PM Spencer Independence Addresses

Prime Minister
The Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer
2007 Independence Message
1st November, 2007

“Working Together to Achieve a Better Antigua and Barbuda”

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

I greet you with warm wishes as we celebrate the 26th Anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence.

I also greet you in the name of the one who showers us daily with His Blessings and gives us strength, enriches us with faith and empowers us with loyalty.

LET US give thanks to the Lord for his constant love and His wonderful deeds to Antigua and Barbuda.

Today, everyday and always, May our song be a thanksgiving unto the Lord for his righteousness.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

As we celebrate this anniversary of OUR Independence, we DO SO in the shadow of history.

THIS CELEBRATION ALLOWS US TO RECALL OUR HISTORY: the struggles of
those who have fought the good fight and have paved the way for a great nation to aspire and achieve great things.

To many of us Independence means a time to celebrate. To celebrate the freedom by charting our own course and plan for OUR COLLECTIVE future.

Most recently my attention was drawn to two writings on what independence means to two young students. Here is what ten-year old Shamere Yearwood of the Sunnyside Tutorial School had to say about Independence and I quote:

“Independence means that we all can do our own thing. No one chooses right or wrong or makes decisions for us but we rely on ourselves. We have freedom to decide and do things for ourselves. If we didn’t have independence, we wouldn’t know how to do anything for ourselves.” End of quote.

The second quotation on Independence comes from thirteen-year-old Hinique Rugs of the Clare Hall Secondary School. It reads:

“Independence means a time for a country or nation to reflect and participate on the country’s freedom from slavery. It is also a time for the country to empower as one family.” End of quote.

The words of these two young Antiguans and Barbudans encapsulate the true meaning of what it means to be truly independent. Our thoughts, our actions and aspirations make our nation great. They build our nation’s character.

The results of what have been done to us, WHAT WE DO today AND HOW WE PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE are what gives our nation character. Our spiritual, physical, and intellectual strengths define our character. It dictates whether we succeed as a nation or whether we fail as a people. Our success however is rooted in us being one family.

The Antiguan and Barbudan Character, which has made us a great nation is deeply rooted in our Religious beliefs, our Patriotism, our Individualism and our belief in Family.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans; Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

From the dark days of slavery, religion and giving praise to God has always been a significant aspect of what it means to be Antiguan and Barbudan.

Throughout the years, culminating with Independence in 1981, a devotion to essential religious principles has characterized Antiguan and Barbudan thought and action.

The preamble to our 1981 Constitution is a perfect example where it is proclaimed that “The people of Antigua and Barbuda are a sovereign nation founded upon principles that acknowledge the supremacy of God, the dignity and worth of the human person, the entitlement of all persons to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual and
the position of the family in a society of free men and women and free institutions.”

Your government, elected in 2004 was founded on the essential religious idea of integrity, accountability and justice for all. It is this same religious sense that guides our actions and policies.

Your humble servant is guided by that entrenched religious sense as I head a government with a “People First” agenda.

Our National Anthem proclaims that God is the head of our Nation who gives us strength, faith and loyalty, never failing, all enduring, always defending our liberty.

Although Antigua and Barbuda was challenged in the past by slavery and in the present by crime and violence, which has also become widespread throughout the region, our religious principles have always inspired us and destroyed the shackles that try to bind us.

Today, as our deep religious sense is challenged by crime and violence, I am reminded that in the past we have overcome. TODAY I STAND HERE BEFORE YOU AND SAY THAT WE WILL OVERCOME; WE WILL BE victorious. I challenge all Antiguans and Barbudans this independence to rely on our Christian faith and our belief in the dignity of man to defeat, that which confronts us today as a nation.

Our Christian faith will propel us to be our brother’s keeper. It will motivate us to assist those charged with the task of protecting us daily and not turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.

Our Christian Faith will lead us to rightly proclaim, as our constitution says, that our happiness and prosperity can best be pursued in a democratic society in which all persons may, to the extent of his her capacity, play some part in nation building.

