ION OF SEVERAL RESORTS ,ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

                                

In addition, the Morris Bay resort will see the construction of a high end resort valued at US$120Million and Barbuda will benefit from a US$250M luxury resort for high net worth individuals. The property will be developed by a renown American Celebrity and an Australian Billionaire. 

Our Government pledged to treat Barbuda and Barbudans as our co-equals and we will ensure that Barbuda is developed concurrently with Antigua. This US$250M investment project will change the economic land scape of Barbuda for the better, providing investment opportunities and hundreds of sustainable jobs for Barbudans.

These and several other smaller properties, will break ground in 2015, stimulating economic growth and development, thereby reversing the many years of economic misfortune.

The cruise and cargo ports will be expanded and modernized to facilitate increased trade.  Through assertive leadership, my government in partnership with members in the private sector have been instrumental in attracting more tourists to the island.  2015 will see a significant increase in cruise arrivals, as well as, an increase in stay over visitors.

And 500 new homes will be built in 500 days across the nation.

To date, we have incorporated the National Housing & Urban Renewal Company, a wholly owned government corporation and have capitalized the company primarily through private grant funding, with an initial EC$13M, and a further EC$7 million to follow in  a few weeks, bringing the initial capital to EC$20 Million.

The company is presently acquiring and developing land to commence construction in a few weeks.

National Housing will serve as a development company and will also be involved in contracting activities in the public sector to assist with the repairs and maintenance of government buildings. 

Government properties that are to be rehabilitated, including the Police Headquarters, the Newgate Street Police Station Building, and Government House.

Our Administration has requested concessionary funding of US$40 million from the Government of Mexico to assist in housing renewal and expansion.  We are determined to rid the landscape of all those dilapidated homes that are littered across the country.

It is expected that National Housing will provide several hundred jobs for citizens and residents before the end of the year and thousands of jobs in the near future.

The new University College of Antigua and Barbuda will be launched at Five Islands, a site to which the Antigua State College will be relocated.

The old State College site will become a Secondary School to meet growing demand.  In excess of six million dollars will be invested in the decrepit structure that stands unfinished on the college compound.  Construction is expected to commence before the end of the year.

Presently, we are pursuing sustainable strategies to resolve the water crisis that has plagued our country for the past year.  This includes the acquisition of a mobile reverse osmosis plant to service the English Harbour area, as well increased production from, SembCorp and APUA existing water production facilities.

We will rebuild our country.  We will provide hundreds of jobs within our first few months in office.  We will put our people back to work and provide them with good quality housing.

And, in that rebuilding there is a place for every willing citizen and resident of our country. No one will be left behind.

One of the architects of the new Antigua and Barbuda is the venerable, emeritus leader of the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party, the Honourable Lester Bryant Bird.

Sir. Lester was an outstanding athlete during his youth. He was an outstanding cricketer, a footballer, and he earned his spurs in high jump and long jump. He subsequently graduated from Grays Inn, London, as a lawyer before returning home to Antigua to practice law. He served our country in excess of 40 years as a Parliamentarian, including18 as Deputy Prime Minister and 10 as Prime Minister.

The Honourable Lester Bryant Bird is a heroic figure in our recent history. Unarguably, he has made the second single largest contribution to the socio-economic advancement of our country.

He is the father of modern Antigua & Barbuda.

In recognition of his contribution and keeping with the authority vested in the Prime Minister by The National Honours (Amendment) Act 2000, the Governor General has been advised, with the concurrence of Cabinet and the Honours Committee, to confer upon this great citizen of Antigua and Barbuda, during the 33^rd Anniversary of our country’s Independence, the honour of Knight Companion of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero.

I am certain that Antiguans and Barbudans consider Sir Lester most deserving of this honour and also share the enormous outpouring of love and admiration that we all hold for this outstanding son of the soil.

He will enjoy his flowers while still alive.

My fellow Antiguans and Barbudans, Independence is not just a word or a concept.

