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ANTIGUA BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS
The
Queen's speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Uganda
23 November 2007
President Museveni, Prime Minister Gonzi, Secretary-General, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for your kind words of welcome. I am delighted to be joining you here in Kampala and to see for myself a Commonwealth in such good health. This is the last such occasion to profit from the leadership of Don McKinnon as Commonwealth Secretary-General. He has brought energy and passion to the stewardship of the Commonwealth through the first years of a new century. His determination to preserve and promote the relevance of the Commonwealth in the service of its two billion people has been truly outstanding. Secretary-General, we owe you a very substantial debt and will miss you greatly.
When I first addressed a meeting of Heads of Government of the Commonwealth thirty years ago, Papua New Guinea and the Seychelles were welcomed as its 32nd and 33rd members. Since then, our association has continued to attract new members while addressing the great preoccupations and concerns of our times.
Uganda's rich history is longer. Humankind has been present here as far back as our archaeology and history will allow us to go. And just as the people and ideas that originated in this part of Africa spread out to other parts of the globe, so too the wider world has come to touch the lives of Ugandans. This week, it comes here to Kampala in the form of the Commonwealth.
The theme chosen for this CHOGM,
'Transforming Societies', conveys a clear commitment to change for the better.
No single society has achieved perfection, and there is no single recipe for
success. No-one could expect that. But we do know that giving people
the greatest possible voice in the way they are governed, and the greatest
possible access to education, are two of the most important ingredients.
Our Commonwealth theme over the whole of this year is 'Respecting Difference,
Promoting Understanding'. Recognising that each one of us is made up of
layer upon layer of identity and that each of our unique personalities has ties
to culture, religion, community, country and beyond, is the essence of open and
tolerant communities. I hope that, in your discussion about transforming
societies, you will consider this abiding principle: that we should treat those
around us as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
That is the case for governments, as for communities, as for us all individually. Moreover, the importance we all attach to dialogue; to hearing the voices of governments but also many of the other voices in society; to respect for fundamental human rights. These qualities still place the Commonwealth in a strong position to lead.
I am especially pleased that, this year, fresh attention is being turned to young people, who make up nearly half of the Commonwealth's population. The conclusions drawn from the Youth Forum earlier this week show an almost limitless optimism and enthusiasm. This is an energy that should be tapped more fully. Young people can and should play a part in the many global challenges that cannot be resolved by older generations alone, whether in the Commonwealth as a whole or in each of its member countries.
Program Events for the 26th Anniversary of Antigua
and Barbuda Independence
Click below to listen to the music of the National Anthem of Antigua and Barbuda
November 1st, 1981 – Antigua and Barbuda became an Independent country. ><>
Sir Reginald Samuel – Designer of the National Flag. ><>
Gordon Christopher - Designer of the National Coat of Arms. ><>
Sir Novelle Richards – Composer of the lyrics to the National Anthem. ><>
Walter P. Chambers – Composer of the music to the National Anthem. ><>
James Carrott – Author of the country’s motto. ><>
Fair Antigua and Barbuda – Title of the National Anthem. ><>
Each Endeavouring All Achieving – Title of the country’s motto. ><>
Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr. – The first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. ><>
Sir Wilfred Jacobs – The first Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. ><>
Colours of the National Flag – Red, Blue, Black, Gold, White. ><>
West Indies vs Pakistan 2005 Series 
West Indies vs South Africa 2005 Series
Cricket World Cup 2007 in Antigua
><>
The
Sir Vivian Richards Information and Facts 
><>
Wednesday October 10, 2007: “I cannot allow politics to blind me or colour my judgement”. So said Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan. Astaphan made the statement yesterday, while responding to certain statements that were made by the former Prime Minister, Lester Bird. Bird, who was part of the trio of presenters that hosted a press conference on behalf of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), said that Astaphan was his legal advisor while he was in charge of the government and had played a role in the Asian Village/Dato Tan matter, also on behalf of the government. He alleges however, that it was strange for the said Astaphan, to have been collaborating with him on the said matter, but towards the end of the arbitration exercise, he Astaphan was working for the governing United Progressive Party (UPP). Bird also confessed, that there was no performance clause in the contract between the government and Asian Village. But to justify that omission, he boasted about his negotiating many contracts, on behalf of the government, during his 28 years of experience at that level. He said however, that the principal investor in Asian Village, Dato Tan Kay Hock, was already checked out in the interim. In reaction, Astaphan confirmed, that he had given advise to the then government, but he never realised, that the contract would have been signed by the ALP or even by Bird himself. He said also, that the record must show, that he had appeared with the current attorney general, Justin Simon, on behalf of the present government, on two occasions. One he said, involved an affidavit by the former Minister of Tourism in the Bird administration, Molwyn Joseph, in the Half Moon Bay matter. In the said Asian Village matter, he said that he also appeared with Simon, who had extended an invitation to persons that had knowledge, to come forward and assist. In that regard, he said that Bird, who was also invited, had refused to co-operate. Astaphan also rebuffed statements, about being a traitor and a foot soldier for the UPP. He said that he has no social contract contact with any of the members of that organisation and could not have qualified to be a Trojan horse. ><> One of the contractors who worked on the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds (SVRCG), have said that he was out of pocket of over $2 million. George Purcell said that his many appeals to the authorities to get his matter addressed have since been fallen on deaf ears. Purcell’s landscaping and preparation role, which had passed with flying colours from the inspectors representing the International Cricket Council (ICC), was completed before the Chinese built the stands. Since that time however, he said that he had heard rumblings in certain quarters, pointing at him doing a poor job, at least when it comes to then draining of the out field. While Purcell said that he was not responsible for the damages or the problems that had developed, he said that he had offered his services, to correct the matter free of cost. He said that he further suggested, that of the amount of money still owed to him, he was prepared for them to hold on to $600,000 as a monetary guarantee, in case that he fails to correct the problem. He said that he had already sought advise from external sources, who had advised him how to go about solving the problem. Purcell, said his job at the facility, was completed before the stands were built, but heavy equipment used by the contractors, had done the damage. The problem he said was knowledgeable to him and he could testify to the fact, that he had personally protested such activities on the grounds. During the hosting of the Cricket World Cup matches in Antigua earlier this year, one of the matches had to be extended into the next day, after heavy rains were trapped on the outfield. Last weekend, a Leeward Islands match between Antigua and Barbuda and another regional team went unplayed, after a similar occurrence. Purcell said that his many correspondences to the government have remained unanswered. ><>
