NEWSLETTER - University of...

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ISSUE No.115 November 2006

Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486

Throne Speech On Thursday 23rd November Governor-General Sir James B.Carlisle presented the government’s plans and policies for the comingparliamentary year at the Annual Throne Speech to a joint sitting of theHouse of Representatives.

During his speech the Governor-General said that hisgovernment will continue the programme of fiscal reform initiatives.The Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax will be introduced in the firstquarter of 2007 to further consolidate the tax system by replacingseveral existing taxes, including the consumption tax, the hotel taxesand the telecommunications tax.

He further stated that the government will implement a newand modernized property tax system.

The Sales and the Property Taxes represent the final measures of the government’s tax reform initiatives.

The Governor-General said, “My Government will therefore implement recently passed legislation to provide personalincome tax relief, introduce mechanisms to provide tax credits to businesses that support the development of education, sports andculture, enforce the compliance of the widened basket of essential goods, and give tax relief to pensioners and provide property taxallowance to all owner occupied residential properties.

Recent legislation, which provides for no property tax on agricultural buildings and lower tax rates on agricultural land willalso be enforced.

To further build on the remarkable successes of my Government’s treasury bills and bonds issue, created by the renewedconfidence of the international and regional business community in Antigua and Barbuda, my government will continue thisprogramme in 2007 to raise financial resources at much lower interest rates.

Through the treasury bills and bonds programme, my Government was ableto retire high cost debt, finance the voluntary separation programme, and fundcritical infrastructural initiatives.

My Government will also continue to implement a debt management strategydeveloped by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) fundeddebt consultants. Once this strategy is fully implemented, it is expected that ourdebt stock will be reduced, the credit rating of Antigua and Barbuda will beimproved, and more efficient mechanisms for debt acquisition, monitoring andmanagement will be in place.”

Continued on page 8

Inside• Dr Errol Cort addresses investment

conference at Lancaster House (page 3) • Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to be handed over early January (page 5) • WTO panel concludes hearings on Inter net gaming dispute with presentations by “third parties” (pages 9 & 12) • “Best Wedding Island” award for Antigua and Barbuda (page 10)

NEWSLETTER

Governor-General Sir James B. Carlisle inspects a Guard ofHonour of Officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence

Force and the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force

A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCYDR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER

Dear Readers,

In this message I will continue our discourse on theconcept “One Family, Embracing the Future Together” which wasthe theme of our 25th Anniversary celebrations. Looking at thisfrom a nationalist perspective in the 25th Anniversary Magazine, Iasked the questions “what family have we become? What type ofpeople are we aiming to become? Who in reality demonstrates thecharacteristics of a true and proud Antiguan and Barbudan?”

In this series of messages over the coming months, I willattempt to address these questions I will now deal with the firstquestion

“What Family have we become?”

The family referred to here comprises citizens of Antiguaand Barbuda; “citizens” for this analysis is defined by the OxfordEnglish Dictionary as “a legally recognised subject or national ofa state or commonwealth” and by the Random House Dictionaryof the English Language as “a native or naturalized member of astate or nation who owes allegiance to its government and isentitled to its protection”. Who then must be as classified citizensand therefore entitled to be members of the family alluded toabove?

The 2001 census of Antigua and Barbuda gave thepopulation size as 76,886 with the following dominantcomposition:-

91% African descent, 0.7% East Indian, 0.6%Syrian/Lebanese, 1.7% White/Caucasian and 4.4% Mixed.

The population then was made up of 53% females and47% males. Apart from 1st generation Antiguans and Barbudans,there are also 3,996 Dominicans; 5,410 Guyanese; 3,335Jamaicans; 1,492 Dominicans Republic and 831 citizens of UKliving in our community among others. The family therefore iscosmopolitan and made up of immigrants from 39 countriesbeside Antigua and Barbuda.

The culture of our society has changed over the yearsand more so since the introduction of cable TV. The extendedfamily concept is not as prevalent today as 20 to 30 years ago.

This is reflected in the lifestyle of our citizens. Thenumber of older generation citizens living in “homes for the aged”has increased significantly. The style of attire of young people andold alike reflect similar tastes to those seen in the progressive andfast moving cities in the USA, Canada and the UK.

