AB Worldwide Connection: September 5-11, 2011
Antigua Airport terminal circa 2007.
The latest worldwide Antigua news circulated by Antigua 108 on September 6, 2011.
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CARIBBEAN SPLASHDOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2011
MARCUS GARVEY PARK, HARLEM, NEW YORK
Saturday, September 3, 2011
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NEWS -- NEWS -- NEWS
Caribbean Splashdown Music Festival was a big success A special ‘Thank You’ goes out to all those who attended Caribbean Splashdown Music Festival in Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem, New York City on Saturday, September 4. It was a wonderful affair that attracted over 12,000 people from all ways of life. The crowd enjoyed the performers and Swallow, Claudette Peters and Tian Winter brought them to their feet. The Vendors added much to the affair. The Organizers were Dr. Oswald Thomas, Tyrone Peters, Tyra Mason, Pamcheta Francis and Charles Jarvis.
Chinese will begin to build airport Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Chinese Ambassador Liu Hanming on Tuesday signed letters of agreement finalizing arrangements for the construction of the new airport terminal building. The ground breaking will be held in November. Under the agreement, the Chinese will build a new airport terminal with a total area of around 16,450 sq metres. They will be responsible for the design and construction of the project, and provide the necessary construction machinery, equipment, and materials.
The Chinese government will also dispatch the required Chinese technicians and workers to Antigua & Barbuda to organise the construction. The agreement calls for the government of Antigua and to bear the expenses for providing the construction land, removing ground and underground obstacles, providing the water, electricity, roadway and making it green within the project site and so on.
The Chinese side is exempt from import duties and all other taxes on construction machinery, equipment and materials brought in for the project and daily necessities for the Chinese technical personnel for the duration of their stay in Antigua & Barbuda. The Spencer administration will also issue visas of entrance and stay permits to the Chinese technical personnel.
The People’s Republic of China has granted a 300 Million RMB Grant/Concessional Loan to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to construct the airport terminal. Minister of Finance Harold Lovell will sign the loan arrangements during the China – Caribbean Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum in Trinidad & Tobago from September 11 to 13.
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Kiwanis Club of Wadadli launches ‘It’s A Girl Thing’ Raffle ---- The Kiwanis Club of Wadadli has launched its first (1st) raffle entitled: “It’s A Girl Thing”. This is one (1) of its many fundraising projects scheduled for the remaining months of 2011. The Raffle theme reflects the type of prizes that are being rewarded.
1st Prize: Studio JoJan Celebration Photo Package; Two (2) Deluxe Movie tickets; Spa Indulge Gift Certificate
2nd Prize: Photo Shack $50 Voucher; Two (2) Deluxe Movie tickets; Palms Wellness Centre Spa Certificate
3rd prize: Dinner for Two (2) at Le Bistro French Restaurant
The drawing date is October 1st, 2011. Tickets Cost $5.00 and can be purchased from any member of the Kiwanis Club of Wadadli. Call 724-0061 or email kiwanis.wadadli@gmail.com for further information. Proceeds from this raffle will go towards a number of Service Projects that the Club is currently running. Hence, we look forward to the support of the general public.
The Kiwanis Club of Wadadli would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude to all the prize sponsors: Studio JoJan, Deluxe Cinemas, Spa Induldge, Photo Shack, Palms Wellness Centre and Le Bistro French Restaurant.
The Kiwanis Club of Wadadli is one of the two (2) Kiwanis Clubs in Antigua. Kiwanians are men and women from all walks of life, united in their commitment to serving children and their communities worldwide. The Kiwanis Motto is “Serving the children of the World. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Wadadli, visit us at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kiwanisclubofwadadli/ or email to kiwanis.wadadli@gmail.com.
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Legal Action Over Jolly Beach By Ryan One of the original shareholders of ABI Bank, George Ryan, is threatening to pursue court action if the proposed sale of the Jolly Beach Resort goes ahead without shareholders' input. Ryan said he has heard media reports about the sale of the property, but as a shareholder, he has never been informed of this.
“I don’t know of any sale, I have never seen any agreement providing details of the sale, nor have I been told of the situation at the hotel," he said. "None of the shareholders, me included, has ever received a cent on our investments. I have never even been invited to the hotel, as a shareholder, to come and spend a weekend at the property."
