Informing The Uninformed....
 

 

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA POLITICS

 

(JUNE 2003 TO AUGUST 2003)

 

Tuesday August 19, 2003: One of the 25 persons who allegedly registered in more than one constituency as reported by the Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda, has broken his silence and protested his innocence. In reply to an email sent to a concerned friend today, Gerald Pryce said that for the record, his name does not appear on more than one registration list. Pryce, who holds the post of Director General of the Antigua-Barbuda Red Cross, advised his friend that shortly after he presented himself to register, in the early stages of the registration process, at a registration booth, he received word from electoral officials that he was registered in the wrong constituency. He was then advised to return, and upon doing so, was redirected to another location to do over the process. Pryce said that his registration receipt was not cancelled and neither was he provided with a second receipt. He was later advised that the necessary adjustments would have been taken care of by registration officials. >>> An ALP candidate has approached another prospective candidate from another party and constituency to assume the role as his consultant. Daven Joseph, the confirmed ALP candidate for All Saints West, has asked George Rick James, caretaker leader of the AFP, and also eyeing the St. John' Rural East seat, to join his team as his chief consultant. But James, whose credibility has soared on the political circuit in recent weeks, has politely turned down the offer. Both men were visiting the offices of the electoral commission today when the offer and refusal took place. Joseph has been an admirer of James for some time and was particularly satisfied that his many achievements and experiences could have done his strategy outlook some justice. While both men were at the office, Joseph had experienced some problems with electoral officials and had to call on James to help brainstorm their manouvers. At an instance, James was able to guide Joseph out of the claws of the commission.

Friday August 8, 2003: The Free and Fair Elections League is still challenging the electoral commission to prove the authenticity of the Commonwealth Expert Team that was here to observe the re-registration exercise. Secretary of the League George Rick James, wrote to the chairman of the electoral body, Mc Lin Matthias, to prove that the the team had the full backing of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. James further contended that no member of the team neither work for nor is attached to the Commonwealth Secretariat. He said that since the electoral commission insisted that they had invited the team to Antigua, then it should publish the letter of invitation that it sent to the Commonwealth as well as the reply that it had received. >>> Senator Joanne Massiah said that her party plans to alleviate poverty, but not before proper planning. ( more to follow ) >>> 

Thursday August 7, 2003: The preliminary list of voters in Antigua and Barbuda will be published this weekend. So says public relations officer in the office of the electoral commission Peter Gordon. Gordon also stated after the list, which stand at approximately 42,000 is being published, the claims and objections exercise will follow. >>> Queens Council Gerald Watt said that Barbuda councilman Arthur Nibbs have not read the recent judgement in the High Court, or neither was he told what to say accurately on the matter. (more to follow) >>> The OND will be returning to the subject of taxation with a public forum at the Multipurpose Centre tomorrow evening (more to follow) >>> Armed robber Deshaun Whyte was listed by the police as a wanted man (more to follow) >>> Joanne Massiah, the UPP candidate for St. Peter, said that persons should gear themselves for a radical health restructuring accross the country including the hospital. Massiah made these comments while appearing as a guest on Observer Radio's talk programme "Voice of the People". Massiah said that the UPP is committed to putting aids on top of the health agenda, and a bold approach like an "in your face message" instead of polite messages would get priority. >>> General Secretary of the ALP Senator Llewellyn Smith, said that his party is expected to move into top gear now that the carnival celebrations are over. This was disclosed in an interview carried live over Radio ZDK. Smith said that the first activity of the party would be an executive meeting on Friday to discuss re-registration and the party's slate of candidates. He said that of the 42,000 persons reportedly registered, his party could take the lion's share of support at the polls.>>>>>>BREAKING NEWS >>>>>>>> BREAKING NEWS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Former MBS Superintendent Cavelle John is in police custody. John arrived on BWIA 602 from Trinidad and was detained by Immigration authorities pending the arrival of the police. Although no warrant was officially issued prior for her arrest, she was taken to police headquarters. John, who was accompanied by Trinidad lawyer Osborne Charles, and met on her arrival at V,C Bird International Airport by local lawyers Sherfield Bowen and Teckla Henry-Benjamin, was one of the chief witnesses at the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) inquiry. She departed for the United States in the midst of her testimony and has been there for the past year seeking medical treatment. It is expected that she would be formally charged with multiple counts of fraud for her conduct while being employed at the MBS. That process could take place as early as tomorrow. >>> 

Wednesday August 6, 2003: Barbuda councilman Arthur Nibbs said that there is a glimmer of hope for things to get back to normal on the Barbuda Council. Nibbs made those comments while somewhat celebrating what he terms a good victory in a High Court decision between Senator Reuben James against MP Hilbourne Frank and Senator Linton Thomas. Nibbs said that in his estimation it was a good judgement, because the term for Senator Thomas was blocked due to the expiration of the life of the last council. While hinting also that Senator James does not have the standing to bring the matter before a judge, he is also of the view that that the council would be set up in a satisfactory manner. Frank and Thomas has not commented to date on the ruling. >>> LMR says that he is giving serious consideration towards expanding the seniors stand for carnival 2004 (more to follow) >>> The Jolly Beach Resort will be hosting the first ever Caribbean Basketball Championship from this evening. Dubbed Caribbean Basketball Sunsplash, the management of Jolly Beach and the government of Antigua/Barbuda, collaborated in erecting two basketball courts for the participants. Competing teams from Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat and the USA will participate in the tournament which is expected to go until August 9, 2003. >>> 

Tuesday August 5, 2003: After winning the female calypso competition three years in a row, Queen Ivena has landed another three, that is, three crowns in a carnival season. Last night Ivena won the caribbean calypso monarch title from a field of '''''''''''''' crowned participants around the caribbean. First runner-up in the competition was Princess Monique of St. Vincent, 2nd runner-up Mighty Pat of St. Croix and 3rd runner-up Punga of St. Kitt's. Main prize for last night's event was a'''''''''''''Dodge vehicle and a ''''''''''''''''''''ring. >>> The Old Road fight lives on as Queen Ivena was the real queen in a motorcade which left carnival city at the dead of night, following her victory in the caribbean calypso monarch competition. Scores of vehicles left St. John's for the '''''''' mile trek to parade through the country streets with the country girl Ivena. At this year's carnival events, Ivena walked away with the female calypso monarch title, the main calypso monarch title and the caribbean calypso monarch title consecutively. Her two renditions which brought about her success were "Robin Hood In Reverse" and "Ivena's Agenda". When asked to comment on her giant feats, an emotional Ivena said, " I see that my hard work has been accomplished. The public has been the driving force behind my success and I am looking forward to make Antigua proud". Queen Ivena will reign for one year ????????concurrently????????????>>> The tune "Robin Hood In Reverse",  has struck a familiar chord in the minds of people in the Antiguan/Barbudan community. The tales of Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest has been best known for robbing the rich and giving the proceeds to the poor. But in a stark and contrasting reality, Queen Ivena has contended in her lyrics that the Robin Hood's of Antigua, the powers that be and the well-to-do, have been chastising and robbing the poor and giving to the rich. What's the score? Ivena says that "we can't take it no more..." >>> Revellers mas band has walked away with the "Band Of The Year" title for the third consecutive year (more to follow). >>> An unresolved dispute between Xtreme mas troupe and the Carnival Developement Committee (CDC) has marred the final day of Carnival (more to follow) >>> 

Monday August 4, 2003: Days after being crowned "female calypso monarch", Queen Ivena has won the big one, that is, the 2003 calypso monarch competition. First runner-up was Young Destroyer, 2nd runner-up Zachary, 3rd runner-up Short Shirt and 4th runner-up De Bear. Scorpion was a no-show (more to follow) >>> How does a queen of carnival wind down? Ask Terri-Ann Richardson. The newly crowned Miss Antigua and Miss Jaycees Caribbean could be seen enjoying herself, jumping in a band for J 'overt. Terri-Ann said that after all the hectic pace and hard work, working up a sweat for j 'overt was the answer to wind down and relieve the stress. The new queen will reign for one year. >>> After a packed calypso monarch attendance by patrons, very little room was left on the streets of St. John's for j' overt. Revellers flock the streets to whine, dine and gryne. >>>

Sunday August 3, 2003: Senior citizens are very happy with attempts to facilitate them to witness the carnival celebrations. So said Eddie Hunt, president of the Pensioners Association. Hunt was responding to an invitation from businessman Ludwig M. Reynolds, to host the senior citizens and pensioners on an erected platform under a tent at the corner of  St. John's and Popeshead Streets, so that they can watch the Tuesday carnival parade on the route. >>> After winning the "Queen of Carnival" title earlier this week, Terri-Ann Richardson of Antigua/Barbuda picked up the 2003 Jaycees Caribbean Queen title. First runner-up was Miss St. Kitt's, 2nd runner-up Miss Grenada and 3rd runner-up Miss Trinidad & Tobago (more to follow) >>> 

Saturday August 2, 2003: The body of one of two men missing at sea, was washed ashore in Nevis. The lone survivor of the reportedly sunk fishing boat in which both men were on, was found floating on a fridge (more to follow) >>> The song says "she want um, she got um. Yessss. Oh Larrrrd" but the artiste Sean "Wanski" Ryan wanted and won the 2003 ''''''Party''''''' Monarch title (more to follow) >>>

Friday August 1, 2003: Goodwin praises registration employees (more to follow) >>> The Free and Fair Elections League (F&FEL)  has broken its silence and called the Commonwealth Observer Team presently on island a hoax (more to follow) >>> Arthur Nibbs said that the whole Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda should be fired (more to follow) >>>

Thursday July 31, 2003: The registration of new, and re-registration of eligible voters in Antigua/Barbuda, came to a close at 6pm this evening. A source from the electoral office said the the new register of electors could be available within a week. It is estimated that under 42,000 names may well be on the register. >>> Terri Ann Richardson is the new queen of carnival. On learning the judges decision, a tearful Terri-Ann walked away with the coveted "Queen of Carnival" crown last night from a field of seven contestants. First runner-up was Kenica Samuel while 2nd runner-up was Roxanne Warner (more to follow) >>> Ali & Associates picked up "best costume" in the Queen of Carnival (more to follow) >>> A delegation from the Free and Fair Elections League (F&FEL), met this evening with members of the Commonwealth Expert Team, which had arrived on island to oversee the voter registration process.

