Caribbean Times 81st Issue

Informative, reliable, enriching!
Monday 23rd January 2017 A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a
Vol.8 No.81 $2.00
TWO DEAD IN
FIERY CRASH
See story
on Page 2
Two men died on Old Parham Road Saturday night in a vehicle crash which resulted in the car bursting into flames. Carl “Muslim” Constant,
inset top right, and Cordel “Pudding” Graham lost their lives in the accident.

2 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Two dead in fiery crash
By Renio Abbott
Police have identified the
bodies of the two males who
died on the old Parham Road
in the early hours of Sunday
morning, in the vicinity of
the Tunnel Bar on Old Parham
Road.
The vehicle was traveling
from west to east when the
driver lost control and landed
in front of the house belonging
to the owners of the Bar.
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According to Police reports,
the vehicle came into contact
with a live electrical wire
which caused it to burst into
flames.
The Vehicle was driven by
45-year old Carl “Muslim”
Constant of Pares Village,
an employee at the West Indies
Oil Company, carrying a
single passenger, 46-year old
Cordel “Pudding” Graham of
Parham, an employee at the
Matthews Auto parts in Clare
Hall.
Reports reaching Caribbean
Times are that sometime
after 3:00 a.m. one of
residents of the property was
awake, when they heard a
commotion, initially thinking
By Joanna Paris
Antigua and Barbuda continues to lead
the way in implementing energy initiatives.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne
said that the West Indies Oil Company
(WIOC) will play a very critical role in the
progressive development of the country.
“In 2017, WIOC will become a player
in the cruise ship bunkering market, consolidating
the country’s attractiveness as a
cruise tourism destination. The transition of
our country to renewables, as one of the most
vulnerable in the world to climate change,
is not an alternative, but an imperative”, the
Prime Minister noted during his 2017 Budget
presentation.
He also highlighted the fact that by the
end of 2017, the government would have invested
$100 million to transition to renewables,
in building a low carbon, climate resilient
economy.
“In terms of renewable energy, the 10
megawatts solar energy project will begin
that something fell in the bar
which is attached to the side
of the residence.
They peeked through the
living room window and observed
a vehicle on its roof in
the front yard. They heard a
voice shouting “help, help”,
and knocking on the window.
The vehicle exploded shortly
after and two other persons
who were in the home at the
time were awakened to assist.
The property owner who
was out at the time, was contacted
and arrived shortly after
the fire trucks arrived on
the scene. The jaws of life
were employed to remove the
bodies from the wreckage.
Both men were pronounced
dead on the scene. The front
of the wooden home was noticeably
burned.
While speaking to the
owner of the House and bar
she stated, I’m” really traumatized
and I can’t imagine
how disturbed the families
of both deceased are and it’s
really sad, it could have happened
to anyone. Pudding is
my good friend and he frequently
visits the bar. He’s
always checking up on me,
he is a cheerful and pleasant
young man”.
She expressed sadness in
the way both men lost their
lives and extended sympathy
for their families.
Caribbean times wishes
to send condolences to the
families of the deceased in
this their time of loss.
2017: The year of energy
installation at Bethesda for a 4 Megawatt
plant, and also one megawatt on Barbuda.
My government has also successfully negotiated
financing from the Caribbean Development
Bank for a major project to transition
all streetlights in Antigua and Barbuda
to LED lighting. In 2017, two thousand solar
street lights will be installed in various
communities across the country”, he further
added.
The Government has also negotiated a
US$15 million concessional loan, to fund a
5 Megawatt wind turbine and solar energy
project, through the IRENA GEF Facility at
2% interest over 20 years with a five-year
grace period. He also gave the rationale behind
this project.
“This project will assist in taking Government
operations off the APUA fossil-fuel-generated
power system, reducing
government’s costs and contributing to a
reduction of the nation’s carbon footprint”,
he indicated.

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3
Prime Minister Gaston Browne presents
2017 Budget Statement to Parliament
“Building an Economic
Powerhouse through Innovation,
Creativity and People
Participation,” is the
theme Prime Minister and
Minister for Finance and
Corporate Governance, the
Honourable Gaston has chosen
for the country’s 2017
Budget Statement presented
to Parliament on Friday.
“I report on the economy
that, in 2016, grew at
the greatest rate of all of
the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) countries. I
report on the economy that
outpaced the vast majority
of countries in the world
with an outstanding growth
rate in 2016 of 4.3%.
{That economy, is our
own – Antigua and Barbuda.
And, that remarkable
growth figure of 4.3% is
not my government’s number;
it is the latest findings
of the Eastern Caribbean
Central Bank. This is truly
an exceptional achievement
and one that I know that
this Honourable House will
want to recognize and applaud.
“This is the backdrop
against which I present this
year’s budget under the
theme: Building an Economic
Powerhouse through
Innovation, Creativity and
People Participation,” stated
Prime Minister Browne.
Prime Minister Browne
said that his government’s
performance which resulted
in a stable economy stands
tall to others within the region
and the hemisphere.
“The Antigua and Barbuda
economy is stronger today
because my government
confronted our country’s
problems and worked diligently
to turn them around.
“We inherited those
problems from 10 years of
mismanagement, corruption
and inefficiency by the
previous UPP administration.
We have not rectified
all the problems with which
we were saddled, nor have
we overcome all the challenges
with which we were
burdened.
“But, it should now be
pellucid to all that we have
grasped the nettle, and we
are delivering the better
conditions and prospects
that our people have a right
to expect,” PM Browne stated.
The country’s leader is
expected to spend at least
two hours detailing his government’s
stabilization of
the economy “left in shambles
by the Opposition UPP
with a deficit of over 600
million dollars.”

