http://bernews.com/2011/02/wikileaks-bermuda-sought-help-on-crime/
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LONDON 002857
NOFORN SENSITIVE SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM ECON EFIN ETRD KCRM KDRG
SUBJECT: UK HOSTS OVERSEAS TERRITORIES LEADERS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Greg Berry for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1.(C/NF) Summary: The UK hosted delegations from eleven British Overseas Territories (BOTs) for the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC), held December 7-9 in London. UK Under-Secretary of State Chris Bryant met with BOT leaders both bilaterally and jointly, and topics of discussion included good governance, managing public finances, borrowing guidelines, crime, and the future of the BOTs. In a meeting with Poloff on December 17, Head of Bermuda and Caribbean Section in the Overseas Territories Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Tony Bates provided details of the OTCC discussions and, separately, inquired about two Bermuda-related Uighur issues. End Summary.
2.(U) The UK hosted delegations from eleven British Overseas Territories (BOTs) for the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC), held December 7-9 in London. Head of Bermuda and Caribbean Section in the Overseas Territories Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Tony Bates told Poloff in a December 17 meeting that bilateral meetings were held between UK Under-Secretary of State Chris Bryant and BOT leaders on December 7, a Forum with NGOs and other members of civil society was held on December 8, and the Council itself was held on December 9.Bates said that the major issues addressed included good governance, the importance of maintaining sound public finances, borrowing guidelines, and crime.
3.(SBU/NF) Bates said that the December 7 bilateral meetings focused mainly on borrowing guidelines and contingent liabilities, and noted that the UK lends to the BOTs as needed, up to a pre-set limit, but assumes no liability for the BOTs if something goes wrong financially. Bates said that the result of the bilateral discussions was that the UK would review its borrowing guidelines in the hopes of “relaxing them a bit.” Bates noted that it is the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands that most need to borrow at the moment.
4.(SBU/NF) Bates said that the Forum held on December 8 addressed a wide range of issues, including good governance, human rights, and crime prevention, and was led by NGOs and other members of civil society. Bates noted that this was the first year that the Forum was held, and said that there were mixed feelings about the success of the event. Bates said the outcomes of the Forum were “of minimal significance.”
5.(C/NF) Bates said that Under-Secretary Bryant chaired the December 9 Council, and that though there were some “quite frank” discussions, the debate never got heated on uncomfortable. Bates said that an important part of the Council was the discussion on crime, which is a particular problem in Bermuda and in the Cayman Islands. Bermuda has requested foreign assistance in combating its crime problems, and the West Midlands police (which has experience battling gang-related crime) as well as the FBI and the Miami-Dade police department are scheduled to visit Bermuda to provide assistance and training. Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush said he favored using capital punishment as a crime deterrent, saying of criminals that the Cayman Islands should “let them hang”; but Bates said that there was “no chance” of capital punishment being instituted in the Cayman Islands.
6.(SBU/NF) Bates noted that the discussion of good governance included mention of the UK’s imposition of direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) earlier this year, after an investigatory committee found TCI to be “rife with corruption.” Bates said that Under-Secretary Bryant assured BOT leaders that the UK had no interest in micro-managing the affairs of the BOTs; however, Bryant cautioned that he was accountable to Parliament for the governance of the BOTs and therefore would step in when he had concerns about poor management and inadequate governance.
7.(SBU/NF) Bates said that there was some discussion of the future of the BOTs – would they move toward independence? Bates acknowledged that in some territories there would be a move toward independence, but he emphasized that the decision rests with the people, and not with the local government, and that the UK therefore expects that independence must come through a referendum rather than through a local government decision. Bates said that if independence was “the stated wish of the majority of the people” of a BOT, the UK “would not stand in the way.” LONDON 00002857 002 OF 002
8.(SBU/NF) Bates said that, overall, the OTCC was a success in that “everyone left feeling they had had their say.” Bates said that the OTCC was first and foremost an opportunity for BOT leaders to “come to London, meet the Minister, and say what they think.” In this regard, the UK said that this year’s OTCC fulfilled its purpose.
Bermuda/Uighur Issues ———————
9.(C/NF) Separately, Bates raised two issues pertaining to Bermuda and specifically to the four former Guantanamo detainees who were resettled on the island earlier this year. Bates first asked about a recent local Bermudan newspaper article that said that the Uighurs expected to get passports within a year based on comments from their lawyers and a U.S. army general. Bates said the UK was “alarmed” at this report, but Poloff assured Bates that no one in the USG had made any promises of passports for the Uighurs. Bates went on to say that the Uighurs were ineligible for refugee travel documents, ineligible for any sort of travel document that Bermuda might give them, and, at least for the next several years, ineligible for British passports that would accompany UK citizenship. He said that it appeared that the only passports they were eligible for were Chinese passports, but that there was, of course, no chance of them getting those.
10.(C/NF) Bates said that the Uighur issue was not raised by either Bermuda Premier Ewart Brown or Under-Secretary Bryant at the OTCC – according to Bates, Premier Brown has already heard Bryant’s take on this issue plenty of times. Bates said that the UK was waiting to see how the closing of Guantanamo Bay proceeded, but that as of now the UK plans to raise the Uighur resettlement issue with Ambassador Fried’s office via UK Embassy Washington at some point in January.
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12 February 2011
Inter American Commission on Human Rights Grants Precautionary Measures for Rapa Nui
Commission of the Organisation of American States expresses concern that "Rapa Nui people's life and integrity are at risk due to acts of violence and intimidation reportedly carried out by police in the context of demonstrations and evictions."
On February 7, 2011, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for the Rapa Nui Indigenous People of Easter Island, Chile. The request for precautionary measure alleges that the Rapa Nui people's life and integrity are at risk due to acts of violence and intimidation reportedly carried out by police in the context of demonstrations and evictions. The Inter-American Commission asked the State of Chile to immediately bring an end to the use of armed violence in the execution of State administrative or judicial actions against members of the Rapa Nui people, including evictions from public spaces or from public or private property; to guarantee that the actions of State agents in the framework of protests and evictions do not jeopardize the life or physical integrity of the members of the Rapa Nui people; to inform the IACHR within 10 days about the adoption of these precautionary measures; and to update this information periodically.
U.S. Senator and Congressional Delegate Send Letter to Chilean President on Rapa Nui Crisis
Daniel K. Akaka, Senator from the U.S. state of Hawaii, and Congressional Delegate Eni F. H. Faleomavaega, Delegate from the U.S. territory of American Samoa sent the following joint letter on 3rd February:
February 3, 2011
His Excellency Sebastián Piñera
President of the Republic of Chile
Palacio de la Moneda
Santiago, Chile
Dear President Piñera:
We are writing to express our concern over the situation unfolding in Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where Chilean armed forces have been carrying out forced evictions of Rapa Nui natives over the past five months. We continue to be very concerned about the physical safety of all of the Rapa Nui; but right now we are especially concerned about the welfare and security of Hito clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel. Several sources have informed us that heavily-armed Chilean police are surrounding the hotel, 24 hours a day. We have also been alerted that the electricity has been cut off, and that there are no provisions for food or medical care. At one point, it was reported that there were 13 individuals trapped in the hotel. Of the 13 individuals, 2 were children, 6 were women, and one was elderly and medically-compromised (diabetic). Sources say the clan members have no way to communicate with anyone outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys.
The Chilean government has threatened to evict the clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel on February 8, 2011. Some of the evictions carried out by Chilean troops in recent months have resulted in injuries to the Rapa Nui natives. According to news reports, an eviction on December 29, 2010 was carried out against peaceful protesters gathering at a public square. Some of these individuals suffered serious injuries, including fractures and head wounds, after police forces reportedly fired buckshot pellets at their heads. We are concerned that evictions on February 8th could lead to more injuries should Chile follow through.
We are also concerned by (1) the failure of the Ministry of the Interior to seriously consider the legitimate land ownership claims of the Rapa Nui clans; (2) criminal prosecutions of Rapa Nui political leaders for their involvement in the peaceful Rapa Nui land rights campaign; and (3) the ongoing disproportionate use of force by Chilean Special Forces against Rapa Nui clan members. These actions undermine the basic legal, political, and human rights that both of our countries share.
It is our understanding that the Chilean executive branch is operating unilaterally in its Rapa Nui policy. Chile’s Congressional Commission of Foreign Affairs and the Human Rights Commission of the House of Representatives both requested a review of your government’s policies regarding treatment of the Rapa Nui Nation. Likewise, the Chilean Supreme Court has spoken, most recently rejecting an amparo filed by a private party against the Hito clan. We also note the January 12th statement of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which expresses similar concerns regarding your government’s policies.
Mr. President, we are also aware that on October 3, 2010, the Rapa Nui people filed a request for “precautionary measure” from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, of which Chile is a member. Because the Commission has yet to make a decision on the measure and since the number of Rapa Nui near the hotel grounds will soon increase from the support of other clans, there is an even greater need to prevent the February 8th eviction. We are concerned about reports that Chilean forces continue to target peaceful Rapa Nui individuals, including unarmed women and children. We strongly urge you to lower tensions on Rapa Nui by removing the police forces patrolling the Hanga Roa Hotel. Food, water, medicine, and other life-sustaining provisions should be immediately provided to the individuals inside the hotel. They should also be provided the means to communicate with their supporters outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys. Finally, we also urge you to refrain from the use of disproportionate force in dealing with peaceful Rapa Nui protesters occupying their ancestral land on the entire island.
It is our hope that your government will undertake efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict with the Rapa Nui Nation.
U.S. Senator and Congressional Delegate Send Letter to Chilean President on Rapa Nui Crisis
Daniel K. Akaka, Senator from the U.S. state of Hawaii, and Congressional Delegate Eni F. H. Faleomavaega, Delegate from the U.S. territory of American Samoa sent the following joint letter on 3rd February:
February 3, 2011
His Excellency Sebastián Piñera
President of the Republic of Chile
Palacio de la Moneda
Santiago, Chile
Dear President Piñera:
We are writing to express our concern over the situation unfolding in Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where Chilean armed forces have been carrying out forced evictions of Rapa Nui natives over the past five months. We continue to be very concerned about the physical safety of all of the Rapa Nui; but right now we are especially concerned about the welfare and security of Hito clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel. Several sources have informed us that heavily-armed Chilean police are surrounding the hotel, 24 hours a day. We have also been alerted that the electricity has been cut off, and that there are no provisions for food or medical care. At one point, it was reported that there were 13 individuals trapped in the hotel. Of the 13 individuals, 2 were children, 6 were women, and one was elderly and medically-compromised (diabetic). Sources say the clan members have no way to communicate with anyone outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys.
The Chilean government has threatened to evict the clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel on February 8, 2011. Some of the evictions carried out by Chilean troops in recent months have resulted in injuries to the Rapa Nui natives. According to news reports, an eviction on December 29, 2010 was carried out against peaceful protesters gathering at a public square. Some of these individuals suffered serious injuries, including fractures and head wounds, after police forces reportedly fired buckshot pellets at their heads. We are concerned that evictions on February 8th could lead to more injuries should Chile follow through.
We are also concerned by (1) the failure of the Ministry of the Interior to seriously consider the legitimate land ownership claims of the Rapa Nui clans; (2) criminal prosecutions of Rapa Nui political leaders for their involvement in the peaceful Rapa Nui land rights campaign; and (3) the ongoing disproportionate use of force by Chilean Special Forces against Rapa Nui clan members. These actions undermine the basic legal, political, and human rights that both of our countries share.
It is our understanding that the Chilean executive branch is operating unilaterally in its Rapa Nui policy. Chile’s Congressional Commission of Foreign Affairs and the Human Rights Commission of the House of Representatives both requested a review of your government’s policies regarding treatment of the Rapa Nui Nation. Likewise, the Chilean Supreme Court has spoken, most recently rejecting an amparo filed by a private party against the Hito clan. We also note the January 12th statement of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which expresses similar concerns regarding your government’s policies.
Mr. President, we are also aware that on October 3, 2010, the Rapa Nui people filed a request for “precautionary measure” from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, of which Chile is a member. Because the Commission has yet to make a decision on the measure and since the number of Rapa Nui near the hotel grounds will soon increase from the support of other clans, there is an even greater need to prevent the February 8th eviction. We are concerned about reports that Chilean forces continue to target peaceful Rapa Nui individuals, including unarmed women and children. We strongly urge you to lower tensions on Rapa Nui by removing the police forces patrolling the Hanga Roa Hotel. Food, water, medicine, and other life-sustaining provisions should be immediately provided to the individuals inside the hotel. They should also be provided the means to communicate with their supporters outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys. Finally, we also urge you to refrain from the use of disproportionate force in dealing with peaceful Rapa Nui protesters occupying their ancestral land on the entire island.
It is our hope that your government will undertake efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict with the Rapa Nui Nation.
11 February 2011
Sint Maarten PM to CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting
Prime Minister Wescot invited to attend in view of recent autonomous political status for Sint Maarten
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has informed the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Honorable Prime Minister of Grenada Tillman Thomas that she accepts the invitation extended to attend the next meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, recommended to the CARICOM Chairman that an invitation should be extended to Sint Maarten since it has achieved an autonomous country position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Hon. Prime Minister Wescot Williams says that she is looking forward to this meeting and having the opportunity to look at the prospects it offers in forging future relations across national and regional borders.
In 1972, Commonwealth Caribbean leaders at the Seventh Heads of Government Conference decided to transform the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which the Common Market would be an integral part. The signing of the Treaty establishing CARICOM, Chaguaramas, 4th July, 1973, was a defining moment in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean.
The objectives of CARICOM are to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competiveness; organization for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.
There are 15 countries that are members (Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) of CARICOM and five are associate members (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands).
Hon. Prime Minister Skerrit is expected to arrive on the island for official business Friday evening at 9.00pm at which time the Prime Minister will welcome him.
Editor's Note: Sint Maarten was part of the erstwhile Netherlands Antilles which enjoyed observer status in relevant CARICOM committees prior to changes in the CARICOM structure eliminating the committees in favour of ministerial councils.
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has informed the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Honorable Prime Minister of Grenada Tillman Thomas that she accepts the invitation extended to attend the next meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, recommended to the CARICOM Chairman that an invitation should be extended to Sint Maarten since it has achieved an autonomous country position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Hon. Prime Minister Wescot Williams says that she is looking forward to this meeting and having the opportunity to look at the prospects it offers in forging future relations across national and regional borders.