Wednesday July 30, 2003: A number of established and non-established workers at Holberton Hospital, have mounted a protest in absence of a promised pay raise (more to follow) >>> In an attempted effort to combat crime, police have released a number of telephone numbers to the general public, so that they could assist by calling (more to follow) >>> Sandals Antigua have received international recognition (more to follow) >>> There was a sharp increase in registration on Barbuda today. 30 persons were registered. >>> Observers in City East were surprised to note that for today alone, 68 persons registered compared to a first day record of 61. >>> Ray Potter of St. Joseph's Academy and Jamilla Joseph of St. Mary's School of Excellence, are the 2003 Mr. and Miss Teenage respectively (more to follow) >>>

Tuesday July 29, 2003: The rising crime rate is getting the attention of the government as PM Bird calls for a national committee on crime (more to follow) >>>

Monday July 28, 2003: With only three more days to go before the re-registration exercise is concluded, registration employees were given their identification badges today. >>> A UPP candidate's law office was burglarised and vandalised (more to follow) >>> Senator Linton Thomas of Barbuda is angry at ongoing irregularities during the re-registration process on the sister isle (more to follow) >>> Registration clerks continue to strike due to the non-payment of wages (more to follow) >>> Police have detained 11 persons in connection with a violent crime in Villa Area on the weekend (more to follow) >>> The BPM has officially launched its candidate at an official ceremony in Codrington this evening. Noticeably absent from the event was outgoing leader and sitting parliamentarian Hilbourne Frank (more to follow) >>> Ivena Phillips has retained the title of Female Calypso Monarch last night, equaling the record of three consecutive wins by Singing Althea (more to follow) >>>

Sunday July 27, 2003: Two new junior calypso monarch's crowned (more to follow) >>>

Saturday July 26, 2003: After months and maybe a year of preparations, Antigua's Carnival got underway with a parade through the streets of St. John's (more to follow) >>>

Friday July 25, 2003: More industrial action at Public Works (more to follow) >>> The decision in the matter with Senator Reuben James against MP Hilbourne Frank and Senator Linton Thomas, was handed down in the High Court today (more to follow) >>>

Thursday July 24, 2003: Three persons are in police custody in connection with the jewelery heist in Jolly Harbour yesterday (more to follow) >>> The four Barbudans found illegally in St. Kitt's were deported to Barbuda (more to follow) >>> Antigua/Barbuda could have a new radio station broadcasting soon. Crusader Radio, the voice of the UPP, could begin broadcasting as early as the next two weeks. The frequency will be 107.5fm. >>> 

Wednesday July 23, 2003: Trevor Walker said that his party, the BPM, will be spending more time regrouping and refocusing (more to follow) >>> Less than four days after an attempted robbery at a supermarket in St. John's, a jewelry store in Jolly Harbour was robbed (more to follow) >>> UPP candidate for St. John's Rural East Dr. Errol Cort, said that something is needed to be done immediately to stamp out the resurgence of violent crimes in the country. Dr. Cort at the time was appearing as a guest on Observer Radio's "Voice Of The People" when the story of the Jolly Harbour Robbery broke. Dr. Cort said that a rapid response unit in the police was needed to fight crime, and that they needed to act swiftly and firmly to deal with perpetrators who are bent on attacking innocent persons. >>> Four Barbudans, including the reigning calypso queen, were found in St. Kitt's illegally. They allegedly went to St. Kitt's to sell lobster, but the boat which should have transported them, left without notifying them. >>> The 2003 Primary and Post Primary examination results were released today (more to follow) >>> Young prospective voters are to have their registration requirements relaxed. So said a member of the electoral commission (more to follow) >>> A team from the Commonwealth Secretariat is in the country to get a first hand account of the re-registration process (more to follow) >>> 

Tuesday July 22, 2003: Manager of Antigua/Barbuda's netball squad Agatha Dublin, said that if the team had international exposure, it could have done better in the rankings (more to follow) >>>The Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda showcased their database today for all to see (more to follow) >>> Chairman of the electoral commission Mc. Lin Matthias said that his organization would soon be in a position to pay its staff. Matthias did not disclose the conditions by which they would be paid and neither did he say when they would be paid. Meanwhile deputy chairman Bruce Goodwin said that the commission had anticipated the establishment of a communications unit where registration clerks and officers would have gotten a a cell phone each, but he concluded that funding constraints had retarded its progress. >>> Trevor Walker emerged victorious as the BPM's candidate at the party's primary held this evening in Codrington. Gaining 106 of the 113 votes cast, he easily defeated his lone challenger Atkinson Beazer. Beazer said the the results was just as well as it was right, and his feeling was of such that , it was as if he had won. As a result, he said that himself and Walker would be persueing a thrust together as one accord.  Walker said that he was overwhelmed by the support and would make every effort to ensure that the BPM retained the seat. As for Arthur Nibbs, the BPMC's candidate, and possibly his only challenger in the upcoming general elections, he said that Nibbs has been around Barbuda politics for some 21 years and has no evidence of a track record to show for it. Nibbs, he said, was observant and critical of his (Walker's) age, but the BPM candidate reacted by saying that he (Walker) may be young, but his 18 months on the Barbuda Council would speak for itself.>>> 

Monday July 21, 2003: Barbuda's Hilbourne Frank is calling it quits. Frank has withdrawn from the political race as a representative of the BPM, and as a result, will no longer participate in a primary to select its candidate in the upcoming general elections. Frank, who is serving out his ''''''''''''''''''consecutive term as MP, will put on hold his previously announced unfinished business and make way for either of two contenders Atkinson Beazer or Trevor Walker. No reason was given for his withdrawal. >>> OND and UPP clash on income tax ownership (more to come) >>> Two female prospective voters walked out of the Cedar Grove Primary registration center today without registering. On arrival, there were no registration forms to persue the exercise. The ladies, one of whom was a former seniour government employee were very patient as they were advised that they would have to wait for the arrival of fresh forms. After over two hours of waiting, they left in disgust. Registration officials at that time, resorted to taking their names and telephone numbers with a promise that they would be contacted at a later date. >>> A male voter, who was among the first set of persons to be registered in St. John's Rural North on the first re-registration day of July 1, 2003, was recalled today to be re-registered. John Wynter is in a quadruplic condition at Holberton Hospital. This was disclosed by ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Dr. Joey John, as his family make arrangements for his departure overseas to another medical facility. John said that Wynter's life was out of danger, after undergoing a successful operation on his arrival at Holberton, where a bullet damaged his spinal chord, causing him to be paralised from his shoulders down. His assailant, a Jamaican, is scheduled to undergo an operation to remove a bullet from his buttocks. >>> Further light has been shed as to the unfortunate event last Saturday evening that saw two men receiving gunshot wounds. It was alleged, that when John Wynter headed to a waiting vehicle, driven by his brother Glendon, the security guard on duty at Food Emporium Supermarket was accompanying him. But the said security guard turned back for something. Waiting in the wings was a former employee, a Jamaican, who aimed and shot John in the neck. It was also alleged that when Glendon went to his brother's assistance, where the gunman aimed and fired at him a few times, but the gun did not discharge. So Glendon and the Jamaican started to wrestle for the same gun. As the struggle continued, Glendon beckoned for help from the on duty security guard, who either did not hear or deliberately avoided the frakas in progress. So both men continued to struggle until the gunman let loose and fled. As he made his escape, Glendon rushed to his waiting vehicle to secure his own firearm and discharged it in the vicinity of the assailant. The rest? anybody's guess. >>> State radio and television has reported that the PM met face to face with texan investor R. Allan Stanford. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss ways and means of improving the finances of the country. It was not disclosed whether an objective was reached. >>> Two ministers, seeking a re-election bid as ALP candidates in the upcoming general elections, were all smiles, to and from the bank of a top foreign investor, as they pocketed six figures each to assist with their campaign. It was not clear whether disclosure would take effect before or after the fact >>> Hundreds of persons still congregate on a daily basis inside and in front of the passport office. >>>