4 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Call for robust CIP’s: Dr Clarence Henry
By Everton Barnes
Caribbean countries administering
Citizenship by
Investment Programmes
(CIP) are being urged to
ensure that their individual
programmes are properly
administered to remove all
doubts that they are inherently
threats to international
security.
The word of caution
comes from Antigua and
Barbuda’s Ambassador to
the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM), Dr. Clarence
Henry, in remarks to a meeting
of the CARICOM Standing
Working Committee on
CIP’s held by videoconference
last Friday.
Dr. Henry reminded the
meeting that the environment
within which the CIP’s operate
can be seen as hostile
as this is highlighted by the
recent CBS 60 Minutes programme
aired internationally.
The feature sought to portray
the CIP programmes in the
Caribbean as weaknesses in
the international security architecture
as a security expert
quoted by 60 Minutes
opined.
The Ministry of Health and the Environment
in collaboration with the Antigua and
Barbuda Red Cross will be hosting Health
Screenings for Cholesterol and Blood Sugar
on Thursday 26 th January 2017, from
9am – 1pm.
This will take place in front of the health
headquarters at the bottom of Long and
High Streets.
The ambassador noted
that Antigua and Barbuda’s
Prime Minister, Gaston
Browne, has already labeled
the 60 Minutes feature as
‘a hatchet job’ against the
OECS CIP’s. He recalled
Antigua and Barbuda’s past
experiences with its gaming
sector which was crippled
by the actions of the United
States. Noting that the matter
reached as high as the World
Trade Organization, Dr. Henry
said the United States has
failed to implement the ruling
of the international body
more than ten years after the
decision.
“I recalled this experience
as a reminder to us all that
the larger states will crush us
if it is within their perceived
interests to do so. We have to
be mindful, constantly, that
these CIP programmes, seen
as ‘cash cows’ today, could
very likely disappear tomorrow.
Every niche we seek
to carve out there are roadblocks
to its sustainability as
if we should remain mendicants,”
he observed.
Dr. Henry drew attention
to the fact that the CIP programmes
are of tremendous
value to the five OECS states
that operate them; for example
in Antigua and Barbuda it
represents a sizeable portion
of the government’s annual
revenues over the past two
years. He therefore urged
his colleagues to at all times
ensure the integrity of the individual
programmes as an
attack on one is an attack on
all.
“With this in mind, it behooves
us to be more vigilant;
mindful, watchful as we
strive to protect the security
and reputation of our individual
programmes.
“Ours must be seen as
Health Screening Notice
Ambassador Dr. Clarence Henry, centre, flanked by Deputy Chief
Executive Officer of the CIP Unit, Thomas Anthony, right, and Project
Development Officer of the Office of the National Authorizing
Officer, Juray Roberts
Members of the public are invited to
get screened. Knowing yours numbers can
make a difference in leading a healthier life.
Health professionals will also be on
hand to answer your questions and concerns.
For more information about the upcoming
health screening, please call the Ministry
of Health at 462-5522.
the best run, most thorough
and supervised CIP’s in the
world. Nothing less would
suffice!” he declared.
The SWC meeting was
coordinated jointly by the
CARICOM Secretariat and
CARICOM Implementing
Agency for Crime and Security
(IMPACS) and drew
attendance from Antigua
and Barbuda, St Kitts-Nevis
and St Lucia which are core
members. Along with Barbados,
Trinidad and Tobago and
Jamaica.
Dr. Henry chaired the
proceedings and led the Antigua
and Barbuda delegation
which also included Deputy
Chief Executive Officer of
the CIP Unit, Thomas Anthony
and Project Development
Officer of the Office of the
National Authorizing Officer,
Juray Roberts. The meeting
heard a review of the security
situation in the Caribbean,
looked at challenges encountered
in operating CIP’s and
reviewed a draft policy manual
for the region.

