ISSUE No.106 January 2006

Inside • International Fashion Designer buys home in Antigua (page 4)

• Prime Spencer receives first Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable (page 6)

• Government commences Public Sector Audit (page 7)

• Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean marketplace (11)

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER

Osborne joins our family with a Masters Degree in and Hospitality Management.

Miss Osborne is British born of Antiguan parentage and I am extremely delighted that she has now joined the Tourism staff.

The Ministry of Tourism came out of 2005 on a high note, with the re-inaugural flight of Condor, a successful tourism week, Delta’s Inaugural Flight, among other things.

The year ahead will see technical staff planning ahead for what is forecasted to be a very busy tourist season with the 2007 ICC World Cup Cricket. Many activities will be planned and executed as a precursor to this major regional event.

“The nation of Antigua and Barbuda will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee year of independence, however, although the homecoming festivals do not fall under the ambit of the tourism Ministry, any activity Dear Readers, that involves increased visitor arrivals tend to mean increased activities for the tourism technical staff,“ say This is a new beginning for the Antigua and Communications Officer in the Ministry of Tourism Barbuda High Commission and Tourist Office. and Civil Aviation, Samoya Kirby.

On the 17th of January 2006, I along with my Tourism Minister Harold Lovell informed wife and staff, representatives from our Tourism technical officers of impending changes to staff Public Relations Firm (KTA), Father Ronald Farley, inclusive mainly of new additions to come in areas the President Mrs Manners and a few members of which are deemed important for improvements if the the Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda National Ministry is to accomplish major goals for 2006. Association and former President of the Association Mr Alphonso Peters came together to witness the Kirby also stated that emphasis is being Blessing by Father Farley of our new premises at 45 placed on moving forward with discussions for the Crawford Place. development of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority as well as the development of the National In my short presentation I reiterated Tourism Master plan. Government’s intention to institute change where it is needed so that the wheels of government will run better for the benefit of nationals both here and at home.

I also took the opportunity to introduce to the Dr Carl Roberts gathering a new member of Staff. Miss Cherrie High Commissioner

2 GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 followed in their father’s footsteps in pursuing legal education as a second degree using the distance learning approach.

Nationals pursue course in Social Work

Three nationals have been awarded full scholarships and are pursuing studies in the Principles and Practice of Social Work at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica.

This was announced by Emmanuel Gordor, Project Manager for the European Union (EU) Drug Demand Reduction Unit, which falls Megan Samuel-Fields (left), Dr John Roberts,Q.C., Master Bencher, Grays under the Ministry of Housing, and Clement Samuel (right) Culture & Social Transformation.

company, Cable & Wireless, moreover, in The recipients are Reha V. Antiguan brother and both instances, Clement and Megan’s Joseph, Marissa Benjamin, and education in law is a move in a different Causilda Anthony. They will spend sister called to the Bar in direction from their first degrees and areas the next three months in Jamaica. England and Wales of discipline. Both new lawyers intend to use their qualifications to bolster their The course is designed to Brother and sister study existing careers. meet the needs of persons working in partners, Clement Samuel and Megan the broad field of social welfare, Samuel-Fields were called to the Bar of In Clement’s case, he holds a either as professionals or voluntary England and Wales on November 24, degree in Engineering, and worked with workers in recognized agencies, who 2005 after teaming up to complete the Cable & Wireless for over 20 years. Having have not had professional training in Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bar left the company in 2003 as Chief social work. Vocational Course (BVC), for which they Engineer, he intends to combine his years received honours. of experience in the management of Mr Gordor said he is telecommunications with up-to-date legal delighted that the European Union During an intensive three-year expertise in his current position as the could assist the country’s quest to period, the duo studied for the LLB via government’s Telecommunications Officer. develop a cadre of persons who can distance learning while working full-time Megan holds a degree in accounting and adequately assist in drug education and being active parents. They both has been a Certified Public Accountant and reduction. He said this is in travelled to University of Cardiff, Wales (CPA) since 1992. She is in her 11th year keeping with the EU’s overall mission to complete the Bar Vocational Course with Cable & Wireless and is currently the and hopes that the relationship with (BVC) and were called as members of company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). the Government/Ministry of Housing, the renowned Grays Inn in London. Culture and Social Transformation Clement and Megan are the and the EU can continue for a very This has been a story of sibling children of the Honourable and Mrs. long time. camaraderie for this accomplished Charlesworth Samuel and credit their brother-sister team. For many years, success to moral support that they they shared a significant part of their received from family and friends. In professional careers at the same addition, the brother-sister team has

