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Informing The Uninformed....
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ANTIGUA POLITICS
(September 2005 to November 2005)
Wednesday November 30, 2005: A female police officer have been nabbed at Heathrow Airport in Gatwick, for importing drugs into the United Kingdom. Reports are that the officer, a police constable attached to the St. John’s Police Station, left Antigua on Friday on flight and was intercepted by authorities there. It could not be confirmed as to how the incident unfolded at Gatwick, but 2 kilos of cocaine was discovered in her belongings. The situation has caused much uneasiness in the police force, which has triggered off a separate investigation locally. Unconfirmed reports also suggested that a named officer of higher rank within the force gave the bag, in which the drug was found, to the constable. It was also revealed that the named senior cop had denied any involvement. Officers at the police station had confirmed seeing the constable on the compound on the same day that she was to take the Virgin Atlantic flight out. She was also spotted in the company of another female officer, of which they had a conversation, but it could not be confirmed, if the said officer was one of senior rank. Reports out of London are that the officer has already made an appearance in the local courts there, but has been remanded into custody. Meantime the leadership of the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda have declined to comment on the matter. ><> The senior police officer, which has been unofficially implicated in the recent drug bust in the United Kingdom, has denied involvement in the matter. But authorities are not leaving any stone unturned. The said officer had reportedly travelled to the United Kingdom on at least two occasions, all of which has been brief. It could not be confirmed, if and what type of investigation have been conducted into her personal affairs, but the junior officer at the heart of the matter, have been the subject of a search of her home. While the search has turned up empty-handed, reports are that attention has been drawn to the fact, that another female officer and not necessarily the one that was alleged to be implicated, had shared information with her concerning her trip. Reports are that this third female officer, who apparently knew about her planned trip to the UK, had volunteered a telephone number of a close associate in the UK. It was later found out, that the telephone number was to get in touch with the secretary of the associate, who is also a businessman, in case she might need to be transported somewhere if needs be. To date, no confirmation has been received as to whom the junior officer was to have been staying with, while she was in that country. In the meantime, British and Antigua & Barbudan police continue their investigations. ><> Thousands of dead fish, mainly “Mullet”, has washed ashore at Mc Kinnons. While the cause of the death of the fishes remained uncertain, the Central Board of Health (CBH) and the police have been vigilant in preventing persons from taking the fish, thus protecting the population from the possible dangers. Five persons have been intercepted in the act. The police are also looking for the occupants of a pick up truck, who have apparently loaded up out of the notice. ><> The Finance & Economy Minister, Dr. Errol Cort, is to present the 2006 Budget of the country in Parliament today. ><> Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, has described his experience as a taxi driver for one day, as a good and rewarding experience. Could not tell you what he did with his tips. ><> Gordon Butch” Stewart said that the region was overtaxing the tourism product. ><> A report into the operations of the ABS system is due for release soon. The Minister of Justice, Colin Derrick, disclosed this. While making the disclosure, Derrick said that an investigation into the report, was conducted sometime ago by a former Minister of Government, Bernard “Bacchanal” Walker and his associates, but upon submission, the government had requested that certain other areas should be further investigated. He said that while his colleagues have had the time to study it, a consensus have been reached for it to be released within 2 weeks time. Derrick said that the said investigation had touched on the sales and advertising policy, as well as the overall operation. Already hints have been made at certain political figures in the former government, were likely to be implicated. No details have been given. ><> The illegal importation of eggs into the country, have been creating a headache for agricultural officials. As a result, the department has sanctioned a workshop, in order to help sensitise the stakeholders of the industry. Officials are also crying “foul”, about the about the practice of poultry importation. They said that in light of the prevalence of the “bird flu” situation around the world, it was important to restrict as well as to monitor the activities in the trade. One local official, Ashley Joseph, have said that local poultry products could be at risk, if the illegal practice was allowed to continue. He said that every effort would be made to safeguard the local industry. ><> Local teachers have joined their regional counterparts, to participate in a seminar. The annual event has been used in the past as a state of fact finding for officials. In the country are representatives from each participating member territory, from as far north as the Bahamas in the north, to Guyana and Suriname in the south. The said representatives would be required to present their country reports, to allow the organising body to be fully acquainted with the latest happenings. The president of the local teachers union, Vernice Mack, said that unfortunately Antigua & Barbuda does not have a policy on education. She said that if there was one there ought to be one and if one was in place, it certainly needed to be upgraded. Mack said that the type of information that would be gathered would be very helpful for all aspects of education. ><> Tanny Rose has reportedly left the country. No confirmation has been received as to the nature of his visit abroad. ><> The government has loss its appeals bid in the Asian Village matter. ><> APUA Board investigations have started with a number of interested parties summoned to come forward with helpful information. ><> APUA increases rates in the midst of what the consumers have described as poor service. ><> WIOC said that it was up to the government to lower fuel prices, since world rates are falling. ><> Pensioners note relief strategies. ><>
Tuesday November 29, 2005: The embattled Deputy Prime Minister Wilmouth Daniel is back in the country. Daniel returned Sunday evening from New York, accompanied by his wife. Daniel has been the focus of attention in recent weeks, after the alleged misdealing of the fired APUA Board of Commissioners, have revealed, that he had a direct role in certain decisions that were arrived at during their tenure. Since that there have been calls for him to resign from the government or be fired by the “chief public servant” PM Spencer. It could not be confirmed if and to whom Daniel would have reported to work by yesterday, since during his absence, the Finance & Economy Minister, Dr. Errol Cort, has assumed the duties of acting Prime Minister and the portfolios that were assigned to Daniel, were re-assigned to the Attorney General, Justin Simon, for safe keeping. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, who recently travelled to Malta to attend the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM), was due back home today. ><> The newly appointed Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is in the country. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has confirmed his arrival. The Jamaican born lawyer was appointed to fill the position, after it had became vacant for a while. The Legal Affairs Minister, Justin Simon, have said that no announcement would be made, before the arrival of the gentleman. It means also, that with one additional employee added to the department, the until-recently acting DPP, Gene Pestaina, would be assuming his substantial position as Senior Crown Counsel. ><> Female MP’s in the country are crying out. They said that they were very concerned about the status of their security. The concerns have been strengthened, following the global event last week, to highlight violence against women. Although they all have shared the common view, only two of them were willing to comment publicly on the subject. Junior Minister of Agriculture, Senator Joanne Massiah, have said that she was not aware of any arrangements being made to protect them. She said that while no security detail has been assigned to her or any of the female MP's, she was hoping that all of that would change soon. The President of the Senate, Hazelyn Francis, have said that she had made a request for security in the past, but for some unknown reason it has been turned down. Francis, who was a victim of a recent and brutal attack, has said that if security had been accorded her, the attack on her person would not have happened. Presently there are 6 Members of Parliament between the upper and lower houses of Parliament. ><> The Justice Minister, Colin Derrick, has commented on the recent issue of security for female Parliamentarians. Derrick said that as far as he was aware, the said matter was raised with the minister responsible, PM Baldwin Spencer. Derrick also said, that although he was not the minister responsible for the police, he had personally raised it. He did not disclose when the matter was raised and if a reaction was given. He said however, that apart from the female Members of Parliament, the request had extended to other members of Parliament and the nation as a whole. He said that he was hopeful, that upon the return of the PM to the country there would have been some consideration given. He could not confirm the details of the consideration. ><> An unidentified man was the victim of a traffic accident yesterday afternoon. The man, who was travelling from east to west on New Street, was knocked over the bridge, also known as “dam gutter”, which is located at the corner of Corn Alley and New Street. Eyewitnesses confirmed that a black Toyota Starlet, which had just turned the corner from Corn Alley to New Street, had taken the said corner, but had pulled too much on the right and as a result had hit the man. The driver of the vehicle was the subject of abuse by passers-by, who were of the opinion that he was not a careful driver. The subject of licence was raised on the spot, as someone noticed that the licensing sticker in the windscreen had stated September 2005 as an expiry date. The situation was quelled however, as the said driver was able to retrieve from his glove box, documents to prove to the contrary. Although the police had arrived at the scene of the accident, they were unable to get a statement from the victim, who was rushed to the hospital for treatment. One bystander reported that the man was originally from Grays Farm, but was residing at Whenner’s Road. The man was apparently was returning from getting legal assistance for his teenage son, whom the police had picked up over the weekend, but was unable to charge him, since there were no official report made against him. The man was discharged from hospital last evening. ><>
