every one of us.

From page 2 measure which provides very little official website indicates “this reflects both indication of the accessibility to phone the government policy and the quality and the Eastern Caribbean Digital Microwave services. Many phone lines in the 1990s extent of service available. In general, in Fibre-Optic System (ECDMS). The were at businesses, and specifically at early 1990s English-speaking countries investment in telecommunications service facilities which were involved in the had relatively higher rates than elsewhere equipment in the region was not main industries of the countries; e.g. in the Caribbean, with Belize and undertaken by Cable and Wireless alone. Tourism and financial services. It was being low-cost exceptions. On the other Heavy investments by state-owned easier to call from Antigua and Barbuda to hand some countries with higher rates also telephone companies resulted in more Trinidad and Tobago, than to make a local had better - more varied and reliable - than 75 percent digital networks. By the across that country. This situation Guyana service” 1990 with the additional laying of the was even worse. Eastern Caribbean Fibre-optic System The Wait lists for telephone service in all (ECFS), a link from BVI in the North to Gradually new services were introduced these countries remained generally strong. Trinidad and Tobago in the South, the across the Region. Internet services were These vary in size from Jamaica where in region had the most modern network introduced by the mid 1990s and mobile 1990 unsatisfied demand for new lines available. Over 75 of the international services shortly thereafter. The type of almost equalled the installed base of telephone links were digital with Cable and mobile services was TDMA, similar to the 88,000 lines. In Trinidad and Tobago, the Wireless Dominica being heralded as the USA standards and unlike the GSM wait list was over 40 percent of the first fully digitalized network in the world. standard prevalent in the UK and Europe. installed based of 216,000 lines and 7 It was not until 2003 that GSM was percent of the population in the same year. Caribbean countries compared favourably introduced in the Region. with other developing countries in terms of The situation now is very different. The teledensity measured lines per 100 Telephone charges varied widely across upsurge in demand for mobile service has population. This is nevertheless a crude the countries in the region. As the CANTO addressed much of this pent up and

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10 The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission Issue 134 - June 2009

construction and tourism, industries which Antigua and It was acknowledged that the have declined significantly throughout the government’s fiscal mismanagement was Eastern Caribbean Currency Union with Barbuda’s Economic a historical problem that got progressively the global recession. worse over time. He showed that many situation loan options are closed to Antigua and She said that it was imperative that Barbuda because loans dating back to appropriate polices be formulated to The direness of Antigua and Barbuda’s 1967 have not been serviced and until cushion the impact of the current financial economic situation was laid out at the those have been cleared those donors are crisis, and to place the country on a sound Fourth National Economic Symposium not amenable to further helping the macroeconomic footing for renewed and yesterday. government. sustainable economic growth once the crisis subsides. As Antigua is also the The government has readjusted its As it stands, options are a loan from the biggest economy in the ECCU, its success projected revenues for 2009 from $800 Caribbean Development Bank of $81 or failure would affect the other countries. million to $600 million, and so a number of million to be distributed over two years, or Minister of Finance Harold Lovell said at measures were presented for public $324 million from the International the day’s conclusion, "We are at a seminal consumption at the symposium to bring Monetary Fund over three years. The moment in this nation’s history and it is order the country’s fiscal imbalance, which Ministry of Finance has also been time for us to demonstrate our maturity with is expenditure outstripping revenue negotiating with the government of China. respect to the way forward." collection. Although an IMF programme was not Sir Dwight said he can judge from the Some of the measures proposed in the essentially desired, Governor of the ECCB response and participation of the people Nest (National Economic and Social Sir K. Dwight Venner in his presentation that the importance for drastic action with Transformation) plan include a 25 per cent emphasised the country’s need to bring its the support of the people was understood. reduction in ministry expenditures, a freeze expenditures in balance and pointed out "I got the sense that something has to be on all new employment, increasing the that Dominica succeeded with its IMF done. As I keep saying, if you and I make price of LPG gas, reduce the number of programme and there was no reason why $10,000 and it suddenly downs to $7,000, items in the basket of essential goods, Antigua and Barbuda could not. it’s not business as usual. We have to find increase the embarkation tax from EC$35 a way to economise, to change our habits. and US$20 to EC$50 and US$25, and He said the problem is the discipline of its "I think all across the currency union, people introducing excise tax on alcohol, tobacco, policymakers, who cannot stick with a strict have to understand that this is a time of ammunition and telephone equipment economic programme because of the need focus and change." among others. to get votes. The symposium focussed on the NEST Macroeconomic Adviser Kevin Silston said Deputy Director of the Eastern Caribbean plan and addressed issues relating to debt, with a revised budget the government Central Bank Hazel Corbin said that financial sector stability and financing would have a deficit of about $100 million Antigua’s economy will contract by 3.3 per options for Antigua and Barbuda. as opposed to about $500 million including cent in 2009, then by 1.1 per cent in 2010 loans. because of the dependence on Source:Antiguasunonline.com

Antigua and Barbuda Mango Festival

The Mango & Pineapple Magic Menu competition set for August 8th, at the Antigua and Barbuda, Hospitality, Training Institute (ABHTI), will be open to public viewing this year for the first time.

