Official newsletter

newsletter115 ( .pdf )

The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission

ISSUE No.115 November 2006


Throne Speech

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

During his speech the Governor-General said that his
government will continue the programme of fiscal reform initiatives.
The Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax will be introduced in the first
quarter of 2007 to further consolidate the tax system by replacing
several existing taxes, including the consumption tax, the hotel taxes
and the telecommunications tax. Governor-General Sir James B. Carlisle inspects a Guard of
Honour of Officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence
He further stated that the government will implement a new Force and the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force
and 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 personal
income tax relief, introduce mechanisms to provide tax credits to businesses that support the development of education, sports and
culture, enforce the compliance of the widened basket of essential goods, and give tax relief to pensioners and provide property tax
allowance to all owner occupied residential properties.

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

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

Through the treasury bills and bonds programme, my Government was able
inside to retire high cost debt, finance the voluntary separation programme, and fund
SDr Errol Cort addresses investment critical infrastructural initiatives.
conference at Lancaster House (page 3)
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to be My Government will also continue to implement a debt management strategy
handed over early January (page 5) developed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded
WTO panel concludes hearings on Inter debt consultants. Once this strategy is fully implemented, it is expected that our
net gaming dispute with presentations debt stock will be reduced, the credit rating of Antigua and Barbuda will be
by "third parties" (pages 9 & 12) improved, and more efficient mechanisms for debt acquisition, monitoring and
"Best Wedding Island" award for management will be in place."
Antigua and Barbuda (page 10)

Continued on page 8

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A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY

DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER


Dear Readers,


In this message I will continue our discourse on the
concept "One Family, Embracing the Future Together" which was
the theme of our 25th Anniversary celebrations. Looking at this
from a nationalist perspective in the 25th Anniversary Magazine, I
asked the questions "what family have we become? What type of
people are we aiming to become? Who in reality demonstrates the
characteristics of a true and proud Antiguan and Barbudan?"

In this series of messages overthe coming months, I will
attempt to address these questions I will now deal with the first
question

"What Family have we become?"

The family referred to here comprises citizens of Antigua
and Barbuda; "citizens" for this analysis is defined by the Oxford
English Dictionary as "a legally recognized subject or national of
a state or commonwealth" and by the Random House Dictionary
of the English Language as "a native or naturalized member of a
state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is
entitled to its protection". Who then must be as classified citizens
and therefore entitled to be members of the family alluded to
above?

The 2001 census of Antigua and Barbuda gave the
population size as 76,886 with the following dominant
composition:-


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 and
47% males. Apart from 1st generation Antiguans and Barbudans,
there are also 3,996 Dominicans; 5,410 Guyanese; 3,335
Jamaicans; 1,492 Dominicans Republic and 831 citizens of UK
living in our community among others. The family therefore is
cosmopolitan and made up of immigrants from 39 countries
beside Antigua and Barbuda.

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

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

The number of churches in our nation has increased, so
too has the number of bars, discotheques, brothels and places of
nightly entertainment. The number of children being raised by
single parents (mainly women) is on the increase. Can we
therefore say that the quality of life of the family has improved?
Our per capital income has certainly increased but so too has the
number of vagrants roaming our streets. Walking our streets
today, we hear many new accents and a few new languages being
spoken.

As these changes impact our communities, what or
whom have we really become as a nation, as a family? Are we
being drawn together by a common bond of national unity or pride
in our country? After all, 25 years in the life of any individual
should lead to a clear demonstration of the character that person
has become.

We are richer from the new vibrancy in our society only
when and if the chords that bind us together are reflected in our
efforts at true nationhood building. There should begin to appear
a family richer in culture, reflective of the heritage of the various
ethnic groupings and the best of the culture they have to offer.
Each member of the family will then feel connected, respected
and fully committed. Let us therefore work together with the help
of the God we serve to build a better Antigua and Barbuda, a
better region and a better world as one family united in our
common goals.


Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner


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


Dr Errol Cort addresses
investment conference at
Lancaster House

Minister of Finance and the
Economy, Hon. Dr. Errol Cort on
Thursday 2nd November addressed the
Caribbean Investment Conference which
was held at Lancaster House, London.

The Conference was a personal
initiative of British Prime Minister, Tony
Blair and was held under the theme
"Transforming the Caribbean Economy:
New Avenues for Investment".

The intention of the Conference
was to draw attention to the many
investment opportunities in the
Caribbean region, not least those arising
as a result of European Union-supported
transitional programmes. It enabled
participants to discuss ways in which the
public sector could help the private
sector to make the most of those
opportunities.


Minister Cort addressed the
gathering on the importance of Public
Private Partnerships in the Eastern
Caribbean Currency Union. He told his
audience that "the private sector is a
critical engine of growth and could have
a catalytic effect on macroeconomic
stability, high growth rates, efficient
deployment of human resources and
improved living conditions".

Minister Cort further told the
gathering that "given the implementation
of the CARICOM Single Market and
Economy (CSME) and the demands of
an ever changing international business
environment, the coordination of public
and private sector efforts is integral to the
overall efforts at achieving global
competitiveness within the Caribbean
financial sector, promoting productive
enterprises at a regional level and
achieving stability within Caribbean
economies".

The Conference also received
addresses from the Prime Minister of the
United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair,
the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt.
Hon. Owen Arthur and the President of
Guyana, His Excellency, Bharrat Jagdeo.



Antigua and Barbuda
represented at WIPO
Ministerial Level Meeting
on Intellectual Property for
the Caribbean

Minister of Justice, Senator the
Honourable Collin Derrick, has described
the recently held Sixth Ministerial Level
Meeting on Intellectual Property for
Caribbean countries held in Barbados as
a success.

The November 2nd and 3rd
Meeting held under the auspices of the
World Intellectual Property Organisation


Minister of Justice
Senator The Hon. Colin V A Derrick

(WIPO) and the Government of
Barbados deliberated on a wide range
of matters, including a report from the
Heads of Intellectual Property Offices,
which contained a number of
recommendations.

Minister Derrick noted that
some of the recommendations
highlighted the need for assistance in
such areas as the formulation of
strategies to promote innovation,
technology transfer and economic
development; and the provision of
specialized training for developing
national intellectual property policies
and the undertaking of national
intellectual property audits.

"The Ministerial Meeting
agreed to foster collaboration between
CARICOM, the OECS and WIPO in
defining and determining the scope of
regional administration in the area of
patent, including search and
examination. We also requested
assistance from WIPO in developing
appropriate frameworks for the
protection of traditional knowledge,
folklore, genetic resources, indigenous
Caribbean culture and national
heritage, particularly of indigenous


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populations in Caribbean countries,"
noted Minister Derrick.

He also outlined that a request
was made to WIPO to assist Caribbean
countries in the implementation of trade-
related aspects of intellectual property
rights (TRIPS) and in particular advising
on adjusting national legislation to
incorporate existing flexibilities in TRIPS
and other international IP Treaties.

Prior to the Ministerial Meeting
a Meeting of Heads of Intellectual
Property Offices of Caribbean countries
was also convened in Bridgetown on 31
October and 1 November. The Meeting
of Heads of Intellectual Property Offices
was attended by Charlesworth Tabor
and Mitzie Buckley, Acting Registrar and
Deputy Registrar respectively of Antigua
and Barbuda's Intellectual Property and
Commerce Office.

The Heads of Intellectual
Property Offices identified the need for
the inclusion of intellectual property as a
subject in the curricula at primary,
secondary and tertiary levels. The
importance of continuous outreach and
public education with respect to
intellectual property was also recognized.