Sunday July 20, 2003: An attempted supermarket robbery last night, has left 49 year old John Wynter fighting for his life at the Holberton Hospital, while his injured assailant stays under police police watch in another location of the Hospital. Wynter, manager of Food Emporium, formerly Brysons Supermarket, was leaving with the days' proceeds when he was attacked by an unidentified man. The victim's brother, Glendon Wynter, who was waiting in a nearby vehicle, said that he heard an explosion and saw his brother fell to the ground. He then alighted from his vehicle and was able to wrestle with the assailant who afterwards was pointing the gun at him. But the assailant escaped and fled. Unable to give chase, he discharged his licensed firearm in the path of the fleeing assailant. Hospital sources confirmed that John Wynter was not breathing on his arrival, but quick action by medical officials revived him. Hours after he became a patient at the hospital from gunshot wounds to his neck, his  assailant arrived for attention from injuries, where authorities alerted police. Police did not reveal the name of the assailant but confirmed that he was a native of Jamaica. >>> UPP candidate for St. George Jacqui Quinn-Leandro, says that her party will be engaged in a "time and motion study" immediately upon taking office. Quinn-Leandro was appearing as a panelist on Observer Radio's "The Big Issues" today. She said that her party will commission a full and comprehensive audit and will not willy nilly layoff workers as some people were suggesting. As the first official commentator of her party of the recently suggested income tax issue, she said that a comprehensive tax review would be done to determine the type of prescription that would be applied to the real fiscal picture. Quinn-Leandro sees the introduction of VAT as probable reality >>> Jacqui Quinn-Leandro is of the view that the ideas put forward by OND's Everette Christian on the subject of income tax, was ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Saturday July 19, 2003: A potential but angry registered voter has uttered sentiments of disgust at the responsibilities of personnel at registration units. This female, who utilized a day off from her job to get registered at the registration unit in Yorks, was disappointed to learn that the stock of registration forms used in the exercise were depleted. She was redirected to Hero House or Cedar Grove Primary School, but when she arrived at Cedar Grove, she got another shocker by being told by personnel there, that they too were out of registration forms. The irate potential voter vowed not to return to participate in the registration process. Yorks, Cedar Grove and Hero House registration centers are in the constituency of St. George. >>> Industrial action has disrupted the registration process at the Old Ottos School registration unit in St. John's Rural South today. This comes as registration clerks staged a sit-in which later culminated in a bonafide strike. Potential voters who turned up to be registered, were greeted with a sign which read "No Registration Today Until We Get Pay". But that sign was apparently torn down from its raised position by one of the commissioners on the Electoral Commission. Scrutineers and political party observers, who were in the vicinity of the registration unit, acted as registration ambassadors by recording the names addresses and telephone numbers of the disappointed potential voters, with a view of contacting them as a follow up to the restoration of normalcy. The strike, which was dogged by the non-payment of wages, had lasted for little over two hours after discussions with both parties. The Electoral Commission was expected to make a statement on the matter. ><>< Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission Bruce Goodwin, says that the absence of timely funding from government, continue to be a question mark on the election process. Goodwin said that the low morale has also affected the performances of employees of the commission, but he hope that everything would be sorted out in due time. He did not confirm whether his remarks were personal or on behalf of the commission. >>> The number one netball goal shooter in the world is an Antiguan. Karen Joseph, a member of the Antigua/Barbuda netball team, on assignment at the World Netball Championship in Jamaica, shot her way to the best in the world with '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' goals. She averaged 38.8 points a game in the tournament and was also adjudged third most perfect scorer in the world with 89.3% of her shots making its way through the net. Antigua/Barbuda finished a dismal 17th place in the tournament. In a reaction to the announcement of her achievement, Joseph said that she was very pleased and proud of herself  and credited  her achievement as one to share with her coach and teammates. >>> The calculation of severance for workers at Benjies Printery will be a matter for the High Court. So says General Secretary of the A&BWU David Massiah, who added that his union would be making a presentation to the court for interpretation. Massiah does not see that matter as one for the industrial court since there are discrepancies and employees are entitled to full severance. Fifteen workers are affected by the discrepancy. >>> The planned whistle stop by PM Bird in his constituency today, did not come off as planned. Instead, a barbecue/fish fry was held. No reason was given for the absence of the whistle stop. >>> The charter to formally launch a Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Antigua/Barbuda, was signed this evening at an official ceremony at the Royal Antiguan Hotel. Former Premier of Antigua/Barbuda Sir George Walter, who was also a trade unionist, headed a distinguished panel of dignitaries who witnessed the proceedings. A Barbadian trade unionist, Bobby Morris, gave the feature address. A newly appointed executive drawn from seven trade union bodies in Antigua/Barbuda, will charter the organization's way forward. The executive members of the TUC include David Jonas of the AT&LU, Foster Roberts of the Antigua & Barbuda Union of Teachers (A&BUT), Egbert Joseph of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotel Management Association (A&BHMA), James Spencer of Antigua & Barbuda Public Service Association (A&BPSA), Maurice Christian of the A&BWU, Ray Matthew of the LIAT ''''''''''''''''''''' and  ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''of Air Traffic Controllers >>> Minister of Labour Steadroy "Cutie" Benjamin, calls for the founders of the newly formed TUC to let it become a successful union (more to follow)  >>> Feature speaker at the launch of the TUC, general secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) Bobby Morris, advised members that there is a need for the establishment of  an Eastern Caribbean Labour College. Morris said that Antigua/Barbuda is well poised to bring this to reality and that unions should not be afraid to approach government for help in the form of land and concessions. Morris also said that there were two issues that the labour movement must challenge. They were trust and customer service. ''''''''''''''''''''Interim president of the TUC Maurice Christian said that '''''''''''''''''''''''''' (more to follow) >>> 

Friday July 18, 2003: Interim Director of Finance of the OND Everette Christian, has lighted a spark that could ignite a national political debate for some time to come. Christian says that the reintroduction of personal income tax will only be part of a complete fiscal reform policy for his party. Christian has compared the government to being like a family, who was unable to balance its cheque book. He said that the endless number of nuisance taxes could be abolished and that room could also be made for the introduction of VAT to the island. The remarks were made while Christian was being interviewed by Observer Radio's Julian Rogers on his "Wake Up Caribbean" morning show. In a sharp response, a tax expert presently living on island, and in his own persona, called in to the programme to applaud most of the ideas that were put forward by Christian, but cautioned that VAT might not be a wise choice. The expert said that VAT was more adaptable to industrialised countries and that a small country like Grenada was unable to meaningfully cope with it. Another caller said that the UPP had toyed with the idea but continue to give the impression that they have been consulting on the subject. However the same caller, a UPP member, who cautioned that he was calling in his professional and personal persona, said that he had to give the OND marks for having the courage to make the call. The ALP has not commented on the call. >>> Jeremy said that he had a vision about ABS Radio and TV (more to follow) >>> President of the AT&LU said that the authorities can be fearful of the TUC (more to follow) >>> A former ALP candidate hopeful was elected president of a prestigeous organization (more to follow) >>> The re-registration exercise in Antigua/Barbuda has been hit by industrial action. A registration officer assigned to the registration unit at New Winthorpes Primary School in the constituency of St. George, has walked off the job. The action is apparently linked to the fact that monies owed by the government for services rendered, have not been forthcoming. The Electoral Commission has not commented of this latest development. >>> The registration unit at Lions Club in the constituency of St. John's City East, was without registration forms for some time today. This has happened on the heels of confirmed reports that the Electoral Commission had ordered and received 80,000 registration forms, for use in the re-registration exercise in Antigua/Barbuda. Registration is expected to cease on July 31, 2003. >>> A potential voter Veronica Kissoon, said that she was verbally abused by a registration clerk today, at the Pigotts Primary School registration booth in the constituency in St. George. The Guyanese national said that when she and her husband went to register, they were appalled by the conduct of personnel in the booth. To the extent, she was able to comment on the behavior, but was the apparent victim of insults. The couple left without completing the registration exercise and there is no confirmation if a report was made to the Electoral Commission.. >>>  President of the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce an Industry Clarvis Joseph, said that the the impact of governments' financial situation has put the whole business community at the brink of bankruptcy. Joseph said that the failure to get loans from banks has stifled the economy from growing. The comments were made as Joseph appeared as a panelist on Observer Radio's "Have Your Say" with host Dr. Mansoor.

