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Prime Minister
The Honourable W. Baldwin Spencer
2008 New Year's Address
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
Today, Antigua and Barbuda stands on the threshold of a New Year - a New Year of opportunities and challenges - both within these 170 square miles and in the international arena.
Globalization has, indeed, created new opportunities for us. However, as a small island developing state, the challenges engendered by changes in the wider political arena and increased competitiveness in the international market are numerous; and if we are not extremely careful, these external factors could marginalize vulnerable developing states like ours.
In a nutshell, Antigua and Barbuda faces big issues; however, your government is committed to meeting these challenges at all costs in the interest of you, the people, whom we have always pledged to put first.
In the past, we have demonstrated our determination to provide for the greatest number of Antiguans and Barbudans and to ensure the sustainable development of our economy. We will do no less now, as we persevere in building a nation where no person is left out of the movement towards progress and development.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
Over the past year we have faced many tests. One such challenge - from which we have emerged with a reasonable measure of success - is our Internet gaming dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organisation.
On December 21, 2007 a Panel established by the World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body issued its report on the matter.
In a ruling that we consider to be deeply flawed, the Panel's Arbitrator determined that Antigua and Barbuda can formally request authorization from the Dispute Settlement Body to suspend the obligations under the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights up to a level of EC$56.7 million annually against the United States.
What this, in effect, means is that we can take counter-measures in the form of the suspension of concessions and obligations against US business interests in the areas of copyright and related rights; trademarks; industrial designs; patents; and protection of undisclosed information.
While your government is dissatisfied with the level of award, we take some solace from the fact that it is an annual award that will remain in place until the United States complies with the rulings and recommendations of the Settlement Body, or until both sides in this dispute reach a mutually agreed-upon solution.
Now that the legal aspects of the case are behind us, we look forward to sitting down with the United States- at the government-to-government level - to chart a course that will ultimately see this matter fully resolved to our mutual satisfaction.
I have already instructed our representative to the WTO, Ambassador Dr. John Ashe, to inform our friend and neighbour to the north that my government stands ready to meet at a moment's notice and to begin discussions on a fair and equitable resolution to a dispute that has dragged on for far too long.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
The issue of crime and violence remains a serious concern of not only the governments and peoples of the region, but of us in Antigua and Barbuda, as well.
Your government is committed to rigorously attacking, in the New Year, this growing culture of crime and violence. We will continue our quest to resolve political, economic and environmental crimes that have been committed against the people and the landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.
The restructuring and reorganization of the Antigua and Barbuda Royal Police Force, as recommended in the Breau Report, will play a major and decisive role in combating this unwelcome trend.
Commencing in the New Year, there must be changes in the strategies employed by the Force. The force will be provided with additional equipment, including a modern communications system, and the necessary tools to fight the purveyors of crime and violence in our society.
Training of police officers, strengthening of the forensic and intelligence divisions, and increasing joint foot and vehicle patrols with the army will also feature prominently in the government's crime plan for the New Year and beyond.
The removal of tints from motor-vehicles must be continued with greater vigour and determination. There are too many vehicles still on our streets with dark tints. If I can notice them, so should police officers.
The upgrading of the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard and the increased patrol of our waters will also receive renewed attention as part of the government's strategy, in 2008, to curb the smuggling of illegal firearms, drugs and other contraband materials into our twin island state.
In November, my government announced that it will introduce a community-lighting programme, “Light Your Neighbourhood,” in areas perceived to be riddled with high crime.
The Light Your Neighbourhood programme will partner with businesses to meet the costs of providing lighting fixtures and installation charges for a comprehensive street-lighting programme.
The overall goal of the programme is to install more than 2,500 street lights throughout Antigua and Barbuda, so as to ensure that suspect and dangerous areas are safer and more welcoming at night.
I am pleased to announce today that, since it was announced in November, our Light Your Neighbourhood programme has garnered support at the local, regional and international levels, and has received particular attention from the governments of Libya and Morocco.
Both countries have jointly purchased an initial 500 street lights and accessories, which will be installed in areas where they are needed most, upon their arrival in Antigua in January.
I thank the government of Libya and Morocco for their show of support for my government's efforts to combat crime, and I am also encouraged by the initial responses from other partners in this regard.
