John Maginley Statements and Addresses

Fellow Citizens, WORLD AIDS DAY is commemorated around the globe on the 1st of December. It is a special day that celebrates the progress made against the pandemic and focuses on the challenges that remain ahead in combating it.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2005 is “Stop Aids. Keep the Promise”. This theme focuses on keeping the commitments to stop AIDS at all levels: personal, community, organizational, governmental, regional and international. It supports the World AIDS Campaign advocacy efforts for the fulfillment of the UN Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and subsequent policy commitments on AIDS.

Last week, UNAIDS and the World Health Organization released their annual report on the current global situation on HIV/AIDS. The report states that while HIV infection rates have decreased in several countries in Africa and the Caribbean , the global number of people living with HIV continues to rise.

Globally, 40.3 million people are infected with HIV, half of them are women. This has serious social and economic implications particularly in our region where women head many households.

Close to 5 million people were newly infected in 2005, and over half of them are young people between the ages of 15-24, the productive segment of our population.

Some countries in the Caribbean are reporting declines in HIV prevalence. These include Barbados , the Bahamas , Bermuda , Dominican Republic and Haiti . These developments give us cause for guarded optimism and are the result of behaviour changes such as increased condom use, the expansion of voluntary HIV testing and counseling and the availability of treatment.

However, in many regions the AIDS epidemic continues to worsen. The Caribbean Region still has the highest HIV prevalence rate of any region of the world outside of Sub-Saharan Africa. The AIDS epidemic has claimed an estimated 24,000 lives in 2005 making it the leading cause of death among adults aged 15-44 years. A total of 500,000 people are currently living with HIV in the region, including 30,000 people who became infected in 2005.

In Antigua , 520 cases have been reported since 1985. 29 new cases have been diagnosed between January and June of this year. While these figures may appear low, it is important to remember that most people are not aware of their HIV status and so actual figures may be much higher. Now that voluntary counseling and testing is available, we are likely to see an increase in the number of people testing positive.

While the UNAIDS report shows reasons for optimism we must not be complacent and must scale up our efforts to combat the disease. The report recommends that increased HIV prevention and treatment efforts are needed to slow and reverse the AIDS epidemic. It is also important to learn from the countries in our region that have successfully decreased their infection rates.

As part of the National Strategic plan for the expanded response to HIV/AIDS in Antigua and Barbuda , the Government through the Ministry of Health aims to:

1) improve the quality of life for all persons living with HIV/AIDS by providing comprehensive care, treatment and support and to

2) reduce the number of new infections through sustained health promotion campaigns and the prevention of mother to child transmission.

In the past in Antigua and Barbuda , many people did not know their status, there was no treatment available and there was no incentive to know if one was positive or negative. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is currently making available antiretroviral drugs that offer new hope for persons living with HIV as they can improve their quality of life and help them to stay well much longer than they otherwise would.

Additionally, voluntary counseling and testing, also called VCT has been scaled up in Antigua and Barbuda , and people are encouraged to come forward for VCT, which is now available at six health clinics in the community. Anyone wishing to be tested can request an HIV test confidentially at these sites. VCT offers the opportunity to reduce risks of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Newly diagnosed HIV positive patients are also able to receive appropriate medical care and support while those who test negative are able to renew their commitment to stay negative. Treatment availability is therefore a powerful incentive for government to support and individuals to seek out HIV prevention information and VCT.

The care and treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS is a complicated process that requires the efforts of a multidisciplinary health care team. Earlier this year, a clinical care team was appointed. This team headed by Dr Ramsey, the clinical care coordinator, is responsible for providing high quality care to persons living with HIV/AIDS. Through the AIDS Secretariat and the clinical care coordinator the antiretroviral drugs are available free of charge to those who need them. Drugs are also available for the treatment of opportunistic infections that can occur when a persons’ immune system is compromised.

Antiretroviral drugs are also available for pregnant women who test HIV positive. The Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme was introduced in 1998 and to date; the records have shown that babies born to HIV positive mothers who were part of this programme have not contracted HIV. The PMTCT programme in Antigua and Barbuda has been described as a success and also as one of the best in the region.

While antiretroviral drugs are available we must not forget the importance of prevention. Prevention programmes that focus on the ABC message: Abstain, Be Faithful, and Consistent correct use of condoms are endorsed by the Ministry of Health.

