ISSUE No.104 October/1st November 2005

n November 1 and Barbuda celebrated its O24th Anniversary of Independence with a Ceremonial Parade at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.

In his Independence Day Message Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda The Honourable Baldwin Spencer began his address by expressing his deep gratitude to everyone for their continuing contribution to the development of Antigua and Barbuda. Special mention was made of those who made heroic contributions to their communities and to their country. He saluted all those who have been publicly acclaimed, as well as those who remain unsung heroes, those who have contributed simply by being worthy examples in their devotion to their families, many by dedicating their lives to public service and by providing care and protection to others in our communities and some have contributed by providing spiritual guidance to our nation.

He continued, “As we celebrate this 24th Independence Day, we stand at the threshold of our nation’s 25th year of Independence. We are poised for the year that will take us to our nation’s Silver Jubilee, which we will celebrate twelve months from today. The next twelve months will therefore be of particular historical significance to the Antiguan and Barbudan people. Next year will be of special significance for Antigua and Barbuda for a number of other reasons. The fiscal and monetary measures we choose will determine how the country is affected by global perspectives on the price of oil that continue to be ominous. Though potentially beneficial, Venezuela’s PetroCaribe initiative may be several months away from practical implementation. We will be confronted with managing our country’s fragile economy in the uncharted environment that the full implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Single Economy will bring. The CSME will open our borders to competition of goods and services from our sister CARICOM countries, to an unprecedented extent.”

The Prime Minister also stated “We must also strengthen the institutions and infrastructure that impact investment and trade, and those that are basic to good governance. My Administration has already put strong institutions and apparatus for good governance in place. The country’s first Integrity Commission has been appointed, and the mandated apparatus for administration of the Freedom of Information Act is ready.”

Prime Minister Spencer reminded nationals that “Every person holding a position of public trust should inculcate, where it may be absent, a set of values that embrace ethics and honour, and acknowledging error and culpability, where circumstances so dictate. These considerations are of particular relevance where public sector investment is concerned.

We are committed to the significant completion of two major infrastructural projects during our nation’s Silver Jubilee year. Thanks to the generosity of the People’s Republic of China, construction of the Sir Vivian Richards Ground is well underway. Plans for comprehensive upgrade and expansion of VC Bird International Airport are in place.”

(For the full text of the Prime Minister’s Speech, go to www.antigua-barbuda.com) 15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com HIGH COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE GOVERNMENT NEWS Education System R. Allen Stanford announced the programme upgraded – board before a group of members named international and regional cricket media, and The Ministry of Education is surrounded by 12 West moving ahead with its plans on Indies cricket legends at improving the level of education in the Pavilion Restaurant at Antigua and Barbuda. the V.C. Bird International Airport. The 20/20 The Ministry has released the Tournament which will take names of a number of individuals who place annually beginning in will serve on the boards for three August and September of separate educational institutions. 2006 and feature 17 Caribbean countries all Education Minister Bertrand vying for the top sport and Joseph said that the boards consist of the top prize of US $1 million. the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of PM Spencer praises Continuing Education (ABICE), the National Training Agency and the Stanford Cricket Mr Stanford explained that the tournament will be a single Tertiary Working Group which will be the Tournament as amalgamation of the Antigua and elimination knock out competition Barbuda International Institute of revolutionary where the winning team will receive Technology, the Antigua State College US$1 million and the second place and the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality The initiative by Texan born finisher US$500,000; the cricket Training Institute. Antiguan billionaire R. Allen Stanford to boards of the top two teams will launch a new Caribbean Regional Cricket receive US$200,000 and US$100, According to Minister Joseph, Tournament has been hailed by Prime 000 respectively which must be used although each board will have different Minister Baldwin Spencer as revolutionary. toward the development and responsibilities, they all serve one main improvement of the cricket facilities objective and that is to ensure that the Commenting at the launch of the in those countries. In addition, the quality of education disseminated to the Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament, which Man of the Match in every game will residents of Antigua and Barbuda is of promises to revitalize the game of cricket in receive US$25,000 and the Man of the highest level in the region. the Caribbean, revive the waning spirits of the Match in the championship game West Indies cricket fans and financially will receive US$100,000. The members of the ABICE reward the performance of teams and board are as follows: individuals; Prime Minister Spencer said Mr Stanford also unveiled a Chairman Cuthbert Joseph that the initiative is a major development US$28 million budget that will be Deputy Chair Eden Weston for cricket in the Caribbean and for the invested in cricket in the region Other members: Everton Cornelius Caribbean in itself. the coming months up to November Garfield Joseph, Pascal Hughes, Eloise 2006. At that time, a Stanford Super- Hamilton, Vernice Mack, Carl Henry, “This effort by Allen will put us in Star team will be selected by the Reginald Peterson a position to see the game of cricket in a legends to play one match against a Ex-officio members: Acting Director of new exciting and dynamic way which is world class team to be named. This ABICE Joseph Gilbert and Hollie what the game needs at this time. It is a will be for a prize of US$5 million Sebastian shot in the arm for the game and it will not dollars. only tap the cadre of young cricket talent in To be confirmed is a the region, but it will also place us in a good The 17 countries which representative of the Student position for World Cup 2007,” said Prime have been invited to participate in the Government and the ABICE campus in Minister Spencer. competition are Anguilla, Antigua Barbuda. and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana,

