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Caribbean Times 71st Issue - Monday 9th January 2017

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Informative, reliable, enriching!<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a<br />

Vol.8 No.71 $2.00<br />

ONE NATION CONCERT<br />

ATTRACTS THOUSANDS<br />

The One Nation concert held on Saturday night brought thousands to the Antigua Recreation Grounds. Inset: Dancehall artiste Aidonia<br />

thanks Prime Minister, the Hon., Gaston Browne for bringing him for the show. (See story on page 3)


2 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Cancer Centre director paints<br />

a positive future for the facility<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

The Cancer Centre of the<br />

Eastern <strong>Caribbean</strong> is building<br />

quite a reputation as a state<br />

of the art facility which delivers<br />

exceptional care to its<br />

patients.<br />

That is according to the<br />

Director of the medical institution,<br />

Dr. Thomas Mc-<br />

Editor’s Note<br />

<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Times</strong> is printed<br />

and published at Woods<br />

Estate/Friars Hill Road.<br />

The Editor is Justin Peters.<br />

Contact: <strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Times</strong>,<br />

P.O. Box W2099,<br />

Woods Estate/Friars Hill<br />

Road,<br />

St. John’s,<br />

Antigua.<br />

Tel: (268) 562-8688,<br />

Fax: (268) 562-8685.<br />

Visit us online at our website:<br />

www. caribbeantimes.ag<br />

We ask you to send:<br />

Pertinent news items to<br />

news@caribbeantimes.ag.<br />

Advertisement inquiries to<br />

accounts@caribbeantimes.ag.<br />

Letters to the editor to<br />

editor@caribbeantimes.ag<br />

Gowan, who revealed on<br />

ABS’s Against the Backdrop<br />

last Friday that the majority<br />

of patients who have been<br />

treated at the facility have<br />

all given positive feedback.<br />

He noted that the centre offers<br />

the best type of treatment<br />

that is recognized around the<br />

world to include the latest<br />

breakthroughs in chemotherapy<br />

and radio therapy.<br />

He indicated that the<br />

medicines given to patients<br />

with prostate cancer have<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

Persons who participated<br />

in the 2016 Carnival Festivities<br />

are currently being paid.<br />

Minister with responsibility<br />

for National Festivals<br />

the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene<br />

announced last Friday that<br />

the distribution of the prize<br />

monies had started and persons<br />

should expect full payment<br />

later today.<br />

According to a press<br />

statement, Minister Greene<br />

been improved and therefore<br />

assist in prolonging life by a<br />

few years.<br />

Dr. McGowan also stated<br />

that a modern combination<br />

of the latest technology and<br />

medicine can also shorten the<br />

amount of time for a patient<br />

to receive treatment, which<br />

he added “is a relief to both<br />

the patient and their loved<br />

ones”.<br />

“We have introduced<br />

these for our patients that<br />

meet the criteria, so not all<br />

also outlined that the Festival<br />

Commission’s Chairman,<br />

Maurice Merchant, will immediately<br />

commence preparations<br />

to make payments to<br />

other stakeholders who provided<br />

services to the Commission<br />

for Carnival 2016.<br />

“While we were unable<br />

to make payments to everyone<br />

immediately following<br />

Carnival 2016, this will be<br />

the first time in a very long<br />

time that stakeholders will<br />

patients ae treated for the<br />

shorter course but may or<br />

can be, which means that patients<br />

who travel from other<br />

countries can be done in five<br />

weeks instead of eight for the<br />

same outcome or better”, he<br />

said.<br />

According to the centre’s<br />

director, additional advice is<br />

given to patients after they<br />

complete their required cycle<br />

of treatment and they are also<br />

given referrals for additional<br />

support.<br />

Carnival monies payout<br />

Advertise with<br />

<strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Times</strong>!<br />

Contact us at Tel: 562-8688<br />

Email: accounts@<br />

caribbeantimes.ag<br />

be paid this early. We thank<br />

the stakeholders for their patience<br />

and look forward to<br />

our collaboration in <strong>2017</strong>”<br />

said the Festivals Minister.<br />

In addition, the Minister<br />

indicated that he will announce<br />

the winners of the<br />

Independence Essay Competition<br />

today, having received<br />

the results from the<br />

judges.<br />

He said that due to the<br />

large number of entries, the<br />

judges created a third category<br />

for judging, to now include<br />

a category for Secondary<br />

Schools.<br />

The competition, which<br />

was geared at primary<br />

school and tertiary level<br />

students was based on the<br />

2016 Independence Theme<br />

of “Building an Economic<br />

Powerhouse Together”.


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3<br />

One Nation concert attracts thousands<br />

By Renio Abbott<br />

Just as the new year<br />

opened, it was announced that<br />

Prime Minister, Honourable<br />

Gaston Browne and The Festivals<br />

Commission, chaired<br />

By Maurice Merchant under<br />

the able leadership of the Minister<br />

of National Festivals E.P.<br />

Chet Greene would be hosting<br />

the One Nation Concert.<br />

The concept of the event<br />

was a simple one, to bring<br />

together the <strong>Caribbean</strong> Diaspora<br />

in Antigua and Barbuda<br />

through music by notable musicians,<br />

cultural ambassadors,<br />

if you will from various nations<br />

across the region.<br />

That goal was achieved<br />

when Queen Thalia, MNM<br />

Music, Tian Winter, Claudette<br />

“CP” Peters and the Original<br />

Burning Flames from right<br />

here in Antigua were joined<br />

by the Original WCK from<br />

Dominica, Timeka Marshall<br />

out of Guyana, Tall Pree from<br />

Grenada, and Dancehall Superstar<br />

Aidonia from Jamaica<br />

took over the Antigua Recreation<br />

Grounds in a concert<br />

that resulted in one of the<br />

most epic turnouts at the venue<br />

in a long time.<br />

Thousands of <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />

Nationals from islands such<br />

as Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis,<br />

Dominica, St. Vincent and<br />

the Grenadines, Grenada, Jamaica,<br />

and Guyana flooded<br />

the venue to party together<br />

in a display of true love and<br />

unity.<br />

The love and positive energy<br />

was undeniable with no<br />

fights taking during the show.<br />

MC Jesse Fire kept the crowd<br />

going with hit after hit played<br />

by DJ Jime while the various<br />

bands made their transition.<br />

Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and<br />

Zouk merged to create perfect<br />

harmony.


