Caribbean Times 68th Issue - Wednesday 4th January 2016

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2 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g Wednesday 4th January 2017 MOU between Antigua and Barbuda and Cuba reaps positive results Editor’s Note Caribbean Times is printed and published at Woods Estate/Friars Hill Road. The Editor is Justin Peters. Contact: Caribbean Times, P.O. Box W2099, Woods Estate/Friars Hill Road, St. John’s, Antigua. Tel: (268) 562-8688, Fax: (268) 562-8685. Visit us online at our website: www. caribbeantimes.ag We ask you to send: Pertinent news items to news@caribbeantimes.ag. Advertisement inquiries to accounts@caribbeantimes.ag. Letters to the editor to editor@caribbeantimes.ag By Joanna Paris A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Cuba in September 2016, contributes to cement further cooperation in a number of areas. The MOU was established following trade mission to the Spanish territory led by Minister of Trade, Industry, Commerce, Culture and National Festivals, the Hon. E.P “Chet” Greene in June 2016. Minister Greene has cited several areas of success as a result of the agreement to include aviation, tourism and culture. With regard to the latter area which forms a part of his Ministerial portfolio, he said discussions are taking place which will eventually facilitate pan experts from Antigua and Barbuda travelling to Cuba to conduct several levels of training. “We are sending for the cont’d from pg 1 Oasis of the Seas was commissioned. It is the first ship of the Freedom Class which is the third largest of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In 2015 the ship was renovated and is now family friendly. As the passengers disembarked the ship smiles were visible on their faces, as the fresh air and scenery took them captive. Representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Division, Bryson’s Shipping and members of the Media were on board to welcome the Vessel’s Captain and crew for the first time. The Captain of the vessel Captain Espen applauded Antigua and Barbuda for is natural beauty, and indicated that the turning around of the vessel upon entry was first time experts from Antigua and Barbuda to Cuba in the areas of pan. “A leading pianist will be sent to Cuba in January along with a pan builder, who will provide training to the Cubans in the structure of steel band music”, he explained. He added that in the field of Sports, the Cubans have also expressed an interest in cricket. “An Antiguan coach will be going off to Cuba to assist with Cricket. “This will most certainly increase the pool of players available for West Indies Cricket, because as you know the Cubans are really competitive”, he noted. The MOU will also make provisions for the creation of a Performing Arts School. Minister Greene said that talks are at an advance stage in his regard. “The teachers will be on island within the first quarter of the year along with experts in the area of sculpting. “We wish to expand our programme in this area and enhance our tourist attractions.” He added that there is a high level of excitement about this initiative which will result in the creation of a Sculpture Park in the Ottos area. rather smooth because of the Port’s new infrastructure. He further stated that “the other countries are nice but Antigua is Amazing”. Nathan Dundas Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association stated “I’m happy that this vessel is now calling along with other ships. “We wanted them for many years now, but they always had a problem with our port, because they wanted to ensure they had proper depth, draft and length of our pier and is looking forward for the expansion of the pier. “We are the first in the Caribbean to have four berths down town in the city, and are now looking to accommodate five or six very soon. Thanks to the Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Minister of Tourism for all the planning and making this a reality”.
Wednesday 4th January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3 2016 concludes with tourism milestone By Renio Abbott Friday the 30th December 2016 was a very significant day in Antigua, as the country welcomed its 100,000th visitor by air from the U.S. Market. Present at the special moment were the Honourable Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Permanent secretary within the Ministry of Tourism Mrs. Paula Fredrick-Hunte, CEO of the Antigua Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James, Tourism Consultant Shirleen Nibbs, Mrs. Kim Jack-Riley, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Director for the U.S.A. and representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority. With Antigua and Barbuda winning the Caribbean destination of the year Award, the Honourable Asot Michael winning the Tourism Minister of the year award, Mr. Colin James winning the CEO of the year award, all for 2016, it has been a very successful year for the twin-island state. Nibbs, congratulated the Tourism Authority for their strategies and the way they execute their tactics, blueprint and delivery, of the competitive business and marketing of the tourism product, while James, expressed a million thank you’s to his staff and the Minister of Tourism. CORRECTION: In correction to article titled “Three receive orders of appointment from Her Majesty The Queen”, the Queen’s Honours for 2017 are as follows: OBE - Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - HE Dwight Gardiner Queen’s Police Medal - Retired Police Officer - Mr. Phillip Isaacs Queen’s Police Medal - Assistant Commissioner Alvin Thomas
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Caribbean Times 68th Issue - Wednesday 4th January 2016

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