UPP 2004 Manifesto - Antigua Elections

A UPP Government will: Make it
mandatory for all foreign contractors
to work with Antiguan and Barbudan
sub-contractors.
A Regional Transportation Hub
The ALP’S ad hoc approach to aviation is a
depressing tale of incompetence and
mismanagement. Aviation has dismally failed to
realize its full economic potential. The ALP has
failed to improve standards at our single
international airport, permitting this all-important
facility to fall into a state of disrepair and
inadequacy. The much-touted parallel taxiway
stands incomplete and abandoned after millions
of dollars of loan funds were spent on that
project.
A UPP Government will:
Expand the facilities and capacity at the V.C.
Bird International Airport and the Codrington
Airport to provide world-class operations and
services.
Improve facilities and working
conditions for the air traffic control and
meteorological operations staff, airport
security and management.
Work closely with airline management and
the trade unions to provide incentives to
ensure the viability of airlines headquartered
in Antigua and Barbuda.
Partner with regional governments to ensure
cost-efficient, reliable and frequent air services
between our Caribbean states, particularly to
maximize trade opportunities the Caribbean
Single Market and Economy will bring.
Forge strategic partnerships with the private
sector and international airlines to secure
adequate airlift for our North American and
European visitors.
A Blueprint for Improved
Infrastructure
Infrastructure development in Antigua and
Barbuda has proceeded on a piecemeal and ad
hoc basis without proper planning or due
attention to cost and efficiency.
The UPP pledges to reverse the years of neglect
inflicted on the people of Barbuda by the ALP
and ensure that infrastructure development in
Barbuda proceeds hand in hand with
developments in Antigua.
The UPP will establish a National Development
Task Force to oversee the preparation of a
comprehensive Physical Development Plan to
provide a blueprint for the development and
management of infrastructure in Antigua and
Barbuda. The plan will draw on the technical
expertise of physical planners, engineers and
architects and will be prepared through a
consultative process with civil society, including
the business sector, the hotel association,
farmers, local communities, NGOs and
professional associations.
The UPP will:
Implement an island-wide road
improvement programme based on a
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