Our forefathers relied on our Christian Faith and were victorious. This Independence anniversary, we too can rely on our faith to overcome the many challenges that we face.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

Today we are also called upon to be patriotic. TODAY WE ARE CALLED UPON TO PUT OUR BELOVED COUNTRY FIRST.

From the days of old, the love for country has always been at the very core of the desire to be free and the development of our nation.

It was his love of country and the desire for his fellow slaves to be free that propelled our National Hero King Court to plan the 1736 slave rebellion, which led to many other rebellions in the Americas.

As Chief of the Caromantee people during the days of slavery, King Court fulfilled his role as the central point around which the community of slaves was held together as a unit in defending itself from destruction, in the maintenance of their law and order and the rule of custom, in obedience to the ancestors and God. His patriotism was pronounced.

Our patriotism must also be pronounced. It must be pronounced as these words from the song Antigua Land by Edna Bridgewater, which proclaim:

Antigua land! Thy children love thee well,
Thy hills and vales! Thy flowers in the dell,
All sing thy praise in charming melody,
Of music soft descending from the sky.

Antigua, Jewel of the Caribbean,
Our sons and daughters shall rejoice in thee
Thou hast a treasure hidden in God’s hand;
Rise to thy nationhood, Antigua Land.

We must always rely on our patriotism when fear threatens to engulf us, whenever our freedom is threatened, whenever our faith seemed tested and whenever our family spirit waivers.

We must be able to look back in history and be guided by the successes of our forefathers.

In celebration of our history and the uniqueness of what it means to be Antiguan and Barbudan, the government will move towards establishing a museum of the arts and culture to showcase the cultural and artistic expressions of our people.

Our 50th Anniversary of Carnival demonstrated the many talents of our people and our rich African ancestry.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

Our Independence calls for a renewal of family and family values.

EVERY MOTHER, FATHER AND CHILD IN THIS GREAT NATION OF OURS IS called upon to adhere to the core responsibilities of being dedicated to duty, committed to instilling discipline and providing guidance.

WE ARE A NATION OF FAMILIES and as a family we can all aspire to great things, advance our nation and achieve the ultimate for our people.

As a family, we must commit ourselves to building a strong nation. We must commit ourselves to dwell in love and unity. This independence, it is my hope that we are reminded that the family is the building block of society. We must return to the principles of family life based on Biblical teachings. We cannot be contented with simply saying that it is no longer important for families to have devotions and prayer together.

We cannot continue to say that it is not important for families to have a meal together or to spend time together.

Families need to spend more time together. Learn more about each other. True bonding enforces strong ideals, which any child will carry forward in building their own family. Cohesive, productive families are essential to our nation’s future.

As sons and daughters of the family of Antigua and Barbuda, let us commit ourselves to stand together to re-instil these values in our nation.

Let us recommit ourselves to placing God at the centre of our families. Let us pray more for families that God will be the guide in their actions and decisions.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans; Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

During our celebration of Independence our Flag of black, gold, red, white and blue flies high and majestically and our thoughts go back to what this nation has achieved since independence.

For me, my thoughts go back to what I have said in the last three years of the United Progressive Party Administration. Over those years, my government has outlined a new agenda for Antigua and Barbuda.

An agenda that places people first.

An agenda that provides the greatest good, for the greatest number of Antiguans and Barbudans.

We have developed AND WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP a nation where no person
is left out of that movement towards progress and development.

Today, when I look back I can say with some satisfaction that we have moved forward with great progress. We might have been slow in taking certain giant steps; but we have been certain.

We have had many successes and some setbacks on a few. But I can be contented that the lives of our people have significantly improved because of our policies. My government will remain resolute in our commitment to our people first agenda, steadfast in our determination and unyielding in our beliefs.

My government feels a sense of satisfaction that our school uniform programme has empowered many entrepreneurs and relieves the burdens of many families.

My government feels a sense of pride that our school meals programme has greatly improved the lives of our young students – providing nutritious meals for learning. We have expanded this programme to include nine more schools and my government pledges that by the new school year in 2008, every primary school will be under the school meals programme.