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 3 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 Mr. Armani related much of Fiennes Institute what he likes about Antigua and Barbuda, a receives timely place which he stated donation abounds in “Beauty isolated!” The Very Intimate Places of Antigua (VIP) Antigua Group – which “I am very intrigued at represents many of the small the diversity of cultures in the country, recently donated 20 present on the island and bedside tables to the Fiennes the ease and flexibility with Institute. The bedside tables, which the peoples co- estimated at over EC$3,000.00, was exist,” he said. This, he donated to the health institution as said, he enjoys observing part of the on-going commitment by Tourism Minister Harold Lovell and Giorgio Armani each day during his regular the group to support the Fiennes jogs on the outskirts of his Institute. property. International Fashion In presenting the supplies to He said that he feels very safe the institution, VIP Antigua’s Designer buys and the people are warm and helpful. “It is Chairman, Eustace Potter said the not a case where I feel like a captive in my home in Antigua V.I.P. Antigua Group’s giving will be own home, beauty, and serenity abounds continual to ensure that the staff and here, but I can indulge in a little island patients are comfortable. He Renowned Italian clothing and entertainment in nearby St. John’s.” appealed to the public to offer textiles designer Giorgio Armani has assistance in caring for the inmates made Antigua and Barbuda his “I can visit the pizzeria when I in Fiennes. destination of choice. want, the club when I want, and the casino when I want,” “It’s all here in Antigua!” he Delores Jardine who is also Just recently, after visiting adds. a member of the Group noted that Antigua and Barbuda for many years on they will be monitoring the Ministry of board his yacht, Armani decided to Giorgio Armani also has major Health’s wish list to see how they can spend more time in Antigua by interests in investing in the island as he is assist in future donations. purchasing a home, which he very much interested in preserving nature. remodelled using everything Armani. His words of advice to Minister Lovell were, Junior Minister in the “ensure that all developers respect your Ministry of Health Winston Williams In a recent visit to the home of islands’ resources.” “They should not build who accepted the contributions for Giorgio Armani, Tourism Minister Harold too close to the shoreline and they should the institution, said he is delighted Lovell sat and spoke with the man who not build too many high rise buildings.” he that the group saw it fit to make such has a net worth of about 1.7 billion as concluded. timely donations. He called on the estimated by Forbes magazine in 2001. public to play their role in making Armani seldom to Antigua contributions to the Fiennes Institute The Minister thanked Mr. alone, and is usually accompanied by an and to the other health institutions Armani for choosing Antigua and entourage of ten or more persons who are across Antigua and Barbuda. Barbuda to be the Caribbean island of themselves VIP’s. His staff is mostly choice for his home. He presented Mr. Antiguan and he buys Antiguan. Matron for the Fiennes Armani with his very own edition of “A Institute Imelda Southwell expressed Little Bit of Paradise” as well as samples Minister Lovell said that this type her gratitude for the timely gifts and of the islands’ famous ‘Cavalier rum ‘and of relationship could only prove beneficial indicated that with such generosity world renowned ‘Susie’s Hot Sauce’. to an island which is marketed as a mid to the Fiennes Institute will become the up-market destination. “The spin-offs are institution it ought to be. With the assistance of Jeff tremendous for our economy and we Hadeed, who acted as translator for Mr. endeavour to continue to lift our product to Armani whose native tongue is Italian, attract such clientele”.