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 5
Development of sea port, roads and
energy sector priority for government
Government has set the
development of the country’s
lone sea port, the construction
and re-construction
of the road network
and energy generation as
priorities for 2017.
Prime Minister Browne
while delivering the Budget
Statement on Friday said
that his government in an
effort to secure a significantly
better quality of life
for citizens and residents
will build infrastructure
that will enable the nation
to become the economic
powerhouse of the region.
In November 2015, the
Cabinet approved a Medium
Term Development
Strategy for the period 2016
to 2020 which identifies
a number of priorities for
government to develop the
twin island state to include
a complete and comprehensive
upgrade of the nation’s
infrastructure.
“The Government has
successfully accessed $235
By Renio Abbott
Camroy Webber, the 46- year old
Barbudan who was brought before Justice
Morley and a 12-member Jury for
Serious Indecency with a minor, was
found Guilty of Friday afternoon.
As Justice Morley summed up the
entire case for the Jurors he indicated to
them, “be very independent with your
decision because of the nature and the
facts surrounding the matter”. The Jury
million from the China
Exim Bank for the Port Development
Project at the
Deep Water Harbour. On its
completion, the new, modern,
state-of-the art port
facilities will ensure that
Antigua is established as a
primary location for marine
transportation and logistical
services, for the wider
Caribbean,” noted PM
Browne.
He said that the project
will produce employment
in its construction phase
and, in the longer term, deliver
new occupational and
career paths, particularly
for young people.
In addition, the Government
will mount a road
and infrastructure rehabilitation
which will be systematically
done in keeping
with both the development
needs and the needs of each
community throughout the
country.
“In this regard, my government
intends to redesign
and reconstruct two major
roadways – the Sir George
Walter Highway and Friar’s
Hill Road. Other roads will
also receive attention as
conditions demand and finances
allow. The objective
however, is to construct and
resurface over 100 miles of
roads in 2017,” he said.
In Energy, the Prime
Minister outlined that the
transition of the country
to renewables, as one of
the most vulnerable in the
world to climate change,
is not an alternative, but an
imperative. He said that by
the end of 2017, government
would have invested
$100 million to transition
to renewables, in building
a low carbon, climate resilient
economy.
“In terms of renewable
energy, the 10 megawatts
solar energy project will
begin installation at Bethesda
for a 4 Megawatt plant,
and also one megawatt on
Barbuda. My government
were asked to follow the reasons and
not their feelings.
Morley also explained the tender
age of the minor when it occurred, and
the minor still remembered. A child
doesn’t have the same experience as
adults and their understanding is limited.
Justice Morley further reminded the
Jurors of the reason for the screen that
was used in order to make the minor
has also successfully negotiated
financing from the
Caribbean Development
Bank for a major project
to transition all streetlights
in Antigua and Barbuda to
LED lighting” PM Browne
stated.
He said that this year,
two thousand solar street
lights will be installed in
various communities across
Antigua and Barbuda.
“We have also negotiated
a US$15 million concessional
loan, to fund a
5 Megawatt wind turbine
and solar energy project,
through the IRENA and the
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development
Facility at 2% interest
over 20 years with a
five-year grace period. This
project will assist in taking
Government operations off
the APUA fossil-fuel-generated
power system, reducing
government’s costs
and contributing to a reduction
of the nation’s carbon
footprint,” he said.
Webber found guilty of serious indecency
comfortable and not feel intimidated by
seeing the accused while she recalled
the incident in court.
The Jury went into deliberation at
12:05 and returned at 2:15 pm with a
Guilty Verdict. One of the accused’s
family member, who was present at the
hearing broke down in tears.
Webber was remanded to Her Majesty
Prison; sentencing will conclude
in February 2017.

6 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Antigua & Barbuda welcome Norwegian Jade
By Joanna Paris
After achieving the competed status
of being one of the fastest growing
economies in Latin America and the
Caribbean, the Gaston Browne led administration
have indicated that new
mechanisms will be implemented to
increase revenue.
Minister of Finance and Corporate
Governance, the Honourable Gaston
Browne said during the Budget presentation
on Friday that these interventions
will focus on strengthening tax administration
rather than the introduction of
new tax measures.
He emphasized that the enactment
of an updated Tax Administration Procedures
Act (TAPA) will be at the heart
of this effort.
He also announced that the Inland
Revenue Department will be creating
a number of strategies to collect outstanding
monies.
“The Inland Revenue Department
will also implement a plan to collect
tax arrears, which will involve taking
decisive legal action against non-compliant
taxpayers.
“The IRD will also work more closely
with other Government agencies,
through the establishment of MOUs, to
complete the circle of information regarding
activities of taxpayers to help
improve tax assessments and revenue
collection”, he said.
Plans will also be put in place for
a cap to be placed on discretionary tax
waivers particularly in respect of the
Import Duty and the Revenue Recovery
Charge.
The revenue collection from these
and other border taxes will be bolstered
By Joanna Paris
With a capacity to carry
two thousand four hundred
and two passengers and one
thousand and thirty-seven
crew members, the Norwegian
Jade docked at the
nation’s port for the first
time on Friday.
The vessel features a
wide array of award winning
restaurants, casino, spa, theatre
and other special amenities.
A welcoming party comprising
tourism officials,
customs personnel, high
ranking police officers, other
specially invited guests and
the media were greeted by
the ship’s captain.
President of the Antigua
and Barbuda Cruise Tourism
Association, Nathan Dundas,
said that negotiations
with the cruise line have finally
borne fruit.
“We want to officially
welcome the captain, crew
and passengers of the Norwegian
Jade to Antigua.
Even though this will be
their only call this season, we
are sure that we would have
impressed them enough to
ensure that that they make us
a part of their itinerary next
season”, he said.
The Captain of the vessel,
Kim Karlsson said that
he is very happy to see the
numerous developments that
have taken place on the island.
“You have certainly done
a lot of work here and it’s
good to see all of this progress”,
he indicated.
There ceremony also
featured the exchange of
plaques to serve as a memory
of the inaugural visit.
New strategies to increase revenue
by the implementation of ASUCYDA
World.
“These interventions will result in
an increase in the yield from Property
Tax, the Unincorporated Business Tax,
Stamp Duties, the Import Duty, Revenue
Recovery Charge, Antigua and
Barbuda Sales Tax, and the Corporate
Income Tax. The Government is of the
view that this is a feasible fiscal strategy
that represents an attainable level of
fiscal effort for 2017”, he asserted.
He described the mechanisms as
a credible indication of Antigua and
Barbuda’s commitment to pursuing a
prudent and responsible fiscal path towards
debt sustainability.
This, he added will be achieved
without sacrificing economic growth
and employment or compromising the
standard of living of the population.