4 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Tourism Minister sets the road<br />

map for continued success in <strong>2017</strong><br />

Minister of Tourism, Economic<br />

Development, Investment<br />

and Energy the Hon.<br />

Asot A. Michael convened<br />

the first leadership meeting<br />

of <strong>2017</strong> with all department<br />

heads and senior technical officers<br />

within his Ministry.<br />

The Hon. Minister used<br />

the opportunity to thank his<br />

team for their contributions<br />

towards a very successful<br />

2016 and pledged his support<br />

towards providing all necessary<br />

resources to ensure that<br />

these successes can be duplicated<br />

in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />

The focus and tasks in all<br />

priority areas have been outlined<br />

and as such each department<br />

head has a clear understanding<br />

of their outlook for<br />

the year ahead.<br />

According to Minister Michael,<br />

“This year (<strong>2017</strong>) will<br />

be an exciting one as we continue<br />

to make positive changes<br />

to ensure all our teams are<br />

as efficient as possible to deliver<br />

on our objectives. There<br />

will be reassignment of roles<br />

and responsibilities but your<br />

input and support is critical<br />

to ensuring that we harness<br />

the creativity needed to get<br />

the job done and to get it done<br />

right!”<br />

In outlining the key priority<br />

areas for <strong>2017</strong>, special<br />

mention was made of new<br />

appointments within the Ministry.<br />

Senator Arthur Thomas<br />

QC has been appointed as the<br />

new Chairman of the Antigua<br />

and Barbuda National Parks<br />

Authority, while Ambassador<br />

Bernard Percival has been appointed<br />

to serve as Chairman<br />

of the St. John’s Development<br />

Corporation.<br />

Priority focus has been set<br />

on securing growth in all major<br />

source markets for <strong>2017</strong><br />

by 10%. A major effort will<br />

be pursued to increase airlift<br />

from existing markets, UK,<br />

Italy, USA and Canada. New<br />

Airlines to be targeted this<br />

year include Jet Blue, Spirit<br />

and South West from Fort<br />

Lauderdale in addition to<br />

Copa, Emirates and Norwegian.<br />

Cruise passenger arrivals<br />

have also been targeted for<br />

growth in <strong>2017</strong> however a<br />

revitalized effort to develop<br />

the cruise industry on the sister<br />

isle of Barbuda will take<br />

precedence this year. Minister<br />

Michael noted that “plans are<br />

to be completed for a cruise<br />

ship facility on Barbuda with<br />

efforts underway to secure a<br />

major cruise line to engage<br />

in joint project funding. The<br />

overall effort will be to increase<br />

the calls of the smaller<br />

vessels to the sister island.”<br />

Work at the Ministry headquarters<br />

will focus around the<br />

development of activities surrounding<br />

the branding of <strong>2017</strong><br />

as the year of Sustainable<br />

Tourism by UN World Tourism<br />

Organisation UNWTO<br />

as well as a thrust to continue<br />

to increase the involvement<br />

of the indigenous population<br />

(small properties) in the<br />

ownership, management, and<br />

operation of tourism facilities<br />

and events.<br />

A concerted effort to engage<br />

the local population on<br />

the importance of the industry<br />

must be made in <strong>2017</strong> and according<br />

to Minister Michael<br />

this should encompass three<br />

spheres; “a local PR campaign<br />

which should highlight<br />

the achievements made in<br />

Tourism with testimonials<br />

from our own people as to the<br />

value of the industry, a rollout<br />

of revised Tourism Channel<br />

content video for showcasing<br />

the product to visitors and<br />

locals and the continuation<br />

of the Tourism Cadet Corp<br />

program with a new batch of<br />

secondary school students to<br />

expose them to the industry”.<br />

The road to a new St.<br />

John’s has been envisioned<br />

and initial phase of this will be<br />

a signage and beautification<br />

campaign to enhance to beauty<br />

of the City of St, John’s and<br />

its environs. Funding for this<br />

project has already been approved<br />

by the Cabinet of Antigua<br />

and Barbuda.<br />

In the areas of yachting<br />

and National Parks, a very<br />

passionate Tourism Minister<br />

urged his team to build upon<br />

and leverage PR for Nelson’s<br />

Dockyard being named as<br />

newest World Heritage site<br />

in all yachting marketing and<br />

to seek out new and additional<br />

sponsorship for the World<br />

Renowned Antigua Sailing<br />

Week and to ensure additional<br />

events and activities for this<br />

year’s 50th Anniversary.<br />

Marketers were also admonished<br />

to utilize the newly<br />

renovated Clarence House<br />

which is the best preserved<br />

cont’d on pg 5


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 5<br />

Further changes at WIOC to result<br />

in added benefits for the country<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