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Country Poverty Survey St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to help eradicate . pockets of poverty

The cricket legends who were Antigua and Barbuda’s in attendance comprised the Board of overdue Assessment of Living the 20/20 Tournament including Clive Conditions and Country Poverty Lloyd, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir , Assessment was officially launched , and Desmond on 5th October, opening the gates Haynes. for evaluators to take to the field.

The survey is comprehensive in that it combines living conditions, household income and expenditure. It is a rich source Minister Baptiste wants of socioeconomic information on the The Minister’s comments evoked household population and is often laws for the protection of loud applause from the congregation, as regarded as an essential source of senior citizens he added that family members who do not data for the determination of social wish for this type of arrangement should needs and the establishment of take better care of their loved ones. The Minister of Social targets for development planning. Transformation, Hilson Baptiste wants to The Minister said that family The feature address was enact laws that will protect the nation’s members of a number of persons at the elders. delivered by Minister of Social Fiennes Institute are collecting Transformation, Hilson Baptiste who Government pensions and Social Security likens the study to a plan for building Minister Baptiste made the benefits and this should not be. disclosure while speaking at a a house. Thanksgiving Service at the Holy Family During his address he said that he “You cannot honestly solve Cathedral, which was in recognition of hopes next year that the Citizens Welfare International Day for the Elderly and was the poverty situation in Antigua Division and the Ministry of Social unless you really know where it recently observed in Antigua and Transformation can recognize all those Barbuda. is…and anybody who told you individuals who have given dedicated otherwise they are wrong”, Minister service towards the safety and well-being Baptiste said. He added that, “You According to the Minister, it of the elderly. pains his heart that so many old persons cannot build a house without a plan otherwise you will have problems are left at the Fiennes Institute, while The homily was delivered by their family members take over their and to create a plan for economic Superintendent of the Methodist Church, /social development you must possessions and pensions and use them Rev Charles Seaton, who encouraged the for their own interest. The Minister said conduct a study and this is the only elders not to forsake God and strive to live way you can help the persons who he wants laws set up to protect the in peace with everyone. senior citizens. need help” Baptiste concluded. Also participating in the service “I want Government to pass the Baptiste encouraged all were Governor General Sir James Carlisle persons involved in the survey to law that give Government the right that if and Lady Carlisle, who read the 1st Lesson. you have a house and can’t take care of work diligently and put nation above yourself, we will take it and maintain you politics as the country needs all A musical selection was rendered hands on deck. until God take you from the earth.” He by St. Stephens’ Golden Age Choir while added that when the person dies the the talented Jeremy Jarvis blessed the Also speaking at the launch funds will be used to cover all expenses hearts of the elders with a pan rendition. and what remains will go towards the was Clairvair Squires, Portfolio family. Manager – Project Finance Division