Independence is what gives us the right to make our own decisions as a nation; the privilege not to bend our knee to any but God; the opportunity to claim our entitlements in the international community and to resist the pressures and demands of external forces.

But, we will not preserve our independence like large nations with military might; we can only defend it and enlarge it by economic success.  

 That is why we all have to work together; strive together and achieve together.  That is why we must work in unison in the transformation of our country into an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean.

 Independence is a time for rejoicing and reflection on past challenges and achievements.

 It is also a time to look to the future.

 The Antigua and Barbuda we want for our children and their children is one that perpetually rises – producing jobs, and communities free of crime.

 We want an Antigua and Barbuda where everyone can share in prosperity; where opportunities are available to all who are willing.

 Achieving those worthy goals is within our capacity and within our reach.

 Let us make this 33^rd Anniversary of Independence, a celebration of Team Antigua and Barbuda, and all that our nation can achieve as one.

 I am happy to lead this team and to lead by example of hard work, sharp focus and a resolve to deliver.

 I invite you all to join me, in what for all of us, will be an exciting, dynamic and wholly beneficial journey in the advancement of our nation.

God bless our beautiful twin island state.

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Antigua Port Authority Board Commissioners Sworn-in

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – October 24, 2014…….The seven-person Antigua Port Authority Board Commissioners was sworn-in at the Government House on Thursday morning, October 23 2014. The oath was administered by the new Governor General, Dr. Sir Rodney Williams, who took the opportunity to encourage the members to perform their duties well. The Chairperson of the Antigua Port Authority Board is Senator MaryClare Hurst and the Deputy is Delano Richards. Freestone Robinson, Dwight Gardiner, Peter Thomas and Winston Gomes are Commissioners, and Craig Christopher, a lawyer, is the Board Secretary.

The seven-person Board of Commissioners has been working since their appointment; however, the date of the formal swearing-in was determined by the Governor General, taking his own busy schedule into account.

Several important proposals to develop the Port have been submitted to the Commissioners, and their evaluation will play an important part in the final decision which is to be made shortly. The Minister with responsibility for the Port is the Prime Minister who also serves as the Minister of Finance. All the centers off revenue collection fall within the purview of the Minister of Finance; that would include the Inland Revenue Department, the Customs, the Treasury, and the Port Authority.

The Port Authority’s many responsibilities extend beyond the St. John’s DeepwaterHarbour to include those several ports where vessels dock and revenue is earned

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne promotes Antigua and Barbuda Investment Climate and the CIP Programme in Europe, Asia and the Middle East

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 24 October, 2014….Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne is today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates promoting Antigua and Barbuda and the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme during a number of specially organized events and investment conferences.

While in the Middle East, the country’s leader will address businessmen and investors on the benefits of the country’s CIP programme and also meet with government officials and members of the Royal Family.

Before arriving in Dubai, Prime Minister Browne was the featured speaker at a Citizenship by Investment and International Residency Summit at the Jumeriah Carlton in Belgravia, one of the wealthiest districts in England.

Prime Minister Browne also held a town hall meeting with Antigua and Barbuda nationals living in London, during which he informed them of his government’s efforts to rebuild Antigua and Barbuda.  He also spoke of an investment conference organized by the Caribbean Council in London, where he also spoke of the investment climate in the twin-island state.

Before returning to Antigua next weekend, Prime Minister Browne will also travel to Singapore where he will be one of the featured speakers in an International Investment Conference organized by residency and citizenship experts, Henley and Partners.  During his stay in the Southeast Asia country, Prime Minister Browne will hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Malta and CEOs’ of a number of leading corporations in Singapore and Asia.

Prime Minister Browne is accompanied by his wife Maria and Foreign Affairs Minister the Hon. Charles Fernandez and Mrs. Fernandez.  His trip abroad is privately funded.

While overseas, Public Utilities and Aviation Minister the Hon. Robin Yearwood is the Acting Prime Minister

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Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne Condemns terrorist Action in Canada

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 23^rd October, 2014……..Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda the Hon. Gaston Browne has expressed concern over the recent shocking terrorist attack on the government system in Canada, condemning the action stoutly and unreservedly.