Energy Minister, the<br />

Hon. Asot Michael, said that<br />

the West Indies Oil Company<br />

(WIOC) is now focused<br />

on its core petroleum businesses.<br />

Speaking during a ceremony<br />

held at the company’s<br />

plant last week, Minister Michael<br />

detailed that this focus<br />

will include terminal services,<br />

storage of fuel products,<br />

wholesaling to the Antigua<br />

and Dominica markets<br />

and supporting the retail petroleum<br />

market in Antigua,<br />

Barbuda and Dominica.<br />

The Energy Minister noted<br />

that the government has<br />

opened a level playing field<br />

for interested parties.<br />

“Over the next 12 months<br />

the two large tanks will be<br />

refurbished and one brand<br />

new 3.5 million gallon tank<br />

will be constructed. In keeping<br />

with the Government’s<br />

commitment to transparency<br />

and good governance,<br />

the bidding process was in<br />

keeping with international<br />

standards.<br />

From prequalified companies,<br />

the bid was awarded<br />

to Cape-Inc of the USA<br />

based on a detailed bid evaluation<br />

carried out by WIOC<br />

management and approved<br />

by the full Board of shareholders”,<br />

he said.<br />

According to Minister<br />

Michael, Cape Inc. has extensive<br />

experience and a<br />

large portfolio of successful<br />

tank construction projects<br />

throughout the States and<br />

the <strong>Caribbean</strong>.<br />

“The next year will see<br />

similar transparent bids for<br />

the refurbishment and upgrading<br />

of the Conventional<br />

Buoy Mooring and for a<br />

Fire and Gas Safety System<br />

at the WIOC LPG Plant”, he<br />

further outlined.<br />

Government is also giving<br />

consideration to a complete<br />

upgrade to the 20lb<br />

LPG cylinders used by the<br />

public, transitioning from<br />

the old design steel cylinders<br />

to new, lighter cylinder<br />

that have already been introduced<br />

in Dominica and St.<br />

Vincent.<br />

The Minister responsible<br />

for Energy is also excited<br />

about the plans to grow<br />

WIOC in conjunction with<br />

PDVSA into a regional supplier<br />

of petroleum products.<br />

cont’d from pg 4<br />

example of a Georgian Colonial Great<br />

house in the entire <strong>Caribbean</strong>, for major<br />

events as well as establish the Commonwealth<br />

Walkways by implementing<br />

Phase 2. Sir Rodney Williams officially<br />

launched phase 1 last year. It utilizes the<br />

10 km of nature and historical hiking<br />

trails throughout the National Park.<br />

Major developments are expected to<br />

continue to take place with regards to the<br />

continued improvement of the infrastructure<br />

at the island’s ports. The next phase<br />

of the US$60M St. John’s Master plan<br />

has started and will be ready for the Oasis<br />

class ships by November <strong>2017</strong>. The St.<br />

John’s Development Corporation (SJDC)<br />

will spearhead this project along with the<br />

Antigua Pier Group and the Antigua and<br />

Barbuda Port Authority. In addition to<br />

this the SJDC is also tasked with the responsibility<br />

of overseeing the Fort James<br />

Project. This project will be fast tracked<br />

under the control of the corporation. Nationals<br />

will be included to empower them<br />

to be major stakeholders of our tourism<br />

trade. Upon completion Fort James will<br />

be converted to a multi-use richly diversified<br />

recreation and entertainment tourist<br />

attraction.<br />

The Hon. Minister of Tourism stated<br />

that his government will continue the aggressive<br />

ground breaking of new hotel<br />

properties in <strong>2017</strong> and will strategically<br />

seek out viable investments to add to the<br />

room stock of the twin island state. In this<br />

vein, Minister Michael urged the heads of<br />

the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority<br />

to compile and produce a comprehensive<br />

investment guide of Antigua and<br />

Barbuda. According to the Investment<br />

Minister this comprehensive document<br />

which can also be produced in a digital<br />

format will be valuable to not only himself<br />

but his cabinet colleagues when they<br />

travel abroad to numerous tradeshows to<br />

attract investors to our shores.<br />

In addition to plans to complete the<br />

addition of a total of 10 MW of renewable<br />

energy to the grid in Antigua and<br />

Barbuda in <strong>2017</strong>, the establishment of<br />

a national energy council is primary<br />

amongst the objectives of the Ministry<br />

of Energy. Minister Michael who holds<br />

the portfolio expects that not only will<br />

the council be established but the first<br />

meeting which should comprise a limited<br />

number of key energy stakeholders in the<br />

public and private sector should be convened<br />

with the aim of fostering coordination<br />

in the energy sector and of providing<br />

high level policy input to the Ministry of<br />

Energy.<br />

The Hon. Minister urged his team<br />

members to be creative and innovative in<br />

their quest to rise above the bar of standard<br />

expectations…only so will the destination<br />

surpass the successes of 2016.<br />

He concluded the meeting with this<br />

charge to the teams “My primary endeavor<br />

is to boost the Antiguan and Barbudan<br />

economy and to create quality standard<br />

jobs and lifestyles for the citizens of this<br />

country…and with you as my team this<br />

should be OUR collective goal!”


6 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Eye programme continues in Barbuda eyes<br />

As the Government’s Eye Care<br />

program continues in Barbuda, dozens<br />

of residents got the opportunity to see<br />

more clearly as many are being outfitted<br />

with prescription lens during phase two<br />

of the Barbuda Eye Care Mission.<br />

The programme, which is being<br />

spearheaded by the Ministry of Health<br />

and the Environment, will see one hundred<br />

and eighty five (185) individuals<br />

being equipped with prescribed glasses<br />

during the weeklong exercise.<br />

One of the individuals involved<br />

in the program is Optometrist, Khohane<br />

Blake, who commented on a<br />

heart-warming experience that thrilled<br />

her on Wednesday.<br />

Blake, who is also an Epidemiologist,<br />

said that not only are adults and<br />

teenagers benefitting from the mission,<br />

but also Kindergartners as well.<br />

“One of the things that made me<br />

smile this week was when I did a refraction<br />

for a child who is about four years<br />

old and when she got the glasses, she<br />

started smiling because she was able to<br />

see better and that really warmed my<br />

heart”, Blake said.<br />

Certified Refractionist, Raenor<br />

Sharpe, is also conducting eye exams<br />

and he explained the difference between<br />

the first phase of the mission which took<br />

place in October and this New Year’s<br />

exercise.<br />

“The second phase of the mission<br />

involved those persons who were<br />

screened before. They don’t necessarily<br />

have an eye condition that needs a doctor<br />

but they need glasses and for those<br />

also who would have been screened and<br />

needed surgical assessment or medical<br />

intervention are now requiring glasses,<br />

so that is what we are doing here on the<br />

second phase of the mission”, Sharpe<br />

noted.<br />

Equally pleased with the turn of<br />

events is Matron of the Hannah Thomas<br />

Hospital, Nurse Cynthia Byers and she<br />

said that the venture has had a tremendous<br />

impact on the hospital services and<br />

the residents of the sister isle.<br />

“It is a very good thing for the hospital<br />

in terms of having special activities<br />

within the hospital and it helps to bridge<br />

the gap between the community and the<br />

hospital and I hope that this is a roadway<br />

for better things to come”, Byers said.<br />

Addie Newton, the Barbuda Council<br />

Member who is responsible for health,<br />

was full of praise for the Health and<br />

Environment Minister Molwyn Joseph,<br />

and he is hoping that the partnership<br />

will continue to flourish.<br />

“When I approached the Honourable<br />

Molwyn Joseph about the cost of the<br />

glasses he had consented to approach<br />

the cabinet to give us at a minimal cost<br />

but the cabinet decided to cover the total<br />

cost so I much say special thanks to the<br />

Government and in particular to Honourable<br />

Molwyn Joseph for his input”,<br />

Newton said.<br />

Close to four hundred residents<br />

turned out last October for the first phase<br />

of the Barbuda Eye Care Mission and at<br />

the end of the screening, one hundred<br />

and eighty five (185) individuals were<br />

recommended for special treatment,<br />

which included prescription glasses.<br />

Phase three will come on stream in a<br />

matter of weeks.