UK journalists are
participating in the country’s first gastronomic press trip. The event, which
runs from October 5th to the 12th, will give them an
opportunity to sample traditional Antiguan dishes throughout the island. During
their trip, they will expand their knowledge of Antigua and Barbuda by
participating in various tours and excursions. A tour of Antigua’s
famous rum and beer factory has also been arranged, alongside a hands-on cooking
experience with Susie’s Hot Sauce at the home of its manufacturer, Mrs. Rosie
Mc Master. The group will also be dining at two local restaurants including The
Cove restaurant in Boon Point, Home in Gambles Terrace, St. John’s, as well as
taking in the Antiguan traditions and historic highlights at Shirley
Heights Lookout to name but a few. This event
has been jointly organised by the UK team of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourist
Office and the airline bmi. ><> Efforts
to commence the winter tourist season on strong footing continue to intensify in
the United States, as the tourism team there, recently concluded an intensive
two week road show throughout major source markets in that country. The team,
headed by Tourism Officer, Dean Fenton, made sales presentations to
travel agents in New York, NY, Ramsey, NJ, Boston, MA and Stamford, CT in Week
I, while Week II, presentations were made in Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C.,
Tyson’s Corner, VA and Houston, TX. Fenton, who has primary
responsibility for sales throughout the United States, indicated that the
tourism team was revamped recently and were developing stronger relations with
travel agents and other travel partners. The US office was also working closely
with the Antigua Hotels and Tourism Association (AHTA) to develop an on-line
Travel Agent Education and Rewards Program, that was likely to help increase
destination awareness and provide incentives to agents, to refer and sell
Antigua and Barbuda as one of their ‘Preferred Destinations.’ The programme
attracted approximately 400 travel agents. ><>
The slashing of tyres on vehicles parked in the Stanford Parking Lot, have gotten the attention of the Guild of Antigua & Barbuda Air Traffic Control Officers (GABATCO). The Executive and members of the labour organisation have issued a press release, condemning what they have also described as a malicious act. The incident apparently happened, during the time that members had called in sick for work. GABATCO also stated, that they had denounce such actions and was hoping, that the perpetrator(s) of the malicious act are caught and dealt with accordingly. The vehicles in question, were those of their fellow staff members, who parked them while they carried out their duties as air traffic controllers. ><> Approximately 80 travel agents in the United Kingdom (UK), attended the country’s first ever Wedding & Honeymoon Showcase, at the Café Royal in London. The occasion also saw the launching of the new Wedding & Honeymoon brochure. The event allowed for agents to speak one-to-one with many of Antigua and Barbuda’s hotel partners, as well as the marriage coordinator in the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in Antigua, Roberta John-Joseph. Following a welcome by Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Carl Roberts, the agents enjoyed presentations by UK tourism officers, Joyce Fyfe and Cherrie Osborne. The event ended with presentation of prizes. The tourism partners who participated in the event included Elite Island Resorts, Rex Resorts, Sandals Grande Antigua, Jolly Beach Resort, Hermitage Bay, VIP Antigua and Jumby Bay. ><>
The price of eggs is to go up. ><> A new round of negotiations was to take place between the government and GABATCO. ><> ALP conforms that the road to having all of the candidates in place, were nearing an end. ><> (More stories to follow.) ><>
Marion
Jones Returns Her Five Olympic Medals, Accepts 2-year Ban for Doping Before 2000
Games
Oct 9, 8:03 AM (ET)
By NANCY ARMOUR
Little by
little, the remnants of Marion Jones' once glorious career are being stripped
away.
Jones gave
back the five medals she won at the Sydney Olympics on Monday following her
admission that she was a drug cheat, and also agreed to forfeit all results,
medals and prizes dating back to Sept. 1, 2000.
"I'm
pleased that it was resolved efficiently," said Travis Tygart, chief
executive officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. "And at the end of the
day, I hope it's a good lesson that will have a dramatic deterrent effect on all
athletes who may be tempted to dope."
The U.S.
Olympic Committee now will return the medals to the International Olympic
Committee, which will decide what to do with them. Jones won golds in the 100
meters, 200 meters and the 1,600 relay in Sydney, as well as bronzes in the 400
relay and long jump.
"That,
however belated, was the right thing to do," said Dick Pound, chairman of
the World Anti-Doping Agency.
No one
answered the door Monday at Jones' house in Austin, Texas.
Jones' relay
teammates also should give back their medals, USOC chairman Peter Ueberroth
said. Though there is precedent for not punishing an entire team, the race was
tainted, Ueberroth said.
Jearl
Miles-Clark, Monique Hennagan, Tasha Colander-Richardson and Andrea Anderson all
won golds as part of the 1,600-meter relay. Chryste Gaines, Torri Edwards,
Nanceen Perry and Passion Richardson were on the 400-meter relay team.
Both Edwards
and Gaines have served doping bans since the 2000 Olympics.
"It's our
opinion that when any sporting event is won unfairly, it's completely tarnished
and should be returned. The relay events were won unfairly," Ueberroth
said. "We don't have the jurisdiction on that matter. If we did, we would
be on the side of returning the medals."
The USOC has
not talked to the other athletes yet about giving up their medals.
Fielding a
clean team is a priority for a country trying to improve its image in the
Olympic movement - not to mention win the 2016 Games - and drug cheats like
Jones have been an embarrassment for the USOC. Jones was one of the most
celebrated female athletes in the world, and she vehemently denied any doping
allegations.
Athens gold
medalist Justin Gatlin faces a ban of up to eight years after testing positive
for testosterone and other steroids in April 2006 - one month before tying the
then 100-meter world record.
But the USOC
and USADA have worked hard to rid the U.S. team of cheats, and Ueberroth pledged
Monday that the American athletes at next summer's Beijing Olympics will be
drug-free. The USOC also sent letters apologizing to 205 national Olympic
committees and the people of Australia.
"Even
though it is a negative going back, this will be viewed as positive in our
commitment to fielding a clean team," USOC CEO Jim Scherr said of Jones'
punishment.
After long
denying she ever had used performance-enhancing drugs, Jones admitted Friday
that she'd taken the designer steroid "the clear" from September 2000
to July 2001. "The clear" has been linked to BALCO, the lab at the
center of the steroids scandal in professional sports.
Jones'
admission came as part of her guilty plea to lying to federal investigators
about using steroids. She will be sentenced on Jan. 11, and prosecutors had
suggested to Jones the prison term would be a maximum of six months.