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 7
Construction and completion of
key facilities to take place this year
By Joanna Paris
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
and Corporate Governance, the
Hon. Gaston Browne has announced
the construction and completion of a
number of new buildings, which will
assist the government in saving money
otherwise that would be paid for
rent.
While outlining the budgetary allocations
for the year 2017, Prime
Minister Browne said that the headquarters
for the Antigua Department
of Marine Services and the State Insurance
Corporation office buildings
will be completed later this year. Both
he noted will save rental costs.
He also indicated that the West Indies
Oil Company will continue the
construction of its storage tanks and
The Government of
Prime Minister Gaston
Browne has pledged to expand
the housing development
programme it started
upon entering in office in
2014.
Prime Minister the Honourable
Gaston Browne
while delivering the Budget
Statement in Parliament on
Friday said that the housing
programme which was created
to address the problem
of home ownership and the
poor quality of housing in
certain areas in the country
will be expanded to cover a
wider area of need.
He said that this will be
done through the National
will also develop a business park on
Friars Hill Road.
The sister isle will not be left out
of the equation.
“the Port and Airport infrastructure
development in Barbuda will
commence in 2017, and the logistical
arrangements to make Barbuda a port
of entry will be finalized”, he said.
The audience was also told about
a five-storey state-of-the-art Business
Process Outsourcing office building,
located at Woods Estate that is also
scheduled for completed.
“This US$25 million project is expected
to provide over 800 jobs and
boost Antigua and Barbuda’s attractiveness
as an International Financial
Services Centre. Our Government will
partner with Amazon and the Alorica
Housing and Urban Renewal
Company Limited which
has assets of over 120 Million
dollars.
“Preparatory work has
begun in Lightfoot, including
grading of the site.
Actual construction of the
houses is scheduled to begin
by the third quarter of
2017.
“We will also build a
number of homes in Barbuda.
In addition, our government’s
social housing project
will commence later this
year at Booby Alley in the
Point and will subsequently
be expanded to include
Grays Farm, Green Bay,
Perry Bay and Ottos.”
Since the commencement
of the programme,
government has constructed
a number of two, three
and four bedroom houses
at Dredge Bay, Denfields
(Cooks Extension), Paynters
and Lightfoot.
The country’s leader said
that the expanded social
housing programme will be
heavily subsidized and will
target the poor and vulnerable
in poor communities.
“The housing programme
will be augmented
with increased availability
of affordable housing plots,
and supporting tax concessions
on building material,
furnishings and fixtures for
Call Centre, located at Coolidge to
construct a call center facility at the
Five Islands Campus. This will provide
a further 500 jobs in 2017”, the
nation’s leader said.
He also further committed to the
construction of a third cruise ship pier
at Point Wharf to accommodate the
world’s largest Oasis Class ships at a
cost of $108 million.
“This project will ensure that Antigua
is able to welcome many more
thousands of cruise ship passengers,
with every call benefiting vendors,
taxi drivers, restaurants, tour operators
and the business community. This
investment will also help us to reach
the target of a million cruise ship passengers
within the next two years”,
Prime Minister Browne stated.
Housing scheme to expand in 2017
first time home owners.
“These housing lots will
be retailed for $5.00 per
foot to include infrastructural
costs.
“My government will
also make larger development
plots available at $3.00
per square foot, to promote
increased entrepreneurship
in building a stakeholder
society,” he said.
The country’s leader
also revealed that several
senior citizen recreational
facilities will be constructed
across the island in promotion
of good health and
wellness.
No one will be left behind,
he remarked.

8 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Local economy best in the Caribbean
By Everton Barnes
The Antigua and Barbuda
economy ended the year
2016 with a growth rate
of 4.3 percent. Making it
one of the best performing
economies not just in the
Caribbean, but throughout
the Americas.
That’s the assessment of
Junior Chamber Youth
(JCY), the youth arm of
JCI Antigua ,is pleased to
announce that on Saturday
14th January, the first of a
three part series of workshops
was hosted. The workshops
are geared towards
the development of youths
in Antigua. They are held at
the Antigua State College on
Saturdays from 10 AM to 1
PM.
Facilitators are invited
to make presentations to 25
secondary school students
as well as JCY members on
topics to including Healthy
Relationships, Self Love
and Acceptance, Anger
Management and Personal
Hygiene. The final workshop
will be held on Saturday
28th January.
We extend a sincere
thank you to the parents who
allowed their children to be a
part of this initiative as well
as our previous facilitators,
Miss Zahra Airall and Mrs.
Prime Minister and Finance
Minister, Gaston Browne,
as he delivered the 2017
Budget Presentation to the
House of Representatives
last Friday.
PM Browne said the
government is building the
foundation upon which he
anticipates that economic
growth will surpass the
2016 rate by the end of
2017.
“I report on the economy
that the UN Economic Commission
on Latin America
and the Caribbean projects
as the fastest growing economy
in the Caribbean and
the fourth fastest growing
Junior Chamber Youth host workshop
Natasha Blake-Richards.
As the president, I firmly
speak on behalf of Junior
Chamber Youth in declaring
that we will continue to pursue
avenues to empower and
develop our youth of today
into leaders of tomorrow.
economy in Latin America
and the Caribbean. I report
on the economy that, in
2016, grew at the greatest
rate of all of the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM)
countries.
“I report on the economy
that outpaced the vast
majority of countries in the
world with an outstanding
growth rate in 2016 of 4.3%.
That economy, Mr. Speaker,
is our own – Antigua and
Barbuda,” he reported.
The prime minister said
his government’s handling
of the economy was a major
factor in what he termed
‘this remarkable’ turnaround
in the space of twoand-a-half
year. He said the
three principal drivers of
the economy are all from
government’s interventions
in the economy.
“There were three principal
contributors to growth
in 2016 – all arising from
my government’s policies.
These were: construction
whose value-added rose by
12% to $274 million; the
hotel and restaurant sector
that increased by 6% to
$408 million and the wholesale
and retail sector that
expanded by 8% to $402
million.
“This Honourable House
will recall my government’s
pledge to build homes for
the people of our country,
recognising that home ownership
and better quality
housing were weaknesses in
cont’d on pg 9