Madeleine McComas, chairperson of the Magic Mango & Pineapple Committee, said events are planned to bring members of the public to ABHTI on that day. She noted that the committee is targeting approximately 300 individuals

In addition to the Chefs and Bartenders competitions, which will be held this year in the Demo Kitchen building, “we are planning to have senior (non-competing) chefs do cooking demonstrations out on the lawn for the public to see and taste.”

This year’s Mango Fest is scheduled for August 15 & 16th

11 The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission Issue 134 - June 2009

SIRMM Project being implemented; Codrington Lagoon to be protected

The Sustainable Island Resource Management Mechanism (SIRMM) Project is currently being implemented in Antigua and Barbuda to ensure the nation’s environment is sustainable. The initiative, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is intended to “ensure the sustainability and maintenance of the island’s ecosystem integrity, health and function through integrated planning and management of island resources.” One of the SIRMM Project’s main facets is the protection and sustainable development of the Codrington Lagoon. Aerial view of Barbuda The lagoon, is quite important to the Caribbean region and even the world. along the waterfront needs to be carefully Within the Codrington Lagoon, which is planned. also a National Park, user zones have It is one of the largest lagoons in the Lesser Antilles, has extensive mangrove This becomes especially important with been identified with markers and signs systems and supports one of the world’s respect to the accessibility of water and have been installed within the park and largest Frigate Bird (Fregata magnificens) proper liquid and solid waste disposal. village to inform users and visitors about colonies. the project work and information on the There is a need, therefore, for a detailed lagoon. The lagoon is also a highly vulnerable management plan to govern activities in component of Barbuda’s ecosystem that and around the waterfront. In the near future, there will be Park houses a variety of flora and fauna, serves Rangers offering camping trips in the park Since the lagoon supports 60 per cent of as a habitat and nursery for a range of to explore the diverse ecosystem. Barbuda’s economy, through the sale of marine species, and a number of birds like fish and lobster, and tourism, such a plan The Codrington Lagoon National Park the West Indian Whistling Duck — an is made even more essential. encompasses the entire West Coast of endangered species. Barbuda; it comprises of both marine and As such, a five year management plan has As a result it has been designated as a terrestrial habitats. been created through financing from the biodiversity hotspot by national and SIRMM Project and co-financing from The park is approximately 18 square international organisations. other stake-holding agencies. kilometres and covers one-third of the This has made it both a tourist attraction island. This was formulated in conjunction with a and a landmark of great cultural and financial stability plan and the two will be The area is generally flat and, in some economic importance. used together to guide the management of places, rests just above sea level. For the Codrington Lagoon to remain in its the lagoon towards a sustainable future. Source:Antiguasun.com current, healthy state, any development From page 10 Extra-Mural studies through the University Telecommunication in the region has come of the West Indies., which traditionally had of age. Such taglines in advertisement as Unresolved demand for fixed line campuses in Mona, Jamaica; Bridgetown, Free calls to friends and family are also telephone service. In almost all of the Barbados and St Augustine, Trinidad, to available in some part of the region. You countries of the region the number of the other non-campus territories. The UWI can now roam throughout the region mobile subscribers exceeds that of fixed Distance Teaching Experiment (UWIDITE) whether your service provider is originally line. Many younger generation satellite system now reaches the OECS from the USA, Canada, UK or Europe. householders have opted for a mobile States and allows the first two years of the There is still some issues with roaming telephone as their main means of degree programme to be done at home. from some countries in Asia, but I believe communication instead of the fixed line. that a solution to this issue will be found in The landscape has changed drastically the not too distant future. Telephone service providers now look to from what it was in the 1960s. Most providing mobile networks to expand their modern handsets, pricing packages which Madame President, I have given a brief service provision instead of more are available in this country, are also being overview of telecommunication in the expensive landlines. Fibre to the kerb, is offered in the region. Network congestion Region and hope I have succeeded in even being introduced in the region to is virtually a thing of the past. Circuit wetting your appetites for more information address the pressing demand for higher quality is comparable, and sometimes on this very interesting subject. bandwidth Internet services and IP even better than, in the developed telephony. countries. Network coverage has I thank you for your attention and will improved significantly and continues to do accept any questions for further expansion The increase in bandwidth and the quality so each year. and/or clarification. of networks has facilitated the extension of

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