Ryan said he had opposed the expansion of the property, at a cost of millions of dollars. “There are no invitations to shareholders for a meeting, no word on the investor/buyer. What is the value of the property? If this sale goes through, I expect a good payback on my investments. If not, I will go to court on this matter,” he added.
Ryan said he was voted off the ABI Bank board because he opposed several of the loans and projects undertaken. He questioned some of the bank's investments, and accused the board and senior management of approving what he termed "questionable" loans to "friends and concubines".
He suggested these were some of the things that led to the bank’s eventual takeover by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) in July. Media reports of the sale of the hotel have been denied by senior shareholders, although a signed agreement is purportedly making the rounds, indicating that the sale has been finalized.
Computerised Police records Police Commissioner Vere Brown is promising that the “archaic” police records’ system will soon become fully computerised. His pledge came after he went to see first-hand why the process takes so long, a visit he said was prompted by complaints from customers.
At present, officers have to delve into volumes of hefty books to produce police records. “For now the records are kept in the central area at the St John’s Police Station. It’s not very easy to get those records kept and brought to every station. Very shortly our system will be computerised,” Brown said. “I am very concerned about that. I went to St Johns a few weeks ago and I saw so many persons in the yard and they told me (it was because of needing) ‘police records’… I asked why it can’t be decentralised. Then the overall officer showed me the records, largely bound books that are about 12 pounds each or more. They are minded by three officers who look for different parts of one record and so that’s a bit archaic,” Brown added.
Meanwhile the police commissioner said that there are more families with multiple members in the police force than he had realised. He said since these families have to endure tremendous stress, he has organised a special get-together to show recognition.
“We came together, our planning team and on September 13 we will be hosting a luncheon just celebrating the sacrifices and services that these police officers from under the same roof give to their country,” Brown added.
The luncheon will be part of the 2011 Police Week activities, which will be held from September 11 to 17.
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South Africa inspired the Youth “Insightful,” “educational” and “life-changing,” were just a few words used by the young people of Potters Youth Group returning home after spending more than a week in Cape Town and Johannesberg, South Africa.
The first group of 21 members returned on Saturday, and the other 38 are scheduled to return on Wednesday following an extended stay to take in the sights and sounds of Paris. Richie Pelle said he was inspired by the struggles of the people for education and that many made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause with their lives.
“What stood out to me was there were students who at the age of four could not get an education, and there were students who stood up and marched for their rights. In that march, 25,000 were killed because they stood up, one of the students got away and he too was hunted down and killed,” Pelle said during an interview.
“It was a very good trip. I learned a lot.” Debrina Malone highlighted that although the struggles continued, progress has been made. Their tour guide, Frank, who was shot in the chest during the riots and survived to tell the tale, offered encouragement for future generations.
“We went to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. His inmate number was 46664,” Cillicia Merchant added.
While in South Africa, the youth also participated in humanitarian efforts. They also visited Good Hope High School and attended a concert at Mitchell Plain Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“We also went to Apartheid Museum where we learned that a lot of the prisoners could not cope with the conditions and they committed suicide,” Pelle added. The trip was led by Karen-Mae Hill and Claudine Benjamin.
Governor of China Visit Antigua The Governor of Guizhou Province in the People’s Republic of China Meng Qiliang paid a friendship visit to Antigua & Barbuda. Governor Meng said that he has heard a lot about Antigua and Barbuda and China’s relations and is desirous of forging a close bond between his province and Antigua & Barbuda in the interest of tourism.
During his visit, Governor Meng will meet with Antigua & Barbuda’s Ambassador David Shoul and pay a courtesy call on Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack. Governor Meng held official talks with Prime. The governor will tour Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and participate in an island-wide tour.
Guizhou Province is located in the southwestern part of China and is known for its natural scenery, national customs, history, culture and a unique aboriginal landscape that attracts thousands of tourists annually.