This development is in line with our commitment to the welfare of every child in this nation.

Since 2004, scores of our young have been given the opportunity to travel abroad to gain higher education.

Under the Silver Jubilee Independence Scholarship programme, students are studying in Greece, China and New York and in the coming months additional students will be sent on scholarships to Morocco, Egypt, Malaysia and India.

We have also commenced discussions with the government of Canada to capitalize on a ten million dollar fund set aside by that government to provide scholarships to students of Antigua and Barbuda and other countries in the region.

With a growth rate of 12% recorded last year and predictions of further growth in 2007, employment opportunities are being created across the economy and is expected to continue throughout the New Year.

With this level of buoyancy in the economy, government must ensure that every Antiguan and Barbuda is educated and receives skills training. A progressive nation is an educated nation. We have shown that we are committed towards educating our young people, working adults and unskilled individuals.

My government pledges to increase spending on education. It will be given top priority by government in the coming months, as we believe that a progressive and prosperous nation is built on the foundation created by education.

The construction of two additional secondary schools and the completion of the Public Library will be given our fullest attention. The Antigua State College expansion programme will continue along with the upgrading of the skills training curriculum of the Technical Vocational Institute and the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education.

In an effort to adequately prepare our primary school students for the common entrance examinations, the Government through the Ministry of Education will from next week introduce a National Assessment for all Grade Five students in Antigua and Barbuda.

The assessment in the core areas of Language Arts and Mathematics will be diagnostic in nature for the results to be utilised by principals and teachers to better equip students to become successful at the examination levels.

We have piloted innovative and successful programmes in Information Technology. Thousands of our young people and adults are now being exposed to information technology in the classrooms and in their communities through Community Computer Access Centres and Mobile Information Technology classrooms.

My government is not only determined to ensure functional literacy among our people, but good quality education – education that will prepare every student for life’s challenges.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans; Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

With personal and collective security uppermost in the minds of all Antiguans and Barbudans, my Government is committed to strengthen law enforcement and enhance security throughout the length and breadth of this nation of ours.

Last week I addressed you on the government’s concern over the shocking and callous wave of crime and violence that we are faced with in Antigua and Barbuda at this time.

I issued a number of directives to our law enforcement officials to tackle the increase in criminal activity and defend the population from criminals and to root out all lawlessness.

Today I am proud to report that there have been some successes in this area. Over the past few days, the police have recovered a number of unlicensed firearms, seized illegal drugs, confiscated large quantities of cash and executed a number of search warrants. As a result a number of persons are in police custody assisting them with their investigations into the recent armed robberies and slayings.

The law officials have also reported that in the past five days they have removed illegal tint from over one hundred vehicles and have issued over forty tickets for major traffic offences.

I wish to commend the Minister responsible for the police the Hon. Colin Derrick, Commissioner of Police Ms. Delano Christopher and those officers who are working diligently to ensure that there is a marked reduction in crime and violence in the state.

We however acknowledge that there is much more that can be done and your government remains committed to protecting the people of this great nation of ours.

I also wish to announce that commencing shortly, the Police will issue weekly updates to the public on convictions, arrests and drugs, guns and ammunition seizures to the public. Information on the deportation of hardened criminals from North America and elsewhere will also be given to the public during these weekly briefings.

I appeal to you to be patient and more so to be cooperative with the law officials. Your lives might become disrupted by the increased stoppages, searches and blockades – but it will redound to all of our benefit.

I call on you once again to support the government in its quest to prevent this un-welcomed development in our peace loving twin island nation. Our safety depends on this. The survival of our fragile tourism industry depends on this. Our economy depends on this.

Let us unite in the war against crime. Support the police in their attack on crime with full force. Let us as responsible citizens of a fair Antigua and Barbuda attack crime with education, cooperation and with great caution.