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 4 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 Antiguan Cricket Officials “We knew of the system but after The Meeting looked at attending this seminar we now have a systems of procedures for the attend Duckworth Lewis better understanding of why and how the processing of teams and officials, Seminar system is used. Duckworth and Lewis were spectators, regular tourists and excellent. They were able to explain the regular . Legislative issues, Game officials, statisticians, system to people with varying degrees of protocols, training needs, technology Cricket Operations Managers and knowledge and with different official and equipment and accreditation Duckworth Lewis Match Managers from functions.” also formed part of the meeting’s across the region attended a two day agenda. Duckworth Lewis Seminar, held in Michael Hall, Cricket Operations Antigua from January 21 to 22. Director, ICC CWC 2007 Inc. added that: Minister Simon and his “The staging of this seminar in Antigua colleagues also considered The seminar was part of the roll out represents one in a series of events recommendations coming from the phase as the region prepares for ICC leading up to Cricket World Cup 2007. It Meeting of Immigration and Customs Cricket world Cup West Indies 2007. has provided an opportunity for each Officials which was held in July of last hosting LOC to test their readiness to year; the Meeting of Regional The seminar was conducted by actually stage an event. Obviously, this Security Chiefs held in November in Messrs Frank Duckworth and Tony was not an international cricket match but Barbados and the Meeting of the Lewis. The Duckworth Lewis system is it did involve elements of the things they Caribbean Community CARICOM used for calculating the result of weather are going to have to perfect by Cricket Cricket World Cup 2007 Sub- affected, interrupted or abandoned one- World Cup 2007.” Committee. day games. National Security Advisor Alec Vanderpoole, who attended the Antigua and Barbuda was Attorney General attends represented by Kattian Edwards- Meeting of Officials for Security, Baltimore and Cassandra Murray, both World Cup 2007 Security Customs, Immigration, Intelligence scorer and statistician. Edwards- Issues Meeting and Disaster Preparedness, also Baltimore and Murray stated that the attended the Ministerial meeting. seminar was timely as Antigua will be On the 18th January 2006, hosting several ICC one day games; Attorney General and Minister of Legal “This training is very critical for us as Affairs Justin Simon QC represented the Cricket World Cup is a one day government at the Meeting of the Ad-hoc international competition. This year, Sub-Committee of Ministers of National Antigua will host two international one Security and Law Enforcement for Security day games, plus international practice Issues Pertaining to Cricket World Cup matches and these will give us a great 2007 in Bridgetown Barbados. opportunity to use what we have learnt.”

Antigua and Barbuda’s stall at last year’s ISS Charity Fair Don’t miss the 47th International Social Service Spring Fair on Wednesday 9th and 10th May 2006 at Kensington Town Hall Hornton Street London W8

Stalls from around the world brought to your doorstep by the diplomatic missions of over 100 countries

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 5 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 Barbuda’s commitment to regional “We have determined that integration. in order for the OECS territories to be on board and to be able to fully Ms. Otto noted that new implement the CARICOM treaty as it applicants for the document will begin relates to the CSM that more time receiving them from early next week would be needed for all the OECS and pointed out that persons who are in countries to come on board. So to possession of valid should that extent we have decided we continue using them until the phased- should, for the purposes of signing out process for the old passport is the Declaration of Intent, have the 31 announced. of March date put back until June 30 Chief Passport Officer Ms. Paulette Otto presenting which would allow all the OECS Prime Minister Spencer with his new Machine Governor General Sir James countries to do what is necessary to Readable Passport Carlisle and Lady Carlisle and Mrs bring them in compliance with the Jacklyn Spencer, wife of Prime Minister treaty,” Prime Minister Spencer said. PM Spencer receives first Spencer were also presented with the Antigua Barbuda Machine Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable He also pointed out that the Passports. The passports are being Development Fund was also Readable Passport issued in three colours and categories: examined by the Heads. “It was Regular Passport – blue in colour; Official indicated that some initial moves On the 16th January 2006 Passport – green in colour; and Diplomatic would have been made to establish Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer Passport – red in colour. The passports the fund. Quite frankly the OECS is accepted the first Antigua and Barbuda bear the CARICOM Logo, which identifies not comfortable that the development new Machine Readable Passport during Antigua and Barbuda as a member state of fund has reached the stage where it a brief ceremony at the Passport Office the regional grouping and the Coat of Arms could be fully funded and become in St. John’s. of Antigua and Barbuda on the front cover fully operational and that is an issue of the document. clearly that the OECS territories will Chief Passport Officer Ms. be watching extremely closely,” he Paulette Otto presented the first Antigua and Barbuda and said. Diplomatic Passport to the Prime Minister following a tour of the facility OECS countries push back “I think it is important to which is producing the new travel date for CSM compliance emphasize that our decision to push document. back the date with respect of our OECS Heads during a meeting in Declaration of Intent would give the The Government last year Jamaica preceding the official ceremony to individual territories a chance to look initiated the process of producing launch the CARICOM Single Market have at their legislative agenda and a Machine Readable Passports which are agreed to push back the date for number of other issues but at the essential to meeting International Civil compliance to June 30. same time to be satisfied in our own Aviation Organisation ICAO global minds that the machinery would be objectives designed to minimize delays Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer put in place fully to allow for the in border-crossing formalities and to said that during the meeting, Heads took implementation of the Development safeguard international civil aviation the opportunity to review the situation as it Fund and also to ensure that the operation against acts of unlawful pertains to the Single Market. He said that special and differential treatment in interference. the OECS, as they have been contending relation to our CARICOM partners for sometime now that while they are fully would have been fully ventilated,” PM In accepting his new passport, committed to the process of moving the Spencer outlined. Prime Minister Spencer said that he is CSM forward there are some concerns that delighted that the preparation process the timetable as being set by CARICOM in Under the CARICOM was a success and noted that the new terms of being able to meet all the basic Formula for country contribution to design of the document not only meets requirements under the treaty may not be the US$25 million Development international security requirements but to their liking. Fund, Antigua and Barbuda will be with the addition of the CARICOM logo required to contribute US$ point 47 on the cover, it signifies Antigua and million.