Internet Gaming and
Criminal Deportees
discussed with new
US Ambassador

Prime Minister of Antigua and
Barbuda the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer
has said that the recent changes in the
United States Congress during mid-term
elections in the United States present an
opportunity for dialogue with the US on
the Internet Gaming dispute at the World
Trade Organisation.

During discussions with newly
appointed United States Ambassador to


rime ivmnisrer tsaiawnm pencer ana eAmnassaaor uursman during meir alscussions


Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean
Her Excellency Mary Ourisman, Prime
Minister Spencer said that the recent
legislation by the US Congress has been
damaging to Antigua and Barbuda's
economy and that the door is now open
for serious dialogue.

He emphasized the adherence
to international trade rules under WTO
and that the recent legislation by the
United States challenges the credibility
of the organisation. "There is enough
room for common ground to be found
with us reaching a balanced solution,"
said Prime Minister Spencer.

Ambassador Ourisman who
arrived in the region on October 31, one
day after the departure of her
predecessor Mary Kramer who has
returned to the United States, said that
the issue of gaming is a moral one for the
United States especially for the
protection of its children. Over 80% of
Antigua and Barbuda's Internet gaming
clients are United States citizens.

Prime Minister Spencer during
the discussion also spoke of
US/Caribbean relations and the
organization of a Caribbean conference
in the United States. He also made
mention of the Caribbean Basin Initiative


and the Caribbean basin Economic
Recovery Act.

World Cup preparations were
also discussed including the
assistance which the United States is
willing to provide under the
Memorandum of Understanding which
CARICOM signed with the US
Homeland Secretary Mr. Michael
Chertoff.

The provision of consular
services by the United States Embassy
for residents of the Eastern Caribbean
and the issues of criminal deportees
were discussed. Prime Minister
Spencer said that the region would
welcome an engagement with the
United States to discuss alternatives
on the deportee matter.

United States Ambassador
Ourisman also met Minister of Finance
and Economy Dr. the Hon. Errol Cort,
Attorney General and Minister of Legal
Affairs the Hon. Justin Simon Q.C.,
Leader of the Opposition the Hon.
Steadroy Benjamin and the
Venezuelan Ambassador, Dean of the
Diplomatic Corps.


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Community workshop held
to re-energize community
groups

The Community Development
Department, a division within the Ministry
of Housing Culture & Social
Transformation, convened a one-day
symposium on Thursday 16th November
in an effort to re-energize and reactivate
community groups within the country.

During a brief Opening
Ceremony, Minister of Housing, Culture
& Social Transformation, Hon. Hilton
Baptiste encouraged the leaders and
other NGO's to work along with the
division as it will have significant benefits
for the residents in the community and
the country.

In relation to the crime situation
in the country, Minister Baptiste said,
"We must reclaim our community
otherwise none of us will be safe".

The Minister of Social
Transformation said that if we all work
together, nurture and care for our young
people, it will make the country a better
place to live but "we must get up and get
organized."

Minister Baptiste also paid
tribute to Ms. Judie Labadie, former
Community Development Director, for all
her years of hard and dedicated work.
However, Minister Baptiste pointed out
that the time has come for division to be
given additional tools and equipment to
ensure that the employees are equipped
to handle the tasks at hand.

Throughout the day, the over
50 participants focused on Institutional
Aspects of NGO's/CBO's which was
delivered by Ambassador Anthony
'Mamba' Liverpool. Ms Roberta Williams
looked at the topic of Sustainable
Livelihood within Communities, while Mr.
Philmore Mullin, Deputy Director of


NODS (National Office of Disaster
Services) focused on equipping
communities to handle emergencies and
disasters. The last topic dealt with
Maintaining Healthy Communities, which
was facilitated by Mr. David Spencer.



Sir Vivian Richards
Stadium to be handed
over early January

The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket
Stadium will be ready for handover by
the Chinese to the Government of
Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday
January 13, 2007.

This assurance came from the
man charged with overseeing the
completion of the Stadium, Chairman of
the Inter Governmental Working Group
Ambassador David Shoul. He said that
all systems are on target for this date
which will include a grand ceremony at
the site.

Ambassador Shoul noted that
he is very pleased with the report
received from the recent visit by
members of the ICC CWC 2007 Venue
Tour Committee, although there are a
number of concerns that were expressed
by the ICC. "We are confident that the
concerns the ICC has about certain
sections of our preparation would be
ironed out before
their next tour in a
few weeks time. We
have a dedicated
team of individuals
who are involved in
the preparations
along with a number
of other individuals
who are prepared to j
lend assistance if the
need should arise,"
he said. Prime Minister Spen
Xioping and memb


The Chairman of the IGWG
also outlined that a full inspection of the
route for the placement of new street
lights leading to the stadium was
conducted last week and work by the
Chinese contractors will commence in
a few weeks time in conjunction with
the Antigua Public Utilities Authority.
"The route to the Stadium from the V.C.
Bird International Airport was inspected
and it was decided that street lights will
be placed on the right side of the road,
with a separation difference of forty
metres (132 feet) for each post. These
lights are another gift from our Chinese
counterparts," Ambassador Shoul
stated.

A few weeks ago
Ambassador Shoul along with Prime
Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer and
members of the Local Organizing
Committee toured the facility and
witnessed the testing of the
scoreboards and lights at the multi-
million dollar facility.

"All of Antigua and Barbuda
and indeed the world will be very proud
of the finished product which is already
distinguished by having the name of
our National Hero Sir Vivian Richards.
I am confident that we will have a top
class facility which the government will
hand over to the ICC on February 23,"
Shoul concluded.


cer, Ambassador David Shoul, Ambassador Ren
'ers of the Chinese Construction Team working
on the Sir Vivian stadium


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11-plus 'F' to high Destin studied hard to make up
for the late start, and gained six
honours Caribbean Examination Council (CXC)
certificates.


Excerpted from NationNews.com
Written by Melissa Wickhan

How did a poor boy from
Antigua who failed the 11-Plus exam
manage to create history by becoming
the first person to ever graduate from the
University of the West Indies (UWI) with
a triple major?

One word determination.

But it gets better.

Dale Destin, who graduated a
recently from the UWI's Cave Hill
Campus with a Bachelor of Science
degree in an unprecedented triple major
- information technology, meteorology
and mathematics with First Class
Honours only spent three years in
secondary school.

He grew up in The Point and
Green Bay, two of the poorest areas in
St John's. And, because his family was
unable to give him a tertiary education,
he went straight to work in construction
while his schoolmates furthered their
education.

But Destin, the son of a
fisherman and a maid, was determined
not to let his circumstances dictate his
future.

"My academic life prior to
Secondary School was not one that was
outstanding. I did not pass my 11-Plus
exam for reasons outside of my own
ability. But, in Antigua, the system allows
you two opportunities to gain a
scholarship to a secondary school the
11-Plus and post primary exams. I took
the latter two years after I sat the 11-Plus
and gained entry to a secondary school
at the age of 14," he said.


After working in construction on
leaving school, he went on to work as a
joiner at a furniture factory. Then he got
a job at the Antigua and Barbuda
Meteorological Office as a
meteorological assistant. He visited
Barbados twice to do the official Class 2
and later Class 1 training courses at what
was then Caribbean Meteorological
Institute, now the Caribbean Institute of
Meteorology and Hydrology.

Scholarship

Still not satisfied with his
academic achievements up to that point,
Destin applied to the World
Meteorological Organisation for a
scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of
Science degree in Meteorology and, in
2003 he awarded the scholarship.

It meant another trip to
Barbados to pursue the degree at the
UWI's Cave Hill Campus.