The number of churches in our nation has increased, sotoo has the number of bars, discotheques, brothels and places ofnightly entertainment. The number of children being raised bysingle parents (mainly women) is on the increase. Can wetherefore say that the quality of life of the family has improved?Our per capita income has certainly increased but so too has thenumber of vagrants roaming our streets. Walking our streetstoday, we hear many new accents and a few new languages beingspoken.

As these changes impact our communities, what orwhom have we really become as a nation, as a family? Are webeing drawn together by a common bond of national unity or pridein our country? After all, 25 years in the life of any individualshould lead to a clear demonstration of the character that personhas become.

We are richer from the new vibrancy in our society onlywhen and if the chords that bind us together are reflected in ourefforts at true nationhood building. There should begin to appeara family richer in culture, reflective of the heritage of the variousethnic groupings and the best of the culture they have to offer.Each member of the family will then feel connected, respectedand fully committed. Let us therefore work together with the helpof the God we serve to build a better Antigua and Barbuda, abetter region and a better world as one family united in ourcommon goals.

Dr Carl RobertsHigh Commissioner

2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP

Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com

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Dr Errol Cort addressesinvestment conference atLancaster House

Minister of Finance and theEconomy, Hon. Dr. Errol Cort onThursday 2nd November addressed theCaribbean Investment Conference whichwas held at Lancaster House, London.

The Conference was a personalinitiative of British Prime Minister, TonyBlair and was held under the theme“Transforming the Caribbean Economy:New Avenues for Investment”.

The intention of the Conferencewas to draw attention to the manyinvestment opportunities in theCaribbean region, not least those arisingas a result of European Union-supportedtransitional programmes. It enabledparticipants to discuss ways in which thepublic sector could help the privatesector to make the most of thoseopportunities.

Minister Cort addressed thegathering on the importance of PublicPrivate Partnerships in the EasternCaribbean Currency Union. He told hisaudience that “the private sector is acritical engine of growth and could havea catalytic effect on macroeconomicstability, high growth rates, efficientdeployment of human resources andimproved living conditions”.

Minister Cort further told thegathering that “given the implementationof the CARICOM Single Market andEconomy (CSME) and the demands ofan ever changing international businessenvironment, the coordination of publicand private sector efforts is integral to theoverall efforts at achieving globalcompetitiveness within the Caribbeanfinancial sector, promoting productiveenterprises at a regional level andachieving stability within Caribbeaneconomies”.

The Conference also receivedaddresses from the Prime Minister of theUnited Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair,the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt.Hon. Owen Arthur and the President ofGuyana, His Excellency, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Antigua and Barbudarepresented at WIPOMinisterial - Level Meetingon Intellectual Property forthe Caribbean Minister of Justice, Senator theHonourable Collin Derrick, has describedthe recently held Sixth Ministerial LevelMeeting on Intellectual Property forCaribbean countries held in Barbados asa success.

The November 2nd and 3rdMeeting held under the auspices of theWorld Intellectual Property Organisation

(WIPO) and the Government ofBarbados deliberated on a wide rangeof matters, including a report from theHeads of Intellectual Property Offices,which contained a number ofrecommendations.

Minister Derrick noted thatsome of the recommendationshighlighted the need for assistance insuch areas as the formulation ofstrategies to promote innovation,technology transfer and economicdevelopment; and the provision ofspecialized training for developingnational intellectual property policiesand the undertaking of nationalintellectual property audits.

“The Ministerial Meetingagreed to foster collaboration betweenCARICOM, the OECS and WIPO indefining and determining the scope ofregional administration in the area ofpatent, including search andexamination. We also requestedassistance from WIPO in developingappropriate frameworks for theprotection of traditional knowledge,folklore, genetic resources, indigenousCaribbean culture and nationalheritage, particularly of indigenous

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP

Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com

Issue No. 115 November 2006

Minister of Finance and the Economy,Hon. Dr Errol Cort

Minister of JusticeSenator The Hon. Colin V A Derrick


populations in Caribbean countries,”noted Minister Derrick.

He also outlined that a requestwas made to WIPO to assist Caribbeancountries in the implementation of trade-related aspects of intellectual propertyrights (TRIPS) and in particular advisingon adjusting national legislation toincorporate existing flexibilities in TRIPSand other international IP Treaties.

