Official newsletter

newsletter106 ( .pdf )

W The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission
ISSUE No.106 January 2006


iIThe BCessing of
the new premises of
the Antigua and
Barbuda H-figh
Commission and
'Tourism Office at 45
Crawford Place


2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


lil'' i ,iiii-ii.-barbuda.com


Inside


International Fashion Designer buys home
in Antigua (page 4)
Prime Minister Spencer receives first
Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable
Passport (page 6)
Government commences Public Sector
Audit (page 7)
Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean
marketplace (11)








A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY

DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER


Dear Readers,


This is a new beginning for the Antigua and
Barbuda High Commission and Tourist Office.

On the 17th of January 2006, I along with my
wife and staff, representatives from our Tourism
Public Relations Firm (KTA), Father Ronald Farley,
the President Mrs Manners and a few members of
the Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda National
Association and former President of the Association
Mr Alphonso Peters came together to witness the
Blessing by Father Farley of our new premises at 45
Crawford Place.

In my short presentation I reiterated
Government's intention to institute change where it is
needed so that the wheels of government will run
better for the benefit of nationals both here and at
home.

I also took the opportunity to introduce to the
gathering a new member of Staff. Miss Cherrie


Osborne joins our family with a Masters Degree in
Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Miss Osborne is British born of Antiguan
parentage and I am extremely delighted that she has
now joined the Tourism staff.

The Ministry of Tourism came out of 2005 on
a high note, with the re-inaugural flight of Condor, a
successful tourism week, Delta's Inaugural Flight,
among other things.

The year ahead will see technical staff
planning ahead for what is forecasted to be a very
busy tourist season with the 2007 ICC World Cup
Cricket. Many activities will be planned and executed
as a precursor to this major regional event.

"The nation of Antigua and Barbuda will be
celebrating its Silver Jubilee year of independence,
however, although the homecoming festivals do not
fall under the ambit of the tourism Ministry, any activity
that involves increased visitor arrivals tend to mean
increased activities for the tourism technical staff, "say
Communications Officer in the Ministry of Tourism
and Civil Aviation, Samoya Kirby.

Tourism Minister Harold Lovell informed
technical officers of impending changes to staff
inclusive mainly of new additions to come in areas
which are deemed important for improvements if the
Ministry is to accomplish major goals for 2006.

Kirby also stated that emphasis is being
placed on moving forward with discussions for the
development of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism
Authority as well as the development of the National
Tourism Master plan.


Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner








1VERMNNES]


I Megan Samuel-Helds (lert), Dr John Koberts, Q. ., Master Bencher, Grays inn
I Mand Clement Samuel (right)


Antiguan brother and
sister called to the Bar in
England and Wales

Brother and sister study
partners, Clement Samuel and Megan
Samuel-Fields were called to the Bar of
England and Wales on November 24,
2005 after teaming up to complete the
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bar
Vocational Course (BVC), for which they
received honours.

During an intensive three-year
period, the duo studied for the LLB via
distance learning while working full-time
and being active parents. They both
travelled to University of Cardiff, Wales
to complete the Bar Vocational Course
(BVC) and were called as members of
the renowned Grays Inn in London.

This has been a story of sibling
camaraderie for this accomplished
brother-sister team. For many years,
they shared a significant part of their
professional careers at the same


company, Cable & Wireless, moreover, in
both instances, Clement and Megan's
education in law is a move in a different
direction from their first degrees and areas
of discipline. Both new lawyers intend to
use their qualifications to bolster their
existing careers.

In Clement's case, he holds a
degree in Engineering, and worked with
Cable & Wireless for over 20 years. Having
left the company in 2003 as Chief
Engineer, he intends to combine his years
of experience in the management of
telecommunications with up-to-date legal
expertise in his current position as the
government's Telecommunications Officer.
Megan holds a degree in accounting and
has been a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA) since 1992. She is in her 11th year
with Cable & Wireless and is currently the
company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Clement and Megan are the
children of the Honourable and Mrs.
Charlesworth Samuel and credit their
success to moral support that they
received from family and friends. In
addition, the brother-sister team has


Issue No. 106 January 2006

followed in their father's footsteps in
pursuing legal education as a second
degree using the distance learning
approach.


Nationals pursue course
in Social Work

Three nationals have been
awarded full scholarships and are
pursuing studies in the Principles and
Practice of Social Work at the
University of West Indies, Mona
Campus, Jamaica.

This was announced by
Emmanuel Gordor, Project Manager
for the European Union (EU) Drug
Demand Reduction Unit, which falls
under the Ministry of Housing,
Culture & Social Transformation.

The recipients are Reha V.
Joseph, Marissa Benjamin, and
Causilda Anthony. They will spend
the next three months in Jamaica.

The course is designed to
meet the needs of persons working in
the broad field of social welfare,
either as professionals or voluntary
workers in recognized agencies, who
have not had professional training in
social work.

Mr Gordor said he is
delighted that the European Union
could assist the country's quest to
develop a cadre of persons who can
adequately assist in drug education
and reduction. He said this is in
keeping with the EU's overall mission
and hopes that the relationship with
the Government/Ministry of Housing,
Culture and Social Transformation
and the EU can continue for a very
long time.


2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


hlilp. .ii iyi..i-barbuda.com










Mr. Armani related much of


what he
Antigua and
place whicl
abounds
isolated!"


likes about
Barbuda, a
She stated
in "Beauty


"I am very intrigued at
the diversity of cultures
present on the island and
the ease and flexibility with
which the peoples co-
exist," he said. This, he
said, he enjoys observing
each day during his regular
jogs on the outskirts of his
property.


International Fashion
Designer buys
home in Antigua

Renowned Italian clothing and
textiles designer Giorgio Armani has
made Antigua and Barbuda his
destination of choice.

Just recently, after visiting
Antigua and Barbuda for many years on
board his yacht, Armani decided to
spend more time in Antigua by
purchasing a home, which he
remodelled using everything Armani.

In a recent visit to the home of
Giorgio Armani, Tourism Minister Harold
Lovell sat and spoke with the man who
has a net worth of about 1.7 billion as
estimated by Forbes magazine in 2001.

The Minister thanked Mr.
Armani for choosing Antigua and
Barbuda to be the Caribbean island of
choice for his home. He presented Mr.
Armani with his very own edition of "A
Little Bit of Paradise" as well as samples
of the islands' famous 'Cavalier rum 'and
world renowned 'Susie's Hot Sauce'.

With the assistance of Jeff
Hadeed, who acted as translator for Mr.
Armani whose native tongue is Italian,


He said that he feels very safe
and the people are warm and helpful. "It is
not a case where I feel like a captive in my
own home, beauty, and serenity abounds
here, but I can indulge in a little island
entertainment in nearby St. John's."

"I can visit the pizzeria when I
want, the club when I want, and the casino
when I want," "It's all here in Antigua!" he
adds.

Giorgio Armani also has major
interests in investing in the island as he is
very much interested in preserving nature.
His words of advice to Minister Lovell were,
"ensure that all developers respect your
islands' resources." "They should not build
too close to the shoreline and they should
not build too many high rise buildings." he
concluded.

Armani seldom travels to Antigua
alone, and is usually accompanied by an
entourage of ten or more persons who are
themselves VIP's. His staff is mostly
Antiguan and he buys Antiguan.

Minister Lovell said that this type
of relationship could only prove beneficial
to an island which is marketed as a mid to
up-market destination. "The spin-offs are
tremendous for our economy and we
endeavour to continue to lift our product to
attract such clientele".


Issue No. 106 January 2006


Fiennes Institute
receives timely
donation

The Very Intimate Places of
Antigua (VIP) Antigua Group which
represents many of the small hotels
in the country, recently donated 20
bedside tables to the Fiennes
Institute. The bedside tables,
estimated at over EC$3,000.00, was
donated to the health institution as
part of the on-going commitment by
the group to support the Fiennes
Institute.