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Mansoor said that the who stressed the need for total Ministry of Information will continue cooperation from the public. to enter into arrangements with members of the business Mr Squires told the press that community in an effort to assist the he was heartened by the presence of the police in their crime fighting duties. media and called upon them to use their He noted that communication plays outlets to help publicize the event, which a very important role in that avenue is a key component for the success of and the government is committed the survey. to ensuring that the Force is fully equipped. Plans for the survey began earlier this year and its expected that the The Information Minister entire process will be completed within effective application of core international also noted that his Ministry will soon one year. labour standards. continue the upgrading of all the police stations in the country by The Mexico Declaration and Plan outfitting them with computers and of Action will be further assessed at the high speed Internet service. He said Ministers of Labour Fourth (IVTH) Summit of the Americas that the upgrading will also include Conference in Mexico when Heads of State and Government networking the entire police system meet in Argentina later this year under the in the country. a success theme: "Creating jobs to fight poverty and strengthen democratic governance.” Mr Nicholas said that his Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister company immediately accepted the of Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro in Minister Leandro was initiative as proposed by the Ministry hailing the 14th Inter-American accompanied to the Ministers of Labour of Information and will continue to Conference of Ministers of Labour a Meeting by Ambassador on Industrial assist the Police Force in whatever resounding success. Relations, His Excellency Keithlyn Smith. way possible. He said that the thirty phones is the first in a set of Dr. Quinn-Leandro said that at donations that will be made to the the Mexico meeting, Ministers of Labour Police Communication police. of the Organization of American States, capabilities boosted OAS re-affirmed their commitment to Acting Police Commissioner respect, promote and realize the On the 29th October the Ms. Delano Christopher thanked principles of the International Labour communication capabilities of the Royal both Dr. Edmond Mansoor and Organization as they relate to the Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda was Melford Nicholas for the donation to Fundamental Principles and Rights of further boosted with the handing over of the Police Force and called upon workers. thirty cellular phones made possible other members of the business through an initiative mounted by the community to assist them in their She outlined that two major Ministry of Information. crime fighting efforts. commitments are reaffirming the conviction that “decent work” is the key The Minister responsible for for improvements of living conditions for Dollar Barrel Initiative to Information, Dr. Edmond Mansoor peoples of the Hemisphere; and commence November 15 accepted the handsets from Assistant CEO underscoring the right to work as being of Cable and Wireless Antigua, Mr. Melford fundamental to human dignity. The On 26th October, Minister Nicholas. The handsets were made Ministers of Labour also issued a draft of Finance and the Economy, Dr. possible through the collaboration of the Plan of Action with strategic objectives Errol Cort announced that the Dollar government, which is subsidizing the cost which include promoting policies that Barrel initiative of the Government of the units and Cable and Wireless, the encourage investment and growth, will commence on 15th November, major telecommunications provider in the strengthening the capacities of the 2005 and will continue through to 31st nation. Ministries of Labour and ensuring December, 2005.