Though Jones
announced her retirement after Friday's court hearing, she accepted a two-year
ban Monday and agreed to forfeit any results dating back to Sept. 1, 2000. That
includes the two golds (200 and 400 relay) and silver (100) she won at the 2001
championships in Edmonton.
She stands to
lose more. Scherr said the USOC plans to go after Jones for prize money it
awarded her, about $100,000.
The
International Association of Athletics Federations rules also allow for athletes
busted for doping to be asked to pay back prize money and appearance fees.
British sprinter Dwain Chambers, who admitted using the clear, had to pay back a
reported $230,615 before he was allowed to return to competition after a
two-year ban.
Jones would
have earned millions in prizes, bonuses and fees from meets all over the world,
including a share of the $1 million Golden League jackpot in 2001 and 2002.
If the IOC
does nullify Jones' results in Sydney, the standings likely will be readjusted,
with the second-place finisher moving up to gold, third to silver and fourth to
bronze.
Jamaica won
silver in the 1,600 relay, and France was fourth in the 400. Pauline
Davis-Thompson of the Bahamas was the silver medalist in the 200 meters, and
Tatiana Kotova of Russia was fourth in the long jump.
The silver
medalist in the 100 meters in Sydney was Greek sprinter Katerina Thanou - at the
center of a major doping scandal at the Athens Olympics. She and fellow Greek
runner Kostas Kenteris failed to show up for drug tests on the eve of the games,
claimed they were injured in a motorcycle accident and eventually pulled out.
Both later were suspended for two years.
"Obviously
we're concerned about a level playing field all the time. But we have no
jurisdiction or nothing to say about that," Ueberroth said. "We have a
responsibility to compete fairly. That's our system, and that's the way we're
going to live."
Jury: Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden guilty of sexual harassment
FOXSports.com – October 2, 2007: A jury decided Tuesday that New
York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas sexually harassed a former top team executive,
subjecting her to unwanted advances and a barrage of verbal insults, but also
said he does not have to pay punitive damages.
After an ugly, three-week trial, the verdict gives Thomas a partial
victory in the $10 million lawsuit filed by Anucha Browne Sanders.
The jury did find that Madison Square Garden committed harassment against
the woman, and decided that she is entitled to punitive damages from MSG.
U.S. District Judge Gerard E. Lynch called it an "eminently
reasonable" verdict and said the jury will be asked to return later Tuesday
to hear brief arguments on punitive damages.
"I'm innocent, very innocent, and I did not do the things she has accused me in this courtroom of doing," Thomas said. "I'm extremely disappointed that the jury did not see the facts in this case. I will appeal this, and I remain confident in the man that I am and what I stand for and the family that I have."
Madison Square Garden also said it would appeal.
"We believe that the jury's decision was incorrect," MSG said
in a statement. "We look forward to presenting our arguments to an appeals
court, and believe they will agree that no sexual harassment took place and MSG
acted properly."
The harassment verdict was widely expected after the jury sent a note to
the judge Monday indicating that it believed Thomas and the other defendants,
Madison Square Garden and MSG chairman James Dolan, sexually harassed Browne
Sanders, a married mother of three.
After the verdict, Browne Sanders hugged family members and friends
gathered in the back of the courtroom. Thomas huddled with his lawyers, and was
allowed to leave the Manhattan courthouse. Dozens of reporters and cameras
gathered outside the courthouse to await his exit.
Browne Sanders, fired from her $260,000 a year job in 2006, sued Thomas
and Madison Square Garden. Her case presented the Garden as "Animal
House" in sneakers, a place where nepotism, sexism, crude remarks and crass
language were part of the culture.
The former Northwestern college basketball star characterized Thomas as a
foul-mouthed lout who initially berated her as a "bitch" and a
"ho" before his anger gave way to ardor, with Thomas making unwanted
advances and encouraging her to visit him "off site."
Thomas, who was hired in December 2003, followed her to the stand and
denied all her allegations. Attorneys for Thomas and the Garden also portrayed
Browne Sanders as incompetent and unable to adapt once the former NBA star
player arrived as the Knicks' president.
"That's not about sexual harassment," MSG attorney Ronald Green
said in his closing argument. "That's about team politics."
Thomas, who is married with two children, acknowledged trying to kiss
Browne Sanders in December 2005, asking her "No love today?" when she
recoiled. MSG president Steve Mills said he spoke with Thomas about the single
incident, and the former point guard said it wouldn't happen again.
In her closing argument, Browne Sanders' attorney Anne Vladeck made note
of Thomas' charismatic style and incandescent grin.
"There is no question Mr. Thomas can be charming and flash an
engaging smile," she told the jury. "That does not give him the right
to treat Browne Sanders like she is his woman."
Dolan, who testified before Thomas, said he dismissed the team's vice
president for marketing and business operations after learning she was
pressuring Garden subordinates to bolster her complaint.
The case, from its inception, proved a public relations disaster for the
Knicks and the Garden, with intense coverage of the three-week trial focusing on
its tawdriest aspects — star guard Stephon Marbury having sex with an intern
outside a strip club, raunchy come-ons from a Marbury cousin to his Garden
co-workers, Thomas' videotaped remarks about the racial dynamics of calling a
woman "a bitch."
The trial did steer attention from the Knicks on-court woes as the team
geared up for its second season with Thomas as coach. The Knicks finished 33-49
last year, and have yet to win a playoff game during the Thomas regime.
The Knicks opened training camp Tuesday in Charleston, S.C.