In a letter to Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister Browne extended condolences on the death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo who was killed during the gun attack at the National War Memorial.

We reproduce below the full text of the Prime Minister’s letter to his Canadian counterpart:

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

On behalf of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda, I express deep concern at the shocking terrorist attack on the institutions of governance in Canada and condemn it stoutly and unreservedly.

We are relieved that neither you nor any member of parliament was harmed in the violent attack during which Corporal Nathan Cirillo was killed, as he carried out his duty as a ceremonial honour guard at Canada’s National War Memorial.   We extend our sincere condolences to Corporal Cirillo’s family.

Canada and Antigua and Barbuda have always enjoyed extremely close relations.  Many native Antiguans and Barbudans have made a second home in Canada. Similarly, many Canadians have either made second homes in Antigua and Barbuda or visit every year on holiday. 

We hold very dear the strong bond between our two countries and the values that we share as members of the Commonwealth of Nations.  The terrorist attack within the precincts of parliament stab at the very heart of our common values of democracy and the rule of law.  Such attacks will not be tolerated wherever they occur.

Please be assured of the solidarity of the people and Government of Antigua and Barbuda in this moment of trial for the people and Government of Canada

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HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN APPOINTS HIS EXCELLENCY DR. RODNEY WILLIAMS TO THE ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 22nd October, 2014……..Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, on the advice of Her Majesty's Antigua andBarbuda Ministers, has conferred orders for the appointment of His Excellency Dr. Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George.

Consequently, His Excellency is now an Ordinary Member First Class, or Knight Grand Cross of the said Most Distinguished Order (GCMG).

The award, which is dated 30th August, 2014 was announced in the London Gazette of the 17 October, 2014. 

As a result of the Knighthood, His Excellency will receive the title of “Sir.” His spouse will now be referred to as  "Lady".

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The Honourable Asot Michael Engages His Excellency V. Mahalingam, High Commissioner of India in High Level Discussions

The Honourable Asot A. Michael on Friday, 17^th October, 2014, met with the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency V. Mahalingam to discuss a number of Investment opportunities. 

The High Commissioner and the Minister discussed the possibilities of attracting a number of investments from India; amongst them are the possibilities of engaging the TAJ Group of Hotels and the ITC Company to construct various five star hotels on the island.

Other notable areas that were discussed are;

-   Development and technical assistance in Wind and Solar Power in Antiguaand Barbuda

Information Technology Development to support the expansion of Information Technology Enabled Services / Business Process Outsourcing.

-          To attract upscale call centers within the Free Trade Zone

-  Development of a Light Manufacturing Industry to focus primarily on the manufacturing of circuit boards, cell phones, semi-conductors, motherboards,  as well as other computer hardware parts.

Minister Michael welcomed the investment opportunities to be had, and looks forward to strengthening the ties between India and Antigua and Barbuda. 

Since coming to office the Minister has been working feverously to attract foreign direct investment into Antigua and Barbuda.  

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne Continues to Increase Economic Activity for Antigua and Barbuda

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 17^th October 2014…..Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acted again to increase economic activity and revenue for the Government and the Treasury, days following the passage of Tropical Storm Ganzalo.

On Thursday morning, October 16 2014, following the adjournment of Parliament, the Prime Minister met with a group of Greek and Japanese Asset Managers who specialize in ship registry and other kinds of business related to shipping. Dr. Babis Ziogas and Shigeki Fukuda led the private sector group.

The visiting group of seven was introduced to the Prime Minister by Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, the Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS). Ambassador Gardiner explained that, to date, Antigua and Barbuda has registered 1,400 vessels that fly our nation’s flag. The ships’ owners pay considerable sums for that privilege, which benefit the Treasury of Antigua and Barbuda.

ADOMS’ object of collaborating with the Greek and Japanese Asset Managers is to increase the number of registered Antigua and Barbuda flagship vessels by 400, within the next year; the group specializes in attracting vessels from Asia, including Japan and China. A boost in revenues will then flow from this increase.

