Featuring - ADOMS 30 Years at the Helm

No.62 • Dec-Feb 2016/17

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No. 62

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Dec - Feb 2016/17

CONTENTS FEATURE 19.

“Shipping: Indispensable to the World” ADOMS: 30 Years at the Helm

72.

73.

74.

75.

REGULARS 04.

Editor’s Focus

06.

Business Briefs

IN THE KNOW 08. Directors: Don’t be Coy with your COIs! 66. Maximising Your Music Earnings BUSINESS TECH 10. Ministers Endorse Roadmap for ICT Single Space 12. Security of Mobile Devices 14. ECLAC says Internet Use, Access Sharply Increased in the Caribbean 16.

Insurance Industry Outlook

53.

Paradise Boat Sales Turns 20

54.

Callaloo Cay Welcomes Antigua & Barbuda to

Dubai 58.

Basic Cents: Turning Your Business Into

a Brand Name MONEY MATTERS 60. Banking: Is the US Making a Stick to Beat its Own Back?

62. Antigua PM Discusses Corresponding Banking With CDB and JNBS 64.

Business Focus Must Reads

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS 68. Gov't Scraps Proposed Revenue Recovery Charge Increase 70. Gov't Not Giving Up Efforts to Recoup Millions in

76.

WTO Gaming Dispute I ncremental Increase of Social Security Contributions Starts January Highway Project Pushed to 2017 Antigua & Barbuda's Stake in WIOC is Already Paying Off Antigua Wins Millions in Case Against Convicted Former Ukrainian PM Gov't Takes 80 Percent Ownership of CUB

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YOUTH FOCUS 78. Foreign Nations Pledge Millions to Improve Educational Facilities 80. The Rotaract Club of Antigua: 30 Years of Continued Service ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS 82. Global Climate Fund for Antigua & Barbuda TOURISM FOCUS 84. Antigua & Barbuda Predicts Bumper Tourist Season in 2017 85. Tourism Official: So Far Brexit has not Affected Regional Tourism Sector 86. Tourism in Antigua & Barbuda and the Wider Caribbean HEALTH & WELLNESS 88. Antigua & Barbuda to get Millions to Advance HIV/AIDS Health Care 90. Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 92. Social Security - Making it Sustainable 94. HIV/AIDS - 35 Years Later 96.

Major Moves

99.

Events

100.

19

78

New Company Registrations

103. Advertiser's Index

86

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A NEW YEAR BECKONS WITH THE HOPE OF INCREASED OPPORTUNITY AND PROSPERITY! Programme has generated valued cash inflows of foreign direct investment with a positive impact on the construction sector. The re-development of the St. John’s port will increase capacity for large cruise ships with added value for commerce. These are all initiatives that will generate employment in both the short and long term.

The government is now at the half mark of its five-year tenure. By making our economy one of the fastest growing economies in the region, it is hoped that the government’s vision of creating an economic powerhouse is realised during its tenure.

LOKESH SINGH Publisher/Managing Editor

As we reflect on 2016, we are thankful to have survived many challenges with varying degrees of success. In anticipation of many new projects and positive economic growth, we share hope for a better year in 2017.

As a nation, we have much to celebrate.

The government has undertaken several major initiatives, which have had a positive impact on the economy and are good prospects for the future. For instance, increased visitor arrivals at both our air and seaports are trends we hope will continue. We also appreciate the efforts of our Ministry of Tourism, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and industry stakeholders. Government’s intervention with acquisitions -- the investment and expansion in the West Indies Oil Company and the Caribbean Union Bank, and the construction of a new corporate hotel and convention centre complex -- are all expected to impact positively. The thrust and success of the Citizenship by Investment

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In this edition, we highlight and celebrate the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) as our special feature. ADOMS has been at the helm of the industry here in Antigua and Barbuda for the past 30 years, and during that time it has grown exponentially. It has positioned Antigua and Barbuda as a leading destination in the international and Caribbean maritime sector with its many initiatives.

This sector is poised for rapid growth and increased contribution as an important economic sector of the economy. We salute the efforts of Ambassador Dwight Gardiner and his entire team for their yeoman efforts over the past 30 years.

As a company, we wish to express our thanks for your continued support during the year. We are also making changes to better serve you going forward. We look forward to delivering many more interesting and exciting publications to promote your business and the country.

We hope that you will enjoy reading the diverse content in this our 62nd issue, which is geared towards providing you with information to support your business endeavours and prospects for growth.

On behalf of all of our staff, our best wishes for the holidays and a successful 2017. •

BUSINESSFOCUS

Business Focus magazine is published quarterly by Regional Publications Ltd (RPL) in Antigua and Barbuda.

PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Lokesh Singh EDITOR: Martina Johnson GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Melissa Sebastien ADVERTISING SALES: Ann-Maria Marshall • Evol Desouza Shari Dickenson COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Gemma Hazelwood PHOTOGRAPHY: Gemma Hazelwood • Martina Johnson ADOMS • Government of Antigua & Barbuda and online sources EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Martina Johnson • ADOMS Marcella Andre • CMC • Koren Norton Dr. Chris Bart • Brian Ramsey Dr. Sir Prince Ramsey • Everett Christian Samuel Rosenberg • Lyndell Halliday Sir Ronald Sanders • Rotaract Club of Antigua and Barbuda • Ministry of Tourism Regional Publications Ltd Bryson’s Office Complex, Friars Hill Road, P.O. Box 180, Suite #5A,St.John’s, Antigua + 1 -268- 462- 7680 Email: sales@regionalpub.com Website: www.businessfocusantigua.com Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialised fields or areas of interest.

Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright.

Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.

ON THE COVER: “ Shipping: Indispensable to the World” ADOMS: 30 Years at the Helm

BUSINESS BRIEFS most prestigious reader’s nominated awards in the industry. For the 29th Annual Awards more than 300,000 world travellers took part – the most ever to date – leaving over 75,000 comments on more than 20,000 listings, including 7,394 hotels and resorts, 236 islands, and an average survey time of 8.4 minutes to create the list of winning favourites.

ELEGANT HOTELS GROUP ANNOUNCES MANAGEMENT OF FIRST ANTIGUAN PROPERTY Luxury hotel group Elegant Hotels will manage a Hodges Bay development on the north shores of Antigua. Unveiled as Hodges Bay Resort and Spa by Barbados-based Elegant Hotels, the beachfront resort is set to become the pinnacle of luxury on the Caribbean island, and will offer an all-suite and villa concept for the discerning traveler. It is slated to open in mid-to-late 2017.

Elegant Hotels currently boasts six stunning properties on the neighbouring Caribbean island of Barbados. This will be the seventh property in the group’s portfolio and the first outside of Barbados. In addition to a range of new concepts, Hodges Bay Resort and Spa will feature Elegant Signature Inclusions as standard, and include free motorised and nonmotorised water sports, exceptional dining with signature theme nights, complementary Wi-Fi throughout the property, beach and pool ambassador service, the Flying Fish Kids Club and Teens Club, bespoke tours and daily activities, such as culinary demonstrations and mixology classes.

Thanks to the range of accommodation options and incentives, the property has been designed to appeal to families, including multigenerational families, couples and wedding/honeymooners all of whom appreciate the finer things in life. •

The five resorts awarded “Top Resorts in the Caribbean” are: Jumby Bay (Rosewood), Blue Waters, Carlisle Bay, Sandals Grande Antigua and Curtain Bluff.

“We are very proud of these five awards for our resorts as it truly signifies that Antigua and Barbuda is providing visitors with the top travel and hospitality experience possible in the Caribbean,” Colin C. James, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority said.

“It is particularly special for us that these awards are voted on by the people who are visiting, signifying that we are doing something right. The voters declared a passion for the authentic, the personal, the unexpected – all three of which are intrinsic to our twin island nation.”

Recently voted the Caribbean’s “Most Romantic Destination” by the World Travel Awards, for the second consecutive year, the twin-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda has been having a record-breaking year in visitors.

The expansion also requires the immediate hiring of another 150 workers within weeks.

EGS has been operating in Antigua for over a decade and currently employs 400 people. The expansion is linked to a recent contract by a well-known brand to promote its e-commerce services. EGS, in keeping with its contract, does not reveal the names of its clients and was only allowed to report publicly that it signed an agreement, which will benefit more than 600 additional young men and women, who are interested in securing employment.

Additionally, the firm is planning to build its own facility and will choose to do so very close to the proposed University of Antigua and Barbuda, or the University of the West Indies Antigua campus to make its training and employment accessible to the brightest.

This will create additional construction jobs and benefit other companies and service providers in Antigua and Barbuda.

EGS, an Alorica company, is a global customer service organisation delivering leading outsourced solutions for customer and financial care. Serving the world’s leading companies, EGS helps decision-makers delight their customers and deepen brand engagement. With revenues of US$1.1 billion, EGS has over 40,000 employees in more than 70 locations across 11 countries. •

James said people are flocking to the newest hotspot in the Caribbean, with easy access via multiple gateways across the U.S., Canada, UK and Europe, and the Caribbean, a variety of resorts and properties to fit every price point, over 120 dining options and 365 pristine white and pink sand beaches from which to choose.

He added, “Antigua and Barbuda has something for everyone while offering the intimacy and safety of a smaller destination, attracting those who want something new and different for their vacation.” •

ANTIGUA TO GET MILLIONS FROM CHINA FOR LOCAL PROJECTS Antigua and Barbuda is to receive US$16 million as a grant from China as part of an agreement on economic and technical cooperation to aid in disaster response and support for the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)

TWIN ISLAND NATION WINS 5 AWARDS FOR TOP RESORTS IN THE CARIBBEAN Antigua and Barbuda’s leading properties were recognised by Condé Nast Traveller’s 29th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards in October as the top-rated resorts in the Caribbean.

The Condé Nast Traveller Annual Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and BusinessFocus

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HUNDREDS OF JOBS CREATED AS EGS EXPANDS IN ANTIGUA If it all goes according to plan, there will be 500 job openings at Expert Global Solutions (EGS) from January 2017 until September 2017, as the company plans to expand business in Antigua.

The government is expected to receive the money for the fiscal year 2017 after more consultations are held between the parties.

The grant will support a number of projects, which the government said are already in the development stage.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to China Brian Stuart-Young said the aid brought

BUSINESS BRIEFS through the exchange of notes will “help equip our local teams to be able to handle emergencies and be fully equipped to be able to do so.”

The Antigua Public Utilities Authorities (APUA) will also receive assistance for the replacement of important wiring in the event a disaster causes damage to lines that enable access to electricity and the Internet.

Additionally, Stuart-Young said the grant funds will also support several other projects.

“We are about to start one project, which is the Grays Green Community Centre and an indoor basketball arena,” he said. “But, the funding we are receiving now will also be able to apply to two other community centres, one in City West and another one in St. Phillips North. Those will be polyclinics whereby you will have a community centre, as well as a medical clinic.”

China’s Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Wang Xianmin explained, “The amount of the disaster relief materials is total 7.5 million RMB or nearly US$1.2 million; the material will be transported to the port of St. John’s in the upcoming months.”

Prime Minister Gaston Browne added, “In addition, there will be in amount of XCD$8 million in grant to the defence force to help [it] re-equip.” •

He outlined a number of limitations and challenges that impacted the airline’s service to the travelling public, including a smaller fleet – LIAT currently operates nine ATR aircraft and is expected to acquire a tenth shortly – as well as weak technology, and the need for training of frontline staff.

He added that the board is currently undertaking a review of the organisational structure to determine the optimal number of employees needed to serve the entire network.

“When I became prime minister, LIAT had about 1200 people employed that was in 2001,” Gonsalves said. “Now, LIAT has 669 persons employed and the head count in the budget is 630.”

He added that the company is also looking to cut unprofitable, non-performing routes in a bid to improve its service.

“A critical review of the schedule has to be fine-tuned, clearly LIAT needs to do fewer routes, and to do what we’re doing much better,” Gonsalves said. “This would mean eliminating some routes and cooperating with third party carriers on those routes. LIAT has to continue removing non-performing routes as appropriate based on commercial assessment.”

The airline’s management has also requested the approval XCD$5 million to be divided between the shareholder governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Gonsalves, Dominica — the fourth shareholder government — has been exempted from meeting its quota, as that country is still rebuilding from the widespread devastation caused last year by Tropical Storm Erika.

LIAT OUTLINES PLANS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY The cash-strapped regional carrier LIAT is forecasting a loss XCD $9.2 million for the year 2016, despite recording a net profit of XCD$5 million at the end of August 2016.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves, who is also chairman of LIAT’s majority shareholder governments, said the airline’s budgeted total revenue for 2016 was XCD$318.8 million when he gave the assessment of the company’s financial performance in October.

“This is moving from numbers close to XCD$100 million, to XCD$57 million and even last year XCD$57 million roughly had to do with losses incurrence, selling Dash-8s and paying severance pay,” Gonsalves told the media.

Gonsalves added that there is a long-term capitalisation issue still to be addressed with the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). He added that the shareholder governments are seeking more participation “from other territories which benefit from the LIAT network.”

Gonsalves is planning to convene a meeting between the current leaders of shareholder governments and their counterparts from Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia, to discuss the possibility of them entering as equity partners. •

APUA TO ACQUIRE OWNERSHIP OF SEMBCORP Within a matter of weeks, the country’s water supply will be wholly in the hands of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), as it will assume full ownership of the Sembcorp Antigua water production facility.

This was supposed to have happened in mid-2016; but due to cash flow problems, it was delayed to late 2016 into early 2017.

The government institution APUA will claim ownership under a build-own-operatetransfer (BOOT) agreement that stretches back a decade.

As the two companies prepare for the change, the government revealed in October that both parties are in negotiations on employee and management arrangements.

Sembcorp is a privately-owned company and provides more than 65 per cent of the country’s daily water supply. Minister of Public Utilities Robin Yearwood said under the contract with Sembcorp, equipment would be handed over to government.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne described as a “mammoth task,” the challenge APUA has faced to keep water flowing since 2014, and to increase production during the worst drought experienced by Antigua and Barbuda since 1871.

APUA provides 6,000,000 gallons of desalinated water daily, but this has not been sufficient to meet the demands of households and businesses in Antigua.

Meanwhile, the government said it is expecting a US$2 million grant from Japan to build a reverse osmosis plant to help local farmers, who have been affected by the drought.

The plant is to be placed near the village of Bethesda, since many farmers operate in that area and they require desalinated water in times of drought.

The government increased water saving measures in 2015 after persistent drought conditions starved already low surface water reservoirs here and across the region.

The government commissioned multiple reverse osmosis plants in Antigua and Barbuda in 2016 to alleviate the problem. • BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

DIRECTORS: D O N ’ T B E C OY W I T H YO U R C O I s !

By: Dr. Chris Bart

Conflict of interest (COIs) are part of - and the bane of - modern corporate governance. Indeed, actual, perceived and potential conflicts of interest can materialise at any time both at the board and senior management levels. In fact, it is almost impossible for directors and officers to avoid having COIs from time to time. However, they are not necessarily by themselves intrinsically evil or dishonourable. The key is to make sure that, when they arise, appropriate steps are taken to keep them from harming the organisation. Interestingly, while COIs may be highly evident and noticeable to some, especially outsiders, they can also be very tough for those actually involved in the conflict to pinpoint and discern by themselves. This article aims to remove some of the murk surrounding COIs in order to help directors and officers of Caribbean organisations either avoid such conflicts altogether, or manage them in ways that reduces the risk of reputational and financial harm.

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WHY THE PROBLEM?

THE MANY FACES OF COIS

So, why are conflicts of interest a problem for governance? It’s because the legal obligation of every director and officer of any organisation is to always act in that organisation’s “best interests.”

This obligation is typically referred to as their "fiduciary duty" and requires them to both protect and care for the assets and interests of their organisations over and above any other interest, personal or otherwise. In other words, directors must give their undivided loyalty to the organisations on whose boards they serve. Conflicts therefore occur when, in having to make decisions, or offer advice on anything involving the organisation’s funds or facilities, the interests - direct or indirect - of a board member clash with those of their organisation. When this occurs, their professional judgment, objectivity, and ultimately their integrity, has the potential to be compromised and questioned.

As it turns out, not all COIs are the same. There are actually three types of COIs: actual, potential and perceived.

An actual COI occurs when an officer or director is asked to make a decision that directly affects their personal, financial and/or professional interests. Examples include both voting on contracts, which would bring personal advantage, as well as appropriating opportunities that he or she becomes aware of by virtue of being a director or officer.

Perceived conflicts of interest exist in decision situations where the immediate family members and/or close associates of a director have certain potential financial interests or professional/personal relationships with the organisation such that the director’s decision could appear, by virtue of that interest or relationship, to be biased against the organisation.

A potential conflict of interest materialises when a director or officer has competing interests that could conflict with their ability to perform their duties in the future, such as when the person sits on both a company board and the board of its subsidiary or when the person is an executive, who also sits on the board to whom he/she reports.

COI RADAR DETECTOR Notwithstanding these variations in COIs, one of the best ways to determine if a board member is in a conflict of interest situation is to ask whether the director’s interests are the same as, or significantly different from, the interests of the other board members. Another good test is to ask: “How would this decision look if the nature of the personal, professional and financial interests were suddenly revealed on the front page of the local/national newspaper? Would the newspaper’s audience understand and accept the rationales given for why there was no need to disclose the actual perceived or potential conflict?

COI TREATMENTS So, once a COI has been identified, then what? Doing nothing is not an option at this point because if the COI is not appropriately handled, it can threaten the integrity and reputation of the corporation and even result in fines and imprisonment for the conflicted director.

So, how should COIs be managed? The first step is to make complete disclosure and report the conflict formally as soon as the situation comes up and before the conflicted activity in question commences.

The Board Chair and/or chair of the governance committee are usually the best ones to inform about the COI. In reporting the COI to them, the goal should be to ascertain their views on whether they believe an actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest exists and how it should best be dealt with.

In some rare instances, directors with a conflict may be granted a waiver, usually from the board itself, thereby exempting them from trying to remove themselves from the conflict. This would typically involve a situation in which a director is an officer, director or employee of an outside organisation that stands to gain financially from a decision requiring the participation and consent of the conflicted director.