Calypso Monarch Finals 2007 Results
Sunday
5th August, 2007
Best Social Commentary
De Bear
Most Improved Calypsonian
Strong Baby
2nd Runner – Up
Name: Zacari
Calypsoes Rendered: “We Ha Dat”
and “Golden Jubilee”
1st Runner – Up
Name: Tyrone “Edimelo” Thomas
Calypsoes Rendered: “Endangered
Species” and “50 Years Ah Carnival”
Winner & 2007 Calypso Monarch
Name: De Bear
Calypsoes Rendered: “ I Say No”
and “Support Party”
Troupes and Groups Competition and Road March 2007 Ruselts
Monday
5th August, 2007
2nd Runner – Up
Artiste:
Burning Flames
Tune:
Back
Shot
Number of times played: 19
1st Runner – Up
Artiste:
Red Hot Flames
Tune:
Fury
Number of times played:
22
Winner Road March 2007
Artiste:
Burning Flames
Tune:
Pappi
Number of times played:
78
Children’s Mas
WINNER 2007
Dynamics:
Tribute
WINNER 2007
XTreme
Float Competition
2nd Runner – Up
Stanford
Development
1st Runner – Up
Bank of Nova Scotia
Winner 2007
La Perla
Burning Flames
Gemonites
Winner 2007
Red Hot Flames
Winner 2007
Harmonites International
Winner 2007
Flex Cheerleaders
Winner 2007
Vitus Mas Troupe
Winner 2007
Showcase - Tribute
2nd Runner – Up
Name of Troupe:
Passions
Name
of Mas:
Wild Wild West
1st Runner – Up
Name of Troupe:
Dynamics
Name of Mas:
Tribute
ROAD March Winner 2007
Name of Troupe:
Revellers
Name of Mas:
Revellers Reliving Mas Which Led To Gold
Prime Minister
The Honourable W. Baldwin Spencer
Remarks
Announcement of Chinese Scholarship Candidates
Office of the Prime Minister
30th July 2007
Hon. Bertrand Joseph - Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs;
Ambassador David Shoul - Non-Resident Ambassador to the People's Republic of
China;
Mr. Walter Yang - Charge d'Affaires Embassy of the People's Republic of China;
Members of the Silver Jubilee Independence Scholarship Committee;
Scholarship Recepients;
Members of the Media;
Good Afternoon:
In March of 2006 leading up to the celebration of our
country's twenty-fifth anniversary of Independence, I issued a challenge to the
members of our diplomatic corps to seek out scholarships for our young people
from friendly nations of Antigua and Barbuda.
The government believes that investing in our young people would create a
culture of excellence that uplifts our nation and position us to take advantage
of the many opportunities that exist today in a global environment.
Rising to the challenge of securing scholarships for our young people was our
non-resident Ambassador to the People's Republic of China Ambassador David Shoul.
Ambassador Shoul, working with his counterpart Ambassador Ren Xioping, was able
to secure a total of 25 scholarships for studies in some of the top universities
in China. Ten scholarships are tenable for the 2007-2008 Academic Year
with the remaining 15 over a period of three years.
I would like to express the gratitude of the Government and People of Antigua
and Barbuda to the Government and People of the People's Republic of China, for
this extraordinary demonstration of bilateral cooperation.
Antigua and Barbuda cherishes the relationship with the People's Republic of
China.
The relationship between both our countries spans over twenty years has been one
that exemplifies the ideals of true friendship. Through our economic and
diplomatic friendship, Antigua and Barbuda's development has been placed on a
new and firmer footing.
We also view the People's Republic of China as an important partner of Antigua
and Barbuda. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983, Antigua
and Barbuda has benefited in economic assistance through grants, which resulted
in the construction of a number of important landmarks for the people of Antigua
and Barbuda, with the most recent being the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
Antigua and Barbuda and China also share similar views on a number of
multilateral issues namely the reform of the United Nations; peaceful
co-existence, mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and the
One China Policy.
I personally would like to commend Ambassador Ren and Charge d'Affairs Yang for
the hard work they have put in to ensure that this programme is a success.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
A significant part of the scholarship programme is the work being put in by
the members of the Silver Jubilee Scholarship Committee.
They have interviewed over twenty-five applicants for the Chinese scholarships.
The scholarship committee has also been busy interviewing applicants for
scholarships to attend the Polytechnic University in Brooklyn New York, the
University of the West Indies St. Augustine and Universities in Egypt.
Very shortly, I will be making the announcement of the successful candidates who
will take up scholarships being offered by the Government of Egypt, the Fares
& Ramza Hadeed Fund and Polytechnic University.
The government commends the Scholarship Committee for their hard work and also
thanks Ambassador John Ashe and the Hadeed Group of companies for their support.
It is now my pleasure to introduce the recipients of the Chinese Scholarships
under the Silver Jubilee Independence Scholarships Programme:
1.
Ms Charmaine Morgan - She will
pursue studies in Film and Television Production.
2. Kareem Chambers - He will pursue studies in Finance and Accounting
3. Bryttan Thomas - He will be pursuing studies in Geo-Sciences
4. Dimitri Coates - She will be pursuing studies in Business
Administration
5. Ms. Lisa-Ann Bruney will be pursuing studies in Visual
Communication
6. K-nute James - He will be pursuing studies in Information
Technology
7. Jared Nichols - He will be pursuing studies in Business
Administration
8. Ms. Anantha O'Dean will also be pursuing studies in Business
Administration
9. Ms. Fatima Thomas will be pursuing studies in Clinical Medicine
10. Babu Browne - He will pursue studies in Agriculture and
Environmental Science.
I am deeply confident that you the students selected to be our first ambassadors
in China will make our nation proud.
You are expected to be symbols of pride for us in that part of the world and we
expect great things from each one of you.
Congratulations.
Tuesday January 2, 2007: Four babies were born in Antigua & Barbuda on New Year’s Day, but only three mothers gave birth. In fact, one of the mothers delivered twins. The first birth was a boy, which occurred at 11:25am, where Adrian Allan Davis, weighed in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces, to his proud mother Janil Henry of Bolans. The other mother Louise Woollard, of English Harbour, had a double delight, giving birth to twins James and Emma. At 2:30 pm, James weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces, while 2 minutes later, Emma weighed in at 5 pounds, 12 ounces. Later in the day at 6:18pm, Valerie Sonson, of Pigotts Village, gave birth to a girl child, which weighed in at 5 pounds, 7 ounces. Sonson’s baby has not been named as yet. ><> The former Prime Minister Lester Bird, in his New Year address, has said that it was very clear, that the present government, have no real plans for the future of the country, especially in the areas of crime, education, caring for the police and the expansion of the VC Bird International Airport, in time for the Cricket World Cup. ><> Political commentator, Arvel Grant, have said that there were similarities between the former government of St. Lucia and the Antigua & Barbuda government, especially in the areas of violence and said that if it was allowed to take root in Antigua & Barbuda, there may be similar results at election time in Antigua & Barbuda, similarly to what happened in St. Lucia. ><> The MP for St. Peter, Asot Michael, have said that the failure of the government to use the services of the Tenders Board, as it was intended for, have caused their methods to be uncompetitive and unconstitutional. ><> Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, have said that Ministers of State in the country, were not substantial ministers and as such, were no longer entitled to be a part of the Cabinet. ><> Serial marcher and concerned citizen, Phillip Abbott, have said that Senator Aziz Hadeed, who has been stripped of his title of his ministerial portfolio and was appointed ambassador, should be kept away from the government as far as possible, especially with his influence. ><> The tourism minister, Harold Lovell, have said that the governing United Progressive Party (UPP), was more stronger, as a result of the recently held retreat. ><> The St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC), have set out to target food vendors this time around. ><> New Years day celebrations in Antigua & Barbuda, especially as it relates to traditional activities in the city, were almost silent yesterday. ><> Minister Baptiste promises a lot more from his ministry in 2007. ><> PM Spencer identifies ministers Cort and Massiah as model ministers in 2006. ><> Bird snubs lock up proposals by members and supporters of the government, but promises a follow up symposium on crime early in the year, as part of a sustained strategy to restore social harmony in the country. ><> Police raid a house in Martin’s Village and arrest gang members. ><> NODS official warns of other natural hazards apart from hurricanes. ><> APUA chairman Clarvis Joseph, cries out for a fair share for the corporation, in a telecom-liberalised era. ><> NMC’s party organiser Alister Thomas, slams the government for its continued tax policies, compared to their assurances while in opposition, that there were enough taxes on the books for the country to survive economically. ><> Mental home residents gets musical treat from local steel band. ><> PM Spencer promises help to criminal deportees. ><> Feinnes Institute gets financial assistance. ><> (More to follow.) ><>
Monday January 1, 2007: PM Spencer reshuffles his Cabinet. The announcement was made last night in a radio and television simulcast New Year’s address to the nation. Highlights of the reshuffle, which the PM labels as realignment, are as follows:
1.
