Official newsletter

newsletter123 ( .pdf )

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MV- ,- The Antigua and Barbuda High Commission

ISSUE No. 123 September/October 2007


HIS ISSUE

2 Message from His Excellenc)
Dr Carl Roberts, High
Commissioner
3 PM to head delegation to
CHOGM in Uganda
6 Remembering Antony
Black Cancer Care
8 Antigua and Barbuda at
the International Symposiunm
in the Republic of Korea
9-11 High Commissioner's
Address at the House of
Lords
12- 13 Remarks at Reception for
new Governor-General of
Antigua and Barbuda
14 Tourism Wedding and
Honeymoon Showcase
15 11 yr. old wins 1st Prize at
Young Musician
Competition
17-19 PM's National Broadcast
on 25th October
20 The CCL Fair

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The Antigua and Barbuda High
Commission's Newsletter is now
published bi-monthly. Send your
comments to: enquiries@antigua-
barbuda.com


Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack
has audience with Queen Elizabeth II

Governor General l
of Antigua and Barbuda
Dame Louise Agnetha Lake-
Tack had her first audience
with Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth the II on 17th
October. She was invested
with the insignia of a Dame
Grand Cross of the Most
Distinguished Order of St
Michael and St George.

Dame Louise
Agnetha Lake-Tack took
office on July 17, 2007
becoming the first female
Governor-General of
Antigua and Barbuda. oivernor-leneralDame lrouse Lake-irac y
-andc ernfoamirfi- nkedra y
The Governor .NY& Excel/ncy Dr CarlfRoerts ('ft) and
General was born in the MrYiirio fBree (r&t)
Parish of St. Phillip's in
Antigua and received her education at the Freetown Government School before attending the
Antigua Girls High School in St. John's.

After graduation, she migrated to the United Kingdom where she studied nursing at
Charing Cross Hospital. Following the completion of her studies, she worked first at the
National Heart Hospital and later at the Harley Street Clinic.

Dame Louise Lake-Tack later studied and graduated in law and subsequently served
as a magistrate at both Marylebone and Horseferry Magistrate Courts. She also sat at Pocock
Street Crown Court and Middlesex Crown Court to hear appeal cases from the lower courts.

Her Excellency served as a member of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association
(London) for the 24 years preceding her appointment as Governor-General. She spelt out at
her inauguration at a special joint session of Parliament that she wants an "open-door" policy
at Government House the official residence of the Governor-General.








A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY

DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER


Dear Readers,


A Time to Remember

The 1st November marks another
anniversary in the life of the young
nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It also
allows each of us a moment to reflect on
the twelve months which have passed
and a time to remember events which
have influenced our lives as citizens,
residents and well-wishers of our
country.

We are saddened by the wave of
adverse events, which have happened
in our homeland and grieve that our
homeland has so readily embraced a
lifestyle which is so at variance with what
we are accustomed to many years ago.

We can spend much time
attributing blame but candidly that would
get us only so far. What we need is a


united effort to stamp out this evil spirit
amongst us before it totally and
irrevocably changes the fabric of our
society.

The Prime Minister has in his
message, echoed not just the concerns
of every right-thinking Antiguan and
Barbudan but he has gone further with a
clarion call to action. A call to action for
all parents, leaders and advocates to
demonstrate their faith and Christian
beliefs by joining together to give the
youths of our nation, the right motivation
to discard this deviant lifestyle, this
destructive emulation of what is really
detestable in the so called developed
societies and remember our heritage.

'It takes the whole village to raise
a child' is a saying of great significance.
Our Sovereign Lord's parable of the
Good Samaritan teaches the same
principle. Many of us still remember
those days when we were indeed our
brother's keeper.

Let us not forget, no let us never
forget, the warmth and welcoming
characteristics which so readily
identified the Antigua and Barbuda we
used to know. Let us take time to
remember and then act. Act to restore a
society free from fear and filled with
peace and love. Lend your hand, or
whatever gift God allows you to use, to
this life changing cause. Let us
recapture our Nation and then take time
to remember so that such behaviours
will no longer be seen in our shores.


Dr Carl Roberts
High Commissioner









I Ise N


Prime Minister to head
delegation to CHOGM in
Uganda

Prime Minister the Honourable
Baldwin Spencer will lead a delegation
which will include His Excellency Dr Carl
Roberts to the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Conference (CHOGM) to
be held this year in Uganda from 23rd to
25th November, 2007.

Meetings of associated
committees usually take place in the
weeks preceding CHOGM. These
include the Committee of the Whole
(COW), which consists of senior officials.
The Commonwealth Ministers' Action
Group on the Harare Declaration and the
Ministerial Group on Small States also
meet. Their recommendations are
considered at CHOGM.

Parallel special events involving
non-government organizations, business
and youth now coincide with each
CHOGM. Action plans are developed at
these events to complement official
Commonwealth statements.

Commonwealth Leaders meet
every two years in a different
Commonwealth country to review global
political and economic developments
and to take a strategic overview of the
Commonwealth's work in support of its
member countries' interests. The host of
each CHOGM takes on the role of
Chairman-in-Office for the following two
years. The current Chairman-In-Office is
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi of Malta,
who hosted the CHOGM in 2005.

In recent years, each CHOGM
has adopted a Special Theme. The
theme for the Malta CHOGM in 2005 was
"Networking the Commonwealth for
Development". At Abuja in 2003, Heads
of Government convened under the
theme "Development and Democracy:
Partnership for Peace and Prosperity".


The theme at Coolum in 2001 was "The
Commonwealth in the 21st Century:
Continuity and Renewal". At Durban in
1999 Leaders discussed "People-
Centred Development: the Challenge of
Globalisation" and the focus at
Edinburgh in 1997 was on economic
issues. The theme for CHOGM 2007
meeting is 'Transforming
Commonwealth Societies to achieve
political, economic and human
development'.

The Kampala summit shall
discuss the promotion of common
political values like democracy, human
rights, good governance and separation
of powers. Also on the agenda are
global economic issues, environment
and climate change with emphasis to
decreasing carbon emissions.

The summit will also discuss
agricultural and trade subsidies,
promotion of tolerance, understanding
and respect to ease tension between
Christian and Arab states.

Biennial Commonwealth Heads
of Government meetings also provide
Commonwealth Leaders with a forum for
informal exchanges and bilateral contact
with restricted access for officials.

Commonwealth Ministers from
a range of portfolios meet between
CHOGMs to consider specific issues
relating to democracy, economics and
development, women's affairs, youth,
legal issues, health and education.
These meetings are held in different
Commonwealth countries each year and
are chaired by the relevant minister from
the host government.

The Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM), shall as
part of the agenda, appoint a new
Secretary-General (SG) to take over
from Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon,


J'onourapbe faldwin Spencer
Prime Minister of.Antnua and
farudia


Prime Minister to meet
Antigua and Barbuda
Diaspora in UK

Following the Heads of
Government Meeting in Uganda, Prime
Minister Spencer will spend a few days
in the UK to meet with members of the
Diaspora in London and Leicester.

A Meeting will be held in
London at the Antigua and Barbuda
High Commission (ground floor) on the
27th November and in Leicester on the
28th November.

On the 29th November the
Prime Minister will give a Talk at
Oxford Union.

Prime Minister Spencer will
return home on the 1st December,
2007.


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


Minister Derrick signs debt-
rescheduling agreement
with INTERPOL


On 5th September Antigua and
Barbuda signed an agreement to repay
its outstanding debts to the International
Criminal Police Organization
INTERPOL, thereby reinstating its full
rights as a member country with the
organization.

Antigua and Barbuda was in
breach of Article 52 of INTERPOL's
constitution through non-payment of its
statutory contributions since 2001, which
resulted in the withdrawal of a number of
privileges as a member country such as
the right to vote at General Assemblies,
elect Executive Committee members,
second police officials to INTERPOL and
host INTERPOL conferences or police
training meetings.

The debt re-scheduling
agreement entered into by Minister of
Justice and Public Safety Colin V.A.
Derrick commits Antigua and Barbuda to
repay the EUR 100,060 (363,089 East
Caribbean Dollars) owed in 10 equal
annual instalments, with the first to be
made before 1 November, 2007 and
means that the country can once again
fully participate in the decision-making
process of INTERPOL.

"I am pleased that Antigua and
Barbuda and INTERPOL have reached
this agreement which will be of great
mutual benefit. Of major importance it
will facilitate the training of our police
officers and provide avenues for them to
be seconded to improve their skills and
competencies," said Minister Derrick.

"It is very important that Antigua
and Barbuda fully participates in every
aspect of INTERPOL's activities if we are
to ensure the safety and security both of
our citizens and the many people who


Minter ererrick (iyt} andSecretary-Generalf(.o7 l si4n the
dditrescfiedAung agreement.


visit our country," added the Minister.

INTERPOL Secretary General
Ronald K. Noble said; "Antigua and
Barbuda demonstrated its willingness
and ability to co-operate fully and
effectively with INTERPOL and its other
international police partners during the
2007 Cricket World Cup, and we are very
pleased to see that momentum carried
forward by Minister Derrick's
commitment to ensure that Antigua and
Barbuda is now once again fully
integrated into INTERPOL's 186-
member country police network.

"We realise that not all of our
member countries are rich and that
governments must prioritise the
distribution of funds, but there can be no
higher priority than the safety and
security of their society,"

Under a system adopted by the
General Assembly in 2001, each
INTERPOL member country must make
a compulsory annual statutory
contribution calculated on the basis of
their ability to pay.


"While we implemented a
fairer system of statutory contributions
in order to assist this process,
INTERPOL is still woefully under-
funded for the unique services it can
provide and governments worldwide
need to recognize that this situation
needs to be remedied if we are to work
effectively together in combating
transnational crime and terrorism,"
added Mr Noble.


PM Spencer meets
Maltese Foreign Minister
on selection of new
Commonwealth Secretary
General

On the 3rd September Hon.
Michael Frendo, the Minister of Foreign
Affairs of Malta, flew into Antigua for a
meeting with Prime Minster the
Honourable Baldwin Spencer. The
Maltese foreign minister is a candidate
in the race for Secretary-General of the
Commonwealth.


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


rime .Minister ffafdwin Sjpencer amf tile .Maflese b o
iqffairs *inti ter, ~MibaelFrendo


Commonwealth Heads of
Government will hold their biennial
summit in Uganda in November and they
will be called on to choose a new
Secretary-General to replace incumbent
Don McKinnon. McKinnon, a New
Zealander, will demit office having
served two terms.

Two other candidates are
already in the race and have made their
rounds of CARICOM member states to
rally support for their candidacies.
Mohan Kaul, president of the
Commonwealth Business Council, met
with PM Spencer recently and outlined
his vision of the Commonwealth.
Karmalesh Sharma, the High
Commissioner of India in London, is also
a candidate and met with PM Spencer in
late August.

While many in the
Commonwealth acknowledge that it is
Asia's turn to field a candidate for
Secretary-General, the candidacy of
Malta is seen as a small-states
candidacy. The majority of the


membership of the Commonwealth
comprises small states.

During his meeting with PM
Spencer, Minister Frendo recalled the
last Commonwealth Heads of
Government meeting which was held in
Malta in 2005. PM Spencer pointed out
that he had been very impressed with his
first CHOGM experience and he praised
the Maltese efforts in organizing the
meeting.

In Minister Frendo's view the
Commonwealth should be seen as a
development organization that would
leverage resources to address the
development needs of its members. He
said that the Commonwealth needs to
engage more with regional organizations
such as CARICOM.

Minster Frendo has been a
member of the Malta parliament for
twenty years, and has spent the past ten
years as a Minister.


the Commonwealth should have a
priority development focus while not
abandoning the governance and
human rights dimension of its agenda.
He saw the UN millennium
development goals as being an
important challenge which the
Commonwealth should help its
members to meet successfully.

Mr. Spencer informed the
Foreign Minister that CARICOM is
seeking consensus on support for one
of the candidates for Secretary-
General, and that the matter had been
discussed at the CARICOM Heads of
Government meeting in July in
Barbados. He anticipated further
discussions among the Heads during a
special caucus in Port-of-Spain in mid-
September.

Ambassador Colin Murdoch,
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador
Anthony Liverpool were a part of the
discussions with Prime Minister
Spencer and Foreign Minister Frendo.