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 7<br />

57th JCI Antigua Board of Directors installed<br />

By Renio Abbott<br />

JCI Antigua formerly<br />

known as Jaycees, a non-political<br />

organization focused<br />

on the empowerment of<br />

youth, installed its 57th<br />

Board of Directors last evening<br />

in a short Installation<br />

and Awards Ceremony at the<br />

Heritage Hotel.<br />

The <strong>2017</strong> Board of Directors<br />

led by President<br />

Elect Dorothy Peters-Nichols<br />

was confirmed after 2016<br />

President outgoing President<br />

Melissa Chandler-Joseph<br />

passed the baton after an<br />

empowering speech about<br />

the opportunities and the<br />

friendships that were forged<br />

during her tenure. The past<br />

presidents of JCI Antigua<br />

participated in the changing<br />

of the presidents as is customary.<br />

JCI Senator Clovis St.<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

The Cancer Centre of the Eastern<br />

<strong>Caribbean</strong> will be hosting a number of<br />

educational conferences and events this<br />

year, designed to further sensitize the<br />

public about its role in cancer management,<br />

treatment and education.<br />

The Director of the Cancer Centre<br />

of the Eastern <strong>Caribbean</strong>, Dr. Thomas<br />

McGowan, was a recent guest on ABS’s<br />

current affairs programme Against the<br />

Backdrop.<br />

Dr. McGowan said that major conferences<br />

have already been planned for<br />

April and the fall of this year.<br />

The event, which will take place in<br />

Romaine gave a compelling<br />

speech encouraging young<br />

members to aim not for the<br />

dreams you have at night<br />

that are erased from memory<br />

when you awake, but the<br />

sleepless dreams that invade<br />

your mind during your waking<br />

hours compelling you to<br />

achieve a goal.<br />

The <strong>2017</strong> JCI Antigua<br />

Board of Directors are Dorothy<br />

Peters-Nichols – President,<br />

Melissa Chandler<br />

Joseph – Immediate Past<br />

President, Andrea Smithen<br />

– Executive Vice President,<br />

Nneka Hull-James – Vice<br />

President, Stephannie Rodriguez<br />

– Vice President,<br />

Kenesha Dennis – Treasurer,<br />

Christelle Piggot – Assistant<br />

Secretary General, Amanda<br />

April will be a follow up to the initial<br />

conference which proved to be a major<br />

success in April 2016.<br />

The specialist speakers will hail<br />

from local, regional and international<br />

medical institutions.<br />

“We are also intending to hold another<br />

meeting in the fall which is aimed<br />

at the general public, to educate them<br />

about the steps that they can take to<br />

prevent cancers, the importance of<br />

early diagnosis, lifestyle changes. The<br />

agenda is still being worked on, but<br />

it will definitely be taking place”, Dr.<br />

McGowan stated.<br />

He also noted that the year 2016<br />

Peters – Public Relations<br />

Officer, Jackson Telemaque<br />

– Protocol, Training and Retention<br />

Officer and Rosa Ladoo<br />

– General Legal Counsel.<br />

Awards were given in<br />

recognition of the outstanding<br />

performance of members.<br />

Cancer Centre of the Eastern <strong>Caribbean</strong><br />

to intensify education programmes<br />

was a successful one for the medic facility<br />

and its staff, as a number of persons<br />

who had previously diagnosed<br />

cases were seen at the centre for the<br />

first time.<br />

He added that the backlog of cases<br />

has since been significantly reduced.<br />

He also reminded persons about the<br />

importance of living a healthy lifestyle.<br />

“It is nothing that we really don’t<br />

already know. You know going for the<br />

low-fat diet, eating more fruits and<br />

vegetables, lessen the carbohydrates,<br />

eat portions that really satisfy you, not<br />

over satisfy you, no snacking on junk<br />

food”, he noted.


8 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Tek Dis Til Summa 8 delivers<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

Tek Dis Til Summa 8 took place at<br />

the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium<br />

last Friday night and true to its reputation<br />

since its inception eight years<br />

ago, delivered to its patrons a fete to<br />

remember …until summer.<br />

Despite a number of challenges encountered<br />

due to a last minute venue<br />

change and other logistics, the fete’s<br />

organizers are grateful for the support<br />

that they have received.<br />

Thousands of the fete’s faithfuls<br />

filled the Island Beehive Party stand,<br />

where they indulged in the party atmosphere<br />

set by the Djs- Ibis, Stiffla,<br />

Jime, Muzio, Supersonic, Elementz,<br />

Virus, Altitude and DJ Quest, who all<br />

added their own flavour.<br />

Aidonia out of Jamaica and Tall<br />

Pree from the Spice Isle Grenada also<br />

stopped by for a surprise performance<br />

much to the crowd’s delight.<br />

Speaking to <strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Times</strong>, one<br />

of the main organizer’s Josh Gardner,<br />

said that he is pleased with the outcome<br />

despite the obstacles faced in the beginning.<br />

He added that planning for the next<br />

event is already in motion.<br />

“We just was to thank everyone<br />

who came out to support the fete. It was<br />

challenging in a number of ways but at<br />

the end of the night we are happy that<br />

we were able to pull it off. The feedback<br />

has been good and we really just<br />

want to thank everyone who attended<br />

and had fun. Our aim, of course, is to<br />

make sure that the next one is bigger<br />

and better and we have already started<br />

planning towards that”, he said.