Sports and Youth Affairs move to the Ministry of Education;
which becomes The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs.
2. Culture, inclusive of the Independence
Celebrations, the Community Pride Programme, Carnival and the
Environment, now move to the Ministry of Tourism.
That Ministry now becomes The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture
and the Environment.
3. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority and Energy move to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The country's leader said that Minister Trevor Walker would assist him
with matters relating to Energy and APUA with a Board that is expected to carry
forward government policy and is answerable to the Prime Minister.
The realignment of Cabinet responsibilities is also accompanied by the changes
in the responsibilities and deployment of a number of Ministers:
1. Deputy Prime Minister, Wilmouth Daniel, retains responsibility for the Ministry of Public Works
and Transportation, including the Port Authority.
2. Minister John Maginley is the Minister of Health.
2007 Cricket World Cup will, however, remain with Minister Maginley.
3. Minister Colin Derrick now becomes the Minister of Justice and Public Safety with
additional responsibility for the Police and Fire Division.
4. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Justin Simon will
now have additional responsibility for the Land and Commercial Registries.
5. Minister Winston Williams is now Minister of State in the Ministry of Education,
Sports and Youth Affairs with responsibility for Sports and Youth
Affairs.
6. Minister Eleston Adams is now Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil
Aviation, Culture and the Environment with responsibility for Culture and
Independence Celebrations.
The Prime Minister also announced that he intends to capitalize on former
Cabinet Minister Senator Aziz Hadeed's unmatched experience and acumen in
international business and therefore appointed him as Ambassador
Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary, with Ministerial Rank.
Ambassador Hadeed will be the country's point man in international trade and
foreign direct investment promotion, merchant shipping and the promotion and
establishment of the Caribbean Festival Park.
Mr. Leon “Chaku” Symister, the former General Manager of APUA and Chairman
of the United Progressive Party was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinaire
and Plenipotentiary. (More to follow.) ><>
Showers
greet worshippers at the country’s churches ushering in the New Year.
><> The Parham man, who was shot while walking on lower Market Street
last Saturday evening, is still in the hospital, with the bullet yet to be
removed from his body. ><> A former Minister of Government is to get
married today in Antigua. ><> The Minister of Aviation, Harold
Lovell, have said that his favourite option in the merger developments
between LIAT and Caribbean Star, is for Caribbean Star to fold and merge itself
into LIAT. ><> The deadline for the fibre optic cable to be connected
to APUA’s ducts came about yesterday without any murmur in the country.
><> Lovell says that the CARICOM visa matter could be ironed out
among regional governments. ><> The Director general of the Antigua
& Barbuda Red Cross, Gerald Price, have said that there were concerns
over the amount of house fires in the country. ><>< A fire official
have confirmed, that house fires for 2006 have decreased, compared to 2005.
><> (More stories to follow.) ><>
Wednesday
July
12,
2006: The lifeless body of a known epileptic man was pulled from the sea at the
wharf at the West Bus Station. ><> Football organisers resume the
matches that came to a halt, after a female spectator was shot on Monday
afternoon. ><> Customer holds up and rob Chinese restaurant in Golden
Grove. ><> Carnival chairman characterised members of the Pan
Association as dysfunctional and disorganised. He also stressed that sanctions
could apply, if they disregard the established rules. ><> PM Spencer
holds urgent meeting with penmen yesterday, then jetted off to Venezuela to
return to Antigua last night. ><> Benjamin
says
that he, the membership and other Parliamentarians of the ALP are singing on the
same page. ><> Harmonites put the CDC on notice, that they would not be
playing the prescribed test piece tune on panorama night. ><> Quinn-Leandro
announces the holding of a Labour Summit. ><> The Director of Culture, Heather
Doram,
spent her last day on the job yesterday, but well-wishers were scarce.
><> US lawmakers send shivers down the spine of Antigua & Barbuda
Internet gaming officials, with their backing of new legislations. ><> Stanford
20/20 games begin. St. Maarten loses their first game to the USVI. ><>
(More
to follow.)