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 9
Gov’t joins in Chinese New Year celebrations
By Justin Peters
The Embassy of the People’s Republic
of China, yesterday hosted a
reception to celebrate the Chinese
New Year, ushering in the “Year of
the Rooster” A number of government
officials attended the elegant function
at the Lord Nelson’s Ballroom at the
Sandals Grande Resort, including His
Excellency Rodney Williams, Governor
General of Antigua and Barbuda,
Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime
Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,
Honourable Charles Fernandez, Minister
of Foreign Affairs, International
Trade and Immigration, Honourable
E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Trade,
Industry, Commerce, Sports and National
Festivals, Brian Stewart Young,
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to
China, and Ambassador Lionel “Max”
Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s
Office, among others.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Xianmin
extended best wishes for the new
year, lauding the progress made between
Antigua and Barbuda and the
People’s Republic of China.
“The win-win cooperation between
our two countries in the fields of politics,
economics, education and culture
has been deepened. The well-developed
exchanges in all levels have been
demonstrated through our deepened
political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation
in economic and cultured aspects
as well as coordination on international
affairs.
“We both recognize the same principles
of mutual respect and benefit in
establish foreign relations, share the
same concerns in the international arena,
such as UN reform, climate change.
We highly appreciate the unswerving
adherence to the One-China Policy adopted
by successive Antiguan and Barbudan
Governments.
“The fact has proved that the cooperation
between the two countries
comply with the fundamental interests
of both Chinese and Antiguan and Barbudan”,
Ambassador Wang stated.
Minister Max Fernandez, Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Immigration,
stated the importance of the Chinese
New Year, this year being the “Year of
the Rooster” calling the People’s Republic
of China, Antigua and Barbuda’s
most international partner, as is evident
by the number of concessionary loans
and grants provided to the twin island
nation, the first country in the region to
establish diplomatic ties with the People’s
Republic of China.
He confirmed that the construction
of the Chinese Embassy will begin in
2017 on 5 acres of land donated by the
Government of Antigua and Barbuda as
a landmark edifice not only in Antigua
and Barbuda but the entire Caribbean.
Prime Minister, Honourable Gaston
Browne commented that the relationship
between the two nations is currently
at its Zenith and has significant
scope to grow.
He acknowledged the role that the
People’s Republic of China continues
to play in developing the socio-economic
infrastructure, with the funding
of several important projects such as
the new V.C. Bird International Terminal,
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and
the Five Islands Facility, both gifts to
the people of Antigua and Barbuda,
with commitments being made to fund
the rebuilding of the Port Facility and
a further $EC60 million towards the
construction of several polyclinics in
Antigua and Barbuda.
The Prime Minister indicated that
the Government values the relationship
with the People’s Republic of China
above all others.
He committed to continue to work
hand in hand with the People’s Republic
of China to further strengthen the
relationship the two countries share, to
support China in the International forum
and support the One China Policy.
cont’d from pg 8
our human development,”
he stated
According to the prime
minister the government
established the National
Housing and Urban Renewal
Company Ltd. With
a mandate to carry out the
government’s housing policies,
the corporation is
managing housing developments
at four different
locations. Today, he noted
NHURC has $120 million
in assets without getting any
financing from taxes.
Other major developments
include the extension
of the pier at Heritage Quay
and the further dredging of
the St John’s Harbour to
accommodate the Quantum
Class of cruise ships.
The prime minister announced
an increase in budgetary
allocations this year.
“Recurrent expenditure including
principal payments
is estimated at $1.2 billion,
which is about 6.6 % above
the $1.1billion estimated
in Budget 2016. Recurrent
expenditure excluding principal
payments for Fiscal
Year 2017 is estimated at
$769 million while recurrent
revenue is estimated at
$935 million,” he declared.
The Ministries of Finance,
education and health
are allocated the largest
slice of the budget.
Capital expenditure for
the year is forecast at $102
million.
Most of this will go towards
road development in
keeping with the government’s
intention to prioritize
road expansion and improvements
during the year.