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 9


10 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Antigua-Barbuda opposition called<br />

on to explain banking scandal<br />

The ruling Antigua<br />

and Barbuda Labour Party<br />

(ABLP) has called on the<br />

leader of the parliamentary<br />

opposition, former prime<br />

NOTICE<br />

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA<br />

IN THE HIGH COURT OF<br />

JUSTICE<br />

A.D. <strong>2017</strong><br />

(Probate)<br />

In the Matter of the Estate<br />

of PAMELA EDITH<br />

TYRRELL, deceased<br />

NOTICE IS HEREBY<br />

GIVEN that at the expiration<br />

of fourteen (14) days from<br />

the date of this Notice, Application<br />

will be made in the<br />

Probate Registry of the High<br />

Court of Justice for an Order<br />

that Letters of Administration<br />

of the Estate of PAME-<br />

LA EDITH TYRRELL,<br />

deceased, late of Tyrrell’s<br />

Hill Vernon’s, in the parish<br />

of Saint Peter’s in Antigua<br />

and Barbuda be granted to<br />

JOHN JAMES DUFFY<br />

of Crasula House, Horsford<br />

Hill, Falmouth, Antigua and<br />

Barbuda and COLETTE<br />

JUPITER-COLBOURNE<br />

of Toy Shop, 141 Redcliffe<br />

Quay, St. John’s, Antigua.<br />

The Applicants being the Executors<br />

of the Last Will and<br />

Testament of the deceased<br />

and Trustees of the Estate of<br />

the said deceased, who died<br />

on the 26 th day of December,<br />

2016.<br />

Dated the 5 th day of <strong>January</strong>,<br />

<strong>2017</strong><br />

Lawrence Daniels<br />

Daniels, Phillips & Associates<br />

Solicitors for the Applicant<br />

minister Baldwin Spencer,<br />

and the current political leader<br />

of the opposition United Progressive<br />

Party (UPP), Harold<br />

Lovell, to explain their role in<br />

a second banking scandal that<br />

occurred under their administration<br />

from 2004 to 2014.<br />

The ABLP noted that, in<br />

his New Year’s message, as<br />

leader of the three-person<br />

parliamentary opposition,<br />

Spencer talked of “banking<br />

scandals” putting a “negative<br />

world spotlight” on Antigua<br />

and Barbuda.<br />

In reminding Spencer that<br />

he was prime minister and<br />

foreign minister when the first<br />

international banking scandal<br />

occurred in relation to Allen<br />

Stanford and during the period<br />

of the recently exposed<br />

Meinl Bank money laundering<br />

operations, the ABLP said<br />

that both “banking scandals”<br />

occurred under his leadership.<br />

The ABLP has called for<br />

disclosure by Spencer and<br />

Lovell of any and all links<br />

to the Brazil Odebrecht saga<br />

now occupying international<br />

headlines, including the purchase<br />

of Meinl Bank in 2010.<br />

The ABLP said it believes<br />

that Spencer must have had<br />

discussions with Luiz Franca<br />

prior to appointing him<br />

as honorary consul to Brazil.<br />

Franca was one of three Brazilians<br />

who fronted the purchase<br />

of Meinl Bank in 2010.<br />

He continued as managing<br />

director during his appointment<br />

by Spencer as honorary<br />

consul in Brazil. He was also<br />

known to have a close relationship<br />

with Lovell, having<br />

collaborated with him on several<br />

projects.<br />

According to a Brazilian<br />

newspaper account of a trial<br />

in Brazil, Vinicius Borin, one<br />

of Franca’s associates, said<br />

that Antigua Overseas Bank<br />

was the first bank used by<br />

Franca to facilitate bribes on<br />

behalf of Odebrecht, before<br />

he, Franca and Marco Bilinski<br />

fronted the purchase of Meinl<br />

Bank.<br />

The ABLP noted that this<br />

purchase was known to Lovell<br />

as then minister of finance.<br />

“Spencer has a public duty<br />

to explain why he appointed<br />

Franca and the relationship<br />

between him, Franca and Harold<br />

Lovell, particularly as it<br />

been alleged that hundreds of<br />

billions of dollars were laundered<br />

through Meinl Bank<br />

while Spencer was prime<br />

minister and foreign minister,<br />

Lovell was finance minister<br />

and Franca was, at one and<br />

the same time, their honorary<br />

consul to Brazil and the<br />

managing director of Meinl<br />

Bank,” the ABLP said.<br />

The ABLP noted that, in<br />

normal circumstances, any<br />

unusual transactions over<br />

US$10,000 attracts suspicious<br />

activity reports by a bank’s<br />

compliance officer and these<br />

matters would be drawn to<br />

the attention of the appropriate<br />

authorities for action. Yet,<br />

under Spencer and Lovell’s<br />

watch, hundreds of millions<br />

of dollars were laundered by<br />

Meinl Bank under Franca’s<br />

supervision without an eyebrow<br />

being raised.<br />

The ABLP demanded an<br />

explanation of Lovell’s role<br />

with the Brazilian firm, Andrade<br />

Gutierrez, and its executives<br />

who were arrested for<br />

their participation in the Odebrecht<br />

scandal.<br />

“How was the connection<br />

to Andrade Gutierrez established?<br />

Why did Lovell and<br />

the UPP government give the<br />

firm a contract to add 1,000<br />

feet to the runway of VC Bird<br />

International Airport at an inflated<br />

cost of EC$270 million.<br />

Was it Lovell who subsequently<br />

issued US$100 million<br />

in bonds at the exorbitant<br />

rate of 13% to pay Gutierrez?<br />

Was there a tender process<br />

for the contract of EC$270<br />

million or were any bribes or<br />

other monies paid in awarding<br />

the contract? Further, did<br />

Lovell meet for several hours<br />

with Luiz Suarez and Olivio<br />

Rodriguez, who are at the centre<br />

of the Oldebrecht scandal,<br />

as asserted in the Brazilian<br />

court documents? If so, what<br />

was the nature of their discussions?”<br />

the ABLP asked.<br />

The ABLP also called on<br />

Lovell to explain the nature<br />

of his relationship with Kleinfeld<br />

and other associates of<br />

Oldebrecht, including if any<br />

monies were paid to him from<br />

these entities. (<strong>Caribbean</strong><br />

News Now!)