Thursday July 17, 2003: PM Bird turned down chance of meeting with developer (more to follow) >>> Government's fiscal problem could have an effect on the performances of registration personnel at registration booths. So says one of the persons actively involved in process. The source said that the non-payment of wages for training services performed a month ago in readiness, has dampened their moral and have also sent a strong reminder of the experiences of census workers long after the 2000 census was completed. Census workers had to picket government offices after their renumeration package was not forthcoming. >>> The Board Of Education is spending money in an attempt to collect money. In a whole page advertisement in todays edition of the Daily Observer newspaper, a list of 128 levy defaulters has been published. Notable among them are The Barbuda Council and parliamentarians Collin Derrick of the UPP and Stedroy "Cutie" Benjamin of the ALP. But absent from the list of defaulters is the government of Antigua/Barbuda, who has admitted to owing millions of dollars to the statutory body. The ad did not run in any other medium. >>> Bachannal meets Gale Force, that's the buzz in Rural West. Reports reaching Antigua/Barbuda Politics confirm that political hopeful George "Bachannal" Walker and ALP candidate for St. John's Rural West Gale Christian, made eye contact this evening. But an eye witness to the meeting confirm that Walker kept his eye away most of the time. The meeting took place just outside of the branch office of Walker, as reports of his well attended branch meeting last week surfaced. Christian was accompanied by members of her campaign team. >>> Government's fiscal programme got a thumbs down tonight as members of the carnival committee made a promotional appearance on Observer Radio's late night edition of "Serpent in the Snakepit". Among the subjects discussed were prizes for the Queen of Carnival. Committe member Eustace James confirmed that the main prize for the winner of the show was a partial scholarship, but he could not shed any light as to what the other prizes would be. The 11-day festival officially kicks off on July 26, 2003 >>>

Wednesday July 16, 2003: Workers at Public Works are disappointed in not receiving overdue salaries owed to them. Instead of three weeks pay they were given one week (more to follow) >>> In the current environment where public servants are not being paid and the government is unable to meet its obligations, MP for St. Phillip's South Sherfield Bowen says that the government has millions of dollars at its disposal. Bowen made the remarks while appearing as the lone guest on "Voice Of The People" today. The member of the Public Accounts Committee charged that millions of dollars are collected overseas on behalf of the government, and it (the government) doesn't have any knowledge of it. He says that the Merchant Shipping Fund is a good example. Locally he said that the Forfeiture Fund, which is mandated by law to take 20% off of the top, is operated like a private account. He also said that some statutory bodies as well as ten years of accounts for  Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA), have not afforded the auditors to give an opinion. He concluded that there is no accountability whatsoever. The government has not responded to Bowen's claim. >>> Baldwin Spencer takes issue with the letter sent by Mc. Lin Matthias to scrutineers (more to follow) >>> Arrangements have been made for registration clerks and scrutineers to be paid. This announcement comes some two weeks after their training exercise. The non-payment has been a vexing issue since. >>> A member of the family of the late Ednetta Parker, used the medium of Observer Radio's "Voice Of The People"  today, to ask the general public to refrain from dragging their loved one's name in any controversy. Consuela Parker, on behalf of the family, also took the opportunity to thank all of the persons who were able to attend the funeral last Tuesday, but would like the memory of Ednetta to be one of peace. The reaction came as the general public poured scorn on learning that the government of Antigua/Barbuda and PM Bird avoided offering assistance to the family when a request was made. It was also alleged by callers that neither PM Bird nor any of his ministers had attended the funeral, even though the deceased had served the party well. The government and PM Bird has not reacted to the reports. >>> The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission has released the following registration data as of July 15, 2003. St. John's City West 1218, St. John's City East 882, St. John's City South 691, St. John's Rural South 1507, St. John's Rural West 1886, St. John's Rural North 1541, St. John's Rural East 2202, St. Mary's North 1849, St. Mary's South 855, All saints East & St. Luke 1587, All Saints West 1774, St. George 1773, St. Peter 1258, St. Phillip's North 742, St. Phillip's South 645, St. Paul 1192 and Barbuda 390. >>> Dean Jonas says that registration officers are still obstructing scrutineers in the course of their duties. He said that the problem is rampant is St. Phillip's North and All Saints West. The electoral office has not reacted to the claim. >>>

Tuesday July 15, 2003: Over 1,000 government workers at Public Works, Diamonds and the cotton ginnery held separate protests today, with the view of finding out one thing, which is, "when will they be paid?" (more to follow) >>> Almost 20,000 persons have been registered as of yesterday. This was disclosed by public relations officer of the UPP Dean Jonas. The Antigua & Barbuda Electoral Office has neither confirmed nor deny the claim. >>> Former MBS accountant Elmead Jarvis has been arrested again. Jarvis was cherged with additional counts of fraud. That is, obtaining money under false pretence and conspiring to defraud the MBS of over $70,000. The name or names of the co-conspirators have not been released. >>> 

Monday July 14, 2003: Politicians have been sent a serious message. That is the view of a political analyst who believe that they have been brought down to size. A recent survey to help determine why the registration turnout has been that low, reveal that prospective voters believe that they have been used by politicians only to foster their financial gain. To the extent, that the only time that they, the politicians, notice voters, or are in need of them, are at election time. Young voters seem not to have any faith in the structure that recognizes politicians, and the seasoned voters believe that that communities are neglected. A good percentage seems to be watching the dollar in these hard economic times. Said they, "a parliamentarian gets EC$2,500 constituency allowance a month, multiply by 12 for $30,000 a year or $150,000 for a five year term. That does not include their parliamentary salary, and none of that money is spent in the communities" >>> The registration unit at All Saints Police Station ran out of forms today. Elsewhere another unit ran out of film. Registration had to be delayed at both units. >>> One of the campaign managers in a pool to guide candidates have restricted his time in preference to a party project. It was noted that he no longer has the hunger for the politics. Observers believe that he may be misrepresenting the facts since the candidate assigned to him has been losing ground >>> Public relations officer of the UPP Dean Jonas says that his party plans to write the Electoral Commission to bring to their attention certain disturbing concerns. In an update to Observer Radio, Jonas said that some persons were apparently registered in St. Phillip South in the absence of scrutineers. In another situation in the same constituency, Jonas said that there was at least one occasion where the registration unit was opened before the designated 7am, so by the time the scrutineers arrive at 7, some persons were already registered. Jonas said that there are lots of issues to be sorted out, and hope that they are sorted out in the month of August. >>>

Sunday July 13, 2003: The Aviation industry in the region suffered a setback today. Airports in St. Kitt's, Nevis, Anguilla and the Virgin Islands closed as a result of experiencing poor visibility and ash from the collapse of the dome of the Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat last night. Although not directly affected, Antigua airport traffic slowed with delays to those islands. >>> Head of the Pensioners Association Eddie Hunt, sad that public servants are taking out their anger on persons including pensioners. Hunt said that even though the public servants have not been paid as yet, they could take out their stress and anger by mounting several type of protests against the government or even join the serial marchers on Thursdays. He said that the actions of public servants are affecting pensioners, including a delay in attending to timely negotiations, and that he would like to put the government , the public servants' employers, on notice, that they have enough members to influence the way how persons vote in the upcoming general elections. >>> Former independent candidate Romaneta Francis, celebrated her birthday today, but the real celebration among friends and well wishers, took place last night on the block at "The Peoples Parliament" on St. Mary's Street. Francis, who contested the City West seat in the past, was in the celebrated company of two other City West candidates of different eras, sitting ALP MP Gaston Browne and former PLM MP George Pigott. Other notable celebrants in attendance were caretaker of the AFP and trailblazer of the Free and Fair Election League, George Rick James, chairman of the UPP City South branch Ernest Benjamin, chairman of the ALP Rural West branch Llewellyn Stowe, secretary of the UPP City East branch Warneford Goodwin, former ALP candidate George "Bachannal" Walker, former PLM candidate Constantine Halstead and independent and non-political supporters of political parties. Ms. Francis, who appeared as a panelist today on Observer Radio's "The Big Issues", partially prepared for the program at the event last night, with last minute briefing on FIFA and local football from former players Everton Richardson and Egbert Joseph.>>> UPP candidate Winston Williams, held a whistle stop in the constituency of St. John's Rural South today >>> The fly was "on the wall" today at Observer Radio studio's during "The Big Issues" (more to follow) >>> The fate of Hilbourne Frank to continue or not to continue to be the BPM's candidate in the upcoming general elections, will be known in the next two weeks, where that party will hold a primary. Party officials said that Atkinson Beazer and Trevor Walker have indicated their intention to challenge Frank, but in a quick reaction, Frank said that every member has the right to mount a challenge. Frank, the framer of his party's constitution, however hinted that he has unfinished business and would like another shot at the seat for his party. He did not disclose the nature of the unfinished business. >>> At a mini convention held today, the BPMC has selected and ratified its leader, Arthur Nibbs, as its candidate in the upcoming general elections. In response, Nibbs said that he was a proud person to receive the nomination, and the possible subsequent election to the Barbuda seat. He said that he wants to turn a new page and look about the affairs of Barbuda, and that with the newly formed  coalition, Barbuda could benefit. Sources close to the party says that the selection was endorsed by the ALP. >>>

Saturday July 12, 2003: Chairman of the Bendals Community Group, Ewart Isaac, rejected a claim by tourism minister MP Molwyn Joseph, that he, Joseph, brought delapidated houses in the area. Isaac said that the Fibrey residents, who were relocated to Bath Lodge, a part of Bendals, were all welcomed and assisted by residents of Bendals, contrary to what Joseph said >>> Employees of the Ministry of Agriculture are to move in to their new home on Monday. This was disclosed by Chief Lands Officer George Dubery, upon instructions received from his Permanent Secretary. Dubery also disclosed that the occupied space would be much smaller than the previous one held at their former headquarters. Workers worked off the job some months ago after protesting unsanitary conditions there. >>>