Panama now controls 70% of the ship registry market from Asia, and the object of marketing Antigua and Barbuda in Asia is to divert some of that rich traffic to our Caribbean destination.

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P.J Patterson passes “Reparations Torch” to Prime Minister Gaston Browne at Second Regional Conference on Reparations

The Most Hon. P. J. Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, in a rousing address to the Opening Ceremony of the Second Regional Conference on Reparations in Antigua and Barbuda on Sunday night, gave the charge and entrusted the continuity of the pursuit of Reparations for Native Genocide and Slavery, to the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.

“As one who belongs to the older generation of Caribbean leaders, I am here today to present that torch to a leader of the younger generation and to say: Never let that torch be extinguished,” Patterson said.

Prime Minister Browne at the start of his address accepted the charge and stated: “Let me assure you Mr. Patterson that the current Caribbean leaders have accepted the torch and will never allow it to be extinguished.”

Patterson paid special tribute to the Rastafari brethren and ‘sistren’ in the audience whom he said “ were among the first to carry on the struggle of indigenous and slave ancestors for reparatory justice. In the post-colonial period they stoked the embers and fanned the flames of the dying reparation fire. It has now become an unstoppable conflagration.”

Patterson focused his address on the issue of Africa’s role in the historic evil of human trafficking. He challenged critics that assert that Africans should share  moral responsibility for the crime against humanity that was committed because they were complicit.

“One should not place on a victim the guilt for a crime; so we should stop putting the guilt of the collaborator on the shoulders of the victim. The African continent was the victim of imperial exploitation and slavery and suffered a massive loss. It resulted in a major depopulation of Africa, with its heavy male bias. It destroyed age old political traditions, undermined tribal systems, corrupted both moral and civil practices. In short, it crippled the potential for economic growth and social development,” he said.

Patterson also pointed out that the infrastructure established to support the heinous trafficking of Africans was not known in Africa before the mass exportation of Africans to the West. These included fortified forts along the African coast that directed the process of kidnapping; a booming shipping industry of floating prisons that transported the captured human beings; a system of production centres with forced labour plantations; the transport of the products from these centres to Europe; a distribution infrastructure for the consumption of these products and the banking and insurance sector to finance the whole process.

Patterson asserted that “The ideology of racism and the articulation of superiority and inferiority linked to race and colour were absent in Africa before the trans-Atlantic trade in Africans.”

He also posited that the history also showed that some African leaders were induced by intimidation or bribery or greed to collaborate in the capture and transport of Africans destined for slavery. However, many African leaders opposed vehemently the capture and trans-shipment of their people.

“There is no principle in law which permits the organizers of a criminal enterprise to escape responsibility because others collaborated in carrying out the enterprise. Legal responsibility is not affected by any collaboration,” Patterson said emphatically.

“It was European nations who conceived the trade, put the enterprise into motion, controlled its operation and were massively enriched by it,” he concluded.

The Opening Ceremony also featured presentations from Prime Minister Browne,  Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission; Dr. Douglas Slater, Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat; Mr. Stanley Liauw Angie, representative of the Indigenous People’s Organisation in Suriname; and a feature address from Dr. Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, National Hero of Jamaica. `

The opening was held at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Antigua and Barbuda and attended by other Members of Parliament, Members of the diplomatic corps, delegations from other CARICOM Member States and representatives of civil society groups and organizations.

The Second Regional Conference on Reparations is being convened under the theme “Scientific Engagement and Community Mobilization.” The objective of the Conference is civil society engagement by widening the dialogue and intensifying scientific and popular discourse on the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s Ten Point Reparatory Justice Plan. The Conference continues on 13-14 October.

The Conference brings together a number of expert economists, lawyers, academics, historians, faith-based leaders, community activists, scientists, journalists and artists to further map out national and regional strategies to advance the case for reparations from Europe. Delegations from Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands and representatives of civil society organizations from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom were also in attendance.