Commendation must go, once again, to the government of the People's Republic of China, which is also partnering with the government of Antigua and Barbuda in the provision and installation of street lights throughout the nation.
In the meantime, the government commends those individuals and organizations that have established neighbourhood-watch groups in an effort to curb the increase in crime.
Crime knows no colour, class or creed. It affects each and every one of us - therefore it is a concern for every citizen and resident of this nation - no matter our social, political or religious affiliation.
Therefore, I urge members of other communities to join the government's preventative measures by establishing additional neighbourhood-watch groups. My government stands ready to provide the assistance needed in this effort.
Equally important to the reduction in crime is the prosecution of individuals who commit crime. Recent events have clearly indicated that the prosecution services in both the Magistrates Court and the Criminal Assizes are inadequate and weak as a result of the unsatisfactory preparation of the cases for prosecution.
The frequency with which matters in the Magistrates Court are dismissed for want of prosecution, or for lack of sufficient evidence; the number of matters in the Assizes which are either withdrawn from prosecution or charges reduced on plea bargaining; and the low number of matters committed for trial are cause for concern.
Additionally, the length of time which elapses before an accused person is tried after he has been charged speaks to a system which continuously results in injustice to both victims and accused persons; frustration of witnesses; and a growing skepticism among a fair-minded public.
This cannot be allowed to continue.
Early in the New Year, I will instruct the Honourable Attorney General to take steps to establish a Working Committee consisting of stakeholder-representatives from the various relevant departments within the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety to prepare a Manual for the establishment of a Crown Prosecution Service.
This Crown Prosecution Service will be under the authority of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with the main objectives being:
- the integration of all police-prosecution services with the Crown Prosecution Service;
- to strengthen, enhance and consolidate the quality of prosecution services both at the Magistrates Court and Criminal Assizes level; and
- to identify and provide adequate professional resources, administrative support, and necessary equipment for the efficient operations of the Crown Prosecution Service.
As a government, it is our responsibility to put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure that the public is not only protected, but that it maintains a high level of confidence in the criminal-justice system.
It is a responsibility that my government takes very seriously.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
The high cost of manufactured goods, the increase in shipping and air transportation costs, and the considerable increase in the prices of key staple foods in Antigua and Barbuda and across the region remain key concerns to your government.
Although Antigua and Barbuda can boast of having the largest list of zero-rated items in respect of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax, we recognize that more is needed to contain the impact of rising international prices on the local cost of living.
We will ensure that the consumer-protection rights are strengthened in relation to goods under Price Control and to those that are sold after expiry or recommended dates of sale.
Government will also place more emphasis, in the New Year, on food production. We will look seriously at providing opportunities for increased food production in order for farmers to meet the demands of consumers. The Ministry of Agriculture will be required to ensure that arable lands are utilised mainly for farming and not for other purposes. The Land Use Policy of the government of Antigua and Barbuda must be put into effect in 2008.
Government is committed to addressing the needs of our farmers and the agricultural sector, in general, and will ensure that the Ministry of Agriculture is fully equipped to meet those needs.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
Throughout the New Year, your government will continue its efforts, in collaboration with our international partners, to provide the highest level of education for our people.
With the cooperation of the governments of Malaysia, Morocco and Greece; and with the Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, New York, the University of Oklahoma, and the American University of Antigua-School of Medicine, 35 young Antiguans and Barbudans will commence university studies in January of 2008.
In addition, over 100 new students will receive scholarships to commence their studies in Cuba, China, Malaysia and India in September of 2008.
My government believes that if our nation is to enjoy sustainable development, we must equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed in a competitive world.
Parallel to the government's programme of providing tertiary education to our young people is the completion of the National Public Library.
The Ministry of Education and its associates must deliver the National Public Library by the first half of 2008. Nothing less will be acceptable.
Today, my government remains committed to ensuring that the critical areas of the National Youth Policy are implemented, as we continue our efforts to empower our most precious resource - our young people.
We will continue to provide avenues for them to express themselves, excel, and develop their skills and talents. Accordingly, the upgrade and expansion of sporting facilities across the island will continue, and we will ensure that the various sporting associations work in the interest of their advancement.
I also call on the adults to fulfill their roles as good parents to the future men and women of this country. Teach them well. Be positive role models to them and show love for them at all times.