In presenting the supplies to
the institution, VIP Antigua's
Chairman, Eustace Potter said the
V.I.P. Antigua Group's giving will be
continual to ensure that the staff and
patients are comfortable. He
appealed to the public to offer
assistance in caring for the inmates
in Fiennes.

Delores Jardine who is also
a member of the Group noted that
they will be monitoring the Ministry of
Health's wish list to see how they can
assist in future donations.

Junior Minister in the
Ministry of Health Winston Williams
who accepted the contributions for
the institution, said he is delighted
that the group saw it fit to make such
timely donations. He called on the
public to play their role in making
contributions to the Fiennes Institute
and to the other health institutions
across Antigua and Barbuda.

Matron for the Fiennes
Institute Imelda Southwell expressed
her gratitude for the timely gifts and
indicated that with such generosity
the Fiennes Institute will become the
institution it ought to be.


2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


WIl`.i p iIyii.i-barbuda.com











IVERMNNES]


Antiguan Cricket Officials
attend Duckworth Lewis
Seminar

Game officials, statisticians,
Cricket Operations Managers and
Duckworth Lewis Match Managers from
across the region attended a two day
Duckworth Lewis Seminar, held in
Antigua from January 21 to 22.

The seminar was part of the roll out
phase as the region prepares for ICC
Cricket world Cup West Indies 2007.

The seminar was conducted by
Messrs Frank Duckworth and Tony
Lewis. The Duckworth Lewis system is
used for calculating the result of weather
affected, interrupted or abandoned one-
day games.

Antigua and Barbuda was
represented by Kattian Edwards-
Baltimore and Cassandra Murray, both
scorer and statistician. Edwards-
Baltimore and Murray stated that the
seminar was timely as Antigua will be
hosting several ICC one day games;
"This training is very critical for us as
Cricket World Cup is a one day
international competition. This year,
Antigua will host two international one
day games, plus international practice
matches and these will give us a great
opportunity to use what we have learnt."


"We knew of the system but after
attending this seminar we now have a
better understanding of why and how the
system is used. Duckworth and Lewis were
excellent. They were able to explain the
system to people with varying degrees of
knowledge and with different official
functions."

Michael Hall, Cricket Operations
Director, ICC CWC 2007 Inc. added that:
"The staging of this seminar in Antigua
represents one in a series of events
leading up to Cricket World Cup 2007. It
has provided an opportunity for each
hosting LOC to test their readiness to
actually stage an event. Obviously, this
was not an international cricket match but
it did involve elements of the things they
are going to have to perfect by Cricket
World Cup 2007."



Attorney General attends
World Cup 2007 Security
Issues Meeting

On the 18th January 2006,
Attorney General and Minister of Legal
Affairs Justin Simon QC represented the
government at the Meeting of the Ad-hoc
Sub-Committee of Ministers of National
Security and Law Enforcement for Security
Issues Pertaining to Cricket World Cup
2007 in Bridgetown Barbados.


Issue No. 106 January 2006

The Meeting looked at
systems of procedures for the
processing of teams and officials,
spectators, regular tourists and
regular travel. Legislative issues,
protocols, training needs, technology
and equipment and accreditation
also formed part of the meeting's
agenda.

Minister Simon and his
colleagues also considered
recommendations coming from the
Meeting of Immigration and Customs
Officials which was held in July of last
year; the Meeting of Regional
Security Chiefs held in November in
Barbados and the Meeting of the
Caribbean Community CARICOM
Cricket World Cup 2007 Sub-
Committee.

National Security Advisor
Alec Vanderpoole, who attended the
Meeting of Officials for Security,
Customs, Immigration, Intelligence
and Disaster Preparedness, also
attended the Ministerial meeting.


2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


hlilp. .ii iyi..i-barbuda.com


P


Don't miss the 47th International Social
Service Spring Fair
on
Wednesday 9th and 10th May 2006
at
Kensington Town Hall
Hornton Street
London W8

Stalls from around the world brought to youi
doorstep by the diplomatic missions of over
100 countries


_ ~ICE~~ C'* II I -r I~-CIEE~ ~










Barbuda's commitment to regional
integration.

Ms. Otto noted that new
applicants for the document will begin
M receiving them from early next week
and pointed out that persons who are in
S possession of valid passports should
continue using them until the phased-
out process for the old passport is
announced.
Chief Passport Officer Ms. Paulette Otto presenting
Prime Minister Spencer with his new Machine Governor General Sir James
Readable Passport Carlisle and Lady Carlisle and Mrs
Jacklyn Spencer, wife of Prime Minister
PM Spencer receives first Spencer were also presented with the
Antigua Barbuda Machine Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable
Passports. The passports are being
Readable Passport issued in three colours and categories:
Regular Passport blue in colour; Official
On the 16th January 2006 Passport green in colour; and Diplomatic
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer Passport red in colour. The passports
accepted the first Antigua and Barbuda bear the CARICOM Logo, which identifies
new Machine Readable Passport during Antigua and Barbuda as a member state of
a brief ceremony at the Passport Office the regional grouping and the Coat of Arms
in St. John's. of Antigua and Barbuda on the front cover
of the document.
Chief Passport Officer Ms.
Paulette Otto presented the first Antigua and Barbuda and
Diplomatic Passport to the Prime
Minister following a tour of the facility OECS countries push back
which is producing the new travel date for CSM compliance
document.
OECS Heads during a meeting in
The Government last year Jamaica preceding the official ceremony to
initiated the process of producing launch the CARICOM Single Market have
Machine Readable Passports which are a to p ak te ate r
essential to meeting International Civil areed to he te r
compliance to June 30.
Aviation Organisation ICAO global
objectives designed to minimize delays Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer
in border-crossing formalities and to said that during the meeting, Heads took
safeguard international civil aviation the opportunity to review the situation as it
operation against acts of unlawful pertains to the Single Market. He said that
interference. the OECS, as they have been contending
for sometime now that while they are fully
In accepting his new passport, committed to the process of moving the
Prime Minister Spencer said that he is
Prime Minister Spencer said that he is CSM forward there are some concerns that
delighted that the preparation process the timetable as being set by CARICOM in
was a success and noted that the new terms of being able to meet all the basic
design of the document not only meets
requirements under the treaty may not be
international security requirements but to their liking.
with the addition of the CARICOM logo
on the cover, it signifies Antigua and


Issue No. 106 January 2006

"We have determined that
in order for the OECS territories to be
on board and to be able to fully
implement the CARICOM treaty as it
relates to the CSM that more time
would be needed for all the OECS
countries to come on board. So to
that extent we have decided we
should, for the purposes of signing
the Declaration of Intent, have the 31
of March date put back until June 30
which would allow all the OECS
countries to do what is necessary to
bring them in compliance with the
treaty," Prime Minister Spencer said.

He also pointed out that the
Development Fund was also
examined by the Heads. "It was
indicated that some initial moves
would have been made to establish
the fund. Quite frankly the OECS is
not comfortable that the development
fund has reached the stage where it
could be fully funded and become
fully operational and that is an issue
clearly that the OECS territories will
be watching extremely closely," he
said.

"I think it is important to
emphasize that our decision to push
back the date with respect of our
Declaration of Intent would give the
individual territories a chance to look
at their legislative agenda and a
number of other issues but at the
same time to be satisfied in our own
minds that the machinery would be
put in place fully to allow for the
implementation of the Development
Fund and also to ensure that the
special and differential treatment in
relation to our CARICOM partners
would have been fully ventilated," PM
Spencer outlined.

Under the CARICOM
Formula for country contribution to
the US$25 million Development
Fund, Antigua and Barbuda will be
required to contribute US$ point 47
million.