The CARICOM Reparations Commission was established in September 2013 following a mandate from the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government at their Thirty-fourth Regular Meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago in July 2013, to establish national committees and a regional commission to pursue reparations from the former European colonial powers for Native Genocide, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery.

Twelve CARICOM Member States have established national reparations committees to date, namely: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The First Regional Conference on Reparations was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in September of 2013. Since that time, the action of the CARICOM Member States has re-energized the reparations movements on the African continent, the United States and the United Kingdom and has generated tremendous international media attention and interest

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United Nations Climate Summit 2014

Statement by the Honourable Gaston Brown,
Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
On the occasion the United Nations Climate Summit 2014
United Nations Headquarters, New York
September 23, 2014.

Mr. President;
Heads of State and Government.
Your Excellency, Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am the representative of a small island developing state that knows well the realities of Climate Change.

We have paid – and continue to pay – a high price for it.

And, we, like many other small island developing states, contribute the very least to the conditions that cause Climate Change; we are the victims of the profligacy of others.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that the people of Antigua and Barbuda, like the people of many other small island developing states, are angry and frustrated.

They are angry because despite all their efforts to develop their economies, despite their efforts to build the infrastructure that would increase their productivity; to  withstand current impacts and slow onset events; despite their efforts to build the foundations of a better life for their children and grandchildren; the devastating effects of Climate Change destroy their work and set them back year after year, putting our sustainable development pathway off track.

And, they are acutely aware that Climate Change is not their doing.

They are frustrated because in this world where big powers talk of democracy, of human rights, and of ending poverty and human misery, they know there has been reluctance in some industrialised nations even to acknowledge the real and pressing existence of Climate Change.

They are frustrated because the governments of the nations that are among the worst offenders delay in making their contributions to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) launched three years ago to mobilise 100 billion dollars by 2020.

The GCF is yet to receive any funds that can be disbursed to developing countries.

Yet, we, the small and developing countries of the world, are being pressed to undertake climate actions by the very culprits of Climate Change.

Secretary-General, demanding that small states, such as mine, take on more commitments without any financial resources or technology transfer is contrary to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Worse, as the South Centre has rightly pointed out, the demand is immoral.
Only Germany has so far indicated its willingness to contribute 1 billion dollars to the Fund.

Others have been deafeningly silent.

We thank the German government for this stellar example of international responsibility. Likewise we commend those governments who have boldly made commitments today. We urge other governments of industrialised nations not to continue to be shamed by their own lack of action.

In small island developing states, we live the reality of Climate Change.

For us, this is not an academic discussion or statistical game.

We have real economies at risk, and real lives at stake.

For us, the costs are not only to mitigate against the perils of Climate Change now; the costs are repairing the damage that has been caused in the past; that continue to plague us now; and that will define our future.

As the head of a government elected just three months ago, I have to find the resources not only to combat the harsh effects of Climate Change but I have to find the means to provide education, health and social services that my people rightly expect

On top of all this, are the resources that many of the culprits of Climate Change expect small countries, such as mine, to expend on a myriad set of requirements that satisfy their needs for regulation of financial services; for combatting drug trafficking; and for stopping refugees.

My government, and the governments of many small states, are fulfilling their international obligations even through the burden is great.

But it is unfair, unreasonable and unjust that we should struggle to meet our international responsibilities at the expense of neglecting the social welfare needs of our own people.

Secretary-General, in the spirit of international co-operation without which I am convinced our planet will not easily survive, I opted to come to this distinguished forum to plead with the leaders of the industrialised nations to let this Summit make a difference.

I call on the industrialized nations to fulfil their undertakings to provide the funding they promised to the GCF and to instruct their negotiators in Lima in December to honour their governments’ word.

Our world, I suspect, has entered a time of impending crisis from Climate Change.

I hope that in this august body, close attention might be paid to my nation’s small voice of truth.

Finally, I applaud the Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, for his sterling leadership on this critical development issue of climate change that threatens our home – planet earth.