In 1972, Commonwealth Caribbean leaders at the Seventh Heads of Government Conference decided to transform the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which the Common Market would be an integral part. The signing of the Treaty establishing CARICOM, Chaguaramas, 4th July, 1973, was a defining moment in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean.
The objectives of CARICOM are to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competiveness; organization for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.
There are 15 countries that are members (Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) of CARICOM and five are associate members (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands).
Hon. Prime Minister Skerrit is expected to arrive on the island for official business Friday evening at 9.00pm at which time the Prime Minister will welcome him.
Editor's Note: Sint Maarten was part of the erstwhile Netherlands Antilles which enjoyed observer status in relevant CARICOM committees prior to changes in the CARICOM structure eliminating the committees in favour of ministerial councils.
10 February 2011
Council of UN General Assembly Presidents Meets with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Meeting took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York.From left to right:
Dr. Hon. Julian R. Hunte (Saint Lucia), Chairman of the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Rep. of Korea); Jan Kavan (Czech Republic), Vice-Chairman of the Council ; and Dr. Carlyle Corbin (Virgin Islands), Executive Secretary of the Council of Presidents.
08 February 2011
United Nations, New York
UN Photo/John McIlwaine
09 February 2011
Compensation for "damage caused by colonialism" proposed at UN
Request for the inclusion of a supplementary item in the United Nations agenda. The General Committee of the United Nations should take up the matter later in 2011.
Letter dated 29 July 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations:
The majority of the peoples currently represented at the United Nations have, in the course of their history, undergone the bitter experience of colonialism. The colonial Powers occupied their land and subjected them to the harshest and most inhuman forms of treatment, in blatant violation of human rights and the principles
of dignity enshrined in all divine religions and human cultures.
The damage of colonialism extended to every aspect of life in the colonized territories. The inhabitants were mere slaves to their colonial masters. In many cases, they were sold into slavery and transported to other countries at vast distances from their homeland. Colonialism perpetuated slavery, exploiting slaves and raw
materials from colonized territories in order to advance colonial countries and build modern civilization.
Inhabitants of colonized countries were killed and subjected to collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile and enslavement. Attempts were made to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with the language and culture of the colonizer.
The colonizer forcibly enlisted hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized countries, who lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain. As a result, their families were subjected to unbearable suffering.
The colonized countries sustained massive damage as a result of illegal economic exploitation, the massive draining of resources, the plundering of natural wealth and cultural and historic property, and environmental contamination caused by radiation from nuclear testing, which led to considerable human and material
damage.
The crimes of colonialism contributed significantly to the difficult economic and social situation which a majority of the peoples of the African continent continue to face. That predicament has forced millions of inhabitants to risk their lives in order to emigrate to the wealthy countries, their former colonial masters. While the colonists have departed from many countries, landmines and explosive remnants of war remain from the colonial era, which continue to take lives and hamper development efforts. The States that planted or left the landmines bear responsibility for their removal. They should promptly assist the affected countries in their efforts to remove landmines and explosive remnants of war by providing maps, the necessary technology and expertise.
In 1960, the United Nations General Assembly played an important role in ending colonization through the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
The time has now come for it to complete that task by removing the damage of colonialism and criminalizing the latter as the worst human rights violation.
By virtue of resolution CM/RES/1339, adopted on 1 June 1991 in Abuja, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Organization of African Unity, which has since been succeeded by the African Union, decided to establish a group to set out clearly the extent of Africa’s exploitation, the liability of the perpetrators and the strategy for achieving reparation.
In its statements and at its summits, the Non-Aligned Movement has called on colonial States to compensate colonized peoples for the damage inflicted. In order to build confidence among States, remove ill will and consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect, there is an urgent need for colonized peoples to receive an apology and equitable compensation. Poor peoples would thereby gain an opportunity to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease. Compensation would also help to stem illegal migration from poor to wealthy countries.
A number of States with a colonial past have apologized to the peoples they colonized. Austria and Hungary have apologized to the Balkan peoples, Japan to China and Korea, and Australia to the indigenous Australians. Italy recently apologized to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and agreed to pay compensation to the
Libyan people. Such initiatives should lead all States to criminalize colonialism and compensate its victims. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya therefore requests the inclusion of a supplementary item on the agenda of the General Assembly entitled “Compensation for damage caused by colonialism”, and wishes to submit a draft resolution on the topic.
The General Assembly,
Recalling the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Reaffirming the importance of effective protection of and respect for human rights, including the right of peoples to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,
Commending the important role played by the United Nations since its establishment in ending colonialism in non-self-governing territories, including through the adoption in 1960 of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the follow-up to its implementation,
Reiterating its conviction that all of the effects of colonialism and racial discrimination must be eliminated, and human rights violations curbed,
Noting that the colonized peoples were subjected to economic exploitation, their resources drained on a massive scale, and their natural resources and cultural and historic property plundered,
Further noting that certain colonized territories sustained massive damage as a result of their illegal use by colonial powers, including for nuclear tests which contaminated the air and sea with radiation and harmful materials, displaced inhabitants and transformed their natural way of life,
Mindful of the suffering of colonized peoples under foreign occupation and the violations of international law to which they were subjected, including killings, collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile, enslavement and attempts to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with
the language and culture of the colonizer,
Conscious that the concealment of realities concerning colonized territories and the conditions of their inhabitants under foreign occupation has resulted in the distortion of the history of colonized peoples, causing considerable moral damage,
Conscious also of the suffering of the families of hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized territories who were enlisted by the colonial powers and lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain,
Mindful of the role of colonialism in perpetuating slavery and exploiting slaves and raw materials from the colonized territories in order to advance the colonial States and build modern civilization,
Reaffirming the principle that peoples under foreign occupation have permanent sovereignty over their natural resources,
Expressing grave concern at the continuing suffering of many of the peoples subjected to colonialism as a result of the mines and explosive remnants of war which were left by colonialism and continue to take lives and hamper development efforts,
Recalling its resolutions 3534 (XXX) of 9 December 1975, 35/71 of 5 December 1980, 36/188 of 17 December 1981, 37/210 of 20 December 1982, 38/162 of 19 December 1983, 39/167 of 17 December 1984 concerning the remnants of war, 55/2 of 8 September 2000 containing the United Nations Millennium
Declaration, and 60/1 of 16 September 2005 containing the 2005 World Summit Outcome,
Recalling also the relevant resolutions and recommendations of other international and regional organizations and, in particular, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Programme,
Reaffirming the relevant resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights adopted at past sessions concerning the effects of intervention, aggression and military occupation which violate the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as other human rights enshrined in international humanitarian law,
Mindful of the historic precedents for compensation in respect of damage arising from occupation, wars and their effects and, in particular, the compensation that followed the two most recent World Wars,
Expressing its regret that adequate measures have not been taken to resolve issues related to the colonial past, such as apologies; compensation for the loss of property and lives; removal of explosive remnants of war; and restitution of cultural property to its countries of origin,
Recognizing that equitable compensation for colonized peoples would enable them to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease, in addition to promoting the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development and helping to stem the flow of migration from poor to
wealthy countries,
Emphasizing that an apology and the provision of equitable compensation for colonized peoples would prevent the recurrence of colonialism,
Emphasizing also that compensation for the colonial period would build confidence among States; remove ill will; consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect; further the common good; and promote international peace and security,
1. Reaffirms that colonialism in any form or manifestation, including economic exploitation, is inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; constitutes an illegal act; and contravenes the values and ethical codes established by the divine religions and human cultures across the ages;
2. Reaffirms also its determination to take the necessary steps for the complete elimination of the effects of colonialism, and to ensure that all States comply with the pertinent provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
3. Expresses concern at the human and material damage sustained by the peoples subjected to colonialism, damage that has hampered their efforts to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy and achieve economic growth;
4. Emphasizes that the peoples that have endured colonial control, or continue to do so, have a right to receive an apology and equitable compensation from colonial States in reparation for the damage sustained;
5. Welcomes the fact that certain States have declared their responsibility for the illegal practices of their former colonial Governments, have apologized for those practices and have expressed their preparation to pay appropriate compensation for the human and material damage incurred;
6. Requests all States whose former Governments were involved in the implementation of colonial policies promptly to rid themselves of their colonial legacy, and to work to erase the effects of that period by apologizing to the colonized peoples, providing them with equitable compensation for the human, economic and social damage inflicted, returning their cultural and artistic property, and helping them to reclaim the land contaminated by radiation and harmful materials;
7. Emphasizes that formerly colonized peoples have a right to recover all of their archives, including official documentation in the possession of the colonial powers concerning those peoples and their homelands;
8. Stresses that it is important for States subjected to colonialism to be given preference in trade exchanges and priority in the receipt of financial and technical assistance towards programmes and steps aimed at promoting their economies;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to present an outline for the establishment of an international mechanism to evaluate requests for compensation in respect of colonial damage, taking into consideration the views of Member States, the Human Rights Council and relevant non-governmental organizations;
10. Requests all States to inform the Secretary-General of the measures taken in implementation of this resolution;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of this resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
Letter dated 29 July 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations:
I have the honour to request, in accordance with rule 14 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the inclusion in the agenda of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly of a supplementary item entitled “Compensation for damage caused by colonialism”.
In accordance with rule 20 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, an explanatory memorandum in support of the above request (annex I) and a draft resolution (annex II) are annexed hereto.
It would be appreciated if the present letter and its annexes could be circulated as a document of the General Assembly.
In accordance with rule 20 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, an explanatory memorandum in support of the above request (annex I) and a draft resolution (annex II) are annexed hereto.
It would be appreciated if the present letter and its annexes could be circulated as a document of the General Assembly.
(Signed) Abdurrahman M. Shalgham
Ambassador
Permanent Representative
Explanatory memorandum
The majority of the peoples currently represented at the United Nations have, in the course of their history, undergone the bitter experience of colonialism. The colonial Powers occupied their land and subjected them to the harshest and most inhuman forms of treatment, in blatant violation of human rights and the principles
of dignity enshrined in all divine religions and human cultures.
The damage of colonialism extended to every aspect of life in the colonized territories. The inhabitants were mere slaves to their colonial masters. In many cases, they were sold into slavery and transported to other countries at vast distances from their homeland. Colonialism perpetuated slavery, exploiting slaves and raw
materials from colonized territories in order to advance colonial countries and build modern civilization.
Inhabitants of colonized countries were killed and subjected to collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile and enslavement. Attempts were made to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with the language and culture of the colonizer.
The colonizer forcibly enlisted hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized countries, who lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain. As a result, their families were subjected to unbearable suffering.
The colonized countries sustained massive damage as a result of illegal economic exploitation, the massive draining of resources, the plundering of natural wealth and cultural and historic property, and environmental contamination caused by radiation from nuclear testing, which led to considerable human and material
damage.
The crimes of colonialism contributed significantly to the difficult economic and social situation which a majority of the peoples of the African continent continue to face. That predicament has forced millions of inhabitants to risk their lives in order to emigrate to the wealthy countries, their former colonial masters. While the colonists have departed from many countries, landmines and explosive remnants of war remain from the colonial era, which continue to take lives and hamper development efforts. The States that planted or left the landmines bear responsibility for their removal. They should promptly assist the affected countries in their efforts to remove landmines and explosive remnants of war by providing maps, the necessary technology and expertise.
In 1960, the United Nations General Assembly played an important role in ending colonization through the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.
The time has now come for it to complete that task by removing the damage of colonialism and criminalizing the latter as the worst human rights violation.
By virtue of resolution CM/RES/1339, adopted on 1 June 1991 in Abuja, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Organization of African Unity, which has since been succeeded by the African Union, decided to establish a group to set out clearly the extent of Africa’s exploitation, the liability of the perpetrators and the strategy for achieving reparation.
In its statements and at its summits, the Non-Aligned Movement has called on colonial States to compensate colonized peoples for the damage inflicted. In order to build confidence among States, remove ill will and consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect, there is an urgent need for colonized peoples to receive an apology and equitable compensation. Poor peoples would thereby gain an opportunity to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease. Compensation would also help to stem illegal migration from poor to wealthy countries.
A number of States with a colonial past have apologized to the peoples they colonized. Austria and Hungary have apologized to the Balkan peoples, Japan to China and Korea, and Australia to the indigenous Australians. Italy recently apologized to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and agreed to pay compensation to the
Libyan people. Such initiatives should lead all States to criminalize colonialism and compensate its victims. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya therefore requests the inclusion of a supplementary item on the agenda of the General Assembly entitled “Compensation for damage caused by colonialism”, and wishes to submit a draft resolution on the topic.