A few weeks ago, I announced that I will be instructing the Ministry of Education to designate a day in the school term to be “Role Model Day,” when students and young people in church and service organizations will be required to wear their church and or service uniforms as a show of support for the advancement of discipline and respect for law and order among our young people.
Commencing in the January term of the school year, every last Monday of the month will be designated Role Model Day. I call upon the Pathfinders, Cubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Cross and other church and service organizations to support this initiative. It can only produce positive results in our young people and develop in them pride of belonging to an organization that instills good moral values.
Of equal importance to the government in the New Year is the provision of quality health-care to Antigua and Barbuda. Most of the community clinics have been upgraded, and two new ones are to be built in 2008. New equipment has been sourced for our emergency medical services division, and more training has become available for healthcare providers.
However, the Mount St. John Medical Centre remains unopened.
The Ministry of Health and its associates must ensure that Mount St. John Medical Centre opens its doors to the general public by the first half of 2008, providing top-quality health care service to the nation. Nothing less will be acceptable.
The government's road programme will continue in earnest in the New Year. Focus will be placed on community roads and roadways affected by poor drainage and related problems.
The Ministry of Works, early in the New Year, will outline to the public a comprehensive road plan that will detail road repairs and construction, with timetables that will ensure that communities are served based on their needs.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
In 2008, your government will be called upon to assume leading positions internationally and regionally. The New Year will see Antigua and Barbuda as the Chair of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM; the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, OECS; COFCOR; and the Group of 77 and China of the United Nations.
Our nation, in the New Year, will be thrust into a leadership role on the international stage like never before. This will require us to provide effective solutions to a growing number of global problems. My government believes that, although a huge challenge, the tasks ahead are achievable with the cooperation of our regional and international partners.
As incoming Chair of the G77 and China, I have written to my fellow CARICOM Heads and other international players requesting their support and that of their United Nations delegations, as we seek to ensure that the G77 and China continues to provide the means for the developing world to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhance its joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues in the UN System - and to promote economic and technical cooperation among developing countries.
For Antigua and Barbuda, we will utilise the opportunities presented to us to champion our “Diplomacy for Development” policy -- to develop strategic opportunities that will enable our nation to sustain our economic development. The coming year for Antigua and Barbuda will be crucial not only for building a better society, but also for the establishment of an enviable position for our nation at the sub-regional, regional and international levels.
The Group of 77 and China is a key interlocutor for, and champion of, the economic interests of developing countries throughout the UN system.
At the same time, with so many important UN events slated for 2008 -- including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's 12th meeting in Accra, Ghana, in the first quarter, and the Financing for Development review conference in Qatar in the last quarter of 2008 -- the Group will face many challenges and opportunities to ensure that its principles remain front and center of the UN development agenda.
Antigua and Barbuda is up to the challenges that the position of Chair of this highly respected body holds. I am confident that my government is fully prepared to lead the international dialogue with a comprehensive understanding of international consensus-building and decision-making processes that will be vital to the successful stewardship of this important Group.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
As your government continues to work to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of our people, we are fully cognizant that with the many and varied challenges, we cannot exist on our own.
In 2007, the Caribbean has been engaged in a series of negotiations towards an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, which has proven to be a valuable partner of Antigua and Barbuda and the region.
With a forward thrust of increasing investment, my government believes that the EPA can make a major contribution to the development of Antigua and Barbuda and our people.
In order to ensure maximum benefit from the EPA, my government, during the first quarter of 2008 -- along with input from the private sector -- will scrutinize the Legal Text of the recently concluded negotiations leading to an Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and CARIFORUM Member States. We view this as a necessary step towards ensuring that we maximize the benefits under the Agreement prior to signature.
Over the past year, Antigua and Barbuda played a pivotal role during the negotiations, always emphasizing that an EPA must translate to corresponding technical and financial assistance for the region's priority sectors and programmes.
We were the leading advocate of the primacy of development support and the elaboration of a distinct DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER in the Agreement.
Antigua and Barbuda engaged in frank articulations of our vision of CARIFORUM-EU cooperation and the economic transformation agenda, in the context of the CARICOM Single Market.
I recall that I wrote a letter, in September, to Prime Minister Owen Arthur, Chairman of CARICOM, and Secretary-General Edwin Carrington, unequivocally stating that development must “constitute the heart of an EPA Agreement”.