"I always knew that once I was
granted the scholarship, I would pursue
studies in information technology in
addition to meteorology. The inspiration
came from a colleague of mine, Mr
Keithly Meade, who did the same a few
years prior and was able to significantly
computerise the Antigua and Barbuda
Meteorological Office. This was very
impressive to me," explained the 37
year-old.

But a triple major was farthest
from his mind.

In fact, he admitted he was a bit
nervous just getting through the
mathematics required for his two initial
majors meteorology and information
technology, far less considering it as a
major.


Although he passed maths at
CXC level, he failed it at primary and
post-primary levels. But as time
progressed Destin realized he had a
knack for the subject and it was then
that thoughts of triple major started to
"ferment in my mind".

He picked up a number of
maths courses and, after his first year,
realized he could do all the credits
required for a triple major which
included maths.

He accumulated 143 credits -
three more than is required for a triple
major mainly by doing a lot of summer
courses.

"Being told there is no such
thing as a triple major by most persons
I was going to settle for the joint major
of information technology and
meteorology, but about three weeks
leading up to graduation, I raised the
matter with the Dean of Pure and
applied Sciences, Mr Carrington.

"I asked him if the university
officially recognized it as a triple major
and he told me that there was no such
thing as a triple major. I said: 'Okay' ".

Not long after the
conversation, Destin received a letter
from the Dean that changed his life.

He said, "He wrote me and
told me they had officially asked the
university board to consider the matter.
And I guess the rest is history."

Knowing most of his friends at
UWI would have called him crazy if
they had known what he was doing,
Destin kept the good news a secret
until it was announced at the
graduation and if that was'nt all he
also achieved First Class Honours.

"It was shocking for most
persons. They were like: 'How could
you have done that? Where did you


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find the time?' My friends and family are
happy for me. It feels good to create
history. I am proud and humbled at the
same time. As I have told my Dean, I
believe it could've been accomplished by
other if the university was to officially
offer {the triple major} as an option," he
said.

Destin, who was also awarded
the Dean's Prize for his accomplishment,


believes anyone can achieve success
once they put their minds to it.

Success

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

"I consider myself lucky; I could
have easily fallen through the cracks like


many youngsters in depressed
circumstances. I also hung out on the
block and did some things that could
have got me in serious trouble. But my
advice would be simply don't let the
things around you make you feel
hopeless or feel you have to follow the
crowd. Believe in yourself and listen to
the older ones around you."


Governor-GeneraCs Academic Awards


His Excellency the Governor-GeneralChas beenpleasedon the

occasion of the NationaCyouth Rally to mark the Twenty-

fifth Anniversary of Independence, 2006 to give orders for
the conferment of the Academic Awards 2006


Nicole Roberts


Ayokunle Ogunbiyi


Onika Dover


Nickolas Judnarine


Top Student Caribbean Advanced
Proficiency Examinations (CAPE)
(Antigua State College)


Top Student Caribbean Secondary
Education Certificate (CSEC)
(St Joseph's Academy)


Top Student Jr. Secondary Examination
(Liberta Jr. Secondary)


Top Student Primary Examination
(T.O.R. Memorial Primary)


Office of the Governor-General
St John's
Antigua


11th October, 2006


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




Silver



Bronze




Bronze











continued from cover page
With regard to Education His
Excellency explained that his
government strongly believes that
education continues to be the most
effective method of empowering people
and it is his government's intention to
ensure that all Antiguans and Barbudans
have access to education from infancy to
adulthood.

Therefore, he said, "It is my
government's intention in 2007 to
commence construction of a new
secondary school in our efforts to
upgrade the current education
infrastructure.

My Government will also
ensure that a modern information
technology driven Public Library
becomes fully operational at the end of
the first quarter of next year.

The Antigua and Barbuda
Hospitality Training Institute also plays a
pivotal role in the education system and
the development of our tourism sector.

In 2007, the Institute will
commence its "two-plus-two"
arrangement with the University of the
West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in
Barbados. Students at the Institution will
be given the opportunity to study for an
Associate Degree in Hospitality Studies
or Culinary Arts. Graduates from this
programme with a minimum GPA of 2.7
will be given credit and exempted from
Level One courses of the UWI's
Bachelor's Degree in Tourism at Cave
Hill, allowing them to complete their
degree in a two year period.

The completion of expansion
work at the Antigua Grammar School
and the expansion of other primary and
secondary schools to provide additional
classroom space will also be pursued.

In my Government's quest to
pave the path to an improved data


management process in our school
system, an Education Management
Information System will be piloted in
three secondary schools.

To further support my
Government's policy of lifelong learning,
the Adult and Continuing Education
(TVET) Programme will be rejuvenated
in Barbuda along with the construction of
additional workshops at the Antigua and
Barbuda Institute of Continuing
Education and a Learning Resource
Centre at the Antigua State College.

The review of the TVET
Curriculum and institutional
strengthening at both the Antigua State
College and the Antigua and Barbuda
Institute of Continuing Education will also
feature in my government's programme
to make knowledge the principle driver of
national development.

The training of our teachers,
instructors and managers will also be
priority in 2007. Our educators and
young people will be the main
beneficiaries of scholarships to be
awarded under the soon to be
established Scholarship Procurement
Unit within the Office of the Prime
Minister in conjunction with our
overseas-based diplomats. Members of
our Police Force, Defence Force, and
Nurses will also benefit from the
opportunities that this Unit will provide.
The Scholarship Procurement Unit will
compliment the work being done by the
Ministry of Education, the Board of
Education and the Training Division.

My Government also remains
committed to its policy of providing
school uniform grant vouchers and
scholarships and textbooks, giving
valuable support to parents and children
in our education system."

In the area of Tourism,
Governor-General Sir James Carlisle
said, "Tourism is our most important


sector, accounting for over 60% of
GDP when all the impacts are taken
together direct, indirect and induced.
To manoeuvre this nation on the
challenging path ahead will require the
unwavering commitment of all in this
nation.

In 2007, my Government
intends to exploit fully the country's
enormous tourism potential. The
strategic thrust forward is designed to,
among other things:
* Upgrade the existing room
stock to international standards, and
establish a critical mass of new rooms
led by the 5-star end of the market;
* Position Antigua and Barbuda
as the Meetings, Conventions, Sports
and Wedding Capital of the Eastern
Caribbean and the Business Centre of
the Sub-region;
* Upgrade selected sites and
attractions and develop various facets
of the product;
* Increase airlift service to both
Antigua and Barbuda;
* Upgrade the room and
physical capacity of existing small
hotels below 25 rooms; and
* Generate a higher level of
tourism awareness among the
population.

Statistics from regional and
international financial experts show
that 2007 holds the promise that
Antigua and Barbuda will realize
economic expansion on a scale that
has not been seen in recent memory.
It is expected that the growth and
development of the economy will be
fuelled by higher output from tourism,
other productive sectors, and
infrastructure activity related to the
hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007.

In this regard, 2007 will see
the commencement of construction, in
partnership with government, of the
Bermello, Ajamil and Partners (BAP)
Project which is a new 200 room


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beachfront resort. The Jolly Harbour
Caribbean Development Antigua Limited
Expansion Project will also commence
next year.

In 2007, the following projects
will be completed boosting the hotel
stock significantly:
* The Antigua Rain Forest
Project A canopy Eco-Tour Project to
include adventure course, hiking trails,
cultural theatre and a reforestation
programme;
* Emerald Cove Development -
A five star hotel comprising 291 rooms;
* Hodges Bay Hotel consisting
of 81 townhouses, duplex apartments,
hotel and studio suites; and
* Sandals Grand Antigua Resort
Expansion Project.