Draft resolution
Compensation for damage caused by colonialism
Compensation for damage caused by colonialism
The General Assembly,
Recalling the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,
Reaffirming the importance of effective protection of and respect for human rights, including the right of peoples to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,
Commending the important role played by the United Nations since its establishment in ending colonialism in non-self-governing territories, including through the adoption in 1960 of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the follow-up to its implementation,
Reiterating its conviction that all of the effects of colonialism and racial discrimination must be eliminated, and human rights violations curbed,
Noting that the colonized peoples were subjected to economic exploitation, their resources drained on a massive scale, and their natural resources and cultural and historic property plundered,
Further noting that certain colonized territories sustained massive damage as a result of their illegal use by colonial powers, including for nuclear tests which contaminated the air and sea with radiation and harmful materials, displaced inhabitants and transformed their natural way of life,
Mindful of the suffering of colonized peoples under foreign occupation and the violations of international law to which they were subjected, including killings, collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile, enslavement and attempts to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with
the language and culture of the colonizer,
Conscious that the concealment of realities concerning colonized territories and the conditions of their inhabitants under foreign occupation has resulted in the distortion of the history of colonized peoples, causing considerable moral damage,
Conscious also of the suffering of the families of hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized territories who were enlisted by the colonial powers and lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain,
Mindful of the role of colonialism in perpetuating slavery and exploiting slaves and raw materials from the colonized territories in order to advance the colonial States and build modern civilization,
Reaffirming the principle that peoples under foreign occupation have permanent sovereignty over their natural resources,
Expressing grave concern at the continuing suffering of many of the peoples subjected to colonialism as a result of the mines and explosive remnants of war which were left by colonialism and continue to take lives and hamper development efforts,
Recalling its resolutions 3534 (XXX) of 9 December 1975, 35/71 of 5 December 1980, 36/188 of 17 December 1981, 37/210 of 20 December 1982, 38/162 of 19 December 1983, 39/167 of 17 December 1984 concerning the remnants of war, 55/2 of 8 September 2000 containing the United Nations Millennium
Declaration, and 60/1 of 16 September 2005 containing the 2005 World Summit Outcome,
Recalling also the relevant resolutions and recommendations of other international and regional organizations and, in particular, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Programme,
Reaffirming the relevant resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights adopted at past sessions concerning the effects of intervention, aggression and military occupation which violate the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as other human rights enshrined in international humanitarian law,
Mindful of the historic precedents for compensation in respect of damage arising from occupation, wars and their effects and, in particular, the compensation that followed the two most recent World Wars,
Expressing its regret that adequate measures have not been taken to resolve issues related to the colonial past, such as apologies; compensation for the loss of property and lives; removal of explosive remnants of war; and restitution of cultural property to its countries of origin,
Recognizing that equitable compensation for colonized peoples would enable them to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease, in addition to promoting the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development and helping to stem the flow of migration from poor to
wealthy countries,
Emphasizing that an apology and the provision of equitable compensation for colonized peoples would prevent the recurrence of colonialism,
Emphasizing also that compensation for the colonial period would build confidence among States; remove ill will; consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect; further the common good; and promote international peace and security,
1. Reaffirms that colonialism in any form or manifestation, including economic exploitation, is inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; constitutes an illegal act; and contravenes the values and ethical codes established by the divine religions and human cultures across the ages;
2. Reaffirms also its determination to take the necessary steps for the complete elimination of the effects of colonialism, and to ensure that all States comply with the pertinent provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
3. Expresses concern at the human and material damage sustained by the peoples subjected to colonialism, damage that has hampered their efforts to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy and achieve economic growth;
4. Emphasizes that the peoples that have endured colonial control, or continue to do so, have a right to receive an apology and equitable compensation from colonial States in reparation for the damage sustained;
5. Welcomes the fact that certain States have declared their responsibility for the illegal practices of their former colonial Governments, have apologized for those practices and have expressed their preparation to pay appropriate compensation for the human and material damage incurred;
6. Requests all States whose former Governments were involved in the implementation of colonial policies promptly to rid themselves of their colonial legacy, and to work to erase the effects of that period by apologizing to the colonized peoples, providing them with equitable compensation for the human, economic and social damage inflicted, returning their cultural and artistic property, and helping them to reclaim the land contaminated by radiation and harmful materials;
7. Emphasizes that formerly colonized peoples have a right to recover all of their archives, including official documentation in the possession of the colonial powers concerning those peoples and their homelands;
8. Stresses that it is important for States subjected to colonialism to be given preference in trade exchanges and priority in the receipt of financial and technical assistance towards programmes and steps aimed at promoting their economies;
9. Requests the Secretary-General to present an outline for the establishment of an international mechanism to evaluate requests for compensation in respect of colonial damage, taking into consideration the views of Member States, the Human Rights Council and relevant non-governmental organizations;
10. Requests all States to inform the Secretary-General of the measures taken in implementation of this resolution;
11. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of this resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session;
12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
07 February 2011
Saba, Statia Gear up for Elections
First polling since the two islands were partially integrated by the Netherlands
Daily Herald
ST. EUSTATIUS--No less than five parties will be contesting the first Island Council election under Statia's new constitutional status. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) of St. Eustatius, Progressive Labour Party (PLP), United People's Coalition (UPC), St. Eustatius Empowerment Party (STEP) and independent candidate Wilhelm "Joshua" Spanner will be contesting five seats in the Island Council.
At 9:45am, Spanner was the first to present himself to Head of the Civil Registry, Ricardo Tjie-A-Loi. Asked about his party's name, Spanner replied he would receive a number, not a name. The UPC, headed by former DP member and current independent Island Councilman Reginald Zaandam, was the second party to submit its candidates' list to the Civil Registry. Other names on the UPC list are Elvin Henriques (2), Vilma van Zoest (3), newcomer to the political arena Bernadine Schmidt (4) and Derrick Simmons Jr. (5).
STEP was the next party to present its list. Party leader Franklin Brown, who is determined to win the election, presented a list with three candidates. These include besides Brown, number two Glenn Schmidt, and newcomer in politics Koert Kerkhoff.
Brown said STEP wants to give hope back to the people. "Hope is what STEP stands for and for empowering the people in taking their rightful places back in the community of St. Eustatius, and to strengthen the social and economic development of our island in protecting our local businesses." He encouraged all voters to come out and vote.
Current opposition leader for the PLP Clyde van Putten presented a list with ten candidates. Headed by Van Putten, other candidates on the PLP slate are Millicent Lijfrock-Marsden (2), Laurens Duiveman (3), Richelline Leerdam (4), Arlene Spanner-Schmidt (5), Brenda van Putten (6), Esmond Roosberg (7), Sonaida Smithen-Windefelde (8), Orlando Sanchez Rivera (9), and Renaldo Redan (10).
Van Putten announced that his party and Zaandam's UPC have closed an electoral alliance for the upcoming election. After the signing of the agreement, members of both parties joined for a photo outside the Civil Registry.
The ruling Democratic Party was the last party to present its list of candidates on Tuesday afternoon. Party leader Rueben Merkman led his party and supporters to the Civil Registry under the accompaniment of honking cars.
Some of the other parties had also arrived at the Civil Registry with some pump and circumstance, including balloons on the sound of blowing car horns.
Rueben Merkman is the third member of his family to run for office. His late brother Earl Merkman was the youngest commissioner on Statia, his sister Edris was also a commissioner on the DP slate, and now he has taken up the mantle from Julian Woodley to lead the DP.
Number two on the DP slate is first timer Koos Sneek, current treasurer of the St. Eustatius Business Association. Other candidates include current Island Councilwoman Adelka Spanner (3), newcomer Maritza Patrick (4), Commissioner Julian Woodley (5), first timer Maya Leon Pandt (6), Donald Zimmerman (7), Jeremiah "Jerry" Obispa (8) and Commissioner Roy Hooker (9).
The process at the Civil Registry went smoothly and without incidents.
Island Governor Gerald Berkel and Acting Prosecutor Jacques van der Horde and members of the Main Voting Bureau were on hand to monitor the process, while members of the public were anxiously waiting to hear whose names would be on the political slates.
As usual, the candidates will be contesting five seats in the Island Council. The number of seats in the Island Council has not been increased under the island's new status, but with the introduction of the principle of dualism the newly elected commissioners will no longer also be members of the Island Council.
During previous drafts of the law on the special municipalities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (WolBES) different numbers have been discussed, up until a nine-member Island Council. The final version of the law, as passed and amended by Dutch Parliament, left the number of seats at five. This all means that the two-member Executive Council will need the cooperation of a five-member Island Council for the approval of ordinances, policies and decisions.
Party lists submitted on Saba Nomination Day
Wednesday, 19 January 2011 00:46 .SABA--Governor Jonathan Johnson officially received the electoral party lists with the names of candidates for the March 2 Island Council Election on Tuesday. Windward Island's People's Movement (WIPM) and Saba Labour Party (SLP) are the two parties that will take part.
At 10:00am, represented by its leader Rolando Wilson, WIPM submitted a preliminary list of six candidates.
The SLP, represented by Ishmael Levenstone, followed suit at 11:00am, submitting a list with three candidates. Current party leader Akilah Levenstone's name was absent from this list. She announced her withdrawal from politics after the election. After the registration, a follow-up, closed-door meeting was held between the party leaders and the Governor.
Acting as chairman of the Main Voting Bureau, Governor Johnson said a public meeting will be held on Friday, January 21, whereby he will officially announce the names of the candidates. Election Day is set for Wednesday, March 2, when all eligible voters are called to cast their votes for one of the five persons who will represent the community in the Island Council. Two polling stations will be available: one in The Bottom and the other in Windwardside.
While in the past voters were required to cast their votes in the polling station closest to their residence, the current rules allow voters to freely choose where they want to vote. Following the October 10, 2010, integration of Saba into the Netherlands, new laws and regulations have become applicable in local elections.
These new electoral laws will be posted on Website http://www.rijksdienstcn.com/ of the Kingdom Department for the Dutch Caribbean (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, RCN).
RCN communication advisor on Saba and Statia Alida Francis assured that efforts are currently underway to have the laws translated and posted both in English and Dutch by the end of January.
More information will thus become available to the public in an effort to dissipate any misinformation or confusion.
.
Daily Herald
ST. EUSTATIUS--No less than five parties will be contesting the first Island Council election under Statia's new constitutional status. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) of St. Eustatius, Progressive Labour Party (PLP), United People's Coalition (UPC), St. Eustatius Empowerment Party (STEP) and independent candidate Wilhelm "Joshua" Spanner will be contesting five seats in the Island Council.
At 9:45am, Spanner was the first to present himself to Head of the Civil Registry, Ricardo Tjie-A-Loi. Asked about his party's name, Spanner replied he would receive a number, not a name. The UPC, headed by former DP member and current independent Island Councilman Reginald Zaandam, was the second party to submit its candidates' list to the Civil Registry. Other names on the UPC list are Elvin Henriques (2), Vilma van Zoest (3), newcomer to the political arena Bernadine Schmidt (4) and Derrick Simmons Jr. (5).
STEP was the next party to present its list. Party leader Franklin Brown, who is determined to win the election, presented a list with three candidates. These include besides Brown, number two Glenn Schmidt, and newcomer in politics Koert Kerkhoff.
Brown said STEP wants to give hope back to the people. "Hope is what STEP stands for and for empowering the people in taking their rightful places back in the community of St. Eustatius, and to strengthen the social and economic development of our island in protecting our local businesses." He encouraged all voters to come out and vote.
Current opposition leader for the PLP Clyde van Putten presented a list with ten candidates. Headed by Van Putten, other candidates on the PLP slate are Millicent Lijfrock-Marsden (2), Laurens Duiveman (3), Richelline Leerdam (4), Arlene Spanner-Schmidt (5), Brenda van Putten (6), Esmond Roosberg (7), Sonaida Smithen-Windefelde (8), Orlando Sanchez Rivera (9), and Renaldo Redan (10).
Van Putten announced that his party and Zaandam's UPC have closed an electoral alliance for the upcoming election. After the signing of the agreement, members of both parties joined for a photo outside the Civil Registry.
The ruling Democratic Party was the last party to present its list of candidates on Tuesday afternoon. Party leader Rueben Merkman led his party and supporters to the Civil Registry under the accompaniment of honking cars.
Some of the other parties had also arrived at the Civil Registry with some pump and circumstance, including balloons on the sound of blowing car horns.
Rueben Merkman is the third member of his family to run for office. His late brother Earl Merkman was the youngest commissioner on Statia, his sister Edris was also a commissioner on the DP slate, and now he has taken up the mantle from Julian Woodley to lead the DP.
Number two on the DP slate is first timer Koos Sneek, current treasurer of the St. Eustatius Business Association. Other candidates include current Island Councilwoman Adelka Spanner (3), newcomer Maritza Patrick (4), Commissioner Julian Woodley (5), first timer Maya Leon Pandt (6), Donald Zimmerman (7), Jeremiah "Jerry" Obispa (8) and Commissioner Roy Hooker (9).
The process at the Civil Registry went smoothly and without incidents.
Island Governor Gerald Berkel and Acting Prosecutor Jacques van der Horde and members of the Main Voting Bureau were on hand to monitor the process, while members of the public were anxiously waiting to hear whose names would be on the political slates.
As usual, the candidates will be contesting five seats in the Island Council. The number of seats in the Island Council has not been increased under the island's new status, but with the introduction of the principle of dualism the newly elected commissioners will no longer also be members of the Island Council.
During previous drafts of the law on the special municipalities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (WolBES) different numbers have been discussed, up until a nine-member Island Council. The final version of the law, as passed and amended by Dutch Parliament, left the number of seats at five. This all means that the two-member Executive Council will need the cooperation of a five-member Island Council for the approval of ordinances, policies and decisions.
Party lists submitted on Saba Nomination Day
Wednesday, 19 January 2011 00:46 .SABA--Governor Jonathan Johnson officially received the electoral party lists with the names of candidates for the March 2 Island Council Election on Tuesday. Windward Island's People's Movement (WIPM) and Saba Labour Party (SLP) are the two parties that will take part.
At 10:00am, represented by its leader Rolando Wilson, WIPM submitted a preliminary list of six candidates.
The SLP, represented by Ishmael Levenstone, followed suit at 11:00am, submitting a list with three candidates. Current party leader Akilah Levenstone's name was absent from this list. She announced her withdrawal from politics after the election. After the registration, a follow-up, closed-door meeting was held between the party leaders and the Governor.
Acting as chairman of the Main Voting Bureau, Governor Johnson said a public meeting will be held on Friday, January 21, whereby he will officially announce the names of the candidates. Election Day is set for Wednesday, March 2, when all eligible voters are called to cast their votes for one of the five persons who will represent the community in the Island Council. Two polling stations will be available: one in The Bottom and the other in Windwardside.
While in the past voters were required to cast their votes in the polling station closest to their residence, the current rules allow voters to freely choose where they want to vote. Following the October 10, 2010, integration of Saba into the Netherlands, new laws and regulations have become applicable in local elections.
These new electoral laws will be posted on Website http://www.rijksdienstcn.com/ of the Kingdom Department for the Dutch Caribbean (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, RCN).
RCN communication advisor on Saba and Statia Alida Francis assured that efforts are currently underway to have the laws translated and posted both in English and Dutch by the end of January.
More information will thus become available to the public in an effort to dissipate any misinformation or confusion.
.
Bonaire Adjusts to 'Public Entity' Status of Partial Integration
Bonaire Island Elections in March 2011
Bonaire Reporter
The first elections since the new constitutional structure that dissolved the Netherlands Antilles and integrated Bonaire, Statia and Saba into The Netherlands will take place on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. The election is analogous to Dutch elections for the provincial councils. The “public entity of Bonaire is responsible for organizing the Island Council elections and informing citizens about the process of this election. The RCN (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland) is responsible for encouraging citizens to use their right to vote.