As a result of our persistence, the Development Chapter was strengthened, and the EU assured the region that the promised assistance will be substantial, and that the Culture Industry, particularly artists from the Caribbean, will be allowed to practice its trade within Europe.
Additionally, through Antigua and Barbuda's efforts, we have ensured that before CARICOM engages in other bilateral negotiations, the lessons from the EPA negotiations will be studied during a Reflections Meeting in early January 2008. This will allow CARICOM to calculate and calibrate our various positions in the upcoming negotiations with Canada and the United States.
My government believes that the Agreement will provide our services sector with significant opportunities, while creating new avenues for investment. We will ensure that we continue to play a major role in this process.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
The New Year will also see government moving towards formulating a National Policy on Energy which will encompass the use of alternative energy sources and the effective implementation of energy-saving mechanisms and strategies.
It is the government's intention, early in 2008, to sign on to a regional Energy Security Treaty that is designed to increase the utilization of renewable energy from the current level of 9.8% to 20%.
During the coming months, citizens and residents will be called upon to contribute to the transformation of the country's energy-utilization patterns, as we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in favour of the more environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable-energy sources.
Upon assuming office, the UPP administration made a commitment that every effort will be made to reduce the cost of utilities to consumers. A significant component of achieving this goal is to ensure that the Antigua Public Utilities Authority is in a position not only to be the distributor of utility services, but the producer of utility services in Antigua and Barbuda.
In moving towards that goal, my government has commenced negotiations with the principals of the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) towards purchasing the remaining 75% shares of that company. Negotiations are at an advanced stage and very shortly an announcement will be made in this regard.
The government regards the purchase of the remaining shares of the WIOC as a strategic move towards ensuring that a national asset remains in the hands of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Once the government's objective of having 100% ownership of the West Indies Oil Company is completed, it is our intention to further empower our people by offering shares in the company to the public in a manner that will ensure the widest possible participation in this enterprise by the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“People First” will always remain constant in the decisions we make as a government. It is our guiding philosophy.
“People First” was our philosophy when we introduced the School Meals and School Uniform Grant programmes.
“People First” was our philosophy when we increased the minimum wage and contributions to pensioners.
“People First” was our philosophy when we introduced the largest list of zero-rated items under the ABST and paid monies to the Half Moon Bay workers who were owed for over twelve years.
“People First” was our philosophy when we raised salaries to public servants by 10%, and “People First” is still our philosophy as we prepare to launch the $6.7 million annual Senior Citizens Utility Subsidy programme under the PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda initiative.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
The Senior Citizens Utility subsidy, which will give much-needed relief in the area of utility services to over 6,000 persons, is possible through Antigua and Barbuda's participation in the PetroCaribe Initiative established by the government of Venezuela.
In November 2006, PDV CAB celebrated the arrival of its first shipment of some 90,000 barrels of fuel. Since then, over 700,000 barrels of fuel have been imported by Antigua & Barbuda. This places Antigua & Barbuda fourth -- behind the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Nicaragua -- as a major importer under PetroCaribe.
The total purchase price for the imported fuel stands at approximately US$63 Million. Of this amount, some 40% has been financed at a highly concessionary rate.
In 2008, Antigua & Barbuda intends to further expand the role it plays in the regional context. This development will be closely linked to the Government's acquisition of the remaining 75% shares in WIOC. That acquisition will position Antigua & Barbuda to fill a need that currently exists for an effective and efficient fuel-storage and distribution site in the region.
Prior to my Government's announcement of its plans to take over WIOC, PetroCaribe member-states were examining a short- and medium-term plan to upgrade and expand a tan farm and sea terminal in northeastern Venezuela, in order to meet the needs of the Eastern Caribbean. The availability of the West Indies Oil Company's infrastructure will uniquely position Antigua and Barbuda as a major player in the distribution of fuel throughout the region.
It is also important to realize that the PetroCaribe Agreement has a much broader context than simply the importation and distribution of fuel. The Initiative is geared towards the creation of socio-economic development, energy security, and the further integration of the peoples of the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The socio-economic development is directly linked to the funding of social programmes from the proceeds of the financed portion of the fuel purchase price. One such project is the Senior Citizens Utility Subsidy Programme. Registration for this programme has already begun for eligible seniors and will continue in earnest in the upcoming weeks.