The influence of travel and
tourism on a community is significant.
Most obviously, tourists bring revenue.
However, how this revenue is attracted
and the numbers of people who benefits
vary greatly.

To ensure maximum benefits to
communities, my government will act as
a catalyst for community-based
development and will work closely with
community-based organizations and
enterprises to develop and implement
community based tourism projects.

In this regard, the Ministry of
Tourism will collaborate with regional
institutions including the Caribbean
Tourism Organization and the Caribbean
Natural Resource Institute to devise a
strategic policy and plan for the
development of community tourism, as
well as to sensitize communities of the
value of their community assets, their
culture, heritage, cuisine and lifestyle.

In addition, my government will
establish a number of programmes,
including increased training in small
business management, environmental
awareness, product development and


marketing and will also facilitate the
granting of concessions and incentives
designed to ensure that small and micro-
businesses play critical roles in
increasing economic activity and
reducing unemployment.

My Government will also
finalize arrangements with the Antigua
and Barbuda Development Bank to
provide soft loans to small hotels of up to
25 rooms for up-grading and
refurbishing."

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


WTO Panel concludes
hearings on Internet
gaming dispute with
presentations by the "third
parties"

The WTO Panel concluded two
days' hearings on 26th November on
Antigua and Barbuda's challenge to
United States' claim of compliance with
the Dispute Settlement Body's rulings
and recommendations on the Internet
gaming dispute between the two
countries, with presentations by the
three (3) "third parties" to the WTO case,
the European Community, Japan and
China.

"That these three economic
powerhouses and major trading partners
of the United States have seen it fit to
join with us in contesting what we have
always maintained is a dispute about
granting market access, is both
welcomed and deeply appreciated," said
Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of
Finance and the Economy, the
Honourable Dr. Errol Cort.


is that
players
believe


"What is even more remarkable
they choose to become active
in this WTO process and we
that a crucial factor in their


respective decisions to do so was the
pure merits of our case," he added.

Ambassador Colin Murdoch,
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs praised the three and
noted that, "any member of the WTO
can choose to become a "third party" in
any pending dispute between two or
more WTO members (parties).
However, it must do so at the outset of
the dispute process. Once the process
is underway, other WTO members
cannot join or submit written opinions.
Moreover, they cannot attend the
proceedings of the panel that has been
established to hear disputes or of the
Appellate Body, which hears appeals
of the rulings and recommendations of
the dispute panels. Against this
backdrop, I would like to thank the
European Commission, Japan and
China for the ongoing commitment to
this effort."

Elaborating further on the
process, the head of Antigua and
Barbuda's delegation to the panel
meeting, Ambassador to the WTO Dr.
John W. Ashe, observed that "as is the
case for the parties in a dispute, "third
parties" are invited to make written
submissions and are permitted to
make oral statements on their
submissions to the panel. They are
then subjected to a series of questions
from panel members and may choose
to submit written answers at a later
date."

"Now that the hearings are
completed, the next step in the process
is fairly well-defined and there are a
number of deadlines that we have to
meet," said Mark Mendel, Antigua and
Barbuda's Legal Adviser.

"By the end of the day
tomorrow, the panel will circulate a
series of questions to each party and
written replies to those questions are
continue on page 12


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


]lI'p i .!iii...-barbuda.com































"Best Wedding Island"
award for Antigua and
Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda took
home the 'Best Wedding Island' award
for the second year running at Caribbean
World's travel awards held at the Four
Seasons Hotel, Park Lane, London on 9
November 2006.

The Caribbean World Annual
Awards, now in its 12th year, is firmly
established among Britain's foremost
prize giving ceremonies, which honours
excellence amongst the Caribbean
islands and the services that provide
comfort, entertainment and enjoyment
for those who make the Caribbean their
favourite holiday destination.

The magazine and its readers
also awarded Antiguan and Barbudan
national hero, Sir Vivian Richards who
received a prize for 'Caribbean
Personality of the Year'.

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


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

"We are extremely pleased that
Antigua and Barbuda has been
recognized as one of the best Caribbean
locations to tie the knot. The Ministry of
Tourism has been working tirelessly to
promote the island as a perfect romantic
getaway and has forged a strong
partnership with the Ministry of Legal
Affairs who has made getting married in
Antigua and Barbuda a simple, hassle
free experience. This award comes at a
great time for us as we look forward to
welcoming over 25 leading travel agents
and tour operators from the United
Kingdom for a special Weddings and
Honeymoons Familiarisation Trip where
we will highlight those special attributes
that make Antigua and Barbuda an
award winning destination".


The Antigua Barbuda
delegation rubbed shoulders with special
guest of the evening Sir Trevor
McDonald OBE, a Trinidadian national
and first black news anchor in the United
Kingdom. He was awarded 'TV
Personality and Broadcaster of the Year'
having won more awards than any other
British broadcaster and is now


recognized as one of British
television's most trusted reporters.


SPhotos featuring
HE Dr Carl Roberts,
Director-General of Tourism
Ms. Lorraine Headley
and Director of Marketing UK,
s. Carol Hay accepting trophy o
behalf of Antigua and Barbuda


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


ImIp 1 1 i iiii. -barbuda.com












Some photos of
the gala event:
Clockwise from
left:
Reception,
dinner, some
memorable faces
and guests
dancing the night
away to the
sounds of 'Dread
and


High Commission
celebrates Antigua and
Barbuda's 25th year of
Independence

On 5th November 2006 the
High Commission in London celebrated
Antigua and Barbuda's 25th Anniversary
of Independence in grand style at the
Holiday Inn Kensington Forum.

For some it was a night to
remember!!

During the proceedings the
Honourable Baldwin Spencer, Prime
Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
delivered his address to nationals
overseas via a pre-recorded DVD
broadcast.

Guests included members of
the diplomatic corps, cricketing greats


such as Sir Viv Richards,
Richie Richardson and
Curtley Ambrose; hotel
representatives, members
of the diaspora in the UK,
and the travel trade.

Entertainment was
provided by the very
popular Antiguan band
'Dread and Baldhead' and
guests danced the night
away.

This also marked the first time
members of the diaspora were awarded
for their outstanding contribution within
their community in the country they now
call home. This is a project that we
intend to continue as we are mindful that
there are many more nationals who have
indeed made significant contributions
and who should also be recognized and
awarded.


His Excellency Dr Carl
Roberts and Mrs Pauline Roberts
would like to thank all those who took
the time to attend and sincerely hope
that you felt that Antigua and
Barbuda's 25th Anniversary of
Independence was marked with the
splendour that such a momentous
occasion deserves.


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


WIlIp. iwim.i-barbuda.com











(Right) The first Antiguan
family of Butchers was
opened in May 2006. It
includes second generation
of the Ferris Family Carlton,
Darren and Pauline. Farm
Fresh Butchers Purveyors of
the finest quality meats
operate from 78 Lower
Clapton Road, Clapton E5
ORN


Continued from page 9

due approximately one week later, in this
case by December 8. Within this same
timeframe, the panel will also send
questions to the "third parties." In
addition, each party may also submit a
list of questions to the other party in the
dispute. The panel will then make the
factual record of the hearings available to
the parties on December 22. This will be
followed by the "descriptive" part of its
"interim report," which it make available
to the parties on 11 January 2007.

Finally the full "interim report"
will be circulated to the parties on 25
January 2007. On receipt of the interim
report, the parties will be given a period
of time to submit their comments and
observations on the panel's rulings and
recommendations, before the final report
is made available to the entire WTO
membership sometime in early February
2007."