><>
Saturday January 21, 2006: A minister of religion escaped serious injury from a traffic accident on the Lunar Park Road last night. But Canon Bernard “Brother B” Hodge was one of 38 persons who were passengers of the 2-vehicle collision. In fact Hodge was the lone occupant in his Toyota Land Cruiser vehicle, travelling from east to west. The other vehicle, a truck, travelling in the opposite direction from west to east and belonging to the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force, was loaded with 37 soldiers. The circumstances surrounding the accident remains unclear, but witnesses had confirmed the reverend’s vehicle flipped 3 times before landing off of the road. Hospital sources has also confirmed that the injured soldiers, most of whom have received minor injuries, were complaining for pains all over their body. Unconfirmed reports suggested that Hodge was involved in a serious accident some years ago, in the same vicinity. To date he is still carrying steel implanted in his feet. The police were said to be investigating the cause of the accident. ><> The Barbuda Council is now set up. At yesterday’s ceremony, a new chairman was selected. Named to the position is Randolph Beazer. Beazer replaces Lincoln Burton, who last held the position and who was now the chairman of the committee responsible for health, social welfare and disaster. A former chairman, Fabian Jones, assumed the position of deputy chairman as well as chairman of the portfolio’s of sports, culture and youth affairs. David De Souza is the chairman of works and general purposes, Lincoln Burton, the chairman of education, Senator Atkinson Beazer, the chairman of tourism, Kelvin Punter in charge of agriculture, lands, forestry, fisheries and coastal development and MP Trevor Walker, responsible for finance. Walker, who was the lead individual to have set up the council, made an attempt to do so a week ago, but had to abruptly adjourn the session. Since then he had sought advice from the country’s attorney general Justin Simon. It could not be confirmed, if Walker had briefed yesterday’s participants at the meeting about those developments. All of the portfolios were said to be operational by the respective chairmen for the next 12 months. ><> The Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda, has taken advice that it has received from the recently appointed investigator. But the said Cabinet is not fully on board with all of the recommendations by Justice Don Mitchell, QC. In a recent development concerning the action taken by Digicel, the attorney general, Justin Simon, has confirmed, that the government would be moving to engage the services of a senior counsel. The specific function of the counsel is to advise them on the matter in relation to Digicel, as it was stated, that adverse comments have been made about the company. Simon added, that a Barbadian senior counsel, with experience of those sorts, would be used in this instance. He did not identify the counsel. ><>
Wednesday
January 4, 2005:
BREAKING
NEWS: Stedroy
“Cutie” Benjamin
took the oath of office today, to become the Leader of the Opposition in the
House of Representatives. The exercise was officiated at Government House, by
Governor-General, Sir James Carlisle. ><>
Wednesday January 4, 2005:
Two
“mother and child” tragedies took place yesterday in separate incidents. In
an early morning fire, Lisa Phillip, in her 30’s of Greenbay and her
1-year old child, were burnt beyond recognition. The deceased mother and child
and her live-in companion was at the time occupying part of a wooden apartment
building. Neighbours, who rushed to the aid of the fellow villagers, were unable
to help, as the fire tore through the structure. While there was some evidence
that the mother could be trapped inside of the building at the time of the fire,
the child remained unaccounted for. At the time that the fire trucks were
summoned, there was some difficulty in them charting their way to the building,
since there was a number of vehicles, while parked on the side of the road, had
blocked the smooth passage of them to navigate. The live-in companion escaped
with minor injuries, where he was later treated for burns to his hand. In the
other incident, a 4-vehicle accident on the Factory Road, near to the Paynters
area, claimed the life of the other “mother and child”. Eyewitness reports
suggested that at the time of the accident, at least 3 vehicles including a
heavy-duty rig, were travelling from west to east after 11 am in the morning,
while 2 others were travelling from east to west in the same vicinity. The fifth
vehicle did not sustain any damage. The accident also involved speeding and
overtaking. Vehicle number 1 from east to west, somewhat lost control and veered
on to the other side, where the front section had hit the blade of a bull-dozer,
which was fitted on top of the rig. In the interim, the driver was able to bring
that vehicle to a halt a little more than 100 yards further down, blowing the
front right tyre. At that time, vehicle number 2 was somewhere behind and also
under speed. Evidence on the tyre marks confirmed, that vehicle number 2
screeched to a grinding halt for some 25 yards, while slamming face to face with
vehicle number 3, which was a commuter bus, with the driver in it only and which
also screeched for some 20 yards, before colliding with vehicle number 2, on the
other side of the road. At that time vehicle number 4, which was positioned and
travelling from west to east behind of the rig, was able to see clearly and make
an overpass, without any damages. Then vehicle number 5, the rig, remained
helpless in all of it. Seated in vehicle number 2 were 3 passengers including
the driver, while vehicle number 3, had in the driver alone. In the interim, two
of the passengers of vehicle number 2 died on the spot, while the driver was
taken to the Holberton Hospital, suffering from multiple injuries. Also
suffering from multiple injuries was the lone occupant and driver in vehicle
number 3. Both drivers were badly injured. ><> The three occupants in
vehicle number 2 remained trapped for a while, before they were freed. Police
sought assistance in the remains of the Toyota vehicle, which had both of its
front tyres smashed and the front of the vehicle had cramped itself with other
parts of the rear section of the vehicle. It took a while before a Jamaican
woman of Freeman’s Village, her 8-month old child and her fiancé’, who is
also the father of the child, to be cut out and freed. In the end, mother and
child did not make it. The driver was a police constable. ><> A
brother and sister have been called to the Bar of England and Wales. Study
partners, Clement Samuel and Megan Samuel-Fields were called
recently, after teaming up to complete the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) & Bar
Vocational Course (BVC), for which they received honours. The duo studied for
the LLB via distance learning while working full-time and being active parents.
Later they both travelled to the University of Cardiff, Wales to complete the
Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and were called as members of the renowned Grays Inn
in London. Those extensive exercises combined, were undertaken over a 3-year
period. For many years, they shared a significant part of their professional
careers at the same company, Cable & Wireless. Moreover, in instances, Clement
and Megan’s education in law is a move in a different direction from
their first degrees and areas of discipline.
Both new lawyers intend to use their qualifications to bolster their
existing careers. In Clement’s case, he holds a degree in engineering,
and worked with Cable & Wireless for over 20 years. Having left the company
in 2003 as chief engineer, he intends to combine
his years of experience in the management of telecommunications with up to date
legal expertise in his
current position as the government’s Telecommunications Officer. Megan
holds a degree in accounting and has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
since 1992. She is in her 11th year with Cable & Wireless and is
currently the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Clement and Megan
are the children of Honourable and Mrs. Charlesworth Samuel. The elder Samuel
is the area MP for All Saints East & St. Luke, as well as he holds
ministerial position in the government of Antigua & Barbuda. The duo also
credited their success to moral support that they received from their
family and friends. In addition,
the brother-sister team has followed in their father’s footsteps in pursuing
legal education as a second degree using the distance learning approach.
Consider this as sibling camaraderie for this accomplished brother-sister team.
><> Police suspected foul play in the death of the Greenbay mother.