2nd Floor. 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 6 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 Labour Office soon to open have since returned to Barbuda and are overall vision of Public Sector working as Labour Officers. Reform and Transformation. in Codrington Barbuda It is the government’s intention to On the 18th January Minister of open the Codrington Labour Office within • Review and examine similar Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro the first quarter of this year. models in the OECS and the wider chaired a meeting with Minister of Caribbean Barbuda Affairs Trevor Walker, Dorothy Symister, Chief Executive Officer for the Government commences • Provide extensive orientation Barbuda Council and Labour Public Sector Audit and training for key stakeholders who Commissioner Hesketh Williams to work will be the change agents. These out details regarding the opening of a include the Political Directorate, The Government has engaged Labour Office in Barbuda. Senior Public Service Managers, the services of Profiles Antigua Inc. to Public Service workers and their conduct a Human Resources Audit in the “The meeting was fruitful and I representative organizations and Public Sector as part of its Public Sector am happy,” said Dr. Quinn Leandro. “It is representatives of Civil Society who Transformation Programme. important to be able to offer to our will be involved in guiding and Barbudan sisters and brothers the same implementing the transformation Profiles Antigua Inc. is a locally quality service we get in Antigua,” she process. stated. established professional services firm. The firm specializes in human resource The population of Barbuda is management consulting and offers a broad • Make recommendations for made up of 15 percent CARICOM spectrum of personnel assessment legislative change / revision / nationals and as such it has become products and services. Dr. Vincent upgrade to facilitate the development necessary for labour matters to be Richards and Dr. Errol Samuel established of a performance-driven, results- managed and dealt with expeditiously. Profiles Antigua Inc. in 2000. Profiles oriented, service excellence- Antigua Inc. is affiliated with Profiles focused, highly motivated Public A major concern is the Caribbean headquartered in Barbados, Service. inconvenience to Barbudan residents and Profiles International headquartered in who have to commute to Antigua to deal Waco, Texas, USA. with Labour affairs. “It is expensive to • Provide an assessment and travel to Antigua to sort out Labour The firm and its key professionals evaluation mechanism for public matters,” the Minister said. She further have crafted and assisted in the sector workers in the new and explained that the Labour Commissioner implementation of numerous human transformed public sector system. would travel to the Codrington Office to resources management interventions handle cases that required his which have spanned a wide range of proficiency. industry sectors and products and • Develop a grading and services. They have also ranged from classification system for the Non- Minister Trevor Walker also private companies to statutory bodies to established workers consistent with expressed his satisfaction about the non-governmental organizations. the revised Established workers’ meeting. He said, “I am hoping that sector. Further, in the interim, design through this initiative the Minister of The audit is in progress in the and develop a performance appraisal Labour can force a closer relationship Ministry of Works and Communication, the system for the assessment and with Barbuda and with the Barbuda and the Ministry of evaluation of the Non-established Council. I am also hoping that this move Public Information. workers. will make the Minster more accessible to Barbudans.” The audit will: • Review the grading structure of • Review and assess the current Established and Non-established Last year, two Barbudans Ricky regulations for the Established workers workers with consideration being Michael and Omah Thomas, underwent and make recommendations for given to bringing them in line under a six month training session at the improvement in line with the government’s the one set of regulations. Labour Department in Antigua. They