Independence Service at
Westminster Abbey

Special prayers were said
for the nation and its leaders and
people of Antigua and Barbuda on
the 30th October 2007 at Evensong
-Westminster Abbey on the
occasion of our 26th Anniversary of
Independence.

Staff of the High
Commission, fellow nationals, High
Commissioners and friends of
Antigua and Barbuda also
accompanied High Commissioner
Dr Carl Roberts, who was invited to
read the second lesson taken from
the sixth chapter of the first letter to
Timothy.


PM Spencer emphasized that


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I II


Remembering
Antony

Antony Richards
died suddenly in 2003
whilst playing football.
Antony's heart held a
deadly secret he was suffering from
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is
an excessive and abnormal thickening of
the heart muscle.

Help us to raise awareness. In
Antony's memory we are eager that
other parents should not suffer the loss
we did and hope publicity about this rare
heart condition will prevent sudden
deaths. Please support CRY (Cardiac
Risk in the Young)


REQUES7JFOR YOUR Slf'TPORri


Te~a~P92VirII~CSCg k..

A Fundraising Dinnier,
gunau 39tt n eoenber 2627 4
In Aid 'PbRY
(Cardiac Risk IA fe YoWn7 M'eb
In M einory of Ard."V R h.~ qa t
At J
Tereza Joanne Luxprr-v.
King George'V Domk,
Wolvrich Manor W4,'. A
London E16 2NJ
Please arrive by 7:30pht..
Tkkib irad Intritunion cbnmndt. j
Sonla 01956 551 748 or SI" h71058 227..B
cimrIlyEsc3 noI FA CkOIJ it purchased belaore I1fid ae U1kn lai.
Clsnv n rirrs ~rma h~2 rudCl


Black Cancer Care
by
Dr Frank Chinegwundoh

The registered charity Cancer
Black Care (CBC) was founded in 1995
to support cancer sufferers and their
families. Its focus was and remains to
provide support to black and ethnic
minority patients/clients, although it
caters to the whole community.

One in three of us will develop
a cancer in our lifetime. At CBC we
know the devastation that cancer
causes and how the whole family is
affected. We are able to offer culturally
appropriate support in a holistic fashion,
which our clients appreciate.

We offer advice and
information, counselling, visits, financial
advice, health advocacy, befriending
and running support groups. We work
closely with other charities such as
Macmillan and the prostate cancer


charity amongst others. We have
excellent links with the NHS. Indeed the
chairman is a Consultant Urological
Surgeon with expertise in prostate
cancer. This is apt as prostate cancer is
three times more likely to affect black
men than white.

CBC also plays an important
national role in improving cancer
services for black and ethnic minority
patients. It is a member of the cancer
campaigning group and a Department of
Health cancer advisory group.

The headquarters are in Brent
supported by the Brent Primary Care
Trust. Other funding comes from the Big
Lottery. It is a constant challenge, as
with small charities, to raise funds so as
to be able to support more of the
community. We seek the regular
support of the black community, either
by payroll giving or via the website
www.cancerblackcare.org or via
Justgiving. Volunteers and potential
trustees are welcome.


Dr Frank Chknegwund
ofCancer flfaci Care


The following concerns a
recent client that one of our information
officers was able to help.

"Mrs X, is a 36-year-old lady
from Africa, she is married and has a
very supportive husband. They have


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


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Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I


two children, the first child is 2-yrs-10
months-old, and the second child is only
10-weeks-old, she was referred to CBC
by her clinical nurse specialist for
support, after her diagnoses of breast
cancer which led to a mastectomy.

My initial contact with Mrs X
was at our office where I was able to
complete her needs assessment. Mrs X
is a professional person and well
educated she explained that she had
been diagnosed with breast cancer
whilst she was pregnant with her
youngest child but nothing could be done
until she had given birth. She discovered
a lump in her breast and mentioned it to
her GP who thought it may just be
because of the pregnancy but decided to
refer her to the hospital for a biopsy and
could not believe when she got her
result, all her options were discussed
with her and treatment during her
pregnancy was not advisable because of
the effects to her unborn child.

She was finding her situation
increasingly difficult, she lives in a
privately rented accommodation with her


husband and children and the rent is
quite high, this was not a problem whilst
she was working and able to contribute
fully. Her husband is the main bread
winner now and was not able to do any
more than he was already doing, she
needed some financial support from
CBC.

Mrs X was also not able to fully
appreciate her children especially the
youngest as she was not able to lift her
children, play with them or care for them
in the same way all other mothers do,
and needed the support of family who
would understand her cultural and
emotional needs.

CBC was able to raise 450.00
for Mrs X. She also needed a letter
written to support her need for her
mother-in-law to enter the UK as a carer,
supporting her and her family through
her cancer journey, I wrote a letter which
she sent with her application to the home
office and she was successful in getting
her mother-in-law from Africa to join and
support her and her family.


Mrs X also attended CBC
cancer support group meetings and
was given support by other members
who have also been diagnosed.

Mrs X has since completed
her chemotherapy treatment and with
the support of her mother-in-law she is
well on the mend, and her children
have had the opportunity to get to
know their grandmother.

Mrs X has written and sent a
'thank you' card in appreciation of the
support she has received from CBC,
Mrs X has returned to work."

I trust that this gives an idea of the
value of Cancer Black Care.


Dr Frank Chinegwundoh
www.uroloqvconsultant.co.uk

Cancer Black Care, 79 Acton Lane,
London NW10 8UT
020 8961 4151
Registered charity number 1086465


President of the Senate
visits the High Commission

Hon. President of the Senate,
Senator Hazlyn Mason-Francis was a
guest at the Antigua and Barbuda High
Commission on her recent visit to the
United Kingdom.

Senator Mason-Francis was
accompanied by the Executive Director
of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of
Labour, Public Administration and
Empowerment., Miss Sheila Rosseau.

The President of the Senate
was introduced to the staff of the High
Commission and Tourist Office and also
signed the Visitor's Book.


.Yig Commssioner Dr CarlRoberts witi bMonourake
resjdent ofthe Senate, Senator f7az4yn Mason-francis


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


Antigua and Barbuda
participates in International
Symposium in the Republic
of Korea

The second International
Symposium on Expo 2012, Yeosu
Korea, started on Thursday 13
September, under the theme "Global
Warming and the Living Ocean and
Coast".

Speakers during the opening
ceremony highlighted the importance of
climate change as a global issue with
serious implications for the world's
oceans and coastal states.

Jae-Chul Kim, Chairman of the
Bidding Committee for the Expo 2012
Yeosu Korea stated that the
"Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change(IPCC) Report on Climate
Change forecasts that the temperature of
the earth will increase by up to 6.4
degrees Celsius, while sea levels will rise
by up to 59 centimeters by 2100." This
according to Mr. Kim is serious cause for
concern and the need for the peoples of
the earth to take remedial actions to deal
with these phenomena.

Seung-soo, Han-United
Nations Secretary General's Special
Envoy on Climate Change, pointed out
that the "fourth Assessment Report of the
IPCC heightened international
awareness on climate change."

The report, which represents 6
years of work involving over 2,500
experts, called on the international
community to immediately begin
addressing the issue of climate change,
giving a clear warning that human-
induced climate change has long been in
progress.

Other key speakers included
Duck-soo, Han, Prime Minister of the


(ft to rgit) 9fE Dr CarfioPerts, ambassador JAnthony
iverpoofaanda4massador Colzn Murdbci at tie second
InternationafSymposium on xpo 2012, yeosu Korea


Republic of Korea, Alvin Toffler, Futurist
and Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales,
Secretary General of the Bureau of
International Expositions (BIE).

The hosting of this symposium
forms part of the Republic of Korea bid to
host the 2012 Exhibition with a view to
share experiences and visions of
overcoming various problems faced by
the global community, such as
environmental pollution, food shortages
and natural disasters. second
International Symposium on Expo 2012,
Yeosu Korea, second International
Symposium on Expo 2012, Yeosu
Korea,The Exhibition would also serve
as a catalyst for facilitating cultural
exchanges and cooperation.

Since the first exhibition held in
London in 1851, the International
Exhibition has shown the achievements
and progress of human civilization and
suggested visions for future
development, thereby contributing
greatly to world peace and prosperity.


Antigua and Barbuda's
delegation to this symposium was
made up of High Commissioner, Dr.
Carl Roberts, Antigua and Barbuda
representative to the BIE, Ambassador
Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary
in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and
Karen Cabral, Sr. Foreign Service
Officer, held a series of meetings with
the Prime Minister of the Republic of
Korea Han Duck-soo and other
government officials and discussed
possible areas for continued
cooperation and support.

The symposium concluded on
Friday September 14.


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


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www.antigua-barbuda.com











On the 19th October His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts and Mrs Roberts were Guests of Honour at a Dinner hosted by The
Viscount Allenby, President of the International Cultural Exchange, in the Peers Dining Room of the House of Lords. On this
occasion Her Excellency Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda and her son Geoffrey Lake-Tack were
also invited to attend.

Usually, invited guests are asked to speak after dinner on a topic of national or international interest. His Excellency spoke
on his particular experience as an engineer of the disastrous Montserrat eruption. We reproduce below the contents of that address:

High Commissioner's Address at the House of Lords -
19th October 2007


Painting the Overall Picture-Background information

In July 1995, following my successful candidacy for
the position of the Head of the Montserrat Business Unit of
Cable & Wireless (W.I.) Limited, I was appointed to the position
of General Manager or Chief Executive Officer for an initial
period of two years. There I would be responsible for some one
hundred and twelve persons with the Management Team
structure which included five Heads of Division (Finance.
Networks, Engineering, Sales & Marketing and Human
Resources). The Population of Montserrat in June 1995 was
just over 12,500 and the total number of subscribers on the
network around 4,900.

The island is barely 5 miles wide at its widest point by
9 miles long, of volcanic origin with its highest point 3000 feet
above sea level at Chances Peak. Plymouth, the Capital in
1995, was on the southwest of the island and was home for the
majority of the population at the time.

I landed on the island on the 1st July 1995 to take up
my appointment. This Business Unit was a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Cable & Wireless providing a full suite of
telecommunications services to the citizens, visitors and
residents of this tiny island of 39 square miles.

Let me just set the scene of my arrival in 1995. Cable
& Wireless Montserrat was, like the island it served, just
recovering from the effects of one of the century's most
powerful hurricanes, Hugo. July marked just a few months
short of the sixth anniversary of the 17th September 1989
hurricane devastation of the island and in spite of this the
inhabitants had been enjoying a spirit of hope and renewed life.
The economy was on the upswing and with several major
constructions underway; the company had high hopes for a
good future which went with the exhilarating spirit de Coeur of
the general population.

The company had moved from its cramped offices on
Church Street to rented space on Houston Street and was


considering building its new headquarters on the old spot on
Church Street. Staff numbers had increased to 112.

2 My Role

My role here was to clearly articulate the expectations
of our Group Directors to the Management Team and staff of
the Business Unit so that our efforts would be united and
focused in one direction. My real challenge was to make the
management team and members work together as a smoothly
running operation.

Good as our plans were then, we were forced to
rethink our entire strategy three weeks later when towards the
18th July, the long dormant volcano near Chances Peak began
a series of activities that to this day are still ongoing. My role
immediately changed to include the management of a crisis and
the restructuring of the business to cope with the new demands
placed upon it. As our internal Group staff magazine called it,
this was indeed a "baptism of fire".

3 The Crisis

In presenting this topic I have decided to focus on six
distinct periods. The first of these gives details of the situation
as at July to September 1995, i.e. Just prior to the beginning of
the major part of the crisis. The next periods will cover the First,
Second and Third evacuations and activities surrounding these
events.

The first sign that things were not at all well was the
constant smell of sulphur in and around Chances Peak. There
was also a sound similar to a large jet taking off. This turned
out to be gaseous discharge from a hole in the mountain range
next to Chances Peak. This required frequent trips to the high
site by staff members to undertake engineering work.

On 21st August 1995, following initial vigorous
steaming, strong earthquake swarms and a large phreatic
eruption, the government with little notice ordered the
evacuation of the southern and eastern half of the island. There


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I I II


was a state of confusion. Many persons, approximately 2,500,
left the island for Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla and
Guadeloupe.