Live-in companion is being questioned. ><> MP for Rural West, PM Spencer,
said that he feels for the survivors and their relatives. ><> Fire
police confirms that 2005 was the highest year on record in relation to fire
calls, within the last 15 years. ><> Immigration chief, Col. Clyde
Walker, said that a rigid programme was in place to deal with CARICOM
nationals. ><> Cement arrives but not yet on sale. ><> The ALP
MP tipped to become the next Leader of the Opposition, Stedroy “Cutie”
Benjamin, has met with governor-general Sir James Carlisle yesterday.
><> (More stories to follow and be updated.) ><>
HER MAJESTY
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
ADDRESS AT THE 2005 COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING
November 25, 2005
IN MALTA
Prime Minister Gonzi, Mr Secretary-General, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Thank you for your words of welcome. It is fitting that Commonwealth leaders are meeting here in Malta, a country that has historically been a bridge between the diverse civilisations that touch the Mediterranean Sea.
The world we live in is marked by diversity, and through being accommodating, compassionate, tolerant, and respectful of others, the Commonwealth can exploit its diversity as a source of great strength. We are a colourful spectrum of nations, faiths, cultures, and people. Individually, we are different and distinct; collectively, we can be strong and effective.
This has been well illustrated in the Commonwealth's response to the many natural disasters that have touched us all over recent years - floods, hurricanes and cyclones. Last year's terrifying tsunami washed away lives and livelihoods across the Indian Ocean and more recently, we have witnessed the dreadful earthquake and aftershocks in southern Asia. At times like these, there has been an outpouring of concern and generosity as we have struggled together first to save lives and then to rebuild. These times of trial have brought us together as they have also shown how vulnerable we can be alone and yet how much more we can do together.
I pay tribute to the emergency workers from around the Commonwealth who volunteered their time and expertise, while other Commonwealth members contributed the necessary funding to support them. This shows how our Commonwealth network can bring resources and results together all over the globe.
Determined and collective action can also help us tackle other challenges that cannot be addressed alone, such as the scourge of terrorism which is a threat to us all and has directly affected a number of our countries. I would like to express my thanks for the many expressions of sympathy and support which I received from around the Commonwealth after the London bombings in July.
The theme of this meeting 'Networking the Commonwealth for Development' indicates the importance of networks to underpin longer term needs beyond the more immediate and pressing. I said in Durban six years ago, we in the Commonwealth are our own 'world wide web'. We have networks of contacts that bring people together across countries and continents. The key characteristic of our web is that it is built not only on technology but also on groups and associations, both formal and informal, between people. These occur in their most intimate form in families, extend to neighbourhoods and to other forms of local governance, and stretch to countries and regional groupings. If the electricity fails, our Commonwealth networks do not.
Several months ago, many of you here today attended a summit at the United Nations in New York. That was the occasion to review the Millennium Development Goals. There was some satisfaction that five years of effort has achieved some progress towards tackling the root causes of poverty and misery in the world. There was greater and more sober recognition that much still remains to be done if the Goals are to be achieved by 2015.
There are almost limitless opportunities to join forces across the Commonwealth to do so. Such connections allow us to transfer ideas, technical expertise, funding, and other forms of support. Everyone and every member country can find some way to contribute to this most important of global pursuits. There are development challenges that weigh heavily upon so many of our members. It is our collective responsibility to help.
Ladies and Gentlemen, these Commonwealth Heads of Government gatherings remain unique occasions for networking; providing the opportunity to share experiences, to learn from each other, to test ideas, and to talk as a gathering of like-minded colleagues. The discussions over the next day or so offer the opportunity to build on the consensus of the past and to identify new opportunities for the future. I am confident that what is achieved here in Malta will sustain our great family of nations and people in practical, positive ways for many more years to come.
I wish you well in your important deliberations.
Monday
August 15, 2005: “You going to hear a lot of weeping and crying in the
next couple of months”. Those were the words of the Minister of Justice
Senator Colin Derrick. Derrick was referring to the possible fate and
eventual reality, of a number of persons, who were likely to be arrested. Derrick
did not single out any individual, but was seemingly playing on the emotions of
persons, who were either involved in unethical behaviour in the former
administration, of who were very close to individuals who once held the seat of
power. Derrick said that whenever one makes an arrest, he or she wanted
it to be justified. He said that most of the persons who now sits within the
confines of the present government and who were formerly recognised opposition
figures, understood harassment, but would not be setting about harassing anyone.
He said that everything would be done within the proper framework of the law.
><> A former minister within the ALP government, is lending support to
the idea, of the current UPP government ending the monopoly with the West Indies
Oil Company (WIOC). Gaston Browne said that he does not think that WIOC
should have gotten any protection Browne said that during the period under which
he served as a minister, he had became a critic of the arrangement. Browne,
who is also a sitting ALP Member of Parliament, said that the situation had
become untenable and if the UPP administration was to become successful in
ending the monopoly, he would have no alternative but to applaud it. Last week
the energy minister Wilmouth Daniel, had announced that the monopoly,
which had been enjoyed by WIOC for decades, was about to come to an end. Daniel
said that WIOC had been advised and had graciously agreed. ><> The
concerns raised by an ALP Senator in Parliament last week, has gotten the
attention of the majority leader in the Senate. But Senator Colin Derrick
did not respond to Senator Daven Joseph in the parliamentary debate. Derrick
has now made a public statement, that the said concerns would be addressed.