I call on the Churches, the community, non-governmental and private voluntary organizations, civil society, the business community and neighbourhood watch associations to join with Government in its attack against crime and violence

We all want a safe and secure society. I promise you that as your Chief Servant that I will do everything possible to ensure that you and your loved ones live in peace, safety and without fear.

I also call on parents to fulfil their roles as good parents to our future men and women of this country. Teach them well. Be positive role models to them and show love for them at all times.

A few weeks ago I announced that I will be instructing the Ministry of Education to designate a day in the school term to be Role Model Day when students and young people in church and service organizations will be required to wear their uniforms as a show of support for the advancement of discipline and respect for law and order among our young people.

Commencing in the January Term of the School Year, every second Monday of the Month will be designated Role Model Day. I call upon the Pathfinders, the Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Cross and other church and service organizations to support this initiative. It can only produce positive results in our young people and develop in them pride of belonging to an organization that instil good moral values.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

Antigua and Barbuda is a young nation. We are also a nation of young people, on whom the nation will rely in the future to drive our economy.

In all aspects of government, we have made significant strides in ensuring that we put people first. But I advise that we must not become over-confident. There is still much work to be done.

Our agenda for the people must continue to ensure sustained growth and realize the potential of our people. We will continue to develop plans and programmes for the youth.

We will continue to ensure that the elderly who have served this country well are adequately taken care of.

We will ensure that an equitable and fair minimum wage system is established.

Your government will continue to think of the future of this nation and be resolute in moving forward with an agenda focused on improving the lives of our people.

I urge all Antiguans and Barbudans to join hands and help this nation to move forward. Despite our political persuasions, our skin colour or our beliefs, we must remember that we are all Antiguans and Barbudans first and Antiguans and Barbudans last. We must work together to build a stronger and more vibrant nation.

We demonstrated during the hosting of the cricket World Cup matches that we have the ability to rise to the occasion and work together for the common good. We can accomplish this once again.

I commend all those who care and provide for the sick and elderly of our nation.

I also salute those who are being honoured during this Independence. You have served your country well.

My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:

My government today renews its commitment to continue with an agenda for the people. We renew our commitment to building a more economically vibrant nation.

We can do it only with your help. Let us all join forces and develop our native land.

Let us move forward together to achieve a better future for all.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

May God continue to generously bless our beloved Antigua and Barbuda.

Happy 26th Anniversary of Independence

On this 24th anniversary of our nation’s Independence , I greet you with warm good wishes.

I also greet you with deep gratitude for your continuing contribution to the development of our beloved Antigua and Barbuda .

In the year of Independence just ended, many made heroic contributions to their communities and to their country.

Not all who contributed and achieved over the past year have enjoyed the recognition they deserve.

I salute those who have been publicly acclaimed, as well as those who remain unsung heroes.

Among our nation’s heroes, many have contributed simply by being worthy examples in their devotion to their families.

Many have contributed by dedicating their lives to public service and by providing care and protection to others in our communities.

As we celebrate this 24th Independence Day, we stand at the threshold of our nation’s 25th year of Independence .

We are poised for the year that will take us to our nation’s Silver Jubilee, which we will celebrate twelve months from today.

The next twelve months will therefore be of particular historical significance to the Antiguan and Barbudan people.

The next year will be of special significance for Antigua and Barbuda for a number of other reasons.

The fiscal and monetary measures we choose will determine how the country is affected by global perspectives on the price of oil that continue to be ominous.

Though potentially beneficial, Venezuela ’s PetroCaribe initiative may be several months away from practical implementation.

We will be confronted with managing our country’s fragile economy in the uncharted environment that the full implementation of the Caribbean Single Market and Single Economy will bring.

The CSME will open our borders to competition of goods and services from our sister CARICOM countries, to an unprecedented extent.

This country has a liberal and long-standing tradition of freely permitting our West Indian brothers and sisters to enter, work and reside here.

Under the Millennium Naturalisation Act, this Government has reduced the seven year residence requirement in granting full and unconditional citizenship to persons resident in Antigua and Barbuda on and since January 1, 2000.