Prior to the Ministerial Meetinga Meeting of Heads of IntellectualProperty Offices of Caribbean countrieswas also convened in Bridgetown on 31October and 1 November. The Meetingof Heads of Intellectual Property Officeswas attended by Charlesworth Taborand Mitzie Buckley, Acting Registrar andDeputy Registrar respectively of Antiguaand Barbuda’s Intellectual Property andCommerce Office.

The Heads of IntellectualProperty Offices identified the need forthe inclusion of intellectual property as asubject in the curricula at primary,secondary and tertiary levels. Theimportance of continuous outreach andpublic education with respect tointellectual property was also recognized.

Internet Gaming andCriminal Deporteesdiscussed with newUS Ambassador

Prime Minister of Antigua andBarbuda the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencerhas said that the recent changes in theUnited States Congress during mid-termelections in the United States present anopportunity for dialogue with the US onthe Internet Gaming dispute at the WorldTrade Organisation.

During discussions with newlyappointed United States Ambassador to

Barbados and the Eastern CaribbeanHer Excellency Mary Ourisman, PrimeMinister Spencer said that the recentlegislation by the US Congress has beendamaging to Antigua and Barbuda’seconomy and that the door is now openfor serious dialogue.

He emphasized the adherenceto international trade rules under WTOand that the recent legislation by theUnited States challenges the credibilityof the organisation. “There is enoughroom for common ground to be foundwith us reaching a balanced solution,”said Prime Minister Spencer.

Ambassador Ourisman whoarrived in the region on October 31, oneday after the departure of herpredecessor Mary Kramer who hasreturned to the United States, said thatthe issue of gaming is a moral one for theUnited States especially for theprotection of its children. Over 80% ofAntigua and Barbuda’s Internet gamingclients are United States citizens.

Prime Minister Spencer duringthe discussion also spoke ofUS/Caribbean relations and theorganization of a Caribbean conferencein the United States. He also mademention of the Caribbean Basin Initiative

and the Caribbean basin EconomicRecovery Act.

World Cup preparations werealso discussed including theassistance which the United States iswilling to provide under theMemorandum of Understanding whichCARICOM signed with the USHomeland Secretary Mr. MichaelChertoff.

The provision of consularservices by the United States Embassyfor residents of the Eastern Caribbeanand the issues of criminal deporteeswere discussed. Prime MinisterSpencer said that the region wouldwelcome an engagement with theUnited States to discuss alternativeson the deportee matter.

United States AmbassadorOurisman also met Minister of Financeand Economy Dr. the Hon. Errol Cort,Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs the Hon. Justin Simon Q.C.,Leader of the Opposition the Hon.Steadroy Benjamin and theVenezuelan Ambassador, Dean of theDiplomatic Corps.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Ambassador Ourisman during their discussions

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Community workshop heldto re-energize communitygroups The Community DevelopmentDepartment, a division within the Ministryof Housing Culture & SocialTransformation, convened a one-daysymposium on Thursday 16th Novemberin an effort to re-energize and reactivatecommunity groups within the country.

During a brief OpeningCeremony, Minister of Housing, Culture& Social Transformation, Hon. HiltonBaptiste encouraged the leaders andother NGO’s to work along with thedivision as it will have significant benefitsfor the residents in the community andthe country.

In relation to the crime situationin the country, Minister Baptiste said,“We must reclaim our communityotherwise none of us will be safe”.

The Minister of SocialTransformation said that if we all worktogether, nurture and care for our youngpeople, it will make the country a betterplace to live but “we must get up and getorganized.”

Minister Baptiste also paidtribute to Ms. Judie Labadie, formerCommunity Development Director, for allher years of hard and dedicated work.However, Minister Baptiste pointed outthat the time has come for division to begiven additional tools and equipment toensure that the employees are equippedto handle the tasks at hand.

Throughout the day, the over50 participants focused on InstitutionalAspects of NGO’s/CBO’s which wasdelivered by Ambassador Anthony‘Mamba’ Liverpool. Ms Roberta Williamslooked at the topic of SustainableLivelihood within Communities, while Mr.Philmore Mullin, Deputy Director of

NODS (National Office of DisasterServices) focused on equippingcommunities to handle emergencies anddisasters. The last topic dealt withMaintaining Healthy Communities, whichwas facilitated by Mr. David Spencer.