Monday November 28, 2005: The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has been caught up in a contract dispute. The situation stems from the fact, that generators, which are now in their possession, cannot be commissioned unless two separate governments are satisfied. One is Antigua & Barbuda and the other is Venezuela. The generators were supplied by a company known as Agreco, which had an understanding with the government of Venezuela. At least that is how it was explained. But to date, that understanding has not been formalised. According to the General Manager of APUA, Leon “Chaku” Symister, the paperwork is now in place to be completed. But Symister, who is also confirming that the technical aspects are in place, could not confirm how the generators came to end up in Antigua in the first place. No word of conformation has been received either from the acting minister responsible for APUA, Justin Simon. The only source of information that could be relied upon, was that the then minister, Wilmouth Daniel, had made an announcement sometime after he had made a trip- to that country, in order to follow up discussions on the recently talked-about Petro Caribe deal. It could not be confirmed either, if and when Daniel would be returning to his desk. Symister has said however, that he was hopeful, that the generator deal between the supplier, Agreco and the government of Venezuela, could be signed by the end of this week. There was no further confirmation as to is Antigua & Barbuda would be buying the generators and if so, for what price. ><> The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) has been concluded and Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is feeling good about it. Spencer described the Malta event as a success, noting that two very important issues relevant to CARICOM were addressed. He identified multilateral trade and the vulnerability of small states as the two, which were seriously deliberated on and resulted in two powerful statements being issued. “I think that under the circumstances, CARICOM could be satisfied because the issues that we wanted to bring to the fore at the meeting had taken place, CARICOM leaders were extremely active in the deliberations and we played a significant part in ensuring that we had an input in these two important declarations. From that point of view I would want to believe that CARICOM is feeling reasonably satisfied that we have achieved our objectives”, Spencer said. Spencer also noted that with respect to multilateral trade, Heads made it clear that with the accelerating influence of globalisation, trade issues could no longer be negotiated in isolation and that human security in its totality must be reflected in the outcomes of multilateral trade negotiations. He said that Heads concluded that weak vulnerable small states must benefit from an equitable share in the universally available opportunities provided through international trade. It was also pointed out that the leaders called upon negotiators of small developing states at the WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled for Hong Kong in December to be flexible and to place priority on a genuinely development-oriented negotiations reaching agreement on all forms of subsidies by 2010 and for a significant improvement to market access by developing and small states into the developed countries. Prime Minster also showered praise on Prime Minister P.J. Patterson of Jamaica, who announced at the CHOGM, that that meeting was his last, as he was preparing to retire from active politics. Said Spencer of Patterson; “It was an interesting conference because one of the leading figures in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth made his final speech at the meeting. P.J. Patterson has made a significant contribution to the deliberations and I want to compliment him for the tremendous work that he has done on behalf of Jamaica, CARICOM and developing states throughout the Commonwealth. Spencer said that Patterson, who attended his first Commonwealth meeting in 1970, was a well-known international figure and has made significant contributions to world affairs. “I have had opportunities to work directly with PJ and I have found him to be genuine and committed about developmental issues as they relate to small states such as Antigua & Barbuda. I wish him well as he prepares to depart from direct political office”, ended Spencer. Spencer returns to Antigua & Barbuda tomorrow, while pondering on his own political future and bearing in mind, that the next CHOGM will be held in Uganda in 2007 and the 2009 event to take place in Trinidad and Tobago. ><> A probe into the funding activities of the recently fired APUA Board of Commissioners, get underway from today. ><> “Chaku” said that consumers should be grateful for the fuel variation concessions offered by APUA. ><> Asot calls for Browne to taste the leadership of the ALP in the future. ><> PM Spencer leaves Commonwealth Conference pleased. ><> A Jamaican woman who entered the country posing as a pregnant mother-to-be, but it later turned out to be that she was in possession of drugs, was fined $150,000. Another passenger on the same flight, a Jamaican male, was also fined $250,000 for the illegal loot that was in his possession. ><> Barbuda’s Holy Trinity School, celebrated its 82nd anniversary. ><> A Kittitian-born of Antigua & Barbuda parents, Edgar O. Lake, who grew up in Antigua, was the featured speaker of the just concluded Tim Hector Lecture Series. ><> The Port of St. John’s make adjustments to its facility for the “Dollar Barrel” initiative. ><> Two youths have left the country for Suriname to participate in leadership training workshop. ><> World AIDS Day activities have begun. ><> The undefeated Paul “King Obstinate” Richards reported to the police that a patron of his business place assaulted him. ><> Power outage and fluctuation may have caused fire at a local hotel. ><> Cricket association holds awards ceremony. It hinted as taking the soon-to-be-built Sir Vivian Richards Stadium as its new home. ><> ><> Maginley hits critics for “six” at cricket awards ceremony. ><>
Sunday November 27, 2005: The guest speaker at last Thursday’s rally, which was organised by the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) has been criticised for his participation in the event. The individual, who is Dominican and is also an active participant in political circles there, was not accepted as the ordinary speakers residing in Antigua & Barbuda did. Despite the grumbling, he was however allowed to complete his presentation. Party spokesperson Lionel “Max” Hurst, in response to the concern, said that guest speakers were not regarded as meddling. Hurst also said that the country has had a long history of using guest speakers at such functions and that the said guest speakers were usually approved for the exercise by the police department. He added that sometimes persons of the like, usually have a clearer eye than those who are living in the country, likewise who would have been involved in the actual preparations. The rally followed an organised march through the streets of St. John’s, where persons who supported the idea that the governing United Progressive Party (UPP) was not taking charge of the affairs of the country like it ought to have. ><> The ALP has said that its efforts in organising a march through the streets of St. John’s had paid off. One spokesperson for the event, said that the turn out by the general public has been overwhelming. While the individual declined from giving information from a reported estimate of the participation, he said that the message was loud and clear. He said that the ALP had spearheaded the said march, but there was evidence of supporters of the UPP had also joined in. supporters. He said that there were a number of reasons why the people had marched, but his party was downplaying it. He said however, that one real message that was clear to the government and that was to “Run the country better”. There was no comment coming from the quarters of the governing UPP. ><> The health minister of the country is concerned that discussions with the Stanford Group of Companies may grind to a halt, if interested parties of the operation of the Mount St. John Hospital does not come forward soon enough. John Maginley was also concerned, that he was given the mandate by his boss PM Spencer, in the early part of this year, to get the group to consider debt forgiveness, in respect of a loan facility, associated with the building and its pending operations. In fact he was only given 6 months to do so and he was still in the saddle. Maginley said that the government was waiting on the possible investors in the future of the project, to see how much that they were prepared to put in for the completion. He said that when that would have been done and the difference of the amount would have been determined, they would then have to turn to Stanford to find out how much that they would have been able to remove from the debt. Maginley said that the aim was to get a kind of debt forgiveness, so that the government would not be saddled with future debt servicing. The Medical Benefits Scheme was reportedly paying in excess of $750,000 a month repayment on the loan for the facility. Maginley said that the said arrangement was being negotiated and accepted by the former administration. He did not disclose as to how much time the Stanford group was prepared to wait any further and if Spencer had given him more time. He said however, that interested parties in the project would be coming soon to the country to conduct negotiations. ><> (More stories to follow, pending the generosity of APUA) ><>
SUNDAY
COMMENTARIES
VALLETTA, Malta (AFP): The
Commonwealth, which meets in the Mediterranean island state of Malta from Friday
to Sunday, is a loose grouping of countries that emerged from the gradual
dissolution of the British Empire in the mid 20th century.
Although it rarely hits the
headlines when not holding its regular summits -- they take place every two
years in a different member state -- it has in recent decades become a barometer
for democratic behaviour, often under the stern eye of former colonial ruler
Britain.
One recent "bad boy"
was Zimbabwe, which withdrew from the organisation in December 2003 after being
suspended over issues of human rights and democracy. Earlier rows have concerned
South Africa, Pakistan and Nigeria, among other countries.
The Commonwealth's 53 current
members range from the heavyweights of the former "White
Commonwealth," such as Australia, Canada and Britain, which founded the
organisation in 1931, through developing giants like India, Nigeria and Pakistan
down to former "confetti of empire:" the likes of Antigua and Barbuda,
Kiribati and Vanuatu.
Most, but not all, the grouping's
members are former British colonies -- the southern African nation of Mozambique
being a notable exception -- and most therefore have English either as an
official or a vehicular language.
The great majority of members are
also poor countries, some fast growing but others, such as Sierra Leone or The
Gambia, still far down on the scale of human poverty.
Commonwealth member states are
home to an estimated 1.8 billion people, or around 30 percent of the total world
population.
As they are spread over all the
inhabited continents, it would be possible to say, as was once the boast of the
British Empire that the sun never sets on the Commonwealth.
Such jingoism is however
distinctly out of fashion in today's world, with the accent being firmly on
human rights, democracy and development.
The Commonwealth's says the
grouping aims to be a "force for peace, democracy, equality, and good
governance; a catalyst for global consensus building; and a source of assistance
for sustainable development and poverty eradication."
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, who
arrived in Malta on Wednesday ahead of this year's summit, is both head of the
Commonwealth and recognised by 16 of its member states as their sovereign.