The Library is on its own without any leadership Is there an active chief librarian at the Antigua Public Library? Depends whom you ask. What seems indisputable is that the Chief Librarian Dorothea Nelson has retired, and that school libraries supervisor Ryllis Mannix subsequently acted in the position. But since Mannix was said to be still serving in this position according to top education officials, individuals close to the situation have testified to the contrary. One staffer speaking anonymously said there has been no one in place since Nelson’s retirement at the end of May.
“We’re operating on our own,” the source said in August. When OBSERVER called the library to speak with Mannix, we were told that she was on vacation. A call to Education Permanent Secretary Jessel Edwards yielded no definitive response, initially indicating that it was an internal matter. He then said, “I can’t address that matter at this time.”
An agreement to call the following week was honoured but the message left for Edwards was not returned. An inquiry to Director of Education Jacintha Pringle yielded the response that Mannix was acting chief librarian, but had been on vacation. The New York-based Friends of Antigua Public Library (FOAPL) works closely with the library staff on several projects. President of the group, Beverly George, agreed with the library source that the position has been vacant. She added that this has been to the detriment of existing programmes.
“As you know, we host the annual summer read program,” said George. “In order for us to get certain things done, we need a principal to sign off. One of our corporate sponsors – Pearson – had items shipped, which we were unable to clear from customs in a timely fashion. A staff member had to go to the ministry, where they would sit for hours to get the simplest things accomplished. If there was someone in charge, this would not be necessary.”
She challenged that there was a lack of both political will and collective community will where the library was concerned. “The staff has worked hard to implement programs, in spite of little or no help from the ministry,” George said. “With no head, the operations at the library are like a rudderless ship.”
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VISIT: WWW.STUDENTSLEARNINGTOYS .COM
www.studentslearningtoys.com is an educational site which carries thousands of Religious and learning products, including puzzles, games, maps, tests, posters, bulletin boards and much, much more. Also, we are affiliated with a few companies and their links can be found on our site as well. You can purchase flowers, and miss matched products such as socks, flip flops, etc. Yes believe it, miss matched items. So visit our site at www.studentslearningtoys.com.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS, PLEASE CALL THE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THE SITE.
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Dengue Fever is on the rise Public pressure is mounting for the health authorities to make a statement on what at least one prominent medical practitioner is calling an upsurge in dengue fever in the country. But in the absence of comprehensive official data, Internal Medicine specialist Dr Jason Belizaire said that he has seen an increase in patients presenting with the illness.
He stressed that the communities from which they come have increased from just Fitches Creek and Paynters to “all over Antigua” including Ffryes Bay, Crosbies, English Harbour and Brown’s Bay. Dr Belizaire said he has tested only one patient specifically for dengue and the results came back positive last week.
“I have seen at least six cases this week, about 15 to 20 over the last month. And I believe that is quite representative of what is happening across the island,” he said. The doctor said that other blood tests showed that at least 10 of these cases had contracted the potentially fatal dengue haemorrhagic. One of these patients was hospitalised for three days last month. “With dengue haemorrhagic, the platelet (white blood cell) count drops and the patients all had this. They also presented with symptoms such as fever, pain behind the eye, and rash,” he explained.
Dr Belizaire has urged residents to keep their surroundings clean and cautioned those who feel they might have the disease to drink lots of fluid even though their appetite might be gone. He reminded that only paracetemol or tylenol should be taken while anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve, Motrin and Ibuprofen should be avoided.
Secretary General of CARICOM is in Antigua This week, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque is leading a mission to Antigua & Barbuda to meet with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and the Cabinet of Antigua & Barbuda in St Johns. The visit from September 5-7 is being facilitated with the assistance of the 9th European Development Fund, Caribbean Integration Support Programme (CISP).
The cabinet and a team from the Caricom Secretariat will consult on the report on the integration of the OECS and Belize into the CSME among other matters. The new Caricom secretary general and his team are expected to participate in a number of other activities that include meetings with the Committee of Permanent Secretaries; the Committee on the Economy; a coalition of service providers; the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other private sector organisations; the Department of Culture and representatives from creative industries. These meetings are expected to focus on the priorities set out by the Caricom heads of government including implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.