2nd Floor. 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


WIl`.i p iwI mi.-barbuda.com








1VERMNNES]


Labour Office soon to open
in Codrington Barbuda

On the 18th January Minister of
Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro
chaired a meeting with Minister of
Barbuda Affairs Trevor Walker, Dorothy
Symister, Chief Executive Officer for the
Barbuda Council and Labour
Commissioner Hesketh Williams to work
out details regarding the opening of a
Labour Office in Barbuda.

"The meeting was fruitful and I
am happy," said Dr. Quinn Leandro. "It is
important to be able to offer to our
Barbudan sisters and brothers the same
quality service we get in Antigua," she
stated.

The population of Barbuda is
made up of 15 percent CARICOM
nationals and as such it has become
necessary for labour matters to be
managed and dealt with expeditiously.

A major concern is the
inconvenience to Barbudan residents
who have to commute to Antigua to deal
with Labour affairs. "It is expensive to
travel to Antigua to sort out Labour
matters," the Minister said. She further
explained that the Labour Commissioner
would travel to the Codrington Office to
handle cases that required his
proficiency.

Minister Trevor Walker also
expressed his satisfaction about the
meeting. He said, "I am hoping that
through this initiative the Minister of
Labour can force a closer relationship
with Barbuda and with the Barbuda
Council. I am also hoping that this move
will make the Minster more accessible to
Barbudans."

Last year, two Barbudans Ricky
Michael and Omah Thomas, underwent
a six month training session at the
Labour Department in Antigua. They


have since returned to Barbuda and are
working as Labour Officers.

It is the government's intention to
open the Codrington Labour Office within
the first quarter of this year.


Government commences
Public Sector Audit

The Government has engaged
the services of Profiles Antigua Inc. to
conduct a Human Resources Audit in the
Public Sector as part of its Public Sector
Transformation Programme.

Profiles Antigua Inc. is a locally
established professional services firm. The
firm specializes in human resource
management consulting and offers a broad
spectrum of personnel assessment
products and services. Dr. Vincent
Richards and Dr. Errol Samuel established
Profiles Antigua Inc. in 2000. Profiles
Antigua Inc. is affiliated with Profiles
Caribbean headquartered in Barbados,
and Profiles International headquartered in
Waco, Texas, USA.

The firm and its key professionals
have crafted and assisted in the
implementation of numerous human
resources management interventions
which have spanned a wide range of
industry sectors and products and
services. They have also ranged from
private companies to statutory bodies to
non-governmental organizations.

The audit is in progress in the
Ministry of Works and Communication, the
Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of
Public Information.

The audit will:
* Review and assess the current
regulations for the Established workers
and make recommendations for
improvement in line with the government's


Issue No. 106 January 2006

overall vision of Public Sector
Reform and Transformation.


* Review and examine similar
models in the OECS and the wider
Caribbean

* Provide extensive orientation
and training for key stakeholders who
will be the change agents. These
include the Political Directorate,
Senior Public Service Managers,
Public Service workers and their
representative organizations and
representatives of Civil Society who
will be involved in guiding and
implementing the transformation
process.

* Make recommendations for
legislative change / revision /
upgrade to facilitate the development
of a performance-driven, results-
oriented, service excellence-
focused, highly motivated Public
Service.


* Provide an assessment and
evaluation mechanism for public
sector workers in the new and
transformed public sector system.


* Develop a grading and
classification system for the Non-
established workers consistent with
the revised Established workers'
sector. Further, in the interim, design
and develop a performance appraisal
system for the assessment and
evaluation of the Non-established
workers.

* Review the grading structure of
Established and Non-established
workers with consideration being
given to bringing them in line under
the one set of regulations.


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


hlip. - .ii _yi..i-barbuda.com








Issue No. 106


January 2006


Bachelor of Law Degree Legal
Education Certificate. At least
seven (7) years experience as an
advocate in a Court having
unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters
in some part of the Commonwealth.

$58,836.00 per annum

$5,844.00 per annum (provided the
officer maintains a car for the
performance of official duties).


(b) conduct coroner's inquiries and licensing
sessions;

(c) hear affiliation matters, certain matrimonial
matters and other matters relating to the
custody of children;

(d) conduct juvenile court;

(e) perform other judicial and administrative
functions (e.g., issuing of warrants and
granting of bail)

(f) perform any other duties which may be
assigned by the Chief Magistrate, or as
required by statute.


$18,000.00 per annum


$18,000.00 per annum

Free telephone (limited to local
calls)

Twenty-seven (27) working days
per annum and in accordance with
existing regulations.

Thirty (30) calendar days during
the period of twelve (12) months.

a. adjudicate all criminal, quasi-
criminal and civil cases within the
limits prescribed by the
Magistrate's Code of Procedure
Act, Cap. 255 and any other law;


Hours of Work: (1)


Monday to Thursdays
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.


(2) Notwithstanding (1) above, the
nature of the duties will require the
Officer to perform work outside of
the hours mentioned above, in
addition to Sundays and Public
Holidays when necessary.


Applications stating qualifications, experience, the
names and addresses of at least two referees, along with
copies of Certificates should be sent to:

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Justice
Government Office Complex,
Parliament Drive
St. John's, Antigua W.I.


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


]lip. _iiiii..i-barbuda.com


1VERMNNES]


GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Ministry of Justice
VACANCY NOTICE


Particulars of the Post of Magistrate, Magistrates Court
Ministry of Justice, Antigua and Barbuda


Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the
post of Magistrate, High Court, Ministry of Justice.


Post:


Magistrate


Qualifications:


Salary:


Travelling Allowance:


Housing Allowance:

Duty Allowance:

Telephone:


Vacation Leave:


Sick Leave:


Duties:








IGVRMN ES]


I Minister responsible for Information
Technology Dr Edmond Mansoor

Government Examines
development of IT in
Communities

The Government of Antigua
and Barbuda has begun studying
proposals for locating Internet Kiosks at
the East and West Bus Stations in St.
John's.

Minister responsible for
Information Technology Dr. Edmond
Mansoor said that one component of the
Government's digital agenda is the
deployment of technology in the society
that will enhance the quality of life.

Dr. Mansoor said that the
kiosks will provide:

filtered internet access and
access to e-mail

bus routes and schedules
where they exist

Smaps and


"This initiative will pave the way
for citizens to access government services
on line and transact business. The kiosks
will be managed by the Government's
Information Technology (IT) Centre,"
Minister Mansoor pointed out.

In addition, the Minister
announced that the Government of Antigua
and Barbuda has submitted a proposal for
funding to a friendly Government for the
erection of several Community Access
Centres around the island and in Barbuda.
He noted that the Centres will serve both
residents and visitors.

Residents will utilize the Centres
to access the World Wide Web, e-mail
services and local and international phone
services, and download national and
community news, Government information
and services and job opportunities

The Centres will also provide
visitor information on places of interest,
historical sites, island maps, bus schedules
and routes and local and international
phone services.







KAHNAWA:KE and Antigua
and Barbuda Regulators
sign Mutual Assistance
Protocol
The Kahnawa:ke Gaming
Commission (KGC) and the Antigua and
Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory
Commission (FSRC), two of the most
senior regulating agencies in the online
gaming world, have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding that allows
for the sharing of investigative findings and
material regarding existing and prospective
licensees.


* other local content


Issue No. 106 January 2006

The objective of the MOU is
to enhance effective regulation within
the two jurisdictions through an
efficient and reasonable channel for
the exchange of information.
The KGC and FSRC both
acknowledge the need and
desirability of providing mutual
assistance that will assist in securing
compliance, administration and
enforcement of their respective laws,
regulations, requirements and overall
policy relating to gaming and
interactive wagering within their
jurisdictions.

Each request for the
sharing of information will be
assessed on a case by case basis to
determine whether assistance is
appropriate and permissible by the
laws of each jurisdiction.