The Commonwealth member states
are: Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Bangladesh; Barbados; Belize;
Botswana; Britain; Brunei; Cameroon; Canada; Cyprus; Dominica; Fiji; The Gambia;
Ghana; Grenada; Guyana; India; Jamaica; Kenya; Kiribati; Lesotho; Malawi;
Malaysia; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Mozambique; Namibia; Nauru; New Zealand;
Nigeria; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent
and Grenadines; Samoa; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Singapore; Solomon Islands;
South Africa; Sri Lanka; Swaziland; Tanzania; Tonga; Trinidad and Tobago;
Tuvalu; Uganda; Vanuatu and Zambia.
The Commonwealth's Secretariat is
in London, and its current secretary general is Don McKinnon, 66, a former
foreign minister of New Zealand.
The body's official logo is a
globe with outward pointing rays that form a letter "C" around it.
The biennial Commonwealth Heads
of Government meetings (often referred to by the ungainly acronym CHOGM)
actually predate the founding of the body itself, as they descend from
gatherings known as "Colonial Conferences" which started in 1887.
The host for this year's summit, Malta, was a British colony from 1814 to 1964. Covering just 316 square kilometres (122 square miles), it has a population of around 380,000. Malta became a member of the European Union in May 2004.
Queen addresses the 2005 CHOGM in Malta
VALLETTA, Malta: In addressing
Caribbean and other world leaders at the opening of the 2005 Commonwealth Heads
of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which opened here Friday, Head of the
Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II told delegates that it was indeed
"fitting" that Commonwealth leaders have gathered in Malta, a country
she noted, that has "historically been a bridge between the diverse
civilizations that touch the Mediterranean Sea".
Pointing out that the world we
now live is very diverse, and notwithstanding it being "accommodating,
compassionate, tolerant, and respectful of others", Her Majesty noted that
the Commonwealth can take great advantage of his diversity and use it 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," she said.
Queen Elizabeth said the latter
has been demonstrated by the Commonwealth through its response to numerous to
natural disasters such as, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, last year's terrifying
tsunami which washed away lives and livelihoods across the Indian Ocean and the
recent dreadful earthquake and aftershocks in southern Asia that have affected
mankind the world over in recent years.
"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."
The Queen paid tribute to the
emergency workers from across the Commonwealth who volunteered their time and
expertise, while other Commonwealth member states donated the necessary funding
to support those in need stressing that, "this shows how our Commonwealth
network can bring resources and results together all over the globe."
Acknowledging the seriousness of terrorism, Her Majesty also pointed out that, "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."
This year's CHOGM theme is 'Networking the Commonwealth for Development' and Queen Elizabeth pointed out that this is an indication of how important networking is.
"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."
In noting that the Commonwealth
Heads of Government meetings 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
Queen noted that the discussions over the next two-days provides an opportunity
to build on the consensus of the past and to identify new opportunities for the
future.
Commonwealth secretary-general
addresses human rights forum
VALLETTA, Malta: Mr. Don
McKinnon, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, has issued a call to Commonwealth
member countries who have not signed and ratified several very important human
rights conventions, to do so as soon as possible.
Noting that host countries have
signed and ratified them, McKinnon made the call during the closing session of
Monday's Commonwealth Human Rights Forum, one of several meetings, which
preceded Friday's opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
However, the Secretary-General
went on to point out that "there are about 18 members that have not, and in
my view that is exactly 18 too many," and added that, "signature and
ratification of the conventions would represent a clear indication of a
country's commitment in the 21st century to our shared human rights
principles."
Expressing delight at being able
to participate in the Commonwealth Human Rights Forum, McKinnon is also of the
view that "it is possible to see a day where ratifying the two
international conventions on political and socio-economic rights becomes the
minimum standard for becoming a full Commonwealth member."
McKinnon pointed out that the Commonwealth Human Rights Forum is indeed concerned about people as individuals and people as communities, adding that, there is a positive role for the Commonwealth to play as an organisation based on principles, and as an effective global network with great potential.
"When I first became
Secretary-General, I said that human rights would be one of the cornerstones on
which I would build my commitment to the Commonwealth. There has been some good
progress, thanks to a lot of committed people working together. There is
obviously still more to be done, and there is new work in the pipeline. I will
comment a bit on that in a few minutes.
"At the core of my vision of
better Commonwealth societies are the people of the Commonwealth in villages,
towns and cities. And therefore, protecting and promoting the fundamental human
rights of individuals - whatever they do and wherever they call 'home' - is
central to the Commonwealth's work. It follows that every step we take to raise
the level of human rights standards must be relevant and bring meaning to
peoples' lives. Every time we introduce a new model of good practice at the
macro level, we must also ensure that it brings about positive change at the
micro level.
"I know one cannot eat human
rights but they must be seen to be as important as the availability of the food
we eat or the air we breathe, and as beneficial for human life.
"Another core aspect of this
Commonwealth vision is the need to raise awareness about fundamental human
rights. We are all born with rights, but we are not all born equally aware of
those rights, or equally able to access or articulate them. Finding ways to be
clear about the nature and limits of rights of the Executive, Legislature,
Judiciary, and individuals is important. So, too, is the need to ensure that
rights are seen as coming with responsibilities. And, I should add that the
fourth estate - the media - is not excluded from any of what I have just said.
"The Commonwealth is made up
of 1.8 billion people, nearly half of who are young people. We need to get the
message through to them especially.
"We have all witnessed in
recent times an upswing in an appalling violation of human rights, that being
indiscriminate and murderous targeting of innocent people: terrorism.
Commonwealth members have rightly condemned these acts in the strongest manner.
And the Secretariat I lead has assisted members in practical ways to respond,
for example with model counter-terrorism laws, and training of law enforcement
officials.
"However, we have also been
careful to build into such materials and training an acknowledgement that there
is a risk, in taking counter terrorism measures, of eroding the very values that
one is supposedly defending.
"The Commonwealth Secretariat has kept that in mind within the four focal streams of our human rights work. It is worth my recalling what those four are, so that you have a clear sense of where we can work together, those four being:
· Firstly, to strengthen the legal protection of human rights at the national level;
· Secondly, to set up and strengthen national and international human rights institutions;
· Thirdly, to mainstream human rights into all aspects of the Secretariat's work; and finally,
· To drive home a strong and bold message that fundamental human rights are just that - fundamental and indivisible, not something that can be salami-sliced or chosen a la carte. Creating public awareness and giving leadership in public policy is crucial.
"Almost five years ago, I
set up the first dedicated Human Rights Unit in the Commonwealth Secretariat. It
has given us our own team of experts, and given them the space to put into
practice those four streams of activity. The Unit has since been active on all
these fronts. And certainly your support for that Unit is appreciated.
"This year, the Secretariat was also asked by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to translate into Chinese our 2001 publication on best practice in national human rights institutions. This is a great endorsement of the Commonwealth's work in this area and the role we have to play on a global scale," he said.
Saturday November 26, 2005: A cab ride by
Antigua & Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism would be possible, as the
department prepares itself, for “Tourism Week”. Harold Lovell said
that he was up to the task, when the opportunity would lend itself come next
week. Lovell will be voluntary stripping himself of his ministerial
responsibilities and get behind the wheel of one of the taxis at the VC Bird
International Airport. Reports from taxi drivers, who welcomed the move and
would be treasuring the company whenever that time comes around, are that he
would have to prepare himself to wait his turn for a job, but while waiting, he
could be lining up to make a ‘bread and salt fish purchase’, participate and
debate in current and topical subject matters and sit down and play dominoes or
warri, just like the others. On the same day, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer,
or any of his ministers, should not be surprised if when they place a call to
the office of the sworn minister, that they would be hearing the voice of a
complete stranger. In the hot seat would be the president of the local Vendors
Association. Yes, a vendor being the Minister of Tourism for a day. Tourism
officials have described the upcoming event, as one that they believed would be
filled with excitement. Imagine the acting Director-General of Tourism dressed
in apron and skirt and the like, performing the functions as a waitress in one
of the countries hotel and the manager of one of the hotels, well uniformed to
be working in the laundry of one of the properties? The Department Of Tourism
has labelled the upcoming event as “trading places”, where persons in the
industry would move around from sector to sector and practice the existing
craft. The reason behind all of this, as reported, was that it gives all of the
persons in the industry, a first hand account of the experience, wherein, they
would also be in a better position to understand each other on designated forums
related to the industry. The idea has been getting rave attention nationwide.