Countries that have achieved success in the war on AIDS have done so through a multidimensional approach. The health sector on its own does not have the profile or the power to place and keep AIDS on the political agenda. Powerful players from all key sectors including finance, health, social transformation, education, culture, tourism, youth, sports and business need to be on board. We need to combine the human and financial resources of the government, the private sector, civil society and faith based organization to make an impact on this epidemic. For this reason, my government will appoint a National Advisory Committee to ensure that HIV/AIDS remains a national priority.

A greater involvement of persons living with HIV is also critical to our response to the epidemic. The Health, Hope and HIV Network is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to the enlightenment, and empowerment of persons living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Partnerships with such organizations are essential, as persons living with HIV need to have a say in the programme and policy decisions that affect them.

Stigma and discrimination against a person because of their HIV status have reduced the efforts to control the epidemic and are a major cause of the spread of this disease. Stigma can prevent people from negotiating safer sex, taking an HIV test, disclosing their status to their partners or seeking treatment, even when it is available. Discrimination drives the epidemic underground. Many people have been denied their jobs, insurance coverage, work permits and freedom of movement because of their HIV status. Early next year, we will undertake a law, ethics and human rights review in order to review national policy and legislation and address HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination.

One can support World AIDS Day by raising the issue of HIV and AIDS awareness in the home, schools or workplace. Also one can wear a red ribbon as a sign of support for persons living with HIV and a symbol of hope for the future. We also want to remember our friends and colleagues that we have lost.

I would like to encourage you to get involved in the number of activities organized during this week by the AIDS Secretariat and the many nongovernmental organizations that have joined hands to support this cause.

This weekend, the Health, Hope and HIV Network will be organizing a Walk A Thon on Saturday the 3 rd December. Also, the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association in collaboration with the AIDS Secretariat will be staging a double header on Sunday 4th December at the Antigua Recreation Grounds as part of the World AIDS Day celebrations.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff of the AIDS Secretariat for their continued dedication to the fight. I would like to thank those agencies and private business places that have helped to create awareness by wearing the Red Ribbon today as a symbol of solidarity.

The World AIDS Campaign call to stop AIDS encourages everyone everywhere to be part of the solution. As governments, communities and individuals, we must work together to prevent HIV, to treat every person living with HIV with respect and dignity, and to support programmes to provide care and treatment. World AIDS Day is the perfect time for every individual, community and government to recommit themselves to these ideals. Together let us” Stop AIDS: Keep the promise.”

Dr Julianne Steel-Duncan, Dr Lester Simon, Dr Kiran, Dr Dane Abbott, Nurses Quallis and Marc

On behalf of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda , I would like to extend a warm welcome to the participants attending this workshop on HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment.

I am happy to see so many health professionals here today attending this important workshop, which aims to strengthen and improve the clinical management of the HIV-infected patient.

The Caribbean Region has the second highest HIV prevalence rate of any region of the world after Sub-Saharan Africa and 9 of the 12 countries with the highest HIV prevalence in the Americas are in the Caribbean basin.

Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are becoming increasingly accessible to those who need them, and with the growth in resources from the Global Fund, the World Bank, and other donors, this accessibility promises to become even greater in the very near future.

While this is an extremely positive development, it highlights the urgent need to continue to develop the infrastructure for providing this care.

It is also equally important to train health care providers from across the Caribbean Region who will be counseling and testing for HIV.

Equally important for continued training are those charged with managing and administering therapies for HIV-infected individuals.

Earlier this week, health care providers had the opportunity to become familiar with the teachback methodology particularly focusing on the prevention of mother to child transmission.

Over the next two days, pharmacists, physicians and nurses will have the opportunity to participate in an HIV/AIDS care and treatment workshop which will promote the multidisciplinary team approach to HIV/AIDS care and support.

The availability of Anti-Retrovirals (ARVS) offer new hope for persons living with HIV/AIDS as they can improve their quality of life and help them to stay well much longer than they otherwise would.

The care and treatment of persons living with HIV/AIDS is a complicated process that requires the efforts of a multidisciplinary health care team.

The patient is a very important member of the team and should be fully involved in his or her care.

Over the next two days many important topics will be covered, such as the combination of drugs used, the adherence to the drug regimen, the role of the laboratory, opportunistic infections and the prevention of mother to child transmission.