"We have every reason to be
confident that, given the merits of our
case and the fact that the US, having
given an undertaking to do so, has done
nothing to bring itself into compliance
with rulings and recommendations of the
DSB, we will prevail at this stage," said
Kaye MacDonald, Antigua and
Barbuda's Director of Gaming.


FSRC takes Legal Action
against BETonSPORTS
(Antigua) Ltd.

The Financial Services
Regulatory Commission (FSRC) of
Antigua and Barbuda has announced that
it has filed an application for a restraining
order in the High Court of Justice, against
BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd.

BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd.,
an interactive gaming and interactive
wagering service provider, under the order
is restrained from, among other things,
entering into any agreement or
arrangement to sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of cash and assets within or
outside of Antigua and Barbuda without the
consent, management and supervision of
FSRC.

The application also calls for
BETonSPORTS to account for its assets
and obligations and otherwise provide
such information that will assist the FSRC
in ensuring that BETonSPORTS
consumers are protected to the maximum
extent possible and that Antigua and
Barbuda's Laws and Regulations are
adhered to.

The application for the order
comes on the heels of an announced
settlement between the United States
government and BETonSPORTS and its


affiliates pertaining to criminal and civil
charges levelled against the company by
United States authorities earlier in the
year. These charges, which resulted in
the high-profile arrest of BETonSPORTS
former Chief Executive, led to wide-
spread disruption throughout the
International on-line gaming community
and represented a new assault on cross-
border competition for gambling and
betting services by the United States
government.

Kaye McDonald, the Director of
Gaming for the FSRC, observed "while
the jurisdiction of the United States
government over BETonSPORTS is
questionable, by virtue of being the
holder of an Interactive Gaming and
Interactive Wagering license issued by
the Antiguan and Barbudan authorities,
BETonSPORTS has acquiesced to our
International jurisdiction over the
company and its assets. It is important
for the protection of consumers that
whatever assets BETonSPORTS has
remaining be properly available to
depositors and other creditors and not be
dissipated on fines or penalties or
otherwise improperly disposed."

A hearing of the application is
scheduled for 4th December 2006, at
which time BETonSPORTS will have the
opportunity to respond to the application
for a restraining order.


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


WIlIp. i iiii. -barbuda.com

PAGE 1

2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com ISSUE No.115 November 2006 Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 Throne Speech On Thursday 23 rd November Governor-General Sir James B. Carlisle presented the government’s plans and policies for the coming parliamentary year at the Annual Throne Speech to a joint sitting of the House of Representatives. During his speech the Governor-General said that his government will continue the programme of fiscal reform initiatives. The Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax will be introduced in the first quarter of 2007 to further consolidate the tax system by replacing several existing taxes, including the consumption tax, the hotel taxes and the telecommunications tax. He further stated that the government will implement a new and 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 personal income tax relief, introduce mechanisms to provide tax credits to businesses that support the development of education, sports and culture, enforce the compliance of the widened basket of essential goods, and give tax relief to pensioners and provide property tax allowance to all owner occupied residential properties. Recent legislation, which provides for no property tax on agricultural buildings and lower tax rates on agricultural land will also be enforced. To further build on the remarkable successes of my Government’s treasury bills and bonds issue, created by the renewed confidence of the international and regional business community in Antigua and Barbuda, my government will continue this programme in 2007 to raise financial resources at much lower interest rates. Through the treasury bills and bonds programme, my Government was able to retire high cost debt, finance the voluntary separation programme, and fund critical infrastructural initiatives. My Government will also continue to implement a debt management strategy developed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded debt consultants.  Once this strategy is fully implemented, it is expected that our debt stock will be reduced, the credit rating of Antigua and Barbuda will be improved, and more efficient mechanisms for debt acquisition, monitoring and management 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 of Honour of Officers from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and the Antigua and Barbuda Police Force

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A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER Dear Readers, In this message I will continue our discourse on the concept “One Family, Embracing the Future Together” which was the theme of our 25 th Anniversary celebrations. Looking at this from a nationalist perspective in the 25 th Anniversary Magazine, I asked the questions “what family have we become? What type of people are we aiming to become? Who in reality demonstrates the characteristics of a true and proud Antiguan and Barbudan?” In this series of messages over the coming months, I will attempt to address these questions I will now deal with the first question “What Family have we become?” The family referred to here comprises citizens of Antigua and Barbuda; “citizens” for this analysis is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “a legally recognised subject or national of a state or commonwealth” and by the Random House Dictionary of the English Language as “a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection”. Who then must be as classified citizens and therefore entitled to be members of the family alluded to above? The 2001 census of Antigua and Barbuda gave the population size as 76,886 with the following dominant composition: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 and 47% males. Apart from 1 st generation Antiguans and Barbudans, there are also 3,996 Dominicans; 5,410 Guyanese; 3,335 Jamaicans; 1,492 Dominicans Republic and 831 citizens of UK living in our community among others. The family therefore is cosmopolitan and made up of immigrants from 39 countries beside Antigua and Barbuda. The culture of our society has changed over the years and more so since the introduction of cable TV. The extended family concept is not as prevalent today as 20 to 30 years ago. This is reflected in the lifestyle of our citizens. The number of older generation citizens living in “homes for the aged” has increased significantly. The style of attire of young people and old alike reflect similar tastes to those seen in the progressive and fast moving cities in the USA, Canada and the UK. The number of churches in our nation has increased, so too has the number of bars, discotheques, brothels and places of nightly entertainment. The number of children being raised by single parents (mainly women) is on the increase. Can we therefore say that the quality of life of the family has improved? Our per capita income has certainly increased but so too has the number of vagrants roaming our streets. Walking our streets today, we hear many new accents and a few new languages being spoken. As these changes impact our communities, what or whom have we really become as a nation, as a family? Are we being drawn together by a common bond of national unity or pride in our country? After all, 25 years in the life of any individual should lead to a clear demonstration of the character that person has become. We are richer from the new vibrancy in our society only when and if the chords that bind us together are reflected in our efforts at true nationhood building. There should begin to appear a family richer in culture, reflective of the heritage of the various ethnic groupings and the best of the culture they have to offer. Each member of the family will then feel connected, respected and fully committed. Let us therefore work together with the help of the God we serve to build a better Antigua and Barbuda, a better region and a better world as one family united in our common goals. Dr Carl Roberts High Commissioner 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com 2

PAGE 3

3 Dr Errol Cort addresses investment conference at Lancaster House Minister of Finance and the Economy, Hon. Dr. Errol Cort on Thursday 2 nd November addressed the Caribbean Investment Conference which was held at Lancaster House, London. The Conference was a personal initiative of British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and was held under the theme “Transforming the Caribbean Economy: New Avenues for Investment”. The intention of the Conference was to draw attention to the many investment opportunities in the Caribbean region, not least those arising as a result of European Union-supported transitional programmes. It enabled participants to discuss ways in which the public sector could help the private sector to make the most of those opportunities. Minister Cort addressed the gathering on the importance of Public Private Partnerships in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. He told his audience that “the private sector is a critical engine of growth and could have a catalytic effect on macroeconomic stability, high growth rates, efficient deployment of human resources and improved living conditions”. Minister Cort further told the gathering that “given the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the demands of an ever changing international business environment, the coordination of public and private sector efforts is integral to the overall efforts at achieving global competitiveness within the Caribbean financial sector, promoting productive enterprises at a regional level and achieving stability within Caribbean economies”. The Conference also received addresses from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur and the President of Guyana, His Excellency, Bharrat Jagdeo. Antigua and Barbuda represented at WIPO Ministerial Level Meeting on Intellectual Property for the Caribbean Minister of Justice, Senator the Honourable Collin Derrick, has described the recently held Sixth Ministerial Level Meeting on Intellectual Property for Caribbean countries held in Barbados as a success. The November 2nd and 3rd Meeting held under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Government of Barbados deliberated on a wide range of matters, including a report from the Heads of Intellectual Property Offices, which contained a number of recommendations. Minister Derrick noted that some of the recommendations highlighted the need for assistance in such areas as the formulation of strategies to promote innovation, technology transfer and economic development; and the provision of specialized training for developing national intellectual property policies and the undertaking of national intellectual property audits. “The Ministerial Meeting agreed to foster collaboration between CARICOM, the OECS and WIPO in defining and determining the scope of regional administration in the area of patent, including search and examination. We also requested assistance from WIPO in developing appropriate frameworks for the protection of traditional knowledge, folklore, genetic resources, indigenous Caribbean culture and national heritage, 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 Justice Senator The Hon. Colin V A Derrick