Friday July 11, 2003: Tempers flared at the Pigotts Primary School registration center today as a male scrutineer almost beat up on a female. At about 15 minutes before closing time, a Jamaican registration applicant who was attempting to register without adequate credentials, at least that was the opinion of one of the scrutineers, was at the center of a brawl. It was alleged that the current Jamaican passport was in Jamaica, but although she presented an expired one she was unable to convince the scrutineer that she had resided in Antigua for at least three years. It was also alleged that the commission's public relations officer, who was summoned to the center, authorised that the Jamaican should be registered. But the other scrutineer would not have none of that and so all hell broke loose. The sparring scrutineers were parted >>> Queens Counsel Gerald Watt, said that the scrutineers are agents of political parties and not servants of the commission. These comments were in reaction to a letter that was sent to all scrutineers by chairman of the Electoral Commission Mc. Lin Matthias. Also critical of the letter was UPP's legal adviser Justin Simon, who said that the commission could not fire any scrutineer since they were not appointed by them. He said further that the political parties are the ones who recruit and appoint the scrutineers while the commission pays them a stipend. The remarks were made while they both appeared this evening on Observer Radio's "Have Your Say" with Dr. Edmund Mansoor. Meanwhile UPP's candidate for St. John's Rural North John Maginley, who also appeared as a panelist on the programme, said that the registration process could be smoother if all parties work together. Maginley said that members of the commission should have gone out in the field to observe the runnings at the registration centers. >>> 

Thursday July 10, 2003: A prospective independent candidate in the upcoming general elections, said that he could not deserve better from the people of St. John's Rural West. George "Bachannal" Walker was encouraged by the turnout to a branch meeting which he had called last night. Walker, who recently resigned from the ALP, conducted a listening tour some months ago, and was thrilled to see that over 60 persons showed up in light of the fact that the two major political parties are well represented in the area. >>> This might sound like a joke but it is for real. The branch meeting held by George "Bachannal" Walker seems to have attracted a combination of nationals and non-nationals. Now here is the real part. A spanish national who attended and who apparently have not been keeping abreast with the latest developments in the country, especially with Walker resigning from the ALP, walked up to him and said, "I votin' for you and Lester Bird" >>> Three members of the ruling ALP, met with members of the Electoral Commission today. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise themselves with the operations of the election body. The ALP delegation included chairman Vere Bird Jr., tourism minister Molwyn Joseph and General Secretary Llewellyn Smith. >>> Scrutineers who are representing the UPP in the registration process, met with party officials at the A&BWU  hall this evening to discuss their experiences during the process. Chairing the meeting was opposition leader Baldwin Spencer, but noticeably absent were most of the candidates that are slated to run on the party ticket. Although the letter from commission chairman Mc. Lin Matthias was the feature item, the consensus was to articulate ways of harmonizing a good working relationship with electoral officials. Meanwhile the participants remained silent on the possibility of taking the commission to court over certain contents of the letter. >>> UPP candidate Eleston "Nambalumbu Nambalala" Adams is crying foul. Adams alleges that the registration officer of St. Paul meets regularly at nights to discuss the days work with the area representative. But in a sharp response, a scrutineer for the area refuted the claim saying the the statement was untrue. Area representative Dr. Rodney Williams did not comment >>> King Onyon, lobster dance and crab (more to follow) >>>

Wednesday July 9, 2003: The Electoral Commission has issued letters to all scrutineers outlining a policy in relation to their activities and conduct while observing the registration process. The July 8 letter, written by chairman Mc. Lin Matthias, said among other things that printed forms are not allowed near the registration booths and that scrutineers would be provided with a pad and pen to assist them in their exercise. Meanwhile in a swift reaction to the letter, the UPP says that it would be scheduling a meeting with its scrutineers tomorrow evening with a view to discussing the contents of the letter, and raise the issue of the said letter with lawyers for a possible court showdown  >>> A Caricom delegation of Prime Ministers is expected to head to Washington, D.C in the near future in order to attempt to achieve a reversal of the blacklisting of six Caribbean countries who supported the International Criminal Court (ICC) contrary to US wishes. Although Antigua/Barbuda is one of the six countries, it is not known if this country's Prime Minister will form part of the delegation >>> The Electoral Commission said that it was very concerned about the slow turnout of persons eligible to register to vote. The commission noted that it has learnt that many persons were waiting to exercise their right in the final week of July, but equally it has warned that registration centers could only accomodate a limited number of persons at a time >>> 

Tuesday July 8, 2003: A candidate hopeful in the upcoming general elections has called it quits. Norris Morris Harris of Barbuda, tipped to contest the seat on behalf of the First Christian Democratic Movement (FCDM), has resigned from the organisation. (more to follow) >>> UPP candidate for St. Peter Joanne Massiah, has announced that most of her concerns raised with the Electoral Commission have been settled. Massiah did not identify the different matters, but reported that the most recent concern was that persons were allegedly  being coerced to surrender their registration receipt for safe keeping. The receipts she said, were to be placed in a vault >>> Commissioner Bishop Ewing Dorsette says that the Electoral Commission does not have any official reports of persons being approached to surrender their registration receipts for safe keeping. However he suggested that it would have been a wise move for anyone who has been approached, to report it >>> The body of the late Ednetta Parker was laid to rest today ( more to follow). >>> The Election Commission has advised registration applicants not to give their receipts to anyone for safe keeping. The commission in their release did not confirm if their most recent statement would have been triggered from any reports that they have would received  from registrants >>> Jamaican and Guyanese have turned out in higher numbers to register to date, ahead of Antiguans and others, in the City East constituency'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Monday July 7, 2003:  The re-registration of voters in Antigua/Barbuda resumes today. However the Caricom Day holiday did not materialise in more persons turning up to register. It was also a day where weathermen warned persons to stay away from the beach due to the presence of strong gusts for the next 48 hours >>> Prime Minister Bird accuses the United States of double standard. Bird was commenting on the fact that a plea bargain between the United States and ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, for the US to get 70% of of the US$90 million lodged in an Antiguan offshore bank, could not be fair. However he said that that issue is a presently a court matter >>> A school teacher who tried to apply for a summer job with the Electoral Commission and was turned down, because only unemployed applicants would be considered, was surprised to note that when she showed up at a registration center to be registered, all of the persons on duty were full time employees elsewhere >>> Supervisor of Election Lorna Simon visited the City East registration centers yesterday. Simon was accompanied by a female employee from the Electoral Office of Jamaica >>> Sources close to the Electoral Commission have confirmed that data entry clerks who have applied to the commission, have been notified to attend interviews tomorrow. The commission apparently is short staffed, and have not been able to meet its target based on its workload >>> The head of a household in St. Mary's North is a very worried man. He said that members of his family went to register last Tuesday at a center from what they understood was designated by the commission based on their bulletins. Unfortunately when he turned up at the same center on Friday to be registered, he was advised that he should go to another venue >>> Public relations officer of the UPP Dean Jonas is not a happy man. Jonas said that the registration officer for St. Phillip South presumably called a meeting of registration clerks and scrutineers for Sunday (yesterday) without an agenda, without any consideration that they would have been on the job officiating from 7am to 6pm daily, and that they would have their families to take care of. It would appear that the UPP boycotted the meeting, since they were of the view that only officials from the electoral office could sanction such a meeting. Jonas alleged that the registration officer was not satisfied with the way that forms were being filled out and that a  person or persons unknown are deliberately writing on forms after they have been signed by scrutineers. Jonas said that he tried to bring certain urgent matters to the attention of Deputy Commissioner Bruce Goodwin but was surprised to receive a brush off from him. He contended that Goodwin advised him to send a letter of complaint to the commission, but that such a letter could take days to be addressed >>> 

Sunday July 6, 2003: Political parties are concerned about  the low re-registration turnout (more to follow) >>> PM Bird returned back from Jamaica while attending a heads of government meeting. The heads worked on the establishment of a European type Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). Bird will chair Caricom as of next year >>> Thieves broke into the branch office of UPP candidate Harold Lovell. The City East building was relieved of its computer.

Saturday July 5, 2003: A senior staffer of the passport office was observed delivering a document to an individual in the vicinity of a spanish bar in St. Johnsons Village. Being suspicious, the observer went closer and recognised that it was an Antigua/Barbuda passport being delivered. As he announced his displeasure, he noted that both the staffer and the recipient were then acting nervous. He next threatened to tell Observer Radio and so the staffer immediately got into a waiting vehicle and sped away. He said that the number plate of the vehicle had in the first and last digits from numbers one to nine >>> Independent candidate for St. George Cardinal King, said that it was hard to call some members of parliament "honourable". King was responding to questions raised by the Serpent on his show, "the snake pit" on Observer Radio. Although he did not identify any of them, King also said that to be tempted is no sin, but when one yields to temptation, that is sin. He concluded that some sanity is needed in the House of Representatives >>> At the conclusion of the first official week of re-registration, an ALP parliamentarian says that his party was ahead of the game. Gaston Browne, the sitting parliamentarian of City West, also said that the efforts of his party in the pre-registration campaign, has paid dividents >>> A number of persons who have participated in the re-registration process this week have been recalled to do over the process. In Rural East alone, 60 persons have been identified. But the messengers who have been knocking on people's doors have not been associated with the Electoral Commission. The electoral rules state that if an application has been rejected, that applicant must be given documents to confirm the rejection and the reasons for it. The persons who were contacted were told that there were errors associated with their fingerprints. The electoral office have neither confirmed nor denied the recall.