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 11<br />

Friday’s Sudoku Solution<br />

S U D O K U<br />

CROSSWORD<br />

Across<br />

1. Young lady<br />

5. Mexican sauce<br />

10. Zoomed<br />

14. Female voice<br />

15. Out on ____ (2 wds.)<br />

16. Friend<br />

17. Extend over<br />

18. Less wild<br />

19. Pretense<br />

20. Biblical pronoun<br />

22. Flounder’s kin<br />

23. Mellowed<br />

24. Most sensible<br />

26. Falls behind<br />

28. Sport groups<br />

31. Nasal sounds<br />

35. Cleopatra’s snake<br />

38. Perceived character<br />

40. Baggy<br />

43. Shred<br />

44. Latin dance<br />

45. Business owner<br />

48. Small quantity<br />

49. Stress<br />

50. Make into law<br />

53. Give over<br />

55. Formal procession<br />

59. Land measure<br />

62. Finishes<br />

65. Take it easy<br />

66. Weaving device<br />

67. Sacred song<br />

69. Silent actor<br />

70. Root beer, e.g.<br />

71. Radio receiver<br />

72. Above<br />

73. Store sign<br />

74. Obeys<br />

75. Take it easy<br />

Down<br />

1. Endures<br />

2. First Greek letter<br />

3. Discolored spot<br />

4. 14-line poem<br />

5. Fri. follower<br />

6. What a pity!<br />

7. Exec’s car<br />

8. Aroma<br />

9. Side by side<br />

10. Florida city<br />

11. Stopper<br />

12. Besides that<br />

13. Colored<br />

21. Wind direction (abbr.)<br />

25. Driveway sealer<br />

27. Tiny fly<br />

29. Slight<br />

30. Malice<br />

32. Melon peel<br />

33. Roman garment<br />

34. Stuck-up one<br />

35. Swiss mountains<br />

36. Categorize<br />

37. Impoverished<br />

39. On top of<br />

41. NASA employee<br />

42. Pennsylvania city<br />

46. Detailed (hyph.)<br />

47. Sharp knock<br />

51. Auto<br />

52. Earth vibration<br />

54. Result<br />

56. Animated<br />

57. Noblewomen<br />

58. Put forth<br />

59. Likewise<br />

60. Henhouse<br />

61. Was a passenger<br />

63. Copenhagen native<br />

64. Winter coaster<br />

68. Married woman (abbr.)


12 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

HOROSCOPE<br />

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.<br />

19). You know the type — accidental<br />

expectation-raisers.<br />

They’ll eat the last of the cereal<br />

and leave the empty box<br />

in the cupboard. Call them out.<br />

Otherwise, this will go on indefinitely.<br />

CANCER (June 22-July 22).<br />

If you’re going to be someone’s<br />

anchor, you’d better prepare<br />

for it first. You’ll need a<br />

metaphorical wetsuit, some<br />

flippers and, of course, an oxygen<br />

tank. Otherwise, the effort<br />

involves drowning.<br />

Today’s weather forecast<br />

Antigua and Barbuda<br />

Sun and a few passing clouds.<br />

High - 79ºF<br />

Low - 73ºF<br />

Wind: East North East 10 mph<br />

Sunrise 6.38 am; Sunset 5.50 pm<br />

Friday’s Crossword Solution<br />

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.<br />

18). You can’t sing a duet by<br />

yourself, but it’s a thing to try.<br />

To hear both parts in your head<br />

and only be able to sing one is<br />

to appreciate what another person<br />

brings to the song.<br />

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).<br />

You care. That it doesn’t matter<br />

to most other people won’t<br />

change this. So it’s a small<br />

detail; so it’s widely unnoticeable.<br />

Bottom line: If it means<br />

something to you, it means<br />

something.<br />

ARIES (March 21-April 19).<br />

Stephen King said, “Quiet<br />

people have the loudest<br />

minds.” You’re feeling unusually<br />

introverted today, but this<br />

is something to embrace, not<br />

overcome. All the good action<br />

is inside you.<br />

TAURUS (April 20-May 20).<br />

You’re drawn to thought leaders<br />

who communicate through<br />

speeches, books and art. Here<br />

comes an expansion of vocabulary<br />

and ideology! Basically,<br />

you’re raising your words, so<br />

you won’t have to raise your<br />

voice.<br />

GEMINI (May 21-June 21).<br />

For everything you want, there<br />

is a person out there who has<br />

it. This is wonderful. It proves<br />

what’s possible. Meeting such<br />

a person is an opportunity to<br />

learn what it takes to fulfill a<br />

particular appetite of yours.<br />

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Anyone<br />

can get lucky and do well<br />

under pressure once or twice.<br />

But to continually exhibit<br />

grace under the weight of a<br />

relentless opposing force —<br />

that’s how diamonds are made.<br />

You have that kind of stamina<br />

in you.<br />

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).<br />

Imagine that your problem is<br />

a destination, and then zoom<br />

in and out of it Google Earthstyle.<br />

This or some such perspective-based<br />

whimsy could<br />

really break you out of a limiting<br />

mindset today.<br />

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).<br />

Your intuition will protect<br />

you much better than fear ever<br />

could. But can you discern<br />

between the two? Listen carefully<br />

to the tone of your internal<br />

voices, because these two<br />

sound totally different.<br />

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).<br />

When will you get there?<br />

Whether you gauge by minutes,<br />

steps or songs, the real<br />

question is: Which way will<br />

be the most fun to measure the<br />

journey by?<br />

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.<br />

21). You, hard to love? Ridiculous!<br />

Anyone who thinks so<br />

has a hard time loving, period.<br />

You’re extremely easy to love,<br />

and those with normal-sized<br />

hearts will delight in you today.