Sir Vivian RichardsStadium to be handedover early January The Sir Vivian Richards CricketStadium will be ready for handover bythe Chinese to the Government ofAntigua and Barbuda on SaturdayJanuary 13, 2007.

This assurance came from theman charged with overseeing thecompletion of the Stadium, Chairman ofthe Inter Governmental Working GroupAmbassador David Shoul. He said thatall systems are on target for this datewhich will include a grand ceremony atthe site.

Ambassador Shoul noted thathe is very pleased with the reportreceived from the recent visit bymembers of the ICC CWC 2007 VenueTour Committee, although there are anumber of concerns that were expressedby the ICC. “We are confident that theconcerns the ICC has about certainsections of our preparation would beironed out beforetheir next tour in afew weeks time. Wehave a dedicatedteam of individualswho are involved inthe preparationsalong with a numberof other individualswho are prepared tolend assistance if theneed should arise,”he said.

The Chairman of the IGWGalso outlined that a full inspection of theroute for the placement of new streetlights leading to the stadium wasconducted last week and work by theChinese contractors will commence ina few weeks time in conjunction withthe Antigua Public Utilities Authority.“The route to the Stadium from the V.C.Bird International Airport was inspectedand it was decided that street lights willbe placed on the right side of the road,with a separation difference of fortymetres (132 feet) for each post. Theselights are another gift from our Chinesecounterparts,” Ambassador Shoulstated.

A few weeks agoAmbassador Shoul along with PrimeMinister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer andmembers of the Local OrganizingCommittee toured the facility andwitnessed the testing of thescoreboards and lights at the multi-million dollar facility.

“All of Antigua and Barbudaand indeed the world will be very proudof the finished product which is alreadydistinguished by having the name ofour National Hero Sir Vivian Richards.I am confident that we will have a topclass facility which the government willhand over to the ICC on February 23,”Shoul concluded.


Prime Minister Spencer, Ambassador David Shoul, Ambassador RenXioping and members of the Chinese Construction Team working

on the Sir Vivian statdium

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11-plus ‘F’ to highhonoursExcerpted from NationNews.comWritten by Melissa Wickhan

How did a poor boy fromAntigua who failed the 11-Plus exammanage to create history by becomingthe first person to ever graduate from theUniversity of the West Indies (UWI) witha triple major?

One word - determination.

But it gets better.

Dale Destin, who graduated arecently from the UWI’s Cave HillCampus with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in an unprecedented triple major- information technology, meteorologyand mathematics with First ClassHonours - only spent three years insecondary school.

He grew up in The Point andGreen Bay, two of the poorest areas inSt John’s. And, because his family wasunable to give him a tertiary education,he went straight to work in constructionwhile his schoolmates furthered theireducation.

But Destin, the son of afisherman and a maid, was determinednot to let his circumstances dictate hisfuture.

“My academic life prior toSecondary School was not one that wasoutstanding. I did not pass my 11-Plusexam for reasons outside of my ownability. But, in Antigua, the system allowsyou two opportunities to gain ascholarship to a secondary school - the11-Plus and post primary exams. I tookthe latter two years after I sat the 11-Plusand gained entry to a secondary schoolat the age of 14,” he said.

Destin studied hard to make upfor the late start, and gained sixCaribbean Examination Council (CXC)certificates.

After working in construction onleaving school, he went on to work as ajoiner at a furniture factory. Then he gota job at the Antigua and BarbudaMeteorological Office as ameteorological assistant. He visitedBarbados twice to do the official Class 2and later Class 1 training courses at whatwas then Caribbean MeteorologicalInstitute, now the Caribbean Institute ofMeteorology and Hydrology.

Scholarship

Still not satisfied with hisacademic achievements up to that point,Destin applied to the WorldMeteorological Organisation for ascholarship to pursue a Bachelor ofScience degree in Meteorology and, in2003 he awarded the scholarship.

It meant another trip toBarbados to pursue the degree at theUWI’s Cave Hill Campus.

“I always knew that once I wasgranted the scholarship, I would pursuestudies in information technology inaddition to meteorology. The inspirationcame from a colleague of mine, MrKeithly Meade, who did the same a fewyears prior and was able to significantlycomputerise the Antigua and BarbudaMeteorological Office. This was veryimpressive to me,” explained the 37year-old.

But a triple major was farthestfrom his mind.