Adherence is an essential part of treatment and it highlights the importance of patient education and their involvement in their own treatment.

I also welcome this opportunity to update health care personnel on the protocols and guidelines used in the treatment and care of HIV/AIDS patients as a standard approach will maximize effectiveness.

I would like to acknowledge those persons who have played an integral role in the organization of the workshop and would like to thank Dr. Ramsey also Mrs. Weston APM and the staff of the AIDS Secretariat for their efforts in coordinating the workshop. We are also very fortunate to have such a group of experts facilitating the workshop.

We all have our role to play in the prevention and control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our country and region.

By participating in this training and applying what we know and what we will learn, we will all become integral members of a team that will greatly improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.

One of the basic concepts identified in the Global Strategy of Health for All is the development of the health system infrastructure starting with primary health care for the delivery of programmes to reach the whole population. This Health for All Strategy emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. It also recognizes that in order to sustain these actions there will be on-going need for information exchange, technical support, and training as well as coordination within the health sector and between the health and other sectors.

Last November, the government of Antigua and Barbuda was privileged to host the annual CFNI National Nutrition Coordinators meeting for the first time. I wish to acknowledge the technical support which has been provided by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute and the Caribbean Programme Coordination Office of PAHO and to express my Governments appreciation for their continued assistance.

This workshop is yet another example of the commitment of the Ministry of Health to provide opportunities for training of staff for the delivery of the best possible standard of care to the population, in keeping with the Health for All Strategy.

Health Care delivery involves several partners and various categories of personnel who although responsible for different functions, share in the common goal of improving the quality of life of our people. The nutritional management of diabetes, obesity and hypertension is a cost effective approach to treatment. It is worthy of note that different members of the health care team are being brought together in this forum to focus on the dietary management of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. This points to the fact that no one group of professionals can effectively carry out their work without the support of all team members. The messages or treatment provided by one must be reinforced by other health care providers and must be consistent with the most up to date scientific information such as you will share in this workshop.

As you address the subject of the chronic diseases obesity, diabetes and hypertension, which are among our leading causes of illness and death, the importance of concerted effort to effectively prevent and manage these conditions cannot be overemphasized. These diseases are both serious and increasing public health problems. Not only are they very costly to treat but costly in terms of their adverse effects on individuals, families and communities. The complications arising from these diseases cause much human suffering and disruption to family life through frequent and sometimes prolonged hospital admissions. Persons affected often lose much time from work, miss opportunities for advancement and may even lose their lives prematurely during what should be their most productive years.

It is therefore essential that while we continue to strengthen efforts to prevent these diseases through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, that we ensure the best possible management of persons who are affected by them. I am pleased to see that the Protocol which aims to set standards of care across the region will be introduced for use in Antigua and Barbuda. This allows us to take advantage of all the latest scientific information that has gone into the development of this document and to adapt it to our own situation here. I expect that as the protocol is used, some evaluation will be done to determine what works best in our local setting.

Be assured that the Ministry of Health and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda stand ready to support your efforts to bring about optimum management of these chronic diseases. The aim is not only to prolong lives but also to ensure that individuals can enjoy a better quality of life by preventing the amputations, kidney problems, heart disease and blindness so often associated with these conditions.

58^th WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY SPEECH

HONORABLE JOHN MAGINLEY

MINISTER OF HEALTH, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

Madam President, I wish first of all to congratulate you on your election as President of the 58^th World Health Assembly. I also wish to thank the Director General Dr. Lee for his detailed report and to note Madam President the presentation by Mr. Bill Gates.

Colleague Ministers, Heads of Delegations and Delegates, as Minister of Health of Antigua and Barbuda, I have the honor and privilege of addressing the 58^th World Health Assembly, on behalf of the Caribbean Countries which are organized in the Caribbean Community as CARICOM. I would also like to bring greetings on behalf of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda , the Honourable Baldwin Spencer and to state his continued appreciation and recognition of the work of the World Health Organization.

The World Health Report has highlighted the need to address the major concerns related to maternal and child health cases in an integrated and coordinated manner. The CARICOM states also recognize the need to harmonize best practices and promote greater efficiencies in maternal and child health services through improved regional and sub regional integration and cooperation. We consider that technical cooperation between countries (TCC) both north/south and south/south can be beneficial to our region specifically with regard to HIV/AIDS that continues to adversely affect many of our women and children.