2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 7 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA VACANCY NOTICE

Particulars of the Post of Magistrate, Magistrates Court Ministry of Justice, Antigua and Barbuda

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Magistrate, High Court, Ministry of Justice. (b) conduct coroner’s inquiries and licensing sessions;

Qualifications: Bachelor of Law Degree Legal (c) hear affiliation matters, certain matrimonial Education Certificate. At least matters and other matters relating to the seven (7) years experience as an custody of children; advocate in a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters (d) conduct juvenile court; in some part of the Commonwealth. (e) perform other judicial and administrative functions (e.g., issuing of warrants and Salary: $58,836.00 per annum granting of bail)

Travelling Allowance: $5,844.00 per annum (provided the (f) perform any other duties which may be officer maintains a car for the assigned by the Chief Magistrate, or as performance of official duties). required by statute.

Housing Allowance: $18,000.00 per annum Hours of Work: (1) Mondays to Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Duty Allowance: $18,000.00 per annum Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Telephone: Free telephone (limited to local (2) Notwithstanding (1) above, the calls) nature of the duties will require the Officer to perform work outside of Leave: Twenty-seven (27) working days the hours mentioned above, in per annum and in accordance with addition to Sundays and Public existing regulations. Holidays when necessary.

Sick Leave: Thirty (30) calendar days during Applications stating qualifications, experience, the the period of twelve (12) months. names and addresses of at least two referees, along with copies of Certificates should be sent to: Duties: a. adjudicate all criminal, quasi- criminal and civil cases within the The Permanent Secretary limits prescribed by the Ministry of Justice Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Government Office Complex, Act, Cap. 255 and any other law; Parliament Drive St. John’s, Antigua W.I.

2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 8 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 “This initiative will pave the way The objective of the MOU is for citizens to access government services to enhance effective regulation within on line and transact business. The kiosks the two jurisdictions through an will be managed by the Government's efficient and reasonable channel for Information Technology (IT) Centre,” the exchange of information. Minister Mansoor pointed out. The KGC and FSRC both acknowledge the need and In addition, the Minister desirability of providing mutual announced that the Government of Antigua assistance that will assist in securing and Barbuda has submitted a proposal for compliance, administration and funding to a friendly Government for the enforcement of their respective laws, erection of several Community Access regulations, requirements and overall Centres around the island and in Barbuda. policy relating to gaming and He noted that the Centres will serve both interactive wagering within their residents and visitors. jurisdictions.

Residents will utilize the Centres Each request for the to access the World Wide Web, e-mail sharing of information will be services and local and international phone assessed on a case by case basis to Minister responsible for Information services, and download national and determine whether assistance is Technology Dr Edmond Mansoor community news, Government information appropriate and permissible by the and services and job opportunities laws of each jurisdiction. Government Examines The Centres will also provide “Given the global nature of development of IT in visitor information on places of interest, the online industry, it is important that Communities historical sites, island maps, bus schedules regulating authorities develop ways and routes and local and international in which they can coordinate their The Government of Antigua phone services. activities. We believe that this MOU and Barbuda has begun studying will assist the regulators in both proposals for locating Internet Kiosks at Kahnawá:ke and Antigua and the East and West Bus Stations in St. Barbuda in the performance of their John’s. duties and we hope that other jurisdictions will follow suit”, said Alan Minister responsible for Goodleaf, KGC Chairperson. Information Technology Dr. Edmond KAHNAWÁ:KE and Antigua Mansoor said that one component of the “The signing of the Government's digital agenda is the and Barbuda Regulators Memorandum of Understanding deployment of technology in the society sign Mutual Assistance (MOU) between both Commissions that will enhance the quality of life. is a concerted effort to effectively Protocol regulate the respective jurisdictions Dr. Mansoor said that the The Kahnawá:ke Gaming and to form an administrative kiosks will provide: Commission (KGC) and the Antigua and relationship. I believe that this Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory initiative is a key component in finally • filtered internet access and Commission (FSRC), two of the most having a clear nexus between access to e-mail senior regulating agencies in the online jurisdictions, bridging the relationship gaming world, have signed a gap between gaming authorities, the bus routes and schedules • Memorandum of Understanding that allows advent of creating international where they exist for the sharing of investigative findings and standards for regulators and we stand to benefit from resources that • maps and material regarding existing and prospective licensees. we may otherwise not be able to obtain from our own means”, stated other local content • Mr. Lebrecht Hesse, Chairman of FSRC, Antigua and Barbuda.