In fact, he admitted he was a bitnervous just getting through themathematics required for his two initialmajors - meteorology and informationtechnology, far less considering it as amajor.

Although he passed maths atCXC level, he failed it at primary andpost-primary levels. But as timeprogressed Destin realised he had aknack for the subject and it was thenthat thoughts of triple major started to“ferment in my mind”.

He picked up a number ofmaths courses and, after his first year,realised he could do all the creditsrequired for a triple major whichincluded maths.

He accumulated 143 credits -three more than is required for a triplemajor - mainly by doing a lot of summercourses.

“Being told there is no suchthing as a triple major by most personsI was going to settle for the joint majorof information technology andmeteorology, but about three weeksleading up to graduation, I raised thematter with the Dean of Pure andapplied Sciences, Mr Carrington.

“I asked him if the universityofficially recognised it as a triple majorand he told me that there was no suchthing as a triple major. I said: ‘Okay’ “.

Not long after theconversation, Destin received a letterfrom the Dean that changed his life.

He said, “He wrote me andtold me they had officially asked theuniversity board to consider the matter.And I guess the rest is history.”

Knowing most of his friends atUWI would have called him crazy ifthey had known what he was doing,Destin kept the good news a secretuntil it was announced at thegraduation and if that was’nt all - healso achieved First Class Honours.

“It was shocking for mostpersons. They were like: ‘How couldyou have done that? Where did you


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find the time?’ My friends and family arehappy for me. It feels good to createhistory. I am proud and humbled at thesame time. As I have told my Dean, Ibelieve it could’ve been accomplished byother if the university was to officiallyoffer {the triple major} as an option,” hesaid.

Destin, who was also awardedthe Dean’s Prize for his accomplishment,

believes anyone can achieve successonce they put their minds to it.

Success

He now lives in an exclusivesuburb in Antigua, Cassada Gardens,and enjoys the fruits of his success.

“I consider myself lucky; I couldhave easily fallen through the cracks like

many youngsters in depressedcircumstances. I also hung out on theblock and did some things that couldhave got me in serious trouble. But myadvice would be simply don’t let thethings around you make you feelhopeless or feel you have to follow thecrowd. Believe in yourself and listen tothe older ones around you.”


Nicole Roberts Top Student - Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) (Antigua State College) GOLD

Ayokunle Ogunbiyi Top Student - Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) (St Joseph’s Academy) Silver

Onika Dover Top Student - Jr. Secondary Examination(Liberta Jr. Secondary) Bronze

Nickolas Judnarine Top Student - Primary Examination(T.O.R. Memorial Primary) Bronze

Office of the Governor-GeneralSt John’sAntigua

11th October, 2006

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continued from cover page With regard to Education HisExcellency explained that hisgovernment strongly believes thateducation continues to be the mosteffective method of empowering peopleand it is his government’s intention toensure that all Antiguans and Barbudanshave access to education from infancy toadulthood.

Therefore, he said, “It is mygovernment’s intention in 2007 tocommence construction of a newsecondary school in our efforts toupgrade the current educationinfrastructure.

My Government will alsoensure that a modern informationtechnology driven Public Librarybecomes fully operational at the end ofthe first quarter of next year.

The Antigua and BarbudaHospitality Training Institute also plays apivotal role in the education system andthe development of our tourism sector.

In 2007, the Institute willcommence its “two-plus-two”arrangement with the University of theWest Indies, Cave Hill Campus inBarbados. Students at the Institution willbe given the opportunity to study for anAssociate Degree in Hospitality Studiesor Culinary Arts. Graduates from thisprogramme with a minimum GPA of 2.7will be given credit and exempted fromLevel One courses of the UWI’sBachelor’s Degree in Tourism at CaveHill, allowing them to complete theirdegree in a two year period.

The completion of expansionwork at the Antigua Grammar Schooland the expansion of other primary andsecondary schools to provide additionalclassroom space will also be pursued.

In my Government’s quest topave the path to an improved data

management process in our schoolsystem, an Education ManagementInformation System will be piloted inthree secondary schools.

To further support myGovernment’s policy of lifelong learning,the Adult and Continuing Education(TVET) Programme will be rejuvenatedin Barbuda along with the construction ofadditional workshops at the Antigua andBarbuda Institute of ContinuingEducation and a Learning ResourceCentre at the Antigua State College.