Assuming such a waiver is not forthcoming, however, the gold standard approach for dealing with a COI is for the affected director to not participate in any fashion whatsoever in the decision being deliberated by the board. This even includes leaving the room for the duration of any discussion and vote on the matter at hand because it is felt that with even his or her silent presence, it could improperly influence other board members in how they ultimately choose to vote.

Notwithstanding this general application for dealing with COIs, other suggested but often less satisfactory alternatives are for the director or officer with the conflict to simply relinquish altogether the personal or private interests that gave rise to the conflict with their duties.

And of course, resignation may be an appropriate last resort if the COI cannot be worked out in any other way.

IN CONCLUSION For the record, there is no absolute prohibition against a director or officer acting for two or more entities. After all, many directors and officers sit on multiple boards. Accordingly, the issue of COIs will always depend on the particular situation and facts at hand. Yet, many Caribbean boards still do not know how to recognise the myriad of ways in which COIs can materialise and worse, how to effectively deal with them thereby leaving their firms and themselves extremely vulnerable to punitive and costly damage.

So, here’s the big, uncomfortable question for Caribbean directors: “To what extent do you and your fellow board members have the knowledge to both recognise and either avoid or mitigate COIs when they occur?” If you think that there is room for improvement in the way your board manages this important governance function, you might want to consider sending them to one of the corporate governance training programmes currently available in the region – like the extraordinarily, unique 3-day Chartered Director Programme (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute. After all, it’s not education that is expensive, but rather ignorance. •

Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is a recognised global governance authority, the author of two best sellers, and co-founder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

The Institute is currently providing throughout the Caribbean an intensive 3-day corporate governance programme which leads to the prestigious, internationally recognised, chartered director (C.Dir.) designation. For more information visit CGTI’s website: www.caribbeangovernancetraininginstitute.com or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

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BUSINESS TECH

MINISTERS ENDORSE ROADMAP F O R I C T S I N G L E S PA C E From left, ASG, Trade and Economic Integration, Mr. Joseph Cox, Chair of the Meeting, Minister Guy Joseph and Deputy Programme Manager, ICT4D, CARICOM Secretariat, Ms. Jennifer Britton

Developing a single Information Communication Technology (ICT) space to enhance the environment for investment and production is one of the key areas that CARICOM is undertaking in the short-term to become more competitive.

As recently as September 2016, the minsters of information and communications technologies within CARICOM endorsed the Draft Roadmap for the Region’s Single ICT Space during a special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development.

The document will now go for approval before the Heads of Government Intersessional Meeting in March 2017. The heads of government had mandated the development of the single ICT space by 2019 and identified it as a key enabler for the formation of the CARICOM digital economy.

The single ICT space will allow for harmonisation of ICT and other legislative frameworks, the removal of roaming charges, spectrum management, the encouragement of digital entrepreneurship (private - public sector partnerships), equipping all citizens as digital citizens, and looking at ICT financial solutions among other regional benefits.

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The roadmap has been in the works for the past two years, as CARICOM seeks ways to boost development through the use of ICT in tandem with the reform process for the years 2014-2019.

As envisioned by its framers, the single ICT space will also encompass the management of regional information, which will include better cyber security, human resources and infrastructure in the sector to elicit maximum benefit for the region’s populace.

The single ICT space and the region’s Digital Agenda 2025 are being constructed on the foundation of the Regional Digital Development Strategy (RDDS), which was approved in 2013. It will also have inputs from CARICOM’s Commission on the Economy and the post-2015 agenda.

The vision of a single ICT space, articulated by CARICOM Heads of Government, is concrete recognition of the role that technology must play in the economic and social development of the Caribbean. •

BUSINESS TECH

SECURITY OF MOBILE DEVICES

By Brian Ramsey

Mobile devices are everywhere. At every turn you see people on their mobile phones and tablets sending texts, surfing the Internet, checking their email and doing all manner of activities that the various apps allow them to do. Giving into the wave of pressure from staff and recognising the productivity improvements that are possible through the use of mobile devices, companies have increasingly begun arming their staff with mobile devices or allowing their staff to use their own devices in the performance of their work.

Undoubtedly, companies have experienced a performance boost as a result. No longer are customers told that the person did not see the email because they were not in the office or that they will get a response on Monday when the person goes to the office.

is that mobile devices if not properly configured can open up unauthorised means of access to company information, which in turn can lead to damaged reputation, corporate espionage, loss of revenue and more. The unauthorised access can also lead to the introduction of viruses and malware on a Company’s system, which can actually shutdown a company’s IT system and cripple a company’s operations. The risk is further magnified by the fact that employees in seeking to reduce the usage of their data plans and thus save on their personal cost will frequently use any open wireless networks that they discover and often have their mobile devices configured to search for open wireless networks and use those first. Open public wireless networks, however, are often unsecured and so frequented by hackers looking for victims.

Mobile devices are, therefore, a tremendous benefit to Caribbean companies, but they carry a risk that many companies are not recognising. This risk is compounded by the fact that employees often bring their own devices to work and use them for work purposes. Some employers view this Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach as a cost savings to the organisation because they think that now they do not have to incur the cost of purchasing and maintaining mobile devices for employees. The risk that some Caribbean companies are not recognising

There are several measures that companies should have in place if they are allowing the use of mobile devices. The first and simplest method is that anybody, who wants to use a mobile device to access the Internet and the company network, should have installed and regularly updated antimalware software for their device. The second measure is that mobile devices should be configured to avoid unsecured wireless networks, and bluetooth should be hidden from discovery.

In fact, when not in active use for headsets and

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headphones, bluetooth should be disabled altogether. These measures, while are good first steps, are not the only protective actions that companies should take with mobile devices.

Increasingly, individuals have realized that they cannot simply have mobile devices open to be picked up and used by anyone. People have caught on to the fact that if their mobile device is stolen anyone finding it will have access to their personal information and be able to use their device. They will also incur charges, which they will have to pay. As such, most individuals have configured their mobiles to require a password to be entered.

Where a mobile is being used for work purposes, the access granting should go beyond just a password to ensure that possession of a mobile device doesn’t automatically grant access to important information and systems. Most modern mobile devices now include local security options, such as built-in biometrics fingerprint scanners, facial recognition and voiceprint recognition. Companies should require the use of one of these combined with the password.

Most experts recommend that “All mobile device communications be encrypted as a matter of course, simply because wireless communications are so easy to intercept and snoop on. Those same experts go one step further to recommend that any communications between a mobile device and a company or cloud-based system or service require use of a VPN for access to be allowed to occur. VPNs not only include strong encryption, they also provide opportunities for logging, management and strong authentication of users, who wish to use a mobile device to access applications, services or remote desktops or systems.”

The difficulty that is faced when companies opt to go the BYOD route is that the user owns the device, not the organisation, which makes security somewhat trickier for IT to establish and

maintain. Other experts have, therefore, recommended that in those situations, companies should “require such users to log into a remote virtual work environment. Then, the only information that goes to the mobile device is the screen output from work applications and systems.” As only screen output goes to the device the data does not remain on the device once the connection to the company’s network is terminated.

Since accessing a remote virtual work environment invariably occurs through VPN connections, communications are secure as well.

For companies that want to go further they can implement mobile DLP technologies. These DLP applications provide data classification features to label messages and documents (metadata labeling), as well as features that analyse content and filter it when a mobile device interacts with a corporate server. This they can prevent information that has been classified as sensitive or certain types of emails from downloading to a mobile device. Some of the DLP products prevent sensitive information from being transferred to devices based on a user or group rather than a device ID. Along with the technological measures, companies need to educate users on the dangers of data leakage. Employees should be taught what is considered sensitive and confidential information and about security of devices. Employees should also be taught about the implications of data leakage not only to the organisation, but ultimately the danger to their own job security. Most employees will help protect an organisation’s assets once they understand what constitutes confidential information and the consequences of its leakage plus the risks that organisations face through unauthorised mobile access. •

" M OB I L E D E VI CE S. . .

C A R RY A R I SK T HAT MA N Y C OMPA NI E S A R E N OT R E C OGN I S I N G .

"

Brian Ramsey has a B.A. in accounting and management, along with an M.B.A. in finance and over 29 years in the Caribbean security field. He is the regional development director for Amalgamated Security Services Limited, which operates in Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago and is the parent company of Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Limited. He can be contacted at bramsey@assl.com.

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BUSINESS TECH

E C L A C S AY S INTERNET USE, A C C E S S S H A R P LY INCREASED IN THE CARIBBEAN A study by the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has found that there has been a dramatic increase in Internet use and access in the region.

According to ECLAC’s The State of Broadband in Latin America and the Caribbean 2016 report, which was presented at the second meeting of the Conference on Science, Innovation and ICTs (Information Communication Technologies), 43.4 percent of all regional households were connected to the Internet in 2015, nearly doubling the figure from 2010.

The study found that 4.4 percent of the inhabitants of Latin America and the Caribbean used the Internet last year, 20 percentage points more than in 2010.

ECLAC said this “shows the important progress made in the region in the last five years in terms of access to the service and its affordability.”

According to the 2016 study, the percentage of Internet users as a proportion of the total population in Latin BusinessFocus

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America and the Caribbean grew 10.6 percent per year between 2000 and 2015, “which reduced the gap with countries belonging to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).”

This difference shrank to 25.2 percentage points in 2015 from 37.2 percentage points in 2010.

With regard to access, the document indicated that the number of households connected to the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean grew at an annual average of 14.1 percent in the last five years.

According to the study, access to broadband connections increased sharply in the period under study, particularly in the mobile mode, which surged from seven percent to 58 percent of the population between 2010 and 2015.

In 2010, the study noted that the percentage of people with access to fixed broadband and mobile broadband was practically the same. It added that between 2010 and 2015, the number of mobile subscribers grew 802.5 percent, while that of fixed connections rose 68.9 percent.

But despite this progress, the study found problems persist in terms of quality (connection speeds) and the equitableness of access to the Internet (differences according to geographic location and the population’s socio-economic situation).

It said that no country in the region has at least five percent of its connections with speeds of more than 15Mbp, while in advanced countries this percentage is 50 percent.

In addition, the states found there is a difference of 41 percentage points in Internet penetration between urban and rural areas in the country that has the greatest gap in the region.

In terms of income, the report says the expansion of access has been concentrated “in the richest quintiles, widening the gap with the poorest quintiles.” •

INSURANCE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

For 175 years, Sagicor has been serving its customers with tried and tested financial wisdom and sound experience, and continues to be very cognizant of the changing environment in which it operates.

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK Globally, insurance firms have been operating in depressed markets for some time. Some large insurance companies across the world have recently folded, while others are on the brink of collapse, and the Brexit referendum immediately resulted in insurance shares taking a spin. Closer to home on Caribbean shores, the Clico debacle is still very much at the forefront of people’s minds.

Worldwide, the industry is learning that it is not immune to the changing buying behaviours and preferences of customers, and that time is crucial. Time to do things outside of business hours is tight, and when we leave work, we try to do things to create a better work-life balance. So things like insurance tend to be organised outside of regular working hours, after the customer has gained

SAGICOR | INSURANCE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK BusinessFocus

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access to good quality information, usually available 24/7 online. This has resulted in changes to the buying habits of customers.

The nature of relationships is changing, with more females coming through who are running their own businesses, the main breadwinner or head of the household, with different expectations to what have been traditional relationships. A World Bank study estimates that by 2030, the insurance industry is expected to receive up to US$1.7 trillion premium contributions from women alone, half of which will come from emerging economies.

A large section of our markets is millennials, or Generation Y, born between 1982 and sometime in the early 2000’s. This generation of customers is far more tech savvy. They have grown up on the internet; they click for everything – including their insurance. Our customers are evolving, and technology and digital are playing an important role in that transition.

A recent New York Times’ article concisely describes how insurance companies are struggling to get to grips with a low interest rate economy and its affect on universal life policies,

policies that include an investment component that accumulates cash when interest rates are high. Interest rates around the world are nearing zero, and, in some places, have turned negative. This situation is, “contributing to a crisis moment for a business once considered the bedrock of financial stability and an industry that supports the retirement of millions.” Very low interest rates are excellent for homebuyers and borrowers, who can get reasonably cheap loans, but they are disastrous for insurers, whose assets are heavily invested in bonds with earnings that are being squeezed.

THE FUTURE So where do insurers go from here? Ivo Furrer, Chief Executive Officer of Swiss Life said, “We have been in the insurance business for more than 150 years, and now is the time for change.”Many throughout the global insurance industry echo Mr Furrer’s comment, including Sagicor, which is already way into a large-scale business improvement strategy.

When Sagicor first opened its doors in 1840, its goal was to satisfy a dire need for an indigenous financial services industry to serve a Caribbean community, when Europe had lost interest in our region. From inception, our key focus has been about our customers and, by extension, our communities. Making, accepting, and embracing change and being innovative is not new to Sagicor. We have been doing it successfully for 175 years. Over time, as our customers’ needs have changed, we have also changed. Our future now lies in our ability to ensure that we continue to evolve innovatively as we look toward our bicentenary.

Contact Sagicor Life Inc at: # 9 Sir Sydney Walling Highway P.O. Box 666, St. John’s Antigua Tel: (268) 480-5500 Fax: (264) 480-5520 Email: info@sagicor.com

Insurers are waking up to the call to find ways to stay relevant and continue to add value. A crucial move to make is to redefine customer relationships and customer journeys. From there, insurers have to make best use of all the available channels to access and engage customers. They have to remodel and change their business to reflect their customers and markets, and embrace the same technologies that their clients are embracing, remembering that insurance customers are not only bench marking the experience they are having online with other insurance companies, but they are bench marking insurance against all the other industries. Insurers need to step back and look at the industry as if they were contemplating new entry to the insurance market or starting from scratch, similar to the situation globally, where new entrants have come onto the scene and caused some disruption.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

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FEATURE

The Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) is the Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda and offers the services of an international ship and yacht registry to a demanding clientele. The administration provides the support of a quality registry with a robust structure and competent professionals in an internationally competitive and dynamic industry.

Coupled with its client service focus, ADOMS applies the most modern standards of safety with competitive fiscal and other incentives to meet the needs of ship and yacht owners seeking an effective and efficient registry option.

Actively participating in relevant local and international maritime forums, the Administration provides direct technical assistance to all government agencies that have local maritime responsibilities and international obligations under the port and coastal state dimensions of all international maritime conventions that Antigua and Barbuda is party to.

HISTORY The m/v “MAYNARD” was the first vessel registered to fly the flag of Antigua and Barbuda in 1946. She was a 59-foot sailing yacht, whose owner originated from Virgin Gorda.

Over the next 41 years, only 86 pleasure crafts and very small local cargo vessels were registered with Antigua and Barbuda. In late 1985, this began to change when a German citizen, Captain Eike Malling, visited Antigua as master of the famous four mast barque, the “Sea Cloud.” Captain Malling, a visionary at that time, wanted to retire from active sailing and recognised the opportunity to develop the Antigua and Barbuda ship registry with the help of local authorities and the participation of German ship owners and banks.

With a lot of arduous work, but in no time at all, he managed to persuade all the critical stakeholders that the task was indeed possible. After the enactment of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1985, the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping was created in November 1986, and on February 2, 1987, the first bareboat chartered vessel, m/v “ELBSTROM” was registered under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda.

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THE REGULATORY REGIME The Department is governed by, and must operate according to regulations outlined in international law. The legal basis of ship registration and the consequential responsibilities for flag states are codified in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS provides the framework for the acceptance of maritime practice and forms the essential legal basis for the registration of ships. It also mandates that flag states must enforce the generally agreed international standards for ships.

There are two (2) main agencies of the United Nations that deal with maritime issues: The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships; and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) which focuses mainly on the working and employment conditions for seafarers.

These two agencies set the international standards that all maritime administrations must follow. In an effort to reduce the number of substandard ships engaged in international trade, the IMO sought to improve the global regulatory regime. It also sought to reduce the number of maritime accidents and pollution incidents, with the introduction of the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme (VIMAS) that measures the performance of each flag state against a set of international criteria.

This became mandatory in January of this year.

With VIMSAS on stream, the group of EU member states, plus Canada and Russia, collectively agreed to assess ships flying the flags of non-audited states as “high risk” ships, subject to more stringent and more frequent inspections. Taking a proactive approach, ADOMS in 2011, sought to minimise the risk of its ships being disadvantaged by frequent port State control inspections, volunteered to be audited. All three ADOMS offices were successfully audited over the period June 9 – 22, 2012, which confirmed that ADOMS operated a quality registry and a professional maritime administration.

THE SHIP REGISTRY

MARITIME AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS (ANTIGUA) Mr. Hugh Mack, Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Ms. Katarina McGhie, Mr. Kenroy Simmons

REGISTRATION (ANTIGUA) Front - Ms. Maxime James, Ms. Melissa Baird, Ms. Euletta Thomas Back - Mr. Anderson Hughes, Ms. Shenique Barry, Ms. Annabel Fuller

The competition between flag states is today focused on quality of service.

Ship-owners expect a range of facilities from their flag states including: • Good technical back-up and advice • 24 hours/day service • Fast decisions on technical policy issues • Good early advice of forthcoming changes • Easy administrative procedures • A sound legal jurisdiction • Acceptability to mortgagees and other lenders • A good port state control record THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The day-to-day management of ADOMS is under the control of a director/registrar general who is appointed by the relevant government minister. The director/registrar general also sets the strategic direction of the department.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION (ANTIGUA) Mr. Alister Spencer, Ms. Shenica Sebastian, Mrs. Retenella Brown, Mrs. Laurilyn Dublin, Mr. Shamauly Francis

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FEATURE ADOMS, Who are we? cont'd

ADOMS has three offices, the principal office is located in St. John’s, Antigua with two satellite offices located in Oldenburg and Bremerhaven, Germany. The head office is responsible for setting policies, managing the ship registry, implementing legislation, maintaining international and regional ship standards, and carrying out inspections of local crafts and yachts.