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Townhall Meeting Notice

Senator Colin L James
Parliamentary Secretary

Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals
Cassada Gardens, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Tel: (268) 562-6224 (O), 464-5053 (M)

Townhall Meeting Notice

The All Saints East & St Luke Constituency Branch of the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) will be hosting two (2) Townhall Meetings on Tuesday, 23^rd September at the CT Samuel School in John Hughes and Thursday, 25 September, 2014 at the Old Road Primary at 7:30pm nightly.

ABLP Caretaker and Parliamentary Secretary Sen. Colin James will address the gathering on matters regarding the ministry and other issues.

All constituents are invited to attend.

Signed by:

Senator Colin L James
Parliamentary Secretary

Ministry of Sports, Culture & National Festivals
Cassada Gardens, St John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Tel: (268) 464-5053

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ANTIGUA’S NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM TOUCHED DOWN IN THE UK TO MEET WITH TOUR OPERATORS AND HOTEL PARTNERS

Honourable Asot A. Michael, the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment & Energy, for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, touched down in the UK on Monday 22 September for a packed itinerary during his 48 hour trip. Also joining the Tourism Minister was the Hon. Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports, Culture and National Festivals. CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James and the UK based tourism staff were also in attendance at the meetings with members of the travel trade, tour operators and Hotel Partners. The objective of the meetings was to update them on the developments in the industry and solicit their feedback in creative ways to continue to grow and develop Antigua and Barbuda’s vital tourism sector.

Minister Asot Michael touched upon the “strong cultural ties” that the two nations share over the years and announced that  “the destination had enjoyed a robust growth of visitors from the United Kingdom this year, with the UK being“the best performing market for overseas air arrivals recording a 10% year-on-year growth rate”.

13 hotel partners representing most of the properties on island attended an early afternoon sessions while 21 of the major UK tour operators accepted an invitation to dinner for a face to face update on tourism developments in the twin island nation.  

Minister Michael’s update to both tour operators, and hotel partners focused on upcoming infrastructure developments, such as the New Sandals Beaches Resort, China’s Yida International US$2B investment and Antigua and Barbuda’s brand new Airport Terminal. Hon. Asot Michael proudly described the new airport terminal as “the largest in the Eastern Caribbean which will open by March of 2015 equipped with Jet Bridges, multiple VIP lounges and high-end duty free shops”. The new airport terminal will double the current capacity of visitors that pass through the V.C. Bird International Airport, and will greatly improve the visitor experience.

This news of the new developments and airport was well received by the hotel partners and prompted a lively discussion where the partners raised key product issues of concern to them. These included the high cost of utilities, the need for more customer service training for key front line workers who interact with visitors and affordable airlift in the summer months.The need to be more efficient in the way we capture passenger arrival information was another area that was of concern to the hotel partners, with suggestions to include all members of a family on a single immigration form. This plus an automated way of collating the passenger arrival data was recommended, as a way to lead to faster reporting for quicker marketing decisions.

Minister Michael updated the hotels on recent energy initiatives that the Government had agreed with Venezuela, which will soon lead to a significant 12% reduction in energy costs. He also reported on a recent commitment from the new Airport Authority Board to ensure that all customer facing staff benefit from new customer service training to coincide with the opening of the new Airport Terminal.

The Hon Paul Chet Greene also updated the partners on an initiative to use the Sir Viv Richards Cricket Stadium for Sporting Tourism Activities for visiting UK county and school cricket teams which will stimulate much needed business during the slower summer period. Minister Greene indicated that the Government is currently conducting an audit of its heritage and historic tourism sights to ensure that they are developed in a sustainable way to contribute to the country’s heritage tourism.

The tour operators were pleased with the destination’s performance and strong demand for the upcoming winter and sought a commitment from the Minister for more funding to be made available for Co-op Marketing initiatives to continue the positive growth.