The review of the TVETCurriculum and institutionalstrengthening at both the Antigua StateCollege and the Antigua and BarbudaInstitute of Continuing Education will alsofeature in my government’s programmeto make knowledge the principle driver ofnational development.

The training of our teachers,instructors and managers will also bepriority in 2007. Our educators andyoung people will be the mainbeneficiaries of scholarships to beawarded under the soon to beestablished Scholarship ProcurementUnit within the Office of the PrimeMinister in conjunction with ouroverseas-based diplomats. Members ofour Police Force, Defence Force, andNurses will also benefit from theopportunities that this Unit will provide.The Scholarship Procurement Unit willcompliment the work being done by theMinistry of Education, the Board ofEducation and the Training Division.

My Government also remainscommitted to its policy of providingschool uniform grant vouchers andscholarships and textbooks, givingvaluable support to parents and childrenin our education system.”

In the area of Tourism,Governor-General Sir James Carlislesaid, “Tourism is our most important

sector, accounting for over 60% ofGDP when all the impacts are takentogether – direct, indirect and induced.To manoeuvre this nation on thechallenging path ahead will require theunwavering commitment of all in thisnation.

In 2007, my Governmentintends to exploit fully the country’senormous tourism potential. Thestrategic thrust forward is designed to,among other things:

stock to international standards, andestablish a critical mass of new roomsled by the 5-star end of the market;

as the Meetings, Conventions, Sportsand Wedding Capital of the EasternCaribbean and the Business Centre ofthe Sub-region;

attractions and develop various facetsof the product;

Antigua and Barbuda;

physical capacity of existing smallhotels below 25 rooms; and

tourism awareness among thepopulation.

Statistics from regional andinternational financial experts showthat 2007 holds the promise thatAntigua and Barbuda will realizeeconomic expansion on a scale thathas not been seen in recent memory.It is expected that the growth anddevelopment of the economy will befuelled by higher output from tourism,other productive sectors, andinfrastructure activity related to thehosting of Cricket World Cup 2007.

In this regard, 2007 will seethe commencement of construction, inpartnership with government, of theBermello, Ajamil and Partners (BAP)Project which is a new 200 room


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beachfront resort. The Jolly HarbourCaribbean Development Antigua LimitedExpansion Project will also commencenext year.

In 2007, the following projectswill be completed boosting the hotelstock significantly:

Project – A canopy Eco-Tour Project toinclude adventure course, hiking trails,cultural theatre and a reforestationprogramme;

A five star hotel comprising 291 rooms;

of 81 townhouses, duplex apartments,hotel and studio suites; and

Expansion Project.

The influence of travel andtourism on a community is significant.Most obviously, tourists bring revenue.However, how this revenue is attractedand the numbers of people who benefitsvary greatly.

To ensure maximum benefits tocommunities, my government will act asa catalyst for community-baseddevelopment and will work closely withcommunity-based organizations andenterprises to develop and implementcommunity based tourism projects.

In this regard, the Ministry ofTourism will collaborate with regionalinstitutions including the CaribbeanTourism Organization and the CaribbeanNatural Resource Institute to devise astrategic policy and plan for thedevelopment of community tourism, aswell as to sensitize communities of thevalue of their community assets, theirculture, heritage, cuisine and lifestyle.

In addition, my government willestablish a number of programmes,including increased training in smallbusiness management, environmentalawareness, product development and

marketing and will also facilitate thegranting of concessions and incentivesdesigned to ensure that small and micro-businesses play critical roles inincreasing economic activity andreducing unemployment.

My Government will alsofinalize arrangements with the Antiguaand Barbuda Development Bank toprovide soft loans to small hotels of up to25 rooms for up-grading andrefurbishing.”

(For the full text of the Governor-General’s Speech,please go to www.ab.gov.ag)

WTO Panel concludeshearings on Internetgaming dispute withpresentations by the “thirdparties” The WTO Panel concluded twodays’ hearings on 26th November onAntigua and Barbuda’s challenge toUnited States’ claim of compliance withthe Dispute Settlement Body’s rulingsand recommendations on the Internetgaming dispute between the twocountries, with presentations by thethree (3) “third parties” to the WTO case,the European Community, Japan andChina.