ADOMS has a quality management system (QMS) in place that documents responsibilities, processes, services and procedures to be followed, and stipulates the interrelations among offices.

With the integration and use of modern technology, the QMS cultivates the environment and professional culture for a cohesive relationship among the offices.

ADOMS Oldenburg has responsibility for the provision of direct services to clients located outside of Antigua and Barbuda. This office also carries out the process of registration for vessels on the international ship registry and makes all arrangements to record mortgages. Additionally, it issues statutory certificates and manages the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) certification process, which includes issuing endorsements and seafarers’ books and maintaining the required records.

FLAG STATE OBLIGATIONS Meeting mandatory international obligations and regulations requires a constant on-site supervision of the ships and a clear oversight role from the headquarters of the administration. The on-site supervision in the form of regular surveys and the issuance of certificates verifying compliance, without which the ships cannot trade, is delegated to a number of classification societies.

Classification societies are non-governmental organisations that establish and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of ships. In addition, the society will carry out regular surveys in service to ensure compliance with the standards.

There are over 70 classification societies in the world, but their standards vary. A number of organisations belong to the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS); and the IACS ensures consistent high standards amongst its members. Antigua and Barbuda only recognises societies that are members of IACS and currently has agreements with 9 classification societies that conduct surveys around the world on our behalf.

ADOMS OLDENBURG STAFF (GERMANY)

While, ADOMS Bremerhaven or ADOMS IID is responsible for the investigation of casualties and the planning, arranging and conducting of annual safety inspections. This office also has the responsibility to implement, maintain and continuously improve systems for ascertaining and monitoring the statistical performance of the entire fleet to assist with Antigua and Barbuda’s inclusion on the white lists of the world’s Port State Control (PSC) global regimes and their equivalents.

ADOMS IID STAFF (GERMANY)

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While the classification societies supervise the day-to-day standards as directed by ADOMS, there is also a requirement for ADOMS to exercise oversight to the work undertaken on its behalf. This oversight is achieved through the annual Flag State Inspection Programme that is operated by the ADOMS’ office in Bremerhaven, Germany.

PORT STATE CONTROL Port State Control (PSC) refers to the inspection of foreign ships in coastal state ports to verify that the condition of the ships and their equipment have complied with the requirements of international regulations and that the ship is manned and operated in compliance with these rules. Antigua and Barbuda vessels are no exception and are inspected regularly in ports all around the world. These inspection regimes are organised regionally. The major regions publish annually, a comparison table showing the performance of each flag state which is monitored by ADOMS technical division. •

ADOMS TECHNICAL DIVISION (ANTIGUA) Capt. Christopher Balls, Mr. Darion Lake, Capt. Winston Chin and Mr. Thomas Robinson

Shipping — Indispensible to the World

A look at the geography of Antigua and Barbuda reveals a picture of maritime potential. Its location, where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet, ensures that maritime transport clearly is and will continue to be integral to the daily lives of the country’s citizens.

As a relatively small nation within the vibrant cluster of Caribbean islands, Antigua and Barbuda relies on ships to transport the commodities: fuel, food, goods and products on which its people depend.

Tourism forms an integral part of the country’s economy with ships transporting large numbers of tourists to the St. John’s cruise port every year. It is essential that those ships are safe, secure, clean and efficient.

As the United Nations agency regulating global shipping, the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) role is to establish the smart, robust and effectively implement international standards to make this possible. We develop and maintain these standards through international collaboration among our member states and with full industry participation.

It is, therefore, very fitting that Antigua and Barbuda became a member state of IMO in 1986 as soon as its maritime administration was established, which enabled it to participate fully in that process.

Today, Antigua and Barbuda has a significant global presence as a flag state. In the past 20 years, the country’s registered gross tonnage has almost quadrupled to nearly 8.5 million tonnes, placing it among the world’s top 25. Ship registry provides an important service to the global fleet on which the world relies. But, it also carries responsibilities; and in this respect I am greatly encouraged that Antigua and Barbuda has ratified many key IMO instruments.

I would like to congratulate Antigua and Barbuda on the 30th anniversary of its maritime administration. It is a fitting opportunity to highlight the country’s maritime development and the importance of maritime transport for its future development.

Mr. Kitack Lim - Secretary-General International Maritime Organisation

In doing so, you are adding your support to IMO’s theme for World Maritime Day 2016 – "Shipping: Indispensable to the World." Through this theme, we can join together in telling the story of this vital, but largely unsung industry and focus on the critical link between shipping and people's everyday lives.

I wish all those working in Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime sector, and those celebrating it, a joyous and memorable anniversary. They play an important role in our efforts to spread the vital message that shipping is, truly, indispensable to the world. • BusinessFocus

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FEATURE

In order to succeed, every organisation requires strong leadership. At the helm of the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) is Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, the director and registrar general.

Involved in the maritime sector for over 30 years, Ambassador Gardiner has a wealth of knowledge and experience and currently serves in the capacity of Chairman of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, Maritime Advisor to the government, Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). He is a Major in the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (reserve), a Commissioner of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, and the Director and Registrar General of the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping.

The Ambassador is the architect behind the continued expansion of the Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Administration. He is responsible for the simultaneous growth of the ship registry, positioning it to be one of the leading ship registries in the world.

Here, Ambassador Gardiner highlights some of the key elements of the administration's functions. He tells us how, since its inception in 1986, the International Ship Registry of Antigua and Barbuda catapulted to the top 25 registries in the world’s merchant fleet.

BF: Why is registration of ships and seafarers necessary and important?

Ambassador Dwight Gardiner Director and Registrar General of ADOMS

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DG: International law requires that ships engaged in international voyages must be registered to a particular country. Therefore, ship registration is the process of accrediting nationality upon a ship. Just like a citizen of a country, nationality allows a ship to travel internationally, so registration can be likened to issuing a passport to a ship. Further, in maritime terms, the country to which a ship is registered is called its “flag state,” and upon registration a ship then becomes bound by its laws and regulatory control.

With respect to seafarers, international law also prescribes minimum standards for training, qualifications and competences, and holds the flag state responsible for ensuring that seafarers manning their ships meet these standards. The flag state will manage its seafarer’s registration process and establish the criteria to meet these exacting standards.

BF: What are the requirements for getting one’s ship or vessel registered under the Antigua and Barbuda flag and what are the categories of registration?

DG: Unlike the traditional ship registry that only allows vessels that are owned by companies or persons, who are nationals or residents of that country, Antigua and Barbuda operates an open international ship registry that offers several options for registration.

The categories of registration are permanent, bareboat charter and under construction. The requirements for registration are: a. Proof of Eligibility (individual or company): Individuals must be citizens of a CARICOM member state. Companies must be registered under the Antigua and Barbuda International Business Corporation (IBC) Act or registered as an external company under the Antigua and Barbuda Companies Act. b. Proof of Ownership: An invoice or notarised bill of sale with the owner’s name on said bill of sale. c. P roof of De-Registration: Sufficient evidence to indicate that the vessel is not registered under any other flag (may be obtained from the previous registry in the form of a deletion certificate or closed transcript).

BF: The Caribbean Cargo Ship Safety Code (CCSSC), the Small Commercial Vessel Code (SCV) governs ships and there is also a local yacht register. How many ships on those lists are registered to Antigua and Barbuda?

DG: Antigua and Barbuda has about 300 ships on the local registry that fall into these categories. The codes (CCSCS and SVC) were specifically established for what is known in the maritime industry as non-convention vessels, which are the class of vessels engaged in domestic and regional trade that are below the size for international regulations.

first place. Once on the register, these ships are then subjected to a standardized inspection regime, which combines flag state inspectors and specialized surveyors from designated recognised organisations and all members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) that perform statutory surveys on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda.

BF: The yacht registry is a relatively new market for many countries with great economical potential, but Antigua and Barbuda does not have a reciprocal cruising permit arrangement in place with the United States presently. Why is this?

DG: A cruising permit is a privilege that is issued at a U.S. port of entry.

Such a permit is issued to recreational vessels that are flagged with states that have a reciprocal agreement with the U.S. The cruising permit allows the vessels to, once it has cleared the first port of entry, cruise U.S. waters, enter and depart from any subsequent U.S. port without formal entry or clearance, amongst other privileges, for a period not to exceed one year. Antigua and Barbuda had an application pending, however, in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, the United States suspended the issuance of reciprocal agreements due to growing concerns for homeland security.

Notwithstanding, prior to the launching of the yacht registry in 2011, ADOMS sought to initiate action regarding its application for a reciprocal cruising permit through the diplomatic and political channels. Other registries submitted several applications and ADOMS was informed that the U.S. is considering a pilot project to resuscitate the programme. ADOMS’ application, to be included in the pilot project, has been submitted and is awaiting the commencement of the project.

BF: Where does Antigua and Barbuda place in international ship registry rankings and what does this mean?

DG: The International Ship Registry of Antigua and Barbuda is ranked in the top 25 of the global international ship registries based on the total number of ships and tonnage. This translates to over 1,000 ships of a global fleet of about 55,000, which means that Antigua and Barbuda is a sound international registry operating in a highly competitive industry that will be attractive to ship owners, operators and managers.

BF: Port State Control deals with the inspection of ships. Where do we stand as it relates to performance under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

DG: Antigua and Barbuda has consistently maintained a “white list” status within the Paris MOU. This is good for ships that fly its flag and trade in the European and the North Atlantic region. This enhances the country’s reputation as a quality registry and maritime administration, which in turn improves Antigua and Barbuda’s marketability. Being on the “white list,” as opposed to the “grey” and “black” lists means that ships will be less likely to be subjected to the regular and detailed port state control inspections.

BF: Identify some of the reasons why Antigua and Barbuda has been able to achieve these high or positive rankings?

DG: Fundamental to these high and positive rankings is the fact that Antigua and Barbuda enforces very strict standards with respect to the age and condition of the ships it accepts on the register in the

Ambassador Gardiner addresses international delegations at the IMO

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FEATURE ADOMS: Asked and Answered cont'd

It should be noted that while the reciprocal cruise permit is highly desirable to give Antigua and Barbuda a comparative advantage in this competitive industry, it does not preclude yachts that are not intending on spending extensive periods in U.S. waters from registering with the Antigua and Barbuda register.

c. Completed a successful audit under the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS) in 2012. VIMSAS provided a comprehensive and objective assessment of how effectively ADOMS administers and implements the mandatory IMO instruments, which indicates the quality and standards of our administration.

BF: What are some of the major accomplishments of ADOMS, looking back from 2006 with the passage of the revised Merchant Shipping Act?

d. Implemented a revised organisational structure that is aimed at optimising the delivery of the services of a quality international ship registry and a fully-fledged maritime administration. This resulted in the strengthening of the professional staff in the St. John’s office, which includes highly specialized technical competencies. The staff complement grew incrementally and now comprises 20 individuals.

DG: There are many accomplishments with respect to ADOMS’ roles and functions of which Antigua and Barbuda is proud. Some of these are: a. An updated and modernized merchant shipping legislation – the original law governing the operations of ADOMS was passed in 1985. The Merchant Shipping Act was revised with significant amendments completed in 2006 with further amendments completed later in 2007. b. The establishment of a robust regulatory regime and procedures within the framework of a quality management system that are in conformance with ISO standards that was successful in the audit and certification in 2011.

e. The formulation of a maritime affairs committee, chaired by ADOMS, to ensure inter-governmental agency cooperation and coordination with respect to Antigua and Barbuda meeting all its international obligations.

BF: What about more recent legislation and the impact on the work of the sector?

DG: The most recently promulgated legislation is The Small Craft Control Act that came into force on January 1, 2016 with the associated regulations now in the process of being implemented. The Act provides for the regulatory framework and responsibility for small crafts to be transferred from the port authority to ADOMS, and seeks to ensure that all vessels in Antigua and Barbuda are operated in a safe manner with competent persons operating them. The regulations will streamline regulatory procedures for domestic vessels in keeping with modern, regional, and global standards and trends.

BF: Elaborate on some of your goals and objectives in your strategic plan?

DG: ADOMS has and always maintains an active 5-year strategic plan with the current plan embracing the following goals and objectives: a. Furthering the progress of ADOMS towards a more efficient and effective maritime administration by complying with the now mandatory IMO Instruments Implementation Code. b. Improving technical operational procedures and systems for ascertaining and monitoring the statistical performance of the fleet to aid in the strategic decision making process. c. Streamlining the administration using more cost-effective measures and establishing an organisational culture aligned with the corporate philosophy. d. Reducing operational expenses without compromising the level of efficiency and productivity and quality of product and service delivery. e. Strengthening the national institutional framework and enhancing organisational capacity by attracting, developing and retaining persons with the applicable proficiencies.

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f. Promoting and inspiring high levels of performance and productivity to sustain operational excellence. g. Diversifying the international ship and yacht registry into all the major global markets. •

My government is committed to supporting ADOMS in its quest to further develop and position our maritime administration, as a dominant player at the highest levels. In both the regional and domestic maritime industry, ADOMS’ role forms a critical component of my government’s plan to transform Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse.

I applaud the significant role, which ADOMS continues to play in building national and regional technical capacity. By engaging, synergizing and collaborating with global players -- such as the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Association of Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authority (IALA), the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) -- ADOMS is strengthening the jurisdiction’s appeal.

It is a distinct honour for me, as the prime minister and the minister with responsibility for merchant shipping and ship registration, to congratulate the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) for reaching the significant milestone of 30 years as a top-ranking, global maritime administration.

I am particularly proud of ADOMS’ achievements since it was an Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government, along with our German partner that established our international ship registry in 1986. It was diversification of the economy in action. Further, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has been responsive to changes in this dynamic industry, thus winning applause for being nimble. The parliament has enacted national shipping legislation and incorporated mandatory international shipping regulatory instruments that also reflect best industry practices.

Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime heritage is well known. Our nation’s ambition as a regional and international leader has been well established. It is not surprising that we can today celebrate an outstanding organisation, which has grown exponentially and continues to manage extremely well. ADOMS is a fully operational maritime administration, achieving an international ship registry ranking now in the top 25 of the world’s merchant fleet.

Leading the charge in updating key pieces of legislation that are both critical and unique to the Caribbean trade—such as the Small Commercial Vessel (SCV) Code—is another significant accomplishment that contributes to ADOMS’ sound international reputation. In this regard, my government gives full support to ADOMS’ efforts to secure a seat for Antigua and Barbuda on the IMO Council in Category “C,” to champion the interests of Caribbean states within the global maritime regulatory regime.

My government also endorses the concept of the blue economy, which focuses on the ocean as the newest economic frontier. It is therefore commendable that ADOMS, within the framework of the National Ocean Governance Committee, has led the efforts to drive the national maritime policy agenda; the object is not only aimed at protecting our ocean resources, but also providing the catalyst for its sustainable use.

On behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda, my government applauds all those who contributed to the development of ADOMS since its inception by the significant and remarkable work undertaken.

We look forward to your continued success in the years to come.

I therefore charge Ambassador Gardiner and the ADOMS team to forge ahead, to make Antigua and Barbuda even more proud, by continually demonstrating to the world that even though our country is a small island developing state, we are a formidable and dynamic force in the international maritime industry. •

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FEATURE

By: Ms. Shenica Sebastian, Quality Management / Human Resources & Administration Manager WiMAC Governing Council 2016-2018

In 1988, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) realised the issues facing women’s development and their well-being in the maritime sector; and as a result, it established a Women in Maritime Programme to pioneer networks for the integration of women in the maritime industry.

• M entoring to facilitate career advancement and the professional well-being of women in the sector

To further the strategy and objectives of IMO, the following regional women organisations were formed: Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWiMA) in 2005, which was re-launched in 2016; Network for Professional Women in the Maritime and Port Sectors of the West and Central Africa in 2007 (NPWMPWCA); Arab International Women’s Maritime Forum for the Middle East and North Africa AIWMF-MENA) in 2007; Association for Women Managers in the Maritime Sector in Eastern and Southern Africa (WOMESA) in 2007; Women in Maritime – Asia (WIMA Asia) in 2010; and the Latin American Forum for Women Maritime Managers in 2012.

• C ontributing to research and development to the maritime industry

On April 17, 2015, an ADOMS delegation represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) which was launched in Montego Bay, Jamaica as the seventh regional non-profit professional women’s organisation under the theme “Maritime Women of the Caribbean: Achieving Regionally… Advancing Globally.”

WiMAC'S MANDATE The association is mandated to create a network to engage, educate and empower women; promote the effective participation and contribution of women; and contribute towards a conducive environment for development of the maritime sector. The association values commitment, teamwork, advocacy, diversity and good governance for the sustainability of the sector and to fulfil the mandate for women.

WiMAC’s mission is to foster the development and participation of women in the maritime sector and contribute to the growth of the industry within the Caribbean region by: • Empowering women through capacity building • Advocating on issues affecting women and the industry • L obbying and contributing to the development of responsive legislative and regulatory environments

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• Recognising achievements among maritime women • Promoting the maritime industry

• Fostering corporate and social responsibility • N etworking to share best practices and forging of partnerships to strengthen the industry and provide opportunities for resource mobilisation.

WiMAC aims to establish formal regional linkages between women managers in the maritime and port sectors by providing a permanent channel for networking through the hosting of conferences and seminars on gender issues and industry development.

To effectively manage the association, and carry out the work as per its mission and strategic directions, a functional governance structure was developed for the region. It comprises of finance, governance, membership, capacity building and development of women in the maritime sector, public relations, marketing and promotion, research and development and corporate social responsibility. Each function is headed by a vice president, who is required to work along with sub-committees to further assist in the work of the association.

THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE WiMAC is a voluntary association and membership is extended to female nationals working in government and private sector entities in the maritime industry, such as maritime administration, ports, shipping agencies, shipping companies, and maritime training institutes. Membership can also comprise of organisations working in or affiliated with the maritime sector, as well as students enrolled in a maritime programme at a post-secondary institution, who share and support the objectives of WiMAC. As Vice President of membership and administration and national liason to Antigua and Barbuda, I envision that the establishment of a WiMAC national charter will represent the interest of women in the maritime industry in Antigua and Barbuda. It will provide a platform for discussion of gender issues and enhance capability and capacity building on a national level.