Surely, no true patriot would deny the social benefit this programme will deliver to such a deserving, yet vulnerable, sector of our society. During 2008, citizens can look forward to the launch of other social projects as my Government advances our “People First” agenda.
Social development projects are also funded by the ALBA Fund, which is another component of the PetroCaribe Initiative. Very shortly, approval will be granted for a major water-infrastructure project developed by APUA that will constitute a major component of that body's strategic plan, with a total price tag of some US$8.5 Million.
Antigua & Barbuda's ongoing participation in the PetroCaribe Initiative gives us access to significant material, technological, human and financial resources such as would not be available to us under normal circumstances.
For this reason, my Government is extremely grateful to the Government and People of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. However, I wish to note that no less a debt of gratitude is owed to the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago for the support that it has provided - and continues to provide to Antigua & Barbuda through the Petroleum Fund.
By continuing our collaboration with these and other regional and international stakeholders, I am confident that Antigua & Barbuda will realize the required level of energy security and sustainability.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
Throughout 2008, the Sunshine Administration will continue cooperation with our regional and international partners. Our ties with the Republic of Cuba will continue to grow as we enter a New Year faced with new challenges.
Today I pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Ambassador Marcelino Fagardo towards advancing the relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Cuba. I pray God's blessings on him as he goes through a period of recovery from a recent illness.
My government will also continue to cherish our long-standing relations with the People's Republic of China.
January 1, 2008 marks 25 years of diplomatic relations between The People's Republic of China and Antigua and Barbuda. Our diplomatic friendship is akin to one that a brother holds for his brother. Our economic and diplomatic relationship has been based on the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
Thus, the People's Republic of China, our brother-nation, can be assured that it has a lasting friend in the Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda.
As a further demonstration of China's commitment to Antigua and Barbuda, a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed with a Chinese state company; this paves the way for negotiations to be finalized for China to finance the expansion, upgrade and modernization of the St. John's Deep Water Harbour, as well as the construction of a new terminal, with all the modern features, at the V.C. Bird International Airport.
These concessionary loans for infrastructural development are made possible under a US$600 million soft-loan facility, made available by the government of the People's Republic of China to CARICOM countries.
Negotiations are expected to be finalized shortly to allow for work on the Deep Water Harbour expansion and upgrade to commence in a matter of months, and the construction of a new airport terminal early in 2008.
Meanwhile, airside work at the V.C. Bird International Airport -- which includes the relaying and expansion of the runway, among other things -- will commence in the next few weeks.
My Fellow Antiguans and Barbudans;
Residents and Friends of Antigua and Barbuda:
Antigua and Barbuda is in the midst of the greatest upward surge of economic well-being in the history of our nation. Our thriving progress has been marked by your government's sound economic and social policies and programmes. We have worked three years to climb to this peak of prosperity. But we still have much work to do to fulfill the “People's Agenda.”
Before us now is a summit where each can endeavor and all will achieve. We pledge to continue building this nation and to serve you, the people. To do this, we must, together as a country, join hands and build a prosperous society.
For my part, I will continue to carry out my responsibilities as your Chief Servant in the interest of you, the people. I also call on the members of my government to set higher standards of their stewardship and to recommit to holding their offices to the highest ideals and principles.
As servants of the people, we must always be reminded that the greatest task before us is not simply knowing what is right, but doing what is right. Doing what is right in the interest of the greatest number of people must be a constant in our decisions.
As a government, and as the head of the United Progressive Party Administration, I pledge always to do what is right for every Antiguan and Barbudan.
As we enter the New Year, I thank God for you, the people of this great nation. I thank God for the efforts of all of our public servants and members of the private sector who work tirelessly in the development of this land we call home.
I also ask God's blessings on the members of the many civic and voluntary organizations who gave of their time and resources to assist the less fortunate of our society throughout the past year.
I thank all who have expressed kind sentiments and mentioned me and your government in their prayers during the Christmas Season and throughout the year just ended. I further ask for your prayers for God's continued guidance for your Government in the New Year.
May God bless you and your loved ones with health, happiness, peace and security in the New Year and ever after, and may God continue to bless our beloved nation, Antigua and Barbuda
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