10 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Remarks at reception in celebration
of the Chinese New Year
Your Excellency Sir Rodney Williams,
Governor General of Antigua
and Barbuda and Lady Williams,
Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister
of Antigua and Barbuda and Mrs.
Browne,
Hon. Sir Gerald Watt, Speaker of
the House of Representatives,
Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister
of Foreign Affairs, International Trade
and Immigration,
Hon. E.P. Chet Green, Minister of
Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports,
Culture and National Festivals,
Your Excellency Brian Stuart-Young,
Ambassador of Antigua
and Barbuda to China and Mrs. Stuart-Young,
Representatives of the Chinese
Companies and Communities in Antigua
and Barbuda,
Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
As a new year begins, everything
takes on a new look. Today, we gathered
here to celebrate the Chinese New
Year. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy
and my wife Madame Jiang Xuguang,
I would like to extend my warmest
greetings to all my guests. Please accept
my best wishes to all of you for a
successful Year of the Rooster.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2016 is an extraordinary year for
China full of achievement in many
aspects. A good beginning of the 13 th
“Five Year Plan” has been made. China
actively promoted economic growth,
fully deepened reform, promoted rule
of law, advanced strict governance of
the Communist Party of China. Last
Year, Chinese people were proud of the
great progress we made in the space
program, and the excellent achievements
our athletes gained in the Olym-
Ambassador Wang
pics Games in Brazil. At the G20
Hangzhou Summit, China contributed
its wisdom and solutions to addressing
global issues. The Belt and Road Initiative
is advancing in fast paces, and the
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
officially went into operation.
In 2017, the 19 th National Congress
of Communist Party of China will be
convened, and China will make more
efforts in building a well-off society in
all respects, deepening overall reform,
rule of law and strict governance of the
Party. It is clear that the Chinese Government
adheres to peaceful development,
and will resolutely safeguard our
country’s territorial sovereignty and
maritime rights and interests.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have witnessed profound developments
in the relations between China
and Antigua and Barbuda in 2016.
The win-win cooperation between our
two countries in the fields of politics,
economics, education and culture has
been deepened. The well developed exchanges
in all levels have been demonstrated
through our deepened political
mutual trust, fruitful cooperation in
economic and cultured aspects as well
as coordination on international affairs.
We both recognize the same principles
of mutual respect and benefit in establish
foreign relations, share the same
concerns in the international arena,
such as UN reform, climate change.
We highly appreciate the unswerving
adherence to the One-China Policy
adopted by successive Antiguan and
Barbudan Governments. The fact has
proved that the cooperation between
the two countries comply with the fundamental
interests of both Chinese and
Antiguan and Barbudan.
Development is the top priority for
all countries. Last year, the Chinese
Government agreed to provide nearly
90 million US Dollars for the Port of
St. John’s Renovation and Expansion
Project. Furthermore, according to the
Agreement on Economic and Technical
Cooperation and Exchange Note,
a grant aid in the amount of nearly
16 million US Dollars would be provided
to support bilateral cooperation
programs. The Chinese Government
would provide nearly 1.2 million US
Dollars on Disaster Relief Materials.
In short, solid foundation has been
made for a brighter future. Let’s work
closely to enhance our exchanges in all
fields and push forward our relations to
a new level.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please allow
me to say a few words to my fellow
Chinese compatriots and Friends,
【……Chinese remarks……】
At the end of my remarks, I would
like to propose a toast:
For the prosperity of the People’s
Republic of China and Antigua and
Barbuda,
For the friendship between China
and Antigua and Barbuda from generation
to generation,
For the good health and happiness
of all the guests and their family,
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Cheers!

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 11
Government to further
support public servants
Public servants in Antigua
and Barbuda will receive
greater attention from
government in 2017.
“My Government is
cognizant that public sector
workers have had to
shoulder a disproportionate
share of the burden associated
with the economic and
financial downturn that has
affected the country over
the past several years,”
said Prime Minister Gaston
Browne while delivering
the Budget Statement for
2017.
He noted that this is
starkly evidenced by the
fact that the majority of public
servants have not had an
increase in pay since 2008
and promised that although
demands on cleaning-up the
former government’s (UPP)
mess do not allow the Government
to immediately address
an increase in pay, the
Government’s Negotiating
Team will be reconstituted
in 2017.
“This team will be tasked
with the responsibility of
commencing discussions
with the bargaining agents
for the various segments of
the public service to arrive
at a satisfactory and fiscally
sustainable way forward.
“In addition, the Government
will commission
a review of the segments
of the public service that
have not yet been reclassified.
The purpose of this
review is to determine the
appropriate salary scales for
the relevant agencies and
departments,” outlined the
country’s leader.
He also announced a
number of other incentives
for public servants to include
earmarking a proportion
of the houses constructed
by the National Housing
and Urban Renewal Company
for public servants and
providing duty-free concessions
on building materials
for public servants who intend
to construct homes or
undertake major home renovations.
Prime Minister Browne
stated that public servants
who acquire homes through
National Housing will be
given a grant of $10,000 to
assist with their equity contribution.
In addition, he said that
public servants will be able
to capitalize on the waiving
of import duty and RRC on
the purchase of vehicle.
“An employee incentive
programme will be introduced
in 2017, to reward
high performers in the public
sector, as we seek to build
a culture of excellence, supported
by increased productivity
and service quality,”
PM Browne said.
The Government is the
largest employer in Antigua
and Barbuda.

12 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Friday’s Sudoku Solution
S U D O K U
CROSSWORD
Across
1. Mark Twain, for one
11. ‘’Residencia’’
15. Begins
16. Time callers
17. Underdog, often
18. Driving-home stat
19. Have a cow
20. Tuscany title
22. ‘’That’s __!’’
23. Red character
24. Parisian pronoun
25. Not smart
27. Sounds of thunder
28. Makes groovy
29. World’s third-largest island
30. Moses and Dorothy
34. Equivoque master
35. Stuck around
36. Mustard family plant
37. Western prowlers
38. Did what was necessary
43. Nip in the bud
44. Sidekick
45. River to the Rhine
46. China/Korea separator
48. Psychic fields
49. It might be pending
50. Bringing in
52. Sept-__, Québec
53. Check
54. Blackjack holdings
55. Think-tank employee
Down
1. They have drawing power
2. Gulp down
3. Georgian revolutionary
4. Personalities
5. Heraldic band
6. Run through
7. Shirley Temple feature
8. Admittance
9. They’re on the field a lot
10. Norse goddess of fate
11. Rennet and such, for
milk
12. Moving about
13. ‘’Clockers’’ director
14. County official
21. Gives evidence
23. Given evidence
26. Carmaker Maserati
29. Cumbersome
30. Sarawak’s locale
31. Mainly
32. Respondent in the Inns
of Court
33. Like krypton
34. Where running isn’t advisable
36. ‘’Gigi’’ novelist
38. Experienced
39. Remove slack from
40. Rope for reefing a sail
41. Lippizaner move
42. ‘’Where Have All the
Flowers Gone’’ writer
47. African valley
48. It means ‘’height’’
51. Branch