Therefore, The Netherlands and the Island government together provide information to the public. For the first time, Dutch voting rules will apply. Under the slogan, "You also do it?" an intensive campaign will be launched, involving a range of media and a door-to-door leaflets.
Five-year Residency Requirement for Voting Upheld
Bonaire Reporter
Foreigners residing on Bonaire legally five years or longer can vote in the Island Council elections in March. That’s what the court ruled in a case filed by PHU President Rafael Santana against the government, which had earlier rejected his appeal. The ruling means that long-time adult foreign residents can vote in municipal elections. The Dutch Second Chamber had approved an amendment presented by Member of Parliament Johan Remkes to forbid foreigners to vote in the new overseas Dutch BES Island municipalities (Saba, Statia and Bonaire) because that would indirectly influence elections for the Dutch First Chamber. But because this amendment has not yet been introduced, the court found there is no justification to bar immigrants from voting, which would constitute unequal treatment under various international treaties.
Bonaire Reporter
The first elections since the new constitutional structure that dissolved the Netherlands Antilles and integrated Bonaire, Statia and Saba into The Netherlands will take place on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. The election is analogous to Dutch elections for the provincial councils. The “public entity of Bonaire is responsible for organizing the Island Council elections and informing citizens about the process of this election. The RCN (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland) is responsible for encouraging citizens to use their right to vote.
Therefore, The Netherlands and the Island government together provide information to the public. For the first time, Dutch voting rules will apply. Under the slogan, "You also do it?" an intensive campaign will be launched, involving a range of media and a door-to-door leaflets.
Five-year Residency Requirement for Voting Upheld
Bonaire Reporter
Foreigners residing on Bonaire legally five years or longer can vote in the Island Council elections in March. That’s what the court ruled in a case filed by PHU President Rafael Santana against the government, which had earlier rejected his appeal. The ruling means that long-time adult foreign residents can vote in municipal elections. The Dutch Second Chamber had approved an amendment presented by Member of Parliament Johan Remkes to forbid foreigners to vote in the new overseas Dutch BES Island municipalities (Saba, Statia and Bonaire) because that would indirectly influence elections for the Dutch First Chamber. But because this amendment has not yet been introduced, the court found there is no justification to bar immigrants from voting, which would constitute unequal treatment under various international treaties.
Modernised Commonwealth Status Proposal Expected by March
Opposition Popular Democratic Party finalising a more autonomous governance model
http://www.prdailysun.com/
By the first week of March, the Popular Democratic Party should have a new definition of what an enhanced commonwealth should look like. That’s more than five months after PDP President Héctor Ferrer issued an order to the Status Commission to draft a new version of the more than 54-year old commonwealth status should be and what new powers it would incorporate.
“We have met with former governors, mayors and other leaders to discuss economics and political issues,” PDP Rep. Jorge Colberg said. Colberg, along with fellow lawmakers, Brenda López de Arrarás, Carmen Yulín Cruz, Antonio Fas Alzamora and PDP Vice-president Carlos "Charlie" Delgado, had been working on the new version for more than eight months.
Whatever ultimately emerges from the meetings conducted by the Commission would be defined in a new pact between two sovereign nations, Puerto Rico and the United States. Although the discussion had been closely guarded and many issues are still pending, Colberg confirmed that on at least one aspect the group has agreed.
“The consensus is that the current federal law would need to be replaced by a new form of pact between the United States and Puerto Rico,” the lawmaker said.
Several sources have told the Daily Sun that the new version of the commonwealth will include enhanced powers that will allow the island to enter, as an equal partner, in several well known international organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
By the first week of March, the Popular Democratic Party should have a new definition of what an enhanced commonwealth should look like. That’s more than five months after PDP President Héctor Ferrer issued an order to the Status Commission to draft a new version of the more than 54-year old commonwealth status should be and what new powers it would incorporate.
“We have met with former governors, mayors and other leaders to discuss economics and political issues,” PDP Rep. Jorge Colberg said. Colberg, along with fellow lawmakers, Brenda López de Arrarás, Carmen Yulín Cruz, Antonio Fas Alzamora and PDP Vice-president Carlos "Charlie" Delgado, had been working on the new version for more than eight months.
Whatever ultimately emerges from the meetings conducted by the Commission would be defined in a new pact between two sovereign nations, Puerto Rico and the United States. Although the discussion had been closely guarded and many issues are still pending, Colberg confirmed that on at least one aspect the group has agreed.
“The consensus is that the current federal law would need to be replaced by a new form of pact between the United States and Puerto Rico,” the lawmaker said.
Several sources have told the Daily Sun that the new version of the commonwealth will include enhanced powers that will allow the island to enter, as an equal partner, in several well known international organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Another aspect added under the new pact would be the power of the island to negotiate trade agreements with other nations, but only those which have diplomatic relationship with the U.S.
Colberg cited the recent enactment by Gov. Fortuno of a trade clause in negotiations with Spain that would allow the island to take advantage of preferable trade status as a reason that the commonwealth is more viable than the statehood movement has admitted.
The Commission is also looking to deal with the complicated issue of the utilization of the U.S. merchant marine as the sole maritime goods transportation fleet.
“The use of the merchant marine had always been in discussion by the PDP. We are waiting for a legal opinion on the matter but this is an important part of the process,” Colberg said.
Colberg cited the recent enactment by Gov. Fortuno of a trade clause in negotiations with Spain that would allow the island to take advantage of preferable trade status as a reason that the commonwealth is more viable than the statehood movement has admitted.
The Commission is also looking to deal with the complicated issue of the utilization of the U.S. merchant marine as the sole maritime goods transportation fleet.
“The use of the merchant marine had always been in discussion by the PDP. We are waiting for a legal opinion on the matter but this is an important part of the process,” Colberg said.
Autonomous Sint Maarten Discusses Cooperation with Dominican Republic
Prime Minister Wescot to develop cooperation protocol with Dominican Republic
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, will be working on a cooperation protocol with the Dominican Republic in the coming months in the areas of education, health and micro business trade development.
The first official visit of the Head of State President of the Dominican Republic Lionel Fernandez to the country of Sint Maarten could also materialize in the coming months with the official signing of the protocol between both countries.
The aforementioned is a result of an official working visit by a delegation from the Dominican Republic comprising of Vice President of Foreign Affairs, Economics and Trade Honorable Juan Guiliani and Hon. Minister of State Miguel Mejia who visited the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
Parties discussed several issues of mutual interest between both countries. Among them are educational opportunities such as a scholarship exchange program for students in the hospitality field. The Dominican Republic has several international hospitality training schools and with the future SBO School on Sint Maarten, this exchange could be a viable option in the region.
Another important area discussed was public health. According to the Prime Minister, an inventory will need to be done with respect to what medical services and specializations the Dominican Republic could offer and at what cost.
“We must look at how medical opportunities in the Dominican Republic could complement what we have on the island and involve relevant stakeholders in this process.
“When it comes to medical referrals, as a country we are now able to decide where persons should be referred to for further medical care. Several Sint Maarteners have made us of the medical care in the aforementioned country. The Dominican Republic is close by and offers excellent specialized medical care at a lower cost when compared to the United States as an example,” Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Where it concerns the development of trade involving micro, small, medium and large businesses, this is an area to be pursued to the benefit of the citizens of both countries where it concerns products and services.
Sint Maarten’s strategic position as a transshipment port and further growth of this business also formed part of the discussion.
The Prime Minister said that she is looking forward to a follow-up meeting that will lead to the signing of a protocol agreement between both countries.The initial steps will be taken by the respective departments of foreign affairs of both countries in developing the outlines for the protocol.
The Prime Minister envisages this step as one of many yet to come, carrying out the vision of the UP/DP Government for stronger regional ties and collaboration.
GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, will be working on a cooperation protocol with the Dominican Republic in the coming months in the areas of education, health and micro business trade development.
The first official visit of the Head of State President of the Dominican Republic Lionel Fernandez to the country of Sint Maarten could also materialize in the coming months with the official signing of the protocol between both countries.
The aforementioned is a result of an official working visit by a delegation from the Dominican Republic comprising of Vice President of Foreign Affairs, Economics and Trade Honorable Juan Guiliani and Hon. Minister of State Miguel Mejia who visited the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
Parties discussed several issues of mutual interest between both countries. Among them are educational opportunities such as a scholarship exchange program for students in the hospitality field. The Dominican Republic has several international hospitality training schools and with the future SBO School on Sint Maarten, this exchange could be a viable option in the region.
Another important area discussed was public health. According to the Prime Minister, an inventory will need to be done with respect to what medical services and specializations the Dominican Republic could offer and at what cost.
“We must look at how medical opportunities in the Dominican Republic could complement what we have on the island and involve relevant stakeholders in this process.
“When it comes to medical referrals, as a country we are now able to decide where persons should be referred to for further medical care. Several Sint Maarteners have made us of the medical care in the aforementioned country. The Dominican Republic is close by and offers excellent specialized medical care at a lower cost when compared to the United States as an example,” Hon. Prime Minister Sarah Wescot told the Government Information Service (GIS).
Where it concerns the development of trade involving micro, small, medium and large businesses, this is an area to be pursued to the benefit of the citizens of both countries where it concerns products and services.
Sint Maarten’s strategic position as a transshipment port and further growth of this business also formed part of the discussion.
The Prime Minister said that she is looking forward to a follow-up meeting that will lead to the signing of a protocol agreement between both countries.The initial steps will be taken by the respective departments of foreign affairs of both countries in developing the outlines for the protocol.
The Prime Minister envisages this step as one of many yet to come, carrying out the vision of the UP/DP Government for stronger regional ties and collaboration.
American Samoa Government Cuts Workers' Hours
Gov. Togiola hopes to save $3 million
www.samoanews.com
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – American Samoa’s Governor, Togiola Tulafono is implementing a reduction in work hours plan for all American Samoa Government (ASG) employees paid for by local revenue and it goes into effect this weekend. This is a move praised by Senate Galeai Tu'ufuli, who has insisted that tough decisions should be made to reduce the ASG payroll and assist the government with its financial woes instead of imposing new taxes on residents.
A reduction in working hours, which is expected to save some US$3 million in local revenue, is for employees of the Executive Branch only. It includes all directors, the lieutenant governor and the governor, said Dr. Jacinta Galeai, the communications director for the Governor's Office, when asked yesterday afternoon for confirmation. It was not immediately clear in the document breaking down the reductions, what the US$3 million savings references per payroll, per month, or for the total year 2011.
It should be noted that last month during testimony before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, ASG Treasurer Magalei Logovi'i gave a one page summary report to the panel of what he later described as the ‘fixed payments' the local government has to pay monthly. In the summary was a monthly figure of "US$5.44 million for payroll local only and based on 2010 expenses."
The furloughs were first announced during a cabinet meeting yesterday morning, which was followed in the afternoon by the governor's memorandum titled "Reduction in Hours for ASG Employees." The memo included a note to cabinet members, saying that as the governor stated during the cabinet meeting, unless otherwise directed, this reduction in hours will be effective beginning Feb. 6.
To be clear, said the Governor, the reduction in hours does not apply to:
- Grant funded employees
- Two year contract specialists
- Grant portion of grant and locally funded employees
- School-level employees of the Department of Education, specifically those that are physically located at the school sites, inclusive of bus drivers and on-site school lunch staffs that are funded with local funds; [and] locally paid bathroom monitors.
"The hour reductions are configured in an effort to target the reduction in a way to minimize the impact on the lowest earners," he said. According to the data provided to the directors, the reduction depends on the employee's salaries. It says that employees paid below US$10,400 annually up to US$20,800 will get four hours deducted every pay period. The number of affected employees in this category is 1,788.
For employees paid US$20,800 to US$49,999 there will be a reduction of 6 hours per pay period affecting 728 workers; those paid US$50,000 to US$62,400 will have 8 hours deducted, affecting 36 employees; and there are 31 employees paid above US$62,400 and they will get 12 hours reduction.
In total, 2,583 government employees will be affected, according to the Government data.
Togiola said each director and agency head is responsible for scheduling their staff in order to assure the continuation of services to the public. He also said that cabinet members are responsible for ensuring that the hour reduction plan is carried out as smoothly as possible.
At least three government officials told Samoa News yesterday afternoon that they hope the Fono leadership will do the same when it comes to employees of the Fono, especially since lawmakers are only in session for 90-days out of the year.
"There are so many Fono employees and what do they do when the Fono is not in session? I have also been in the Fono a couple of times during hearings and witnessed at least four to five Fono employees sitting in the gallery watching the proceedings," one official said in an e-mail message. "If the Fono is really concerned with the financial shortfall their employees should also get a reduction in hours, since their pay is all locally funded," said the second official. Both officials asked not to be identified.
Togiola had already stated publicly that he hopes the Fono will follow suit when the executive branch does implement a reduction duriing working hours.
"I congratulate the Governor for doing the right thing. This is the smartest thing he has done so far, declared Sen. Galeai Tu'ufuli, after learning about the reduction in hours. This move should have been carried out from the beginning when the administration knew there was a problem with revenue collection."
Galeai said, a testimony received by the Senate showed a US$7.2 million shortfall which was also the Governor's statement to the Fono and then on Wednesday, new information surfaced with the estimated shortfall climbing to US$12 million, which was revealed during a House committee hearing on Wednesday.
"At this point, we don't have the accurate information in terms of the government deficit, whether it is US$7.2 million or US$12 million, he said. But this new cost saving measure by the Governor, in reducing hours, is a very, very wise move. The Governor might not like my comments but a leader has to do the right thing and make those tough decisions," said the Manu'a lawmaker, who insisted during hearings on the administration's proposed revenues measures that the public should not be burdened with new taxes.
www.samoanews.com
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – American Samoa’s Governor, Togiola Tulafono is implementing a reduction in work hours plan for all American Samoa Government (ASG) employees paid for by local revenue and it goes into effect this weekend. This is a move praised by Senate Galeai Tu'ufuli, who has insisted that tough decisions should be made to reduce the ASG payroll and assist the government with its financial woes instead of imposing new taxes on residents.