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 13<br />

RSVA Early Childhood Development Center & Nursery<br />

are now enrolling babies from 3 months old to children five<br />

years old at the facility in Upper Gambles. For further information<br />

contact Erika Santana or Sherry- Ann at 562-8838.<br />

The Antigua State College invites the public to participate<br />

in CARD <strong>2017</strong> – Conference for Academic Research and<br />

Development. A community outreach programme of the<br />

college, CARD’s mission is to present research on issues of<br />

national and regional significance with the aim of promoting<br />

societal change. CARD <strong>2017</strong> is slated for March <strong>2017</strong>. The<br />

location will be announced at a later date. The organizers are<br />

working to prepare an attractive open environment for the<br />

sharing of knowledge and experience in an array of subject<br />

areas. Papers may be theoretical, archival or experimental in<br />

nature. We are asking those who are interested in presenting<br />

at the conference to submit an abstract of their research<br />

paper along with a resume or one page bio of themselves to<br />

the following e-mail, asc.cardconference@gmail.com. The<br />

contact person is Dr. Patricia Benn. The organizers invite<br />

the submission of papers by <strong>January</strong> 30th. For more information,<br />

contact: Antigua State College: 462-1434. Email:<br />

asc.cardconference@gmail.com<br />

The Medical Benefits Scheme wishes to advise all its’ beneficiaries<br />

that the Browne’s Avenue Pharmacy is now open<br />

to serve you. Enjoy quick service including pick-up & drop<br />

off services and spacious parking. Opening hours are MON<br />

– FRI 8 AM- 3 PM. Special extend hours on 12th – 23rd<br />

of December & 3rd -13th JANUARY <strong>2017</strong>: 7AM – 4 PM.<br />

Have a healthy and happy holiday from the Medical Benefits<br />

Scheme.<br />

All eligible persons in Barbuda are being urged to register<br />

immediately in light of the upcoming Barbuda Council elections,<br />

which are slated to be held in late March. The cut-off<br />

date for names to appear on the Register for Elections is <strong>January</strong><br />

31. All registration in Barbuda takes place at the Handicraft<br />

Centre. For more information, please call 562-4191 or<br />

visit our Facebook Page at Antigua and Barbuda Electoral<br />

Commission.<br />

The Diabetes Association will be holding their monthly<br />

Meeting on Wednesday 11th JANUARY <strong>2017</strong> in the First<br />

Floor conference room at MSJMC at 5:00pm please make a<br />

special effort to attend and bring along a family or friend. All<br />

are asked to be in full attendance. Please spread the word.<br />

All members of the Antigua and Barbuda Ex-Servicemen<br />

Association are notified of the monthly general meeting on<br />

Saturday 14 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> at 3 pm at Leah`s House on Prime<br />

Minister`s Drive. All poppies and donations should be returned<br />

to the Welfare Officer by Thursday 12 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong>.<br />

Please be on time or notify the Chairman, PRO or Welfare<br />

Officer on 720-0058, 721-1970 or 561-1062 of any apologies.


14 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Leeward Islands Hurricanes announce captain<br />

ahead of final squad selection for Super 50<br />

Kieran Powell who has<br />

been leading the Hurricanes<br />

in the Digicel Regional<br />

4 Day tournament<br />

will retain captaincy while<br />

the best all-rounder within<br />

the <strong>Caribbean</strong> and a passionate<br />

Rhakeem Cornwall<br />

will be the Vice- Captain.<br />

Powell is who has<br />

played 54 matches with a<br />

performance of 1287 runs<br />

with a highest score of 83<br />

and 8 half centuries, resulting<br />

in an average of 24.75<br />

runs, continues to show<br />

leadership amongst his<br />

team mates.<br />

Vice-Captain, Rhakeem<br />

Cornwall has played 12<br />

matches to date with the<br />

highest score of 113 not out<br />

with an average of 24.60.<br />

Cornwall’s performance<br />

for 2016 showed the kind<br />

of passion and heart that<br />

drives him as a player while<br />

picking up 68 wickets with<br />

6-5 wicket halls with a best<br />

performance of 8 for 108<br />

for the West Indies A team<br />

against the Sri Lanka A<br />

team in Colombo.<br />

Cornwall continues to<br />

show his aggression in<br />

both bowling and batting<br />

as he finishes his tour with<br />

23 wickets for the 3 Match<br />

test series.<br />

Hurricanes to produce<br />

both batsman as wicket<br />

keeper batsman Jahmir<br />

Hamilton closes the first<br />

half of the Digicel 4 Day<br />

Tournament as the leading<br />

batsman with 485 runs at<br />

an average of 69.28.mes<br />

The Hurricanes will<br />

have 3 practice games at<br />

the Sir Vivian Richards<br />

Stadium to select the final<br />

14 man squad starting on<br />

the 12th – 14th <strong>January</strong><br />

<strong>2017</strong>.<br />

Annual Sports<br />

Classic a success<br />

By Marver Woodley<br />

The third annual Sports Classic sponsored by the State<br />

Insurance Corporation has come to a close after 4 days of<br />

round country events hosted by the Helping Hand Foundation.<br />

Organizer of the event Parliamentary Secretary in the<br />

Ministry of Sports Colin James thanked all of the participants<br />

for the 4-day experience, as it went off without a hitch.<br />

Several new sporting activities were added to this year’s<br />

event much to the delight of James who adopted the help<br />

of several persons to make the feet possible to include the<br />

national athletic team, all saints athletic club, and several<br />

others.<br />

Unlike when it was held the last two years the event was<br />

expanded to a four-day period from the 5th to the 8th of <strong>January</strong><br />

from a one day session to better accommodate activities<br />

and the organization’s ability to host a wider variety of<br />

sports, to include tennis and basketball tournaments.<br />

Although boxing and a cross country run/walk was slated<br />

to take place the two noted events were postpone until the<br />

21st one of which reason being the Governments One Nation<br />

Concert.<br />

Employment<br />

Vacancy for Supervisor at The Furniture Gallery, Airport<br />

Road. 462 4952/1452. Candidate needs to be flexible &<br />

available to work Saturdays. Apply in person with documentation.


<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong> c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 15<br />