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 13
Today’s weather forecast
Antigua and Barbuda
Mostly sunny skies.
High - 80ºF
Low - 72ºF
Wind: South East 8 mph
Sunrise 6.40 am; Sunset 5.56 pm
Friday’s Crossword Solution
HOROSCOPE
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). After every interaction,
ask yourself what the overall
feeling is that you’re left
with. Be wary of the one who
deals quick advice from the
hip instead of taking the time
to listen to your thoughts and
concerns.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Narcissists tend to oversimplify
the needs of others,
whereas codependents overinflate.
Give the attention
necessary — and then slightly
more — but don’t overdo
it.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
You’re listening better than
ever, and you’re keen to many
layers of communication.
Much will be revealed in the
manner of people speaking
too much, speaking very little
or speaking without words.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
Action without insight may
be wasteful, scattershot and
ultimately ineffective, but insight
without action is equally
fruitless. Your success
route is extremely simple today:
Think; do.
you so much that the hours
get away from you. Seek
an internal locus of control.
What if your actions could
be motivated by your own
values, needs and feelings instead
of theirs?
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
Most things do not immediately
work. Glitches are a
normal part of every single
endeavor. Getting very frustrated
usually helps nothing.
Anticipate rough patches in
the road. Be cool; stay flexible.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
Just because your destination
is far away doesn’t mean it
will be difficult to get to. This
journey is a straight shot.
Your arrival at the goal line is
certain — and dependent on
very simple consistent daily
efforts.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).
Where the big philosophical
topics are on the table, someone
is depressed or going
through an existential crisis.
Just one more reason to seize
every opportunity to forge
real and loving connections.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
Your day is structured around
a particular activity, and your
emotional life is worked out
in this arena. What comes up
for you is interesting — feelings,
strong and surprising.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Inside every person is a secret
hope to be understood,
accepted and loved without
conditions. The question of
the day: How easy or difficult
is it for you to give this kind
of love?
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Lately,
everyone seems to need
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-
Dec. 21). Although you understand
that people develop
in various ways and at different
rates, you still find immaturity
rather off-putting. It’s
one reason you strive to make
the most adult choice you can
think of in any given moment.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). Relationships will thrive
in a buoyant energy, and there
will be plenty of distractions
around to keep the mood
breezy. It would, however, be
a mistake to make light of the
things that others experience
as heavy.

14 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Stingerz open season with a victory
By Carlena Knight
LJ Stingerz opened their 2017 Antigua
Barbuda Basketball Association Division
one campaign with a convincing
victory over Freetown Travellers, 96-54
on Thursday night at the JSC Sports complex.
They were led by highflyer, Coy
Quinland with 29 points and 7 rebounds
and was assisted by Chaz Samuel with 22
points.
Captain Mahijah Davis chipped in
with 18 points and 10 rebounds while
teammate, Felix Hamilton contributed
with 12 points respectively.
The 2016 playoff runners up sent a
clear message to not be counted out of
the title race for the 2017 season.
For Travellers, Morlon ‘Little’ Davis
had 17 rebounds and 6 rebounds. He was
assisted by Jahmarie Hastings who had
10 points and 7 rebounds.
In the feature match, defending champions,
F and G Trading Cuties Ovals
Ojays picked up their second straight victory
as they trumped newbies, Ottos Full
Throttle, 79-57.
Captain and 2016 League MVP, Bryan
‘Hollywood’ Matthew was the leading
scorer with 22 points and 9 rebounds.
Teammates, Devorn Benjamin and Eric
‘Lebron’ Joseph assisted both 12 points
with Joseph grabbing 11 rebounds.
Adissa ‘Rass-I’ Harris had 7 assists
for the victors.
Meanwhile for Full Throttle, Kavari
Francis had 15 points and 8 rebounds
and Shawn ‘Gizmo’ Williams scored 11
points and grabbed 8 rebounds in a losing
effort.
Matches continued on Saturday night
at The Cage, formally Ovals Basketball
court.
Hometech Outlaws defeated a persistent
Yorks Crushers team, 80-72 in the
first matchup of the night.
Outlaws led by as much as 18 points
in the first half but became complacent
giving Crushers some much needed confidence
and momentum in the second
half.
Crushers however despite cutting the
game to a point deficit could not get over
the hump that was Outlaws and with a
few turnovers late in the fourth lost the
match, giving them their first loss of the
season.
Kevin ‘Pumpkin’ Roberts led his team
to victory with 25 points, 5 rebounds, 5
assists and 5 steals and was assisted by
Humroy Wright with 13 points and Pernel
Phillip with 10.
Crushers’ Cohen DeSouza had 19
points and 7 rebounds while teammates,
Jamie Harris and DeCastro Walbrook
chipped in, both with 17 points. Harris
grabbed 17 rebounds while Walbrook
nabbed 10.
F and G Trading Cuties Ovals Ojays
won by default against Big Banana Express.