To ensure the security of our skilled workers and professionals, we will have to enhance our competitiveness in the region and in the globalised market place.

We can only do this by improving efficiencies and increasing output in the production of goods, and in the delivery of services.

Should we fail to do this, we risk being a casualty of the CSME and the globalised economy, instead of being a beneficiary country.

In anticipation of the removal of duty and taxes as mandated by the World Trade Organisation, as well as by the CSME, we have no option but to accelerate the restructuring of our country’s economy.

We must also strengthen the institutions and infrastructure that impact investment and trade, and those that are basic to good governance.

My Administration has already put strong institutions and apparatus for good governance in place.

The country’s first Integrity Commission has been appointed, and the mandated apparatus for administration of the Freedom of Information Act is ready.

Legislation for the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority is in Parliament.

The investment legislation embodies a transparent set of criteria for the approval of direct foreign and local investments.

The Investment Code that forms part of the legislation will guard against subjective interventions in the investment approvals process by public officials motivated primarily by self-interest.

On this score, I expect the population to hold the UPP administration to a higher standard of probity than was demonstrated by our predecessors.

Indeed, I sense that the population now holds all public officials to even higher standards of integrity than were demanded of the previous administration.

Quite appropriately, the bar for their conduct of the nation’s public affairs is much higher now for government ministers, diplomatic representatives, officers of statutory authorities, and state-controlled companies.

To meet such expectations of the citizenry, the onus falls upon every member of the government, every envoy of the state, every director, and every officer of every state controlled entity, to be exemplars in the conduct of the people’s business.

This standard calls for every such public official to take responsibility for his or her every decision and action.

There are persons in our society with a disposition to use the media harshly to condemn and criticize individuals named and implied, with unfettered licence, with no attempt at self censorship, and often with little regard for fairness and fact.

On the other hand, there are among us persons answerable to the public, with little evident inclination to acknowledge liability where appropriate, and, where warranted, to do the right thing by voluntarily withdrawing from public office.

Every person holding a position of public trust should inculcate, where it may be absent, a set of values that embrace ethics and honour, and acknowledging error and culpability, where circumstances so dictate.

These considerations are of particular relevance where public sector investment is concerned.

We are committed to the significant completion of two major infrastructural projects during our nation’s Silver Jubilee year.

Thanks to the generosity of the People’s Republic of China , construction of the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground is well underway.

Plans for comprehensive upgrade and expansion of VC Bird International Airport are in place.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the early months of our Silver Jubilee Year.

As we begin the countdown to our nation’s Silver Jubilee, we will be inviting the Diaspora, and indeed the world, to join us during the months preceding and following that important milestone.

I shall shortly establish a National Silver Jubilee Committee which will be charged with formulating an all-embracing Silver Jubilee agenda for Antigua and Barbuda .

One of the items on this agenda will be a “Jubilee Jubilation” which will bring together the world’s top gospel performers in what will be genuinely a World Gospel Festival.

To extend the spirituality of our people in our Silver Jubilee year, Gospel selections will be included in the repertoire of participants in a Silver Jubilee Steelband Festival.

We will encourage the yachting fraternity to invite international involvement in a trans-Atlantic Silver Jubilee Sailing Race.

Twenty–five full university Silver Jubilee scholarships will be awarded to outstanding young Antiguan and Barbudans during our Silver Jubilee Year.

We will also use the Silver Jubilee activities to mount a special investment forum to showcase Antigua and Barbuda ’s potential for high quality investment.

Besides sampling our culture and cuisine, potential investors will be exposed to the attractiveness of investing in our twin island nation through seminars and business meetings.

An early event on the Jubilee calendar will be an official visit by the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, the Prime Minister of Barbados.

This will be the first of a series of Silver Jubilee visits by Heads of State and Governments of the region, and from other countries; as well as visits by other eminent persons from around the world.

Quite apart from the events that the National Silver Jubilee Committee will generate, there will be unlimited opportunities for private initiatives.

Silver Jubilee collectibles across a wide range of merchandise can be worthwhile ventures for small entrepreneurs.