As part of his mandate the Hon. Asot Michael is looking to strengthen relationships with all airline providers, tour operators, travel trade and members of the media. This is a key component of the new Government’s strategy to further develop the industry, and drive arrival numbers. The end result will be increased employment for nationals, more foreign exchange earnings, higher tax revenue for the government and a raise in the national income. This will ensure Antigua and Barbuda will see steady growth and sustainable development for the nation,

For more information on Antigua and Barbuda, visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.comor call the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 0203 668 3800.

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ANTIGUA’S NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM TOUCHED DOWN IN THE UK TO MEET WITH TOUR OPERATORS AND HOTEL PARTNERS

Honourable Asot A. Michael, the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, Economic Development Investment & Energy, for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, touched down in the UK on Monday 22 September for a packed itinerary during his 48 hour trip. Also joining the Tourism Minister was the Hon. Paul Chet Greene, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Industry, Sports, Culture and National Festivals. CEO of the Antiguaand Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James and the UK based tourism staff were also in attendance at the meetings with members of the travel trade, tour operators and Hotel Partners. The objective of the meetings wasto update them on the developments in the industry and solicit their feedback in creative ways to continue to grow and develop Antigua and Barbuda’s vital tourism sector.

Minister Asot Michael touched upon the “strong cultural ties” that the two nations share over the years and announced that  “the destination hadenjoyed a robust growth of visitors from the United Kingdom this year, with the UK being“the best performing market for overseas air arrivals recording a 10% year-on-year growth rate”.

13 hotel partners representing most of the properties on island attended an early afternoon sessions while 21 of the major UK tour operators accepted an invitation to dinner for a face to face update on tourism developments in the twin island nation.  

Minister Michael’s update to bothtour operators, and hotel partners focused on upcoming infrastructure developments, such as the New Sandals Beaches Resort, China’s Yida International US$2B investment and Antigua and Barbuda’s brand new Airport Terminal. Hon. Asot Michael proudly described the new airport terminal as “the largest in the Eastern Caribbean which will open by March of 2015 equipped with Jet Bridges, multiple VIP lounges and high-end duty free shops”. The new airport terminalwill double the current capacity of visitors that pass through the V.C. Bird International Airport, and will greatly improvethe visitor experience.

This news of the new developments and airport was well received by the hotel partners and prompted a lively discussion where the partners raised key product issues of concern to them. These included the high cost of utilities, the need for more customer service training for key frontline workers who interact with visitors and affordable airlift in the summer months.The need to be more efficient in the way we capture passenger arrival information was another area that was of concern to the hotel partners, with suggestions to include all members of a family on a single immigration form. This plus an automated way of collating the passenger arrival data was recommended, as a way to lead to faster reporting for quicker marketing decisions.

Minister Michael updated the hotels on recent energy initiatives that the Government had agreed with Venezuela, which will soon lead to a significant 12% reduction in energy costs. He also reported ona recent commitment from the new Airport Authority Board to ensure that all customer facing staff benefit from new customer service training to coincide with the opening of the new Airport Terminal.

The Hon Paul Chet Greene also updated the partners on an initiative to use the Sir Viv Richards Cricket Stadium for Sporting Tourism Activities for visiting UK county and school cricket teams which will stimulate much needed business during the slower summer period. Minister Greene indicated that the Government is currently conducting an audit of its heritage and historic tourism sights to ensure that they are developed in a sustainable way to contribute to the country’s heritage tourism.

The tour operators were pleased with the destination’s performance and strong demand for the upcoming winter and sought a commitment from the Minister for more funding to be made available for Co-op Marketing initiatives to continue the positive growth.

As part of his mandate the Hon. Asot Michael is looking to strengthen relationships with all airline providers, tour operators, travel trade and members of the media. This is a key component of the new Government’s strategy to further develop the industry, and drive arrival numbers. The end result will be increased employment for nationals, more foreign exchange earnings, highertax revenue for the government and a raise in the national income. This will ensure Antigua and Barbuda will see steady growth and sustainable development for the nation,

For more information on Antigua and Barbuda, visit: www.visitantiguabarbuda.comor call the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority on 0203 668 3800.

-END-

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