Monday 23rd January 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 15
Cool and Smooth and Trident
Sports inks 2-year deal with LICB
Leeward Islands Cricket
Board (LICB), through
the efforts of Cricket Operations
Manager, Vernon
Springer has forged
a partnership with Cool
and Smooth Ltd and Trident
Sports Ltd. This was
revealed on Thursday 19,
January 2017, at a press
conference hosted by LICB
at the Sir Vivian Richards
Stadium.
The sponsorship will
include the playing and
warm up uniforms for the
U15, U17, U19 and Women
cricket teams 2017/2018.
Apart from that sponsorship
Cool and Smooth and Trident
Sports also recognized
By Justin Peters
Some are born with a passion for
the betterment of their fellow man that
drives them to assist whenever and
wherever they can without the need for
a title.
This can be said of Ivor Lawrence,
who embodies a true sports ambassador,
Mr. Lawrence is a veteran Police
Officer in the Royal Police Force of
Antigua and Barbuda, and an accomplished
cricket coach, having coached
several teams locally and internationally,
currently holding the position of
coach of the NYPD Cricket Team in
the United States of America.
Lawrence, a former student and
graduate of the Pares Secondary
School, fell in love with sports and
cricket in particular at an early age and
knew that it was his calling to usher as
the contribution of three
(3) Leeward Islands U- 19
cricketers in Javier Spencer
from Antigua and Barbuda,
Kian Pemberton from Nevis
and Jerellius Louis from
St. Kitts and awarded them
a one (1) year kit sponsor of
cricket equipment.
The Minister of Sports,
E.P Chet Greene, lauded
the efforts of the partnership,
and said this is “
clearly a new path, a new
vision in respect to how we
treat our development of
our athletes, a new a new
way which embraces player
development should be
seen as what it’s worth, celebrated
as what it’s worth.”
Honorable Minister went
on to caution the 3 young
cricketers to respect the investment
by the sponsors,
while appealing to Cooperate
Leeward and the private
sector to come on board and
support our athletes.
President of Leeward Island
Cricket Board, Enoch
Lewis recognized Cool and
Smooth’s constant contribution
to sports. Lewis said
this partnership formed
“has happened because of
hard work and interest.”
Chaim Holder Operations
Officer of Trident was
happy to be apart of the
partnership and remarked
“There is no better way for
many others as he could into one of the
most prestigious sports in the world,
encouraging them to follow in the footsteps
of the Antiguan greats such as
The Four Knights, Sir Vivian Richards,
Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts
and Sir Richie Richardson whose iteration
of the West Indies showcased the
incredible force the Caribbean is to be
reckoned with in the cricket arena.
His love for the game has taken him
on many journeys around the world;
he has represented Antigua and Barbuda
proudly in the USA, India, the
UK among others. His heart though remains
buried in Antigua and Barbuda
as he always returns home to provide
whatever motivation he can for youth
players in schools both in Antigua and
on the sister island of Barbuda.
As an Antiguan and Barbudan, he
us at Trident Sports too be
apart as a strong Leeward
Islands team leads to a
strong West Indies team.”
Head of Sporting Operations
for Cool and Smooth
Dario Barthley, said “it was
a momentous occasion to
forge this deal with the Leeward
Island Cricket Board.”
Vernon Springer, Cricket
Operations Manager for
LICB, said the partnership
is netted at approximately
$120,000.00.
Springer also announced
that Surrey Paving Ltd out
of St Kitts and Nevis has
come on board to supply
funding for One Bowling
Machine at cost $21,000.
Ivor Lawrence: A true sports ambassador
acknowledges the great potential in the
nation’s youth, but also understands the
great challenges young athletes endure
because of lack of available resources
including gear.
This is a great consideration and
one of the reasons why he has made it
his business to bring donated gear from
various international police forces including
the NYPD and the UK Police.
Most recently he partnered with
UK Police officer Chris Holt who donated
several cricket kits to the Pares
Secondary School. The generous donation
will give several up and coming
cricketers and opportunity to hone their
skills and make them ready for professional
play down the road and possibly
create a path for career cricketers who
will reignite the former glory of cricket
in Antigua.

16 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g
Monday 23rd January 2017
Inter-Schools Netball league opens
By Carlena Knight
The 2017 Ministry of
Sports Inter-schools Netball
Competition kicked off
last Friday afternoon at the
YMCA Sports Complex
with a number of teams both
from Primary and Secondary
on parade.
The league was officially
opened with a march pass
around the grounds and a
brief opening ceremony.
Pastor Ruben Naso
prayed on the proceedings
while the girls were
addressed by the Schools’
Netball Co-ordinator, Joyce
O’Donoghue, Assistant Director
of Sports, Evans and
Jones and the Parliamentary
Secretary in the Ministry of
Sports Senator Collin James
who commended the ladies
on their display of uniforms
and performances in the previous
season.
Immediately following
the addresses were the distribution
of trophies for the
2016 season.
Olivia David Primary
took home the first-place
trophy in the 13 and Under
Primary division with Pares
Primary and St. Andrews
Primary being awarded the
2nd and 3rd place trophies
respectively.
Antigua Girls High
claimed top honors in both
the 13 and Under Secondary
and 16 and Under Divisions.
Jennings Secondary and
Glanvilles Secondary finished
2nd and 3rd place in the
13 and under category while
in the 16 and Under section,
All Saints Secondary and
St. Mary’s School of Excellence
claimed the silver and
bronze.
All Saints Secondary
walked away with the firstplace
trophy in the 18 and
Under division with St.
Mary’s School of Excellence
grabbing the silver and Pares
Secondary, bronze.