The government’s limited financial resources are unlikely to fully fund these and all the other Silver Jubilee events.

I am, however, confident that we can attract sponsors and patrons for the major Silver Jubilee events.

We must make our Silver Jubilee year a time when all of Antigua and Barbuda’s sons and daughters, native born, adopted and resident here or living abroad come together as one family.

We must make our Silver Jubilee year a time when we put aside our differences and share the pride of a nation coming of age, even as all opinions continue to contend in the public space.

We must make our Silver Jubilee year a time when all who love Antigua and Barbuda unite on common ground to combat and defeat our common enemies of HIV/AIDS; ignorance, crime, poverty, and prejudice.

We must, in summary, make our Silver Jubilee year a time when Antigua and Barbuda comes together as a more united nation, a stronger nation, and a better place for all.

Let us prepare for a Silver Jubilee Independence Homecoming Festival that will be a celebration that will be a never to be forgotten experience for everyone with a connection to Antigua and Barbuda .

PRIME MINISTER

THE HONOURABLE

BALDWIN SPENCER

2004 INDEPENDENCE ADDRESS

TV/RADIO SIMULCAST

Monday November 1st, 2004

My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;

Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda :

Independence 2004 possesses historical dimensions that are diminished only by our nation’s first dawning.

We celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of the birth of our nation as a significant milestone on the journey to a New Independence for the Antiguan and Barbudan people.

Emerging from our nation’s deeply troubled past; Antigua and Barbuda earned the admiration of an intently watching world with our peaceful transition, last March, from government by a single group for the entire life of this nation, to a new dispensation, a new political culture, and a new independence.

In short order, the Sunshine Government has changed the character of governance in this country.

I am confident that this change in the character of governance will be demanded of all governments, for all times hereafter in this country.

We experienced liberation of the human spirit in Antigua and Barbuda , this year.

This gives the Antiguan and Barbudan people reason to rejoice.

It gives the Antiguan and Barbudan people cause for jubilation.

Regrettably, the group no longer holding the reins of government has issued calls that would divide the nation in its celebration of the 23rd Anniversary of Independence.

Such an agenda renders no service to our country.

Such attempts to create cult followings around political figures, and to manipulate such followings to polarization of the society, can only lead to tragic consequences.

We cannot afford to let this happen.

We will not let it happen.

In the face of such threats to national cohesion, it is fitting, it is timely, that we celebrate this independence anniversary as “ Antigua and Barbuda – One Family”.

The Independence Homecoming Festival celebrates a new dawn for our nation with the proclamation:

“ Antigua and Barbuda - One Family”.

With this sentiment of unity and love, we embrace one another, and we welcome our brothers and sisters who have come home for this Independence .

Many of them have come home to what they believe to be a new nation, celebrating a new independence.

A new independence does indeed pervade Antigua and Barbuda .

Newly liberated, and with a newly independent spirit, the Antiguan and Barbudan people are now vigorous in exercise of their democratic right to challenge authority on every score.

This new independence, ignited largely by Fergie and Winston Derrick, through Observer Radio, led, in large measure, directly to the liberation of the human spirit that came with March 23rd, this year.

Directly related to all of this, the Sunshine Government has launched a number of initiatives to expand individual entitlement, to promote inclusion, to foster national cohesion, and to shape a truly participatory democracy.

These are all embodied in the concept of One Family.

One of those initiatives is the National Economic and Social Council, the NESC.

The National Economic and Social Council involves all sections of civil society in shaping government’s economic and social policy.

Now Constituted by Act of Parliament, the NESC is without precedent and without parallel.

The National Economic and Social Council is expected to be a pivotal instrument in transforming Antigua and Barbuda into a truly participatory democracy.

The NESC is only one of the ways through which governance has changed dramatically and permanently under the Sunshine Government.

We are keeping faith with the UPP manifesto undertaking for transparency, accountability and integrity in all areas of governance.

Prevention of Corruption legislation was passed in Parliament last week.