A Command centre was set up in a house in
Woodlands and after several days a customer service area was
established in a nearby storeroom. Customers were invited to
settle their accounts there or via the mobile unit which went
around the new restricted areas. Several customers gave
selected staff members their payments, while those who left for
Antigua were requested to make payments via the Antigua
Business Unit. The evacuation lasted two weeks.

The crisis in Montserrat posed its own unique
problems. During the early days, several staff who could not
bear the stress of the situation requested to be relieved of their
duties. One of these was my financial Controller, who was
allowed, with his family to return to the United Kingdom. That
left me without a head of finance for some time, as there was
an understandable reluctance on the part of many perspective
candidates to accept a posting in Montserrat.

As a result of the volcanic activities and the fear which
was associated with it, the Business Unit saw a 55% decline in
its revenues and reduction of over 60% in the useable portion
of its network. I had therefore set a few critical objectives in the
early period of the crisis. These were:-

to secure the safety and life of staff
to keep basic services available
to maintain the business
to maintain our licence obligations
to keep the links available so that any interruptions to
the ECFS and DECMS would be minimised
to bring on board any new services in light of the
instability of the population, which was constantly on
the move.

During period two between 15th September and
December, we noticed the first sign of Dome Growth. There
was another large phreatic eruption and the sides of the
mountain began to deform. There were increased earthquake
swarms and over the course of one evening, the island
experienced a very high number of earthquakes. I doubt
anyone slept that night. Following these activities we took the
decision to salvage all essential equipment from Chances Peak
and decommission the site as it was becoming extremely
dangerous to visit our station on the mountain top.

In December 1995, we were once again evacuated
following the earlier return to our homes and offices in mid-
September. The first sign of incandescent lava was noticed


within the crater. The evacuation this time lasted for one
month. During this period the island experienced the effects of
two regional storms which further added to the difficulties
affecting the island. It was then realized that using tents for
housing the evacuees was not a sustainable solution as threat
of tropical storms and hurricanes was an additional risk which
has to be taken into account in the disaster plans and provisions.

By Period three the volcano had entered a new phase
which involved block and ash flows sending hot material
towards inhabited areas below. A very traumatic experience
was the first major pyroclastic flow on mother's day 1996 which
blocked out the sun over the island for several minutes. Dome
growth also intensified over this period. The government
therefore ordered the third and final evacuation as new signs of
volcanic activities, evidenced increased threats to livestock and
humans alike. A volcanic risk map was provided and a direct
link to the Government's Volcano Observatory Command
Centre was made available to the heads of essential service
providers.

During the period January to March 1996 the Business
Unit attempted to evaluate its experiences to date. One thing
was abundantly clear to all of us and that was that we could no
longer operate from the Woodland Estate temporary office if
called upon to evacuate again. The agent for the house had
also indicated his intention not to rent the property to be used
for business activities.

We were therefore faced with one of two options: rent
another property or build something for our own use in the
north. Finding another suitable property for rent was proving a
problem. The location of the property was also critical as many
of our customers were without transport and would find it
difficult to visit most locations.

Additional criteria which should be taken on board
include the expandability of the building on site, the requirement
to site much needed spare network material closely and
closeness to any concentration of business activities.

Members of Staff were also requesting assistance for
housing, increased allowances and assistance with time off to
wind the pressures of daily work activities.

New plans were therefore drawn up. These included
the relocation of several porta-cabins from our complex at
Lovers Lane to our exchange area in the north of the island.

The new objectives of the business were developed:
(1) Restore a radio link between Montserrat and Antigua
(2) Re-launch the cellular service


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I I II


(3) Reduce the stress of staff as far as possible
(4) Ease the crowding of staff in the functional areas
(5) Bring some level of normalcy in the operation in the
north
(6) Improve the performance of the Business Unit
towards Group standards
(7) Ensure some level of continuity in the management
of the unit.

During this evacuation period the Business Unit's main
operating area including its customer service centre, was
moved to the North of the island at Sweeneys. Operations were
conducted from porta-cabins which had been previously
salvaged from the Telecommunications Engineering Centre at
Lovers Lane, Plymouth. The population was spread over the
northern half of the island and had by then declined to around
6,000.

Over the next three periods the situation continued to
deteriorate. We upgraded our facilities at Sweeney with a new
exchange building in which the salvaged equipment from our
Kinsale Remote Line Concentrator Module exchange was
re-installed. Plymouth by this time had been totally covered
with ash and a special departure package was offered to the
residence of Montserrat to relocate to the UK.

The repeated pyroclastic flows eventually destroyed
the airport buildings and on the 25th June there was another
major pyroclastic flow in several directions, completely
devastated as many as 9 villages and killing about 19 persons.
These were the first direct casualties of the crisis.

The useable area of this once beautiful emerald isle
was now reduced from 39 square miles to well under 12 square
miles. It was increasingly hazardous to one's health to visit,
much less work, in any area other than zones F and G.

There is just one sad memory which I take with me
always. During the entire crisis the Business Unit lost two of its
hardest and most dependable workers. It was believed by the
medical teams who conducted the autopsy that their death was
as a direct result of the pressures of the crisis.

Unfortunately I must, as you are no doubt aware, state
that the crisis continues to this day and the effects on the
remaining citizens will be revealed over time. I am honoured to
have been there to play the role that I played and to ensure that
during my entire watch, Montserrat never lost one moment of
communication. Of that I will forever remain extremely proud
and thankful to all my staff and those who supported us during
the crisis.


Commonwealth Scholarships
New CSCUK Website
goes live
Excerpted from the magazine
Commonwealth Scholarships News

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has
recently launched its new website at www.cscuk.org.uk. The site
provides information about awards offered by the Commission to
citizens from across the Commonwealth and advice for students
from the UK looking to study in other Commonwealth countries.

Prospective applicants for awards tenable in the UK can
find information on the various schemes available, the selection
criteria and how to apply. They can also access practical
information about studying and living in the UK, both from our site
and through links to the British Council and other organizations,
and explore further study opportunities in the Commonwealth.

The new CSCUK site can be accessed independently, or
via CSFP site (WWW.csfp-online.org) when browsing the list of
countries offering awards. It is hoped that you will visit the site and
take a look around.

About the CSFP

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
(CSFP) is one of the oldest and most prestigious schemes of its
kind in the world,. It was established at the first conference of
Commonwealth Education Ministers in 1959. Since, over 24,000
individuals have held awards, hosted by over twenty countries.

From the outset, the United Kingdom has been held here.
CSFP awards in the United Kingdom are managed by the
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, a public body
established by Act of Parliament. Two government departments
fund the Commission: the Department for International
Development, which supports awards to developing
Commonwealth countries, and the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office, which supports awards to the remainder of the
Commonwealth.

At present, the Commission offers six discrete types of


award:


General Scholarships
Academic Staff Scholarships
Academic Fellowships
Split-Site Scholarships
Professional Fellowships
Distance Learning Scholarships


Further details of current provision and selection
procedures can be found on the UK section of the CSFP website
at http://www.cscuk.org.uk


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I


Welcome Remarks at the
Reception for the
Governor-General of
Antigua and Barbuda
Dame Louise Lake-Tack on
the 18th October 2007

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is
indeed a pleasure to welcome you to this
special occasion when we greet for the
first time the Governor-General of
Antigua and Barbuda, Dame Louise
Lake-Tack.


Governor-General Dame ouise.
Taci gives her address


Her Excellency took the oath of
office on the 17th July earlier this year.
The oath of office administered by the
Acting Chief Justice, Mr Bryan Alleyne.
Her Excellency was privileged to have
her audience with Her Majesty, Queen
Elisabeth II on the 17th October three
months to the day of her moving
ceremony in St John's the Capital of
Antigua and Barbuda. On this occasion
Her Excellency was invested with the
insignia of a Dame Grand Cross of the
Most Distinguished Order of St Michael
and St George.

Her Excellency first resided in
Antigua at Long Lane Estate in the
Parish of St Phillip's. She was educated
at the Freetown Government School


before attending the
Antigua Girls High
School in St John's.
Having migrated to the
United Kingdom, Her
Excellency undertook
studies to embark first on
a nursing career and
when her children
attained adulthood, a
second career in Law,
thereafter serving as a
magistrate in the UK for
some time.
/is' Exced
welcome a
oyemrnor-g


The accomplishments
of Her Excellency have made
her stand out as a dedicated
and caring person, an ardent
church member of the
Anglican church and a
founding member of the
Antigua and Barbuda National
Association. Her interest in
the welfare of others shows in
the membership of the British
ake- Red Cross and on Tuesday
16th Her Excellency was also
invested with the insignia of
Dame of the Order
of St John* by the
Duke of Gloucester
at Kensington
Palace.

*The Most
Venerable Order
of the Hospital of
St. John of
Jerusalem, more
commonly known
as the Order of St.
John. One of five
mutually
recognized orders
of St. John, it is an Qove or-Ge
order of the other membe
British crown. atio
Na~tionI


Zency Dr CarlfRoerts gives his
difress at reception in honour of
'eneraflDame ouise fake -iack


Reaffirmed in Britain in the mid-19th
century, the Order traces its origins
back 900 years to the Knights
Hospitaller from whom St. John
today derives its inspiration and
maxims for the Faith and in the
service of Mankind. Today, the
Order of St. John is an international
body with some 30,000 members
worldwide. The Order encompasses
the foundations of the St. John Eye
Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John
Ambulance."


terat greets the President and
rs of the Antigua and7Barbuda
altAssociation in London


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486








II 'I' lD I,' II


f(awove) Dame ouseposes (above) 7overnor-
with N hf Commssioner, generalgreets .Mrs
Mrs Roberts and-some Paudne Vfams-
mem6ers ofti stafoftk Syriester wi olffE
Jf{t Commision and yr /aee
ourkt Oa i e. Sylrester, V
r Commi&sioner for
fBelize (fet) as ffE
(rgt) governor genera Mr fBurcf
greets baroness Scotland- Cmmite san, -r
Attorney general VX aommibnsmer for
Jamaica (r&ht) 1os




Officials of Antigua and
Barbuda Football
Association visit UK

The President, Mervyn
Richards and Executive Director Gordon
Derrick of the Antigua and Barbuda
Football Association visited the UK
recently and conducted a series of
meetings with several UK Football
Clubs.

Meetings were also held with
the Antigua and Barbuda National
Associations in London and Leicester.
The purpose of these meetings was to
identify persons of Antiguan and
Barbudan heritage, who might be
recruited to play in the national team,
whose objective is the Football world N-6h Commisioner Dr CarCfo6erts (stand4W) witb memn ers oftke
Cup. Antwua andfarhAdia Foot6a/T Association andfte t National
Association izn eicester

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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I


Tourism Wedding and
honeymoon Showcase at
Cafe Royal

The Antigua and Barbuda
Tourist Office recently hosted their first
Wedding & Honeymoon Showcase
dedicated to travel agents at Cafe Royal
in London as well as launching their new
dedicated Wedding & Honeymoon
brochure.

The event was attended by
approximately 80 travel agents from
Thomas Cook, Travel Counsellors,
Future Travel, First Choice, Tropical Sky,
Argo Holidays and Kuoni among many
others.


(ft to rit) Danie/ Capodia flite IsmndResorts, ucy e uifZam -
Mod~ EstierJemmott Model


marriage coordinator, at the Ministry of
Justice and Legal Affairs in Antigua.

Following a welcome by the
Antigua and Barbuda High
Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency
Dr Carl Roberts, the agents enjoyed
presentations by UK tourism officers,
Joyce Fyfe and Cherrie Osborne. The
event ended with a selection of prize
giveaways including an iPod and M&S
vouchers from the Tourist Office, a bottle
of champagne from Elite Island Resorts,
box of luxury handmade chocolates as


Mis Excellency Dr Carl Roperts and
Mrs Roberts at tie 7Wedang and
Ifoneymoon showcase

During the day the agents were
able to speak one-to-one with many of
Antigua and Barbuda's hotel partners
such as Elite Island Resorts, Rex resorts,
Sandals Grande Antigua, Jolly Beach
Resort, Hermitage Bay, VIP Antigua and
Jumby Bay. Also on hand to answer
questions was Roberta John-Joseph,


well as a three night stay from
Hermitage Bay plus seven night stays
at St James's Club and Jolly Beach
Resort.