A reduction in working hours, which is expected to save some US$3 million in local revenue, is for employees of the Executive Branch only. It includes all directors, the lieutenant governor and the governor, said Dr. Jacinta Galeai, the communications director for the Governor's Office, when asked yesterday afternoon for confirmation. It was not immediately clear in the document breaking down the reductions, what the US$3 million savings references per payroll, per month, or for the total year 2011.
It should be noted that last month during testimony before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, ASG Treasurer Magalei Logovi'i gave a one page summary report to the panel of what he later described as the ‘fixed payments' the local government has to pay monthly. In the summary was a monthly figure of "US$5.44 million for payroll local only and based on 2010 expenses."
The furloughs were first announced during a cabinet meeting yesterday morning, which was followed in the afternoon by the governor's memorandum titled "Reduction in Hours for ASG Employees." The memo included a note to cabinet members, saying that as the governor stated during the cabinet meeting, unless otherwise directed, this reduction in hours will be effective beginning Feb. 6.
To be clear, said the Governor, the reduction in hours does not apply to:
- Grant funded employees
- Two year contract specialists
- Grant portion of grant and locally funded employees
- School-level employees of the Department of Education, specifically those that are physically located at the school sites, inclusive of bus drivers and on-site school lunch staffs that are funded with local funds; [and] locally paid bathroom monitors.
"The hour reductions are configured in an effort to target the reduction in a way to minimize the impact on the lowest earners," he said. According to the data provided to the directors, the reduction depends on the employee's salaries. It says that employees paid below US$10,400 annually up to US$20,800 will get four hours deducted every pay period. The number of affected employees in this category is 1,788.
For employees paid US$20,800 to US$49,999 there will be a reduction of 6 hours per pay period affecting 728 workers; those paid US$50,000 to US$62,400 will have 8 hours deducted, affecting 36 employees; and there are 31 employees paid above US$62,400 and they will get 12 hours reduction.
In total, 2,583 government employees will be affected, according to the Government data.
Togiola said each director and agency head is responsible for scheduling their staff in order to assure the continuation of services to the public. He also said that cabinet members are responsible for ensuring that the hour reduction plan is carried out as smoothly as possible.
At least three government officials told Samoa News yesterday afternoon that they hope the Fono leadership will do the same when it comes to employees of the Fono, especially since lawmakers are only in session for 90-days out of the year.
"There are so many Fono employees and what do they do when the Fono is not in session? I have also been in the Fono a couple of times during hearings and witnessed at least four to five Fono employees sitting in the gallery watching the proceedings," one official said in an e-mail message. "If the Fono is really concerned with the financial shortfall their employees should also get a reduction in hours, since their pay is all locally funded," said the second official. Both officials asked not to be identified.
Togiola had already stated publicly that he hopes the Fono will follow suit when the executive branch does implement a reduction duriing working hours.
"I congratulate the Governor for doing the right thing. This is the smartest thing he has done so far, declared Sen. Galeai Tu'ufuli, after learning about the reduction in hours. This move should have been carried out from the beginning when the administration knew there was a problem with revenue collection."
Galeai said, a testimony received by the Senate showed a US$7.2 million shortfall which was also the Governor's statement to the Fono and then on Wednesday, new information surfaced with the estimated shortfall climbing to US$12 million, which was revealed during a House committee hearing on Wednesday.
"At this point, we don't have the accurate information in terms of the government deficit, whether it is US$7.2 million or US$12 million, he said. But this new cost saving measure by the Governor, in reducing hours, is a very, very wise move. The Governor might not like my comments but a leader has to do the right thing and make those tough decisions," said the Manu'a lawmaker, who insisted during hearings on the administration's proposed revenues measures that the public should not be burdened with new taxes.
Turks & Caicos Former Minister, in Anguilla, Discusses Decolonisation
FORMER MINISTER ROBERT HALL SAYS ANGUILLA, TCI ISSUES NOT IDENTICAL BUT SIMILARITIES EXIST.
The Anguillian
Talk Show host and former Cabinet Minister in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Robert Hall, said the current situation in his homeland and issues in Anguilla were not identical, but that there were some similarities.
Hall made the statement while visiting the island at the invitation of the Concerned Citizens associated with the Anguilla United Movement Government. His itinerary included a series of radio interviews early last week, participation in a forum on Friday, January 28, in the House of Assembly and an evening of prayer and reflection at the Airport grounds on Sunday, January 30. Those who led the forum were Josephine Gumbs-Connor host of “On The Spot”; Elkin Richardson of ”To The Point”; Timmy Webster, host of "What's Up" and Patrick Hanley "Sheriff".
Mr. Hall said in one of his radio interviews that he was invited to Anguilla by the Concerned Citizens to offer them “solidarity in their ongoing struggles with the British administration”. He made the point that he had not come “to interfere in the local politics or not necessarily to bash the Governor” whom he did not know, but that he would be making broad statements and “who the cap fits it fits.”
One of the matters on which he was questioned, was independence. He explained that ordinarily he was not a supporter of political independence for the Turks and Caicos Islands as he felt, among other things, that there was a need for a great deal of preparation of the people for that status. He charged, however, that he and others there were now beginning to look in that direction “because of the attitude of the British” who suspended the Constitution and took over the administration of the territory.
The difference which the forum at the House of Assembly provided, compared with the radio interviews, was that it was possible for members of the public to ask questions on various matters.
Marcel Fahie, a retired top Public Servant and Economist, made the following observation: “I seem to be hearing independence from something, but it just can’t be about from. It also has to be independence to do certain things. The idea of educating and getting our people ready for independence has a lot to do, in these present times, to do what.” He noted that Anguillians and others had the benefit of looking at many years of independence enjoyed by a lot of former colonial countries, and a chance to look at their pitfalls in terms of how they went into it and learnt their lessons. He stressed that there was a real need to approach the matter properly and to be very careful about shouting for independence at this point in time.
Mr. Hall replied, in part: “I would not want to be accused of dabbling in your affairs but, for example, if the Turks and Caicos Islands were to move away from Britain, then we would be moving to a stage where we are no longer dependent on them for external affairs. The matter of defence is hardly relevant…When the Columbian drug pushers occupied some of our islands, they [the British] thought they could depend on the Americans for that. And so if we had to take that step, we can forge such relations with the United States or other countries where we have much more in common; so moving from that relationship with Britain, is simply giving you that right to negotiate on your own.”
He said he would not like to see his territory “become independent and a beggar of the world, but that every country had at some stage to borrow…” He added: “In this colonial setting, if you want to borrow some money, the United Kingdom has to agree to that and if it doesn’t, then you are stuck for a while.”
The dialogue continued as follows -
Fahie: So one of the key reasons is to be able to borrow without anybody putting restrictions on you?
Hall: It is not just borrowing. You have to look at borrowing in the context of having the ability to deliver on the mandate you gave your people to provide certain basic needs, and to advance their cause and the country’s development, without being hindered by this colonial power.
Fahie: (Citing IMF restrictions on borrowing by independent, developed, developing and debt-ridden countries): “I am only saying that the educational process is much more complex than we think. I don’t want us to talk about the ability to borrow as if it is just to be free from Britain and to do so. The whole world is inter-dependent and the United Nations system has a lot of checks and balances to do with borrowing …both for short-term stabilisation through the IMF, and long-term through the World Bank and IDB. It is a complex thing.
Hall: (Caught by Fahie’s explanation): “What I am saying to you, [is that] you can do your country well in educating them….”
Mr. Fahie was also invited to appear on one of the local talk shows to share his point of view with the Concerned Citizens on current matters relating to independence.
Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes, who took the floor, presented a different perspective. He emphasised that there was a need for vigilance at all times. He recalled that, in their latter stages in office, Ministers of the former administration had mentioned independence quite often. He stated that he was proud to have been one of the founders of the Anguilla Independence Movement in 1999/2000. “At that time I thought that we should go into independence; but now I know we must go into independence,” he asserted. “I know of a fact that the people of Anguilla must go into independence. Just today I met with an American gentleman and he said: ‘I don’t like the idea of independence for Anguilla. I respect it, but I don’t like the idea.’
“I said, 'well I am sure the Founding Fathers would have had a disagreement with you… the great America had a revolution…and they freed themselves…'”
See also: http://tcweeklynews.com/anguilla-uprising-sparks-action-in-tci-p2339-1.htm
The Anguillian
Talk Show host and former Cabinet Minister in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Robert Hall, said the current situation in his homeland and issues in Anguilla were not identical, but that there were some similarities.
Hall made the statement while visiting the island at the invitation of the Concerned Citizens associated with the Anguilla United Movement Government. His itinerary included a series of radio interviews early last week, participation in a forum on Friday, January 28, in the House of Assembly and an evening of prayer and reflection at the Airport grounds on Sunday, January 30. Those who led the forum were Josephine Gumbs-Connor host of “On The Spot”; Elkin Richardson of ”To The Point”; Timmy Webster, host of "What's Up" and Patrick Hanley "Sheriff".
Mr. Hall said in one of his radio interviews that he was invited to Anguilla by the Concerned Citizens to offer them “solidarity in their ongoing struggles with the British administration”. He made the point that he had not come “to interfere in the local politics or not necessarily to bash the Governor” whom he did not know, but that he would be making broad statements and “who the cap fits it fits.”
One of the matters on which he was questioned, was independence. He explained that ordinarily he was not a supporter of political independence for the Turks and Caicos Islands as he felt, among other things, that there was a need for a great deal of preparation of the people for that status. He charged, however, that he and others there were now beginning to look in that direction “because of the attitude of the British” who suspended the Constitution and took over the administration of the territory.
The difference which the forum at the House of Assembly provided, compared with the radio interviews, was that it was possible for members of the public to ask questions on various matters.
Marcel Fahie, a retired top Public Servant and Economist, made the following observation: “I seem to be hearing independence from something, but it just can’t be about from. It also has to be independence to do certain things. The idea of educating and getting our people ready for independence has a lot to do, in these present times, to do what.” He noted that Anguillians and others had the benefit of looking at many years of independence enjoyed by a lot of former colonial countries, and a chance to look at their pitfalls in terms of how they went into it and learnt their lessons. He stressed that there was a real need to approach the matter properly and to be very careful about shouting for independence at this point in time.
Mr. Hall replied, in part: “I would not want to be accused of dabbling in your affairs but, for example, if the Turks and Caicos Islands were to move away from Britain, then we would be moving to a stage where we are no longer dependent on them for external affairs. The matter of defence is hardly relevant…When the Columbian drug pushers occupied some of our islands, they [the British] thought they could depend on the Americans for that. And so if we had to take that step, we can forge such relations with the United States or other countries where we have much more in common; so moving from that relationship with Britain, is simply giving you that right to negotiate on your own.”
He said he would not like to see his territory “become independent and a beggar of the world, but that every country had at some stage to borrow…” He added: “In this colonial setting, if you want to borrow some money, the United Kingdom has to agree to that and if it doesn’t, then you are stuck for a while.”
The dialogue continued as follows -
Fahie: So one of the key reasons is to be able to borrow without anybody putting restrictions on you?
Hall: It is not just borrowing. You have to look at borrowing in the context of having the ability to deliver on the mandate you gave your people to provide certain basic needs, and to advance their cause and the country’s development, without being hindered by this colonial power.
Fahie: (Citing IMF restrictions on borrowing by independent, developed, developing and debt-ridden countries): “I am only saying that the educational process is much more complex than we think. I don’t want us to talk about the ability to borrow as if it is just to be free from Britain and to do so. The whole world is inter-dependent and the United Nations system has a lot of checks and balances to do with borrowing …both for short-term stabilisation through the IMF, and long-term through the World Bank and IDB. It is a complex thing.
Hall: (Caught by Fahie’s explanation): “What I am saying to you, [is that] you can do your country well in educating them….”
Mr. Fahie was also invited to appear on one of the local talk shows to share his point of view with the Concerned Citizens on current matters relating to independence.
Parliamentary Secretary, Haydn Hughes, who took the floor, presented a different perspective. He emphasised that there was a need for vigilance at all times. He recalled that, in their latter stages in office, Ministers of the former administration had mentioned independence quite often. He stated that he was proud to have been one of the founders of the Anguilla Independence Movement in 1999/2000. “At that time I thought that we should go into independence; but now I know we must go into independence,” he asserted. “I know of a fact that the people of Anguilla must go into independence. Just today I met with an American gentleman and he said: ‘I don’t like the idea of independence for Anguilla. I respect it, but I don’t like the idea.’
“I said, 'well I am sure the Founding Fathers would have had a disagreement with you… the great America had a revolution…and they freed themselves…'”
See also: http://tcweeklynews.com/anguilla-uprising-sparks-action-in-tci-p2339-1.htm
06 February 2011
CHamoru Language Reference Room Established at Univ. of Guhan (Guam)
Established in the Micronesian Areas Research Centre
Students enrolled in the Fall Intercession class of CM102 Elementary Chamorro II class have been tasked with the establishment of a CHamoru Language Documents Reference Room that will be provided by the Micronesian Area Research Center at the University of Guam.
Members of the class consist of Severina Atalig, chairperson; Matthew Taitano Diaz, recorder; Krystal Paco, public relations officer; Sean Sanchez, Joelle Fernandez, Joshua P. Perez, Samantha C. Rivo, Natasha Opena Taitague, Steven John Q. Sablan, and Steven Sonido Sablan.
For decades, emphasis has been on the acquisition of Spanish language documents that have been housed at the center says assistant professor of CHamoru language Peter R. Onedera and instructor during last fall’s intercession period. Little effort has been done to collect documents that have been written in the CHamoru language, and it is timely that the same consideration be given to archive many works that have gone unnoticed and uncollected through the years.
One chief aim for the project is to make available these written works to researchers who will devote time to the linguistic value of the indigenous language. Additional areas that can benefit are orthography, semantics, word origins, antecedents, grammar, lexicons, and other language areas vital to the survival of CHamoru as a member of the Austronesian family of languages. Onedera says that this has largely been lacking in the field of academia and the collection of written works in the CHamoru language will prove valuable as many researchers particularly by the organization of CHIN (Chamorro Linguistics International Network) that was established with Dr. Robert A. Underwood, Rosa Salas Palomo and Onedera as original founding members. The organization is based at the University of Bremen in Germany and includes members from many countries spanning from Europe to the Caribbean, the United States and Asia.