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Minister Cort noted that the updated on the avian influenza situation On an international note, Government will once again bring cheer and given draft preparedness plans. poultry is being kept indoors as a to many families at Christmas by precautionary measure in some allowing each household to import into “While there is no major cause for European countries and companies the country a standard-size shipping alarm, we want to have plans in place so are stepping up the manufacture of barrel of selected goods free of all duties that we are prepared and can respond the anti-retroviral drug Tamiflu, which and taxes but for one dollar. rapidly in the event of an outbreak” Minister helps to reduce the symptoms of Maginley said. No cases of human to human influenza. The list of goods to be allowed human transmission of avian influenza in the Dollar Barrel is as follows: have been reported but scientists are “There is no need to panic concerned the virus may combine with the but we must continue to monitor the (a) foodstuffs; human influenza virus to produce a very situation carefully. The best thing the (b) clothing, not exceeding seven virulent virus that may cause a pandemic. public can do is to keep informed and pieces of the same type; stay alert. (c) toilet paper; The Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. (d) toothpaste; Gikonyo Kanyuira also met poultry farmers Avian flu is not a food borne (e) deodorant; to inform them of the precautionary virus so eating chicken and eggs is (f) soap; and measures that can be taken to prevent the safe,” the Minister said. (g) shampoo. spread of the disease and to improve surveillance in animals. An animal disease Former AIDS The Department of Customs emergency preparedness plan is already in and the Port Authority are presently place and will be adapted for avian Coordinator honoured finalizing arrangements for the smooth influenza. Live animals are not imported implementation of the Dollar Barrel from Asia or any other infected countries. Antigua and Barbuda was initiative. There is however a concern that migratory represented by the AIDS Programme waterfowl could introduce the virus into the Manager, Mrs. Janet Weston at the country and so migratory birds need to be 4th Annual General Meeting and monitored. Capacity Building Workshop for Antigua and Barbuda Caribbean Coalition of National AIDS commences development While avian influenza has Programme Coordinators (CCNAPC) sometimes been shown to infect man, this held in St. Maarten from 17 – 19 of Influenza Pandemic Plan should not be confused with human October 2005. influenza virus, a common human disease The Minister of Health, John that affects populations seasonally. The Three persons who made Maginley met senior health and Ministry of Health is looking at procuring outstanding contributions to the fight veterinary officials towards the end of vaccines for the human influenza, which of HIV/AIDS were recognized and October to discuss the avian influenza will be made available firstly to vulnerable awarded for their effort at the general situation. There has been a growing groups. A vaccine for avian influenza is not meeting. concern about a possible bird flu yet available. epidemic as outbreaks have been Mrs. Felicity Aymer of reported in Asia. While the H5N1 virus Minister Maginley also outlined Antigua/Barbuda was awarded for has most recently been detected in that members of the public need not be her Outstanding Service to a Turkey, Romania and Russia, no human concerned about the arrival of construction National Programme. Also honoured cases have been reported in these workers from China who will be working on were Dr. Bilali Camara from CAREC countries. the construction of the new cricket stadium. for Special Lifetime Award for He said that although China has reported Outstanding Service to CCNAP and Senior health officials are in the outbreaks of bird flu, no human cases have Ms. Mavis Huggins from St. Kitts and process of developing an influenza been reported and so persons traveling Nevis for her Outstanding Service to pandemic plan for Antigua and Barbuda. from China to Antigua do not pose a risk at CCNAPC. Officials recently attended a meeting at this time. There are no travel restrictions in the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre effect for persons travelling from China and The CCNAPC is a peer (CAREC) in Trinidad where they were other Asian territories with avian influenza. based organization committed to improving the quality of National

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS AIDS Programme Coordinators and to to make it an all inclusive supporting member Caribbean nations in national event reducing the spread and mitigating the where everyone gets impact of HIV/AIDS in the region. This is involved and recognizes the achieved through the strengthening of importance of the tourism membership capacity; facilitation of industry to our national collaboration among member growth and development.” coordinators, managers and directors; and the development of regional and “It is imperative that international alliances. To date the we as nationals know our membership consists of 35 countries product, and market diligently throughout the Caribbean. and professionally if we are to compete for international Each year the CCNAPC meet recognition, thus the reason to discuss and share knowledge and to for the theme,” Minister Lovell continued. PM Owen Arthur plan programme for the development of addresses Antigua and organization and its members. This Committees have been set up Barbuda Cabinet year a Capacity Building Workshop on within the technical department of the Behaviour Change Communication Ministry of Tourism to organize and plan designed to build capacity of the activities. On the 15th October, the participants in bringing about a positive Cabinet was brought up to date on Behaviour Change as it related to The advent of a new event added the status of the country's readiness HIV/AIDS, was added to the agenda. to the week of events “Trading Places” is for the implementation of the already creating much stir among tourism CARICOM Single Market by CCNAPC also elected a new stakeholders. On this day Tourism officials December 2005, by the Prime executive for the next two years. The will exchange roles for the day and act in Minister of Owen Arthur new chair is Ms. Suzette Moses, Director the roles of their colleagues. It has already on his recent visit Antigua and and the AIDS Programme Coordinator been suggested that Minister of Tourism Barbuda. for St. Maarten. Harold Lovell will be carrying out the duties of a Taxi driver on that day. Prime Minister Arthur along with CARICOM Secretary General More of national importance is the Dr. Edwin Carrington and a number Ministry of Tourism urges Tourism Summit where it is expected that of technicians from the Secretariat nationals to rediscover this gathering will see over 300 tourism updated the Cabinet on the status of stakeholders converged at the GRAND the implementation of the CSME and Antigua and Barbuda for ROYAL ANTIGUAN RESORT. the areas in which Antigua and Tourism Week 2005 Barbuda need to address in order to The summit will feature key become CSME compliant. Plans are underway to host the speakers such as Vincent Vanderpool 2005 Tourism Week celebrations, an Wallace, and St. Lucia’s Minister of Among the major issues annual event organized by the Ministry of Tourism Phillip Pierre, who will present which were brought to the fore were Tourism to launch the upcoming winter papers on various salient tourism topics, the matter of non-citizens land tourist season. after which notable dialogue between holding rights and free movement of stakeholders will serve as the basis for the labour. This year the week which runs pending National Tourism Master plan. from November 27th to December 4th, will The CARICOM Secretariat be held under the theme, “Rediscover It is the Ministry’s intention to has consented to provide the Antigua and Barbuda together!” garner full public support for this years’ necessary assistance to Antigua and event as we signal the start of the 2005- Barbuda in its efforts to become fully According to Tourism Minister 2006 Winter Tourist Season. compliant. Harold Lovell, “Much emphasis is being placed on this year’s event as we hope