The Antigua and Barbuda
Tourist Office will also be running its
second Wedding & Honeymoon FAM
between 7 14 December as well as
the UK Wedding Show in London on 2
& 3 February 2008. They also took
part in the National Wedding Show at
the Birmingham NEC from 12th 14th
October

(' to roht)
Karen Francir -
Rex Resorts,
CarolKSay -
fDirector of
fourmrn
JAntjua and
sardhia Iaurst
Office, Estwer
Jemmott eaol
and Roerta
John-Joseyp -
m. initry of
i Justkie and
_egazfairs


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I


Young Member of Antigua
Diaspora wins first prize at
the Nottingham Young
Musician of the Year 2007
competition

Eleven year old Isata Kanneh-
Mason won first prize at the Nottingham
Young Musician of the Year 2007
Competition with a dazzling performance
on the piano on Sunday October 14th.

Given a maximum of twenty
minutes in which to perform without a
music sheet, Isata with her wide-ranging
programme from five different
composers Scarlatti, Mozart, Chopin,
Prokofiev and Martineau-wowed the
audience with such wondrous poise like
a seasoned performer.

As the audience buzzed with
excitement and anticipation, during the
interval, of the likely outcome from sole
adjudicator, the eminent Peter Stark,
those rooting for the young Isata were
proved right.

In summing up, Mr. Stark began
by saying that each of the finalists was a
winner because that was certainly what
the audience felt about the five brilliant
performances.


Miss Isata Kanneh-Mason, the
youngest to win the WINDBLOWERS
Trophy since its fourth bi-annual
inception 2001, proved to be a worthy
winner and deserved the accolades
showered on her.

Isata started playing the piano
and the violin at the age of six. Her
musical history is very impressive in such
a short space of time. She is a principal
study pianist at the Royal Academy of
music in the hands of Parsy Toh, and a
second study violinist with Juila Jasinski.
She also studies composition at the
Academy with David Knolts. Isata has
composed a piano concerto in C Minor
which she will perform with the St.
Bartholomew Orchestra London in
January 2008. In March she achieved
the highest mark in the UK for her Grade
7 piano exam, winning the Sheila
Mossman Memorial Prize, and the Nellie
Greenhill Memorial prize for Grade 5 and
7 in 2006 and 2007 for the highest marks
in Nottingham, where she currently
attends the Trinity Comprehensive
School. She also won a highly
commended award at the Manchester
International Piano concerto competition
at Chetham School of Music in August.

Blessed with a gift, Isata's
meteoric achievements in the field of
music are due to a large extent to the firm


guidance and mentoring by both
parents Kadie and Stuart, her aunt
Rhonda Mason (all of whom are
accomplished musicians on the piano,
cello and violin) and also her
grandmother Mrs. Megan Kanneh who
provided Isata with Sibelius computer
software.

Miss Isata Kanneh-Mason
has a rare talent and has the support of
people who can help her harness this
gift, and with her musical siblings, two
brothers and three sisters, breathing
down her neck, she should go far.

Expect to hear more of Miss
Isata Kanneh-Mason in the not too
distant future as a virtuoso pianist.



/iotos eft and
a6ove are of Miss
Isata Kannei-Mas9
iolaing hier trophy
andpydying tie
_piano


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


High Commissioner's
Address at the Antigua and
Barbuda's National
Association's
Independence Service on
28th October 2007 at
St Mark's Church in
Dalston

The Worshipful The Mayor of
Waltham Forest, Councillor Liaquat Ali,
Councillor Faizullah Khan, Speaker of
Hackney Council, His Excellency Mr.
Lawrence Sylvester, Mrs Sylvester and
Paul, Members of the Clergy, Ladies and
Gentlemen, Fellow citizens, friends and
supporters of Antigua and Barbuda,
welcome to this service of thanksgiving
in celebration of the 26th Anniversary of
the Independence of our nation. Much
has happened since our Silver
Anniversary celebration last year. Much
still needs to be done to make our
homeland the dream place we aspire it to
be.

Our celebrations this year will
be under the theme of ONE FAMILY -
ASPIRING, ADVANCING, ACHIEVING
and the Government has once again
extended an invitation to nationals and
friends of Antigua and Barbuda to join
those at home for the Independence
celebrations. As Minister Adams said in
his address at the start of our
celebrations "each item on this stem,
refers to forward and upward
movement a futuristic vision of hope
and fulfilment not one of looking
back or standing still as though stuck
in neutral or idle. Although we at
times, need to reflect on the past, it
should be for the purpose of us being
guided in our advance to the future,
and for us to respect and pay tribute
to those who have shaped our present
and are, more often than not, unsung
heroes".


This year the week long
activities commenced on 21st October
with a Service of Thanksgiving at which
the message was delivered by
Evangelist Pastor Lucille Harris, at
Sunday's Independence Thanksgiving
Service at St. John's Anglican Cathedral.
She was the first woman to deliver the
address and further marks the emphasis
that the UPP Government is placing on
Women's affairs in our country. Many of
the usual events will take place during
the celebrations and these will climax
with the traditional ceremonial parade at
the Recreation Grounds on the 1st
November.

Needless to say, the challenges
faced by our islands are many. To help
us along I have decided to form a
"Friends of Antigua and Barbuda" Club to
help us in advancing and achieving the
aspirations of the citizens, residents and
well-wishers of our nation. Letters will be
sent to all who have expressed their
interest and a few who we have
specifically invited. We hope to host a
special launch function very early in the
New Year.

As you know, Antigua and
Barbuda like so many other developing
countries is in need of much direct
investment; investment from its citizens
at home and just as important from those
citizens, friends and supporters
overseas. The Government established
the Antigua and Barbuda Investment
Authority which will create the enabling
modality to advance this objective.

'Our efforts have also begun to
produce the positive results in tourism
sector as well with impressive growth in
tourist arrivals from the UK and the
receipt of three awards (1) World's Best
Beach Resort, (2) Best Wedding Island
of the Year and (3) Best Beach
Destination in the World. Let us pledge to
join together for the common good for
by advancing together we can achieve
the aspirations that will make Antigua


Iis rExcellency Dr Carl
Roberts, J4f Commiss~oner,
JAnt1 ua andifarud4a

and Barbuda a better place for
generations to come. As Evangelist
Pastor Lucille Harris puts it "as we
seek to advance we need to
discover how our future can be
better than our past. Go forward
with the awareness as one
generation prepares for the nexf'.

Thank you and may God
continue to bless each of us as we
work together as one family. Have a
Blessed Independence Day.


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486









I I


National Broadcast
Prime Minister the Hon. W.
Baldwin Spencer
October 25, 2007


Fellow Antiguans and
Barbudans;

Residents and Friends of
Antigua and Barbuda:

Good Evening:

I know that currently all right-
thinking and law abiding persons are
deeply concerned over the shocking and
callous wave of crime and violence that
we are faced with in Antigua and
Barbuda at this time.

I know too that many are
distressed and fearful at this time.

Your government is deeply
concerned!

This evening I can assure you
that the security of our respective
communities and the safety of all in our
twin island state is paramount to your
government.

I can assure that from this
moment on no energies will be spared to
tackle this seemingly escalating trend.

I have instructed the law
enforcement officials, that from this very
moment, it will be ZERO tolerance in
their operations.

No act of crime will go
unpunished. Zero tolerance will become
the order of the day in Antigua and
Barbuda from this moment onwards.

As I speak at this very moment,
members of the Police Force are
carrying out stop and search exercises


across the island.


No stone will be left un-turned
to pluck out and destroy the elements of
evil within our society.

We must act decisively and we
must act now!


Friends:


Citizens, Residents and


There are a number of you who
are victims of the current surge of violent
crimes, including armed robberies and
are still traumatized by those
experiences.

My heart goes out to you and
members of your family who are
suffering at this time.

I am certain that this too is the
sentiment of the vast majority of the
population.

The recent killings of three
individuals in full view of others affect all
of us.

When society is affected by an
upsurge in crime and violence as we are
experiencing today, all of us become
victims.

When we see youth gansterism
invading our schools and possessing our
young people, we all worry about what
will be next.

Our fear is then transposed into
diminished trust in the law, law
enforcement officials and authority.

As an upsurge in crime and
violence makes us all victims, we all
have a role to play in putting an end to
this lawlessness confronting us.

Crime and violence is not only a
problem for the law enforcement
agencies and the Government. It is a


national problem that requires all of our
efforts.

Government and the law
enforcement officials will do their part.
I call on every right thinking Antiguan
and Barbudan to also do your part.


Develop
community spirit.


a stronger


Become your brother's and
sister's keeper.


families.


Ensure that you build strong


Always seek to know where
your teenage sons and daughters are.

Monitor and limit the
destructive influence that foreign
television can have on your children.

Ensure that your children are
in school where they should be, and

Assist the law in their efforts
to solve crime

Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans:
Citizens and Friends:

Satisfactory reduction in
crime and violence also requires the
vigilant and unbiased protection of the
police. The police is society's first line
of defence in combating crime and
violence.

The government expects this.
The people of Antigua and Barbuda
demand this.

Last evening, I met with the
Attorney General the Hon. Justin
Simon, Minister responsible for Law
Enforcement Senator Colin Derrick,
Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Trevor
Thomas, Commissioner of Police Ms.
Delano Christopher and Head of the
ONDCP Lieutenant Colonel Edward


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www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


Croft.


and the ONDCP


The meeting was called to
discuss the current slaying, the
increase in criminal activity and to devise
short to medium term strategies to
defend the population from criminals and
to root out all lawlessness.

I expressed my concern over
the seemingly uncontrollable increase in
criminal activity and the seemingly lack
of presence and visibility by the police in
a number of volatile areas.

I also expressed the need to
have a more effective response to
incidences of crime and violence, the
need for more coordinated patrols by the
security forces and to combat the
seeming proliferation of weapons on the
streets.

Against that background, I
therefore gave the following directives:

S Effective immediately, the
Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force be
deployed to assist the Police in their
operations

S All illegal tint must be removed
from unauthorized vehicles. Members of
the police force must also comply. You
must lead by example. The law must be
obeyed.

S Targeted and random Road
Blocks and Personal Searches, across
the country around the clock and across
the calendar

S Arrest of all persons found to be
carrying concealed weapons

S More police stations will be
opened to the public throughout the day
and night. No longer will they be closed
to the public during the night.

S More coordination among the
security forces The ABDF, the Police


S Joint coordinated patrols
especially within the areas of high crime.

S More frequent patrols within
other areas.

S More use of the specially
equipped Police Command vehicle for
surveillance and other purposes. It has
been under-utilized. It has significant
detection and deterrent capabilities.

S Improvement in the
effectiveness and timeliness of
responses to the public for assistance.

S No effort must be spared in
seeking to reduce the illegal smuggling
and use of weapons.

S The immediate reform of the
Intelligence Unit of the force that will be
required to maintain surveillance on
known and likely lawbreakers.

S Improved and significant
cooperation between Law enforcement,
customs and immigration officers. There
must be more vigilance at our ports of
entry

S Constant television and
newspaper crime detection and
prevention updates together with
publication of photographs of criminals
and suspects wanted by the police

S Minors found wondering on the
streets after 10 p.m. will be apprehended
and their parents called upon to account
for their actions.

Parents must recognize that
they are responsible for the actions of
minors under their care. Parents must
also recognize that the absence of good
values, traditions and discipline only
leaves room for lawlessness to take root
in their children


The Police will also be called
upon to partner with the population in
strategies for reducing the opportunity
for crimes and also to partner with the
population in community policing
programmes.

Fellow Citizens and Residents:

I see these as appropriate
measures for immediate
implementation. These measures will
be reviewed in a short timeframe to
determine their effectiveness and if
necessary to determine what other
measures should be taken.

Immediate results must
become the priority of our law
enforcement officials.

Of course, for the long term,
we will continue to equip the police with
modern technology, scientific aids and
continuous training.

We have provided the police
with a fully equipped mobile
surveillance vehicle.

This week, the police force
has been provided with a fleet of
vehicles twelve in total.

Today, the Minister of Justice
has just concluded negotiations with a
view to purchasing a modern state of
the art digital communications system
for the use of the law enforcement
agencies and the security services.