WOMEN IN MARITIME TESTIMONIALS and the IMO has been assisting in the establishment of a global women in maritime association to serve as a vehicle for further empowerment of women in the sector.

We therefore sought an audience with the IMO representatives at the conference and later through the assistance of the Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Rear Admiral Peter Brady formally approached the IMO for assistance for the Caribbean region to establish a network of regional female maritime professionals, in response to the findings of the survey. And, as the saying goes, “the rest is history!”

Mrs. Claudia Grant - President of WiMAC, Caribbean and Deputy Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica

I have been in the shipping industry for three decades, which is all my working life. I have benefited from mentors, both male and female, who have encouraged me to see challenges as stepping stones and supported me in grasping opportunities.

Sometimes, a series of events can take place, which has such an impact that in retrospect it can only be described as divine intervention. Mrs. Vivette Grant and I experienced that in 2013 when we were invited to make a presentation at the 2nd Women Maritime Global Leadership Conference, which was to be held in Malmo, Sweden the following year.

We were requested to present a ‘Caribbean Perspective’ on the status of women in the region’s maritime sector.

The survey indicated some of our women were at the top of their game, as heads of organisations and even more as part of senior management, but there was still a sense of isolation, of not belonging, of having to constantly prove that you had a right to be there!

It is symptomatic that over 80 percent of the women surveyed pointed to the need to establish national/regional associations, as a networking vehicle to unite women as a cohesive force for change and development; monitor standards and initiatives to encourage gender equity; promote the maritime sector as a viable career for women, including facilitating access to training; and identify and promote job opportunities.

The challenges were documented and reflective of the global scenario.

Despite the persistence and hard work, which had enabled some to achieve fairly successful careers, some were still struggling while others, especially the younger women, felt daunted.

For us, that was a clarion call. From the perspective of the ladies in the maritime sector of the Caribbean, the establishment of the Women in Maritime Association Caribbean (WiMAC) was and is a major milestone.

At the conference, we presented our paper: “Maritime Women in the Caribbean, surviving and thriving in a man’s world – A Caribbean Perspective,” which outlined our findings and recommendations.

From the presentations from other regions, it was realised that women in the sector in other regions obviously shared similar needs

Ms. Lanise George Antiguan & Babudan 2nd Year Deck Cadet CMI

As women, we are often victimised and faced with gender discrimination. Persons tend to think we are unable to perform just as well as men. This has been proven incorrect many times.

The maritime industry is not easy, especially for women, as we are faced with a difficult job of proving our capabilities and skills to survive, and earning respect. According to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), seafarer women make up only an estimated 2 percent of the world's maritime workforce.

My name is Lanise George, I am a year-two deck cadet at the Caribbean Maritime Institute. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation. Ever since high school, I wanted to be a part of an industry where women are tested and have proven that they too can do what men do. I had interest in working in the automotive industry, then the architecture industry and now the maritime sector. As I advance in a male dominated career, I am not worried. I know I will succeed.

I am in a class of 24 students with only two females and we have both come on top of the class academically in several assessments.

The overall journey has taught me time management and to be a strong disciplined cadet in training. I intend to advance with my career goal of being a part of the marine industry.

The industry is changing, as there is a slow increase in the number of women in the field. Hopefully, we will see more strong women rise through the ranks with perseverance, determination and the right amount of discipline -- similar to Captain Kate McCue, the first American female captain. One day, I too will be at the top of the ranks.•

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FEATURE

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda and its Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS), I wish to extend my sincere congratulations on reaching this milestone and on its achievements during that period.

Within the space of just 30 years, the Registry of Antigua and Barbuda has grown in strength and is now ranked among the top 25 registries in the world’s merchant fleet in numerical terms, with over 1000 registered ships aggregating more than over eight million gross tons.

This year also marks 30 years of Antigua and Barbuda as a member state of the International Maritime Organisation, where it has played a very active role.

Within those 30 years, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has ratified 30 IMO conventions, in addition to related amendments and protocols to existing conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These ratifications are the result of the hard work and dedication of the staff of ADOMS. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda also ratified the ILO Maritime Labour Convention [2006] in 2011 and was one of the 30 countries that brought this landmark Convention into force. I had the honor to undertake a mission to Antigua and Barbuda in the context of promotional campaign for the ratification of the MLC, 2006. The engagement with the government was one of the most enthusiastic that I had encountered during that period. ADOMS spared no effort in preparing the necessary legislative amendments, regulations, circulars and marine notices to ensure the effective implementation of that convention. I was also proud to note that it had submitted its first report in due time for its examination by the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations.

Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President, World Maritime University

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I am also delighted that ADOMS has also been playing, during those 30 years, a leading role in the wider Caribbean region in the maritime and oceans field. Its Director, Ambassador Dwight Gardiner has been serving as the chairman of the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control, an important mechanism with other regional MOUs cooperating to ensure that international maritime regulations are implemented worldwide. In addition, Antigua and Barbuda is taking a leadership role for the review and re-writing of the Caribbean Small Commercial Vessel Code and coordinating the region’s work on hydrographic surveys

MEET THE WMU GRADUATES IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA. From left to right - Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Mr. Hugh Mack, Ms. Katarina McGhie, Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Lt. Cdr. Auden Nicholas, Mr. Darion Lake, Ms. Shenica Sebastian

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as well as other key regional initiatives. These steps are key to ensuring the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment of the Caribbean region. I have also taken note of the lead that ADOMS has taken in the region with respect to the Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of the IMO, which is designed to collect and disseminate vessel position information, received from IMO member states ships that are subject to SOLAS. These initiatives will also contribute to give effect to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in the framework United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted in September 2015, as well as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change adopted in December 2015. Goal 14 of the UNSDGs calls on countries to: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” Goal 14.7 sets the year 2030 as the target date to increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. I am pleased to note that ADOMS is also part of the Oceans Governance Committee of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), a mechanism to enable cooperation on “Oceans’ governance” utilising a harmonised approach.

I congratulate the Antigua and Barbuda registry for taking all necessary measures and action to enable it to remain, with its over 200 inspectors worldwide included on the IMO white list for the STCW Convention, as well as on the white list of the Paris Memorandum of Port State Control.

I also note with satisfaction that the classification societies that it uses for carrying out inspections on its behalf are members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

As the IMO’s Centre of Excellence for Postgraduate Maritime Education, World Maritime University’s (WMU) mission is to serve the global maritime community through education, research, and capacity building to ensure safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans. WMU offers a unique postgraduate educational programme, undertakes wide-ranging research in maritime and environmental studies, and continues maritime capacity building.

Working closely with our stakeholders, including IMO, the maritime industry, national maritime administrations, and NGOs, WMU is positioned to: •H elp build a more environmentally sensitive and sustainable world through education and research in the maritime sector

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• Educate future global maritime leaders •C ontribute to maritime capacity building and the development of effective policies of equal opportunity for the global maritime community •P rovide an international focus and forum for networking and collaboration on critical issues and developments in maritime transportation worldwide As President of the World Maritime University, I am very proud that Ambassador Gardiner, director and registrar general of ADOMS, is an alumnus of the university. His distinguished career has been recognised by WMU and he was awarded in 2014 the WMU Outstanding Alumnus Award.

We continue to be very proud of him. To date, a total of five nationals from Antigua and Barbuda have graduated from WMU with master of science degrees in maritime affairs. Three (3) are contributing technical expertise to ADOMS, while one (1) is with the Antigua and Barbuda Coast Guard. I am very pleased that they are all making a contribution to their country and to the strengthening of the capacity of the Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda.

Coming from the Caribbean region, I am committed to ensuring that shipping registries of the Caribbean are quality registers that uphold the highest safety, environmental and labour standards. We also want to provide opportunities in the region to encourage young people to go to sea and to see seafaring as an attractive career opportunity. It is therefore important that there are educational opportunities for them to become seafarers. Education, training and capacity building are critical to meeting quality standards.

WMU is committed to the continued training of the future Caribbean leaders for the maritime industry. I do hope that Antigua and Barbuda and the other Caribbean countries continue to take advantage of the educational and training opportunities that WMU offers, including building and strengthening the capacities of the maritime administrations in the region.

As ADOMS celebrates its 30th anniversary, may strong governance and effective compliance continue to be its driver and motto in line with its mission statement to maintain the highest quality standards ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions relating to safety, security, environmental protection and in accordance with the ILO’s MLC, 2006, decent work for seafarers.

Happy 30th anniversary ADOMS and best wishes for many more positive years ahead as a quality registry. • BusinessFocus

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FEATURE

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has advocated a vision for development founded on principles of sustainability and inclusive growth. Within this context, the government has identified as a flagship priority better utilisation of the marine space over which the country has jurisdiction.

The Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) as the national Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda has been identified as the lead agency to oversee the management of maritime activities under the guidance of an Ocean Governance Committee.

Dr. Julian Roberts - Interim Director, Oceans and Natural Resources Advisory Division, Commonwealth Secretariat

The ocean is a crucial resource in the Caribbean, in particular, for the 40 million people who inhabit its many small islands. Indeed, for some small island states, the ocean and national economies are closely inter-related.

A recent study, co-authored by the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the OECS, suggests that activities that rely on the Caribbean Sea - from leisure and fishing to offshore oil and gas - generated revenues of US$407 billion in 2012. This is equal to 14 to 27 percent of the global ocean economy, even though the Caribbean Sea’s area accounts for only 1 percent of the global ocean area.

Many countries are now assessing the potential economic value of their oceanic waters. For instance, the exclusive economic zone of Antigua and Barbuda covers an area of approximately 107,939 square km, which is approximately 240 greater than the island land space.

In recognition of this opportunity, the Sustainable Development Goals, that were adopted by the United Nations almost exactly one year ago, include as one of the targets the objective of increasing the economic benefits to small island developing states from the sustainable use of marine resources, both living and non-living.

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This administrative arrangement is fully cognisant of an increasing recognition of the need to administer competing resource use and interests in the ocean and seabed, and the requirement to conserve the marine environment in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of resources. The challenge is how we promote increased utilisation of the ocean to support development, while at the same time preventing further decline in ocean health.

Increasingly, one way of doing this is by emphasizing the connection between the ocean’s ecological systems and the human activity that generates economic value and takes place in the ocean. This so-called “blue economy” concept recognises that some activities in the ocean economy depend on the underlying ecological systems (the natural capital), while all have the potential to degrade them.

Creating a blue economy in Antigua and Barbuda, and the wider Caribbean, will require major investments of capital and political will and take decades to complete. As a first step to achieving this objective, Antigua and Barbuda has established an Ocean Governance Committee of Antigua and Barbuda charged with providing advice to the government on the management of its various maritime zones.

The main objective of the initiative is to set out a coherent policy that provides a framework to govern the development and operation of a maritime economy for Antigua and Barbuda. The policy would define specific objectives that the government should pursue at the national, regional and bilateral level. •

By: Ms. Shenica Sebastian, Quality Management / Human Resources & Administration Manager

Standardisation (ISO). The Quality Management System (QMS) is a documentation of the activities or processes performed within the organisation and it was enforced on November 1, 2010.

The QMS has been approved by Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd (DNVGL) and is applicable to seafarers’ documentation, registration of ships and yachts, inspection and investigation, maritime affairs and port state control. The scope of the system is extended to the international satellite offices located in Oldenburg and Bremerhaven, Germany.

The QMS is important because: • I t ensures that activities affecting the services of ADOMS are documented and executed in accordance with international maritime conventions, Antigua and Barbuda Merchant Shipping Act (MSA) and customer requirements.

• It complies with the ISO, which is structured on quality and excellence.

• T he quality system cultivates the environment for the right policies, procedures, records, technologies, resources and structures.

International Standards are the backbone of our society. In the maritime/shipping industry, we must recognise this to ensure the safety and quality of products and services; to facilitate international trade and; to improve the environment in which we live.

Consumers are reassured that products, systems and organisations are safe, reliable and good for the environment when they know we conform to International Standards.

The standards of safety and quality, when met, also serve as a boost to business and economies; and helps institutions like ours tackle some of the most demanding challenges of modern business. They help make us the efficient, reliable and productive team that we are today.

ADOMS is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest possible international standards. As such, the Administration has made a strategic decision to adopt a quality management system (QMS), which is certified to International Organisation for

• It helps to motivate staff to perform and excel beyond the standard.

The QMS implementation and maintenance are required for internal and external audits. The internal audit is performed for verification of the ADOMS management system and the external audit is verification of compliance with the ISO standard and system requirements.

The efficient processes behind the QMS resulted in successful auditing results since implementation. This achievement confirms our commitment to the operation of a quality ship and yacht registry to a demanding clientele in the international and local shipping industry.

ADOMS is currently certified to the ISO 9001: 2008 standard. This certification adds creditability and communicates to our customers and the international community that we are committed to total quality management; have a customer-focus culture and; provide consistent quality services that will in turn promote customer retention, referrals and growth of the registry.•

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FEATURE

By: Ms. Shenica Sebastian, Quality Management / Human Resources & Administration Manager

As part of the administration's strategic plan to expose young nationals to the maritime industry, ADOMS offers a summer internship programme from June to August annually. This is aimed at promoting awareness of maritime careers, and opportunities within the sector, while at the same time giving youth an opportunity to develop business skills and gain exposure to the work environment. This has proven to be quite beneficial to the students, who participate for they receive "real world" business experience and an early opportunity to impress the director and managers on a whole.

During the internship, participants are exposed to the main divisions within the administration namely: registration, maritime affairs and technical. They get the opportunity to interact with maritime professionals and engage in projects to assist in their learning and development.

The programme is done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and is extended to high school students currently in fourth and fifth forms, students from the Antigua State College, and university students retuning home for summer vacation, who apply to the administration expressing an interest in obtaining on-the-job training in the maritime sector. To be considered for a summer internship, applications are accepted between January to March each year. In order to accommodate a number of interns for the three-month period at least two individuals are selected per month.

It is best practice to evaluate our performance. At the end of each internship period, the participants are invited to complete an online questionnaire that seeks to ascertain information whether positive or negative on the internship experience. This information is used to improve upon the service delivery for the up-coming interns.

Based on the feedback form the participants, who can now seriously consider a career in the shipping industry, the programme can be judged a success. It will certainly facilitate and assist in the capacity building process which will add to the global supply of seafarers and maritime administrators. •

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FEATURE

By: Capt. Christopher Balls - Chief Marine Surveyor

A key element of maritime transport policy is safety at sea, with a view to protecting passengers, crew members, the marine environment, and the coastal regions.

Safety management and its implementation in the maritime industry are now more important than ever. International legislation and regulations in shipping were rather scarce at the time of the Titanic tragedy.

Despite great breakthroughs in technology and safety at the workplace, the marine industry is still a relatively dangerous place to work.

To ensure that the safety standards are maintained on all vessels registered in Antigua and Barbuda, ADOMS has a technical team of four marine surveyors from a variety of backgrounds in the navigational and naval architecture fields.

The Technical Division identifies and examines the factors that adversely affect the safety of navigation today and strategises on how to address the dangers affecting the future of maritime safety, with the aim of minimising the dangers, i.e. material and human losses, and maximising the environment preservation.

Members of the technical team regularly attend meetings at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) headquarters in London as part of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation assisting in the presentation of papers to the body; and providing technical expertise and input into some of the many correspondence groups associated with the IMO. The Technical Division also supports the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Department in meeting its obligations to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) under the Maritime Labour Convention (2006).

It provides a focal point for seafarer complaints and oversight of inspections conducted by recognised organisations. Information is then correlated and promulgated by the team into a report.

Technical input is similarly provided by the team to assist with the proper investigation of marine casualties in Antigua and Barbuda waters, keeping an oversight on any marine casualties suffered by vessels registered under the flag to help ensure that any lessons learned are acted upon. In addition, the team performs port state control inspections on vessels visiting Antigua and Barbuda port facilities.

Locally based vessels are administered directly by ADOMS’ team in Antigua and Barbuda, while the foreign fleet are administered mainly by recognised organisations that verify compliance with international standards and regulations, with the team of subcontracted surveyors also working on behalf of the Germany-based ADOMS Inspection and Investigation Division (IID) office in Bremerhaven.

ADOMS Technical team conducting Port State Control inspection onboard visiting cruise ship

The division further assists ship-owners in complying with international and national legislation by providing guidance and interpretations of regulations.

The technical team also inspects and surveys local small craft under the provisions of the recently introduced Small Craft Control Act (2015), as well as the longer established Caribbean Small Commercial Vessel Code (SCV). Antigua and Barbuda chairs the SCV Review Group, which ensures that this code is kept up-to-date for use throughout the region, with support provided by the IMO. • BusinessFocus

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Submitted by - Mr. Paul Sadler IACS Accredited Representative to the IMO

The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry. The regulatory framework developed and maintained by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), a United Nations specialised agency based in London, provides this enabling environment.

ADOMS represents Antigua and Barbuda at IMO meetings. There are another 170 member states at the IMO. Decisions are usually reached on the basis of consensus between these countries. In addition, nonvoting observer organisations also participate in IMO meetings. One organisation that makes a very significant contribution to the work of the IMO, through the provision of expert technical advice, is the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Paul Sadler of IACS explains the position, status and role of IACS at the IMO, and the relationship IACS and its members have with ADOMS. “The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has been granted observer status at the IMO on a continual basis since 1969. It is unique in the technical expertise and experience it can offer the IMO, based on the 12 classification societies it represents which undertake a very significant proportion of the ship survey and certification activities that are delegated to them by the IMO member states,” Sadler said.

IACS members have offices all around the world. In order to deliver its obligations in accordance with IMO conventions to ships that fly its flag and are trading on a global “24/365” basis, the Antigua and Barbuda government delegates authority for undertaking the necessary plan review and surveys of ships; and thereafter issues the necessary certification, to IACS members – and only IACS members.

Shipping is a truly international business. It is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity. International shipping transports more than 80 percent of global trade to people and communities all over the world.