Senator hosts New Year classic<br />

By Carlena Knight<br />

Parliamentary Secretary in the<br />

Ministry of Sports Sen. Collin James<br />

hosted his annual New Years Sports<br />

Classic from Thursday 5 th <strong>January</strong> –<br />

Sunday 8 th <strong>January</strong> at the Old Road<br />

sports facility.<br />

The event began on Thursday and<br />

wrapped on Sunday with a number of<br />

sporting disciplines on display mainly<br />

basketball and netball.<br />

Ovals and All Saints got off to a<br />

good start in the basketball competition<br />

as they defeated Rockersville<br />

and Sea View Farm on Thursday evening.<br />

In the first matchup, Ovals<br />

trumped Rockersville 64-52 with<br />

HOBART, Australia –<br />

West Indies all-rounder Carlos<br />

Brathwaite made an instant<br />

impact with a brace of<br />

wickets as reigning Big Bash<br />

champions Sydney Thunder<br />

continued their resurgence<br />

with an emphatic six-wicket<br />

Devorn Benjamin leading his team<br />

with 26 points.<br />

He was assisted by Kareem<br />

‘Macky’ Edwards with 10 points.<br />

Kevin Joseph of Rockersville had<br />

19 points while teammate, Walton<br />

Christian netted 16 in a losing effort.<br />

All Saints defeated Sea View<br />

Farm, 44-32 in the final match up of<br />

the night.<br />

Anjis Anthony scored 9 for the<br />

victors and was assisted by Keddie<br />

Martin and John Rolland with 8<br />

points respectively.<br />

Kenroy Telemaque had 11 in a<br />

losing effort.<br />

Matches continued on Friday and<br />

Sunday evening but could not be obtained<br />

up to press time.<br />

win over Hobart Hurricanes<br />

Sunday.<br />

Called up to replace injured<br />

Windies teammate,<br />

Andre Russell, the 28-yearold<br />

Brathwaite played a key<br />

role in his first game to help<br />

restrict Hurricanes to 161 for<br />

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earn just by telling your story.<br />

Call <strong>Caribbean</strong> <strong>Times</strong> at (268) 562 8688<br />

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Or news@caribbeantimes.ag<br />

Reach us now with that breaking news!<br />

eight off their 20 overs at Bellerive<br />

Oval.<br />

In reply, Thunder cruised<br />

to their target with over three<br />

overs remaining, to collect<br />

their second win on the trot.<br />

They remained bottom of the<br />

standings but joined four other<br />

sides on four points, with<br />

Brisbane Heat top on eight<br />

points.<br />

Sent in, Hobart were carried<br />

by George Bailey’s unbeaten<br />

69 off 54 deliveries<br />

while Ben McDermott got 31<br />

and Jonathan Wells, 26.<br />

The hosts slumped to 10<br />

for two in the second over<br />

but Bailey led the recovery,<br />

adding 46 for the third wicket<br />

with McDermott and a further<br />

49 for the fifth wicket with<br />

Wells.<br />

Seamer Brathwaite accounted<br />

for Daniel Christian<br />

for 16 in the 14th over at 90<br />

Coolidge Cricket<br />

Grounds hosts<br />

its first games<br />

By Marver Woodley<br />

The newly bought Sandford Cricket<br />

Grounds will host its first ever set of games<br />

under the new title the Coolidge Cricket<br />

Grounds.<br />

The grounds will be utilized as one of<br />

two venues selected to host the upcoming<br />

Leeward Island Super 50 tournament and<br />

the playoff, semifinals and final games<br />

in the Group A all scheduled for the 24th<br />

along with the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket<br />

Grounds.<br />

The games will be played in Barbados<br />

and the new capital of the West Indies<br />

Cricket Board in a day and night format.<br />

Brathwaite helps Thunder to key win<br />

for four, caught in the deep<br />

off a slower ball. He then<br />

stalled Hobart’s momentum<br />

by removing Wells to another<br />

slower ball in the 18th over,<br />

caught at square leg off a topedged<br />

slog sweep at 139 for<br />

five.<br />

In reply, Thunder benefitted<br />

from captain Shane Watson’s<br />

top score of 55 off 31<br />

deliveries and opener James<br />

Vince’s 44 off 28 balls, as they<br />

easily overhauled their target.<br />

Vince and Kurtis Patterson<br />

(23) put on 62 off 38 balls for<br />

the first wicket before Watson<br />

anchored a 63-run, third wicket<br />

stand with Ben Rohrer who<br />

made an unbeaten 28.<br />

Batting at number five,<br />

Brathwaite made six before<br />

he was dismissed with the<br />

scores tied, caught in the deep<br />

attempting to end the game<br />

with a maximum. (CMC)


16 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g<br />

<strong>Monday</strong> <strong>9th</strong> <strong>January</strong> <strong>2017</strong><br />

Energy Minister looks forward<br />

to positive output from WIOC<br />

By Joanna Paris<br />

Minister with responsibility<br />

for Energy, the Hon.<br />

Asot Michael, has indicated<br />

that the ongoing expansion<br />

of the West Indies Oil Company<br />

(WIOC) will increase<br />

the number of opportunities<br />

available in the field of energy.<br />

Speaking during the ribbon<br />

cutting ceremony to commission<br />

tank number 45 last<br />

week, Minister Michael said<br />

that the tank farm will provide<br />

the country’s strategic partner,<br />

PDVSA of Venezuela, with<br />

storage to competitively supply<br />

the OECS territories.<br />

The Energy Minister noted<br />

that “the government is<br />

transitioning our relationship<br />

with Venezuela away from<br />

begging and borrowing to<br />

partnership and mutual benefit”,<br />

which he said was not<br />

existent under the former administration.<br />

He said that it<br />

is important for the people of<br />

both Venezuela and Antigua<br />

and Barbuda to benefit from<br />

the financial relationship.<br />

“We believe that such<br />

mutual benefits are the foundation<br />

of a sustainable relationship<br />

that both the people<br />

of Venezuela and Antigua and<br />

Barbuda can uphold and support.<br />

Further, the export of increased<br />

oil-product by WIOC<br />

will earn the company greater<br />

revenues not only for itself but<br />

for the Government and people<br />

of Antigua and Barbuda<br />

as the owner of 51% of the<br />

company”, Minister Michael<br />

emphasized.<br />

In his remarks, the Energy<br />

Minister also stressed that<br />

the tank farm expansion does<br />

not only signify a leap in WI-<br />

OC’s development, but an<br />

important jump in the path of<br />

rebuilding our country’s economy.<br />

“In other words, I want to<br />

recognize and praise the person<br />

who gave the leadership,<br />

the vision and the creativity to<br />

putting the nation of Antigua<br />

and Barbuda in the beneficial<br />

position it enjoys today with<br />

the West Indies Oil Company<br />

and the gains it brings to our<br />

economy. The credit belongs<br />

singularly to the Honourable<br />

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister<br />

of Antigua and Barbuda, a<br />

leader not only with a glorious<br />

vision for the country’s development<br />

but also the capacity<br />

to negotiate and to bargain at<br />

the tables of high finance to<br />

achieve it”, he said.

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