Individuals, organizations, government agencies, private owners and collectors of CHamoru language memorabilia are invited and encouraged to provide copies that range from personal letters, journals, diaries, essays, compositions, books, poetry, lyrics, music, chants, proverbs, booklets, brochures, annual reports, manuscripts, political pamphlets, posters, project proposals, recipes, medicinal and herbal treatment, historical anecdotes, advertisements, legends, myths, stories, public events, organizational charts, ceremonies, religious activities, family tree information, novena books, bibles, guidebooks, scripts and other literary materials that are written in the CHamoru language and can be housed in the reference room at MARC. This appeal is also extended to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas as well as CHamorus now living in the continental United States and elsewhere around the globe says Onedera.
Anyone wishing to contribute these materials may e-mail Onedera at onedera@uguam.uog.edu or ponedera53@yahoo.com.
Students enrolled in the Fall Intercession class of CM102 Elementary Chamorro II class have been tasked with the establishment of a CHamoru Language Documents Reference Room that will be provided by the Micronesian Area Research Center at the University of Guam.
Members of the class consist of Severina Atalig, chairperson; Matthew Taitano Diaz, recorder; Krystal Paco, public relations officer; Sean Sanchez, Joelle Fernandez, Joshua P. Perez, Samantha C. Rivo, Natasha Opena Taitague, Steven John Q. Sablan, and Steven Sonido Sablan.
For decades, emphasis has been on the acquisition of Spanish language documents that have been housed at the center says assistant professor of CHamoru language Peter R. Onedera and instructor during last fall’s intercession period. Little effort has been done to collect documents that have been written in the CHamoru language, and it is timely that the same consideration be given to archive many works that have gone unnoticed and uncollected through the years.
One chief aim for the project is to make available these written works to researchers who will devote time to the linguistic value of the indigenous language. Additional areas that can benefit are orthography, semantics, word origins, antecedents, grammar, lexicons, and other language areas vital to the survival of CHamoru as a member of the Austronesian family of languages. Onedera says that this has largely been lacking in the field of academia and the collection of written works in the CHamoru language will prove valuable as many researchers particularly by the organization of CHIN (Chamorro Linguistics International Network) that was established with Dr. Robert A. Underwood, Rosa Salas Palomo and Onedera as original founding members. The organization is based at the University of Bremen in Germany and includes members from many countries spanning from Europe to the Caribbean, the United States and Asia.
Individuals, organizations, government agencies, private owners and collectors of CHamoru language memorabilia are invited and encouraged to provide copies that range from personal letters, journals, diaries, essays, compositions, books, poetry, lyrics, music, chants, proverbs, booklets, brochures, annual reports, manuscripts, political pamphlets, posters, project proposals, recipes, medicinal and herbal treatment, historical anecdotes, advertisements, legends, myths, stories, public events, organizational charts, ceremonies, religious activities, family tree information, novena books, bibles, guidebooks, scripts and other literary materials that are written in the CHamoru language and can be housed in the reference room at MARC. This appeal is also extended to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas as well as CHamorus now living in the continental United States and elsewhere around the globe says Onedera.
Anyone wishing to contribute these materials may e-mail Onedera at onedera@uguam.uog.edu or ponedera53@yahoo.com.
04 February 2011
Turks & Caicos Will not Host 2011 CARIFTA Games
Request to British-run 'Interim Government' goes unanswered, according to territory's track and field officials.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110203/sports/sports3.html
Turks and Caicos was one of the last frontiers for officials of the North American, Central American & Caribbean (NACAC) Track and Field Association, under whose auspices the Games are staged, to find a host for the region's marquee junior meet, which is scheduled for April 22 to 24.
But officials in Providenciales (Turks and Caicos Islands) have also joined the list of those turning down the chance to stage the Games, placing it in further jeopardy of being cancelled for the first time in its 40-year history.
"We were actively pursued by NACAC President Teddy McCook to host the CARIFTA Games 2011," Rita Gardiner, a spokesperson for the Turks & Caicos Amateur Athletic Association, told a local TV station on Tuesday.
"This was just two weeks ago, and since then we have held a few meetings to see if it was possible." She added: "But we have not had a response from the Government and (Tuesday) was the final day to give NACAC a positive response. "So I reluctantly called and informed them that we did not think it would be possible. Right now, we will not be able to host the CARIFTA Games."
The staging of the Games had been thrown into a state of chaos when St Kitts withdrew from their commitment to host the event, because of financial and logistical reasons.
NACAC have been frantically trying to find a replacement over the last three months, and indications are they may now turn to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, in a desperate bid to save the Games.
"We couldn't hold out anymore," said Gardiner about the Turks and Caicos' decision. "It's two months away from CARIFTA. Whichever country is going to host the Games, they must be prepared to do some work.
Economic state
"I do not think that TCI can do it right now, seeing our economic state and the state of the national stadium."
She said: "We would have needed to put some work into the stadium and the track. I believe all of the stakeholders would have been willing to come together and do it, but I do not think we need that pressure, since it would be too much pressure right now and there are some other pressing issues."
Jamaica turned down the request to stage the event because of its proximity to its International Invitational meet, which officials in Kingston stated would have stretched its human and financial resources.
The Bahamas was also a strong contender, but they side-stepped the Games because of the failure to get a financial guarantee from NACAC.
Trinidad and Tobago was also being considered, but Ephraim Serrette, president of the track and field body in the two-island republic, indicated they would have needed more notice to successfully stage the Games.
Update: Jamaica to host Carifta Games
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110203/sports/sports3.html
Turks and Caicos was one of the last frontiers for officials of the North American, Central American & Caribbean (NACAC) Track and Field Association, under whose auspices the Games are staged, to find a host for the region's marquee junior meet, which is scheduled for April 22 to 24.
But officials in Providenciales (Turks and Caicos Islands) have also joined the list of those turning down the chance to stage the Games, placing it in further jeopardy of being cancelled for the first time in its 40-year history.
"We were actively pursued by NACAC President Teddy McCook to host the CARIFTA Games 2011," Rita Gardiner, a spokesperson for the Turks & Caicos Amateur Athletic Association, told a local TV station on Tuesday.
"This was just two weeks ago, and since then we have held a few meetings to see if it was possible." She added: "But we have not had a response from the Government and (Tuesday) was the final day to give NACAC a positive response. "So I reluctantly called and informed them that we did not think it would be possible. Right now, we will not be able to host the CARIFTA Games."
The staging of the Games had been thrown into a state of chaos when St Kitts withdrew from their commitment to host the event, because of financial and logistical reasons.
NACAC have been frantically trying to find a replacement over the last three months, and indications are they may now turn to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, in a desperate bid to save the Games.
"We couldn't hold out anymore," said Gardiner about the Turks and Caicos' decision. "It's two months away from CARIFTA. Whichever country is going to host the Games, they must be prepared to do some work.
Economic state
"I do not think that TCI can do it right now, seeing our economic state and the state of the national stadium."
She said: "We would have needed to put some work into the stadium and the track. I believe all of the stakeholders would have been willing to come together and do it, but I do not think we need that pressure, since it would be too much pressure right now and there are some other pressing issues."
Jamaica turned down the request to stage the event because of its proximity to its International Invitational meet, which officials in Kingston stated would have stretched its human and financial resources.
The Bahamas was also a strong contender, but they side-stepped the Games because of the failure to get a financial guarantee from NACAC.
Trinidad and Tobago was also being considered, but Ephraim Serrette, president of the track and field body in the two-island republic, indicated they would have needed more notice to successfully stage the Games.
Update: Jamaica to host Carifta Games
03 February 2011
EL ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO SE EXPRESA ANTE LA CRISIS POLÍTICA, SOCIAL Y ECONÓMICA QUE AFECTA A PUERTO RICO
COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
El señor Presidente del Ateneo Puertorriqueño, el Dr. José Milton Soltero Ramírez expone, que desde su origen, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño surge en función de la defensa de la Nación. El debate de las ideas y el pensamiento de la Nación, es su razón de ser.
En la defensa de estos principios se justifica su existencia. Sin éstos, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño no tendría por qué existir. A través de su historia, en todos y cada uno de sus momentos, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño ha estado presente y ha tomado partido frente a las más importantes coyunturas de la Nación.
En el pasado cercano el Ateneo Puertorriqueño ha tomado partido en la defensa del idioma español, en la lucha por la desmilitarización de Vieques, por la reafirmación de la Bandera Puertorriqueña y por la descolonización de nuestro país. Por medio de su Comisión de Status el Ateneo resuelve que Puerto Rico necesita una democrática solución de status, de tipo no colonial y fuera de la cláusula territorial. El Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP) recogió todos estos principios y sometió una Resolución la cual fue aprobada por unanimidad en la Asamblea Legislativa y luego fue vetada por el ex gobernador Aníbal Acevedo Vilá. Hoy, el Presidente del PIP, el Lcdo. Rubén Berríos Martínez, ha vuelto a presentar su propuesta a los presidentes del Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) y del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP); veremos a ver cuál es su respuesta. El Ateneo Puertorriqueño toma posición y se alinea en el campo de la descolonización y apoya en su totalidad la propuesta sometida del PIP.
EL PROPÓSITO Y PRINCIPIO FUNDAMENTAL DEL ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO ES DEFENDER LA NACIÓN PUERTORRIQUEÑA; por lo que ante las coyunturas que puedan atentar contra la Nación, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño se definirá SIEMPRE A FAVOR DE LA NACIÓN. En el caso de la descolonización, el Ateneo pondrá todos sus empeños en ayudar al pueblo a poner en práctica todas aquellas acciones que nos conduzcan a afirmar nuestra nacionalidad.
Continuando con esta, que es la misión histórica del Ateneo, ahora tenemos que tomar posiciones y éstas siempre estarán en la trinchera de la Nación. Quedarnos en el "status quo" por el solo hecho de que recibimos una ayuda financiera que nos hace la vida económica más fácil, NO ES MÁS IMPORTANTE que los principios que mantienen nuestra sagrada misión.
Hoy enfatizo que el Ateneo Puertorriqueño contribuirá al debate de ideas que enriquezcan a la Nación. Es por esto que el Ateneo ha tomado las siguientes posiciones y determinaciones:
LA DESCOLONIZACIÓN DE PUERTO RICO:
Hasta que Puerto Rico no se descolonice, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño seguirá buscando la solución a esta coyuntura, puesto que la colonia atenta contra la vida misma de nuestra Nación.
La única solución descolonizadora es la obtención de la soberanía y la única forma de obtenerla es la independencia y en función de ésta podremos asociarnos, anexarnos o conservar la independencia. Las Naciones Unidas, a través de su Comité de Descolonización, aclaró ante el intento de Timor de ser anexada por Indonesia, que esto no era posible, pues un pueblo invadido por otra nación tiene que conseguir primero su soberanía y desde ahí solicitar su asociación o integración a otro pueblo.
LA UNIVERSIDAD DE PUERTO RICO (UPR):
La alta gerencia de la Administración de la UPR, ha realizado acciones que atentan contra la existencia misma de la UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL. El Ateneo Puertorriqueño, -la primera universidad que tuvo Puerto Rico-, no concibe una universidad pública sin el adjetivo NACIONAL.
La UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL es aquella que produce la discusión intelectual, que crea el quehacer del pensamiento que responde a los grandes problemas nacionales, los cuales son únicos, aunque no exclusivos, de Puerto Rico. No podemos aceptar que se considere a la UPR como un centro de estudios supeditado a la aceptación económica de sus egresados y por tanto a la demanda que tengan sus ofertas educativas.
Una UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL es la mayor y mejor oferta para educar al pueblo y por consiguiente, la ciudadanía. Nuestra sociedad puertorriqueña no podrá producir soluciones si no vive y se desarrolla en un ambiente que discute, observa y crea las formas y los mecanismos que ayuden a solucionar los grandes problemas que afecten a la Nación.
Por lo tanto si las acciones de la Administración de la UPR atentan contra la permanencia de la UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL, tenemos como Ateneo Puertorriqueño, que tomar partido por aquel grupo que defienda a ésta, y éstos son LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LA UPR. Por ello, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño dedicó la fiesta nacional de celebración de la Bandera Puertorriqueña a la lucha de los estudiantes por una universidad pública, nacional y acorde con las necesidades de nuestro pueblo. Y continuará su respaldo a éstos en la lucha por una Universidad de la Nación Puertorriqueña.
Finalmente, expresamos, que el crear una política cultural gubernamental le corresponde al Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. Pero crear una política de defensa de la Cultura Puertorriqueña en su más amplia acepción, le corresponde sin discusión y por derecho histórico al Ateneo Puertorriqueño, que fue fundado por los Padres de la Patria en el año de 1876.
Estos fueron, son y serán los principios que le han dado vida al Ateneo y con ellos seguiremos haciendo lo que nos corresponde. Para sostenerlo contamos con el intenso trabajo cultural y de AFIRMACIÓN NACIONAL realizado y por realizar de sus comisiones de Historia, Ciencias Políticas y Morales, Artes Plásticas, Literatura, Música, Cine, Teatro, Ciencias Físicas, Naturales y Matemáticas, nuestro Conservatorio Nacional de Arte Dramático y nuestro Archivo Nacional de Teatro y Cine.
El señor Presidente del Ateneo Puertorriqueño, el Dr. José Milton Soltero Ramírez expone, que desde su origen, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño surge en función de la defensa de la Nación. El debate de las ideas y el pensamiento de la Nación, es su razón de ser.
En la defensa de estos principios se justifica su existencia. Sin éstos, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño no tendría por qué existir. A través de su historia, en todos y cada uno de sus momentos, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño ha estado presente y ha tomado partido frente a las más importantes coyunturas de la Nación.