We believe this reflects the “badge of quality” that IACS memberships represents, including the stringent and independent audits that all IACS members are subject to on a continuous basis to demonstrate compliance with the Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS), a widely recognised industry “gold standard” that celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2016. In addition, IACS regularly works with ADOMS on issues at the IMO to deliver our shared objectives of safe ships and clean seas. •

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FEATURE

Submitted by - Mr. Stewart Inglis, Senior Advisor ICS

Over the last 30 years, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has developed a very sound relationship with Antigua and Barbuda’s Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS). Primarily this is as a result of our attendance at meetings of shipping’s global regulator, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for safety of life at sea, and protection of the marine environment. Antigua and Barbuda attends its meetings in its capacity as an important flag state.

As the global trade association for ship owners, representing over 80 percent of the world merchant fleet, ICS takes a keen interest in flag state performance.

A balance has to be struck between the commercial advantages of selecting a particular flag and the need to discourage the use of any flag that may not meet fully its international obligations.

Encouragingly, Antigua and Barbuda has ratified all of those IMO conventions, which ICS regards as central to a flag state’s core responsibilities, including the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) . Antigua and Barbuda is also a party to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the ILO Maritime Labour Convention concerning working and living conditions on board ships.

ADOMS plays a full part at IMO meetings at which global regulations are developed, refined and improved. ICS does not expect maritime administrations to agree with ship owners on every issue, but it is important that they appreciate the implications of their decisions, and this is certainly the case with ADOMS. A high profile example of this need is the current debate at IMO about ensuring that shipping plays its part in reducing CO2 emissions. Antigua and Barbuda has a particular interest in this crucial discussion both as a major ship register and as a Small Island Developing State (SID), especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Director of Policy and External Relations, Simon Bennett, said: “The shipping industry, as represented by ICS, looks forward to continuing its good co-operation with ADOMS at IMO meetings, as we pursue our common goal of delivering safety of life at sea and continuous improvement with respect to environmental protection.” •

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Submitted by - Antigua & Barbuda Port Welfare Committee

The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) coordinated the various groups and representatives, who were involved in a pilot project to improve the welfare services and support made available to seafarers when they call at different ports around the world.

This project was part of a world-wide initiative of the International Seafarers’ Welfare Assistance Network (ISWAN) funded by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Trust.

Under this project, the Antigua and Barbuda Port Welfare Committee (ABPWC) was established on November 17, 2015.

The committee seeks to provide a forum where representatives from organisations that deal with the welfare of seafarers, can meet to discuss and co-ordinate their actions and aims for a collaborative and holistic approach to providing assistance and support to seafarers visiting or residing in Antigua and Barbuda.

The committee, which is chaired by Mr. Darion Lake, meets regularly (at least three times per year) to discuss and resolve seafarers’ welfare issues with representatives from relevant organisations such as the Port Authority, Labour Department, trade unions, maritime administration, shipping owners, shipping agents and voluntary organisations.

The other members of the PWC are Mr. Colin Plummer, vice chairman, and Ms. Annabel Fuller, administrator. The PWC is intended to cover

all the ports in Antigua and Barbuda and cover the interests of not just merchant seafarers on visiting cargo and cruise ships, but also those involved in the local small commercial vessels, the commercial yachting and fishing industries.

In addition to the large number of seafarers visiting the islands there are many others working on over 1000 internationally trading merchant ships registered in Antigua and Barbuda. The PWC recognises the importance of bringing together representatives from the local maritime community to support and improve seafarers’ welfare facilities and services.

The Port Welfare initiative is predicated on the fact that Antigua and Barbuda has ratified the International Labour Organisation’s Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC); Regulation 4.4 of MLC that covers access to shore-based welfare facilities and its associated standards and guidelines. The MLC states that “the purpose of this regulation is to ensure that seafarers working on board a ship have access to shore-based facilities and services to secure their health and well-being.” The convention also states that: 1. E ach member shall ensure that shore-based welfare facilities, where they exist, are easily accessible. The member shall also promote the development of welfare facilities, such as those listed in the code, in designated ports to provide seafarers on ships that are in its ports with access to adequate welfare facilities and services.

2. T he responsibilities of each member with respect to shore-based facilities such as welfare, cultural, recreational and information facilities and services, are set out in the code.

The MLC is a major step towards improving seafarer’s welfare, helping them and their families to feel more connected and better protected.

Therefore, it was important for ADOMS to take the necessary measures to support the formation of a Port Welfare Committee.

A Seafarers Services Survey Questionnaire was undertaken to establish seafarers’ needs more accurately in an effort to improve the services offered to them at ports in Antigua and Barbuda with emphasis on their expectations. •

Antigua & Barbuda Port Welfare Committee in session

Contact us: abpwc2015@gmail.com Visit our Facebook page: Antigua and Barbuda Port Welfare Committee

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FEATURE

Prior to 2013, Antigua was a prime example of this. English and Falmouth Harbours had not been mapped since the early 19th century, despite the area being the local hub for super and mega yachting. At this time, ADOMS and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, in collaboration with the National Parks Authority and the Coast Guard, worked together to survey the harbours and bring the charting up to date. This is a fantastic example of how a modern shipping registry has recognised the importance its domestic charting requirements and incorporated it into their wider proposition.

Mr. Sam Harper MSc. International Hydrographic Projects Manager United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

“What is Hydrography?” I hear you ask! The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) defines it as the “applied science, which deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas and inland waters.” In simple terms, we are talking about seabed mapping and the provision of navigational charts to help mariners operate safely at sea.

The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) is not only responsible for the operation of the national shipping registry, but works closely with the UK Hydrographic Office to ensure that many of the nation’s obligations detailed in the Safety of Life at Sea Convention are met. These obligations relate to arranging for the production and dissemination of navigational products, as well as ensuring that Antigua’s seabed is mapped to strict international standards. It is in this area where ADOMS has taken a particularly proactive stance.

It may surprise people to know that according to an audit conducted by the IHO, at least 80 percent of the Caribbean Sea is yet to be mapped to modern standards and that NASA states we still have far higher resolution maps of the moon than we do the oceans.

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The next stage in this process is the production of navigational charts and ancillary products like tide tables. This work is complex and expensive to undertake, and as a consequence ADOMS has a formal agreement with the UKHO for the provision of these products and services on Antigua’s behalf. Again, the presence of this arrangement allows ADOMS to demonstrate that it is fulfilling a component of their SOLAS obligations.

However, hydrography is not just about maritime navigation; it is critical for so many activities that happen in, on or around the sea that we take for granted. For example, the same data that is collected to make navigational charts can be used to design Tsunami defences or to inform the management of important fisheries. The IHO and the Italian Hydrographic Office have produced a great video that explains this, which you can find at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YyFowCAA0Y&feature=youtu.be Hydrography is a key component of a healthy “blue economy” and the work done in this field by ADOMS does not just benefit the department, but the whole nation. There is a direct link between the state of a nation’s charting and the cost and availability of commodities on the shelves of shops…. The better the charting the lower the insurance premiums, and the larger and more efficient the cargo vessels are the cheaper it is to import these goods and utilities.

I have personally enjoyed working with ADOMS over the past few years and the UKHO values the partnership in the joint aim of protecting the life of mariners at sea. •

Mr. Darion C.M. Lake receiving his certificate from the Dean-Emeritus of the IALA World-Wide Academy in June 2016

Antigua and Barbuda, as represented by the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) recognised the vital importance of compliance with its obligations relating to the safety of navigation as laid down in international maritime law. To that end, ADOMS invited IALA to conduct a technical needs assessment mission to the country to see how its aids to navigation service might be enhanced still further. The purpose of the mission was to assist ADOMS with its aim “to be recognised as the first choice global supplier of high quality services to the maritime industry with absolute regard for safety, security and environmental protection balanced with a commitment to quality customer service.”

Mr. Stephen Bennett - Vice Dean IALA World-Wide Academy

As part of its Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations developed a strategy to improve the safety of international navigation, which was designed to focus the capacity building activities of the International Maritime Organisation, International Hydrographic Organisation and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) under the banner of “Delivering as One.” The IALA World-Wide Academy is the vehicle by which IALA delivers training and capacity building in pursuit of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) initiative. It achieves this by developing capacity building in key regions such as the MesoAmerican and Caribbean Sea. IALA sets the international standards for aids to navigation, including vessel traffic services. These are designed to mark offshore and coastal dangers, areas of safe water, recommended safe routes, protected maritime areas, and where appropriate provide specific advice to the mariner. The proper management of such services is an essential element of fully compliant aids to navigation service delivery.

The IALA mission was conducted in December 2015. Its report made a number of recommendations, which if adopted would demonstrate that Antigua and Barbuda was committed not only to meeting its international obligations for the safety of navigation; but to making the waters of this strategically important island state a safe haven for all vessels, including commercial ships on international voyages, cruise liners, super-yachts and domestic vessels. ADOMS sent a most impressive participant to the intensive one-month aids to navigation manager course held at IALA Headquarters in Paris in mid-2016. The candidate passed all three examinations and was awarded an international certificate of competency in aids to navigation management – the first person from the Caribbean region to achieve such recognition.

ADOMS has invited IALA to return to Antigua and Barbuda in early December 2016 to review progress with the implementation of the recommendations in its report. I have every confidence that the enthusiasm of that professional organisation to demonstrate its compliance with international obligations will be such that Antigua and Barbuda will be removed from the list of IALA’s capacity building target states immediately following the review. It will then have justified fully its aim to be a centre of maritime excellence in the Caribbean region. •

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FEATURE

Examining the responsibilities of the major stakeholders and the partnership required to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda meets its International

By: Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Manager Maritime Affairs and External Relations

Maritime obligations.

catalyst for globalization against the inherent risk means that the shipping industry must operate within prescribed standards that are international in scope. The result is therefore a regime of international laws, adopted by international conventions that are enforced through national legislations to ensure efficiency and fairness within today’s complex and diverse shipping industry.

The regulatory regime, consisting primarily of a comprehensive body of International Conventions and Protocols, which are supported by hundreds of recommendations, governing every facet of shipping, is developed and maintained by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) - a specialised agency of the United Nations based in the United Kingdom. The IMO’s remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security, and the efficiency of shipping.

ABDF Coast Guard vessel on patrol

We all go through our daily lives consuming goods and utilising services without ever for one moment reflecting on one of the most critical enablers – shipping, which according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), accounts for around 80percent of global trade by volume and over 70 percent of global trade by value. It is therefore appropriate that this year’s United Nations World Maritime Day celebrated on September 24 with the theme “Shipping: Indispensable to the World”. This decision is validated by the fact that a single ship can carry enough grain to feed nearly four million people for a month; another, enough oil to heat an entire city for a year, and others can carry the same number of finished goods as nearly 20,000 heavy trucks.

Shipping’s indispensable status has emerged against the reality that ships operate in a very fragile marine environment that is inherently perilous and which generates social cost concerns relating to safety, security and environmental protection. Therefore, balancing this BusinessFocus

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Firstly, there are measures aimed at the prevention of accidents, including standards for ship design, construction, equipment, operation and manning - key treaties include SOLAS, the MARPOL convention for the prevention of pollution by ships, and the STCW convention on standards of training for seafarers. Then there are measures which recognise that accidents do happen, including rules concerning distress and safety communication - the International Convention on Search and Rescue and the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation. Thirdly, based on the polluter pays principle, there are conventions which establish compensation and liability regimes in the event of an oil pollution incident.

IMO member states, like Antigua and Barbuda, must sign up to these international instruments based on its maritime interest and transpose them into national laws to give them full effect. Depending on the nature of the Convention in relation to a state’s geography and national shipping industry construct, its obligations will fall within the purview of either a: flag state – state with a ship registry; port

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) as a partner focuses primarily on services that cover the storage, collection, transportation and disposal of waste, including ship generated wastes.

Having adequate waste reception facilities for ship generated waste is a fundamental requirement for the successful implementation of the no dumping regime established for the Caribbean Sea under the MARPOL Convention.

Port security under the ISPS Code in action

state – state with an international commercial port; or coastal state – state with an extensive coastline, or any combination thereof.

From a holistic perspective, meeting the various IMO obligations in Antigua and Barbuda requires a sound partnership between several stakeholders whose mandate and sphere of influence extends either solely or partially to the maritime environment.

The Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS), as the Maritime Administration for Antigua and Barbuda, is the national focal point, at the policy level, under all IMO Conventions.

By extension it acts as the lead agency in a partnership with other Government departments for the purpose of determining how the relevant flag, port and coastal state obligations and responsibilities are performed in Antigua and Barbuda.

At the operational level, ADOMS is primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of international regulations, standards and measures to ensure compliance with international obligations as a flag State. This is primarily focused on the registration and administration of ships on the commercial ship registry. It is also responsible for port State control (PSC) and the provision of hydrographic services under the portfolio of the port and coastal state’s obligations respectively.

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence (ABDF) Force Coast Guard is another key partner that is tasked with the responsibility of carrying out maritime safety related activities specific to search and rescue, oil pollution response, ship safety inspections and marine safety information broadcasts. As the only Government agency whose mandate combines maritime domain awareness with physical response capabilities, they work closely with the other partners to provide the law enforcement component of the applicable maritime laws and conventions within Antigua and Barbuda’s national maritime jurisdiction.

Another crucial member of the partnership is the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), which under the national disaster legislation, has general oversight for the national disaster management system.

Collaborating with other agencies that have responsibilities under the National Disaster Plan, they ensure that there is effective preparedness, management, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from, emergencies and disasters. This mandate extends to pollution incidents within the marine environment.

Cargo operations at Deepwater Harbour port facility

The partnership is complete with the contribution of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, which is the corporate body responsible for the operation, safety and security within the port limits of Antigua and Barbuda. Its primary functions include: the provision and maintenance of facilities for the entry and berthing of ships; the landing and embarkation of passengers; the loading, unloading, storage and warehousing of cargo; and the provision of lights and beacons – aids to navigation, which falls squarely within the nation’s port State obligations under the SOLAS Convention.

The partnership we have examined relates specifically to the responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of Antigua and Barbuda’s flag, coastal and port State obligations under all applicable IMO Conventions. This can be contrasted against other existing partnership perspectives relating to other activities within the domestic maritime domain where other interlocking circles of partnerships are created that involve other critical agencies like the Environment and the Fisheries Divisions that provide direct or indirect technical support in the fulfillment of all maritime related obligations.

ADOMS is committed to having synergies between all partnerships along with the continuous review and verification of the effectiveness of Antigua and Barbuda’s performance in meeting all its maritime obligations. Further, it is devoted to ensuring that the partnerships pursue the goals, ideals and best practices established by the wider international maritime community in order to contribute in achieving the overall objective of having safe ships, competently manned, transiting clean and secure oceans. •

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FEATURE

By: Ms. Katarina McGhie - Head of Division Intl. Maritime Policy & Business Development

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the international regulatory body for all aspects of shipping, is constantly seeking to ensure that standards are established, maintained and are universal in scope and application.

This is done through the convention on the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping, one of the pillars of the IMO. It is the blue print for standards relating to education and training in the maritime industry, which calls for the all maritime educational facilities worldwide to enforce the established standards at all levels.

Captioned above — some of Antigua & Barbuda's students currently on scholarship at the CMI. From left to right — Mr. Jonathan Coghlan, Sub. Lt. Karl Jarvis, Ms. Lanise George, Pvt. Randolph Best

Notwithstanding the ebb and flow of global trade, the demand for shipping services will continue to increase exponentially because of the critical role it plays in our everyday lives. Safe, secure and efficient shipping depends on an adequate supply of seafarers to operate the ships, as well as skilled proficient persons to work in the shore based affiliated organisations that support the vessels at sea.

Due to varying challenges, the supply of manpower is not guaranteed, and in order to match the shipping industry’s growing need, active recruitment, education and training of personnel on an international level is must! Shipping today is a highly technical, multi-faceted and professional discipline that requires significant skill, knowledge and expertise, all of which cannot be attained through work experience or on the job training, as in days of old when seafaring was apprenticeship based. Maritime education and training is, therefore, a critical component of the modern industry as a whole.

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The IMO is also committed to ensuring that personnel responsible for establishing and maintaining national ship regulating regimes, based on all IMO conventions, are also given the opportunity to pursue specialized tertiary level education. Consequently, the IMO has established two global maritime training institutions – the World Maritime University (WMU) and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) that offer masters of science and doctoral degrees in maritime disciplines.

Further, through the Integrated Technical Cooperation Program (ITCP), the IMO provides short skill based training courses in order to maintain and improve on the skill sets based on international best practices.

The short to medium term shortage of seafarers, due to the various challenges experienced at sea, has become a global issue likely to worsen in the future if not addressed. In an effort to provide another avenue for employment, non-traditional emerging open registry countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda are now getting involved in the business of providing trained personnel for the shipping industry.

ADOMS, as the Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda, acts as the focal point of the IMO transposing the tenets of the mandatory conventions into national law. As such, we seek to promote the goals of the IMO by promoting, among other things, maritime education and training within the Caribbean region. It is in this regard, as part of an initiative of the honourable prime minister, the portfolio minister for ADOMS, the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) provided the Government of Antigua and Barbuda with three (3) full tuition

scholarships for Antigua and Barbuda nationals in 2014 along with one (1) full tuition scholarship in 2015. Worthy of note is the fact that several other Antigua and Barbuda nationals have been and are currently being trained at the CMI.

The CMI is a regional center of excellence for tertiary maritime, logistics, engineering training, research and consultancy. ISO 9001:2008 certified, the Institute continues to expand its curricula to educate and train people to fit into the three transport sub-sectors land, sea and air and is organized into three distinct, but organised schools namely: the School of Academic Studies, the School of Marine and Professional Studies and the School of Advanced Skills.

The CMI, in conjunction with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is in the process of submitting a formal proposal to establish a faculty of Maritime, Logistics and Engineering based in Antigua, to serve all the OECS states. This new faculty will be instrumental in capacity building, research and technical services and students will be able to obtain an Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the first phase. Other courses will be organised in subsequent phases offering associate degrees in Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Applied Science in Industrial Systems, Operations and Maintenance.