Additional activities include a forum for over 100 secondary school students and sessions with the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers and the Free Movement Committee. The team from the Caricom Secretariat includes Advisor Single Market and Sectoral Programmes Desiree Field Ridley and Chef de Cabinet Glenda Itiaba among others
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Venture Capital is being mention as a viable source for funding new businesses After canvassing the private sector for suggestions on how to reform and update the country’s business law and infrastructure, a task force dubbed the Committee on the Economy has identified a venture capital fund as one of the biggest business needs in the country.
Financing remains a formidable barrier to seeing new ideas through to development stage in Antigua & Barbuda. Traditional sources of financing like commercial banks and individuals with wealth have proven to prefer safer investments such as mortgage and car loans in the case of the banks and certificates of deposits and family companies in the case of individuals.
Committee member Colin Murdoch, who is also the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade said that discussion in their weekly meetings leaned toward creating a pool of cash dedicated to business innovation. “At the last meeting, there was a presentation on this very subject – access to finance. And at the end of it there was a proposal for the establishment of a venture capital fund, which would be established to enable start-ups, especially in new areas,” he said.
The committee, which was set up by the Finance & Economy Ministry and comprises a wide spectrum of people from government and the private sector, has been meeting on Tuesday mornings. The discussion this week didn’t end with the fund proposal but continued to suggest sources for the initial sum of money.
“And these would include commercial banks and insurance companies, who may be required to set aside an agreed percentage of their deposits or gross premium income,” the permanent secretary said. “By law, these would have to be set aside and that could form the basis of the capital for the venture capital fund”.
Meantime, Minister of State in the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Senator Joanne Massiah, said yesterday that the process of registering companies is about to get easier, as the Intellectual Property Office is moving some of its services online.
40 years and still going The Antigua Planned Parenthood Association is getting set to mark its 40th year of serving the nation with a week of activities to begin later this month. Executive Director of the organisation Lindale Weaver-Greenaway said plans are still being finalised, but they are sure to include a service of thanksgiving.
“We will be worshipping with the Spring Gardens Moravian Church on the 18th,” she said. “And we’re supposed to be having a panel discussion but the date is still to be finalised. We’ll also be having an open day on the 21st … at the association’s office where there’ll be screenings for blood pressure and blood sugar, among others.”
Planned for the 24th is an awards dinner at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. Tickets are being sold for $100. The Antigua & Barbuda Planned Parenthood Association, according to the executive director, was started by Dr Sir Luther Winter September 1970, at his Long Street practice.
“It’s a non-profit organisation funded by the International Planned Parenthood Federation and what we do is offer sexual reproductive health services including family planning for the population of Antigua & Barbuda,” she said. “Our contraceptives are safe, they’re affordable and they’re reliable.”
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CONGRATULATIONS!
The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night. Lonfgfellow, Henry Wadsworth
We wish to congratulate and celebrate with Miss Annick Griffith formerly of Side Hill, Antigua who graduated with a (2:1 ), an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Business Management from Southbank University London on the 27 July 2011. Annick is the daughter of the late Wilkin Griffith, and Faye McDonald Griffith, who proudly attended the graduation ceremony in London, and sister to Nicola, Stuart and Jan, who has completed an LLB law degree in London, and is currently concluding the Bar Vocational Course . Annick is a dedicated, consistent and disciplined student, and achieved first class grades throughout her course. Prior to leaving Antigua, Annick worked for BWIA and with the family business, International Travel Consultants ( ITC). Annick currently works with London Underground Limited as a train driver, a highly respected role within the company. Annick, we salute you, and are very proud of your accomplishments. Our prayer is that God will continue to bless you and guide you in your future endeavours. Best wishes and lots of love from your family and numerous friends who value you highly in Antigua and in London.
GET WELL SOON!
Hello Tyrone, Rev Neville Brodie has asked me to let you know that he had surgery recently on his right heel and is recovering at the moment in Rehab. He cannot put any weight on the foot until it is healed so the therapy sessions are to enable him to get around as well as possible.
He also has to use a wound vac to accelerate the healing process but he is looking forward
to coming home soon. He has asked that you pass on his greetings to the relatives in New York
and Antigua. By the way, he celebrated his 76th b/day on Aug 5.