En el pasado cercano el Ateneo Puertorriqueño ha tomado partido en la defensa del idioma español, en la lucha por la desmilitarización de Vieques, por la reafirmación de la Bandera Puertorriqueña y por la descolonización de nuestro país. Por medio de su Comisión de Status el Ateneo resuelve que Puerto Rico necesita una democrática solución de status, de tipo no colonial y fuera de la cláusula territorial. El Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP) recogió todos estos principios y sometió una Resolución la cual fue aprobada por unanimidad en la Asamblea Legislativa y luego fue vetada por el ex gobernador Aníbal Acevedo Vilá. Hoy, el Presidente del PIP, el Lcdo. Rubén Berríos Martínez, ha vuelto a presentar su propuesta a los presidentes del Partido Popular Democrático (PPD) y del Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP); veremos a ver cuál es su respuesta. El Ateneo Puertorriqueño toma posición y se alinea en el campo de la descolonización y apoya en su totalidad la propuesta sometida del PIP.
EL PROPÓSITO Y PRINCIPIO FUNDAMENTAL DEL ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO ES DEFENDER LA NACIÓN PUERTORRIQUEÑA; por lo que ante las coyunturas que puedan atentar contra la Nación, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño se definirá SIEMPRE A FAVOR DE LA NACIÓN. En el caso de la descolonización, el Ateneo pondrá todos sus empeños en ayudar al pueblo a poner en práctica todas aquellas acciones que nos conduzcan a afirmar nuestra nacionalidad.
Continuando con esta, que es la misión histórica del Ateneo, ahora tenemos que tomar posiciones y éstas siempre estarán en la trinchera de la Nación. Quedarnos en el "status quo" por el solo hecho de que recibimos una ayuda financiera que nos hace la vida económica más fácil, NO ES MÁS IMPORTANTE que los principios que mantienen nuestra sagrada misión.
Hoy enfatizo que el Ateneo Puertorriqueño contribuirá al debate de ideas que enriquezcan a la Nación. Es por esto que el Ateneo ha tomado las siguientes posiciones y determinaciones:
LA DESCOLONIZACIÓN DE PUERTO RICO:
Hasta que Puerto Rico no se descolonice, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño seguirá buscando la solución a esta coyuntura, puesto que la colonia atenta contra la vida misma de nuestra Nación.
La única solución descolonizadora es la obtención de la soberanía y la única forma de obtenerla es la independencia y en función de ésta podremos asociarnos, anexarnos o conservar la independencia. Las Naciones Unidas, a través de su Comité de Descolonización, aclaró ante el intento de Timor de ser anexada por Indonesia, que esto no era posible, pues un pueblo invadido por otra nación tiene que conseguir primero su soberanía y desde ahí solicitar su asociación o integración a otro pueblo.
LA UNIVERSIDAD DE PUERTO RICO (UPR):
La alta gerencia de la Administración de la UPR, ha realizado acciones que atentan contra la existencia misma de la UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL. El Ateneo Puertorriqueño, -la primera universidad que tuvo Puerto Rico-, no concibe una universidad pública sin el adjetivo NACIONAL.
La UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL es aquella que produce la discusión intelectual, que crea el quehacer del pensamiento que responde a los grandes problemas nacionales, los cuales son únicos, aunque no exclusivos, de Puerto Rico. No podemos aceptar que se considere a la UPR como un centro de estudios supeditado a la aceptación económica de sus egresados y por tanto a la demanda que tengan sus ofertas educativas.
Una UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL es la mayor y mejor oferta para educar al pueblo y por consiguiente, la ciudadanía. Nuestra sociedad puertorriqueña no podrá producir soluciones si no vive y se desarrolla en un ambiente que discute, observa y crea las formas y los mecanismos que ayuden a solucionar los grandes problemas que afecten a la Nación.
Por lo tanto si las acciones de la Administración de la UPR atentan contra la permanencia de la UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL, tenemos como Ateneo Puertorriqueño, que tomar partido por aquel grupo que defienda a ésta, y éstos son LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LA UPR. Por ello, el Ateneo Puertorriqueño dedicó la fiesta nacional de celebración de la Bandera Puertorriqueña a la lucha de los estudiantes por una universidad pública, nacional y acorde con las necesidades de nuestro pueblo. Y continuará su respaldo a éstos en la lucha por una Universidad de la Nación Puertorriqueña.
Finalmente, expresamos, que el crear una política cultural gubernamental le corresponde al Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. Pero crear una política de defensa de la Cultura Puertorriqueña en su más amplia acepción, le corresponde sin discusión y por derecho histórico al Ateneo Puertorriqueño, que fue fundado por los Padres de la Patria en el año de 1876.
Estos fueron, son y serán los principios que le han dado vida al Ateneo y con ellos seguiremos haciendo lo que nos corresponde. Para sostenerlo contamos con el intenso trabajo cultural y de AFIRMACIÓN NACIONAL realizado y por realizar de sus comisiones de Historia, Ciencias Políticas y Morales, Artes Plásticas, Literatura, Música, Cine, Teatro, Ciencias Físicas, Naturales y Matemáticas, nuestro Conservatorio Nacional de Arte Dramático y nuestro Archivo Nacional de Teatro y Cine.
Positioning the British Virgin Islands in the New Global Economy
"To achieve economic security, the BVI must adapt to the new realities of the global economy."
By Benito Wheatley
CEO of The Wheatley Consulting Group
For comments or questions please send e-mails to:
benitowheatley@gmail.com
The global financial crisis (crisis) did considerable damage to the British Virgin Islands economy. It weakened global demand for both the territory’s tourism product and financial services, which resulted in sharp declines in tourist arrivals and international business incorporations in 2009. While the economy improved in 2010, growth remains weak on sluggish economic recoveries in the United States (US) and Europe; and stronger financial regulation at the global level. Realizing a full economic recovery will require the territory to adapt to the new economic realities of the post-crisis world.
The two most notable outcomes of the crisis are the economic weakening of the US and Europe and the robust economic recoveries of China, India, Brazil and other emerging markets that were largely insulated from the worst of the financial turmoil. Following negative growth in 2009 and anemic growth in 2010, the US and Europe in 2011 are forecast to grow at rates of about 2.5 percent and 1.5, respectively. Their fragile recoveries are characterized by large budget-deficits, high national debts and high unemployment that are expected to be a drag on economic growth in the coming years. A growth rate of four to five percent is expected by the end of the decade.
By contrast, China and India, who registered strong economic growth in 2009 and 2010, are forecast to grow between 8 and 9 percent in 2011. In addition, Brazil and other large emerging markets are forecast to grow at about five percent and higher. Extended forecasts estimate emerging market countries as a whole sustaining high economic growth through 2020.
This shift in the global balance of economic power has serious implications for the BVI economy. Namely, the sustainability of the tourism and financial services sectors in the face of weak demand from the US and Europe. If global economic trends hold, the recovery of tourism and financial services will be constrained by low economic growth in the US and Europe over the coming years. In order to ensure the sustainability of these sectors and the economy as a whole, the BVI must adjust its economic growth strategy to fit the new global economic landscape. This will require diversifying the economy to tap new global markets and strengthening the global competitiveness of the tourism and financial services sectors.
Diversifying the Economy
The development of new economic sectors is needed in large part to broaden the territory’s economic base and to help insulate it from global economic shocks like the financial crisis.
One potential new sector is outsourcing. Economic trends in the global outsourcing market indicate that new business opportunities are emerging in North America and Europe. In their private sectors, the financial industry has come under intense regulatory and financial pressures that are driving firms to outsource their mid- and back-office functions. In their public sectors, fiscal pressure is building to reduce budget deficits at a time when governments are faced with the challenge of providing unemployment benefits to the masses of newly unemployed, social security to retirees, and healthcare benefits to senior citizens, children, military veterans and the disabled. These developments are also pushing governments at every level to outsource back-office functions and some frontline services to lower cost providers.
These developments represent business opportunities for the BVI. The territory has the corporate infrastructure to take advantage of outsourcing needs in areas such as accounting, administration, finance, records management etc. Its competitive edge lies in its ability to deliver high quality services at a lower cost than onshore. The BVI also has the distinct advantage of native English speakers and close proximity to the US and Canadian markets and somewhat farther away European markets.
Improving our Tourism Product
In the tourism sector, improving the BVI’s tourism product will require a number of measures including the implementation of customer service standards for the hospitality industry, investing in state of the art accommodations, developing alternative tourism industries, and establishing direct international flights from major tourism markets.
As the foundation of hospitality, customer service in the territory must be improved. Improving the quality of customer service will require the hospitality industry to adopt a set of minimum-- internationally recognized (e.g., The Customer Service Institute of America’s charter) --customer service standards that are supported and reinforced by training and certification of customer service professionals working in the industry. Research indicates that there is a strong correlation between high-quality customer service and return visits by travelers.
The BVI must also upgrade its accommodations to include state of the art convention, conference, wedding and entertainment facilities and services. These needs can be met in part by the development of another luxury hotel. Adding these amenities to the territory’s tourism product and putting them, and existing facilities and services, to optimal use will help the BVI to capture a greater share of the international conference, convention and wedding markets in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Upgrades to the BVI’s tourism infrastructure should be complemented by the availability of direct flights from North America (i.e., US and Canada), Latin America (i.e., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile) and Europe (i.e., UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) to the territory. However, this will only become a reality when the runway at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport is extended to accommodate wide-body jetliners.
Improvement of the basic fundamentals of the tourism industry should be followed by the opening up of the tourism sector for investment in emerging industries such as eco-tourism, medical tourism, health and wellness tourism and sports tourism. Special care should be given to rationally spreading tourism development across the archipelago to make the most productive use of the territory’s 40 islands, cays and islets.
Finally, the BVI’s tourism product must be aggressively marketed to the rest of the world. Marketing campaigns should not only target traditional tourism markets in the US and Europe, but also nearby emerging markets in Latin America and those far away in Asia. Ease of travel from Latin America and the availability of Spanish/English translation make the region attractive for tourism expansion. In terms of future tourism business, Asia is forecast to become the largest source of outbound tourists in two decades; a fact that cannot be ignored by the BVI.
Promoting Financial Services
In the financial services sector, incorporations have picked up since the crisis, but greater promotional efforts are needed to further raise the BVI’s profile. Current efforts would be greatly boosted by the establishment of International Finance Centre branch offices in strategic foreign locations (e.g., Brazil, Singapore, London, New York etc.). A permanent presence is necessary to achieve the level of engagement with the global financial industry needed to drive more financial services business to the territory.
The financial services sector must also strengthen its corporate infrastructure to improve its competitiveness as an offshore financial center. This in real terms means recruiting the needed accountants, insolvency practitioners, fund administrators, lawyers and other professionals that can efficiently deliver the high-quality corporate services desired by clients. The industry must also expand its range of services where possible to offer clients value added services (e.g., banking, trading etc.) in addition to fund domiciliation and international business incorporation.
Finally, in the area of shipping registration, an aggressive marketing campaign is needed to promote the BVI. In 2010, the global yachting industry improved upon its poor performance in 2009 and is expected to see an upswing in 2011. With regulatory authorities in popular Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy cracking down on the owners of locally registered luxury vessels (e.g., megayachts/superyacht), the BVI can take advantage of the demand in these markets for shipping registration services.
Tapping Emerging Markets
In revising its economic growth strategy, the BVI must give special attention to emerging markets. Two-dozen fast growing countries, including Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), are rapidly expanding their middle and upper classes. Combined, their middle classes number almost two-billion consumers who spent $6.9 trillion in 2009. By 2020, this number will rise to $20 trillion when emerging markets will account for two-thirds of the global consumer market. With respect to the new upper classes, emerging markets are experiencing the fastest increase in high net worth individuals (i.e., persons with $1 million in assets) in the world. These new consumer groups represent vast markets for the BVI and should be opened up to the territory’s tourism and financial services sectors.
Conclusion
Since the global financial crisis, the economic landscape of the world has changed. To achieve economic security, the BVI must adapt to the new realities of the global economy. This will require diversifying the economy to tap outsourcing markets in North America and Europe and strengthening the global competitiveness of tourism and financial services. It will also require tapping emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East for business opportunities presented by their rapid growth. It is only by making these necessary adjustments to the territory’s economic growth strategy that the BVI will thrive in the 21st century.
By Benito Wheatley
CEO of The Wheatley Consulting Group
For comments or questions please send e-mails to:
benitowheatley@gmail.com
The global financial crisis (crisis) did considerable damage to the British Virgin Islands economy. It weakened global demand for both the territory’s tourism product and financial services, which resulted in sharp declines in tourist arrivals and international business incorporations in 2009. While the economy improved in 2010, growth remains weak on sluggish economic recoveries in the United States (US) and Europe; and stronger financial regulation at the global level. Realizing a full economic recovery will require the territory to adapt to the new economic realities of the post-crisis world.
The two most notable outcomes of the crisis are the economic weakening of the US and Europe and the robust economic recoveries of China, India, Brazil and other emerging markets that were largely insulated from the worst of the financial turmoil. Following negative growth in 2009 and anemic growth in 2010, the US and Europe in 2011 are forecast to grow at rates of about 2.5 percent and 1.5, respectively. Their fragile recoveries are characterized by large budget-deficits, high national debts and high unemployment that are expected to be a drag on economic growth in the coming years. A growth rate of four to five percent is expected by the end of the decade.
By contrast, China and India, who registered strong economic growth in 2009 and 2010, are forecast to grow between 8 and 9 percent in 2011. In addition, Brazil and other large emerging markets are forecast to grow at about five percent and higher. Extended forecasts estimate emerging market countries as a whole sustaining high economic growth through 2020.
This shift in the global balance of economic power has serious implications for the BVI economy. Namely, the sustainability of the tourism and financial services sectors in the face of weak demand from the US and Europe. If global economic trends hold, the recovery of tourism and financial services will be constrained by low economic growth in the US and Europe over the coming years. In order to ensure the sustainability of these sectors and the economy as a whole, the BVI must adjust its economic growth strategy to fit the new global economic landscape. This will require diversifying the economy to tap new global markets and strengthening the global competitiveness of the tourism and financial services sectors.
Diversifying the Economy
The development of new economic sectors is needed in large part to broaden the territory’s economic base and to help insulate it from global economic shocks like the financial crisis.
One potential new sector is outsourcing. Economic trends in the global outsourcing market indicate that new business opportunities are emerging in North America and Europe. In their private sectors, the financial industry has come under intense regulatory and financial pressures that are driving firms to outsource their mid- and back-office functions. In their public sectors, fiscal pressure is building to reduce budget deficits at a time when governments are faced with the challenge of providing unemployment benefits to the masses of newly unemployed, social security to retirees, and healthcare benefits to senior citizens, children, military veterans and the disabled. These developments are also pushing governments at every level to outsource back-office functions and some frontline services to lower cost providers.