Freedom of Information legislation was also passed last week.

Integrity in Public Life legislation will be in place later this week.

All of this changes the character of governance in Antigua and Barbuda , for all times.

These measures protect the assets of the state, which are the assets of the people, from being improperly diverted for the accumulation of private wealth.

Corruption in government is, in fact, stealing from the people through the diversion of funds that could otherwise go to social programmes.

The government’s policy is to ensure that the country’s resources are never again monopolised and appropriated by the politically powerful.

The Sunshine Government will ensure that Antigua and Barbuda ’s resources are so evenly distributed as to give every citizen a chance at a decent piece of the national economic pie.

The Sunshine Government has also kept faith with the nation in already delivering social programmes that include reduced rates for utilities.

The Dollar Barrel programme begins in two weeks.

As promised, we have provided free school uniforms for all primary and secondary school students in time for the current school year.

Free school uniforms have already been delivered for more than 12,000 of the nation’s children.

The introduction of the Millennium Naturalisation Act is another delivery of the UPP’s campaign undertakings.

Arrangements are in place for the issuance of Registration Forms to persons qualifying for full and unconditional citizenship under the Millennium Naturalisation Act to commence this Thursday, November 4th.

The government is working on a comprehensive Blueprint for Balanced Development.

The Blueprint for Balanced Development will designate special enterprise zones in which affirmative action geared to leveling the economic playing field in this country.

This is a critical dimension to government’s drive for inclusion and balance in all areas, all sections of the society.

In the drive for inclusion, for national cohesion, we wanted all in Antigua and Barbuda to celebrate Independence as one family.

To this end, the Independence Homecoming Festival was conceived as a joyous and historic family reunion.

Because we Honour God in all we do, a highlight of the Independence Homecoming Festival is “Jubilation!”, Antigua and Barbuda ’s inaugural annual “World Gospel Festival”.

The Homecoming Queen Pageant which emerged from the Community Pride Programme has generated a surge in community pride.

The Classical Steelband Concert and the Independence Calypso Competition are sources of community pride, and national pride.

The teams responsible for organizing the various events of the Independence Homecoming Festival worked as members of one family.

They turned in sterling performances.

I take this opportunity to pay special tribute to Gordon Derrick, the Chairman of the Independence Homecoming Festival Task Force for his yeoman service on this project.

Though always strapped for funds, “Banks” Derrick held everything together and made it happen.

I must also thank and everyone else who contributed to the success of the inaugural Independence Homecoming Festival.

On this point, I must give special recognition to Calvin Southwell, producer of the Homecoming Queen Pageant.

Special credit also goes to Will Dorset, the producer of “Jubilation!”

I am confident that from year to year, the Independence Homecoming Festival will grow from strength to greater strength.

In this context, I expect that “Jubilation!” will become a major annual event on the global Gospel calendar.

The Independence Homecoming Festival demonstrates what we can achieve, when as a people, we go the extra mile and move to higher levels of productivity by working in partnership with one another.

We can move our nation forward and create better lives for all, once we open our hearts to one another, and once we embrace one another as brothers and sisters of “ Antigua and Barbuda - One Family”.

This, we must do today, tomorrow, and for all our tomorrows.

We extend a warm and welcoming embrace to our Antiguan and Barbuda brothers and sisters, and to friends who have “come home” for the Independence Homecoming Festival and assure you of an enjoyable and indelible experience.

On this 23rd anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence, I call upon all in our nation - nationals and residents and visitors - to commit to working together as one family, interdependent with and supportive of one another.

There could be no better way of laying the strong and lasting foundation upon which all of Antigua and Barbuda ’s sons and daughters, those who live here, as well as those who traverse the globe, can work together, each endeavouring, all achieving, in building a model nation that will be a caring mother to all her children.

I extend Happy Independence Holiday Greetings to you and to your loved ones.

I ask God’s blessings, and the gift of love and unity, upon Antigua and Barbuda , and upon all of her sons and daughters.

I pray God’s generous blessings upon you and your loved ones.