We will continue to make
provisions for the training and re-
training of members of the force.

Recently, the government has
held discussions with British and
Canadian government officials and
INTERPOL in an effort to gain
assistance in trained and specialized
manpower for every division of the
force.


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com








I I


The final report in respect of the
Alphonse Breau review of the police
force is being studied. Whatever will be
required of Government to ensure a
more effective and upgraded Royal
Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will
be done. I will ensure that the Minister of
Finance makes the necessary provisions
to achieve these goals as a matter of
utmost urgency and priority.

Government will also review the
anti-crime measures that are enshrined
in law.

Measures will be put in place to
include but not limited to:

Substantially stiffer penalties for
violent crimes particularly those involving
guns, knives and other lethal weapons.

Substantially stiffer penalties for
the supply and or possession of illegal
firearms, and

Substantially stiffer penalties for
repeat offenders of such crimes.

Fellow Citizens and Residents
of Antigua and Barbuda:

Today, your Government is
faced with what appears to be a war
between drug lords, an escalation in
crime and violence and the deportation
of criminals from North America to
Antigua and Barbuda.

Our intelligence suggests that
the recent slaying are related to the
current raging war between the drug
lords and their respective financiers. Two
of the slain victims were deportees and
known drug traffickers. One of the
victims arrived in Antigua on Sunday, two
days before the events.

We are also presented with
intelligence that there are certain
sections of society who are supporting
and funding the increase in crime in our


society. I do not wish to believe that this
is so. But if that is the case I wish to
assure you that you too will be flushed
out with the criminals and will be
prosecuted.

We must not allow fear for our
personal safety and that of our
neighbours to linger among us any
longer.


Your government will not allow


Zero tolerance must become
the order of the day. From the traffic
infractions to the highest of crimes zero
tolerance will be applied.

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

Support the government in its
quest to prevent this unwelcomed
development in our peace loving twin
island nation. Our safety depends on
this. The survival of our fragile tourism
industry depends on this. Our economy
depends on this.


Friends:


Fellow Citizens, Residents and


As I conclude, I wish to go on
record to commend Minister of Justice
and Public Safety Senator Colin
"Counsellor" Derrick in his efforts in
dealing with issues involving the Police
Force and its operations and in seeking
to make this country safe and peaceful.

I also urge you not to submit to
the fear on which the lawless thrive and
which opportunists seek to exploit.

During this period of our
celebration of Independence, let us unite
to withstand assaults from virtually any


quarter. Accepting crime is not an
option.

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

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

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

The recommendations of the
Breau report will be considered
thoroughly and implemented where
appropriate.

God bless you and those
whom you cherish.

God bless the Antigua and
Barbuda that we all love.

Good Night.







._..


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


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486


www.antigua-barbuda.com









I I


Commonwealth Countries
League (CCL) Charity Fair

The Commonwealth Countries
League (CCL) Fair was held this year on
Saturday 20th October 2007 at the Royal
Horticultural Society Lawrence Hall from
11 am to 5 pm.

Food and Crafts from the
Commonwealth were well featured.

Along with the usual Antiguan
products we also procured from the
Central Marketing Corporation (CMC) in
Antigua the 'Antigua Black' pineapples
which were sold out in record time.

Antigua and Barbuda also
featured food from our country prepared
by the women of the Antigua and
Barbuda National Association (ABNA)
headed by its President Mrs Leontyne
Manners OM.

Mrs Pauline Roberts, wife of the
High Commissioner, would like to thank
all who supported the Antigua and
Barbuda stalls and look forward to their
patronage at the next charity fair.


A special 'thank you' to the
steelband 'Sun Jets', who have always
supported the Charity Fairs and
Antigua and Barbuda events.

We cannot forget Mrs Molly
Richards who continues to excel with
Antiguan style sugar cakes, peanut
sugar cakes and coconut fudge which
she makes all of which were quickly
snatched up.

Thank you also goes out to
Mrs Forde at the Central Marketing
Corporation for the pineapples and
Miss Sheila Roseau who was kind
enough to bring them to London.


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


www.antigua-barbuda.com


Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486

PAGE 1

2nd Floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 Fax: 020 7258 7486 http://www.antigua-barbuda.com The Antigua and Barbuda High CommissionÂ’s Newsletter is now published bi-monthly. Send your comments to: enquiries@antiguabarbuda.com ISSUE No.123 September/October 2007 Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack has audience with Queen Elizabeth II Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Dame Louise Agnetha LakeTack had her first audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the II on 17th October. She was invested with the insignia of a Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. Dame Louise Agnetha Lake-Tack took office on July 17, 2007 becoming the first female Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda. The Governor General was born in the Parish of St. PhillipÂ’s in Antigua and received her education at the Freetown Government School before attending the Antigua Girls High School in St. John's. After graduation, she migrated to the United Kingdom where she studied nursing at Charing Cross Hospital. Following the completion of her studies, she worked first at the National Heart Hospital and later at the Harley Street Clinic. Dame Louise Lake-Tack later studied and graduated in law and subsequently served as a magistrate at both Marylebone and Horseferry Magistrate Courts. She also sat at Pocock Street Crown Court and Middlesex Crown Court to hear appeal cases from the lower courts. Her Excellency served as a member of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association (London) for the 24 years preceding her appointment as Governor-General. She spelt out at her inauguration at a special joint session of Parliament that she wants an "open-door" policy at Government House the official residence of the Governor-General. THIS ISSUE 2 Message from His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts, High Commissioner 3 PM to head delegation to CHOGM in Uganda 6 Remembering Antony Black Cancer Care 8 Antigua and Barbuda at the International Symposium in the Republic of Korea 9 11 High CommissionerÂ’s Address at the House of Lords 12 13 Remarks at Reception for new Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda 14 Tourism Wedding and Honeymoon Showcase 15 11 yr. old wins 1st Prize at Young Musician Competition 17 19 PMÂ’s National Broadcast on 25th October 20 The CCL Fair

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A MESSAGE FROM HIS EXCELLENCY DR CARL ROBERTS, HIGH COMMISSIONER Dear Readers, A Time to Remember The 1 st November marks another anniversary in the life of the young nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It also allows each of us a moment to reflect on the twelve months which have passed and a time to remember events which have influenced our lives as citizens, residents and well-wishers of our country. We are saddened by the wave of adverse events, which have happened in our homeland and grieve that our homeland has so readily embraced a lifestyle which is so at variance with what we are accustomed to many years ago. We can spend much time attributing blame but candidly that would get us only so far. What we need is a united effort to stamp out this evil spirit amongst us before it totally and irrevocably changes the fabric of our society. The Prime Minister has in his message, echoed not just the concerns of every right-thinking Antiguan and Barbudan but he has gone further with a clarion call to action. A call to action for all parents, leaders and advocates to demonstrate their faith and Christian beliefs by joining together to give the youths of our nation, the right motivation to discard this deviant lifestyle, this destructive emulation of what is really detestable in the so called developed societies and remember our heritage. ‘It takes the whole village to raise a child’ is a saying of great significance. Our Sovereign Lord’s parable of the Good Samaritan teaches the same principle. Many of us still remember those days when we were indeed our brother’s keeper. Let us not forget, no let us never forget, the warmth and welcoming characteristics which so readily identified the Antigua and Barbuda we used to know. Let us take time to remember and then act. Act to restore a society free from fear and filled with peace and love. Lend your hand, or whatever gift God allows you to use, to this life changing cause. Let us recapture our Nation and then take time to remember so that such behaviours will no longer be seen in our shores. Dr Carl Roberts High Commissioner

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3 Prime Minister to head delegation to CHOGM in Uganda Prime Minister the Honourable Baldwin Spencer will lead a delegation which will include His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference (CHOGM) to be held this year in Uganda from 23rd to 25th November, 2007. Meetings of associated committees usually take place in the weeks preceding CHOGM. These include the Committee of the Whole (COW), which consists of senior officials. The Commonwealth Ministers' Action Group on the Harare Declaration and the Ministerial Group on Small States also meet. Their recommendations are considered at CHOGM. Parallel special events involving non-government organisations, business and youth now coincide with each CHOGM. Action plans are developed at these events to complement official Commonwealth statements. Commonwealth Leaders meet every two years in a different Commonwealth country to review global political and economic developments and to take a strategic overview of the Commonwealth’s work in support of its member countries’ interests. The host of each CHOGM takes on the role of Chairman-in-Office for the following two years. The current Chairman-In-Office is Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi of Malta, who hosted the CHOGM in 2005. In recent years, each CHOGM has adopted a Special Theme. The theme for the Malta CHOGM in 2005 was “Networking the Commonwealth for Development”. At Abuja in 2003, Heads of Government convened under the theme “Development and Democracy: Partnership for Peace and Prosperity”. The theme at Coolum in 2001 was "The Commonwealth in the 21st Century: Continuity and Renewal". At Durban in 1999 Leaders discussed "PeopleCentred Development: the Challenge of Globalisation" and the focus at Edinburgh in 1997 was on economic issues. The theme for CHOGM 2007 meeting is ‘ Transforming Commonwealth Societies to achieve political, economic and human development’ . The Kampala summit shall discuss the promotion of common political values like democracy, human rights, good governance and separation of powers. Also on the agenda are global economic issues, environment and climate change with emphasis to decreasing carbon emissions. The summit will also discuss agricultural and trade subsidies, promotion of tolerance, understanding and respect to ease tension between Christian and Arab states. Biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings also provide Commonwealth Leaders with a forum for informal exchanges and bilateral contact with restricted access for officials. Commonwealth Ministers from a range of portfolios meet between CHOGMs to consider specific issues relating to democracy, economics and development, women’s affairs, youth, legal issues, health and education. These meetings are held in different Commonwealth countries each year and are chaired by the relevant minister from the host government. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), shall as part of the agenda, appoint a new Secretary-General (SG) to take over from Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon, Prime Minister to meet Antigua and Barbuda Diaspora in UK Following the Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda, Prime Minister Spencer will spend a few days in the UK to meet with members of the Diaspora in London and Leicester. A Meeting will be held in London at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission (ground floor) on the 27th November and in Leicester on the 28th November. On the 29th November the Prime Minister will give a Talk at Oxford Union. Prime Minister Spencer will return home on the 1st December, 2007. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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4 Minister Derrick signs debtrescheduling agreement with INTERPOL On 5th September Antigua and Barbuda signed an agreement to repay its outstanding debts to the International Criminal Police Organization INTERPOL, thereby reinstating its full rights as a member country with the organization. Antigua and Barbuda was in breach of Article 52 of INTERPOL's constitution through non-payment of its statutory contributions since 2001, which resulted in the withdrawal of a number of privileges as a member country such as the right to vote at General Assemblies, elect Executive Committee members, second police officials to INTERPOL and host INTERPOL conferences or police training meetings. The debt re-scheduling agreement entered into by Minister of Justice and Public Safety Colin V.A. Derrick commits Antigua and Barbuda to repay the EUR 100,060 (363,089 East Caribbean Dollars) owed in 10 equal annual instalments, with the first to be made before 1 November, 2007 and means that the country can once again fully participate in the decision-making process of INTERPOL. “I am pleased that Antigua and Barbuda and INTERPOL have reached this agreement which will be of great mutual benefit.  Of major importance it will facilitate the training of our police officers and provide avenues for them to be seconded to improve their skills and competencies,” said Minister Derrick. “It is very important that Antigua and Barbuda fully participates in every aspect of INTERPOL's activities if we are to ensure the safety and security both of our citizens and the many people who visit our country,” added the Minister. INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said; “Antigua and Barbuda demonstrated its willingness and ability to co-operate fully and effectively with INTERPOL and its other international police partners during the 2007 Cricket World Cup, and we are very pleased to see that momentum carried forward by Minister Derrick's commitment to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is now once again fully integrated into INTERPOL's 186member country police network. “We realise that not all of our member countries are rich and that governments must prioritise the distribution of funds, but there can be no higher priority than the safety and security of their society,” Under a system adopted by the General Assembly in 2001, each INTERPOL member country must make a compulsory annual statutory contribution calculated on the basis of their ability to pay. “While we implemented a fairer system of statutory contributions in order to assist this process, INTERPOL is still woefully underfunded for the unique services it can provide and governments worldwide need to recognise that this situation needs to be remedied if we are to work effectively together in combating transnational crime and terrorism,” added Mr Noble. PM Spencer meets Maltese Foreign Minister on selection of new Commonwealth Secretary General On the 3rd September Hon. Michael Frendo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, flew into Antigua for a meeting with Prime Minster the Honourable Baldwin Spencer. The Maltese foreign minister is a candidate in the race for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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Commonwealth Heads of Government will hold their biennial summit in Uganda in November and they will be called on to choose a new Secretary-General to replace incumbent Don McKinnon. McKinnon, a New Zealander, will demit office having served two terms. Two other candidates are already in the race and have made their rounds of CARICOM member states to rally support for their candidacies. Mohan Kaul, president of the Commonwealth Business Council, met with PM Spencer recently and outlined his vision of the Commonwealth. Karmalesh Sharma, the High Commissioner of India in London, is also a candidate and met with PM Spencer in late August. While many in the Commonwealth acknowledge that it is Asia's turn to field a candidate for Secretary-General, the candidacy of Malta is seen as a small-states candidacy. The majority of the membership of the Commonwealth comprises small states. During his meeting with PM Spencer, Minister Frendo recalled the last Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting which was held in Malta in 2005. PM Spencer pointed out that he had been very impressed with his first CHOGM experience and he praised the Maltese efforts in organizing the meeting. In Minister Frendo's view the Commonwealth should be seen as a development organization that would leverage resources to address the development needs of its members. He said that the Commonwealth needs to engage more with regional organizations such as CARICOM. Minster Frendo has been a member of the Malta parliament for twenty years, and has spent the past ten years as a Minister. PM Spencer emphasized that the Commonwealth should have a priority development focus while not abandoning the governance and human rights dimension of its agenda. He saw the UN millennium development goals as being an important challenge which the Commonwealth should help its members to meet successfully. Mr. Spencer informed the Foreign Minister that CARICOM is seeking consensus on support for one of the candidates for SecretaryGeneral, and that the matter had been discussed at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in July in Barbados. He anticipated further discussions among the Heads during a special caucus in Port-of-Spain in midSeptember. Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Anthony Liverpool were a part of the discussions with Prime Minister Spencer and Foreign Minister Frendo. Independence Service at Westminster Abbey Special prayers were said for the nation and its leaders and people of Antigua and Barbuda on the 30th October 2007 at Evensong -Westminster Abbey on the occasion of our 26th Anniversary of Independence. Staff of the High Commission, fellow nationals, High Commissioners and friends of Antigua and Barbuda also accompanied High Commissioner Dr Carl Roberts, who was invited to read the second lesson taken from the sixth chapter of the first letter to Timothy. 5 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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6 Remembering Antony Antony Richards died suddenly in 2003 whilst playing football. Antony’s heart held a deadly secret he was suffering from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is an excessive and abnormal thickening of the heart muscle. Help us to raise awareness. In Antony’s memory we are eager that other parents should not suffer the loss we did and hope publicity about this rare heart condition will prevent sudden deaths. Please support CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007 Black Cancer Care by Dr Frank Chinegwundoh The registered charity Cancer Black Care (CBC) was founded in 1995 to support cancer sufferers and their families. Its focus was and remains to provide support to black and ethnic minority patients/clients, although it caters to the whole community. One in three of us will develop a cancer in our lifetime. At CBC we know the devastation that cancer causes and how the whole family is affected. We are able to offer culturally appropriate support in a holistic fashion, which our clients appreciate. We offer advice and information, counselling, visits, financial advice, health advocacy, befriending and running support groups. We work closely with other charities such as Macmillan and the prostate cancer charity amongst others. We have excellent links with the NHS. Indeed the chairman is a Consultant Urological Surgeon with expertise in prostate cancer. This is apt as prostate cancer is three times more likely to affect black men than white. CBC also plays an important national role in improving cancer services for black and ethnic minority patients. It is a member of the cancer campaigning group and a Department of Health cancer advisory group. The headquarters are in Brent supported by the Brent Primary Care Trust. Other funding comes from the Big Lottery. It is a constant challenge, as with small charities, to raise funds so as to be able to support more of the community. We seek the regular support of the black community, either by payroll giving or via the website www.cancerblackcare.org or via Justgiving. Volunteers and potential trustees are welcome. The following concerns a recent client that one of our information officers was able to help. “Mrs X, is a 36-year-old lady from Africa, she is married and has a very supportive husband. They have