2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 9 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 About the Kahnawá:ke Gaming For additional information you may visit “Sometime down the road I Commission: www.antiguagaming.gov.ag will assist in getting computers for the schools in my constituency,” the Kahnawá:ke is sovereign Minister Quinn-Leandro Representative said. She went on to Mohawk Territory located 20 minutes praise the students for their high from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The donates school furniture achievement in the Common Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission was Entrance passes and wished them established and empowered in 1996 The Potters Primary School has well in the future. under the Kahnawá:ke Gaming Law. The received a much needed gift from the Commission’s Regulations concerning Parliamentary Representative for St. Michael Lewis, Chairman of Interactive Gaming were promulgated in George Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro. the UPP St. George branch helped to July 1999 and are generally accepted as make the presentation and asked a model for regulating the global online The faculty at the school that the furniture be taken care of. gaming industry. The Commission appealed for some comfort and got some presently regulates and monitors relief in the form of three desks and six “We are indeed grateful and approximately 300 online gaming sites. chairs for teachers. Grade 1 and proud for the donation,” said For more information, go to Kindergarten Language teacher, Ms. Lois Assistant Principal Grace Ellis. Ellis www.kahnawake.com/gamingcommission Drew, who is also a Potters resident, told stated that some teachers had no the Representative about the poor furniture at all while others were condition of the furniture and was promised forced to use students’ chairs for About the Antigua and Barbuda assistance. years. Financial Services Regulatory Commission: Dr Quinn Leandro made a The students showed their presentation to Principal Ms. Irma Bachelor appreciation by applauding and then in the presence of the older grades of the gathered around her for autographs. The Division of Gaming is the student body. Quinn Leandro stated that “Study hard and obey your teachers,” regulatory body under the Financial she was acutely aware of the shortage of she wrote. Services Regulatory Commission furniture in the schools in her constituency (FSRC) responsible for the oversight of and that this was the start of her effort to all aspects of the Offshore Gaming help the schools. industry in the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda was one of the first jurisdictions to license interactive gaming and wagering companies in 1994. The internet gaming companies are classified as “Financial Institutions” and are subject to all the Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements of the jurisdiction and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) requirements. The regulatory framework for these companies has been provided in the International Business Corporations (IBC) Act and the Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations (IGIWR). Today, FSRC, Division of Gaming continues to be home to a significant portion of the industry and some of the largest i- gaming companies due to our pursuit of being a tier one regulatory jurisdiction. Parliamentary Representative for St George Dr Jacqui Quinn-Leandro