><> The organisers of Thursday’s road march are patting themselves on
the back. The happy ALP comrades were of the view, that the response and the
participation have exceeded their expectations. There have been mixed reporting
on the number of persons who joined in the proposed ‘non political' march, but
all accounts showed that the participation was overwhelming. The said march was
organised by the ALP, to bring to the fore, what they described as the
inefficiencies of the UPP administration. They had also contended, that too many
persons were experiencing hardship under a Baldwin Spencer-led administration,
which has only been in power for the past 18 months. ALP leader Lester Bird,
who is also fighting to maintain order among his own party bigwigs, amidst
internal wrangling, has said he was impressed with the turn out of the crowd. Bird
noted that the people of the country were beginning to “grasp and understand
that in a democracy, they are the ones that have the power”. He said that they
elected the government and that whenever the government steps out of line, it
was their best interest and responsibility, to tell the government that they are
opposed to what they are doing. Bird’s comments and the effects of the
march, are yet to be responded to by the UPP administration. Purportedly there
have been at least 60 main issues on which the march was organised. The theme of
the said march was “ALP for All, The UPP must Fall”. ><> Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer has hailed the two-day Commonwealth Foreign
Ministers Meeting in Malta a success for small developing states. Spencer,
who chaired the session of the meeting dealing with the Implementation of Small
States Agenda, reported that a number of issues were reviewed and that it was
emphasised that in the world of economic, political and social transformation,
the problem of small states like Antigua & Barbuda, must be taken into
account towards the future. Spencer outlined that the CARICOM foreign
minister’s present, were very strong in their view that special and
differential treatment must be given to small island states and other small
nations, if they are to play a significant role in the anticipated new economic
dispensation. He said that the decisions of the conference will be so
communicated, that special and differential treatment must now be an integral
part of the deliberations going into the Hong Kong Ministerial with the World
Trade Organisation (WTO) in December. Spencer also added that he was
satisfied, that it was a significant break through, because it was felt that
reference to special and differential treatment must not be in the communiqué’.
The CARICOM delegations all spoke with one united voice with other small
states supporting that concept as well. Prime Minister Spencer felt that
the meeting ended on a high note and that it had paved the way for the
Commonwealth Heads Meeting, which opens yesterday. He said that they will
receive the communiqué’ coming out of the Foreign Ministers Meeting which
will set the pace for their deliberations which will take the form of retreats
and executive sessions. Foreign Ministers also addressed issues of peace and
security, terrorism, combating corruption, bridging the digital divide, the
Millennium Development Goals and investment among others. ><> The
Gender Affairs department of the government seems to be disappointed. The much
talked about and played-up march “violence against women” did not attract
the attention that was expected to. Yesterday, less than 20 women braved the
tide and strolled through the streets of St. John’s, to continue to keep the
subject on the front burner and also to stay alive. Disappointingly absent were
the female Parliamentarians, who were always willing and ready to blow hot steam
into the air. Missing in action were the ladies who wanted all and sundry to
know that they “got the power”. Yes, the ladies who would at times cry foul,
whenever a major appointment was about to be made in the country. They always
wanted someone from the flock, but only one of “their” kinds to be rewarded.
Also missing were the mouthpieces of radi0-dom. From the count, it seemed that
the ladies who participated, were the somewhat over 50’s, who had done their
time and maybe seriously in need of help. There was no comment from the
organisers, including the head of the unit, who up to this week had said, that
some day, “they will overcome”. ><> The sum of $120,000 is being
targeted, to keep the kettle boiling at the Salvation Army. The 2005 Kettle
Appeal Fund was launched on Thursday, at the Heritage Quay bandstand. Each year
volunteers would help in the appeal by giving of their time, in order to attract
donations from the public. . The Salvation Army strategically placed volunteers
in high traffic areas, in order to help raise funds to bring cheer to the
homeless and the needy. ><>< The government is moving ahead to
resume work on the Mount St John Medical Centre. So said the country’s
Minister of Health, John Maginley. Maginley met recently with the
non-resident Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Sir David Shoul
and Chinese delegation to discuss the work leading up to the completion date of
the project. The discussion however, was cantered on the completion of the
documentation of the Export and Import Bank Loan of China, which was required
for the completion. Although no figure was quoted, the minister has confirmed,
that the contractors on the project have indicated a 10-month timeframe. The
Mount St. John's Hospital will have a capacity of 187 beds, but as to who would
be running the operation, was yet to be decided upon. The hospital was
incorporated under the Companies Act in 1998 and is wholly owned by the
Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Government
has indicated that it intended to complete the construction of the building, but
would not be in a position to operate the facility.
Reports are, that a number of organisations have indicated their
willingness to do so. A completion date of late September or early October 2006
has been identified. ><>
Friday November 25, 2005: Members and supporters of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) marched through the streets of St. John’s yesterday afternoon. The protesting individuals were supporting the party’s call, to indicate to all and sundry, of what they termed, were the less than favourable conditions, that existed in the country. The protesters, who assembled below the Michael’s Mount, made their way south, then right down to Vivian Richards Street, where they inched their way into the city, accompanied by the sounds of anti-government songs from loudspeakers. Later they gathered at the St. John’s Cricket Grounds, which was the site that has been earmarked by the current government, to construct a multi-storey car park. Leaders of the march had invited other groups and individuals to join them in neutrality and had proposed that everyone be dressed in white. Speakers at a wrap-up rally condemned the government for creating unwanted and unwarranted situations in the country. The ALP, while describing the effort as a success, has said that it would be the start of other pending actions. Individuals associated with the government, have declined to comment on the occasion. ><> Enumerators recruited for the Survey of Living Conditions/Country Poverty Assessment will be hitting the road from today. That was the word coming from the Coordinator for the Country Poverty Survey, Almira Henry. Henry said that the survey was the third segment (Survey of Living Conditions & Household Budgetary Survey) of the four-part survey that was being conducted to determine, among other things, the level of poverty and areas for development in both Antigua and Barbuda. Henry said that over 32 enumerators are to meet with 12 hundred households from the upper, middle and lower income brackets across the country. She said that while not every household will be interviewed, persons were asked to cooperate with the interviewers. Other segments of the national survey are the Institutional Analyst, where evaluators interact with organizations that assist with social programmes to assess their capabilities and their capacity, which process has been completed. Participatory Poverty Assessment focuses on 12 communities across Antigua and Barbuda and collects specific information on how community members perceive, define and experience economic and social deprivation and how they cope and sustain their livelihood. Enumerators have been sworn to secrecy, as well as they have been asked to treat all of the data collected, in the strictest of confidence. The project is expected to continue until May next year. ><> PM Spencer is in Malta. Spencer has arrived in that European country, to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which kicks off today. Spencer has also found the time to reflect on the recent deliberations in London, England, where he and other CARICOM Prime Ministers, were meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Spencer said that there was much satisfaction to be achieved, following the said meeting. He said that the leaders had stressed the importance of crime and security to Blair and have also praised the UK for its role in assisting the region, particularly the OECS countries, through the Regional Security System (RSS) mechanism. But he said however, that they believe that the UK should go a step further, by assisting them in providing funding for the programme beyond the allocated timeframe. Spencer also outlined that the leaders were of the view, that because of their middle income status, they were not given the benefit of debt cancellation under the regime known as the Heavily Indebted Poorest Countries (HIPC) Trust Fund, while considering themselves as being among the most indebted countries in the world. He said that while they fully appreciated and lauded the efforts of the UK and the G8 countries in supporting Africa, in respect of debt cancellation, they believed that a similar arrangement should be put in place for CARICOM. He said that Heads also addressed the UK assisting CARICOM with the establishment of the Development Fund and Agency, which would form part of the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), as they transitioned from trade preferential countries to ones relying on services, which required a number of mechanisms to be put in place, to make the said transition an easy one. He said that CARICOM leaders must ensure that they would be able to survive in an open market. ><> A thirteen year-old schoolgirl, who have been reported missing to the police by her parents, have been found. ><> Organisers of the “Gemonites Mood of Pan”, have reported that the plans have been moving along smoothly. ><> The minister responsible for youths, Winston Williams, has said that the youths in the country have always been sidelined. ><> Gender violence gets the spotlight. ><> The TUC’s annual conference has started. ><> The AT&LU president, Wigley George, has said that the people who had responded to the call of “back to work with labour” many years ago, have been targeted to leave the public service. ><> Antigua & Barbuda Calypso Legends are due to participate in a major concert in New York next month. ><> Tourism minister Harold Lovell, said that the country needed a vagrant Act. Lovell also said that the soup kitchen initiative would be realised in the near future. ><> (More stories and updates to be added as the electricity situation would permit..) ><>
