Caribbean Times 71st Issue - Monday 9th January 2017
Caribbean Times 71st Issue - Monday 9th January 2017
Caribbean Times 71st Issue - Monday 9th January 2017
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<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 />
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St. John’s,<br />
Antigua.<br />
Tel: (268) 562-8688,<br />
Fax: (268) 562-8685.<br />
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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 />
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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 />
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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.