These developments represent business opportunities for the BVI. The territory has the corporate infrastructure to take advantage of outsourcing needs in areas such as accounting, administration, finance, records management etc. Its competitive edge lies in its ability to deliver high quality services at a lower cost than onshore. The BVI also has the distinct advantage of native English speakers and close proximity to the US and Canadian markets and somewhat farther away European markets.
Improving our Tourism Product
In the tourism sector, improving the BVI’s tourism product will require a number of measures including the implementation of customer service standards for the hospitality industry, investing in state of the art accommodations, developing alternative tourism industries, and establishing direct international flights from major tourism markets.
As the foundation of hospitality, customer service in the territory must be improved. Improving the quality of customer service will require the hospitality industry to adopt a set of minimum-- internationally recognized (e.g., The Customer Service Institute of America’s charter) --customer service standards that are supported and reinforced by training and certification of customer service professionals working in the industry. Research indicates that there is a strong correlation between high-quality customer service and return visits by travelers.
The BVI must also upgrade its accommodations to include state of the art convention, conference, wedding and entertainment facilities and services. These needs can be met in part by the development of another luxury hotel. Adding these amenities to the territory’s tourism product and putting them, and existing facilities and services, to optimal use will help the BVI to capture a greater share of the international conference, convention and wedding markets in North America, Europe and the Caribbean.
Upgrades to the BVI’s tourism infrastructure should be complemented by the availability of direct flights from North America (i.e., US and Canada), Latin America (i.e., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile) and Europe (i.e., UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) to the territory. However, this will only become a reality when the runway at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport is extended to accommodate wide-body jetliners.
Improvement of the basic fundamentals of the tourism industry should be followed by the opening up of the tourism sector for investment in emerging industries such as eco-tourism, medical tourism, health and wellness tourism and sports tourism. Special care should be given to rationally spreading tourism development across the archipelago to make the most productive use of the territory’s 40 islands, cays and islets.
Finally, the BVI’s tourism product must be aggressively marketed to the rest of the world. Marketing campaigns should not only target traditional tourism markets in the US and Europe, but also nearby emerging markets in Latin America and those far away in Asia. Ease of travel from Latin America and the availability of Spanish/English translation make the region attractive for tourism expansion. In terms of future tourism business, Asia is forecast to become the largest source of outbound tourists in two decades; a fact that cannot be ignored by the BVI.
Promoting Financial Services
In the financial services sector, incorporations have picked up since the crisis, but greater promotional efforts are needed to further raise the BVI’s profile. Current efforts would be greatly boosted by the establishment of International Finance Centre branch offices in strategic foreign locations (e.g., Brazil, Singapore, London, New York etc.). A permanent presence is necessary to achieve the level of engagement with the global financial industry needed to drive more financial services business to the territory.
The financial services sector must also strengthen its corporate infrastructure to improve its competitiveness as an offshore financial center. This in real terms means recruiting the needed accountants, insolvency practitioners, fund administrators, lawyers and other professionals that can efficiently deliver the high-quality corporate services desired by clients. The industry must also expand its range of services where possible to offer clients value added services (e.g., banking, trading etc.) in addition to fund domiciliation and international business incorporation.
Finally, in the area of shipping registration, an aggressive marketing campaign is needed to promote the BVI. In 2010, the global yachting industry improved upon its poor performance in 2009 and is expected to see an upswing in 2011. With regulatory authorities in popular Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy cracking down on the owners of locally registered luxury vessels (e.g., megayachts/superyacht), the BVI can take advantage of the demand in these markets for shipping registration services.
Tapping Emerging Markets
In revising its economic growth strategy, the BVI must give special attention to emerging markets. Two-dozen fast growing countries, including Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), are rapidly expanding their middle and upper classes. Combined, their middle classes number almost two-billion consumers who spent $6.9 trillion in 2009. By 2020, this number will rise to $20 trillion when emerging markets will account for two-thirds of the global consumer market. With respect to the new upper classes, emerging markets are experiencing the fastest increase in high net worth individuals (i.e., persons with $1 million in assets) in the world. These new consumer groups represent vast markets for the BVI and should be opened up to the territory’s tourism and financial services sectors.
Conclusion
Since the global financial crisis, the economic landscape of the world has changed. To achieve economic security, the BVI must adapt to the new realities of the global economy. This will require diversifying the economy to tap outsourcing markets in North America and Europe and strengthening the global competitiveness of tourism and financial services. It will also require tapping emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East for business opportunities presented by their rapid growth. It is only by making these necessary adjustments to the territory’s economic growth strategy that the BVI will thrive in the 21st century.
Eastern Caribbean integration bolstered by Role of institutions
Antigua and Barbuda Parliament to be home of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean General Assembly
by: "Erasmus Williams" sknpmpresssec@hotmail.com
erasmuswilliams2000
(CUOPM) – Current Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is crediting several institutions with the successes of the regional integration movement and keeping it alive.
In a statement to mark the coming into force of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre Establishing the OECS Economic Union, Prime Minister Douglas singled out the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority and the OECS Secretariat.
He noted that for the last forty years, long before the formal establishment of the Organisation, the people of the OECS have benefitted from the operation of a single, fully functional regional judiciary, the OECS Supreme Court.
“This institution finds no parallel in the world, except perhaps with the European Court of Justice. Quite apart from its excellent record within the region, it has had a long and proud record of contributing to the development of international jurisprudence, with some of its best legal minds being pressed into service toward the resolution of problems in various parts of the world,” said Dr. Douglas.
He boasted that since 1965, long before it was ever contemplated by the region’s friends in Europe, OECS Member States have enjoyed a single currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which stands today as one of the most stable currencies in the world, having maintained a fixed rate of exchange to the US Dollar since 1976, thirty-five years ago! This currency, the associated institutional arrangements, and the entire banking system within the OECS is managed and regulated by a single authority, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
This institution which had its origins in the 1965 establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority is today a Central Bank of the highest international repute!
Another institution of long standing is the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, which boasts a successful record in the management and regulation of the airspace and civil aviation within the OECS.
The region’s success at integration is also evident in the establishment and successful operation of other institutions of more recent vintage but of equally high international standing, such as Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange, established upon a platform that is one of the most technologically advanced; or the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority, the single Authority for oversight of a fully liberalized Telecommunications Sector; or the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service which has realized tremendous benefits for the regional Health Sector through the joint procurement of pharmaceuticals. Indeed, the OECS approach to the procurement of pharmaceuticals has attracted much interest in various parts of the developing world.
“At the centre of it all is the OECS Secretariat, the principal Organ responsible for the general administration of our Organisation, and in particular, implementation of activities leading to the formation of and now the operationalisation of the OECS Economic Union. The Secretariat is responsible for promoting such pursuits as joint diplomatic representation in major international capitals and institutions; policy harmonization and coordination in various spheres of human endeavour including critical areas such as energy, tourism, air transportation, health, education and judicial reform, as well as trade negotiations,” said Prime Minister Douglas in a radio and television statement to the peoples of the independent OECS states of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He pointed out that in recent times, and at the behest of the Authority, the Secretariat has been engaged in a process of representing the region’s strategic interests through the development of relationships internationally, with non-traditional partners in different parts of the world – a move which has brought major dividends by way of the mobilization of unprecedented levels of developmental resources.
“These institutions and policy approaches to which I refer, have not only contributed significantly to the vastly improved quality of life which our people now enjoy, but they have also served as models for other countries and groups of countries in circumstances similar to ours. Indeed the OECS Model of Development has been hailed by leading international institutions such as the World Bank as a model worthy of emulation by Small Island Developing States,” said the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Antigua and Barbuda to be home of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean General Assembly
CALIVIGNY ISLAND, Grenada
Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States meeting on Calivigny Island in
Grenada for a Special Retreat of the OECS Authority have agreed that the parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will be the home of the OECS General Assembly.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer speaking from Grenada on Monday evening said that based on a proposal presented by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda which outlined the amenities and features of the Antigua and Barbuda parliament, Heads agreed that it would be ideal for the General Assembly which will consist of Members of Parliament and Legislatures from member states of the OECS.
The OECS General Assembly is one of the new organs established under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Economic Union.
The OECS General Assembly will be the body responsible for considering and reporting to the OECS Authority on any proposal to enact Acts referred to it by the Heads or Council of Ministers. The General Assembly will consist of five members of parliament from Independent States with at least one member coming from the opposition benches. The members must consist of the Prime Minister and Leader of the
Opposition.
The Legislature from the other member states of the OECS will elect three members with two members coming from the elected government while the opposition will elected one member. Members of the Assembly are eligible to serve for two years from the date of election.
This is an important achievement for Antigua and Barbuda. We have been leading the way in matters relating to OECS integration and to have the OECS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda is a symbol of our commitment to the cause of bringing the region closer together. The Government is looking forward to the convening of the General Assembly very shortly,² said Prime Minister Spencer.
The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda is believed to be one of the most modern and state-of-the- art architectures in the region. Among some of its notable features and amenities are its multimedia and technology features, conference and workshop facilities, Observation Deck and dome shaped Debating Chamber. The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, which is approximately 47, 000 square feet was built in 2006 by the Hadeed Group of Companies.
OECS Heads met in retreat in Grenada to discuss among other things the operationalisation of the OECS Economic Union, OECS Secretariat manpower, OECS Regional Security matters and review resources deployed in representational activities at national and regional levels.
by: "Erasmus Williams" sknpmpresssec@hotmail.com
erasmuswilliams2000
(CUOPM) – Current Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is crediting several institutions with the successes of the regional integration movement and keeping it alive.
In a statement to mark the coming into force of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre Establishing the OECS Economic Union, Prime Minister Douglas singled out the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority and the OECS Secretariat.
He noted that for the last forty years, long before the formal establishment of the Organisation, the people of the OECS have benefitted from the operation of a single, fully functional regional judiciary, the OECS Supreme Court.
“This institution finds no parallel in the world, except perhaps with the European Court of Justice. Quite apart from its excellent record within the region, it has had a long and proud record of contributing to the development of international jurisprudence, with some of its best legal minds being pressed into service toward the resolution of problems in various parts of the world,” said Dr. Douglas.
He boasted that since 1965, long before it was ever contemplated by the region’s friends in Europe, OECS Member States have enjoyed a single currency, the Eastern Caribbean Dollar, which stands today as one of the most stable currencies in the world, having maintained a fixed rate of exchange to the US Dollar since 1976, thirty-five years ago! This currency, the associated institutional arrangements, and the entire banking system within the OECS is managed and regulated by a single authority, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
This institution which had its origins in the 1965 establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority is today a Central Bank of the highest international repute!
Another institution of long standing is the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, which boasts a successful record in the management and regulation of the airspace and civil aviation within the OECS.
The region’s success at integration is also evident in the establishment and successful operation of other institutions of more recent vintage but of equally high international standing, such as Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange, established upon a platform that is one of the most technologically advanced; or the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority, the single Authority for oversight of a fully liberalized Telecommunications Sector; or the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service which has realized tremendous benefits for the regional Health Sector through the joint procurement of pharmaceuticals. Indeed, the OECS approach to the procurement of pharmaceuticals has attracted much interest in various parts of the developing world.
“At the centre of it all is the OECS Secretariat, the principal Organ responsible for the general administration of our Organisation, and in particular, implementation of activities leading to the formation of and now the operationalisation of the OECS Economic Union. The Secretariat is responsible for promoting such pursuits as joint diplomatic representation in major international capitals and institutions; policy harmonization and coordination in various spheres of human endeavour including critical areas such as energy, tourism, air transportation, health, education and judicial reform, as well as trade negotiations,” said Prime Minister Douglas in a radio and television statement to the peoples of the independent OECS states of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He pointed out that in recent times, and at the behest of the Authority, the Secretariat has been engaged in a process of representing the region’s strategic interests through the development of relationships internationally, with non-traditional partners in different parts of the world – a move which has brought major dividends by way of the mobilization of unprecedented levels of developmental resources.
“These institutions and policy approaches to which I refer, have not only contributed significantly to the vastly improved quality of life which our people now enjoy, but they have also served as models for other countries and groups of countries in circumstances similar to ours. Indeed the OECS Model of Development has been hailed by leading international institutions such as the World Bank as a model worthy of emulation by Small Island Developing States,” said the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Antigua and Barbuda to be home of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean General Assembly
CALIVIGNY ISLAND, Grenada
Heads of Government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States meeting on Calivigny Island in
Grenada for a Special Retreat of the OECS Authority have agreed that the parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will be the home of the OECS General Assembly.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer speaking from Grenada on Monday evening said that based on a proposal presented by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda which outlined the amenities and features of the Antigua and Barbuda parliament, Heads agreed that it would be ideal for the General Assembly which will consist of Members of Parliament and Legislatures from member states of the OECS.
The OECS General Assembly is one of the new organs established under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre establishing the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Economic Union.
The OECS General Assembly will be the body responsible for considering and reporting to the OECS Authority on any proposal to enact Acts referred to it by the Heads or Council of Ministers. The General Assembly will consist of five members of parliament from Independent States with at least one member coming from the opposition benches. The members must consist of the Prime Minister and Leader of the
Opposition.
The Legislature from the other member states of the OECS will elect three members with two members coming from the elected government while the opposition will elected one member. Members of the Assembly are eligible to serve for two years from the date of election.
This is an important achievement for Antigua and Barbuda. We have been leading the way in matters relating to OECS integration and to have the OECS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda is a symbol of our commitment to the cause of bringing the region closer together. The Government is looking forward to the convening of the General Assembly very shortly,² said Prime Minister Spencer.
The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda is believed to be one of the most modern and state-of-the- art architectures in the region. Among some of its notable features and amenities are its multimedia and technology features, conference and workshop facilities, Observation Deck and dome shaped Debating Chamber. The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda, which is approximately 47, 000 square feet was built in 2006 by the Hadeed Group of Companies.
OECS Heads met in retreat in Grenada to discuss among other things the operationalisation of the OECS Economic Union, OECS Secretariat manpower, OECS Regional Security matters and review resources deployed in representational activities at national and regional levels.
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