Ship simulator at the CMI

ADOMS continues to chair the government appointed committee that works directly with the CMI on these initiatives and is committed to ensuring that Antiguans and Barbudans are given an opportunity to be employed within the global maritime industry either as a seafarer or as a skilled professional within the shore based allied services. •

Idea

FEATURE

and agreements worldwide. As such, Memoranda of Understanding or MOUs have been signed covering all of the world's oceans. There are currently 10 port state control regimes globally.

The CMOU was signed in Christ Church, Barbados on February 9, 1996.

Antigua and Barbuda is an integral member state being one the initial nine signatories to the CMOU. The membership has since grown to 17 Member states, which are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands (BES Islands), St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is currently the only associate member of the CMOU.

Mrs. Jodi Munn-Barrow, Secretary General Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control

The Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (CMOU) would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) on their 30th anniversary.

Over the past century well-publicised accidents and incidents, involving substandard ships, highlighted the need for checks on whether conditions on board ships were in accordance with applicable International conventions to ensure that they are properly manned and do not pose a threat to the safety and security of the persons on board or to the marine environment.

In response to these critical issues the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (PMOU) on Port State Control was signed in 1982 in which the participating maritime authorities agreed to implement a harmonised system of port state control — a ship inspection regime. Today, the Paris MOU consists of 27 participating maritime administrations and covers the waters of the European coastal states and the North Atlantic Basin from North America to Europe.

Subsequently, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships, has encouraged the establishment of regional port state control organisations BusinessFocus

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Antigua & Barbuda delegation to the CMOU annual committee meeting 2016 - From right - Ms. Katarina McGhie and Mr. Darian Lake

Antigua and Barbuda through ADOMS has played a vital role in the development of the CMOU through its service as vice chairman of the CMOU committee from 2003-2005 and then as chairman from 2005 until present. In addition, Antigua and Barbuda remains actively involved in the CMOU’s Technical Standing Group (TSWG) and Finance and Administration Working Group (FASWG), which together oversee all matters pertaining to the CMOU. Antigua and Barbuda currently serves as the chair of the (FASWG), chair of the review team of the IMO’s Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels operating in the Caribbean and is a member of the review team of the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships.

The CMOU would like to thank ADOMS for their continued support of the CMOU’s growth and development and looks forward to the continued mutually beneficial partnership. •

Submitted by - ADOMS Maritime Board Inc.

In 2011, serious attention was put on the plan for the construction of a modern building to house ADOMS’ headquarters. The decision was also taken that a state of the art conference facility would be incorporated as part of the project. In order to undertake the construction of this facility, in late 2011, the government incorporated the Antigua and Barbuda Maritime Board Inc. with a mandate to oversee the construction of this important project. The board of directors of this company is currently chaired by Henderson Bass and comprises of Senator Londel Benjamin, deputy chairman, Verlyn Faustin, Lieutenant Colonel Glyne Dunnah and Ambassador Dwight Gardiner. Kenroy Simmons serves as secretary to the board.

ADOMS MARITIME BOARD INC. Left to right — Mr. Kenroy Simmons, Lieutenant Colonel Glyne Dunnah, Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, Ms. Verlyn Faustin, Mr. Alister Spencer, Senator Londel Benjamin and Mr. Henderson Bass

From its founding in 1986, the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) has continued to grow and develop into one of the top international ship registries in the world and a major national maritime agency.

It is responsible for executing all the roles and functions of a fully fledged maritime administration. From this perspective, ADOMS continues to play a significant role in the international maritime industry through its participation on the international stage and its ambition to grow in this respect.

A raised profile on the national and international maritime stage means that ADOMS must participate in technical cooperation programmes, which include the hosting, on a regular basis, of regional maritime training seminars and forums aimed at developing the technical capacity of experts across the region. With this in mind, the current physical constraints of the department need to be addressed.

ADOMS’ headquarters will be a 34,000 square ft complex with three floors and a basement level. The first floor hosts a 300-person state-of-the art conference facility, including translation booths, breakout spaces, outdoor terrace and business center. The other two floors of the building comprise of 8400 and 8000 square ft of office space, respectively with one floor available for rental. The basement has 2400 square ft of office space, which will be used for rental along with archives and a 12-car covered parking area. The grounds of the building will provide more than adequate parking.

ADOMS will occupy the top floor of the building, which offers a panoramic view of St. John’s and facilities that cater to the needs of the staff and clients. ADOMS’ floor will include a maritime library and purpose designed offices to meet the needs of the technical staff, who will provide services to the maritime industry.

The building is designed with the latest energy efficient and green technology standards in mind. The building will be equipped with solar panels, high efficiency air conditioning units and water and waste management systems to ensure the smallest carbon footprint possible.

Work continues on the building. The target completion time is the first half of 2017. • BusinessFocus

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FEATURE

By: Lt. Cdr. Wayne Mykoo, Manager Maritime Affairs and External Relations

With international shipping transporting over 80 percent of global trade, the governing structure of this dynamic international maritime regulatory body consists of an assembly, a council and five main committees: the Maritime Safety Committee; the Marine Environment Protection Committee; the Legal Committee; the Technical Cooperation Committee; and the Facilitation Committee. A number of subcommittees also support their work.

The assembly is the highest governing body that is comprised of all member states, which meets once every two years in regular sessions. It is responsible for approving the work programme, voting on the budget and determining the financial arrangements of the IMO. The council on the other hand, is the executive organ responsible for supervising the work of the IMO, and is elected by and accountable to the assembly for a two-year term beginning after each regular session of the assembly.

The council is made up of three categories: Category (a) consists of 10 states with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; Category (b) consists of 10 other states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; and Category (c) encompasses 20 states not elected under (a) or (b) above, which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

Antigua & Barbuda delegation to the 29th Meeting of the Assembly of the IMO

As a Small Island Developing State, Antigua and Barbuda has had the opportunity to cooperatively exert influence within the existing international shipping regulatory regime by virtue of its active participation in the work of the main technical committees of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The IMO is a United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the development and maintenance of a comprehensive regulatory framework pertaining to safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and enhancing the efficiency of shipping.

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Collectively, the council performs all the functions of the assembly in between sessions except the function of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention. Other key functions of the council are to: • Coordinate the activities of the organs of the organisation • C onsider the draft work programme and budget estimates of the organisation and submit them to the Assembly • R eceive reports and proposals of the committees and other organs and submit them to the assembly and member states, with comments and recommendations as appropriate • A ppoint the secretary-general, subject to the approval of the assembly

• E nter into agreements or arrangements concerning the relationship of the organisation with other organisations, subject to approval of the assembly With 30 years of administrative maturity, a member of the IMO since 1986 with the establishment of the International Ship Registry, Antigua and Barbuda can boast a cohesive set of modern national shipping legislation that reflects mandatory international shipping regulatory instruments, international norms, and best practices that cover all aspects of safety, security, seafarers’ welfare and the requirements for cleaner oceans and sustainable shipping.

Now considered an efficient world-class maritime administration, the following are but some of the major accomplishments and attributes of the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) that attest to this well-deserved reputation: • Ranked within the top 25 of the world merchant fleet • An active and dedicated member of the IMO since 1986 • Contributed significantly to the IMO’s budget • Ratified all mandatory and major IMO conventions • C ompleted successfully the IMO Voluntary Member State Audit Scheme • S trong advocate and supporter for the sustained roles and functions of the IMO Caribbean regional advisor • A provider of technical support and facilities to host IMO Caribbean regional maritime capacity building workshops, seminars and conferences • A DOMS’ leadership and technical support to the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control • A leading Caribbean cruise ship destination and a strong supporter of the facilitation of maritime traffic through the single window concept With staunch support for the precepts and values of the IMO, Antigua and Barbuda is now poised to take the bold and ambitious step of leveraging its accomplishments and reputation to gain a seat in 2017 on the IMO Council under Category (c) when the election is held during the 30th session of the assembly in November 2017.

FEATURE Small Island — Big Ambitions cont'd

Election to this executive body means that Antigua and Barbuda would assume a crucial and strategic position to safeguard the maritime interests of Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean when international maritime policies and regulations are being deliberated, decided and disseminated.

Antigua and Barbuda would certainly welcome the added bonus of increased visibility in the international maritime community, which would strengthen its competitive advantage as a flag state/open ship registry of choice and a top-ranking maritime administration.

Election to this executive body means that Antigua and Barbuda would assume a crucial and strategic position to safeguard the maritime interests of Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean when international maritime policies and regulations are being deliberated, decided and disseminated.

Antigua and Barbuda would certainly welcome the added bonus of increased visibility in the international maritime community, which would strengthen its competitive advantage as a flag state/open ship registry of choice and a top-ranking maritime administration. •

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PHOTOS FROM THE RECEPTION HELD AT THE IMO TO CELEBRATE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE AND 30TH YEAR AS A MEMBER STATE OF IMO - NOVEMBER 23RD, 2016

The Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) has had a rich history. Having been in existence for three decades, we have witnessed how the shipping industry has contributed significantly to the growth of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.

Due to our hard work, this twin island alone operates a fully-fledged international registry with over 1,000 registered ships aggregating to more than eight million gross tons. Also, currently, there are approximately 300 yachts of varying sizes registered in Antigua and Barbuda. All of this contributes to our economic development.

Our registry is ranked among the top 25 in the world’s merchant fleet in numerical terms and is internationally well recognised by ship owners, international ship financing banks, port states, flag states and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Our inspection standards are high and we are supported by a worldwide coverage of over 200 inspectors for our commercial ships and have signed agreements with nine Recognised Organisations (ROs) and Recognised Security Organisations, all of whom are International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members, which act for and on behalf of the administration to perform statutory surveys, inspections and issue statutory certificates on its behalf.

We are proud of the fact that we have reputable International Maritime Organisations that can attest to our proactiveness and technical proficiency. The department is committed to building linkages and partnerships with all relevant organisations that will enhance our technical capacity and add value to the level of efficiency, professionalism and resilience that optimises the quality of our service to our domestic and international clients.

The Antigua and Barbuda flag is listed on the white list for the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, which means that the flag is recognised as a quality flag.

Anniversary reception planning team - Members from ADOMS and Antigua & Barbuda High Commission (UK)

As the Maritime Administration of Antigua and Barbuda, to best serve you, we are guided by our mission statement: “To achieve client satisfaction through the provision of a quality service, whilst ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions for maritime safety, security, environmental protection and the welfare of seafarers.”

Our team —Maritime Affairs and External Relations, Registration, Finance and Administration, and Technical departments — and our German partners look forward to continuing to provide quality service to you in the New Year and beyond. Happy Holidays. •

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Turns PARADISE BOAT SALES 20 PARADISE BOAT SALES is a premier marine dealership based in Antigua.

It all came about from an early love of boats by the owner Paul Ryan who was at the time, in 1995, on a quest to purchase a boat for his personal use. He opted to try to purchase one directly from the factory since there was no local dealership from which one could make the purchase. Also, prices for used boats elsewhere were very high and there was no easy way of getting one shipped to the island. Also the risk of sending money to an individual and hoping the seller would be trustworthy was also an issue.

PARADISE BOAT SALES

LIFE BEGINS WHERE LAND ENDS

www.paradiseboats.com | 268.562.7125

He was eventually successful in buying a small SeaRay factory-direct and decided to become the dealer of the brand for this was the only way he could get parts and warranty services. Paradise Boat Sales has since sold over 300 boats since its inception. The company appealed to many part-time residential owners who wanted something else to do on an island and not have the hassle of ownership. Paradise created that option for hassle free boat ownership. It’s an Arrive-and-Drive concept where you tell us when you are coming out to the island; your boat will be at your dock and then picked up when you leave. Paradise then maintains, stores and takes care of everything else.

We also have a strong local customer base, who have purchased our lines, which include SeaRay, Boston Whaler, Bayliner and Cobia. Our best seller being Boston Whaler. We also offer Bare Boat Rentals in the 19 to 25-ft range as well as Boat Charters, for those who want to sit back and relax. We are the agents for Mercury, Rocket Trailers, EZ GO and Club Car Golf Carts. We sell a wide range of marine engine parts, safety gear, fiberglass products, accessories and hardware.

We also offer boat Management, Brokerage, Storage, Full Service, Repairs, Training, Boat Share, Leases and lots more...for the LOWEST prices in the region.

› › › › › › ›

Mercury Marine engines Service parts and accessories New and used boats New and used trailers New and used golf carts Chandlery electronics Up to 10 year warranty

At Paradise Boat Sales we are proud of our exceptional customer service, whether you are looking to trade-in, buy a new or used boat or looking to repower or basic repairs, we are the first to call. We guarantee you the best prices and 100% satisfaction. •

LOCATIONS – JOLLY HARBOR, ST. MARY’S, ANTIGUA WEST INDIES & OLD PARHAM ROAD, ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA WEST INDIES. BusinessFocus

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C A L L A L O O C AY W E L C O M E S ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TO DUBAI

Over the last two years, the name Callaloo Cay has gained awareness in Antigua and Barbuda, as one of the developments benefitting from the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

The relationship began in July 2014 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that detailed the intention of the Dubai based developers - to invest US$120 million in a luxury resort at Morris Bay on the southern end of the island.

Since beginning its relationship with Antigua and Barbuda, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) developer has ensured that its relationship with Antigua and Barbuda is not built solely on business interests, but also on sincere commitment to the people of the community and the country, a focus on preserving the environment and portrayal of Antigua and Barbuda in the best international light.

To date, Callaloo Cay has demonstrated its commitment to the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda in a number of ways, including spearheading maintenance and cleanliness of the Morris Bay Beach, maintaining sponsorship of selected sports teams through significant donations, and building a sports complex for the Old Road community.

DESTINATION ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Dawood Shah — Callaloo Cay’s Senior Vice President of Business Development “ Two years ago, we could not have predicted that we would be here today, presenting Antigua and Barbuda to Emiratis and other Middle Easterners."

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Global citizenship now forms the cornerstone of business at home and abroad. In service of putting the twin island state on a larger stage, the idea for an exhibition styled conference was conceived

by Callaloo Cay developers and proposed to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

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With the idea well received, and Callaloo Cay serving as platinum sponsor, Destination Antigua and Barbuda became a reality.

On October 9, 2016, Palazzo Versace, a venue splendidly luxurious in its design and amenities, and also owned by the developer of Callaloo Cay, became home to a showcase of all things authentically Antiguan and Barbudan to over 300 high net worth individuals from across the Middle East. The objectives of the event were three fold: - To showcase Antigua and Barbuda - To showcase Callaloo Cay - T o introduce Emiratis and others to Palazzo Versace – still a new hotel Additional by-products anticipated were the opportunity to introduce Antiguans and Barbudans to a new world, a different model of doing business and to bring together investors, top-tier government officials, technicians and agents.

ORGANISATION AND SPONSORSHIP A number of partners were instrumental in making the event a reality. Marcella André and Aarti Panjabi -- representing Antigua and Barbuda and Dubai respectively -- handled the organisation and coordination of all the event’s elements. Exhibition spaces were available only to select sponsors due to the exclusive, invitation only nature of the event. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), and The Antigua and Barbuda Ship and Yacht Registry (ADOMS) were featured as gold sponsors. Additional gold sponsors were global financial advisory firm Arton

Making strong representation for their respective agencies through visually stimulating audio-visual presentations and hard facts, Ambassador Dwight Gardiner of ADOMS, spoke about the vision for the Antigua and Barbuda Yacht Registry. ABTA’s Colin James presented poignant elements of Antigua and Barbuda as the ultimate tourist destination and CIU Deputy CEO, Thomas Anthony made a strong case for investing in Antigua and Barbuda through the CIP. A panel discussion focused on risk mitigation, banking, attempts to introduce Emirates airlines to the region, and drilling down on the essential areas of investing in Antigua and Barbuda included Ambassador Gilbert Boustany and Ambassador Brian Stuart Young among its panelists.

Participants included PM Gaston Browne, guest celebrity Robert De Niro and others.

Capital, and CIP advisory specialists Jad & Cort.

Risk mitigation specialist IPSA International and global citizenship consultancy firm Open Sky Partners were silver sponsors.

THE EVENT AND FEEDBACK Attendees and sponsors alike gave the event high scores and described it as: “exceptional,” a “monumental event,” “top notch,” and a “job well done.” Significant pre and post event press coverage was forthcoming from sources such as the Khaleej Times, Al Bawaba, The National, Mena Herald, Montreal’s PR Newswire, Arabian Gazette, Arabian Business, Gulf Business, Bloomberg, Caribbean News Now, Carib Journal, among many others.

Callaloo Cay’s Senior Vice President of Business Development Dawood Shah opened the conference with a welcome address.

Participants included members of UAE royalty and government officials, members of the Antiguan and Barbudan diplomatic corps, Special Economic Envoy and guest celebrity, Robert De Niro, and Antiguan and Barbudan cultural ambassadors, including Sir Isaac Vivian Richards and representatives of various business interests.

In his address to the participants, Shah said: “Two years ago, we could not have predicted that we would be here today, presenting Antigua and Barbuda to Emiratis and other Middle Easterners."

“Prime Minister [Gaston] Browne was clear in his aims and objectives, and painted a vivid portrait of a thriving partnership between our two nations. We found in his administration drive, determination and action, and we found in Antigua a paradise of 108 square miles, pristine, white-sand beaches, cooling trade winds and an authentic element that lends to our vision.

Together, both parties have found benefits, and will continue to reap many more.”

The Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Casroy James paved the way for the prime minister with an explanation of the history of relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the UAE. Ambassador James was instrumental in ensuring representation and participation of a majority of the Antiguan and Barbudan contingent.

Browne in his passionate and well-received presentation, which covered a number of areas, spoke of his administration’s desire to see Antigua and Barbuda achieve a target of 10,000 hotel rooms. He spoke not only of the investment climate and opportunities afforded

by Antigua and Barbuda, but also of the island’s safety and its people. “It’s one of the safest places on the planet,” Browne said.

Robert De Niro whose presence caused quite a stir among Emirati participants and media followed the prime minister in a half hour interview conducted by veteran international journalist and philanthropist Tarik Qureishy.