Friday July 4, 2003: Hours after the official opening of the new branch office for the OND, it was reported that their headquarters was broken into overnight. Police confirmed that the entry to the headquarters was made through a rear bathroom window where louvers were removed. Apart from cabinet files being searched, items including bottled drinks, a transformer and a gas lamp were missing >>> Bishop Ewing Dorsette has confirmed that there are glitches presently being experienced during the re-registration process, but he is also confident that things will sort itself out. As a caller on "Wake Up Caribbean" on Observer Radio, Dorsette reassured the nation that the re-registration process could be achieved, but also asked residents and nationals to speak out against any irregularities that they might have observed. Dorsette said that the Electoral Commission was on the lookout for fraudulent documents, that it is seeking to standardise its procedures and that written guidelines would be given to scrutineers in the midst of uncertainty of their role. Dorsette also said that the process is a legitimate one that could provide a clean voters list for the electorate. He said that his comments were based on him being a christian leader and not as spokesperson for the commission >>> While PM Bird was busy toasting the 30th anniversary of the life of Caricom with other Caribbean leaders in Jamaica, a whole page ad, unsympathetic to Antigua/Barbuda, graced that country's newspapers. Captioned "Antigua For Integrity", Harry Mungosingh of Colonial Homes of Trinidad and Tobago, explained that a message is needed to be sent to Caricom leaders that people should think twice before doing business in Antigua, and that a wide range of questions are required to be asked. PM Bird have not reacted to the  advertisement >>> Leader of the BPMC Arthur Nibbs, said that his party was at a disadvantage in the re- registration process. His remarks came after his party's failure to appoint scrutineers and that only party's represented in parliament could do so. He hope that the law could be amended before the general elections so as to give recognition to other political parties and independent candidates. Meanwhile chairman of the Barbuda Council Fabian Jones said that the BPMC and the ALP was represented jointly by Emile John. Nibbs did not refute the claim >>> Chairman of the Electoral Commission Mc. Lin Matthias, paid a visit to a registration center at Clare Hall Secondary School. It was alleged that his visit was to diffuse a serious situation which had developed there. Matthias apparently made certain decisions to bring things under control but such decisions were overturned later in the day by the Supervisor of Elections, Lorna Simon. The complaint was made by UPP public relations officer Dean Jonas >>> Registration center Division A in St. Peter is much cause for confusion. So says Joanne Massiah, the UPP candidate for the area. Massiah said that registration officers at that division were interfering with the performance of the scrutineers. The Electoral Commission have not responded to Massiah's claim to date >>> Bad blood is brewing in All Saints West as reports reaching Antigua/Barbuda Politics  confirm that the registration officer tore up the documents that were used by a scrutineer to log her data from the day's activities >>> The scrutineer who rejected the application of a prospective voter in the constituency of St. John's City South on grounds that the applicant could not satisfy registration clerks through documentation that that person was eligible to vote, was pulled from the  scrutineer team. No reason was given for his suspension and neither was he accorded a disciplinary hearing >>> The Electoral Commission is seeking to standardise its procedures. After a review meeting with registration officers, it was decided that written guidelines would be most appropriate for officers in the discharge of their duties >>> The government printery in St. John's has advised that they were not contracted to print registration forms used in the re-registration process. This disclosure has dismissed any link between the recent breakins and the discovery of registration forms in St. John's. There is also confirmation from a source in the office of the Electoral Commission, that the registration forms used in the re-registration process were printed in Jamaica >>> A call has been made for the Electoral Commission of Antigua to publish the details of the contract between itself and its counterpart in Jamaica. Current affairs and political analyst of Observer Radio Arvel Grant, said that the controversy surrounding the active involvement of a female member of the Jamaican training contingent, who visited registration centers to give orders, should be cause for concern. He said that if her involvement was limited to acting as a consultant to the Antiguans at a policy level, then she should not have been seen anywhere near the booth, much less giving instructions. There was no reaction from the office of the Electoral Commission >>>  The first branch office of the OND was opened today in the St. John's Rural East Constituency. Cutting the ribbon to declare the office open was Mrs. Cornelia Michael, a community development officer for the area. The branch office is located at the corner of Codrington Road and ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, in St. Johnson's village >>> Interim chairman of the OND Glentis Goodwin, said that his party was aiming for an equitable distribution of the nation's resources. The remarks were made at the OND's first public rally at the newly opened branch in St. John's Rural East. Goodwin, who described his party as the party of first choice, said that the state of the economy would be job number one should his party were to win the government. Other speakers echoed the call for the re-introduction of personal income tax >>> Caretaker leader of the Antigua Freedom Party George Rick James, said that a "rainbow" alliance between opposition forces, would be the real solution to a true democracy in Antigua/Barbuda. He highlighted the danger of exchanging one monopoly government for another, while extending fraternal greetings to the OND on behalf of the AFP. James was a specially invited guest at the opening of the OND's new branch office, and has the strong belief that the AFP and the OND share similar philosophies >>> Provisional registrants for the period July 1st to July 5th on the new voters list for Antigua/Barbuda are as follows : All Saints East & St. Luke 563, All Saints West 292, Barbuda    , St. George 612, St. John's City East 345, St. John's City South 281, St. John's City West 355, St. John Rural East 732, St. John Rural North 530, St. John Rural South 580, St. John Rural West 730, St. Mary's North 809, St. Mary's South 313, St. Paul    , St. Peter 477, St. Phillip North 259 and St. Phillip South 222.

Thursday July 3, 2003:" Lightning does not strike twice at the same place", so says a caller on Observer Radio's "Wake Up Caribbean" programme. The caller was not convinced that the famous Keithley Nedd could have been in the right place at the right time to alert officials of passports and registration forms >>> An official from the office of the Electoral Commission was lobbying management of a popular radio station to see if they could persuade one of its on-air personalities to apologise for certain remarks made. Well placed sources say that since the official was not successful in his bid, the request was made to the station itself. A refrigerator in hell apparently could not cool things down >>> A scrutineer could be in hot water if a candidate in the upcoming general elections have his way. It was alleged that a prospective female voter, born in Dominica, went to a registration center, armed with an Antiguan passport in her name, with the intention of getting registered. With the fresh Antiguan passport issued in May 2003, the registration clerk advised the scrutineers that the prospective applicant was a citizen of Antigua/Barbuda by decent. When asked by one of the scrutineers if she had any other documents, the lady produced only her dominican birth certificate. She was then asked for her naturalisation certificate and a dominican passport so as to establish when did she arrive in Antigua and if she has lived in the country in excess of three years. She could not produce either and neither would she be able to satisfy the workers that she was in a position to produce same at a later time. The application was denied. It would appear that some time later the candidate confronted his party's scrutineer and criticised him for not allowing the application, since the process of claims and objections was an option to follow. There were an exchange of words between them >>> A 20 year-old Guyanese male was denied registration at a registration center in St. John's City South. The gentleman in question arrived at the center with an Antigua/Barbuda naturalization certificate dated May 24, 2003. He also had an Antigua/Barbuda passport issued to him four days later. When a scrutineer asked him where did he spend his 20th birthday and if he had ever been to school in Antigua, he replied that it was "Guyana" for the first and "no" for the second. The scriutineer, which was the same one involved in the denial of the Dominican lady above, rejected his application.