The Caribbean is well known internationally as a quality tourist destination. CARICOM member states are geographically dispersed and diverse in economies of scale and peoples. In addition to offering quality entertainment and cultural diversity visitors generally have a glamorous impression of the Caribbean . However, our region still has challenges of poverty, significant health needs and regularly faces the disastrous effects from hurricanes and other forces of nature. For example, in the past year we have been adversely affected by Hurricane Ivan and severe flooding that caused mass destruction in the Caribbean . Grenada suffered a severe setback as a result of this devastating hurricane in September of 2004 and it is estimated that 90% of the islandâ€™s buildings were damaged. Hurricane Ivan also caused terrible destruction in Jamaica , the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas , damaged homes and the health infrastructure and placed many people at risk from disease, contaminated water and food shortages. In Guyana early this year, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in its densely populated low-lying costal areas. An estimated 40% of Guyana â€™s population was affected and thousands were forced to flee their homes. This left approximately 15% of the population homeless. The flooding also resulted in an outbreak of leptospirosis.

Madam President, we need to thank WHO, PAHO, the European Union, the United States and Canada for the immediate support that they provided in the response to these disasters. However, we must seize this opportunity to restate the point that vulnerability to natural disasters must be factored into the development assessment equation. Against the backdrop of the disturbing frequency of hurricanes, and the real threats of seismic/volcanic activity and coastal flooding, CARICOM continues to take serious issue with traditional measures of economic status such as per capita income and life expectancy. Experience teaches that years of investment in education, health care and economic infrastructure can be erased within a few hours of natureâ€™s fury. In our vulnerable and small land masses, a hurricane affects the entire socio-economic plant. Additionally, mothers and children suffer the most in these circumstances as disasters can negatively affect transportation and health services.

These damaging events have a huge negative impact on our people and economies and time after time we have had to rebuild our nations, health systems and health facilities. We have to rise to this challenge as our regionâ€™s principal source of income is derived mainly from tourism which accommodates approximately 26 million overnight visitors each year. We would welcome increased efforts from WHO and PAHO to increase their support to our region to develop effective preparedness, response and recovery strategies and programs.

Madam President, the Caribbean is a region of high mobility that demands a close surveillance system for communicable diseases. This high mobility also requires that residents also attain a high immunization status. This helps to ensure that not only residents remain disease free but also that the many visitors to our shores remain healthy as well. The elimination of measles and Congenital Rubella Syndrome are just two examples of why our Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) can be used as a model internationally. Effective immunization has indeed increased child health in our region and we are pleased to join the fight with other nations in the prevention of the spread of poliomyelitis since a single case in the world means that we are all at risk.

Our existing capacity to respond to international health threats is limited and we need the support of PAHO/WHO in this area. The Caribbean , through the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) has been doing rather well in surveillance particularly for communicable diseases. Although we welcome the improvements with the revised International Health Regulations, we realize that these new regulations will require necessary investments for implementation. Preliminary estimates indicate that millions of dollars will be needed over the next three years in our region in order to adequately respond to the requirements of the proposed new International Health Regulations.

We in the Caribbean are faced with challenges in financing and specifically health care financing. Additionally, many of the Caribbean countries are making a big sacrifice with the new budget distribution from PAHO, wherein the budget of the PAHO offices in several of our countries will be reduced. This budget reduction in the region will further constrain the already limited health budgets of the countries and also put our health achievements, such as the high level of immunization, of recent years under significant pressure.

Madam President, the region has a HIV prevalence of 2.6%, second only to Sub Saharan Africa. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) estimates that between 1.9% and 3.1 % of Caribbean adults of reproductive age, was living with HIV during 2003. Although we consider the WHO 3x5 initiative a very useful initiative to increase the number of People Living With HIV and AIDS in therapy, the necessary supporting services such as laboratory services and monitoring and evaluation, should accompany therapy. In fact, we are of the opinion that successful therapy will be most effective in an environment of strengthened health systems.

Madam President we need to thank the PAHO/WHO for the support that they have provided for the Caribbean Commission on Health and Development (CCHD), taken after the Commission on Macroeconomics in Health and chaired by Sir George Alleyne, former director of PAHO. Several studies from this Commission have provided the evidence to establish national and regional health promotion strategies and to guide policy decisions for our countries and for the region. Maternal and child health programs also continue to be a priority.