Veteran media personality, communications consultant, and event organiser Marcella André chaired the conference. It concluded with participants being treated to an authentic piece of Antigua and Barbuda through a coordinated edutainment demonstration of the country’s “flavour.” Artist, actress, and the former Director of Culture Heather Doram; dance educator Tavia Hunte; pannist, composer, and arranger Khan Cordice; and reigning Miss Antigua and Barbuda Leanda Norville represented well with colour, flair and music. The team also performed at a meet and greet cocktail event the night before the conference.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS & MORRIS BAY UPDATE Considering the benefits anticipated from hosting such a prestigious, well-attended, and by all accounts successful event, Dawood Shah, the senior vice president of business development for Callaloo Cay, is very optimistic.

Shah says, “Destination Antigua and Barbuda provided an opportunity for great connections to be made between our potential investors, new colleagues, and imminent business connections. There is no doubt that we have positioned Callaloo Cay as a prestigious investment opportunity through the CIP. As a result of the awareness created through this event, we expect to see returns in the short and long terms, not only for Callaloo Cay, but also for Antigua and Barbuda as a whole.”

Investors in Callaloo Cay have a number of options including the purchase of redeemable shares, fractional ownership and private villa ownership.

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Phase One of the Callaloo Cay project - the beach front and villa sections are set to begin in the final quarter of the year 2016, and will be heralded by a ground breaking ceremony soon to be announced. It has been confirmed that an exclusive brand has been selected to manage the hotel. Due to on-going contractual obligations, however, the name of the brand is being withheld pending finalisation of all details.

Shah assures that: “It will be luxury and class on an entirely new level!”

Destination Antigua and Barbuda brought a snapshot of the twin island to the UAE – the art, the beauty, the culture, the people, the expertise and the opportunities.

“This initiative has led to the strengthening of the relationship between our two countries and has made us more than just partners, but also friends and even closer – family,” Shah said. •

Thomas Anthony — Deputy CEO, Citizen by Investment Unit, Antigua and Barbuda

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) — Gold sponsor Cherrie Osbourne — Director of Tourism UK & Europe, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin C. James — CEO, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority

“EXCEPTIONAL” “MONUMENTAL EVENT” “TOP NOTCH” “JOB WELL DONE” These are some of the terms used to describe the event, which received high scores from attendees and sponsors alike.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressing participants.

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Dwight Gardiner — Ambassador of ADOMS " Making strong representation for their respective agencies through visually stimulating audio-visual presentations and hard facts, Ambassador Dwight Gardiner of ADOMS, spoke about the vision for the Antigua and Barbuda Yacht Registry."

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TURNING YOUR BUSINESS INTO A BRAND NAME By: Samuel Rosenberg

For every large global brand like Microsoft, Google and McDonald’s, there are far more local brands that everyone in your town know about and understand exactly what is available from the business. Most business owners wish to see their business becoming a recognised brand name. This applies equally from retail stores to fast food outlets, coffee shop chains and radio stations. There are many great successful brand stories, from relatively small islands.

To create a recognised brand, you need to become memorable to a large number of people. It is not simply enough to be visible and to showcase your services and products.

The requirement to be remembered and thought about first amongst your competitors is due to your image and the experience your customers feel when dealing with your business.

The target for your business is to ensure that your brand must become desired and to do so, you must be the preferred choice of the majority. Whatever your products or services, be they for business or charity, they will become extremely credible and your products fulfill all of the promises you offer to your

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customers and clients. Ultimately, your brand and branding will become much greater than your products and services. It will grow a life of its own, which brings value and meaning to your customers.

For some individuals, branding will become personal. For a singer, artist or actor, your personal brand merges with your personal image. For these chosen lifestyles, it is just as important as with any business branding to build a long-term strategy that ensures you’re sending out the message of your choice.

With the majority of branding, your logo will be distinct. When you see the McDonald’s logo, you instantly understand what the business does, how it transacts its business, where they are available and a guide to the price range.

You have also been educated about the level of expectation of happiness and joy you will receive after purchasing the product.

Initially, it may be difficult to decide upon your branding. If you get this wrong, there may be some setbacks, but they need not be terminal to your business. Many large global brands are able to change their logo, marketing and public messages over the course of time, so that their customers stay and learn to see the new branding activity, while continuing to trade with the same business.

By looking at branding globally and locally, you will see what works for others and will then be able to make high-quality decisions to bring branding to your own business for a successful future. •

This becomes your target to produce a logo where you are able to educate your customers and potential customers to understand exactly what they will receive before and after dealing with you.

Your business branding will reflect the story you wish to tell to anyone who is prepared to listen. By making your story personal, it allows individuals to understand, who you are and what you do, as well as your business experience. This will be reflected across your website and social media networking for a high level of consistency to make your marketing activities easy for your customers to see and understand.

Samuel Rosenberg is the founder and CEO of Axcel Finance Ltd., the leading regional microfinance institution. Share your thoughts and email your questions to srosenberg@axcelfinance.com

MONEY MATTERS

to transfer monies earned in the Caribbean to their home locations; cruise ships will not be able to pay for their passengers, who sail to the region; hotels will not be able to purchase the food and beverages they import for the tourism industry; motor car dealers won’t be able to pay for vehicles they bring in to the country.

Even persons abroad seeking to send money to their dependent relatives, will find it impossible to do so. And, so the list goes on.

BANKING: IS THE US MAKING A STICK TO B E AT I T S OWN BACK? By: Sir Ronald Sanders

Caribbean governments have rightly focussed on the severe consequences for their countries since international banks, particularly those located in the U.S., withdrew correspondent banking relations from regional banks.

Without correspondent banking relations, all financial transactions with the US and many other countries will come to a halt. These relations are so important globally that it caused the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde, to observe in July in a major policy address: “Correspondent banking is like the blood that delivers nutrients to different parts of the body. It is core to the business of over 3,700 banking groups in 200 countries.”

A recent World Bank study of the impact of de-risking on correspondent banking globally found that 75 percent of large international banks have reduced their total number of correspondent banking relationships, and 80 percent reported that they had severed all relationships in some jurisdictions. The study also revealed that about 55 percent of banks receiving correspondent banking services reported a decline in the availability of those services, with about 70 percent of those reporting a decline indicating that the decline was “significant.”

But, the Caribbean is the region in the word that is hardest hit. Undoubtedly, this is because of two decades of the European Union Commission, members of the U.S. legislature, the U.S. government and even state governments in the U.S. branding Caribbean countries as tax havens, even though the evidence does not support the contention.

The gravest immediate threat is to Caribbean countries certainly. This is not an abstract issue, restricted to the banking sector or governments. The adverse effects will spare no one.

According to the IMF, at least 16 banks in five Caribbean countries had lost all or some of their correspondent banking relationships, as of May 2016. The same study reports that, in Belize, only two out of nine banks (representing 27 percent of banking system assets) have been successful in maintaining correspondent banking relations with full banking services. And in the Bahamas, five financial institutions (accounting for 19 percent of banking system assets) have lost at least one correspondent banking relationship.

They will affect every sector of economic and financial activity including tourism, importers and exporters of goods and individuals, who either send money abroad or receive it. On the tourism sector, airlines will not be able

But, no Caribbean country has been spared and banks in all of them, including in the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana are currently facing the real prospect of losing all correspondent relations with U.S. banks.

But there will also be serious consequences for other parts of the world, particularly the U.S., if the current troubling trend remains unchecked.

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" TH E ADVERSE EFFEC TS WILL SPARE NO ONE. " There are ways of getting around the problem, but they are expensive and their permanence is not assured.

For instance, these transactions can continue through willing banks in intermediary countries that enjoy correspondent banking relations with global banks in the U.S. But the cost of such transactions will be high, and in many cases unaffordable. In any event, they would push up costs, making the Caribbean uncompetitive. Further, the facility could be cut-off if global banks in the U.S. apply onerous conditions.

That is why the Global Stakeholders’ Conference on “Correspondent Bank Relations, De-risking, and Branding Caribbean Countries as Tax Havens,” held in Antigua on October 27 and 28, is vitally important.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who has responsibility for financial affairs in the quasi-Cabinet of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, hosted the conference. At the conference, representatives from international financial institutions, regulatory bodies, government and banks gathered in a ‘closed-door’ meeting to try to find solutions from frank discussions.

and unstructured ways to cross borders, defying the very money laundering activities that withdrawing correspondent banking relations are trying to suppress.

Further, if Caribbean countries cannot pay or be paid for the goods and services they trade with the U.S., they will be forced to turn their attention elsewhere.

In such a case, the U.S. will lose revenues and jobs.

The total loss may be minuscule, given the relative small size of Caribbean markets; nonetheless, they will have an impact. Of greater importance is the loss of U.S. influence in a region that sits next door. Some other country or group of countries that the U.S. might not appreciate will fill that vacuum. But, the people of the Caribbean have to survive. It will not be that they love the U.S. any less, but they love life more.

By failing to respond swiftly, creatively and positively to the destructive effects of the withdrawal of correspondent banking relations, U.S. decision-makers in government, in regulatory bodies, and in the legislature might be making a stick to beat their own backs. •

Christine Lagarde sent her Deputy Managing Director Zhang Tao to represent her. Zhang, appointed two months ago, is the former deputy governor of the People’s Bank of China.

The global stakeholders are keenly aware that what Caribbean countries are facing is a grave limitation of a country’s ability to undertake international trade or financial transactions. That would mean collapse of businesses, rapid escalation of unemployment, increase in poverty, and a huge reduction in any government’s capacity to provide its people with adequate health care, education and protection.

The dreadful effects of such a woeful transformation of the Caribbean would not be limited to the Caribbean Sea. Inevitably, economic refugees will end up on the shores of U.S. territories and other wealthy countries.

Drugs trafficked through the region would also increase, as the unemployed and the desperate seek means to survive. Additionally, money would find unregulated

Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua & Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US; he has served as Ambassador to the EU and the WTO and High Commissioner to the UK. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com

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ANTIGUA PM DISCUSSES CORRESPONDING BANKING WITH CDB AND JNBS

" C O R R E S P O N D E N T B A N K I N G S E RV IC ES AR E A PU BL IC GL OBAL GOOD.... " Gaston Browne, the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, (centre) stands with (left to right) Dr. Warren Smith, president of the Caribbean Development Bank; Onika Miller, executive with responsibility for government relations and public policy at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS); and Earl Jarrett, JNBS’ general manager.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne held talks with officials of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) to discuss the region’s efforts at addressing the withdrawal of correspondent banking services.

He said JNBS and CDB would provide technical assistance to advance CARICOM’s advocacy efforts and work with CARICOM to identify solutions to the challenges. The institutions will also assist CARICOM to coordinate implementation efforts and to strengthen monitoring mechanisms.

In recent months, Trevor Braithwaite, the deputy governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) said Caribbean banks are already experiencing the effects of the correspondent banking crisis. Braithwaite said a few national banks in the region have already been notified of this development.

Correspondent banks, which are mainly large, international banks domiciled in the United States of America, Europe and Canada, provide Caribbean states with vital access to the international financial system. They offer smaller, domestic banks and financial institutions services to complete international payments and settlements.

As part of its contribution, JNBS is developing a website to increase awareness about the emerging issue, while the CDB will continue to work with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force to build capacity of member countries.

“There have been notices that have been issued to other banks and most of those notices are issued to national banks.

There is a potential threat of the cut-off of correspondent banking, and in one case the bank asked for an extension, but shortly they as well will be severed,” he said.

However, many banks that provide correspondent banking services have been seeking to manage their risks by severing ties with institutions in the region.

“De-risking of correspondent banking services is an existential threat facing the Caribbean region, which has the potential to decimate our living standards,” the prime minister said.

The issue of corresponding banking was a major item at the annual summit of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in Guyana in July 2016. Recently Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness described de-risking as a “clear and present danger.”

Browne added that the region “must work collectively… to address this threat to our survival.”

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“Correspondent banking services are a public global good that is essential for participation in global trade and is particularly important for small island economies,” Browne said.

Earl Jarrett, JNBS general manager, pointed to the threat to services such as remittances, on which the region depends. Highlighting challenges faced by his organisation’s remittance company in The Cayman Islands, Jarett said that the value of remittances was equivalent to a significant percentage of gross domestic product for many receiving countries in the region.

“Remittances are the lifeline for migrant communities across the region,” Jarrett said. “And, Jamaica alone, with a diaspora population of some three million, represents one of the largest recipient countries in the region, accounting for amounts equivalent to approximately 17 percent of our gross domestic product.”

Meanwhile, in an effort to continue the relationship with their correspondent banks, some national banks have decided to absorb increased fees.

“Other banks now have received notice of increasing fees, so in some cases fees have been doubled, so as to maintain the correspondent banking relation,” Braithwaite added.

International banks have cited cost issues as the main reason to terminate relationships with national banks in the Caribbean.

According to the ECCB official, there is an alternative for Caribbean banks to consider, as other banks have expressed a willingness to serve as a correspondent bank, but at a cost. •

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MUST READS Volume 17

By: Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA,CMA

DECODING SUCCESS “I AM THE GREATEST.” – Usain Bolt, after completing his unprecedented triple-triple of sprint gold medals at the Rio Olympics.

Every four years, we are enthralled by the exploits of the very best of the best athletes from all over the world, who compete for the ultimate glory. The demonstration of sacrifice, commitment, endurance, team-work, and so much more is why the Olympic Games is the ultimate celebration of the human spirit. This edition of “Must Reads” salutes the triumph of these extraordinary men and women and their attempts to demystify success.

Reviewed in this issue are “Grit: The Power of Passion,” Angela Duckworth’s “Perseverance” (Scribner 2016), and “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell (Black Bay Books, 2007).

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Noted psychologist, Angela Duckworth takes us down a fascinating journey of her careerlong research into the subject of grit. Angela Ducksworth is a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She has advised the White House, the World Bank, several U.S. professional sports teams and many Fortune 500 CEO’s. Early in her career, Ducksworth became intrigued by what factors separated the successful from the not so successful.

Part of her early research in the field took her to the U.S. military’s elite officer training institution, the West Point Academy. At the time, West Point focussed primarily on physical fitness and academics in its recruitment system and accepted the high dropout rate as a natural and unavoidable side-effect of the gruelling nature of its intense

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training programme. What puzzled the military, however, was that there appeared to be no correlation between the apparent skills and talents of its recruits and their success rate. Duckworth after studying the recruits for some time, concluded that it all boiled down to grit. Buoyed by her research, Duckworth developed and tested an objective measure to gauge each applicant’s level of grit. After incorporating this grit test into the army’s recruitment selection system, the dropout rate plummeted.

In further observations and studies traversing diverse fields including education, sports and the private sector, Duckworth noticed the same recurring patterns. The evidence was clear - neither talent nor hard work was the principal distinguishing feature associated with outstanding achievement. It was grit – which Duckworth defined as a fusion of passion and perseverance. Over and over again, Duckworth’s research showed that grit was not just one of several co-equal factors – it was in fact the primary determinant of success.

This is by no means a revolutionary concept – after all most of us have some rudimentary intuitive understanding of the importance of grit. Yet, we probably still significantly underestimate its importance. Duckworth’s research elevates our understanding of grit.

This book is more than just theory and anecdotes - Duckworth shows how to measure and increase one’s own level of grittiness, how to hire for grit, how to cultivate grittiness in employees, how to raise children to be more gritty and how to help to foster a culture of grittiness in an organisation.

For these valuable insights, this book is a worthwhile read.

that factors such as talent and IQ aren’t the most relevant to success. Instead, a wide range of determinants - such as family background, generation, upbringing and culture — have a disproportionate role in determining success.

Many of these factors are outside our control of course. So, this would all be very discouraging were it not for the premise of the most significant and oft-referred to chapter of this book – the principle of the 10,000 hour rule. The central proposition is that in observations across a span of fields – sports, music, academia, business, entrepreneurship and more - becoming world class had little to do with talent – it was almost entirely about the number of hours of “deliberate practice,” which an individual dedicated to the field.

This is a controversial finding that continues to generate heated debate today. Perhaps, the appeal in this rule is that this is something very much within our control. But, even if you don’t 100 percent agree with him, Gladwell presents some strong evidence to show that talent is indeed very much overrated. Read this very thought-provoking book.

Finally, a disclaimer is necessary - neither of these books discussed will make you into an Olympic star. However, they may get you to start thinking differently about success, how to become more successful and how to foster success within your organisation. •

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell Malcolm Gladwell is a staff writer for the New Yorker magazine, who has written several best-selling books. Outliers was written almost ten years ago, but it remains such an influential book on the theme of success that it a must-read even today. Gladwell uses the term “outliers,” to refer to the most successful – the very best of the elite in their endeavours. Like Duckworth, Gladwell argues

Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and business executive, who has served in a range of leadership roles across the Caribbean. He is currently employed as the general manager of Automotive Art (St Lucia) Ltd. Mr Halliday also lectures Leadership & Operations Management for the Australia Institute of Business MBA programme at the National Research and Development Foundation.

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M A X I M I S I N G " IT’S ALMOST YO U R M U S I C INDESCRIBABLE THE E A R N I N G S WAY MUSIC CONSUMES By: Christine "Chrycee" Charlemagne

It’s almost indescribable the way music consumes us creatives. It’s our medium. Our passion. We’ve got this unshakeable feeling that this is what we’re meant to do. We’re at our happiest when we’re immersed in musical pursuits; writing, creating, singing, playing and performing. It is our destiny. After all, as Fabienne Frederickson once said, “the things that you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.”

So, it is for us music creatives.

The challenge for us then becomes this: “How can we get to a point where we can devote ourselves fully to our calling? How can we live off of our passion? How can we get beyond the norm where we are essentially forced to pursue our art part-time in order to survive financially?”

Well, for starters, author David Stopps in “How to Make a Living from Music”—a book presented by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to assist music professionals build a successful career in music— says you must first gain an understanding of the streams of income available to you. Those income streams, he notes, will vary dependent on whether you are an author or a performer.

Authors are defined by Stopps as “songwriters, composers and arrangers. This includes those who write lyrics for songs and those who write both the music and the lyrics, as well as those who write, compose or

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US CREATIVES.