Thursday November 24, 2005: The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) is taking to the streets today in a protest march, to highlight what it considers to be the inefficiencies with the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration. ><> The AT&LU held a town hall meeting last night, with its members who are eligible for the government’s separation package. ><> PM Spencer readies himself for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta. Spencer and his regional counterparts have been beckoning on the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to consider debt forgiveness for CARICOM members. ><> Minister Maginley said that it would take 6 to 8 months for a vaccine to combat the “Bird Flu” to be developed. He said that the country stands prepared, like the rest of the world. ><> The delegate’s conference of the Antigua & Barbuda Trade Union Congress (TUC) starts today. ><> The acting Director –General of Tourism, Lorraine Headley, has reported that Antigua & Barbuda has been getting good reviews and good ratings in the travel market. ><> The immigration department has said that arrivals in the country for the 2005 Homecoming Festival has not increased over last year. ><> The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has said that there was no abuse in the system. Rumours surface that its members of staff and government officials have been receiving unlimited services. ><>
Wednesday November 23, 2005: The designer of the National Flag, Reginald Samuel, has been honoured in commemoration of the “Tim Hector Memorial Week of Activities”. ><> Casting is to begin for the upcoming locally produced film, “2tough”. ><> Financier, Anthony Richard, says that Antigua & Barbuda does not have a sovereign debt rating. ><> There have been heightened speculations about a pending resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister Wilmouth Daniel, but persons in high places have been dismissing the validity of the suggestions. ><> PM Spencer said that there was no need for a full probe into APUA. ><> While OND head Goodwin would want a full inquiry at APUA, he said that the limited one could be justified, for now. ><> The acting DPP Gene Pestaina may hold on to his substantive post of Senior Crown Counsel, once the named new DPP, set foot on Antigua & Barbudan soil. ><> The government has won the first round of the millennium naturalisation case, brought about by the political party, the Organisation for National Development (OND). The party’s interim head, Glentis Goodwin, has said that they would be appealing the decision. ><> APUA positioning itself to get in on the Internet act. ><> Scholarships available for locals to pursue further studies in Japan. ><> An Antigua & Barbudan, Louis Daniel, has been elected to head the Central Florida Cricket League. (CFCL). ><> The local Anglicans are to host a fun-day cricket match. ><>
Tuesday November 22, 2005: The “Concerned Citizens Group” has called for a full-scale investigation into APUA, instead of the small-scale version that was due to take place soon. ><> “Minister of Helps”, Eugene Humphrey’s, have uncovered large-scale irregularities concerning a number of vehicles that are on the roads of Antigua. ><> PM Spencer and other CARICOM Heads meet with the UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair for talks in London, at number 10 Downing Street. ><> The AT&LU is organising a town hall meeting to sensitise its members of the proposed separation package being offered by the government. ><> Acting PM Dr. Errol Cort attempts to defend the use of external sources in the multilateral approach to the nation’s debt strategy. ><> Cort said that the “dollar barrel” initiative did not impact significantly on the country’s revenue last year. ><> ALP spokesperson Max Hurst, explained the rational between the upcoming protest march on Thursday. ><> LIAT employees hold firm in order to give Public Works ample time to fix the road to their workplace. ><> Team “AGHS” accepts their trophy for the “best drill” at the Independence Youth Rally. ><> Catholics heard of the bad news as well as the good news of the changes of personnel at the Antiguan Diocese. ><> While APUA heads confirm steady improvement of electricity supply, consumers are more agitated, with the continued suppression of the juice. ><> LMR donate signs to Public Works. ><> Tourist hospitalised after scooter accident. ><> Local Rotary branch receives UN award. ><> New Jamaican ambassador presents credentials to acting PM. ><> Fire destroys an unoccupied house on Dickinson Bay Road, belonging to the Winter family. ><> Library Board chairman cries fowl. ><> The Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), to hold 2-day convention. ><> Consultation on “violence against women” to be held on Thursday. ><>
Monday November 21, 2005: Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is heading to Malta, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. But while arriving in London yesterday, he was expected to join other CARICOM Heads in a meeting with Prime Minister of the UK Tony Blair today, at number 10 Downing Street. Spencer along with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning, will today make presentations during the meeting on Security and Stability and lead discussions on the UK Caribbean Forum Framework Agenda, for the next Biennium, including a review of priority issues related to security and HIV/AIDS pursued for the 2004-2005 biennium. Other issues on the agenda include Europe’s Role in the World, Economic Reform including the Doha Development Agenda and Social Justice lead by Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados, Climate Change lead by Prime Minister Musa of Belize and Africa led by Prime Minister P.J Patterson of Jamaica. The CARICOM Heads and Prime Minister Tony Blair will also look at a proposal by Canada for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to address the issue of “The Responsibility to Protect.” Spencer is also due to raise with Blair, the issue of UK Pensioners residing in Antigua and Barbuda and their campaign to receive their full pensions from the United Kingdom. Following the meeting with Blair, Spencer will continue the rest of his journey to Malta, for the meeting, which opens on Friday. Dr. Carl Roberts, the country’s UK High Commissioner, will join him on that trip where they will first attend the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting, also taking place in Malta. Spencer returns to the country on November 29th. ><> A new man is in charge of the government at this time. He is Dr. Errol Cort, the Finance and Economy Minister. Cort has assumed the acting role of Prime Minister, following the absence of Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Deputy Prime Minister Wilmouth Daniel, who are both out of the country. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Justin Simon has also assumed some added responsibilities. Simon is now the Acting Minister of Works, Transportation and the Environment in the absence of the substantive Minister, Wilmouth Daniel. ><> There are a number of activities that are to take place in Malta this week. Some of the major issues to be addressed at the Foreign Ministers Meeting will include the Implementation of Small States Agenda by Partner Organisations and the Digital Divide: Networking the Commonwealth for Development. The Commonwealth Heads Meeting, which opens on November 25th, will be addressing issues such as the outcomes of the United Nations 2005 World Summit, the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Corporation and the Promotion of the Commonwealth’s Fundamental Political Values. While in Malta, Prime Minister Spencer and other Commonwealth Heads will be the special guests at receptions hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II, Commonwealth Secretary General the Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon, the Prime Minister of Malta the Hon. Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and the President of Malta, His Excellency Dr. Edward Fenech-Adami. Malta is a Mediterranean Island, located south of Sicily Italy. ><> The lone investigator into the tenure and conduct of the fired APUA Board is to arrive in the country today. Judge Don Mitchell, QC, will be leaving his retirement home in the British territory of Anguilla to catch up with the happenings. Mitchell, who was also a former Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court judge, had a previous stint in Antigua & Barbuda. Last week, the attorney general Justin Simon named Mitchell, to be the sole investigator, after the former Board was experiencing some turbulence. Mitchell’s arrival today, was to be one of education only. His assignment was due to take place as of next Monday, with a report to follow three weeks later. The Antigua & Barbuda public awaits hi findings. ><> The Boardroom at APUA has remained locked. The order has been given, by the Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda, who has since put in train, an investigation into the persons, who last occupied it. But what has not happened to date, were the sealing off of at least three other offices, which were occupied by former members. It was alleged, that the former chairman Rolston “Polly” Potter, the former secretary Malcolm Edwards and another member occupied executive spaces at the authority’s headquarters. It could not be confirmed, if investigator Don Mitchell, QC, would be examining the contents of those offices. ><> Another call has been made for the utilities minister Wilmouth Daniel, to talk his peace about his knowledge and possible involvement with the fired APUA Board. ><> Electronic voting may be a thing of the future for Antigua & Barbuda. ><> The president of the Senate, Hazelyn Francis, has confirmed that there was an outpouring of love and concern in her well being following her ordeal. ><>
Sunday November 20, 2005: Diplomats from the hemisphere, while attending a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS), paid tribute to the late Antigua & Barbudan statesman Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake, KGN, CMG. Sir Edmund, who served as the country’s first Permanent Representative to the organization, from 1982 to 1990, died recently in Antigua and was accorded an official funeral last Wednesday. It was fitting that the council was meeting on the same day. The Chair of the Permanent Council, Dr. Izben Williams, who is also the Permanent Representative of St. Kitts & Nevis to the OAS, led his colleague diplomats in a moment of silence in memory of the veteran Antigua & Barbudan politician, diplomat and statesman. Chairman Williams used the occasion to recall the remarkable and distinguished political, economic and social development of the hemisphere, when he Sir Edmund served as Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the OAS. The Dean of the OAS Corps of Ambassadors, Ambassador Denis Antoine of Grenada, speaking on behalf of CARICOM Representatives, said that Sir Edmund was an accomplished diplomat who represented his country and the region with distinction. Glowing tributes, given on behalf of their governments, also came from Ambassadors of the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico and Nicaragua. In her tribute to Sir Edmund, Antigua & Barbuda's Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Her Excellency, Deborah-Mae Lovell, spoke about the wealth of experience that he brought to the post of Ambassador, during his tenure in Washington, D.C. According to Lovell, Sir Edmund's vast experience and the high esteem in which he was held, won the recognition and respect of his peers, not only at the OAS, but also at other multilateral bodies as well. The veteran Antiguan & Barbudan diplomat also said, that within the Inter-American System, Sir Edmund would be remembered most for his staunch defence of human rights in the hemisphere, especially the rights of minority populations in the region. "The people of Antigua & Barbuda will forever be grateful to Sir Edmund, for the path he blazed for our country in politics, diplomacy and international relations", Lovell concluded. Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake was Antigua & Barbuda's first resident Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS. He received his instrument of appointment shortly after the country gained its independence from Britain in November 1981 and he assumed his duties in Washington, D.C., in early 1982. ><> The twin island destination of Antigua & Barbuda was recently voted “Best Wedding Island of the Year”. Caribbean World Magazine, at their 11th International Caribbean World Awards held in Britain, gave the award. The British travel and lifestyle monthly, Caribbean World Magazine, honors leaders of excellence in hospitality and service in a variety of categories including Best Honeymoon Island, Best Luxury Resort and Best Sailing and Yachting Island. The magazine’s readers choose the winners. Antigua and Barbuda boasts international acclaim: world class sailing and diving, sensational resorts, and premier cuisine making the destination one of the world’s top wedding and honeymoon tourism destinations. Many of the resorts on the islands offer couples the expertise of an on-site coordinator who arranges all aspects of the ceremony or honeymoon, thereby eliminating much of the pre-nuptial stress many betrothed couples experience. A variety of packages are also available. ><> Communications for the deaf and hearing impaired in Antigua & Barbuda is being improved with the use of Teletypewriter, TTY. The programme is being implemented by Hands That Speak (HTS), a voluntary organization that ministers and seeks to improve the living conditions of the deaf and hearing impaired. Last Thursday HTS launched a Communications Project where 12 TTY were distributed to various organizations. With this device, persons who are either deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech impediment can communicate with the use of a telephone by typing messages back and forth to one another instead of talking. However, both parties must have a TTY. According to President of HTS, Denise George, the project has become a reality through the efforts of APUA, Cable & Wireless and Stanford Development Company Contributors Committee (SDCCC). The Minister of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, Hilson Baptiste, who spoke at the launching ceremony, has also pledged the Government’s assistance. During the launch, TTY's were donated to the Holberton Hospital, the police and the school for the deaf, while the others were to be delivered to persons of the deaf and hearing impaired society. Presently, there are about 83 persons enlisted as deaf and hearing impaired and only 6 have managed to receive TTY. HTS has also embarked on a drive to obtain more devices. ><> Plans for the opening of the Barbuda campus of the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) is progressing at a steady pace. So said Senator Mc Kenzie Frank, a member of the organizing committee, Frank met with chairperson of the amalgamation committee Anne Jonas and Board Members of ABICE to update them on the progress of the institution in Barbuda. Frank reported that the chairman of Education on the Barbuda Council, Courtney Burton, was in the process of putting together the subject areas that would be most suitable for residents on Barbuda, to submit to officials in the Ministry of Education and the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education. He also confirmed that the ABCIE programme was a great idea for the people of Barbuda, since it serves to enhance the level of education for individuals at all level. He said that a similar programme started in 1991 on the sister island was discontinued and that the recent developments were a perfect opportunity to reintroduce the programme. He said that the Barbuda campus would not have to draw on the already strained teaching resources on the mainland, since it was his belief, that Barbuda itself had enough skilled and academic personnel to fill the teaching positions. Frank added that the qualification that will be offered at the completion of studies at ABICE would enable students there to be trained and be ready for the CSME and other global initiatives. ><> While thanking all in the country for the pouring out of support, the Senate president Hazelyn Francis, has said that she was committed to the cause of women’s rights. ><> HAn unidentified man has been found dead on the steps of a business place near Kennedy’s Rum Shop in St. John’s. ><> APUA has reported, that there might be some stability in the supply of electricity, thus reducing the magnitude of load shedding. ><> The general manager of APUA, Leon “Chaku” Symister, who is also the chairman of the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP), has dismissed suggestions, that minister Daniel has attempted to enter an area, ordered off limits by the Cabinet. ><> “Chaku” believes that the Antigua Sun newspaper was targeting members of the government for a downfall. ><> AMMA producers have said that there were great opportunities for persons in the country in the film industry. ><> Lovell said that he was concerned about the reduction of air arrivals to the country for next summer. ><> Improved conditions for the deaf. ><>
Saturday November 19,
2005: The third session of Parliament opens yesterday, with Governor General Sir
James Carlisle delivering the Throne Speech. It was delivered in the
midst of members of both houses of Parliament, who were on hand to accommodate
the participation of a joint session. Also in attendance was the President of
the Senate Hazelyn Francis, who has returned to duty, after taking leave,
where she was the victim of a brutal attack at her home. The Throne Speech
outlined the plans and programmes of the government for the upcoming fiscal
period of 2006. A packed gallery made up of diplomats, invited guests and the
general public, were on hand to witness the presentation. The current UPP
government has assumed office in March last year, after it replaced the ALP
administration, following general elections at that time. Meantime both houses
would be required to return to Parliament for another joint sitting on November
30th, where the 2006 Budget was due to be delivered. (Click here to
read the 2005
Throne Speech ><> Following the presentation of the Throne Speech,
both leaders in the lower house of Parliament had some quick comments. Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer described the contents of the presentation as a
very ambitious, with a broad based agenda. Spencer said that transparency
and accountability was true to form as outlined in the Governor-General’s
presentation, who described them as the hall marks of the government’s term in
office. He (Spencer) said that direct foreign investment was still a
critical component, where the upcoming year, was destined to be the turning
point in the nation’s economic affairs that should lead to sustainable
development. But the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Robin Yearwood
had a very different opinion on what was read. Yearwood said that it
seems as though the government had ran out of ideas and that very little hope
was offered to residents. He said that soon we all would be hearing about the
WTO being upon us and that there was very little that we could do to sustain us
in our own country. The true feeling of the leaders and the real showdown
between the government and the opposition would come to life, when the 2005
Budget will be debated in Parliament. ><> A London-based company, has
been selected in helping the government to reduce its debts. The Finance &
Economy Minister Dr. Errol Cort, made the announcement yesterday. Cort
said that the company, Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin (Europe) Ltd, was hired
to bring a more comprehensive and multilateral approach to debt management. He
said that the project was intended to address all matters relating to all of the
government’s creditors, with an aim that it would seek to regularise credit
relations with them. Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin (Europe) Ltd is a
sovereign advisory services group, which offers debt management, funding
strategies and credit rating advice. Under a Canadian International development
Agency (CIDA)-funded project, the company seeks to assist the government to
reduce the debt to GDP ratio, to not more than 80% by 2007. Cort has also
confirmed, that the government debt, which initially stood at $300 billion, has
since been reduced to $2.4 billion. He said that while the new company was not
involved and could not take any credit for it, the government, through the
Ministry of Finance, which was actively involved in a debt forgiveness programme,
resulting in the successes. ><> The president of the Senate has
returned to work after an unavoidable period of absence. Senator Hazelyn
Francis was at the Parliament chambers yesterday, participating in the joint
sitting of Parliament, where the governor general Sir James Carlisle,
delivered the Throne Speech. Her Parliamentary colleagues received Francis,
who was the subject of a brutal attack at her home in the wee hours of October
28th, warmly. She went about her chores in the usual manner. ><>
Residents of Antigua & Barbuda are likely to get a chance to have their say
in a constitutional referendum. Governor-General, Sir James Carlisle,
made the announcement while reading from the Throne Speech. Sir James
said that the government had contemplated, that an unused provision of the
Constitution would determine Antigua and Barbuda's ultimate relationship with
the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). To that end, he said that only through the
exercise of the constitutionally mandated majority in Parliament and also in a
special referendum, would the government be in a position to commit to the
replacement of the Privy Council with the CCJ, as the country’s final
appellate court. But Sir James also pointed out, that should the
population veto such a proposition, the jurisdiction of the CCJ would be
limited, as in Antigua & Barbuda's case, to adjudication of disputes arising
from CARICOM treaties. Sir James concluded, that in all matters, the
government unwaveringly recognises the Constitution as the supreme law of the
land. ><> Journalists in Antigua & Barbuda will be exposed to the
art of covering natural disasters. A workshop, organised by the Eastern
Caribbean Press Council (ECPC), with assistance from UNESCO, was due to take
place next week at the Heritage hotel. Also involved in the project are the
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), the national Office of
Disaster Services (NODS) and the Antigua & Barbuda Media Congress (ABMC).
Visiting experienced regional journalists will facilitate the workshop.
><> The search is on for a Chief Education Officer. The Public Service
Commission (PSC), has confirmed receipt of applications from prospective
applicants and said that it was in the process of interviewing the applicants.
The position became vacant in January of this year, while allowing for Lenore
Henry to act since then. The PSC has not confirmed nor denied if Henry
was one of the applicants, but also confirmed, that civil service rules
dictated, that if their exercise were not completed by year-end, they would be
obligated to confirm her in the post. ><> Prime
Minister Baldwin Spencer is showing the appreciation of the nation, as he
communicates with his counterpart of Trinidad & Tobago, Patrick Manning
after that country’s World Cup playoff victory. In a congratulatory letter to
the government of Trinidad & Tobago, Spencer outlined that the people
and government of Antigua and Barbuda shared the joy and celebrate with Trinidad
and Tobago. Spencer, who is an avid football supporter, told Manning that
his nation’s success against Bahrain was a victory for the people of the
entire Caribbean region, who are joined not only by geography, shared traditions
and institutions, but also quite extensively, by bloodlines. The Antigua &
Barbuda leader, also extended a helping hand, to accommodate “Team Trinidad
& Tobago”, to be the guests of the
Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for training camps and for
warm-up international games if needs be. The full text of Spencer’s
letter to Manning
reads follows:
November 17, 2005
The
Honourable Patrick Manning
Prime
Minister
Republic
of Trinidad and Tobago
On
behalf of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I warmly
congratulate the Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago on the triumph
of the “Soca Warriors” in yesterday’s final World Cup playoff.