In addition to the worrying status and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the impact of chronic non-Communicable diseases and related risk factors are of a specific concern. Madam President, the Caribbean countries realize that behavioral change is the single most important cross cutting element in addressing lifestyle diseases such as HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension, violence and accidents. Obesity, now considered a disease in its own right is an escalating epidemic in our region. We note as well that obesity disproportionately affects women and has a negative effect on maternal health. These diseases are all preventable with a change in behavior. We believe that more is needed to address the risk factors for these diseases such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, risky sexual behavior and reduced physical activity. In addition to the resolutions on the Global Strategy on Diet Physical Activity and Health and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), we would like to urge WHO to develop a global framework and approach to behavioral change. If we improve the chronic conditions that predate pregnancy, we may be able to achieve better outcomes for women and children.

Premature maternal deaths occur as a result of cancer of the cervix which is extremely high in our region. We ask WHO to address this preventable disease that kills many of our women in early adult life. We need access not only to appropriate treatment programs but also to effective screening techniques for cervical cancer prevention and control.

A lack of resources continues to challenge the delivery of health services in our region, particularly with respect to maternal and child health services. The recruitment of trained health professionals by more developed countries compromises our ability to deliver adequate services. Director General, we appeal to you to assist us with this issue of the migration of our health care professionals. We thank you for all the good work in the region but we wish to emphasize that much of this work is threatened by the migration of our health care professionals. Additionally this drain on our human resources also threatens our ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly Goals 4 and 5 that relate to maternal and child health.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we would not be here today if our mothers had not had safe births. We all therefore have an obligation to ensure that not only mothers but that all women are given the opportunity to live fully productive lives. This can be achieved once we continue to work together in an integrated and coordinated manner against diseases and other factors that negatively affect women and children. THANK YOU.

Prime Minister, the Hon. Baldwin Spencer, other Cabinet and Parliamentary Colleagues, Members of the Medical Benefits Board, Management and Staff of the Medical Benefits Scheme, other invited guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Afternoon.

It is a great honour and privilege for me to be invited to this important occasion. I would like to thank the Management and Staff of the Medical Benefits Scheme for affording me the opportunity to celebrate with you the re-opening of this edifice.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the re-dedication of this edifice so early in the tenure of the new United Progressive Party (UPP) Government is to me significant. Indeed our Manifesto proclaimed in bold terms “Quality Health Care for All”, and for me this is the first of many initiatives that will assist us in attaining such a lofty goal.

Moreover, the UPP Manifesto made specific mention of the introduction of a National Health Insurance Plan that will provide universal health care coverage to all. I therefore reiterate that my government remains firm in its commitment to ensure that this is implemented in the shortest feasible time as we work assiduously towards making health care affordable to all our citizenry.

Indeed permit me to quote Izaak Walton when he proclaimed “Look to your health; and if you have it praise god and value it next to conscience, for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can’t buy.”

The re-opening of this edifice also coincides with numerous challenges confronting the delivery of health care in this twin island nation. We in the Ministry of Health hold no illusions about the enormity of the task that confronts us. But we will not be daunted.

The challenges I refer to, include the pervasiveness of life threatening diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and HIV/AIDS. In fact we must find ways of addressing the present rate of mortality associated with these diseases. The Ministry is also cognizant of the need to provide HIV/AIDS sufferers with affordable access to Anti-Retro Viral Therapy. We must also earnestly advocate the benefits of early detection in order to significantly reduce the mortality rate among cancer sufferers.

Moreover, the increasing cost associated with health care delivery in the context of scarce resources is of grave concern. Allied to this are the major infrastructural and staffing issues in the tertiary health care sector. We are presently grappling with the task of ensuring that our Public Hospital services are efficient, affordable and financially sustainable over the long term.

The Medical Benefits Scheme, despite its recent history of upheaval has not been lying low or given up the ghost. Indeed, the Scheme has recently begun the process of striving to regain the confidence and support of its stakeholders. This attempt at regeneration includes, but is not restricted to, the development of a Statement of Policy Objectives and a Code of Business Conduct that will guide the way it functions.

There is also a thrust towards promoting the importance of preventative medicine, through a concerted public education programme. This is driven by the philosophy that ultimately, the only successful way by which to win wars is to prevent them occurring in the first place.