PAGE 4

Issue No. 115 November 2006 populations in Caribbean countries,” noted Minister Derrick. He also outlined that a request was made to WIPO to assist Caribbean countries in the implementation of traderelated aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) and in particular advising on adjusting national legislation to incorporate existing flexibilities in TRIPS and other international IP Treaties. Prior to the Ministerial Meeting a Meeting of Heads of Intellectual Property Offices of Caribbean countries was also convened in Bridgetown on 31 October and 1 November. The Meeting of Heads of Intellectual Property Offices was attended by Charlesworth Tabor and Mitzie Buckley, Acting Registrar and Deputy Registrar respectively of Antigua and Barbuda’s Intellectual Property and Commerce Office. The Heads of Intellectual Property Offices identified the need for the inclusion of intellectual property as a subject in the curricula at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. The importance of continuous outreach and public education with respect to intellectual property was also recognized. Internet Gaming and Criminal Deportees discussed with new US Ambassador Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer has said that the recent changes in the United States Congress during mid-term elections in the United States present an opportunity for dialogue with the US on the Internet Gaming dispute at the World Trade Organisation. During discussions with newly appointed United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Her Excellency Mary Ourisman, Prime Minister Spencer said that the recent legislation by the US Congress has been damaging to Antigua and Barbuda’s economy and that the door is now open for serious dialogue. He emphasized the adherence to international trade rules under WTO and that the recent legislation by the United States challenges the credibility of the organisation. “There is enough room for common ground to be found with us reaching a balanced solution,” said Prime Minister Spencer. Ambassador Ourisman who arrived in the region on October 31, one day after the departure of her predecessor Mary Kramer who has returned to the United States, said that the issue of gaming is a moral one for the United States especially for the protection of its children. Over 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s Internet gaming clients are United States citizens. Prime Minister Spencer during the discussion also spoke of US/Caribbean relations and the organization of a Caribbean conference in the United States. He also made mention of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and the Caribbean basin Economic Recovery Act. World Cup preparations were also discussed including the assistance which the United States is willing to provide under the Memorandum of Understanding which CARICOM signed with the US Homeland Secretary Mr. Michael Chertoff. The provision of consular services by the United States Embassy for residents of the Eastern Caribbean and the issues of criminal deportees were discussed. Prime Minister Spencer said that the region would welcome an engagement with the United States to discuss alternatives on the deportee matter. United States Ambassador Ourisman also met Minister of Finance and Economy Dr. the Hon. Errol Cort, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs the Hon. Justin Simon Q.C., Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Steadroy Benjamin and the Venezuelan Ambassador, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Ambassador Ourisman during their discussions 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 4

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 Community workshop held to re-energize community groups The Community Development Department, a division within the Ministry of Housing Culture & Social Transformation, convened a one-day symposium on Thursday 16 th November in an effort to re-energize and reactivate community groups within the country. During a brief Opening Ceremony, Minister of Housing, Culture & Social Transformation, Hon. Hilton Baptiste encouraged the leaders and other NGO’s to work along with the division as it will have significant benefits for the residents in the community and the country. In relation to the crime situation in the country, Minister Baptiste said, “We must reclaim our community otherwise none of us will be safe”. The Minister of Social Transformation said that if we all work together, nurture and care for our young people, it will make the country a better place to live but “we must get up and get organized.” Minister Baptiste also paid tribute to Ms. Judie Labadie, former Community Development Director, for all her years of hard and dedicated work. However, Minister Baptiste pointed out that the time has come for division to be given additional tools and equipment to ensure that the employees are equipped to handle the tasks at hand. Throughout the day, the over 50 participants focused on Institutional Aspects of NGO’s/CBO’s which was delivered by Ambassador Anthony ‘Mamba’ Liverpool. Ms Roberta Williams looked at the topic of Sustainable Livelihood within Communities, while Mr. Philmore Mullin, Deputy Director of NODS (National Office of Disaster Services) focused on equipping communities to handle emergencies and disasters. The last topic dealt with Maintaining Healthy Communities, which was facilitated by Mr. David Spencer. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium to be handed over early January The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium will be ready for handover by the Chinese to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday January 13, 2007. This assurance came from the man charged with overseeing the completion of the Stadium, Chairman of the Inter Governmental Working Group Ambassador David Shoul.  He said that all systems are on target for this date which will include a grand ceremony at the site. Ambassador Shoul noted that he is very pleased with the report received from the recent visit by members of the ICC CWC 2007 Venue Tour Committee, although there are a number of concerns that were expressed by the ICC.  “We are confident that the concerns the ICC has about certain sections of our preparation would be ironed out before their next tour in a few weeks time.  We have a dedicated team of individuals who are involved in the preparations along with a number of other individuals who are prepared to lend assistance if the need should arise,” he said. The Chairman of the IGWG also outlined that a full inspection of the route for the placement of new street lights leading to the stadium was conducted last week and work by the Chinese contractors will commence in a few weeks time in conjunction with the Antigua Public Utilities Authority. “The route to the Stadium from the V.C. Bird International Airport was inspected and it was decided that street lights will be placed on the right side of the road, with a separation difference of forty metres (132 feet) for each post.  These lights are another gift from our Chinese counterparts,” Ambassador Shoul stated. A few weeks ago Ambassador Shoul along with Prime Minister the Hon. Baldwin Spencer and members of the Local Organizing Committee toured the facility and witnessed the testing of the scoreboards and lights at the multimillion dollar facility. “All of Antigua and Barbuda and indeed the world will be very proud of the finished product which is already distinguished by having the name of our National Hero Sir Vivian Richards. I am confident that we will have a top class facility which the government will hand over to the ICC on February 23,” Shoul concluded. 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 Prime Minister Spencer, Ambassador David Shoul, Ambassador Ren Xioping and members of the Chinese Construction Team working on the Sir Vivian statdium 5