The
Antiguan and Barbudan people have been with the Soca Warriors all the way, on
the road to Germany.
We
share your joy, and we celebrate with you.
Your
nation’s success against Bahrain is a victory for the people of the entire
Caribbean region, who are joined not only by geography, shared traditions and
institutions, but also quite extensively, by bloodlines.
Through
you, Prime Minister, I invite the management of the Trinidad and Tobago World
Cup Squad to be the guests of the Government and the people of Antigua and
Barbuda for training camps and for warm-up international games.
Prime
Minister, I avail myself of this opportunity to express assurances of my highest
esteem and considerations.
Sincerely,
Baldwin
Spencer
The victory for Trinidad & Tobago has secured a position for them, to play in the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany next year. ><> Sir Vivian Richards has said that the West Indian cricket-loving fans could be relishing in the recent victory of Trinidad & Tobago. Speaking to reporters in London, Sir Viv said that the win could help cheer them up. He said that it was important to note that, since the West Indies cricket team was seeing some tough times. A former national footballer himself, Sir Viv said that it has been a while since we had something to celebrate about and he was confident that the whole region was a part of the win. Trinidad & Tobago brought down Bahrain on their home soil 1 – 0, after a draw in soca land. They have now advanced to the FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in Germany next year. ><> A United Kingdom airline has reduced its fuel surcharge charged on tickets. ><> The government said that it would be taking a number of legislative matters to Parliament in the life of the third session. ><> The designer of the Antigua & Barbuda national flag, Reginald Samuel, would be the first recipient of the Leonard “Tim” Hector memorial Award. ><> The Moods Of Pan festival has been launched. ><> POWA women take a moonlight stroll. ><> Electoral Commission chairman Gerald Watt, has chided political parties in the country, for not presenting themselves to witness a demonstration of electronic voting machines. ><> UK film director Sean Geoghagen has arrived in the country. ><> Prospective Christmas vendors have been advised to regularise their statuses before trading. ><>
Friday November 18, 2005: An Inquiry has been launched into the Antigua Public Utilities authority (APUA). The attorney general Justin Simon QC made the announcement, in a prime time radio and television address last night. Simon said that the Antigua & Barbuda Cabinet had agreed on a decision yesterday, to live up to a promise that it had made earlier this month, where it had recommended that the entire Board of Commissioners of the authority be sacked and that an inquiry should be conducted on the situation that had led to their dismissal. Simon said, that the Cabinet had decided, to secure the services of justice Don Mitchell, CBE QC, a retired judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, who previously served in this jurisdiction, to conduct the investigation into the authority. He said that Mitchell, who is presently residing in the British territory of Anguilla, would be given his instruments, to conduct the inquiry into five specific areas, highlighting the tenure of the dismissed commissioners, the manner in which they have exercised their functions, whether any conflict of interest had perceived to exist in relation to their general practices or practices relating to the purchase of two used Japanese –made generators, or if any conflict of interest were deemed to be evident as far as the commissioners are concerned. Further to that, said Simon, a report of his findings, should be submitted to the Cabinet three weeks later. Simon did not reveal, if the said inquiry, would be publicly conducted or not Mitchell’s work will commence on November 28th. The full text of Simon’s Special address is as follows:
17th
November 2005
Fellow
Citizens and Residents will recall the Press Statement from Cabinet issued on
the evening of November 4, 2005 which stated that Cabinet at its weekly meeting
held on Friday 4th November had noted with grave concern the
controversy which presently surrounds the operation of the Public Utilities
Authority.
Cabinet
at that meeting had resolved: Firstly, to recommend to the Governor General that
the appointments of the APUA Board Commissioners be revoked.
This was effected.
Secondly,
that it is in the national interest to undertake an investigation into the
matters relating to the current controversy.
In
respect of this second decision, I am to inform you that at its meeting held
today November 17th, Cabinet has decided to appoint Mr. Don Mitchell
CBE Q.C. of Anguilla to conduct the investigation. Mr. Mitchell is a retired judge of the OECS Supreme Court and
was a resident judge in Antigua and Barbuda up till recently.
He is currently Chairman of the Anguilla Public Service Integrity Board.
The
Terms of reference for the investigation are as follows:
To inquire into:
1.
the manner in which the Board regulated its own proceedings as allowed
by the provisions of the First Schedule to the Public Utilities Act;
2.
the manner in which the Board exercised its functions (Whether in
respect of the General Manager, the other mangers, and other employees) in
respect of the due and efficient administration, management and performance of
APUA;
3.
the methodologies effected by the Board when it entered into the
various contracts and/or Memoranda of Understanding between APUA and other
commercial entities in respect of any of the public utility services whether in
respect of the sale, purchase, use or provision of services and infrastructure
facilities;
4.
whether any conflict of interest has arisen in respect of any of the
Commissioners and the Board’s dealings with any third party entity in
particular Kelcom/Karib Cable, and Digicel; and
5.
any other conduct of or exercise of authority by the Commissioners as
in the opinion of the investigator may have compromised the integrity of the
Board and accordingly necessitates the Investigator’s adverse comments.
The
investigation will only be in respect of term of office of the Commissioners
appointed under this administration.
Thursday November 17, 2005: A chapter in the life of Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake has been closed. Sir Edmund, who died on November 3rd, was laid to rest at the St. George’s Community Cemetery, after an official funeral service of thanksgiving that was held at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Sir Edmund, who was born on May 28th, 1912, was a former Member of Parliament, Consul General to Canada, and Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), the United States of America (USA) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) and has served as the Governor-General’s Deputy on several occasions. His body was laid in Parliament for public viewing yesterday. At the service of thanksgiving, tributes were heard from Ms. Barbara Thomas, Mr. Wigley George, the president of the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU), the former ambassador to the OAS Mr. Lionel Hurst, who succeeded Sir Edmund in that post and the former Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and head of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), Mr. Lester Bird. Grandchildren Ms Vanessa Lake and Mr. Kareem Lake-Merrick read lessons of scripture respectively and Ms. Eustacy Richards, the deceased goddaughter, did the intercessions. His eldest son, Carlton Lake read the eulogy, while father John Rohim made an address. Preceding the hearse were the Royal Police Band of Antigua & Barbuda and a contingent of the said Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda. The pallbearers included Messer’s Carlton Lake, Lester Lake, Ira Lake, Paget Lake, Osmond Lake, Michael Lake-Merrick and the honourable Gaston Browne. At the gravesite, wreaths were laid by Governor General, Sir James Carlisle, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Opposition Leader Robin Yearwood, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, D. Gisele Isaac, members of the diplomatic corps, the commanding officer of the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force, the acting commissioner of Police, trade unions, political parties, family members and the general public. Sir Edmund died at the age of 93. ><> Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake has been described as a great man, who has given so much to the life of the people of the country. In delivering the eulogy, his son Carlton Lake, has described him as an individual, who was born on a plantation and made his strides to becoming a skilled diplomat. The former ambassador to the OAS Lionel “Max” Hurst, who succeeded Sir Edmund in that post, has said that he had won the admiration and the respect of all of the other ambassadors in Washington, DC at the time. He said that he has brought legitimacy to the office, while former Prime Minister Lester Bird, in describing him as a man of limited knowledge, who was able to make such great contributions to the country. Bird said that Sir Edmund knew the people of Antigua & Barbuda well and also understood the changes in the world around him. Sir Edmund’s service of thanksgiving was held at the St. John’s Cathedral, where he served as a choirboy and server, among other things. He as at times was seen as a true patriot. Sir Edmund died at the age of 93. ><> The head of the Canadian company Vortex Systems, has come out to shed light on an undisclosed agreement with the Antigua Public Authorities (APUA). David Baarzov, while giving an interview on local radio, has placed the authority on notice, that it had only two weeks to gobble up its promised order of two used generators. The top man said that when his company was first contacted by APUA, the request to source the generators, were made in a manner that he understood to mean, that the purpose for which they would be used, was more than urgent. He said that his company went about sourcing the generators and was able to do so in two weeks. He said that earlier this month, he had written to the then chairman of the APUA Board Rolston “Polly” Potter out of concern, but was not aware that Potter was relieved of his post with the authority. It was alleged, that Potter and the utilities minister Wilmouth Daniel, along with Potter, had committed the authority to purchase the generators from Vortex, without the proper approval. The said generators, which had a price tag of US$9.8million, were located in Taiwan. ><> Vortex’s big spokesman has squealed to the fact, that unfamiliar business interests in Antigua & Barbuda were lobbying him. David Baarzov, also in his letter to the dismissed APUA former chairman Rolston “Polly” Potter, said that he had received a call from one Eddie Hadeed, purporting that he (Hadeed) could simplify Baarzov’s life by getting the job done. But Baarzov was not too specific as to what Hadeed had called about. He said though, that another Hadeed, who is also a member of the government, could also assist in his endeavours. Baarzov said that he was offloading the used generators at an attractive and unbeatable rate and that he had no problems for the equipment to be inspected by a third party in Taiwan, because he was just trying to get his foot inside of the door of APUA. ><> The nation’s “school meals programme, has been officially postponed”. The junior minister in the ministry of Agriculture, senator Joanne Massiah, said that there were unavoidable hiccups, which had caused the delay. Massiah said that a donor, who was on board to sponsor a classroom for the meals, had reneged on his agreement. But She has cautioned however, that the lack of money was not associated with the cause of the delay. She said that while some schools were undergoing renovations, it was nearer towards the end of the current term and some more work was required in the designated nine schools that have been earmarked for the pilot project. She further explained, that the inaugural delivery for the programme, should take place during the new school term in January 2006. ><> The recent rainfall in the country has been causing problems for crop farmers. So said minister Joanne Massiah. Massiah said that the kind of weather that have been experienced, have caused some feeder roads to be impassable. She said that as a result, the farmers have been unable to meet their demands. Meteorologists have identified November, as the month, which usually attract the most rainfall. ><> The British film director Sean Gaygan is expected in the country shortly, to collaborate on an exclusive Antiguan movie. ><> Electoral commissioners to observe electronic voting patterns. ><>