Ladies and Gentlemen, in the longer term the Scheme also envisions the establishment of Wellness Centre which will be integral to assisting in the reduction of the lifestyle related diseases.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the skills of the various actors involved in the construction and equipping of this edifice. I am sure many of you are as impressed as I am with the quality of workmanship that has been exhibited on the building. We are indeed witness to the “fruits of your labour” and we celebrate with you the milestone of the completion of the construction phase.

I would also encourage the staff of the MBS to continue to deliver quality service consistent with the organization’s Vision “To be a model organization which is customer-oriented, and renowned for its service excellence, integrity, accountability and fairness.”

The improvements in your working conditions must be matched by the efficiency and effectiveness with which you undertake your tasks. It makes absolutely no sense for us to provide with all the necessary tools for the job if you are not committed to delivering quality service.

I further urge you to condition yourself to be positive. It is important that you learn to block out any negativity that surrounds you. Negative people will drain your spirit and your desire to be successful. Hence, it is important that you surround yourself with positive people and their attitude will hopefully rub of on you.

The current job market is too tight for people to take their job function lightly. And the general public whom you serve would be extremely grateful if their expectations of your service are consistently met and even exceeded. This is your work place. Cherish it. Protect it.

I trust that we will all endeavour to have a common commitment and share a common view that the health sector can make a significant contribution in reenergizing the Antigua and Barbuda economy. In fact, many studies have indicated that the level of economic activity appears to be directly related to the quality of health care services in the particular country.

In order for us to achieve such levels of development, we need to tackle the various issues in health as partners. I am quite confident that we can rely on each other to approach the task of taking our Health system to a significantly higher level. I promise you that the Medical Benefits Scheme will be at the vanguard of these initiatives.

I would like to conclude by offering you this quote that I believe captures the importance of health in the individual’s well being:

Colleague Parliamentarian, other specially invited Guests, Mr. Vier Dublin, Director of the Youth Skills Training Project, Members of the Faculty and Staff of the Youth Skills Training Project, Class of 2004, Parents, Families and Friends, good afternoon.

I deem it an honour to have been invited to deliver the Charge to the Graduates of 2004. This is particularly so given that it is the first such ceremony since I assumed responsibility for Youth Affairs in late March, 2004.

I wish to assure you that I am fully committed to the cause of the youth of the nation and I pledge my Government’s support for not only the efforts to upgrade the Youth Skills Project but also to ensuring that the youth of the nation are given the necessary tools to ensure that they can become productive citizens of this nation.

The Focus for the Youth Skills Training Project over the next few years will be the upgrade/expansion of the Physical Facilities as well as provision of additional training opportunities for the Staff. The major funding for this programme will be provided by the European Union and I would like to take this opportunity to public express my Governments gratitude for this assistance. In addition to improving the subject offerings, it is anticipated that annual student intake will improve significantly.

Graduation ceremonies mean different things to different persons. For the graduates, it is with much relief, the end of an arduous road. For the Faculty it is the culmination of their work over the past (two) 2 years in this instance. For the families of the graduates, it is a time to savour the fruits of a labour of love and support.

But in so many other ways, graduation is only just a beginning. The beginning of a life long journey that will have many twist and turns in the unending search for success. There will be no single experience. For each of you your post graduation experience will be different.

I do not intend to bore you this afternoon with the usual scolding that has become the norm where our youth are concerned. For unlike many of our elders in society, I see the good in you and therefore I would like to encourage you to be the best that you can be.

I would like you for a few moments to join me in a journey of projection into some of the attributes that I would like you to hold dear in your future endeavors.

First I urge you to be open to learning in the broadest sense. You must appreciate that only through learning will you be able to develop your minds. We live in the so called knowledge era. The 21^st Century is the knowledge century and education is the passport to opportunity. In fact it has been demonstrated that those countries that put a premium on education and training have shown higher levels of development. You must therefore look upon knowledge as the new wealth generating resource. As the Chinese Proverbs states “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself”. So as the world of work looms large for most of you, it is important that you constantly upgrade your skills if you are not to become surplus to the requirements of the labor market.