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Finance Minister leads environment because economic growth and development very much depends on OECS preparation for it,” Dr. Cort asserted. WTO Ministerial On the 19th October Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Finance and the Economy, Dr. Errol Cort chaired a special two-day meeting of the salutes ’ OECS Ministers responsible for Trade at induction into the the Royal Antiguan Resort. US Cricket Hall of Fame In his opening remarks, Dr. Cort spoke of a challenging environment for On 1st October former fast bowler international trade at present, and urged Andy Roberts represented the West Indies his colleagues to ensure that OECS once again, as the only West Indian to be member states are well prepared for the inducted into the US Cricket Hall of Fame. World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial which will take place in Hong This year’s Cricket Hall of Fame Kong in mid December. Induction Ceremony was held in Hartford, Roberts’ cricket colleagues and Connecticut and Roberts shared the famous cricket commentators was WTO member states are in the spotlight with famous Indian leg spinner well received by guests. final stages of preparation for the Hong Bhagaat Chandrasekhar. Kong Ministerial, and WTO Director Cricket trivia was also a General Pascal Lamy hopes to have a Roberts was also honoured at a highlight of the evening and guests ministerial declaration ready for cocktail reception preceding the formal and fans had the opportunity to win consideration by November 15. Induction Ceremony co-sponsored by The cricket balls personally autographed Ministry of Tourism and ABSTA. The major by Andy Roberts. During their meeting, the OECS presenter for this event was Mr. Hugh Ministers focused on the review of the Gore, one of Roberts’ early cricket One of the crowning OECS trade policy framework especially contemporaries who took guests on a walk features of the evening was the in the area of services. Also on the down memory lane as he chronicled the distribution of life size solid chocolate agenda was an examination of CSM accomplishments of Andy Roberts’ cricket balls which were described as processes; and assessing the state of impressive cricket career. Gore described “ balls that capture the preparation for the Sixth WTO Ministerial Roberts as “Antigua and Barbuda’s essence of Andy Roberts.” Conference. The Ministers also had trailblazer in the world of cricket and a force before them the impact studies for the to be reckoned with among formidable fast In accepting an award of OECS on the proposed Economic bowlers in the 70s and 80s.” Excellence from the Government and Partnership Agreements (EPA’s) with People of Antigua and Barbuda an the European Union; and will review One of the highlights of the emotional Roberts said “I am recent developments on bananas in the cocktail reception was the unveiling of a humbled and moved by this WTO. portrait of Roberts by renowned Antiguan programme and the outpouring of artist Danny Knowles. This is a first in a kind words and well wishes…. this Minister Cort said that during series of oil paintings featuring Antigua and has surpassed my expectations and the 1980’s and early 90’s, OECS Barbuda’s legendary cricketers that have I am at a loss for words.” Ministers and technicians formed an been commissioned by ABSTA. Knowles effective partnership to advance OECS indicated that he will release a series of oil interests within the wider CARICOM paintings as a part of the Calendar of framework. Events for the 500-Day Countdown to Cricket Carnival. “I call on my colleagues and all senior officials to duplicate that synergy A short film chronicling Roberts’ and drive in the current globalization career and featuring tributes from many of

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS finalizing the necessary considering the caliber of students logistics to introduce at the passing out at the ceremony he is Certificate and diploma levels confident that the future of tourism is culinary and housekeeping in good hands. courses. Discussions are also currently taking place 159 students graduated with the University of the from the Antigua and Barbuda West Indies to start the Hospitality Training Centre during a degree programme in ceremony held at the Multi-Purpose Tourism, with students Cultural Centre. completing the first two years in Antigua and Barbuda and The areas of discipline their final year in one of the included Basic Cookery, Food and campus territories like Beverage Service, Entertaining with Jamaica, Trinidad or Style, Quality Customer Care, and Barbados,” he concluded. the Service Ambassador Program.