2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 10 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 Antigua and Barbuda at marketing program put together by the New York Tourist Office. The initiative Caribbean Marketplace operates off of the premise that although Antigua and Barbuda continues to attract Antigua and Barbuda was significant levels of couples, the marketed at the region’s most important destination has not strategically tapped and productive marketing event, into the potential that this market segment Caribbean Marketplace in San Juan presents. Puerto Rico. This promotion focussed on The event which ran from 15th wedding and packages and to 17th January set the tone for travel other special activities created exclusively packaging in the Caribbean. around the theme of romance and rejuvenation. One of the highlights of this Antigua and Barbuda’s marketing programme was a destination delegation to this marketing event wedding in Antigua and Barbuda with the included Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, theme “Love on Location”. Director of Product Development Lorraine Headley and Director of Team All-Relative Tourism for the USA, Mrs. Derede Samuel Whitlock. He continued, “Antigua has First Transatlantic Row excellent facilities, character and One of the primary reasons that Boater arrived in Antigua on historic links. The people of Antigua Caribbean Marketplace is successful th are fantastic to work with and fully and productive for its participants, year January 8 embrace the ethos of the event.” after year, is the active participation of The first Rowing Boat in the the international buyers in the Wood-vale Events transatlantic “Row4Life” Minister of Tourism Harold Matchmaker© appointment scheduling venture arrived in Antigua on Sunday Lovell was on hand to welcome the process which matches Buyer and January 8th 2006, at the historic Nelson’s first Rower at the welcome reception Supplier mutual requests, Buyer Dockyard. being organized by the Antigua requests, and supplier requests, in that Charter Yacht Club, on Sunday order. The race began on November afternoon. 30th 2005 in La Gomera, Canary Islands, According to Minister Lovell, Spain, however, Antigua was announced Minister Lovell sees the “The Antiguan delegation used the as the official finish port since August 2004. event as a manifestation of the fact opportunity to follow indications on how Antigua was chosen by the organizers as that Antigua and Barbuda is indeed the tourism season will go, what the the official finish port as a result of a the “Yachting centre of the trends will be, and how offer will meet number of key elements including Caribbean”. “Such a partnership can demand.” accessibility by sea, marina facilities, and only seek to forge friendship and local support. goodwill among the international International buyers were ocean rowing society and the people invited to attend Caribbean Marketplace Simon Chalk, Managing Director of Antigua and Barbuda, and I take based on their proven capability or of Wood-vale Events, in an earlier press this opportunity to share the potential to sell the Caribbean as a release stated, “We’re absolutely delighted hospitality of the our people and our destination. The Caribbean Marketplace to be able to bring our world class wonderful harbours with the sailors,” International Buyer Screening prestigious event to Antigua. Our research he concluded. Committees, overseen by the Caribbean to find the best possible finish location has Association, qualify and approve been extensive and thorough, and after a the buyers. number of competitive bids from the other Caribbean islands, we decided upon A major aspect of Antigua and Antigua, as it provides everything we could Barbuda’s participation in the 2006 event possibly want from a race finish port.” is the launch of the “Love on Location”

2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 11 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com GOVERNMENT NEWS Issue No. 106 January 2006 strengthening industry and media relations. Information on new passports

The passports which meet International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO regulations are issued in three colours and categories:

Regular Passport – blue in colour; - Passports for persons 16 years and over (64 pages) £200.00 Official Passport – green in colour; - Passports for persons under 16 years (32 pages) £50.00 Diplomatic Passport – red in Miss Carol Hay, Director of colour. Emergency Issue Marketing UK and Europe of Passports The passports bear the CARICOM logo, which identifies Antigua - Passports for persons 16 High Commissioner and and Barbuda as a member state of the years and over (32 pages) £100.00 regional grouping and the Coat of Arms of Director of Marketing Antigua and Barbuda which will be on the - Passports for persons 16 attend Annual Tourism cover of the document. years and over (64 pages) £200.00

Meeting in Antigua Those persons holding valid - Passports for persons under passports will be allowed to continue to do 16 years (32 pages) £50.00 High Commissioner Dr Carl so until a phased out period is announced. Roberts and Director of Marketing UK The new standard in the and Europe Carol Hay attended the The Passport Division also issuing of passports (machine Annual Tourism meeting in Antigua from announced the fees structure for the readable) is essential for meeting February 1 - 4. Machine Readable Passports. The fees ICAO global objectives, to minimize payable are as follows: delays in border-crossing formalities The event was also attended by and to safeguard international civil Directors from the USA, Canada, New Passports aviation operation against acts of Germany and France. unlawful interference. - Passports for persons 16 years and The team finalised Antigua and over (32 pages) £50.00 Machine Readable Barbuda’s new brand to be launched at Passports are readily recognized by the end of 2006. - Passports for persons 16 years and officials at security, immigration and over (64 pages) £100.00 customs check points and by Meetings were held with LIAT, embassies and consulates Caribbean Star, Antigua Carnival - Passports for persons under 16 years worldwide, and thus make it easier Committee and World cup 2007. (32 pages) £25.00 for a person to obtain visas for travel and to be cleared at airports. The UK and European Replacement Passports Directors will now embark on their tourism marketing programme which - Passports for persons 16 years and include increased advertising and over (32 pages) £100.00 participation in trade shows and

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