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 11-plus ‘F’ to high honours Excerpted from NationNews.com Written by Melissa Wickhan How did a poor boy from Antigua who failed the 11-Plus exam manage to create history by becoming the first person to ever graduate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a triple major? One word determination. But it gets better. Dale Destin, who graduated a recently from the UWI’s Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor of Science degree in an unprecedented triple major information technology, meteorology and mathematics with First Class Honours only spent three years in secondary school. He grew up in The Point and Green Bay, two of the poorest areas in St John’s. And, because his family was unable to give him a tertiary education, he went straight to work in construction while his schoolmates furthered their education. But Destin, the son of a fisherman and a maid, was determined not to let his circumstances dictate his future. “My academic life prior to Secondary School was not one that was outstanding. I did not pass my 11-Plus exam for reasons outside of my own ability. But, in Antigua, the system allows you two opportunities to gain a scholarship to a secondary school the 11-Plus and post primary exams. I took the latter two years after I sat the 11-Plus and gained entry to a secondary school at the age of 14,” he said. Destin studied hard to make up for the late start, and gained six Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) certificates. After working in construction on leaving school, he went on to work as a joiner at a furniture factory. Then he got a job at the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office as a meteorological assistant. He visited Barbados twice to do the official Class 2 and later Class 1 training courses at what was then Caribbean Meteorological Institute, now the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. Scholarship Still not satisfied with his academic achievements up to that point, Destin applied to the World Meteorological Organisation for a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and, in 2003 he awarded the scholarship. It meant another trip to Barbados to pursue the degree at the UWI’s Cave Hill Campus. “I always knew that once I was granted the scholarship, I would pursue studies in information technology in addition to meteorology. The inspiration came from a colleague of mine, Mr Keithly Meade, who did the same a few years prior and was able to significantly computerise the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Office. This was very impressive to me,” explained the 37 year-old. But a triple major was farthest from his mind. In fact, he admitted he was a bit nervous just getting through the mathematics required for his two initial majors meteorology and information technology, far less considering it as a major. Although he passed maths at CXC level, he failed it at primary and post-primary levels. But as time progressed Destin realised he had a knack for the subject and it was then that thoughts of triple major started to “ferment in my mind”. He picked up a number of maths courses and, after his first year, realised he could do all the credits required for a triple major which included maths. He accumulated 143 credits three more than is required for a triple major mainly by doing a lot of summer courses. “Being told there is no such thing as a triple major by most persons I was going to settle for the joint major of information technology and meteorology, but about three weeks leading up to graduation, I raised the matter with the Dean of Pure and applied Sciences, Mr Carrington. “I asked him if the university officially recognised it as a triple major and he told me that there was no such thing as a triple major. I said: ‘Okay’ “. Not long after the conversation, Destin received a letter from the Dean that changed his life. He said, “He wrote me and told me they had officially asked the university board to consider the matter. And I guess the rest is history.” Knowing most of his friends at UWI would have called him crazy if they had known what he was doing, Destin kept the good news a secret until it was announced at the graduation and if that was’nt all he also achieved First Class Honours. “It was shocking for most persons. They were like: ‘How could you have done that? Where did you 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 6

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 find the time?’ My friends and family are happy for me. It feels good to create history. I am proud and humbled at the same time. As I have told my Dean, I believe it could’ve been accomplished by other if the university was to officially offer {the triple major} as an option,” he said. Destin, who was also awarded the Dean’s Prize for his accomplishment, believes anyone can achieve success once they put their minds to it. Success He now lives in an exclusive suburb in Antigua, Cassada Gardens, and enjoys the fruits of his success. “I consider myself lucky; I could have easily fallen through the cracks like many youngsters in depressed circumstances. I also hung out on the block and did some things that could have got me in serious trouble. But my advice would be simply don’t let the things around you make you feel hopeless or feel you have to follow the crowd. Believe in yourself and listen to the older ones around you.” 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 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-General St John’s Antigua 11th October, 2006 7

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 continued from cover page With regard to Education His Excellency explained that his government strongly believes that education continues to be the most effective method of empowering people and it is his government’s intention to ensure that all Antiguans and Barbudans have access to education from infancy to adulthood. Therefore, he said, “It is my government’s intention in 2007 to commence construction of a new secondary school in our efforts to upgrade the current education infrastructure. My Government will also ensure that a modern information technology driven Public Library becomes fully operational at the end of the first quarter of next year. The Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute also plays a pivotal role in the education system and the development of our tourism sector. In 2007, the Institute will commence its “two-plus-two” arrangement with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados.  Students at the Institution will be given the opportunity to study for an Associate Degree in Hospitality Studies or Culinary Arts.  Graduates from this programme with a minimum GPA of 2.7 will be given credit and exempted from Level One courses of the UWI’s Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism at Cave Hill, allowing them to complete their degree in a two year period. The completion of expansion work at the Antigua Grammar School and the expansion of other primary and secondary schools to provide additional classroom space will also be pursued. In my Government’s quest to pave the path to an improved data management process in our school system, an Education Management Information System will be piloted in three secondary schools. To further support my Government’s policy of lifelong learning, the Adult and Continuing Education (TVET) Programme will be rejuvenated in Barbuda along with the construction of additional workshops at the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education and a Learning Resource Centre at the Antigua State College. The review of the TVET Curriculum and institutional strengthening at both the Antigua State College and the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education will also feature in my government’s programme to make knowledge the principle driver of national development. The training of our teachers, instructors and managers will also be priority in 2007.  Our educators and young people will be the main beneficiaries of scholarships to be awarded under the soon to be established Scholarship Procurement Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister in conjunction with our overseas-based diplomats.  Members of our Police Force, Defence Force, and Nurses will also benefit from the opportunities that this Unit will provide. The Scholarship Procurement Unit will compliment the work being done by the Ministry of Education, the Board of Education and the Training Division. My Government also remains committed to its policy of providing school uniform grant vouchers and scholarships and textbooks, giving valuable support to parents and children in our education system.” In the area of Tourism, Governor-General Sir James Carlisle said, “Tourism is our most important sector, accounting for over 60% of GDP when all the impacts are taken together – direct, indirect and induced. To manoeuvre this nation on the challenging path ahead will require the unwavering commitment of all in this nation. In 2007, my Government intends to exploit fully the country’s enormous tourism potential.  The strategic thrust forward is designed to, among other things: stock to international standards, and establish a critical mass of new rooms led by the 5-star end of the market; as the Meetings, Conventions, Sports and Wedding Capital of the Eastern Caribbean and the Business Centre of the Sub-region; attractions and develop various facets of the product; Antigua and Barbuda; physical capacity of existing small hotels below 25 rooms; and tourism awareness among the population. Statistics from regional and international financial experts show that 2007 holds the promise that Antigua and Barbuda will realize economic expansion on a scale that has not been seen in recent memory. It is expected that the growth and development of the economy will be fuelled by higher output from tourism, other productive sectors, and infrastructure activity related to the hosting of Cricket World Cup 2007. In this regard, 2007 will see the commencement of construction, in partnership with government, of the Bermello, Ajamil and Partners (BAP) Project which is a new 200 room 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 8