Wednesday July 2, 2003: A batch of registration forms that were to be used in the official registration process were found in the streets on Fort Road. Keithley Nedd, best remembered as the person who made the link to identify sniper John Mohammed to US authorities, was the person to have stumbled on the forms all wet in a gutter on the street. Nedd recalled that this morning he arose early on a mission just to observe the activities at a registration center and possibly register if time was permitted. While there watching people going to and fro, police attached to the registration center, became curious and enquired of his reason for being there. He became reluctant to reveal his reasons and so after a while left the area. But not too far from the registration center, Nedd stumbled on the forms. Nedd returned to the said center with the wet forms, asking registration personnel if the forms in his possession at the time were the ones used in the registration process. There, he was completely ignored by all present. In fact, personnel there sought the assistance of the police to remove him from the center. Nedd went outside, placed the found forms in the back of his parked vehicle and then took up his former position of watching and besetting. Moments later, a vehicle full of police officers, under command of a  female officer, arrived to enquire of his reasons for being there. Not being pleased with their approach, Nedd refused to  co-operate. As those officers left, a battalion of three vehicles of police officers arrived on the scene. They enquired, and he was not obliged to answer due to their crude behaviour, in his estimation. As they threatened to arrest him, Nedd challenged them to do so, and also doubted them that they could not infringe on his rights. He then left them, advising them also, that he was going to Radio Observer to show them up. Nedd arrived at the popular radio station, and was in time to tell his experience to the prime time audience. The discovery of the registration forms sent shock waves nationwide, since the Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commissioner Bruce Goodwin, assured all and sundry that the system was fool proof. However, Goodwin later confirmed that the discovery of the forms were due to human error >>> The government printery has been broken into. This disclosure was made after it was discovered that a batch of registration forms used in the re-registration process were found in the streets of St. John's. Police has confirmed reports that on two consecutive days this week  the printery was broken into, and that investigations are ongoing. Printery workers could only confirm that a transistor radio was the only item that has been unaccounted for to date, however they are reluctant to confirm the printing source of the forms and if the recent discovery in St. John's are in any way linked >>> Differences of opinion brewed among scrutineers, registration clerks and observers in St. John's Rural East. A prospective voter, who was allegedly in the country for one year, was allowed to be registered even though some protested. Party officials attached to the scrutineer, is of the view that everyone can be registered, but that their application can be cancelled in the end after a challenge >>> A number of persons who are longtime residents of of St. John's City West, are likely to be registered in St. Peter. Political observers believe that the longtime on again and off again feud between the sitting ALP parliamentarian of City West  and the ratified ALP candidate for St. Peter were at it again. The game this time around is to huff voters  >>>  The Electoral Commission has stated that the issue of an official registration form found on the street was blown out of proportion by Observer Radio. The find was not cause for alarm since it was just plain and simple human error >>> Doubt has been cast on the selection of persons used to officiate in the re-registration process. So says Joanne Massiah, the UPP candidate for St. Peter. Massiah has written to the Electoral Commission to bring to their attention, among other things, that one of the persons used to officiate, was a deportee from the United States. She contends that if the situation was not regularised , the whole re-registration process in St. Peter could be undermined >>>  Interim Secretary- General of the OND Valerie Samuel, said that her party is slated to go to convention in late July to ratify its candidate and political leader  >>> A former minister of government was hospitalised after a possible case of suspected poison (more to follow) >>> A new independent candidate has declared his intention to contest the St. George seat at the next general elections. Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Cardinal Augustus Theophilus Nocelus King said that both major political parties have failed the people of St. George. Addressing over 60 persons at a hurriedly convened meeting in Potters, King said that he has no intention of giving out ham nor turkey, but vowed to ensure proper representation, by wanting to be the type of representative with a difference. King says that his representation would allow him to become a servant of the people and not their boss, seemingly  as how others practice it. Lobbying carefully and persistently for the youths seem to hold some priority. The Potters born King says that he will hold similar meetings in other areas of the constituency before a major launch. He had also specially invited independent MP Sherfield Bowen and George "Bachannal" Walker to address the gathering.

Tuesday July 1, 2003: Re-registration of eligible voters in Antigua and Barbuda began today. The exercise, which took place in 54 registration centers, began at approximately 7am and concluded at 6pm. But not all registration centers opened on time. Some opened at various times due to multiple number of problems. In fact, one opened pretty close to midday. Up to yesterday afternoon, electoral officials were confident that that all systems were ready to go, but as today progressed, hardly any center was running smoothly. Although complaints and concerns came from left, right and center, electoral officials played down the happenings with a view that certain actions by their own staff would have been discontinued, and that the nightmare encountered by eligible voters would have been cleared up within days. Despite claims by political parties that they have invested a considerable amount of time and money promoting and educating persons on the process, many in Antigua/Barbuda were not aware that today was registration day. In fact a considerable amount of persons were of the view that they did not need to re-register after doing so some time ago. But fist time voters, some of whom who would have turned 18 since the last official registration some two years ago, were more than excited. Prospective candidates in the upcoming general elections were very busy playing a role in the exercise. In fact, it could be seen as a dress rehearsal for the main event. Although many persons welcome the long awaited exercise most were not too kind to the organisers for some of the humiliation and experiences that they have encountered at polling centers. The Electoral Commission did not issue any dress code in the taking of a facial photographs for the ID card by clerks, but some were turned back because of the way that they were dressed. As a matter of fact, one registration center ran out of film for their  polaroid camera after taking eight photographs. Some centers also ran out of registration forms and one could not operate for some time because of the absence of a proper backdrop curtain. There was a communication mix up at Potters Primary School. The process was halted sometime after commencement when it was discovered that the wrong classroom was being used.

Monday June 30, 2003: The general public was not amused that public relations officer for the Electoral Commission Peter Gordon could not sensitise their starved starved appetite on the eve of re-registration (more to follow) >>>  Prime Minister Bird heads to Jamaica today (more to follow) >>> Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission Bruce Goodwin, made a last minute public relations appearance on Observer Radio Monday evening. Goodwin was apparently doing damage control in order to satisfy an irate general public who was eager to hear and learn more of the re-registration exercise, but missed out on the opportunity after their dissatisfaction with the way in which the commission's public relations officer Peter Gordon handled himself this morning. Goodwin admitted that Gordon has had many years of experience in the field, but that his exposure to the operations of the commission was somewhat limited. Goodwin made some telling remarks while answering calls on the programme. He said that all systems were ready to go and that they were were in impeccable condition. Goodwin assured the audience that the only way that security could be breached was if anyone turn up with a bogus passport. As to the safe keeping of documents at the end of each day, Goodwin said that Registration Officers are allowed to take home filled out registration forms overnight. The listening public were not comfortable with such a disclosure, but Goodwin contended that it did not matter, since any forms that were associated with any controversy, would automatically be voided from the system.

Sunday June 29, 2003: ALP held a special emergency convention at the Royal Antiguan Hotel (more to follow) >>> Prime Minister Lester Bird said that the Antigua Labour Party has 35 to 38% of Antiguan support, but that the non-national vote would definitely put his party well above the top to victory. Bird made these comments shortly after the conclusion of a special emergency convention of his party. >>> Part two of the People's Parliament was held today at the Rising Sun Cricket Grounds (more to follow).

Friday June 27, 2003: The headquarters of the Antigua Labour Party was all buzz all week as members and prospective members trod up and down the steps of their St. Mary's Street office to regularise the status of their membership ahead of the June 29 emergency convention. One of the officials involved with the process said that it was very encouraging. The convention takes place at The Royal Antiguan Hotel on June 29 >>> Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission Bruce Goodwin, announced that the Emanuel building on Old Parham Road, which was identified as one of the registration centers in the upcoming re-registration process, will cease to be considered. In its place, the Clare Hall Secondary School will be used.

Thursday June 26, 2003: UPP candidate for St. John Rural East Dr. Errol Cort, has written to the Electoral Commission objecting to one of the centers that would be used in the process of re-registration. Cort has advised the Commission that one of the buildings identified, is currently the residence of Theresa Emanuel, the ALP branch chairman for that constituency. Meanwhile Cort, who later in the evening addressed a townhall gathering, has advised the public that they should get involved with the process in order to help eliminate such acts. Cort further stressed that at a meeting of the Commission earlier in the day with members of the UPP who were protesting the act, he noted that there was dissent in the ranks of the Commission over the matter >>> UPP candidate for St. John City South Lenworth Johnson, held a townhall meeting at the Methodist Church Hall.

Wednesday June 25, 2003: Ednetta Virginia Amelia Parker, the Independent candidate who contested the St. Mary's South seat in the 1999 general elections, passed away in New York, USA today, after a bout with cancer. Ms. Parker, 52,  a government worker, was a lifetime member of the Antigua Labour Party. She was also active in community affairs, and a specialist in the field of music. Her body will be returned to Antigua for burial >>> The Electoral Commission have released a list of fifty-two centers that will be used in its programme of re-registration >>> PM Bird was expected to make a very important announcement today but cabinet sources said that he was unable to. No reasons were given. However, today's cabinet meeting was aborted until Friday. >>> A cabinet caucus met and made recommendations to PM Bird as to the distribution of portfolios in his next cabinet (more to follow) >>>                             

Tuesday June 24, 2003: Public relations officer to the Electoral Commission Peter Gordon, said that its not that the Commission is not doing any work, but that they will have to intensify their campaign on re-registration. Gordon was responding to concerns raised by callers to a call-in programme on Observer Radio >>> Sherfield Bowen could not keep his appearance date on Observer Radio's "Voice Of The People" today. His non-appearance was marred due to a court hearing and a meeting with the UPP. >>> Antigua/Barbuda today challenged the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) requesting that a panel be set up to settle a dispute between the two countries. Making that request before the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body in Geneva, Switzerland, was the country's UK High Commissioner, Sir Ronald Sanders. Sanders said that despite its size, reliance on tourism and it's vulnerability to hurricanes, Antigua/Barbuda's efforts to diversify its economy and embark on the internet gambling trade, has caused the United States to pass laws to restrict its economic survival. The event could possibly play out itself as David versus Goliath.

Monday June 23, 2003: A routine meeting between MP Sherfield Bowen and the UPP was postponed today. No details were given >>> Listeners to an Observer Radio programme "Have Your Say", bombarded it with calls to its call-in segment, directing questions related to re-registration. The host and panel were unable to address the concerns raised by the callers. Re-registration of eligible voters in Antigua and Barbuda is slated to begin on July 1st and would run until the end of the month.