"Given the global nature of
the online industry, it is important that
regulating authorities develop ways
in which they can coordinate their
activities. We believe that this MOU
will assist the regulators in both
Kahnawa:ke and Antigua and
Barbuda in the performance of their
duties and we hope that other
jurisdictions will follow suit", said Alan
Goodleaf, KGC Chairperson.

"The signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between both Commissions
is a concerted effort to effectively
regulate the respective jurisdictions
and to form an administrative
relationship. I believe that this
initiative is a key component in finally
having a clear nexus between
jurisdictions, bridging the relationship
gap between gaming authorities, the
advent of creating international
standards for regulators and we
stand to benefit from resources that
we may otherwise not be able to
obtain from our own means", stated
Mr. Lebrecht Hesse, Chairman of
FSRC, Antigua and Barbuda.


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


]lip. .iiiii...i-barbuda.com








IGVRMN ES]


About the Kahnawa:ke Gaming
Commission:

Kahnawa:ke is sovereign
Mohawk Territory located 20 minutes
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The
Kahnawa:ke Gaming Commission was
established and empowered in 1996
under the Kahnawa:ke Gaming Law. The
Commission's Regulations concerning
Interactive Gaming were promulgated in
July 1999 and are generally accepted as
a model for regulating the global online
gaming industry. The Commission
presently regulates and monitors
approximately 300 online gaming sites.
For more information, go to
www.kahnawake.com/gamingcommission


About the Antigua and Barbuda
Financial Services Regulatory
Commission:


The Division of Gaming is the
regulatory body under the Financial
Services Regulatory Commission
(FSRC) responsible for the oversight of
all aspects of the Offshore Gaming
industry in the jurisdiction of Antigua and
Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda was one
of the first jurisdictions to license
interactive gaming and wagering
companies in 1994. The internet gaming
companies are classified as "Financial
Institutions" and are subject to all the
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/
Combating the Financing of Terrorism
requirements of the jurisdiction and
Caribbean Financial Action Task Force
(CFATF) requirements. The regulatory
framework for these companies has
been provided in the International
Business Corporations (IBC) Act and the
Interactive Gaming and Interactive
Wagering Regulations (IGIWR). Today,
FSRC, Division of Gaming continues to
be home to a significant portion of the
industry and some of the largest i-
gaming companies due to our pursuit of
being a tier one regulatory jurisdiction.


For additional information you may visit
www.antiauaaamina.aov.aa

Minister Quinn-Leandro
donates school furniture

The Potters Primary School has
received a much needed gift from the
Parliamentary Representative for St.
George Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro.

The faculty at the school
appealed for some comfort and got some
relief in the form of three desks and six
chairs for teachers. Grade 1 and
Kindergarten Language teacher, Ms. Lois
Drew, who is also a Potters resident, told
the Representative about the poor
condition of the furniture and was promised
assistance.

Dr Quinn Leandro made a
presentation to Principal Ms. Irma Bachelor
in the presence of the older grades of the
student body. Quinn Leandro stated that
she was acutely aware of the shortage of
furniture in the schools in her constituency
and that this was the start of her effort to
help the schools.


Issue No. 106 January 2006

"Sometime down the road I
will assist in getting computers for the
schools in my constituency," the
Representative said. She went on to
praise the students for their high
achievement in the Common
Entrance passes and wished them
well in the future.

Michael Lewis, Chairman of
the UPP St. George branch helped to
make the presentation and asked
that the furniture be taken care of.

"We are indeed grateful and
proud for the donation," said
Assistant Principal Grace Ellis. Ellis
stated that some teachers had no
furniture at all while others were
forced to use students' chairs for
years.

The students showed their
appreciation by applauding and then
gathered around her for autographs.
"Study hard and obey your teachers,"
she wrote.


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


WIl`.i p iIyii.i-barbuda.com


Parliamentary Representative for St George
Dr Jacqui Quinn-Leandro








Issue No. 106 January 2006


Antigua and Barbuda at
Caribbean Marketplace

Antigua and Barbuda was
marketed at the region's most important
and productive marketing event,
Caribbean Marketplace in San Juan
Puerto Rico.

The event which ran from 15th
to 17th January set the tone for travel
packaging in the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda's
delegation to this marketing event
included Tourism Minister Harold Lovell,
Director of Product Development
Lorraine Headley and Director of
Tourism for the USA, Mrs. Derede
Samuel Whitlock.

One of the primary reasons that
Caribbean Marketplace is successful
and productive for its participants, year
after year, is the active participation of
the international buyers in the
Matchmaker@ appointment scheduling
process which matches Buyer and
Supplier mutual requests, Buyer
requests, and supplier requests, in that
order.

According to Minister Lovell,
"The Antiguan delegation used the
opportunity to follow indications on how
the tourism season will go, what the
trends will be, and how offer will meet
demand."

International buyers were
invited to attend Caribbean Marketplace
based on their proven capability or
potential to sell the Caribbean as a
destination. The Caribbean Marketplace
International Buyer Screening
Committees, overseen by the Caribbean
Hotel Association, qualify and approve
the buyers.

A major aspect of Antigua and
Barbuda's participation in the 2006 event
is the launch of the "Love on Location"


marketing program put together by the
New York Tourist Office. The initiative
operates off of the premise that although
Antigua and Barbuda continues to attract
significant levels of couples, the
destination has not strategically tapped
into the potential that this market segment
presents.

This promotion focused on
wedding and honeymoon packages and
other special activities created exclusively
around the theme of romance and
rejuvenation. One of the highlights of this
marketing programme was a destination
wedding in Antigua and Barbuda with the
theme "Love on Location".




First Transatlantic Row
Boater arrived in Antigua on
January 8th
The first Rowing Boat in the
Wood-vale Events transatlantic "Row4Life"
venture arrived in Antigua on Sunday
January 8th 2006, at the historic Nelson's
Dockyard.

The race began on November
30th 2005 in La Gomera, Canary Islands,
Spain, however, Antigua was announced
as the official finish port since August 2004.
Antigua was chosen by the organizers as
the official finish port as a result of a
number of key elements including
accessibility by sea, marina facilities, and
local support.

Simon Chalk, Managing Director
of Wood-vale Events, in an earlier press
release stated, "We're absolutely delighted
to be able to bring our world class
prestigious event to Antigua. Our research
to find the best possible finish location has
been extensive and thorough, and after a
number of competitive bids from the other
Caribbean islands, we decided upon
Antigua, as it provides everything we could
possibly want from a race finish port."


leam All-Helative


He continued, "Antigua has
excellent facilities, character and
historic links. The people of Antigua
are fantastic to work with and fully
embrace the ethos of the event."

Minister of Tourism Harold
Lovell was on hand to welcome the
first Rower at the welcome reception
being organized by the Antigua
Charter Yacht Club, on Sunday
afternoon.

Minister Lovell sees the
event as a manifestation of the fact
that Antigua and Barbuda is indeed
the "Yachting centre of the
Caribbean". "Such a partnership can
only seek to forge friendship and
goodwill among the international
ocean rowing society and the people
of Antigua and Barbuda, and I take
this opportunity to share the
hospitality of the our people and our
wonderful harbours with the sailors,"
he concluded.


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


lilp. - _iiiii..i-barbuda.com


IVERMNNES]








Issue No. 106


strengthening industry and
relations.


Information on new
passports

The passports which meet
International Civil Aviation Organisation
ICAO regulations are issued in three
colours and categories:

Regular Passport blue in colour;


/liss Carol Hay, Director of
Marketing UK and Europe


High Commissioner and
Director of Marketing
attend Annual Tourism
Meeting in Antigua

High Commissioner Dr Carl
Roberts and Director of Marketing UK
and Europe Carol Hay attended the
Annual Tourism meeting in Antigua from
February 1 4.