Secondly you must be prepared for the task of leadership. A leader has to be a person of integrity. A person of integrity does the right thing in spite of popular opinion and regardless of the consequences. You must therefore be willing to become leaders in your respective communities, churches or on the job. In undertaking this task of leadership you must also be guided by clear principles as well as be of good character. For as the quote says “Good leaders grow people, bad leaders stunt them; good leaders serve their followers, bad leaders enslave them.

Thirdly, you must develop a capacity to consistently demonstrate self discipline. Self-discipline requires restraint and restraint is the very basis on which the civilized life becomes possible. All the violence and excesses we see in the society each day are as a result of a lack of restraint – an inability to discipline self. Everyone possesses some habits or addictions he wishes he could overcome, such as smoking, excessive eating, laziness, procrastination or lack of assertiveness. Self discipline bestows the inner- strength to overcome any negative habit. It makes a great difference in your life.

Fourthly, I would like to recommend to you the art of Moderation. You must keep this word at the back of your mind in everything you do. Do not get involved in things that violate your essential nature and spirit. Do not do things to be one of the crowd or to become notorious and popular in the most negative senses. Try to be evenhanded in the way you behave in public and in the way you relate to others. And most importantly stay away from intoxicating substances which alters your mind’s ability to function with moderation.

A good attitude is the fifth character trait that I would like to leave with you this afternoon. A good attitude will get you all the things in life that you wish for yourselves. However, the world does not owe you a living and you should not think you are entitled to any special privileges. A consistently good attitude also has positive benefits to your health, happiness, self-confidence and overall performance. It is a widely held view that a good attitude causes a person to feel good about him or herself and as a result project that feeling to others. Consequently,

In summary therefore, my charge to you is that as you graduate, remember to bring all that you and have learned and value, to your personal and professional lives. You will not only be doing yourselves justice, but you will bring pride to your instructors, alma mater as well as your families and friends.

I will close with a quote from VS Naipaul’s “A Bend in the River.” “The world is as it is, those who are nothing, who allow themselves to be nothing, have no place in it.”

I know you all have the capacity to be something. For your generation “the world is indeed your oyster”, so go out and conquer.

Congratulations to the Graduates of 2004 and continue to develop yourselves, for in so doing you will be making a contribution to the development of this society.

Cabinet Colleagues, Members of Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Venue Assessment Team (VAT), Directors of World Cup Antigua Inc., Members of the Bid Preparation Team, Senior Government Officials, Other invited Guests, Members of the Media, Good Morning.

I am extremely elated to be associated with this groundbreaking activity in the history of Caribbean sport. The hosting of World Cup 2007, the most prestigious sporting event ever to grace the shores of the Caribbean, is a testament to the hallowed place that Caribbean cricket has carved for itself in the annals of World cricket history. We have definitely arrived and the challenge is for us as a region to deliver.

Despite the enormity of this challenge, our countries are also being presented with the opportunity to derive tremendous socio-economic, cultural and self-esteem benefits from an event that transcends the narrow borders of Sports.

But where do we in Antigua and Barbuda fit into this mix? I dare say we boast one of the proudest cricketing legacies in the Caribbean. Moreover, this country has the distinction in its relatively short history of hosting international matches, of transforming the mundane into the spectacular. The feats of our cricketing superheroes have been well documented. Less so, but equally significant are the feats of our spectators. They have been credited with transforming the relatively polite cricket spectating tradition into an infectious mix of music, drama culinary delights and whatever else might be perceived.

And so in welcoming the West Indies World Cup Cricket 2007 Venue Assessment Team to our island I would like to recommend to you:

· A government that is committed to ensuring that the necessary infrastructure, services and amenities consistent with a world class venue are available in time for the hosting World Cup 2007 matches;

· An equally committed private sector that has always supported the country’s hosting of international matches;

· A cricket association that has long embraced the partnership concept that has worked so well over the years. The use of the Antigua Recreation Grounds is a case in point.

· A cricketing legacy that is second to none in relation to our population size;

· A country that has been in the hospitality business for some time and with some noted successes.

As you deliberate on the Country’s bid submission, I trust that the hardworking volunteers of our local Bid Preparation Team will be able to provide the necessary clarifications on issues highlighted. In spite of the hard day’s work ahead, it is my sincere wish that you in your short visit be able to experience some of the warmth and hospitality that will greet our visitors in 2007 when they descend on our shores for Super Eight Matches.

Best wishes once again, and may you enjoy the “Cricketing Gem” that is Antigua.