Sunday June 22, 2003: Longford Jeremy lays blame on the UPP for not signing on to a document that would have cemented a coalition relationship, when four ALP dissidents resigned their party whip. Jeremy also chided Asot Michael for his alleged "bad behaviour" as a minister and was pleased that he (Jeremy) got what he wanted in the resignation of Michael. He went on further to say that a recent poll revealed that should Asot Michael run on the ALP ticket in the next general elections, surely the ALP would have lost the chance of re-election. Jeremy made the disclosure  in an exclusive interview with Observer Radio's Everton Barnes but did not identify the source which conducted the poll >>> Sherfield Bowen did not confirm nor deny the disclosure by Longford Jeremy that the UPP failed to sign on to a coalition understanding, instead he said that it would not have been prudent to comment in the absence of collaborated response between himself and the UPP. He further remarked that talks with the UPP were ongoing >>> The long awaited mock parliament organised by MP Sherfield Bowen was deemed to be edifying by the many persons who attended. Participating were real parliamentarians, MP's Sherfield Bowen, Bernard Percival and Nathaniel "Nat Moses" Francis. Missing the event was MP Hilroy Humphreys who was delayed in St. Lucia, while despicably absent were the other three MP's for the UPP as well as that of Barbuda. Speaker of the house was played by attorney Al James while Bernard "Bachannal" Walker officiated as clerk to parliament. Fifteen items were down on the order paper in the real style and fashion  as the real parliament, including questions to ministers, private member motions and bills. The bills including ranging subject acts on integrity, corruption and racketeering, while the motion was one of "no confidence" in the Prime Minister. The well attended event was held under the historic Bethesda Tamarind Tree >>> !!!BREAKING NEWS!!!...!!!BREAKING NEWS!!!...!!!BREAKING NEWS!!!..A new record breaker in the Richards Family (more to follow)

Saturday June 21, 2003: George "Bachannal" Walker resigns from the Antigua Labour Party (more to follow) >>> Prime Minister Bird held a community explosion at the JSC Basketball Complex.

Friday June 20, 2003: Longford Jeremy turns his back on his fellow dissidents and return to the ALP. As a result, Lester Bird now has a 9-8 majority in Parliament as Jeremy and six other loyalists sign over their loyalty to him. Absent loyalist Dr. Rodney Williams, is expected to sign on his return from an overseas trip >>> Asot Michael addresses the nation (more to follow) >>> Speaker of the House, Dame Bridgette Harris, has written to MP Sherfield Bowen, advising among other things, that his "motion of no confidence" would not be placed on the order paper and therefore would not be heard in a session of parliament. Dame Bridgette has also advised Bowen that the language used in the motion could be imputing improper motive against another member >>> MP Sherfield Bowen is not convinced that Dame Bridgette Harris has given any reason why she did not place his "motion of no confidence" on the order paper in parliament. In a brief comment upon receiving Dame Bridgette's letter, Bowen said that he would reply asking for reasons...AFP and OND held exploratory talks >>> UPP held a public meeting at the Clare Hall Triangle. At that meeting, Spencer disclosed that his party would set up a committee to work out the details of his party's participation in Sunday's mock parliament organised by independent MP Sherfield Bowen. Spencer also refuted claims that his party had approached Senator Asot Michael to hop on board the UPP wagon and that he was also prepared to debate the motion of no confidence in Parliament.

Thursday June 19, 2003: Bernard Percival was cleared by the High Court to seek a judicial review from the MBS Report  >>> Hilroy Humphreys was arrested and charged with 17 counts. Bail was granted in the sum of EC$120,000. He applied for and was given leave to travel on a business trip and surrendering his travel documents on his return. One of his alleged accomplices, Jennifer Joseph, was also arrested and given bail >>> As the PM was given an ultimatum by his loyal Parliamentarians, Asot Michael tendered his resignation as a Minister of government (more to follow) >>> British American Insurance wins its appeal case against the Antigua Government, at a court hearing in Tortola. Companies and individuals who are forced to pay assessment charges by the Inland Revenue Department before appeal may not be required to do so anymore based on the ruling >>> Governor General Sir James Carlisle, left the island today on a plane bound for Canada. No official announcement was made of his trip, the length of the trip was unknown and no disclosure was made as to his deputy. Unofficial reports confirm that Sir James is expected to travel further afield with London, England as his final destination. Sources say that a relative of Sir James would be graduating in London >>> The Antigua Labour Party join the re-registration wagon by producing individual colourful brochures of its candidates with a theme "Voting Is Your Democratic Right...Register To Vote". The exercise is designed to assist potential voters >>> The leadership of the UPP is under pressure from its deputy leader Wilmouth Daniel. Sources inside the party says that Daniel is not pleased with the way that the party is embracing MP Sherfield Bowen. His sentiments have also received support from some in the rank and file. Daniel is alleged to have instigated the reprimand of four UPP candidates who participated in the Bethesda Tamarind Tree rally last Sunday. It is also believed that he may want to recommend to his party not participate in any activities organised by Bowen in the area >>> Jacqui Quinn-Leandro held a motorcade and rally in the St. George constiuency >>> While residents came to grip with Asot Michael's resignation, the former Minister celebrated all night with bottles of champagne. He also partied as a singer at the carnival splash at Joemike's >>> Gaston Browne meets with the dissidents at an undisclosed location >>> A prospective candidate, who declined at the last moment to forego participation in his party's selection process, was the victim of a lost love. Sources confirm that his spouse moved out of the couple's dwelling home

Wednesday June 18, 2003: Four ALP Parliamentarians, Sherfield Bowen, Hilroy Humphreys, Longford Jeremy and Bernard Percival, have resigned their party whip and will sit as independents. This move has left Lester Bird with a 8-9 minority government; ALP holds emergency executive meeting. Bird defied once more by embracing Asot >>> A sitting ALP parliamentarian in the House of Representative can no longer call his residence his home. Could his dear wife be the one to call that shot? (more to follow) >>> Four UPP candidates in the upcoming general elections, were served with letters to explain the role that they have played while attending the rally at the historic Bethesda Tamarind Tree last Sunday. Secretary Bertrand Joseph was charged with the responsibility of contacting MP's Charlesworth Samuel and Hilson "Brother B" Baptiste, along with prospects Chanlah Codrington and Winston Williams.  The event was organised by MP Sherfield Bowen. In the midst of a stone throwing incident, allegedly designed to disrupt the event, both Codrington and Williams ran to the organiser's rescue, who was at the time addressing the captive audience. Codrington offered prayers and Williams was instrumental in getting a person from the audience to raise a popular gospel song. It was not disclosed as to what explanation the candidates gave but party insiders say that the selected UPP candidate for the area, who was not present at the event was not pleased upon learning that his fellow candidates were assisting a competing candidate for the area.

Tuesday June 17, 2003: Public reaction has caused the PM to announce that he will be going to the polls on a clean list. Bird also defied his Parliamentarians by publicly recognising Asot Michael.

Monday June 16, 2003: The Santo Domingo driver who attempted to run over a police officer early yesterday morning, has turned himself in. He is expected to be charged with two counts of attempted murder, malicious damage and reckless driving. Meanwhile, injured police constable Wendell Audain, who suffered hand and chest injuries from the incident, has gone on sick leave >>> ALP has resumed its selection process of candidates and has selected Elmore Charles (St. Phillp South), Terry Ephraim (St. Mary's South) and Johnson Southwell (All Saints East and St. Luke) to contest seats on its behalf... Prime Minister Lester Bird said that there could be an early poll in September or October of this year, but also hinted that it could be called on the old voters list >>> Parliamentarians loyal to Lester met with him to recommend Asot Michael's dismissal as a Minister. Another secret agreement from that meeting was for the Prime Minister to publicly apologise to MP Sherfield Bowen and to appoint Bowen as Minister of Finance during Michael's departure from his posts. It was not disclosed as to which of the MP's not seated in the Cabinet was, to assume the role of Deputy Speaker of the House Of Representatives.

Sunday June 15, 2003: A Santo Domingo national is on the run after committing, what police described as, attempted murder on a police officer. Adolfo Thomas, laison officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Santo Domingo community, a government paid post, allegedly ram his vehicle into that of a police officer early this morning. Thomas, who is also a columnist in The Informer newspaper, had suspected that the police officer had an ongoing affair with his companion. The female occupant in the police officer's vehicle escaped unhurt but the said police officer sustained injuries >>> Over 2000 persons showed up at the historic Bethesda Tamarind Tree for a rally organized by MP for St. Phillip South Sherfield Bowen. Speakers included Eutha Meade, Eugene Humphreys, George "Bachannal" Walker, Keva Margetson, MP's Charlesworth Samuel, Hilson "Brother B" Baptiste, Hilroy Humphreys and Sherfield Bowen. The event was marred by a stone throwing incident for a few minutes. As a result, prayers and a religious song were substituted until there was calm. Internationally acclaimed, Maxine Nightingale, was the main entertainer. At that historic gathering Sherfield Bowen also acknowledged the presence of some of his fellow parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle, who were attending the rally as spectators, and some whom in re turn gave brief addresses of support for the fellow parliamentarian's cause >>> PM Lester Bird condemns the presence of any form of violence at rallies. This was in reaction to the stone throwing incident at the rally organized by MP Sherfield Bowen.