The event was also attended by
Directors from the USA, Canada,
Germany and France.

The team finalised Antigua and
Barbuda's new brand to be launched at
the end of 2006.

Meetings were held with LIAT,
Caribbean Star, Antigua Carnival
Committee and World cup 2007.

The UK and European
Directors will now embark on their
tourism marketing programme which
include increased advertising and
participation in trade shows and


colour;


colour.


Official Passport green in


Diplomatic Passport red in


The passports bear the
CARICOM logo, which identifies Antigua
and Barbuda as a member state of the
regional grouping and the Coat of Arms of
Antigua and Barbuda which will be on the
cover of the document.

Those persons holding valid
passports will be allowed to continue to do
so until a phased out period is announced.

The Passport Division also
announced the fees structure for the
Machine Readable Passports. The fees
payable are as follows:

New Passports

Passports for persons 16 years and
over (32 pages) 50.00

Passports for persons 16 years and
over (64 pages) 100.00

Passports for persons under 16 years
(32 pages) 25.00

Replacement Passports

Passports for persons 16 years and
over (32 pages) 100.00


Passports for persons 16 years
and over (64 pages) 200.00

Passports for persons under 16
years (32 pages) 50.00

Emergency Issue
of Passports

Passports for persons 16
years and over (32 pages) 100.00

Passports for persons 16
years and over (64 pages) 200.00

Passports for persons under
16 years (32 pages) 50.00

The new standard in the
issuing of passports (machine
readable) is essential for meeting
ICAO global objectives, to minimize
delays in border-crossing formalities
and to safeguard international civil
aviation operation against acts of
unlawful interference.

Machine Readable
Passports are readily recognized by
officials at security, immigration and
customs check points and by
embassies and consulates
worldwide, and thus make it easier
for a person to obtain visas for travel
and to be cleared at airports.




%dA11


2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP
Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


lilp. .1iiiii..i-barbuda.com


media


January 2006

PAGE 1

2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com ISSUE No.106 January 2006 Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 Inside • International Fashion Designer buys home in Antigua (page 4) • Prime Minister Spencer receives first Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable Passport (page 6) • Government commences Public Sector Audit (page 7) • Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean marketplace (11)

PAGE 2

Dear Readers, This is a new beginning for the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission and Tourist Office. On the 17th of January 2006, I along with my wife and staff, representatives from our Tourism Public Relations Firm (KTA), Father Ronald Farley, the President Mrs Manners and a few members of the Executive of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association and former President of the Association Mr Alphonso Peters came together to witness the Blessing by Father Farley of our new premises at 45 Crawford Place. In my short presentation I reiterated Government’s intention to institute change where it is needed so that the wheels of government will run better for the benefit of nationals both here and at home. I also took the opportunity to introduce to the gathering a new member of Staff. Miss Cherrie Osborne joins our family with a Masters Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Miss Osborne is British born of Antiguan parentage and I am extremely delighted that she has now joined the Tourism staff. The Ministry of Tourism came out of 2005 on a high note, with the re-inaugural flight of Condor, a successful tourism week, Delta’s Inaugural Flight, among other things. The year ahead will see technical staff planning ahead for what is forecasted to be a very busy tourist season with the 2007 ICC World Cup Cricket. Many activities will be planned and executed as a precursor to this major regional event. “The nation of Antigua and Barbuda will be celebrating its Silver Jubilee year of independence, however, although the homecoming festivals do not fall under the ambit of the tourism Ministry, any activity that involves increased visitor arrivals tend to mean increased activities for the tourism technical staff,“ say Communications Officer in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Samoya Kirby. Tourism Minister Harold Lovell informed technical officers of impending changes to staff inclusive mainly of new additions to come in areas which are deemed important for improvements if the Ministry is to accomplish major goals for 2006. Kirby also stated that emphasis is being placed on moving forward with discussions for the development of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority as well as the development of the National Tourism Master plan. Dr Carl Roberts High Commissioner 2 A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER

PAGE 3

GOVERNMENT NEWS 3 Antiguan brother and sister called to the Bar in England and Wales Brother and sister study partners, Clement Samuel and Megan Samuel-Fields were called to the Bar of England and Wales on November 24, 2005 after teaming up to complete the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Bar Vocational Course (BVC), for which they received honours. During an intensive three-year period, the duo studied for the LLB via distance learning while working full-time and being active parents. They both travelled to University of Cardiff, Wales to complete the Bar Vocational Course (BVC) and were called as members of the renowned Grays Inn in London. This has been a story of sibling camaraderie for this accomplished brother-sister team. For many years, they shared a significant part of their professional careers at the same company, Cable & Wireless, moreover, in both instances, Clement and Megan’s education in law is a move in a different direction from their first degrees and areas of discipline. Both new lawyers intend to use their qualifications to bolster their existing careers. In Clement’s case, he holds a degree in Engineering, and worked with Cable & Wireless for over 20 years. Having left the company in 2003 as Chief Engineer, he intends to combine his years of experience in the management of telecommunications with up-to-date legal expertise in his current position as the government’s Telecommunications Officer. Megan holds a degree in accounting and has been a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) since 1992. She is in her 11 th year with Cable & Wireless and is currently the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Clement and Megan are the children of the Honourable and Mrs. Charlesworth Samuel and credit their success to moral support that they received from family and friends. In addition, the brother-sister team has followed in their father’s footsteps in pursuing legal education as a second degree using the distance learning approach. Nationals pursue course in Social Work Three nationals have been awarded full scholarships and are pursuing studies in the Principles and Practice of Social Work at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. This was announced by Emmanuel Gordor, Project Manager for the European Union (EU) Drug Demand Reduction Unit, which falls under the Ministry of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation. The recipients are Reha V. Joseph, Marissa Benjamin, and Causilda Anthony. They will spend the next three months in Jamaica. The course is designed to meet the needs of persons working in the broad field of social welfare, either as professionals or voluntary workers in recognized agencies, who have not had professional training in social work. Mr Gordor said he is delighted that the European Union could assist the country’s quest to develop a cadre of persons who can adequately assist in drug education and reduction. He said this is in keeping with the EU’s overall mission and hopes that the relationship with the Government/Ministry of Housing, Culture and Social Transformation and the EU can continue for a very long time. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Megan Samuel-Fields (left), Dr John Roberts,Q.C., Master Bencher, Grays Inn and Clement Samuel (right)