With best wishes and God Bless. Gloria Brodie
He also has to use a wound vac to accelerate the healing process but he is looking forward
to coming home soon. He has asked that you pass on his greetings to the relatives in New York
and Antigua. By the way, he celebrated his 76th b/day on Aug 5.
With best wishes and God Bless. Gloria Brodie
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FOR SALES: FOR SALES:
The Museum of Antigua & Barbuda will offer a second printing of the 1933 Camacho map. The map shows all the names of the estates, roads and loco lines of that era. The map will be printed by Sign Pro on an acid-free matte finish, artist stretch inkjet canvas designed for long-term, fade resistant fine art or photo reproductions when imaged with solvent inks. The polyester/cotton inkjet canvas has a specifically designed coating, which delivers superior color gamut and resolution and is also water resistant.
Three sizes will be offered - 36"w x 36"h $350 w/ABST add $150 w/frame; 48"w x 36"h $750 w/ABST add $150 w/frame; and 72" x 48"h $1,250 w/ABST add $200 w/frame - (excellent for hotels). Contact to place your order: The Museum of Antigua & Barbuda, Long Street, PO Box 103, St. John's Antigua. Ph. (268)462-1469. Email: museum@candw.ag or meek@candw.ag
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Saturday, September 10th, 2011, New York, New York. S.R.C. will be having their annual Boat Ride on Circle Line on Saturday, September 10th., 2011 leaving from Pier 83 at West 42nd. St. (12th. Ave/Westside Highway) N.Y., N.Y. For more information please feel free to contact Mr. Denley Burton at 917-567-2055 or Mr. Oswald Steele at 201-988-8796. www.swetesreunioncommittee.org
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SUNDAY. SEPTEMBER 11, 2011, Glen Island Park, New Rochelle. Crossroad of All Saints Village Annual Family & Friends Picnic at Glenn Island Park, New Rochelle, New York. Please join us for a fun day from 9am to dusk.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 – BRONX, NEW YORK Roots of Bolans Development Group 2 Annual Annual Dinner Dance! Friday, September 23rd, 2011. 8:00pm-3:00am. At: Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469 Featuring: The Vision Band For more information Contact: Mayers Turner: 646-256-1704, Rosannette Kirby: 347-594-3890. Visit us for INFO: www.roots-of-bolans.com
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Saturday, September 24, 2011, Philadelphia, PA ---- The Antigua and Barbuda Association of Philadelphia. Date: Saturday 24th, September , Time: 8pm to 1am, Place: Regal Ballroom, 5411 Oxford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19124, Price: $85 pp \ $160 per couple, Black Tie Affair. Dinner, Dancing, 5hr open bar. Please contact: Hadassa George 267- 934- 5853.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011, Antigua….. Come celebrate Antigua Planned Parenthood Association Award Dinner on the 24th September 2011 - 7pm at The Antigua And Barbuda Training Institute. Contribution $100.00 Ec . Tickets available at The Appa’s Office, Bishopgate Street, Telephone 268-462-0947
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Saturday, October 1, 2011, Toronto, Canada…… The Antigua & Barbuda Association of Toronto (ABAT) is proud to announce the return of YOUTH SPLASH on October 1st, 2011. Once again, it will be A Parish Showdown. The event is being coordinated with the support of the Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda, and in celebration of 30 years of Independence. We are currently looking for both male and female contestants ages 18 – 25 of Antiguan & Barbudan descent living in the central region of Canada. If you are interested in participating in this year’s presentation, please send an email to tropicalsup@yahoo.ca (Dorne Meade) for more information by June 19, 2011."
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Saturday, October 29th. 2011, Bronx, New York. S.R.C. will be having their annual Atlantic City Bus trip on Saturday, October 29th. 2011. For more information please feel free to contact Mr. Denley Burton at 917-567-2055 or Mr. Oswald Steele at 201-988-8796. www.swetesreunioncommittee.org
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011, NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK ------Antigua Girls' High School Alumni Association NY Annual Scholarship Luncheon, Saturday 5th November, 2011, Greentree Country Club, New Rochelle. Time:12 - 4p; Dress: Semi-formal. For Tickets and more infor contact: Gloria Airall (917)319-6339, Ophetta David (203)644-7920 or Imelda Isles iisles@aol.com
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