PAGE 7

7 two children, the first child is 2-yrs-10 months-old, and the second child is only 10-weeks-old, she was referred to CBC by her clinical nurse specialist for support, after her diagnoses of breast cancer which led to a mastectomy. My initial contact with Mrs X was at our office where I was able to complete her needs assessment. Mrs X is a professional person and well educated she explained that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer whilst she was pregnant with her youngest child but nothing could be done until she had given birth. She discovered a lump in her breast and mentioned it to her GP who thought it may just be because of the pregnancy but decided to refer her to the hospital for a biopsy and could not believe when she got her result, all her options were discussed with her and treatment during her pregnancy was not advisable because of the effects to her unborn child. She was finding her situation increasingly difficult, she lives in a privately rented accommodation with her husband and children and the rent is quite high, this was not a problem whilst she was working and able to contribute fully. Her husband is the main bread winner now and was not able to do any more than he was already doing, she needed some financial support from CBC. Mrs X was also not able to fully appreciate her children especially the youngest as she was not able to lift her children, play with them or care for them in the same way all other mothers do, and needed the support of family who would understand her cultural and emotional needs. CBC was able to raise £450.00 for Mrs X. She also needed a letter written to support her need for her mother-in-law to enter the UK as a carer, supporting her and her family through her cancer journey, I wrote a letter which she sent with her application to the home office and she was successful in getting her mother-in-law from Africa to join and support her and her family. Mrs X also attended CBC cancer support group meetings and was given support by other members who have also been diagnosed. Mrs X has since completed her chemotherapy treatment and with the support of her mother-in-law she is well on the mend, and her children have had the opportunity to get to know their grandmother. Mrs X has written and sent a ‘thank you’ card in appreciation of the support she has received from CBC, Mrs X has returned to work.” I trust that this gives an idea of the value of Cancer Black Care. Dr Frank Chinegwundoh www.urologyconsultant.co.uk Cancer Black Care, 79 Acton Lane, London NW10 8UT 020 8961 4151 Registered charity number 1086465 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007 President of the Senate visits the High Commission Hon. President of the Senate, Senator Hazlyn Mason-Francis was a guest at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission on her recent visit to the United Kingdom. Senator Mason-Francis was accompanied by the Executive Director of Gender Affairs in the Ministry of Labour, Public Administration and Empowerment., Miss Sheila Rosseau. The President of the Senate was introduced to the staff of the High Commission and Tourist Office and also signed the Visitor’s Book.

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8 Antigua and Barbuda participates in International Symposium in the Republic of Korea The second International Symposium on Expo 2012, Yeosu Korea, started on Thursday 13 September, under the theme “Global Warming and the Living Ocean and Coast”. Speakers during the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of climate change as a global issue with serious implications for the world's oceans and coastal states. Jae-Chul Kim, Chairman of the Bidding Committee for the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea stated that the “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) Report on Climate Change forecasts that the temperature of the earth will increase by up to 6.4 degrees Celsius, while sea levels will rise by up to 59 centimeters by 2100.'' This according to Mr. Kim is serious cause for concern and the need for the peoples of the earth to take remedial actions to deal with these phenomena. Seung-soo, Han-United Nations Secretary General's Special Envoy on Climate Change, pointed out that the “fourth Assessment Report of the IPCC heightened international awareness on climate change.” The report, which represents 6 years of work involving over 2,500 experts, called on the international community to immediately begin addressing the issue of climate change, giving a clear warning that humaninduced climate change has long been in progress. Other key speakers included Duck-soo, Han, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Alvin Toffler, Futurist and Vincente Gonzalez Loscertales, Secretary General of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE). The hosting of this symposium forms part of the Republic of Korea bid to host  the 2012 Exhibition with a view to share experiences and visions of overcoming various problems faced by the global community, such as environmental pollution, food shortages and natural disasters. second International Symposium on Expo 2012, Yeosu Korea, second International Symposium on Expo 2012, Yeosu Korea,The Exhibition would also serve as a catalyst for facilitating cultural exchanges and cooperation. Since the first exhibition held in London in 1851, the International Exhibition has shown the achievements and progress of human civilization and suggested visions for future development, thereby contributing greatly to world peace and prosperity. Antigua and Barbuda's delegation to this symposium was made up of High Commissioner, Dr. Carl Roberts, Antigua and Barbuda representative to the BIE, Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and Karen Cabral, Sr. Foreign Service Officer, held a series of meetings with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-soo and other government officials and discussed possible areas for continued cooperation and support. The symposium concluded on Friday September 14. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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9 Painting the Overall Picture-Background information In July 1995, following my successful candidacy for the position of the Head of the Montserrat Business Unit of Cable & Wireless (W.I.) Limited, I was appointed to the position of General Manager or Chief Executive Officer for an initial period of two years. There I would be responsible for some one hundred and twelve persons with the Management Team structure which included five Heads of Division (Finance. Networks, Engineering, Sales & Marketing and Human Resources). The Population of Montserrat in June 1995 was just over 12,500 and the total number of subscribers on the network around 4,900. The island is barely 5 miles wide at its widest point by 9 miles long, of volcanic origin with its highest point 3000 feet above sea level at Chances Peak. Plymouth, the Capital in 1995, was on the southwest of the island and was home for the majority of the population at the time. I landed on the island on the 1st July 1995 to take up my appointment. This Business Unit was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cable & Wireless providing a full suite of telecommunications services to the citizens, visitors and residents of this tiny island of 39 square miles. Let me just set the scene of my arrival in 1995. Cable & Wireless Montserrat was, like the island it served, just recovering from the effects of one of the century’s most powerful hurricanes, Hugo. July marked just a few months short of the sixth anniversary of the 17th September 1989 hurricane devastation of the island and in spite of this the inhabitants had been enjoying a spirit of hope and renewed life. The economy was on the upswing and with several major constructions underway; the company had high hopes for a good future which went with the exhilarating espirit de Coeur of the general population. The company had moved from its cramped offices on Church Street to rented space on Houston Street and was considering building its new headquarters on the old spot on Church Street. Staff numbers had increased to 112. 2 My Role My role here was to clearly articulate the expectations of our Group Directors to the Management Team and staff of the Business Unit so that our efforts would be united and focused in one direction. My real challenge was to make the management team and members work together as a smoothly running operation. Good as our plans were then, we were forced to rethink our entire strategy three weeks later when towards the 18th July, the long dormant volcano near Chances Peak began a series of activities that to this day are still ongoing. My role immediately changed to include the management of a crisis and the restructuring of the business to cope with the new demands placed upon it. As our internal Group staff magazine called it, this was indeed a “baptism of fire”. 3 The Crisis In presenting this topic I have decided to focus on six distinct periods. The first of these gives details of the situation as at July to September 1995, i.e. Just prior to the beginning of the major part of the crisis. The next periods will cover the First, Second and Third evacuations and activities surrounding these events. The first sign that things were not at all well was the constant smell of sulphur in and around Chances Peak. There was also a sound similar to a large jet taking off. This turned out to be gaseous discharge from a hole in the mountain range next to Chances Peak. This required frequent trips to the high site by staff members to undertake engineering work. On 21st August 1995, following initial vigorous steaming, strong earthquake swarms and a large phreatic eruption, the government with little notice ordered the evacuation of the southern and eastern half of the island. There 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007 On the 19th October His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts and Mrs Roberts were Guests of Honour at a Dinner hosted by The Viscount Allenby, President of the International Cultural Exchange, in the Peers Dining Room of the House of Lords. On this occasion Her Excellency Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda and her son Geoffrey Lake-Tack were also invited to attend. Usually, invited guests are asked to speak after dinner on a topic of national or international interest. His Excellency spoke on his particular experience as an engineer of the disastrous Montserrat eruption. We reproduce below the contents of that address: High Commissioner’s Address at the House of Lords 19th October 2007