Joseph had told his other colleagues, that Antigua & Barbuda must first
satisfy the operations of the local courts, before addressing external needs. Joseph
was referring to the country’s indication, that it would be supporting the
regional efforts of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Joseph was
referring to the subventions that the government would have to be paying out
regularly to support the CCJ, while the operations of the local courts was left
to be desired. Joseph also said that the absence of addressing the matter
to the attention of the people according to law, would have been deplorable. Derrick
has admitted that the local courts needed additional attention and that serious
efforts had been pursued to bring them in line with regional standards. He also
said that physical repairs to the structures where the local courts had been
operating from was in progress and was ongoing. He said that a referendum on the
subject was scheduled for latter part of 2006. ><> A proponent of the
proper operations of the VC Bird International Airport, has come out against the
activities of R. Allen Stanford in the said vicinity. Makeda Mikael
was suggesting that the sale of the lands at Galleon Beach to the former
minister of government Gaston Browne was no different to the transactions
involving Stanford at the Airport. Mikael said that Stanford’s
land deals had striking similarities to that of Browne. She said that the
Airport was even more serious, because crown lands sold in that area was
subjected to permission from the Airport authorities. Mikael said that
since the proper procedures had not been followed, action must be brought
against Stanford, similarly to that where the government was suing the
former minister Browne, for acquiring crown lands at peppercorn prices
and also without permission. Last week it was announced, that two former
government ministers were implicated in a land deal for Browne and that
efforts have been put in place for the transaction to be cancelled and the said
lands to be reverted back to the crown. So far neither Stanford nor the
government have responded to the comments. ><> The Queen’s Baton
Relay kept on track in Antigua yesterday. After leaving its place of rest
overnight from the Barbuda leg, the baton was taken to the St. James’ Anglican
Church where it was blessed, to continue its journey nationwide. The event had
attracted many big names, not-so-big names and unknown names, participating in
the exercise. It made its way from the northwest to the southeast, east, south,
west and returning to St. John’s. The Queen’s baton is making a 71-nation
stop, to whip up support and interest for the Commonwealth games, to be held in
Melbourne, Australia next year. Antigua & Barbuda was it’s 43rd
stop. The baton would be in St Kitts and Nevis today. ><> “There will
not be any increase in the cost of fish’. That was the word coming from the
president of the Fishermen’s Association Gerald Pryce. Pryce said that
concerns have been raised by fish consumers, in light of the recent hike in
petrol in the country. He said that in light of recent increases that were given
to fishermen, they would be absorbing the increases at this time. ><>
Sunday
August 14, 2005: City West MP Gaston Browne said that the
government should be looking to examine the land policy that was put in place by
the previous administration. Browne, who also served as a minister in the
then ALP administration, said that his land deal should not be under the
microscope. Browne was one of two former government officials that have
been named as defendants in a recent lawsuit filed in the High Court by the UPP
administration. In the said suit, the plaintiffs have asked the court to examine
a land transaction where Browne had purchased crown lands at peppercorn
prices and under allegedly unethical circumstances. It has also ask for an
opinion to determine if Browne, the first named defendant and second
named defendant Vere Bird Jr, another former minister had misbehaved in
public office by their actions. Browne said that when he joined the
Cabinet a little over six years ago, there was already a long time land policy,
which was at least twenty years old, that was in place for sitting
Parliamentarians, which had extended to permanent secretaries and opposition
Parliamentarians. ><> City West MP Gaston Browne, said that he
could attest to the fact that at least two permanent secretaries (PS’) had
gotten crown lands at concessionary rates. Browne, who did not name the
PS’, said that the transactions were done during his tenure as a minister of
government. He said that the policy also extended to all Parliamentarians,
including those on the other side of the aisle. Browne said that the land
purchase rates had moved from $10,000 per acre to $14,000 per acre and then up
to $25,000 per acre according to the records. He said that it was also important
for him to note specifically, that the present Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
was also a beneficiary of the land policy that was initiated by the ALP
administration. ><> The Queen’s relay baton spends the day in Barbuda
yesterday.
The
stop marks the 43rd destination of a 71-nation stop, of the world’s
longest most
inclusive relay. The
Melbourne 2006 Queen’s Baton Relay, will be travelling more than 180,000
kilometres, to its final dsetination, Australia, in one year and a day. The
first Queen’s Baton was created for a relay to celebrate the Cardiff 1958
Commonwealth Games in Wales. Since then the Queen’s Baton Relay has become a
much loved Games tradition. The baton’s journey symbolises the unity and
shared ideals of the Commonwealth of Nations, and enables communities beyond the
host city to share the Games celebrations. It also serves a functional purpose
in carrying Her Majesty The Queen’s ‘message to the athletes’ from
Buckingham Palace in London to the opening ceremony. In Barbuda yesterday,the
baton changes many hands and journeyed all over the island in many forms of
transportation. The baton was also greeted on by many persons along the route.
It had a trip on the shoreline of the beach in Codrington, in the arms of that
island’s Carnival Queen, accompanied by another lady in swimmwear, donned by
the nation’s flag. It changes the hands of members of the Barbuda Council,
former member of parliament Hilbourne Frank, a donkey ride and the joy of
school children. The baton will be making its rounds on mainland Antigua today.
><>
SPECIAL
FEATURE
The
Melbourne 2006 Queen’s Baton Relay is the world’s longest, most inclusive
relay – travelling to all 71 nations of the Commonwealth in a year and a day.
The design and technological features of the baton that will travel this epic
journey reflect the relay’s efforts to showcase the diversity of the
Commonwealth and unite its communities in celebration of the Melbourne 2006
Commonwealth Games
The
elegant, curved form of the baton takes its inspiration from the physical form
of athletes arching forward as they strive for success. The 71 larger lights on
the front of the baton indicate the 71 nations of the Commonwealth that the
Queen’s Baton will visit on its journey to the Games. These progressively
light up as the baton arrives in each Commonwealth country, symbolising the
gathering of the nations at the four-yearly festival of sport and culture
The
gold and magnesium used in the baton hold special significance to the people of
the State of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital. The gold tip reflects
Melbourne’s elegance and grandeur and the important role the metal has played
in the city’s history and prosperity. Melbourne thrived during Victoria’s
1850s gold rush, which drew many people from diverse nations to the great city
to seek their success; not unlike the athletes that will flock to Melbourne for
the Games in 2006.
Magnesium, often referred to as the ‘metal of the future’, is used in the
front panel of the baton. Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of
magnesium and the metal has special significance to Australia’s prosperity and
economic future. The green colour used on the back of the baton reflects
Melbourne’s park surrounds and Victoria’s place as ‘The Garden State.’
The
Melbourne 2006 Queen’s Baton, its interactive web-based and lighting
technologies and all other associated products have been designed by
Melbourne-based industrial design and product development consultancy, Charlwood
Design Pty Ltd in partnership with several other Victorian companies.
Using technology to bring the relay to you
The Queen’s Baton Relay harnesses the very latest in digital and other
communication technology to enable people across the globe to join the baton on
its epic journey to the Opening Ceremony of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth
Games.
The high-tech baton-tracking technology housed in the baton enables
schoolchildren, adults, families and friends to pinpoint the baton’s location
via the internet, where supported by satellite coverage. The special interactive
online baton tracking features include:
baton
tracker
– using the latest global positioning system technology, the online tracking
device pinpoints
the
exact location of the baton at anytime and indicates this on an online map of
the world which zooms to the actual location
baton
cam
– cameras mounted in the baton can transmit video footage of key relay moments
to this website
Melbourne
2006 Queen’s Baton stands at a height of 900mm, a width of 80mm and weighs
1500grams. The baton travels over land, sea and air on its epic journey to
Melbourne 2006, the location of the 2006 Olympic Games. ><>
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