PAGE 4

GOVERNMENT NEWS 4 International Fashion Designer buys home in Antigua Renowned Italian clothing and textiles designer Giorgio Armani has made Antigua and Barbuda his destination of choice. Just recently, after visiting Antigua and Barbuda for many years on board his yacht, Armani decided to spend more time in Antigua by purchasing a home, which he remodelled using everything Armani. In a recent visit to the home of Giorgio Armani, Tourism Minister Harold Lovell sat and spoke with the man who has a net worth of about 1.7 billion as estimated by Forbes magazine in 2001. The Minister thanked Mr. Armani for choosing Antigua and Barbuda to be the Caribbean island of choice for his home. He presented Mr. Armani with his very own edition of “A Little Bit of Paradise” as well as samples of the islands’ famous ‘Cavalier rum ‘and world renowned ‘Susie’s Hot Sauce’. With the assistance of Jeff Hadeed, who acted as translator for Mr. Armani whose native tongue is Italian, Mr. Armani related much of what he likes about Antigua and Barbuda, a place which he stated abounds in “Beauty isolated!” “I am very intrigued at the diversity of cultures present on the island and the ease and flexibility with which the peoples coexist,” he said. This, he said, he enjoys observing each day during his regular jogs on the outskirts of his property. He said that he feels very safe and the people are warm and helpful. “It is not a case where I feel like a captive in my own home, beauty, and serenity abounds here, but I can indulge in a little island entertainment in nearby St. John’s.” “I can visit the pizzeria when I want, the club when I want, and the casino when I want,” “It’s all here in Antigua!” he adds. Giorgio Armani also has major interests in investing in the island as he is very much interested in preserving nature. His words of advice to Minister Lovell were, “ensure that all developers respect your islands’ resources.” “They should not build too close to the shoreline and they should not build too many high rise buildings.” he concluded. Armani seldom travels to Antigua alone, and is usually accompanied by an entourage of ten or more persons who are themselves VIP’s. His staff is mostly Antiguan and he buys Antiguan. Minister Lovell said that this type of relationship could only prove beneficial to an island which is marketed as a mid to up-market destination. “The spin-offs are tremendous for our economy and we endeavour to continue to lift our product to attract such clientele”. Fiennes Institute receives timely donation The Very Intimate Places of Antigua (VIP) Antigua Group – which represents many of the small hotels in the country, recently donated 20 bedside tables to the Fiennes Institute. The bedside tables, estimated at over EC$3,000.00, was donated to the health institution as part of the on-going commitment by the group to support the Fiennes Institute. In presenting the supplies to the institution, VIP Antigua’s Chairman, Eustace Potter said the V.I.P. Antigua Group’s giving will be continual to ensure that the staff and patients are comfortable. He appealed to the public to offer assistance in caring for the inmates in Fiennes. Delores Jardine who is also a member of the Group noted that they will be monitoring the Ministry of Health’s wish list to see how they can assist in future donations. Junior Minister in the Ministry of Health Winston Williams who accepted the contributions for the institution, said he is delighted that the group saw it fit to make such timely donations. He called on the public to play their role in making contributions to the Fiennes Institute and to the other health institutions across Antigua and Barbuda. Matron for the Fiennes Institute Imelda Southwell expressed her gratitude for the timely gifts and indicated that with such generosity the Fiennes Institute will become the institution it ought to be. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Tourism Minister Harold Lovell and Giorgio Armani

PAGE 5

GOVERNMENT NEWS 5 Antiguan Cricket Officials attend Duckworth Lewis Seminar Game officials, statisticians, Cricket Operations Managers and Duckworth Lewis Match Managers from across the region attended a two day Duckworth Lewis Seminar, held in Antigua from January 21 to 22. The seminar was part of the roll out phase as the region prepares for ICC Cricket world Cup West Indies 2007. The seminar was conducted by Messrs Frank Duckworth and Tony Lewis. The Duckworth Lewis system is used for calculating the result of weather affected, interrupted or abandoned oneday games. Antigua and Barbuda was represented by Kattian EdwardsBaltimore and Cassandra Murray, both scorer and statistician. EdwardsBaltimore and Murray stated that the seminar was timely as Antigua will be hosting several ICC one day games; “This training is very critical for us as Cricket World Cup is a one day international competition. This year, Antigua will host two international one day games, plus international practice matches and these will give us a great opportunity to use what we have learnt.”   “We knew of the system but after attending this seminar we now have a better understanding of why and how the system is used. Duckworth and Lewis were excellent. They were able to explain the system to people with varying degrees of knowledge and with different official functions.” Michael Hall, Cricket Operations Director, ICC CWC 2007 Inc. added that: “The staging of this seminar in Antigua represents one in a series of events leading up to Cricket World Cup 2007. It has provided an opportunity for each hosting LOC to test their readiness to actually stage an event. Obviously, this was not an international cricket match but it did involve elements of the things they are going to have to perfect by Cricket World Cup 2007.” Attorney General attends World Cup 2007 Security Issues Meeting On the 18th January 2006, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Justin Simon QC represented the government at the Meeting of the Ad-hoc Sub-Committee of Ministers of National Security and Law Enforcement for Security Issues Pertaining to Cricket World Cup 2007 in Bridgetown Barbados. The Meeting looked at systems of procedures for the processing of teams and officials, spectators, regular tourists and regular travel. Legislative issues, protocols, training needs, technology and equipment and accreditation also formed part of the meeting’s agenda. Minister Simon and his colleagues also considered recommendations coming from the Meeting of Immigration and Customs Officials which was held in July of last year; the Meeting of Regional Security Chiefs held in November in Barbados and the Meeting of the Caribbean Community CARICOM Cricket World Cup 2007 SubCommittee. National Security Advisor Alec Vanderpoole, who attended the Meeting of Officials for Security, Customs, Immigration, Intelligence and Disaster Preparedness, also attended the Ministerial meeting. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Don’t miss the 47th International Social Service Spring Fair on Wednesday 9th and 10th May 2006 at Kensington Town Hall Hornton Street London W8 Stalls from around the world brought to your doorstep by the diplomatic missions of over 100 countries Antigua and Barbuda’s stall at last year’s ISS Charity Fair

PAGE 6

PM Spencer receives first Antigua Barbuda Machine Readable Passport On the 16th January 2006 Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer accepted the first Antigua and Barbuda new Machine Readable Passport during a brief ceremony at the Passport Office in St. John’s. Chief Passport Officer Ms. Paulette Otto presented the first Diplomatic Passport to the Prime Minister following a tour of the facility which is producing the new travel document. The Government last year initiated the process of producing Machine Readable Passports which are essential to meeting International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO global objectives designed to minimize delays in border-crossing formalities and to safeguard international civil aviation operation against acts of unlawful interference. In accepting his new passport, Prime Minister Spencer said that he is delighted that the preparation process was a success and noted that the new design of the document not only meets international security requirements but with the addition of the CARICOM logo on the cover, it signifies Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to regional integration. Ms. Otto noted that new applicants for the document will begin receiving them from early next week and pointed out that persons who are in possession of valid passports should continue using them until the phasedout process for the old passport is announced. Governor General Sir James Carlisle and Lady Carlisle and Mrs Jacklyn Spencer, wife of Prime Minister Spencer were also presented with the Antigua and Barbuda Machine Readable Passports. The passports are being issued in three colours and categories: Regular Passport – blue in colour; Official Passport – green in colour; and Diplomatic Passport – red in colour. The passports bear the CARICOM Logo, which identifies Antigua and Barbuda as a member state of the regional grouping and the Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda on the front cover of the document. Antigua and Barbuda and OECS countries push back date for CSM compliance OECS Heads during a meeting in Jamaica preceding the official ceremony to launch the CARICOM Single Market have agreed to push back the date for compliance to June 30. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said that during the meeting, Heads took the opportunity to review the situation as it pertains to the Single Market. He said that the OECS, as they have been contending for sometime now that while they are fully committed to the process of moving the CSM forward there are some concerns that the timetable as being set by CARICOM in terms of being able to meet all the basic requirements under the treaty may not be to their liking. “We have determined that in order for the OECS territories to be on board and to be able to fully implement the CARICOM treaty as it relates to the CSM that more time would be needed for all the OECS countries to come on board. So to that extent we have decided we should, for the purposes of signing the Declaration of Intent, have the 31 of March date put back until June 30 which would allow all the OECS countries to do what is necessary to bring them in compliance with the treaty,” Prime Minister Spencer said. He also pointed out that the Development Fund was also examined by the Heads. “It was indicated that some initial moves would have been made to establish the fund. Quite frankly the OECS is not comfortable that the development fund has reached the stage where it could be fully funded and become fully operational and that is an issue clearly that the OECS territories will be watching extremely closely,” he said. “I think it is important to emphasize that our decision to push back the date with respect of our Declaration of Intent would give the individual territories a chance to look at their legislative agenda and a number of other issues but at the same time to be satisfied in our own minds that the machinery would be put in place fully to allow for the implementation of the Development Fund and also to ensure that the special and differential treatment in relation to our CARICOM partners would have been fully ventilated,” PM Spencer outlined. Under the CARICOM Formula for country contribution to the US$25 million Development Fund, Antigua and Barbuda will be required to contribute US$ point 47 million. GOVERNMENT NEWS 6 2nd Floor. 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Chief Passport Officer Ms. Paulette Otto presenting Prime Minister Spencer with his new Machine Readable Passport