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 beachfront resort.  The Jolly Harbour Caribbean Development Antigua Limited Expansion Project will also commence next year. In 2007, the following projects will be completed boosting the hotel stock significantly: Project – A canopy Eco-Tour Project to include adventure course, hiking trails, cultural theatre and a reforestation programme; A five star hotel comprising 291 rooms; of 81 townhouses, duplex apartments, hotel and studio suites; and Expansion Project. The influence of travel and tourism on a community is significant. Most obviously, tourists bring revenue. However, how this revenue is attracted and the numbers of people who benefits vary greatly. To ensure maximum benefits to communities, my government will act as a catalyst for community-based development and will work closely with community-based organizations and enterprises to develop and implement community based tourism projects. In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism will collaborate with regional institutions including the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Natural Resource Institute to devise a strategic policy and plan for the development of community tourism, as well as to sensitize communities of the value of their community assets, their culture, heritage, cuisine and lifestyle. In addition, my government will establish a number of programmes, including increased training in small business management, environmental awareness, product development and marketing and will also facilitate the granting of concessions and incentives designed to ensure that small and microbusinesses play critical roles in increasing economic activity and reducing unemployment. My Government will also finalize arrangements with the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank to provide soft loans to small hotels of up to 25 rooms for up-grading and refurbishing.” (For the full text of the Governor-General’s Speech, please go to www.ab.gov.ag) WTO Panel concludes hearings on Internet gaming dispute with presentations by the “third parties” The WTO Panel concluded two days’ hearings on 26th November on Antigua and Barbuda’s challenge to United States’ claim of compliance with the Dispute Settlement Body’s rulings and recommendations on the Internet gaming dispute between the two countries, with presentations by the three (3) “third parties” to the WTO case, the European Community, Japan and China. “That these three economic powerhouses and major trading partners of the United States have seen it fit to join with us in contesting what we have always maintained is a dispute about granting market access, is both welcomed and deeply appreciated,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Finance and the Economy, the Honourable Dr. Errol Cort. “What is even more remarkable is that they choose to become active players in this WTO process and we believe that a crucial factor in their respective decisions to do so was the pure merits of our case,” he added. Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the three and noted that, “any member of the WTO can choose to become a “third party” in any pending dispute between two or more WTO members (parties). However, it must do so at the outset of the dispute process. Once the process is underway, other WTO members cannot join or submit written opinions. Moreover, they cannot attend the proceedings of the panel that has been established to hear disputes or of the Appellate Body, which hears appeals of the rulings and recommendations of the dispute panels. Against this backdrop, I would like to thank the European Commission, Japan and China for the ongoing commitment to this effort.”   Elaborating further on the process, the head of Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation to the panel meeting, Ambassador to the WTO Dr. John W. Ashe, observed that “as is the case for the parties in a dispute, “third parties” are invited to make written submissions and are permitted to make oral statements on their submissions to the panel. They are then subjected to a series of questions from panel members and may choose to submit written answers at a later date.” “Now that the hearings are completed, the next step in the process is fairly well-defined and there are a number of deadlines that we have to meet,” said Mark Mendel, Antigua and Barbuda’s Legal Adviser. “By the end of the day tomorrow, the panel will circulate a series of questions to each party and written replies to those questions are continue on page 12 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 9

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 “Best Wedding Island” award for Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda took home the ‘Best Wedding Island’ award for the second year running at Caribbean World’s travel awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Park Lane, London on 9 November 2006. The Caribbean World Annual Awards, now in its 12 th year, is firmly established among Britain’s foremost prize giving ceremonies, which honours excellence amongst the Caribbean islands and the services that provide comfort, entertainment and enjoyment for those who make the Caribbean their favourite holiday destination. The magazine and its readers also awarded Antiguan and Barbudan national hero, Sir Vivian Richards who received a prize for ‘Caribbean Personality of the Year’. Director General of Tourism, Lorraine Headley who accepted the prizes on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, in conjunction with the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Carl Roberts and Miss Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK, expressed her satisfaction with the results. “We are extremely pleased that Antigua and Barbuda has been recognized as one of the best Caribbean locations to tie the knot. The Ministry of Tourism has been working tirelessly to promote the island as a perfect romantic getaway and has forged a strong partnership with the Ministry of Legal Affairs who has made getting married in Antigua and Barbuda a simple, hassle free experience. This award comes at a great time for us as we look forward to welcoming over 25 leading travel agents and tour operators from the United Kingdom for a special Weddings and Honeymoons Familiarisation Trip where we will highlight those special attributes that make Antigua and Barbuda an award winning destination”. The Antigua Barbuda delegation rubbed shoulders with special guest of the evening Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, a Trinidadian national and first black news anchor in the United Kingdom. He was awarded ‘TV Personality and Broadcaster of the Year’ having won more awards than any other British broadcaster and is now recognized as one of British television's most trusted reporters. 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 Photos featuring HE Dr Carl Roberts, Director-General of Tourism Ms. Lorraine Headley and Director of Marketing UK, Ms. Carol Hay accepting trophy on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda 10

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 High Commission celebrates Antigua and Barbuda’s 25th year of Independence On 5th November 2006 the High Commission in London celebrated Antigua and Barbuda’s 25th Anniversary of Independence in grand style at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum. For some it was a night to remember!! During the proceedings the Honourable Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda delivered his address to nationals overseas via a pre-recorded DVD broadcast. Guests included members of the diplomatic corps, cricketing greats such as Sir Viv Richards, Richie Richardson and Curtley Ambrose; hotel representatives, members of the diaspora in the UK, and the travel trade. Entertainment was provided by the very popular Antiguan band ‘Dread and Baldhead’ and guests danced the night away. This also marked the first time members of the diaspora were awarded for their outstanding contribution within their community in the country they now call home. This is a project that we intend to continue as we are mindful that there are many more nationals who have indeed made significant contributions and who should also be recognised and awarded. His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts and Mrs Pauline Roberts would like to thank all those who took the time to attend and sincerely hope that you felt that Antigua and Barbuda’s 25th Anniversary of Independence was marked with the splendour that such a momentous occasion deserves. 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 11 Some photos of the gala event: Clockwise from left: Reception, dinner, some memorable faces and guests dancing the night away to the sounds of ‘Dread and The

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Issue No. 115 November 2006 (Right) The first Antiguan family of Butchers was opened in May 2006. It includes second generation of the Ferris Family Carlton, Darren and Pauline. Farm Fresh Butchers Purveyors of the finest quality meats operate from 78 Lower Clapton Road, Clapton E5 0RN 2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP http://www.antigua-barbuda.com Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 Continued from page 9 due approximately one week later, in this case by December 8. Within this same timeframe, the panel will also send questions to the “third parties.” In addition, each party may also submit a list of questions to the other party in the dispute.  The panel will then make the factual record of the hearings available to the parties on December 22. This will be followed by the “descriptive” part of its “interim report,” which it make available to the parties on 11 January 2007. Finally the full “interim report” will be circulated to the parties on 25 January 2007. On receipt of the interim report, the parties will be given a period of time to submit their comments and observations on the panel’s rulings and recommendations, before the final report is made available to the entire WTO membership sometime in early February 2007.” “We have every reason to be confident that, given the merits of our case and the fact that the US, having given an undertaking to do so, has done nothing to bring itself into compliance with rulings and recommendations of the DSB, we will prevail at this stage,” said Kaye MacDonald, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Gaming. FSRC takes Legal Action against BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd . The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it has filed an application for a restraining order in the High Court of Justice, against BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd. BETonSPORTS (Antigua) Ltd., an interactive gaming and interactive wagering service provider, under the order is restrained from, among other things, entering into any agreement or arrangement to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of cash and assets within or outside of Antigua and Barbuda without the consent, management and supervision of FSRC. The application also calls for BETonSPORTS to account for its assets and obligations and otherwise provide such information that will assist the FSRC in ensuring that BETonSPORTS consumers are protected to the maximum extent possible and that Antigua and Barbuda’s Laws and Regulations are adhered to. The application for the order comes on the heels of an announced settlement between the United States government and BETonSPORTS and its affiliates pertaining to criminal and civil charges levelled against the company by United States authorities earlier in the year.  These charges, which resulted in the high-profile arrest of BETonSPORTS former Chief Executive, led to widespread disruption throughout the International on-line gaming community and represented a new assault on crossborder competition for gambling and betting services by the United States government. Kaye McDonald, the Director of Gaming for the FSRC, observed “while the jurisdiction of the United States government over BETonSPORTS is questionable, by virtue of being the holder of an Interactive Gaming and Interactive Wagering license issued by the Antiguan and Barbudan authorities, BETonSPORTS has acquiesced to our International jurisdiction over the company and its assets.  It is important for the protection of consumers that whatever assets BETonSPORTS has remaining be properly available to depositors and other creditors and not be dissipated on fines or penalties or otherwise improperly disposed.” A hearing of the application is scheduled for 4 th December 2006, at which time BETonSPORTS will have the opportunity to respond to the application for a restraining order. 12