In this same vein, the The Ministry of Tourism Ministry of Tourism through congratulates the staff of the ABHTI the ABHTI will be forging under the directorship of Muriel linkages with tourism businesses with a O’Mard for the excellent work which Tourism Minister strongly view to increasing the efficiency of the they continue to do in enhancing the advocates national tourism education system and its cause of tourism in Antigua and tourism education relevance to the labour market. Barbuda. In early 2006 a Tourism Antigua and Barbuda “Do not only teach our people to Education Summit will be held with all smile, but give them a reason to smile!” relevant stakeholders present for the emerges as preferred were the words echoed from Tourism Ministry to outline its strategic position and Cruise destination Minister Harold Lovell during his address dialogue with stakeholders to strengthen to the 2005 Graduating class of the the ABHTI by expanding the institution and Following a series of Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality its programs. Training Institute. meetings with top cruise line executives at the Florida Caribbean Emphasis in this regard will be Cruise Association Conference in St. The Tourism Minister delivered placed on the developmental needs of the a resounding message speaking on the Kitts, Antigua and Barbuda emerged tourism sector and the crafting of a long as one of the preferred and evolving importance of creating a tourism minded term Strategic Program of Action to drive nation through proper education and destinations as recognised by the the institution in better preparing the cruise lines. training and ultimately certification. “In industry to face the challenges of this new world environment no country globalization. can survive if its people lack the training Royal Caribbean Cruise and skills to compete with others. A well Lines, Regional Vice President of During the proceedings Prime Government Relations, Horace Hord, trained, competent and motivated Minister Baldwin Spencer lauded the workforce is a must if our small nation acknowledged the strengthening efforts and exceptional work being done by partnership with Antigua and state is to remain competitive and the Tourism Minister. increase our market share,” the Minister Barbuda and recognised the noted. responsiveness of the country to the The Prime Minister said that concerns and issues raised over the through the negotiating skills of Minister years by the cruise line. Minister Lovell took the Lovell the government is currently looking opportunity to inform the gathering of a at a number of new tourism investment new thrust being undertaken by the Minister of Tourism, Harold proposals that represent an additional Lovell, presented a Government Ministry to grant higher accreditation to 2000 rooms with as many direct jobs for its students. “The Institute is currently Antiguans and Barbudans, and

15 Thayer Street, London W1U 3JT Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Following the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association in St. Kitts, a smaller delegation comprising representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Antigua Pier Group and the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Association travelled to the Cruise Line International Agents (CLIA) trade show in Fort Lauderdale.

This show was the first in CLIA’s history and Antigua and Barbuda was one of only three Caribbean destinations displaying their attributes to this captive large group of travel agents.