PAGE 7

GOVERNMENT NEWS 7 Labour Office soon to open in Codrington Barbuda On the 18th January Minister of Labour Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro chaired a meeting with Minister of Barbuda Affairs Trevor Walker, Dorothy Symister, Chief Executive Officer for the Barbuda Council and Labour Commissioner Hesketh Williams to work out details regarding the opening of a Labour Office in Barbuda. “The meeting was fruitful and I am happy,” said Dr. Quinn Leandro. “It is important to be able to offer to our Barbudan sisters and brothers the same quality service we get in Antigua,” she stated. The population of Barbuda is made up of 15 percent CARICOM nationals and as such it has become necessary for labour matters to be managed and dealt with expeditiously. A major concern is the inconvenience to Barbudan residents who have to commute to Antigua to deal with Labour affairs. “It is expensive to travel to Antigua to sort out Labour matters,” the Minister said. She further explained that the Labour Commissioner would travel to the Codrington Office to handle cases that required his proficiency. Minister Trevor Walker also expressed his satisfaction about the meeting. He said, “I am hoping that through this initiative the Minister of Labour can force a closer relationship with Barbuda and with the Barbuda Council. I am also hoping that this move will make the Minster more accessible to Barbudans.” Last year, two Barbudans Ricky Michael and Omah Thomas, underwent a six month training session at the Labour Department in Antigua. They have since returned to Barbuda and are working as Labour Officers.  It is the government’s intention to open the Codrington Labour Office within the first quarter of this year. Government commences Public Sector Audit The Government has engaged the services of Profiles Antigua Inc. to conduct a Human Resources Audit in the Public Sector as part of its Public Sector Transformation Programme. Profiles Antigua Inc. is a locally established professional services firm. The firm specializes in human resource management consulting and offers a broad spectrum of personnel assessment products and services. Dr. Vincent Richards and Dr. Errol Samuel established Profiles Antigua Inc. in 2000. Profiles Antigua Inc. is affiliated with Profiles Caribbean headquartered in Barbados, and Profiles International headquartered in Waco, Texas, USA. The firm and its key professionals have crafted and assisted in the implementation of numerous human resources management interventions which have spanned a wide range of industry sectors and products and services. They have also ranged from private companies to statutory bodies to non-governmental organizations. The audit is in progress in the Ministry of Works and Communication, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Information. The audit will: •  Review and assess the current regulations for the Established workers and make recommendations for improvement in line with the government’s overall vision of Public Sector Reform and Transformation. •   Review and examine similar models in the OECS and the wider Caribbean • Provide extensive orientation and training for key stakeholders who will be the change agents. These include the Political Directorate, Senior Public Service Managers, Public Service workers and their representative organizations and representatives of Civil Society who will be involved in guiding and implementing the transformation process. •        Make recommendations for legislative change / revision / upgrade to facilitate the development of a performance-driven, resultsoriented, service excellencefocused, highly motivated Public Service. •      Provide an assessment and evaluation mechanism for public sector workers in the new and transformed public sector system. •         Develop a grading and classification system for the Nonestablished workers consistent with the revised Established workers’ sector. Further, in the interim, design and develop a performance appraisal system for the assessment and evaluation of the Non-established workers. •    Review the grading structure of Established and Non-established workers with consideration being given to bringing them in line under the one set of regulations. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006

PAGE 8

GOVERNMENT NEWS 8 Qualifications: Bachelor of Law Degree Legal Education Certificate. At least seven (7) years experience as an advocate in a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters in some part of the Commonwealth. Salary: $58,836.00 per annum Travelling Allowance: $5,844.00 per annum (provided the officer maintains a car for the performance of official duties). Housing Allowance: $18,000.00 per annum Duty Allowance: $18,000.00 per annum Telephone: Free telephone (limited to local calls) Vacation Leave: Twenty-seven (27) working days per annum and in accordance with existing regulations. Sick Leave: Thirty (30) calendar days during the period of twelve (12) months. Duties: a. adjudicate all criminal, quasicriminal and civil cases within the limits prescribed by the Magistrate’s Code of Procedure Act, Cap. 255 and any other law; (b) conduct coroner’s inquiries and licensing sessions; (c) hear affiliation matters, certain matrimonial matters and other matters relating to the custody of children; (d) conduct juvenile court; (e) perform other judicial and administrative functions (e.g., issuing of warrants and granting of bail) (f) perform any other duties which may be assigned by the Chief Magistrate, or as required by statute. Hours of Work: (1) Mondays to Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (2) Notwithstanding (1) above, the nature of the duties will require the Officer to perform work outside of the hours mentioned above, in addition to Sundays and Public Holidays when necessary. Applications stating qualifications, experience, the names and addresses of at least two referees, along with copies of Certificates should be sent to: The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice Government Office Complex, Parliament Drive St. John’s, Antigua W.I. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 GOVERNMENT OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Ministry of Justice VACANCY NOTICE Particulars of the Post of Magistrate, Magistrates Court Ministry of Justice, Antigua and Barbuda Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Magistrate, High Court, Ministry of Justice.

PAGE 9

GOVERNMENT NEWS 9 Government Examines development of IT in Communities The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has begun studying proposals for locating Internet Kiosks at the East and West Bus Stations in St. John’s. Minister responsible for Information Technology Dr. Edmond Mansoor said that one component of the Government's digital agenda is the deployment of technology in the society that will enhance the quality of life. Dr. Mansoor said that the kiosks will provide: • filtered internet access and access to e-mail • bus routes and schedules where they exist • maps and • other local content “This initiative will pave the way for citizens to access government services on line and transact business. The kiosks will be managed by the Government's Information Technology (IT) Centre,” Minister Mansoor pointed out. In addition, the Minister announced that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has submitted a proposal for funding to a friendly Government for the erection of several Community Access Centres around the island and in Barbuda. He noted that the Centres will serve both residents and visitors. Residents will utilize the Centres to access the World Wide Web, e-mail services and local and international phone services, and download national and community news, Government information and services and job opportunities The Centres will also provide visitor information on places of interest, historical sites, island maps, bus schedules and routes and local and international phone services. KAHNAWÁ:KE and Antigua and Barbuda Regulators sign Mutual Assistance Protocol The Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission (KGC) and the Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), two of the most senior regulating agencies in the online gaming world, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows for the sharing of investigative findings and material regarding existing and prospective licensees. The objective of the MOU is to enhance effective regulation within the two jurisdictions through an efficient and reasonable channel for the exchange of information. The KGC and FSRC both acknowledge the need and desirability of providing mutual assistance that will assist in securing compliance, administration and enforcement of their respective laws, regulations, requirements and overall policy relating to gaming and interactive wagering within their jurisdictions. Each request for the sharing of information will be assessed on a case by case basis to determine whether assistance is appropriate and permissible by the laws of each jurisdiction. “Given the global nature of the online industry, it is important that regulating authorities develop ways in which they can coordinate their activities. We believe that this MOU will assist the regulators in both Kahnawá:ke and Antigua and Barbuda in the performance of their duties and we hope that other jurisdictions will follow suit”, said Alan Goodleaf, KGC Chairperson. “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both Commissions is a concerted effort to effectively regulate the respective jurisdictions and to form an administrative relationship. I believe that this initiative is a key component in finally having a clear nexus between jurisdictions, bridging the relationship gap between gaming authorities, the advent of creating international standards for regulators and we stand to benefit from resources that we may otherwise not be able to obtain from our own means”, stated Mr. Lebrecht Hesse, Chairman of FSRC, Antigua and Barbuda. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Minister responsible for Information Technology Dr Edmond Mansoor