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10 was a state of confusion. Many persons, approximately 2,500, left the island for Antigua, St Kitts & Nevis, Anguilla and Guadeloupe. A Command centre was set up in a house in Woodlands and after several days a customer service area was established in a nearby storeroom. Customers were invited to settle their accounts there or via the mobile unit which went around the new restricted areas. Several customers gave selected staff members their payments, while those who left for Antigua were requested to make payments via the Antigua Business Unit. The evacuation lasted two weeks. The crisis in Montserrat posed its own unique problems. During the early days, several staff who could not bear the stress of the situation requested to be relieved of their duties. One of these was my financial Controller, who was allowed, with his family to return to the United Kingdom. That left me without a head of finance for some time, as there was an understandable reluctance on the part of many perspective candidates to accept a posting in Montserrat. As a result of the volcanic activities and the fear which was associated with it, the Business Unit saw a 55% decline in its revenues and reduction of over 60% in the useable portion of its network. I had therefore set a few critical objectives in the early period of the crisis. These were:to secure the safety and life of staff to keep basic services available to maintain the business to maintain our licence obligations to keep the links available so that any interruptions to the ECFS and DECMS would be minimised to bring on board any new services in light of the instability of the population, which was constantly on the move. During period two between 15th September and December, we noticed the first sign of Dome Growth. There was another large phreatic eruption and the sides of the mountain began to deform. There were increased earthquake swarms and over the course of one evening, the island experienced a very high number of earthquakes. I doubt anyone slept that night. Following these activities we took the decision to salvage all essential equipment from Chances Peak and decommission the site as it was becoming extremely dangerous to visit our station on the mountain top. In December 1995, we were once again evacuated following the earlier return to our homes and offices in midSeptember. The first sign of incandescent lava was noticed within the crater. The evacuation this time lasted for one month. During this period the island experienced the effects of two regional storms which further added to the difficulties affecting the island. It was then realised that using tents for housing the evacuees was not a sustainable solution as threat of tropical storms and hurricanes was an additional risk which has to be taken into account in the disaster plans and provisions. By Period three the volcano had entered a new phase which involved block and ash flows sending hot material towards inhabited areas below. A very traumatic experience was the first major pyroclastic flow on mother’s day 1996 which blocked out the sun over the island for several minutes. Dome growth also intensified over this period. The government therefore ordered the third and final evacuation as new signs of volcanic activities, evidenced increased threats to livestock and humans alike. A volcanic risk map was provided and a direct link to the Government’s Volcano Observatory Command Centre was made available to the heads of essential service providers. During the period January to March 1996 the Business Unit attempted to evaluate its experiences to date. One thing was abundantly clear to all of us and that was that we could no longer operate from the Woodland Estate temporary office if called upon to evacuate again. The agent for the house had also indicated his intention not to rent the property to be used for business activities. We were therefore faced with one of two options: rent another property or build something for our own use in the north. Finding another suitable property for rent was proving a problem. The location of the property was also critical as many of our customers were without transport and would find it difficult to visit most locations. Additional criteria which should be taken on board include the expandability of the building on site, the requirement to site much needed spare network material closely and closeness to any concentration of business activities. Members of Staff were also requesting assistance for housing, increased allowances and assistance with time off to wind the pressures of daily work activities. New plans were therefore drawn up. These included the relocation of several porta-cabins from our complex at Lovers Lane to our exchange area in the north of the island. The new objectives of the business were developed: (1) Restore a radio link between Montserrat and Antigua (2) Re-launch the cellular service 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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11 (3) Reduce the stress of staff as far as possible (4) Ease the crowding of staff in the functional areas (5) Bring some level of normalcy in the operation in the north (6) Improve the performance of the Business Unit towards Group standards (7) Ensure some level of continuity in the management of the unit. During this evacuation period the Business Unit’s main operating area including its customer service centre, was moved to the North of the island at Sweeneys. Operations were conducted from porta-cabins which had been previously salvaged from the Telecommunications Engineering Centre at Lovers Lane, Plymouth. The population was spread over the northern half of the island and had by then declined to around 6,000. Over the next three periods the situation continued to deteriorate. We upgraded our facilities at Sweeney with a new exchange building in which the salvaged equipment from our Kinsale Remote Line Concentrator Module exchange was re-installed. Plymouth by this time had been totally covered with ash and a special departure package was offered to the residence of Montserrat to relocate to the UK. The repeated pyroclastic flows eventually destroyed the airport buildings and on the 25th June there was another major pyroclastic flow in several directions, completely devastated as many as 9 villages and killing about 19 persons. These were the first direct casualties of the crisis. The useable area of this once beautiful emerald isle was now reduced from 39 square miles to well under 12 square miles. It was increasingly hazardous to one’s health to visit, much less work, in any area other than zones F and G. There is just one sad memory which I take with me always. During the entire crisis the Business Unit lost two of its hardest and most dependable workers. It was believed by the medical teams who conducted the autopsy that their death was as a direct result of the pressures of the crisis. Unfortunately I must, as you are no doubt aware, state that the crisis continues to this day and the effects on the remaining citizens will be revealed over time. I am honoured to have been there to play the role that I played and to ensure that during my entire watch, Montserrat never lost one moment of communication. Of that I will forever remain extremely proud and thankful to all my staff and those who supported us during the crisis. Commonwealth Scholarships New CSCUK Website goes live Excerpted from the magazine Commonwealth Scholarships News The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has recently launched its new website at www.cscuk.org.uk . The site provides information about awards offered by the Commission to citizens from across the Commonwealth and advice for students from the UK looking to study in other Commonwealth countries. Prospective applicants for awards tenable in the UK can find information on the various schemes available, the selection criteria and how to apply. They can also access practical information about studying and living in the UK, both from our site and through links to the British Council and other organisations, and explore further study opportunities in the Commonwealth. The new CSCUK site can be accessed independently, or via CSFP site (WWW.csfp-online.org) when browsing the list of countries offering awards. It is hoped that you will visit the site and take a look around. About the CSFP The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) is one of the oldest and most prestigious schemes of its kind in the world,. It was established at the first conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in 1959. Since, over 24,000 individuals have held awards, hosted by over twenty countries. From the outset, the United Kingdom has been held here. CSFP awards in the United Kingdom are managed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, a public body established by Act of Parliament. Two government departments fund the Commission: the Department for International Development, which supports awards to developing Commonwealth countries, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which supports awards to the remainder of the Commonwealth. At present, the Commission offers six discrete types of award:  General Scholarships  Academic Staff Scholarships  Academic Fellowships  Split-Site Scholarships  Professional Fellowships  Distance Learning Scholarships Further details of current provision and selection procedures can be found on the UK section of the CSFP website at http://www.cscuk.org.uk 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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12 Welcome Remarks at the Reception for the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda Dame Louise Lake-Tack on the 18th October 2007 “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is indeed a pleasure to welcome you to this special occasion when we greet for the first time the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Dame Louise Lake-Tack. Her Excellency took the oath of office on the 17th July earlier this year. The oath of office administered by the Acting Chief Justice, Mr Bryan Alleyne. Her Excellency was privileged to have her audience with Her Majesty, Queen Elisabeth II on the 17th October three months to the day of her moving ceremony in St John’s the Capital of Antigua and Barbuda. On this occasion Her Excellency was invested with the insignia of a Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. Her Excellency first resided in Antigua at Long Lane Estate in the Parish of St Phillip’s. She was educated at the Freetown Government School before attending the Antigua Girls High School in St John’s. Having migrated to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency undertook studies to embark first on a nursing career and when her children attained adulthood, a second career in Law, thereafter serving as a magistrate in the UK for some time. The accomplishments of Her Excellency have made her stand out as a dedicated and caring person, an ardent church member of the Anglican church and a founding member of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association. Her interest in the welfare of others shows in the membership of the British Red Cross and on Tuesday 16th Her Excellency was also invested with the insignia of Dame of the Order of St John * by the Duke of Gloucester at Kensington Palace. *The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, more commonly known as the Order of St. John. One of five mutually recognized orders of St. John, it is an order of the British crown. Reaffirmed in Britain in the mid-19th century, the Order traces its origins back 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller from whom St. John today derives its inspiration and maxims for the Faith and in the service of Mankind. Today, the Order of St. John is an international body with some 30,000 members worldwide. The Order encompasses the foundations of the St. John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and St. John Ambulance.” 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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13 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007 Officials of Antigua and Barbuda Football Association visit UK The President, Mervyn Richards and Executive Director Gordon Derrick of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association visited the UK recently and conducted a series of meetings with several UK Football Clubs. Meetings were also held with the Antigua and Barbuda National Associations in London and Leicester. The purpose of these meetings was to identify persons of Antiguan and Barbudan heritage, who might be recruited to play in the national team, whose objective is the Football world Cup.