“That these three economicpowerhouses and major trading partnersof the United States have seen it fit tojoin with us in contesting what we havealways maintained is a dispute aboutgranting market access, is bothwelcomed and deeply appreciated,” saidAntigua and Barbuda’s Minister ofFinance and the Economy, theHonourable Dr. Errol Cort.

“What is even more remarkableis that they choose to become activeplayers in this WTO process and webelieve that a crucial factor in their

respective decisions to do so was thepure merits of our case,” he added.

Ambassador Colin Murdoch,Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ofForeign Affairs praised the three andnoted that, “any member of the WTOcan choose to become a “third party” inany pending dispute between two ormore WTO members (parties).However, it must do so at the outset ofthe dispute process. Once the processis underway, other WTO memberscannot join or submit written opinions.Moreover, they cannot attend theproceedings of the panel that has beenestablished to hear disputes or of theAppellate Body, which hears appealsof the rulings and recommendations ofthe dispute panels. Against thisbackdrop, I would like to thank theEuropean Commission, Japan andChina for the ongoing commitment tothis effort.”

Elaborating further on theprocess, the head of Antigua andBarbuda’s delegation to the panelmeeting, Ambassador to the WTO Dr.John W. Ashe, observed that “as is thecase for the parties in a dispute, “thirdparties” are invited to make writtensubmissions and are permitted tomake oral statements on theirsubmissions to the panel. They arethen subjected to a series of questionsfrom panel members and may chooseto submit written answers at a laterdate.”

“Now that the hearings arecompleted, the next step in the processis fairly well-defined and there are anumber of deadlines that we have tomeet,” said Mark Mendel, Antigua andBarbuda’s Legal Adviser.

“By the end of the daytomorrow, the panel will circulate aseries of questions to each party andwritten replies to those questions are

continue on page 12


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“Best Wedding Island”award for Antigua andBarbuda Antigua and Barbuda tookhome the ‘Best Wedding Island’ awardfor the second year running at CaribbeanWorld’s travel awards held at the FourSeasons Hotel, Park Lane, London on 9November 2006.

The Caribbean World AnnualAwards, now in its 12th year, is firmlyestablished among Britain’s foremostprize giving ceremonies, which honoursexcellence amongst the Caribbeanislands and the services that providecomfort, entertainment and enjoymentfor those who make the Caribbean theirfavourite holiday destination.

The magazine and its readersalso awarded Antiguan and Barbudannational hero, Sir Vivian Richards whoreceived a prize for ‘CaribbeanPersonality of the Year’.

Director General of Tourism,Lorraine Headley who accepted theprizes on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda,in conjunction with the HighCommissioner to the United Kingdom,

Dr. Carl Roberts and Miss Carol Hay,Director of Marketing UK, expressed hersatisfaction with the results.

“We are extremely pleased thatAntigua and Barbuda has beenrecognized as one of the best Caribbeanlocations to tie the knot. The Ministry ofTourism has been working tirelessly topromote the island as a perfect romanticgetaway and has forged a strongpartnership with the Ministry of LegalAffairs who has made getting married inAntigua and Barbuda a simple, hasslefree experience. This award comes at agreat time for us as we look forward towelcoming over 25 leading travel agentsand tour operators from the UnitedKingdom for a special Weddings andHoneymoons Familiarisation Trip wherewe will highlight those special attributesthat make Antigua and Barbuda anaward winning destination”.

The Antigua Barbudadelegation rubbed shoulders with specialguest of the evening Sir TrevorMcDonald OBE, a Trinidadian nationaland first black news anchor in the UnitedKingdom. He was awarded ‘TVPersonality and Broadcaster of the Year’having won more awards than any otherBritish broadcaster and is now

recognized as one of Britishtelevision's most trusted reporters.


Photos featuringHE Dr Carl Roberts,

Director-General of TourismMs. Lorraine Headley

and Director of Marketing UK,Ms. Carol Hay accepting trophy on

behalf of Antigua and Barbuda

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High Commissioncelebrates Antigua andBarbuda’s 25th year ofIndependence

On 5th November 2006 theHigh Commission in London celebratedAntigua and Barbuda’s 25th Anniversaryof Independence in grand style at theHoliday Inn Kensington Forum.

For some it was a night toremember!!