PAGE 10

GOVERNMENT NEWS 10 About the Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission: Kahnawá:ke is sovereign Mohawk Territory located 20 minutes from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Kahnawá:ke Gaming Commission was established and empowered in 1996 under the Kahnawá:ke Gaming Law. The Commission’s Regulations concerning Interactive Gaming were promulgated in July 1999 and are generally accepted as a model for regulating the global online gaming industry. The Commission presently regulates and monitors approximately 300 online gaming sites. For more information, go to www.kahnawake.com/gamingcommission About the Antigua and Barbuda Financial Services Regulatory Commission: The Division of Gaming is the regulatory body under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the Offshore Gaming industry in the jurisdiction of Antigua and Barbuda. An tigua and B arbuda was one of the first jurisdictions to license interactive gaming and wagering companies in 1994. The internet gaming companies are classified as “Financial Institutions” and are subject to all the Anti-Money Laundering (AML)/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism requirements of the jurisdiction and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) requirements. The regulatory framework for these companies has been provided in the International Business Corporations (IBC) Act and the Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering Regulations (IGIWR). Today, FSRC, Division of Gaming continues to be home to a significant portion of the industry and some of the largest igaming companies due to our pursuit of being a tier one regulatory jurisdiction. For additional information you may visit www.antiguagaming.gov.ag Minister Quinn-Leandro donates school furniture The Potters Primary School has received a much needed gift from the Parliamentary Representative for St. George Dr. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro. The faculty at the school appealed for some comfort and got some relief in the form of three desks and six chairs for teachers. Grade 1 and Kindergarten Language teacher, Ms. Lois Drew, who is also a Potters resident, told the Representative about the poor condition of the furniture and was promised assistance. Dr Quinn Leandro made a presentation to Principal Ms. Irma Bachelor in the presence of the older grades of the student body. Quinn Leandro stated that she was acutely aware of the shortage of furniture in the schools in her constituency and that this was the start of her effort to help the schools. “Sometime down the road I will assist in getting computers for the schools in my constituency,” the Representative said. She went on to praise the students for their high achievement in the Common Entrance passes and wished them well in the future. Michael Lewis, Chairman of the UPP St. George branch helped to make the presentation and asked that the furniture be taken care of. “We are indeed grateful and proud for the donation,” said Assistant Principal Grace Ellis. Ellis stated that some teachers had no furniture at all while others were forced to use students’ chairs for years. The students showed their appreciation by applauding and then gathered around her for autographs. “Study hard and obey your teachers,” she wrote. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Parliamentary Representative for St George Dr Jacqui Quinn-Leandro

PAGE 11

GOVERNMENT NEWS 11 Antigua and Barbuda at Caribbean Marketplace Antigua and Barbuda was marketed at the region’s most important and productive marketing event, Caribbean Marketplace in San Juan Puerto Rico. The event which ran from 15 th to 17 th January set the tone for travel packaging in the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to this marketing event included Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, Director of Product Development Lorraine Headley and Director of Tourism for the USA, Mrs. Derede Samuel Whitlock. One of the primary reasons that Caribbean Marketplace is successful and productive for its participants, year after year, is the active participation of the international buyers in the Matchmaker© appointment scheduling process which matches Buyer and Supplier mutual requests, Buyer requests, and supplier requests, in that order. According to Minister Lovell, “The Antiguan delegation used the opportunity to follow indications on how the tourism season will go, what the trends will be, and how offer will meet demand.” International buyers were invited to attend Caribbean Marketplace based on their proven capability or potential to sell the Caribbean as a destination.  The Caribbean Marketplace International Buyer Screening Committees, overseen by the Caribbean Hotel Association, qualify and approve the buyers. A major aspect of Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the 2006 event is the launch of the “Love on Location” marketing program put together by the New York Tourist Office. The initiative operates off of the premise that although Antigua and Barbuda continues to attract significant levels of couples, the destination has not strategically tapped into the potential that this market segment presents. This promotion focussed on wedding and honeymoon packages and other special activities created exclusively around the theme of romance and rejuvenation. One of the highlights of this marketing programme was a destination wedding in Antigua and Barbuda with the theme “Love on Location”. First Transatlantic Row Boater arrived in Antigua on January 8 th The first Rowing Boat in the Wood-vale Events transatlantic “Row4Life” venture arrived in Antigua on Sunday January 8 th 2006, at the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. The race began on November 30 th 2005 in La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain, however, Antigua was announced as the official finish port since August 2004. Antigua was chosen by the organizers as the official finish port as a result of a number of key elements including accessibility by sea, marina facilities, and local support. Simon Chalk, Managing Director of Wood-vale Events, in an earlier press release stated, “We’re absolutely delighted to be able to bring our world class prestigious event to Antigua. Our research to find the best possible finish location has been extensive and thorough, and after a number of competitive bids from the other Caribbean islands, we decided upon Antigua, as it provides everything we could possibly want from a race finish port.” He continued, “Antigua has excellent facilities, character and historic links. The people of Antigua are fantastic to work with and fully embrace the ethos of the event.” Minister of Tourism Harold Lovell was on hand to welcome the first Rower at the welcome reception being organized by the Antigua Charter Yacht Club, on Sunday afternoon. Minister Lovell sees the event as a manifestation of the fact that Antigua and Barbuda is indeed the “Yachting centre of the Caribbean”. “Such a partnership can only seek to forge friendship and goodwill among the international ocean rowing society and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and I take this opportunity to share the hospitality of the our people and our wonderful harbours with the sailors,” he concluded. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Team All-Relative

PAGE 12

GOVERNMENT NEWS 12 High Commissioner and Director of Marketing attend Annual Tourism Meeting in Antigua High Commissioner Dr Carl Roberts and Director of Marketing UK and Europe Carol Hay attended the Annual Tourism meeting in Antigua from February 1 4. The event was also attended by Directors from the USA, Canada, Germany and France. The team finalised Antigua and Barbuda’s new brand to be launched at the end of 2006. Meetings were held with LIAT, Caribbean Star, Antigua Carnival Committee and World cup 2007. The UK and European Directors will now embark on their tourism marketing programme which include increased advertising and participation in trade shows and strengthening industry and media relations. Information on new passports The passports which meet International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO regulations are issued in three colours and categories: Regular Passport – blue in colour; Official Passport – green in colour; Diplomatic Passport – red in colour. The passports bear the CARICOM logo, which identifies Antigua and Barbuda as a member state of the regional grouping and the Coat of Arms of Antigua and Barbuda which will be on the cover of the document. Those persons holding valid passports will be allowed to continue to do so until a phased out period is announced. The Passport Division also announced the fees structure for the Machine Readable Passports. The fees payable are as follows: New Passports -        Passports for persons 16 years and over (32 pages) £50.00 -    Passports for persons 16 years and over (64 pages) £100.00 -         Passports for persons under 16 years (32 pages) £25.00 Replacement Passports -           Passports for persons 16 years and over (32 pages) £100.00 -          Passports for persons 16 years and over (64 pages) £200.00 -         Passports for persons under 16 years (32 pages) £50.00 Emergency Issue of Passports -          Passports for persons 16 years and over (32 pages) £100.00 -            Passports for persons 16 years and over (64 pages) £200.00 -           Passports for persons under 16 years (32 pages) £50.00 The new standard in the issuing of passports (machine readable) is essential for meeting ICAO global objectives, to minimize delays in border-crossing formalities and to safeguard international civil aviation operation against acts of unlawful interference. Machine Readable Passports are readily recognized by officials at security, immigration and customs check points and by embassies and consulates worldwide, and thus make it easier for a person to obtain visas for travel and to be cleared at airports. 2nd floor, Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 106 January 2006 Miss Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK and Europe