Wednesday November 16, 2005: The Governor General Sir James Carlisle issued the proclamation proroguing the second session of Parliament under the United Progressive Party (UPP) administration, yesterday. On Friday November 18th, the third session of Parliament will commence with the reading of the throne speech by the said governor-general. The Throne Speech will outline the government’s achievements over the past year and also highlight the plans and programmes for the coming year. As part of the third session of Parliament, the Finance and Economy Minister Dr. Errol Cort will present the 2005-2006 Budget on November 30th. The Budget will outline the government’s performance over the past year and emphasize projections for the country’s fiscal performance in 2006. The UPP government came to office on March 24, 2004. ><> Employees at LIAT’s headquarters in Antigua are contemplating protest action against a division of the government. One of the company’s employees called in to Observer Radio yesterday, to put all on sundry on notice. The employee said that for too long, no attention has been given to the road that leads to their workplace and as a result the situation has so far led to a number of them suffering from asthma. The female employee stated that a number of representations have been made to responsible and other individuals, in order to help alleviate the situation. She said that when equipment was deployed to the road site, which is about 300 yards long and 5 lanes wide, they were all relieved that something was going to happen, but she said that what really happened, was that the remaining asphalt strip was uprooted and the bare earth was left exposed and unattended until now. She said that the employees at the company were unanimous in pending action and was prepared to picket the responsible office, which was responsible for the repairs, if nothing will be done between yesterday and next Monday. There has not been any response from any department of government since the statements have been made. The said strip of road, have been filled with a number of potholes. LIAT employs several hundred employees at its Antigua-based headquarters. ><> Fire had responded to steel yesterday. The MP for St. Peter, Asot Michael, called in to Liberty Radio’s “Your View” with host Sly Jay, in the morning and gave a stirring response to a call made moments earlier by the station’s most popular caller James “Tanny” Rose, a.k.a “The Voice”. Rose had reacted to an address given on the Antigua Labour Party’s (ALP) public meeting platform, which took place last week. The address was delivered by one of the party’s MP’s Gaston Browne. In part, Browne had castigated the efforts and activities of party members and supporters, whom he claimed, were practicing divisiveness. He said that there was room for every man, woman, boy, girl, fitting them into categories. He said also, that even the drug felons, the homosexual, the heterosexual, the weak and the strong had a role to play. Browne said that the leadership of the party was practicing the politics of exclusion, but warned that wherever there was exclusion, there would also be confusion. Rose in his response, was careful to isolate two of the party’s MP’s Asot Michael and Gaston Browne, from the rest. The two had formed a bond, since the party’s last convention, where Browne had contested the leadership of the party and losing to the former PM Lester Bird. Rose had described them as “Mary and the Little Lamb” and was warning Browne that the close association could cause him his and Michael their downfall. But the comments had provoked Michael, to the extent, that he was forced to add his voice to the programme’s exchange. Michael said that he held nothing against Browne, for the position he took in the past, for participating in a move to oust him (Michael), from his ministerial portfolio in the Lester Bird Administration. In fact, Michael said that Browne’s position was a principled one, since he (Michael), had held too much power at the time and was not even an elected member of parliament. Michael also dismissed the notion that Browne, through his (Michael’s) urging, was still eyeing the leadership of the party. As for Rose, he said that he does no believe that he was a racist. He said that Rose could be bitter, because he (Michael) has withdrawn his financial support to help sustain him, within the last four months. He said that Rose and Lennox Weston, the host of the station’s afternoon programme “Uncut”, was feeding the nation on a daily diet of the nastiest, vilest and the most defamatory statements in the most cannibalistic fashion and that Browne was being castigated for addressing that problem on the party’s platform. He said too, that he had refused to support the efforts of Weston, who incidentally, had contested the St. Peter seat in the last general elections, as an Independent candidate. Using his time and space, Weston later lashed back at Michael, stating that he said that Browne had missed the boat and had misread the people in his quest for leadership and that he had a choice to find his way back in the arms of the ALP, by recommitting himself to decency and honesty and cut all of his ties to the vagabond behavioural attitudes of his associate, by helping to clear down the “cassi bush”, or he could continue to be a part of the Little Deedle Dee of Mary and the Little Lamb. The leader of the party Lester Bird, have reserved comments on the said issues. ><> A contingent of past and present Parliamentarians is expected to turn out today to pay their last respects to a former colleague. Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake will be the recipient of an official funeral that will take place at the St. John’s Cathedral this afternoon. Members of the public will also be getting a chance to pay their personal respects to the former government minister and diplomat, who died recently at the Holberton Hospital. The viewing of Sir Edmund’s body will take place at the Parliament building from 11:15 a.m. until 1 p.m. From there, it will be transported to the St. John’s Cathedral where the funeral is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with tributes, followed by the official service from 2:30 p.m. During the memorial event, the late minister will be afforded military honours. Sir Edmund Hawkins Lake was the country’s first Minister of Social Services when the ministerial system of government was established in Antigua in 1956 and the nation’s first Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He was also an active trade unionist, rising to the office of first vice-president, a founding member of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) and has been credited as an instrumental force in constitutional talks between the then government of Antigua and Great Britain, at Lancaster House in England. The official funeral is being co-coordinated between the government of Antigua & Barbuda and the Lake family. After the funeral, Sir Edmund’s body will be laid to rest in the St. George’s Anglican churchyard. Sir Edmund was 93. ><> The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) is heading to the streets in a little over a week’s time. The event will be a protest march in the capital of St. John’s. It will be the party’s latest and hopefully successful attempt, to highlight certain focal issues that they said were affecting the country. The former plan by the party to hold such a march towards the latter part of October was denied permission by police authorities, who said that there would not have been enough manpower, to help in the maintenance of law and order in the country. That seemed to have clashed with the recently concluded Independence celebrations. A subsequent legal challenge of the police’s action in the call for a judicial review in the High Court has been granted. Party organizers said that the march would end at the site where the government was planning to build a multi-storey car park and which objections have been raised by the ALP. ><>
Tuesday November 15, 2005: Pilots who have been dismissed by Caribbean Star Airlines earlier this year are left in a daze. To the extent, that they have criticised the trade union movement in the country. The grouse of the men are that the wheels of justice have been turning too slow. The Stanford-owned airline fired the pilots, most of whom were executive members of their newly formed union, after it stated, that they individually and collectively, did not share the vision of the country. In reaction, the pilots claimed that among the group fired, were model career practitioners, as well as they were also peeved in the way that the dismissal were carried about. Less than 24 hours before, in the dead of night, they were allegedly invited individually to a meeting, all of whom had the same time and place and who were subsequently given pink slips. Attempts to get recognition from the labour department were then left in a limbo, as that department had questioned the name of the organisation, since part of the name had “association” as a part of it. Attempts to get the proper recognition and determination have been left in a balance, as the matter ended up on the desk of a judge in the High Court. To date, the matter is yet to be scheduled by the court for hearing and the said affected pilots are yet to get answers to their many lingering questions. The pilots have noted with interest, the matter involving the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Gene Pestaina, where his action of libel against the station manager of Observer Radio, Lennox Linton, which happened only recently, have been fast-tracked. ><> The labour minister Dr. Jaqui Quinn-Leandro, have responded to concerns and comments by the dismissed former pilots of Caribbean Star Airlines. Quinn-Leandro said that she was not in a position to address the concerns of the pilots. While nothing was highlighted about the said matter, she said t