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14 Tourism Wedding and honeymoon Showcase at Cafe Royal The Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office recently hosted their first Wedding & Honeymoon Showcase dedicated to travel agents at Café Royal in London as well as launching their new dedicated Wedding & Honeymoon brochure. The event was attended by approximately 80 travel agents from Thomas Cook, Travel Counsellors, Future Travel, First Choice, Tropical Sky, Argo Holidays and Kuoni among many others. During the day the agents were able to speak one-to-one with many of Antigua and Barbuda’s hotel partners such as Elite Island Resorts, Rex resorts, Sandals Grande Antigua, Jolly Beach Resort, Hermitage Bay, VIP Antigua and Jumby Bay. Also on hand to answer questions was Roberta John-Joseph, marriage coordinator, at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in Antigua. Following a welcome by the Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Dr Carl Roberts, the agents enjoyed presentations by UK tourism officers, Joyce Fyfe and Cherrie Osborne. The event ended with a selection of prize giveaways including an iPod and M&S vouchers from the Tourist Office, a bottle of champagne from Elite Island Resorts, box of luxury handmade chocolates as well as a three night stay from Hermitage Bay plus seven night stays at St James’s Club and Jolly Beach Resort. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office will also be running its second Wedding & Honeymoon FAM between 7 14 December as well as the UK Wedding Show in London on 2 & 3 February 2008. They also took part in the National Wedding Show at the Birmingham NEC from 12 th – 14 th October 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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15 Young Member of Antigua Diaspora wins first prize at the Nottingham Young Musician of the Year 2007 competition Eleven year old Isata KannehMason won first prize at the Nottingham Young Musician of the Year 2007 Competition with a dazzling performance on the piano on Sunday October 14 th . Given a maximum of twenty minutes in which to perform without a music sheet, Isata with her wide-ranging programme from five different composers Scarlatti, Mozart, Chopin, Prokofiev and Martineau-wowed the audience with such wondrous poise like a seasoned performer. As the audience buzzed with excitement and anticipation, during the interval, of the likely outcome from sole adjudicator, the eminent Peter Stark, those rooting for the young Isata were proved right. In summing up, Mr. Stark began by saying that each of the finalists was a winner because that was certainly what the audience felt about the five brilliant performances. Miss Isata Kanneh-Mason, the youngest to win the WINDBLOWERS Trophy since its fourth bi-annual inception 2001, proved to be a worthy winner and deserved the accolades showered on her. Isata started playing the piano and the violin at the age of six. Her musical history is very impressive in such a short space of time. She is a principal study pianist at the Royal Academy of music in the hands of Parsy Toh, and a second study violinist with Juila Jasinski. She also studies composition at the Academy with David Knolts. Isata has composed a piano concerto in C Minor which she will perform with the St. Bartholomew Orchestra London in January 2008. In March she achieved the highest mark in the UK for her Grade 7 piano exam, winning the Sheila Mossman Memorial Prize, and the Nellie Greenhill Memorial prize for Grade 5 and 7 in 2006 and 2007 for the highest marks in Nottingham, where she currently attends the Trinity Comprehensive School. She also won a highly commended award at the Manchester International Piano concerto competition at Chetham School of Music in August. Blessed with a gift, Isata’s meteoric achievements in the field of music are due to a large extent to the firm guidance and mentoring by both parents Kadie and Stuart, her aunt Rhonda Mason (all of whom are accomplished musicians on the piano, cello and violin) and also her grandmother Mrs. Megan Kanneh who provided Isata with Sibelius computer software. Miss Isata Kanneh-Mason has a rare talent and has the support of people who can help her harness this gift, and with her musical siblings, two brothers and three sisters, breathing down her neck, she should go far. Expect to hear more of Miss Isata Kanneh-Mason in the not too distant future as a virtuoso pianist. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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16 High Commissioner’s Address at the Antigua and Barbuda’s National Association’s Independence Service on 28th October 2007 at St Mark’s Church in Dalston The Worshipful The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Councillor Liaquat Ali, Councillor Faizullah Khan, Speaker of Hackney Council, His Excellency Mr. Lawrence Sylvester, Mrs Sylvester and Paul, Members of the Clergy, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow citizens, friends and supporters of Antigua and Barbuda, welcome to this service of thanksgiving in celebration of the 26 th Anniversary of the Independence of our nation. Much has happened since our Silver Anniversary celebration last year. Much still needs to be done to make our homeland the dream place we aspire it to be. Our celebrations this year will be under the theme of ONE FAMILY – ASPIRING, ADVANCING, ACHIEVING and the Government has once again extended an invitation to nationals and friends of Antigua and Barbuda to join those at home for the Independence celebrations. As Minister Adams said in his address at the start of our celebrations “ each item on this stem, refers to forward and upward movement a futuristic vision of hope and fulfilment not one of looking back or standing still as though stuck in neutral or idle. Although we at times, need to reflect on the past, it should be for the purpose of us being guided in our advance to the future, and for us to respect and pay tribute to those who have shaped our present and are, more often than not, unsung heroes ”. This year the week long activities commenced on 21 st October with a Service of Thanksgiving at which the message was delivered by Evangelist Pastor Lucille Harris, at Sunday’s Independence Thanksgiving Service at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral. She was the first woman to deliver the address and further marks the emphasis that the UPP Government is placing on Women’s affairs in our country. Many of the usual events will take place during the celebrations and these will climax with the traditional ceremonial parade at the Recreation Grounds on the 1 st November. Needless to say, the challenges faced by our islands are many. To help us along I have decided to form a “Friends of Antigua and Barbuda” Club to help us in advancing and achieving the aspirations of the citizens, residents and well-wishers of our nation. Letters will be sent to all who have expressed their interest and a few who we have specifically invited. We hope to host a special launch function very early in the New Year. As you know, Antigua and Barbuda like so many other developing countries is in need of much direct investment; investment from its citizens at home and just as important from those citizens, friends and supporters overseas. The Government established the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority which will create the enabling modality to advance this objective. `Our efforts have also begun to produce the positive results in tourism sector as well with impressive growth in tourist arrivals from the UK and the receipt of three awards (1) World’s Best Beach Resort, (2) Best Wedding Island of the Year and (3) Best Beach Destination in the World. Let us pledge to join together for the common good – for by advancing together we can achieve the aspirations that will make Antigua and Barbuda a better place for generations to come. As Evangelist Pastor Lucille Harris puts it “ as we seek to advance we need to discover how our future can be better than our past. Go forward with the awareness as one generation prepares for the next ”. Thank you and may God continue to bless each of us as we work together as one family. Have a Blessed Independence Day. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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17 National Broadcast Prime Minister the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer October 25, 2007 Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans; Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda: Good Evening: I know that currently all rightthinking and law abiding persons are deeply concerned over the shocking and callous wave of crime and violence that we are faced with in Antigua and Barbuda at this time. I know too that many are distressed and fearful at this time. Your government is deeply concerned! This evening I can assure you that the security of our respective communities and the safety of all in our twin island state is paramount to your government. I can assure that from this moment on no energies will be spared to tackle this seemingly escalating trend. I have instructed the law enforcement officials, that from this very moment, it will be ZERO tolerance in their operations. No act of crime will go unpunished. Zero tolerance will become the order of the day in Antigua and Barbuda from this moment onwards. As I speak at this very moment, members of the Police Force are carrying out stop and search exercises across the island. No stone will be left un-turned to pluck out and destroy the elements of evil within our society. We must act decisively and we must act now! Citizens, Residents and Friends: There are a number of you who are victims of the current surge of violent crimes, including armed robberies and are still traumatized by those experiences. My heart goes out to you and members of your family who are suffering at this time. I am certain that this too is the sentiment of the vast majority of the population. The recent killings of three individuals in full view of others affect all of us. When society is affected by an upsurge in crime and violence as we are experiencing today, all of us become victims. When we see youth gansterism invading our schools and possessing our young people, we all worry about what will be next. Our fear is then transposed into diminished trust in the law, law enforcement officials and authority. As an upsurge in crime and violence makes us all victims, we all have a role to play in putting an end to this lawlessness confronting us. Crime and violence is not only a problem for the law enforcement agencies and the Government. It is a national problem that requires all of our efforts. Government and the law enforcement officials will do their part. I call on every right thinking Antiguan and Barbudan to also do your part. Develop a stronger community spirit. Become your brother’s and sister’s keeper. Ensure that you build strong families. Always seek to know where your teenage sons and daughters are. Monitor and limit the destructive influence that foreign television can have on your children. Ensure that your children are in school where they should be, and Assist the law in their efforts to solve crime Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans: Citizens and Friends: Satisfactory reduction in crime and violence also requires the vigilant and unbiased protection of the police. The police is society’s first line of defence in combating crime and violence. The government expects this. The people of Antigua and Barbuda demand this. Last evening, I met with the Attorney General the Hon. Justin Simon, Minister responsible for Law Enforcement Senator Colin Derrick, Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Trevor Thomas, Commissioner of Police Ms. Delano Christopher and Head of the ONDCP Lieutenant Colonel Edward 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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18 Croft. The meeting was called to discuss the current slayings, the increase in criminal activity and to devise short to medium term strategies to defend the population from criminals and to root out all lawlessness. I expressed my concern over the seemingly uncontrollable increase in criminal activity and the seemingly lack of presence and visibility by the police in a number of volatile areas. I also expressed the need to have a more effective response to incidences of crime and violence, the need for more coordinated patrols by the security forces and to combat the seeming proliferation of weapons on the streets. Against that background, I therefore gave the following directives:  Effective immediately, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force be deployed to assist the Police in their operations  All illegal tint must be removed from unauthorized vehicles. Members of the police force must also comply. You must lead by example. The law must be obeyed.  Targeted and random Road Blocks and Personal Searches, across the country around the clock and across the calendar  Arrest of all persons found to be carrying concealed weapons  More police stations will be opened to the public throughout the day and night. No longer will they be closed to the public during the night.  More coordination among the security forces – The ABDF, the Police and the ONDCP  Joint coordinated patrols especially within the areas of high crime.  More frequent patrols within other areas.  More use of the specially equipped Police Command vehicle for surveillance and other purposes. It has been under-utilized. It has significant detection and deterrent capabilities.  Improvement in the effectiveness and timeliness of responses to the public for assistance.  No effort must be spared in seeking to reduce the illegal smuggling and use of weapons.  The immediate reform of the Intelligence Unit of the force that will be required to maintain surveillance on known and likely lawbreakers.  Improved and significant cooperation between Law enforcement, customs and immigration officers. There must be more vigilance at our ports of entry  Constant television and newspaper crime detection and prevention updates together with publication of photographs of criminals and suspects wanted by the police  Minors found wondering on the streets after 10 p.m. will be apprehended and their parents called upon to account for their actions. Parents must recognize that they are responsible for the actions of minors under their care. Parents must also recognize that the absence of good values, traditions and discipline only leaves room for lawlessness to take root in their children The Police will also be called upon to partner with the population in strategies for reducing the opportunity for crimes and also to partner with the population in community policing programmes. Fellow Citizens and Residents: I see these as appropriate measures for immediate implementation. These measures will be reviewed in a short timeframe to determine their effectiveness and if necessary to determine what other measures should be taken. Immediate results must become the priority of our law enforcement officials. Of course, for the long term, we will continue to equip the police with modern technology, scientific aids and continuous training. We have provided the police with a fully equipped mobile surveillance vehicle. This week, the police force has been provided with a fleet of vehicles – twelve in total. Today, the Minister of Justice has just concluded negotiations with a view to purchasing a modern state of the art digital communications system for the use of the law enforcement agencies and the security services. We will continue to make provisions for the training and retraining of members of the force. Recently, the government has held discussions with British and Canadian government officials and INTERPOL in an effort to gain assistance in trained and specialized manpower for every division of the force. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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19 The final report in respect of the Alphonse Breau review of the police force is being studied. Whatever will be required of Government to ensure a more effective and upgraded Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will be done. I will ensure that the Minister of Finance makes the necessary provisions to achieve these goals as a matter of utmost urgency and priority. Government will also review the anti-crime measures that are enshrined in law. Measures will be put in place to include but not limited to: Substantially stiffer penalties for violent crimes particularly those involving guns, knives and other lethal weapons. Substantially stiffer penalties for the supply and or possession of illegal firearms, and Substantially stiffer penalties for repeat offenders of such crimes. Fellow Citizens and Residents of Antigua and Barbuda: Today, your Government is faced with what appears to be a war between drug lords, an escalation in crime and violence and the deportation of criminals from North America to Antigua and Barbuda. Our intelligence suggests that the recent slayings are related to the current raging war between the drug lords and their respective financiers. Two of the slain victims were deportees and known drug traffickers. One of the victims arrived in Antigua on Sunday, two days before the events. We are also presented with intelligence that there are certain sections of society who are supporting and funding the increase in crime in our society. I do not wish to believe that this is so. But if that is the case – I wish to assure you that you too will be flushed out with the criminals and will be prosecuted. We must not allow fear for our personal safety and that of our neighbours to linger among us any longer. Your government will not allow this. Zero tolerance must become the order of the day. From the traffic infractions to the highest of crimes – zero tolerance will be applied. I appeal to you to be patient and more so to be cooperative with the law officials. Your lives might become disrupted by the increased stoppages, searches and blockades – but it will redound to all of our benefit. Support the government in its quest to prevent this unwelcomed development in our peace loving twin island nation. Our safety depends on this. The survival of our fragile tourism industry depends on this. Our economy depends on this. Fellow Citizens, Residents and Friends: As I conclude, I wish to go on record to commend Minister of Justice and Public Safety Senator Colin “Counsellor” Derrick in his efforts in dealing with issues involving the Police Force and its operations and in seeking to make this country safe and peaceful. I also urge you not to submit to the fear on which the lawless thrive and which opportunists seek to exploit. During this period of our celebration of Independence, let us unite to withstand assaults from virtually any quarter. Accepting crime is not an option. Let us unite in the war against crime. Support the police in their attack on crime with full force. Let us as responsible citizens of a fair Antigua and Barbuda attack crime with education, cooperation and with great caution. I call on the Churches, the community, non-governmental and private voluntary organizations, civil society, the business community and neighbourhood watch associations to join with Government in its attack against crime and violence We all want a safe and secure society. It is your right. It is everyone’s right to live in peace and safety. I promise you that as your Chief Servant that I will do everything possible to ensure that you and your loved ones live in peace, safety and without fear. The recommendations of the Breau report will be considered thoroughly and implemented where appropriate. God bless you and those whom you cherish. God bless the Antigua and Barbuda that we all love. Good Night. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007

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20 Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) Charity Fair The Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) Fair was held this year on Saturday 20th October 2007 at the Royal Horticultural Society Lawrence Hall from 11 am to 5 pm. Food and Crafts from the Commonwealth were well featured. Along with the usual Antiguan products we also procured from the Central Marketing Corporation (CMC) in Antigua the ‘Antigua Black’ pineapples which were sold out in record time. Antigua and Barbuda also featured food from our country prepared by the women of the Antigua and Barbuda National Association (ABNA) headed by its President Mrs Leontyne Manners OM. Mrs Pauline Roberts, wife of the High Commissioner, would like to thank all who supported the Antigua and Barbuda stalls and look forward to their patronage at the next charity fair. A special ‘thank you’ to the steelband ‘Sun Jets’, who have always supported the Charity Fairs and Antigua and Barbuda events. We cannot forget Mrs Molly Richards who continues to excel with Antiguan style sugar cakes, peanut sugar cakes and coconut fudge which she makes all of which were quickly snatched up. Thank you also goes out to Mrs Forde at the Central Marketing Corporation for the pineapples and Miss Sheila Roseau who was kind enough to bring them to London. 2nd floor, 45 Crawford Place, London W1H 4LP Tel: 020 7258 0070 · Fax: 020 7258 7486 www.antigua-barbuda.com Issue No. 123 September/October 2007