During the proceedings theHonourable Baldwin Spencer, PrimeMinister of Antigua and Barbudadelivered his address to nationalsoverseas via a pre-recorded DVDbroadcast.

Guests included members ofthe diplomatic corps, cricketing greats

such as Sir Viv Richards,Richie Richardson andCurtley Ambrose; hotelrepresentatives, membersof the diaspora in the UK,and the travel trade.

Entertainment wasprovided by the verypopular Antiguan band‘Dread and Baldhead’ andguests danced the nightaway.

This also marked the first timemembers of the diaspora were awardedfor their outstanding contribution withintheir community in the country they nowcall home. This is a project that weintend to continue as we are mindful thatthere are many more nationals who haveindeed made significant contributionsand who should also be recognised andawarded.

His Excellency Dr CarlRoberts and Mrs Pauline Robertswould like to thank all those who tookthe time to attend and sincerely hopethat you felt that Antigua andBarbuda’s 25th Anniversary ofIndependence was marked with thesplendour that such a momentousoccasion deserves.


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Some photos ofthe gala event:Clockwise from

left:Reception,

dinner, somememorable faces

and guestsdancing the night

away to thesounds of ‘Dread

andThe


(Right) The first Antiguanfamily of Butchers wasopened in May 2006. Itincludes second generationof the Ferris Family - Carlton,Darren and Pauline. FarmFresh Butchers - Purveyors ofthe finest quality meatsoperate from 78 LowerClapton Road, Clapton E50RN


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due approximately one week later, in thiscase by December 8. Within this sametimeframe, the panel will also sendquestions to the “third parties.” Inaddition, each party may also submit alist of questions to the other party in thedispute. The panel will then make thefactual record of the hearings available tothe parties on December 22. This will befollowed by the “descriptive” part of its“interim report,” which it make availableto the parties on 11 January 2007.

Finally the full “interim report”will be circulated to the parties on 25January 2007. On receipt of the interimreport, the parties will be given a periodof time to submit their comments andobservations on the panel’s rulings andrecommendations, before the final reportis made available to the entire WTOmembership sometime in early February2007.”

“We have every reason to beconfident that, given the merits of ourcase and the fact that the US, havinggiven an undertaking to do so, has donenothing to bring itself into compliancewith rulings and recommendations of theDSB, we will prevail at this stage,” saidKaye MacDonald, Antigua andBarbuda’s Director of Gaming.

FSRC takes Legal Actionagainst BETonSPORTS(Antigua) Ltd.

The Financial ServicesRegulatory Commission (FSRC) ofAntigua and Barbuda has announced thatit has filed an application for a restrainingorder in the High Court of Justice, againstBETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd.

BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd.,an interactive gaming and interactivewagering service provider, under the orderis restrained from, among other things,entering into any agreement orarrangement to sell, transfer or otherwisedispose of cash and assets within oroutside of Antigua and Barbuda without theconsent, management and supervision ofFSRC.

The application also calls forBETonSPORTS to account for its assetsand obligations and otherwise providesuch information that will assist the FSRCin ensuring that BETonSPORTSconsumers are protected to the maximumextent possible and that Antigua andBarbuda’s Laws and Regulations areadhered to.

The application for the ordercomes on the heels of an announcedsettlement between the United Statesgovernment and BETonSPORTS and its

affiliates pertaining to criminal and civilcharges levelled against the company byUnited States authorities earlier in theyear. These charges, which resulted inthe high-profile arrest of BETonSPORTSformer Chief Executive, led to wide-spread disruption throughout theInternational on-line gaming communityand represented a new assault on cross-border competition for gambling andbetting services by the United Statesgovernment.

Kaye McDonald, the Director ofGaming for the FSRC, observed “whilethe jurisdiction of the United Statesgovernment over BETonSPORTS isquestionable, by virtue of being theholder of an Interactive Gaming andInteractive Wagering license issued bythe Antiguan and Barbudan authorities,BETonSPORTS has acquiesced to ourInternational jurisdiction over thecompany and its assets. It is importantfor the protection of consumers thatwhatever assets BETonSPORTS hasremaining be properly available todepositors and other creditors and not bedissipated on fines or penalties orotherwise improperly disposed.”

A hearing of the application isscheduled for 4th December 2006, atwhich time BETonSPORTS will have theopportunity to respond to the applicationfor a restraining order.

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