Antigua and Barbuda rose above the multitude of competing destinations at the show with the official launch of its world class destination initiative to the cruise line executives, attended the conference to represent the DVD which will be used to inform travel which seeks to reduce the costs incurred taxi drivers’ interest along with the agents, cruise line staff and consumers by cruise lines at the port. “We have Vendors Association representative, of the vacation highlights of Antigua analysed the current industry and note Colleen Richards. and Barbuda. The DVD, produced by the growing importance of cost as a the PPI Group which produces similar determining factor in the development of Information was garnered from quality material for the cruise lines itineraries especially as the cost of fuel the cruise lines of new ship builds with themselves, is the first destination continues to escalate,” indicated Minister the possibility of Antigua being included commissioned DVD which will be Lovell. in the ultra voyager class itineraries of played in passenger cabins to assist in Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines in 2007 encouraging their visit and spending Another area of concern raised and the P&O Cunard’s largest new build onshore. over the years was also being addressed Queen Mary 2. by the sector, with the improvement of Antigua Pier Group Managing the taxi dispatch system and general “It is vital that we ascertain Director, Cameron Fraser, was satisfied ground transportation in St. John’s. directly from the cruise lines their plans by the impact that Antigua and Barbuda for upcoming years so that we can made among travel agents. “Although Mr. Hord concurred with the position the country to benefit as the our presentations targeted cruise line recommendation of the Florida global industry continues its growth,” travel agents, we are very aware that Caribbean Cruise Association that St. added Minister Lovell. “We have a the travel agent industry is moving Maarten be used as a model and was number of industry transforming away from specific sector agents encouraged that Antiguan taxi drivers innovations we plan to propose to the towards comprehensive travel agents had visited St. Maarten and were moving cruise lines in the upcoming months to that sell both cruise and hotel vacation toward implementing a similar system in ensure that our Winter business packages. We were able to position St. John’s. He emphasised the need to continues to develop and more Antigua and Barbuda as a premier continue the development of taxi importantly, to develop the cruise sector destination of interest to both potential services as a critical component in the in Antigua as a year round activity. We cruise passengers and hotel guests.” cruise visitor experience by focussing on have approached our attendance of the condition of the vehicle, the these Conferences strategically and Mr. Fraser continued, “We are appearance of the driver and the have already seen tremendous results particularly excited about the growing knowledge of the driver which was from a developing relationship with the interest in Barbuda as a day tour for the relayed to President of the St. John’s decision makers in the global industry.” exclusive passengers from high end Taxi Association, Evanson Ellis who cruise lines such as Radison Seven

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Tel: 020 7486 7073 · Fax: 020 7486 9970 www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Seas out of Europe and Windstar, a Crafts of the Commonwealth”, a yearly Carnival subsidiary.” Charity event by the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) held at the Antigua and Barbuda is set to Kensington Town Hall. CCL raises experience a bumper season with money to educate needy girls of projections of 600,000 cruise academic potential around the passengers, an anticipated 15% growth Commonwealth. in 2005. This year, the Antigua and Barbuda National Association in London was in charge of the Food Stall. Agreement between This was the first time that Antigua and Barbuda held a Food Stall. Government and Service Following intense discussions, Station Dealers which attempted to take both parties’ Local Antiguan and Barbudan concerns into account, the Government dishes such as doucana and saltfish, Association and the SSDA agreed to a 23 cents seasoned rice with chicken or fish, increase in the margin for gas and a 10 conch soup, sweet potato pudding, On the 17th October the Prime cents increase in the margin for diesel. cakes and other niceties prepared by Minister and the Minister of Finance and This outcome, though not an ideal one the ladies of the Association were the Economy along with officials of the for either party, represents a high level quickly sold. Ministry of Finance met representatives of compromise which was driven mainly of the Service Station Dealers by their concern about the potential Association (SSDA) to complete implications on an increase in the negotiations for an increase in the dealers’ margin for the general public. margin to the service station operators. This consensus was arrived at These negotiations between with due consideration given to the Government and the SSDA were impact of rising prices on all prompted by the service station dealers’ stakeholders; the Government, petrol indication that over the past few years, dealers, and consumers. Whilst the their operating costs have increased Government would wish to see the significantly with no adjustment in their prices of gasoline and diesel stabilized, margin. it was persuaded by arguments submitted by the dealers that an The SSDA stressed that this increase in their margin was merited. In situation has continued to negatively that regard, an increase in the margin for affect the viability of their operations and gas to 98 cents and the increase in the pointed out that between 2003 and 2005 margin for diesel to 85 cents were their margin as a proportion of their agreed upon. These increases are costs has deteriorated to an untenable expected to take effect from the next level. shipment of gasoline and diesel. Similarly, the consumption tax earned by the Government has also decreased markedly as the Government Antigua and Barbuda has continually absorbed these participates in CCL Fair increases in an effort to cushion the effect of rising prices. Government, On Saturday 5th November the though understanding of the dealers’ Antigua and Barbuda High Commission plight, was concerned about the along with members of the Antigua and potential impact of an increase in the Barbuda National Association in London dealers’ margin. again participated in the “Foods and

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