Talk Antigua

Antigua Sun) – Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is reiterating his government’s commitment toward regional integration through adherence to the principles of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy.

But at the same time, he is emphasising that proper management of the economy is prudent in labour and immigration matters.

Addressing the audience at the consultation on immigration reform last week, the prime minister said the issue of labour, immigration and citizenship is emotionally driven, and despite personal feelings, the topic needs to be addressed.
“Antigua and Barbuda has opened its doors to all workers, both skilled and unskilled, from many Caricom countries for many years in the spirit of free movement of persons,” the prime minister said.

Spencer revealed that over the years, liberal immigration and labour market policies have given this country a population profile closer to that of St Maarten, a reality he says has implications both politically and economically.

With that in mind, the prime minister said measures must be implemented to ensure the integrity of Antigua and Barbuda as a society is maintained.

“Statistics show that Caricom nationals have increased in Antigua and Barbuda from 7,796 in 1991, to over 16,000 in 2006.

“Although we are committed to welcoming our brothers and sisters from across the region, our practice of an open and liberal immigration policy cannot be totally sustained in these trying economic times.

“This policy will certainly be counter-productive to my government’s policy of providing the greatest good for the greatest number of our citizens and residents,” Spencer noted.

While indicating that government will continue welcoming Caribbean nationals to Antigua and Barbuda, the prime minister said existing immigration policies must be evaluated. Spencer opined that a closer examination must be undertaken in respect of the capacity of various socio-economic institutions and infrastructure, to adequately manage the continued influx of people desirous of taking up residence in Antigua and Barbuda.

By Stabroek News

The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) is accusing the ruling United Progressive Party (UPP) of harassing witnesses who have given statements in the election cases now before the High Court.

Its leadership is preparing to ask the commissioner of police to ensure there is no further interference.

“The Antigua Labour Party is keeping a watchful eye and any further reported interference by anyone, it will not hesitate to bring it to the attention of the Court,” a press release said.

In June, the High Court threw out two of the six election challenges filed by the ALP after the March 12 general election.

The court dismissed petitions filed on behalf of defeated ALP candidate for All Saints West Daven Joseph and candidate for St Paul, Paul “Chet” Greene, because they were filed too late.

The trial for the other four petitions began in September. These are for Barbuda, St George, St John’s Rural North and St John’s Rural West.

The ALP has asked the court to overturn the election results in these constituencies, where it believes evidence suggests the process was rigged in favour of the UPP. Preliminary hearings on the challenges have concluded.

Along with the UPP candidates, the Electoral Commission and individual election officials were also named in the civil proceedings.

Leader of the ALP Lester Bird noted that witness tampering is a serious criminal offence, which could result in jail sentences.
“It is our intention to ensure that justice in this matter prevails, without the interference of anyone, on either side, whether from the Antigua Labour Party or the United Progressive Party,” Bird said. “The Antigua Labour Party has always and continues to believe in the independence of our judiciary.

We have a tradition not to interfere in any shape or form with any matter before our Courts.”

The former prime minister is also advising witnesses faced with any form of intimidation to immediately report the incident to their party representatives

Source: Caribarena

Baldwin Spencer, prime minister of Antigua. Spencer’s administration says it will defend the US$8b lawsuit filed July 13, but insists that the opposition ALP must get involved. Stanford’s invest-ments in the island occurred under the ALP administration. - File

Plagued by a huge debt that has hugely affected its ability to access financing, Antigua and Barbuda has commenced discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to work out an assistance package.

The debt is now at existing EC$3.1 billion (US$1.14 billion).

A statement from the Ministry of Finance said a team from the IMF arrived in St John’s Monday and several meetings were held throughout the day as both sides examined what type of assistance the Fund could provide at this time.

“The decision to engage with the IMF was based on the Govern-ment’s desire to realise fiscal and debt sustainability, as well as to access resources to promote social protection and economic growth,” Finance Minister Harold Lovell said.

Opposition unconvinced

But the Government’s decision to go to the IMF has not gone down well with the main opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) which said it was unconvinced that an IMF package would be good for the people of this country.

Over the past weeks, the ALP has twice led thousands through the streets of the capital in protest against the Government’s decision to approach the IMF for assistance.

“When you look at the track record (of the IMF), we definitely have more than sufficient reason to conclude that there will be some serious austerity measures that would be recommended by the IMF and when we look at recent pronouncements that were made by the IMF, we do not believe that the IMF has changed fundamentally,” ALP Chairman Gaston Browne said.

Tax increases ahead

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Lester Bird said that the IMF would insist on the repayment of foreign debt as a priority and that, as a result, the Government “will have to widen personal income tax; expand the government sales tax; increase company tax and property tax; and sell off state-assets.”

The administration in St John’s has responded saying the ALP played a part in putting the country into its current debt situation.

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer says more than half of the debt represents arrears racked up by the opposition when it ran the country.

The talks between the Government and the IMF are scheduled to continue throughout this week.

Source: www.jamaica-gleaner.com