"

arrange instrumental music.” Meanwhile, Stopps said that performers refer to “those who sing or play musical instruments, or make any audible sound on a recording such as hand-clapping. This could be in front of an audience on stage or in the recording studio.”

Before delving into the various income streams available to authors and performers, Stopps said it is important to remember that there are two sets of rights in anything to do with music. Copyrights belong to the authors of the musical work, and related rights (or neighbouring rights) belong to the performer, as well as the phonographic producer—the owner of the music sound recording.

Okay, so let’s review the main sources of income for music professionals. Stopps provided the following as the main streams of income for authors: • “ Income from public performances on radio, television, downloads and streaming online, live performances, concerts, bars, shops, hairdressing salons and any location where a work is played or heard in public; • “ Income from mechanical licenses when recordings are distributed on physical sound carriers such as CDs, cassettes, vinyl and DVDs and are sold to the public.

Mechanical licenses are licenses issued by authors and publishers to phonogram producers, allowing them to legally exploit recordings and audio-visual productions containing a work;

" I T ’ S O U R M E D I U M . OU R PA S S I ON . "

• “ Income from mechanical licenses when works are the subject of audio or audio-visual downloads, streaming via the Internet or as ring tones, ring-back tones or real tones; • “ Income from synchronization licenses when the work is synchronized to visual images, video or film; • “ Income from the sale of printed sheet music and scores, or from online digital sheet music downloads; • “Income from home copying levies; • “ Income from public lending of sound carriers containing the work.”

Meanwhile the following income streams for performers are presented by Stopps: • “ Income from fees for live performances in front of audiences at festivals, concert venues, clubs, public places and private events; • “ Income from royalties when a phonogram producer (record company or label) sells a fixed performance (recording) to the public on a physical sound carrier such as vinyl, cassettes or CDs; • “ Income from royalties when a phonogram producer sells a digital recording via the Internet as a download, by streaming or as a mobile phone ring tone, real tone or ring-back tone; • “ Income from public performances when a recording is played on the radio, on television, or in public (such as in an arena, a discothèque, club, juke box, factory, shop, hairdressing salon etc.); • “ Income from ‘master re-use’ when a recording is synchronized to visual images, video or film; • “Income from home copying levies; • “Income from sponsorship and branding;

Of important note, however, is the fact that because of varying rights, laws and regulations in certain jurisdictions and territories, entitlement to some of the income streams presented may not be applicable within the Eastern Caribbean, for example home copying levies. A perusal of your territories’ copyright act will help you gain a better understanding of which rights are pertinent in your country. However, considering the global reach and use of our music, it’s equally important to understand how you may be able to benefit from these increased streams in other territories to maximise your revenue.

So, here’s the million-dollar question: “How many of these income streams are you currently earning from? If not all, what are you doing to position yourself and your music to earn from them?” Food for thought, right? •

Christine "Chrycee" Charlemagne is a singer/songwriter and member of The Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. ECCO is a society of writers & publishers of music.

Through reciprocal agreements with Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), throughout the world (also called 'societies'), ECCO represents and can license virtually the whole worldwide repertoire of copyright music for public performance, broadcast, cable transmission, online and mobile use.

• “Income from public lending of sound carriers.”

As we vie to make a living from our music, Stopps said it is absolutely important that authors, performers and artist managers make sure they earn revenue from all income streams available.

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

G OV E R N M E N T SCRAPS PROPOSED REVENUE R E C OV E RY CHARGE INCREASE " RES ID E N T S C A N N OW B R E AT H E A S I G H O F R E L I E F. "

Businesses no longer have to worry about an impending increase in the cost of imported and locally manufactured goods, as the government abandoned its earlier plan to increase the Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC). Neither do consumers have to ponder how the tax increase would have affected their pockets.

With the repeal of Personal Income Tax (PIT) in mid-2016, the government had proposed an increase in the RRC from 10 to 13 percent, which it said was necessary to recoup lost revenue of about $40 million.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, Senator Lennox Weston who made the revelation in September, said residents can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Weston said the government abandoned the decision after it met its target without the tax-increase. He said the Gaston Browne led administration also recognised the potential effect the increase would have on the economy and working people.

He predicted the increase in RRC would have caused some additional price increases and as such it would have affected the working capital of some organisations.

The RRC therefore remains at the rate of 10 percent on all goods imported into or produced in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the Revenue Recovery Charge Act (2010), the RRC “shall apply at the rate of 10 percent on all goods imported into or produced in Antigua and Barbuda. The charge shall be assessed on imported goods on the CIF value at the point of import and paid by an importer, together with import duties, to the comptroller.”

It further states that the producer shall apply the charge to the value of sales prior to the application of ABST and offset the amount of the charge incurred in that month and remit the balance to the comptroller of customs monthly.

In delivering the 2016 Budget Speech in January, it was Prime Minister Gaston Browne who announced that PIT would be scrapped. But, the government had to take other measures to make up for the near $40 million in lost revenue. Twenty million dollars of that revenue was expected to come from the increase in the RRC, while other tax reform initiatives such as the introduction of the new Unincorporated Business Tax was expected to make up the difference.

Senator Damani Tabor, the public relations officer of the United Progressive Party, stated that the opposition party wants this tax removed.

“Only employees got PIT relief, but all of the working professionals… accountants, architects and like…they were moved over to the Unincorporated Business Tax, or PIT by another name,” the opposition senator said. “So, what we are saying considering this windfall, the Unincorporated Business Tax should be removed.”

Tabor said that the business tax also disincentivises entrepreneurship.•

Senator Lennox Weston - Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance BusinessFocus

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Gaston Browne - Prime Minister

Charles Max Fernandez - Minister of Foreign Affairs

G OV ’ T N O T G I V I N G UP EFFORTS TO RECOUP MILLIONS IN WTO GAMING DISPUTE " ANT IGUA-BA S E D ONLINE-GAMBLING SIT ES APPEAR TO HAVE RETURNED TO THE LOBBYING STAGE.

"

Antigua and Barbuda’s decade-and-a-half-long World Trade Organisation (WTO) battle with the United States over the latter country’s refusal to allow open access to Antigua-based online-gambling sites appears to have returned to the lobbying stage with newfound optimism.

Dr. Errol Cort - Former Finance Minister

In 2003, authorities in the U.S. applied measures, which effectively shut down the lucrative online betting industry in the twin island state. In 2007, the Dispute Settlement Body of the WTO ruled that Antigua and Barbuda is entitled to receive US$21 million annually from the United States as compensation after winning an arbitral award.

However, that sum has never been paid and according to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the amount now stands in excess of US$200 million.

At a recent Non-Aligned Movement trade summit in Venezuela, Antigua and Barbuda’s prime minister called on his colleagues to support the country’s efforts to reach a settlement in the said WTO internet gaming dispute.

“I call on this great body of nations in the Non-Aligned Movement to stand up for those principles upon which it was founded, in showing active solidarity with my country as we seek justice that has been awarded to us by the competent international body --the WTO,” he stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles Max Fernandez recently said he is optimistic the matter will be resolved soon. He noted that Dr. Errol Cort, a former finance minister and attorney general, is assisting government with the process.

The 2007 judgment of the WTO came after the United States passed its Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), which essentially set its WTO tradepact-violating policies in legislative stone. Since the form of the judgment granted, an abrogation of intellectualproperty rights related to U.S.-manufactured goods, is very difficult to collect, Antigua and Barbuda has long sought a “like value” settlement from the United States.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, meanwhile, expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations, even though Antigua and Barbuda “has done all in its power.”

The United States, for its part, has seemingly given little or no thought to Antigua and Barbuda’s on-going requests made over the course of two separate administrations.

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Just a few months ago, the prime minister threatened a “final offer” to the United States in the matter. As part of that offer, the Browne administration purportedly was to lay-out concrete plans for a manufacturing/marketing business, which would produce and sell goods to collect on the WTO judgment. Said goods were to be royalty-free knockoffs of U.S.-made products such as movies, music and software.

But, as many cynics expected, nothing came of it. And so, Browne has returned to the lobbying front.

“We have reached such a level of frustration at the recalcitrance of the United States to make a fair offer for the injury that has been done to our economy over the last 13 years,” the prime minister said. “My government is contemplating activating the remedy given to us by the WTO to remedy the wrong that has been done to us. In other words, to sell U.S. material without copyright until the United States settles with us in compliance with the WTO judgment.”

The prime minister added that under normal circumstances, he would regard Antigua and Barbuda’s case against the United States as a bilateral matter.

“But this case, which is now famous in the annals of international trade law and about which scholarly books have been written, goes to the efficacy of the WTO and whether small and micro-states can get justice when powerful nations refuse to cooperate,” Browne said.

For over a decade, Antigua and Barbuda’s leaders have been unwilling to take that final step and put a physical process in place to collect the WTO judgment. •

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

The Social Security Board initially planned to implement the increase in January 2016.

However, this did not occur due to a range of concerns from the working class group in the twin island nation.

I N C R E M E N TA L INCREASE OF SOCIAL SECURITY CONTRIBUTIONS S TA R T S J A N U A RY

" 1 % TO BE PAID BY THE

“The concerns that were raised by employed persons and employee representatives would have been the impact of government policy, which was then purported to be an increase in Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC),” Mathias said. “The suggestion was that in light of all other things, the increase should be reduced to 1 percent. With the government no longer pursuing the increase in the RRC and the repeal of Personal Income Tax, it is felt that a 2 percent shared increase – 1 percent to be paid by the employer and another 1 percent to be paid by the employee – is fair going forward.”

According to the executive director, the proposed January 2017 increase would only “allow Social Security to keep pace,” but not “generate a surplus.” He added that the rate of contribution will “keep building by a quarter of a percent annually.”

EMPL OYER AND ANOTHER

1 % TO BE PAID BY THE EMPLOYEE – IS FAIR GOING FORWARD.

" David Mathias - Executive Director - Social Security Board

A new timeline has been set for the implementation of the highly anticipated 2 percent hike in contributions to Social Security.

Mathias said although there will be a further increase, employees should note the tax burden has shifted away from employed persons and moved significantly to the employer and the business population.

Starting January 2017, employers will pay an additional 1 percent to the scheme and employees will also pay an added 1 percent.

Meanwhile, additional changes Social Security will introduce include an increase in the retirement age, deductions and pay-outs.

Executive Director of the Social Security Board, David Mathias said prior to the decision to implement the shared increase, the board consulted with the Trade Union Congress, the Antigua Hotels and Tourist Association and the Chamber of Commerce, among other groups, to explain how it will affect contributors.

The board explained that the objective of these changes are to make the technical experts the final decision-makers, so that the Social Security system can be governed by the findings of the actuaries and its resource capabilities rather than by any other concerns. •

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H I G H WAY P R O J E C T PUSHED TO 2017 " IF THE M ONIE S WE RE NOT UTI LI S ED BY

D ECEM BER 2016 THE COUNTRY WOULD H AVE TO FOREGO THE B E NE FI T.

"

Contractors and construction workers hoping for a boom in business in the last quarter of 2016 did not see it, as the government pushed back its US$20 million road and highway project to an unspecified date in 2017.

The project was, according to government’s initial announcement, slated for completion before the end of 2016 in order to qualify for the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund, which was established by the British government in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The fund supports the improvement or creation of new infrastructure.

The government said if the monies were not utilised by December 2016 the country would have to forego the benefit.

However, Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, the minister responsible for trade, commerce and industry, recently explained that was not the case, but in fact the funds only had to be approved for use before the year ended.

Greene said that once the process of securing the funds is completed, and a Design and Build Engineer was selected, then the work would commence within six weeks.

“The authorised funds will then be transferred to the CDB, which will have oversight of the project,” Greene said. “The Design and Build Engineer will be selected immediately thereafter, within six weeks, that is sometime in early 2017, work is expected to begin on this important project.”

A plan will be put in place to ensure that alternate routes are used during and even after the rehabilitation of the highways and roads.

The government has identified Friars Hill Road, Anchorage Road, part of the Sir Sidney Walling Highway and Sir George Walter Highway, Factory Road, Herbert’s Main Road, parts of Valley Road, as well as Old Parham Road for rehabilitation work. A new road connecting Old Road and Falmouth may also be constructed. •

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

The bold move by the government to stake ownership in the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) is already paying dividends, and tangibly so.

WHERE INNO VATIVE OIL SOLUTIONS COUNT !

So says Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who also revealed in October the government will shortly receive some seven million dollars from the company, as its share in the profits of the company for this year.

“I am pleased to announce that for this year, WIOC has declared dividends of 67 percent which means the government very shortly will receive a cheque of approximately seven million dollars representing its share of the profits,” Browne said. “So, if there is anyone questioning whether this programme of entrepreneurial socialism is working, this is a typical example.”

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA’S S TA K E I N W I O C I S A L R E A DY PAY I N G O F F

In championing the cause of his government’s groundbreaking policy of entrepreneurial socialism, Prime Minister Browne said that before his administration’s intervention, the profits from the company were going solely to the owners.

" FOR THIS YEAR,

“They continue to add business units and increased their tank farm late October,” the prime minister said.

“They’ll provide bunkering services for cruise ships, so by next year we expect gross profit of $25 million of which we will have a dividend call of 51 percent….

There is room for WIOC to grow exponentially.”

WIOC HAS DECLARED DIVIDENDS OF 67 PERCENT.

"

In January this year, during the tank expansion ground breaking ceremony, it was disclosed that $40 million would be spent in the upgrading of WIOC for the building of three new tanks to store an additional 500,000 barrels for the facility.

The expansion project provided approximately 75 persons with the entire ancillary. The spin offs from that included increased contributions to the Social Security and Medical Benefits Schemes and the beneficial effects of their spending on the business sector.

Local businesses also benefitted, for instance, a number of providers of heavy equipment, cement, aggregate, industrial gases and paints, among others – had an opportunity to sell their goods and services for the construction of this project.

Upon full completion of this project, WIOC will be better able to compete aggressively with other storage terminals within the region.

Gregory Georges - CEO of WIOC

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It will also provide our strategic partner, Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), with storage to competitively supply the OECS territories. •

ANTIGUA WINS MILLIONS IN CASE AGAINST CONVICTED FORMER UKRAINIAN PM

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda can expect a significant increase in its revenue after the High Court declared that US$66.7 million of illgotten gains amassed by the now convicted former Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavel Ivanovich Lazarenko should be forfeited to the government.

The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) said the funds, which were held in the long liquidated Eurofed Bank (Antigua), would be transferred to the government’s forfeiture fund.

“We’ve been in the court for quite some time and they have affirmed the forfeiture,” the Director of ONDCP, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft revealed. "It’s up to the government to determine how they want to treat the monies that were received.”

In 2009, Lazarenko was sentenced to 97 months in prison. He was ordered to pay a US$9 million fine and forfeit US$22.8 million and various specified assets resulting from his money laundering convictions in the United States.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office maintained throughout this case that Pavel Lazarenko misused his office to extort tens of millions of dollars from a Ukrainian citizen, lied to the people of Ukraine about his assets, and abused our banking system in an attempt to establish a safe haven in the United States,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Anderson said.

The ONDCP said that the charges he faced overseas were related to “acts of corruption committed…during his political tenure in the Ukraine” where he eventually became the prime minister.

Pavel Ivanovich Lazarenko - Former Ukrainian Prime Minister

The government is yet to decide what it will do with the money. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

G O V ’ T TA K E S 80 PERCENT OWNERSHIP OF CUB " TH E GOVE RNM E NT HAS

PU MPED XCD$30 M ILLION IN TO THE LENDING INSTITUTION.

"

Brian Stuart Young, the chairman of Caribbean Union Bank

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has become the majority shareholder of Caribbean Union Bank (CUB), now taking control of 80 percent of the shares. With this transfer of majority ownership to government, it has abandoned the idea of merging the bank with another financial institution to create what was previously described as a “super bank.”

20 percent. Under the new arrangement, no shareholder can hold in excess of 5 percent shares.

At the public signing event, Prime Minister Gaston Browne revealed that the government has pumped XCD$30 million into the lending institution. He, however, said the government plans to eventually sell shares “not only to Antiguans and Barbudans, but to individuals outside the country.”

PM Browne, who is also the country’s finance minister, said there will be a new general manager and expected changes in the composition of the board of directors.

Browne said the idea of merging CUB with the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank was tossed. He explained that it was better for CUB to become a standalone financial institution.

Browne said the government was “also having discussions with other shareholders,” which “will perhaps see a further $50 million invested in share capital” bringing the newly injected capital up to $80 million.

Brian Stuart Young, the chairman of CUB, said that several local businessmen already have a stake in the bank, including the Hadeed Group of Companies, the Hill family and the Joseph family, who runs the Bargain Centre Supermarket chain.

Prior to the government’s investment, the National Bank of Dominica was the majority shareholder in CUB with a stake in excess of

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As Young said, the shares he now owns are about 2.5 percent, down from 17 percent.

Meanwhile, major changes are coming to the management of the bank.

“We’re now looking for a new general manager and we’re hoping that person will be an Antiguan, but I have to admit that we’re having some difficulties in recruiting someone with the appropriate skills,” he said. “The composition of the board will be fundamentally different….

I don’t think that more than two of the same directors will survive out of the nine, so there will be at least seven new board members.”

The prime minister said the bank’s small size has been an issue, but this too will be addressed through an aggressive drive to attract more customers for the bank to become one of the strongest domestic banks within the region. ”I’m confident that the CUB going forward, based on the increased capitalisation, will become one of the strongest bank within Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic banks and certainly within the region,” the prime minister said. “In fact, we are positioning CUB probably to take over other banks here in Antigua and Barbuda and within the region.”

Browne said the challenges of growing the bank did not have anything to do with the management style, but rather a restriction by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank that prohibits any one party besides a government, from holding more than 20 percent stake in a banking institution.

This restriction had caused some difficulty in existing shareholders injecting more capital into the bank over the years.

Browne said prior to the injection of the $30 million, CUB had lost around $10 million and had been unable to pay dividends.

“CUB has made sustained losses over the last 10 years,” Browne said. “In fact, they would have made an accumulated loss of about $10 million, and as a result of that they would not have met the new capital requirement of $20 million… they would have a shortfall of about $15 million.”

The 2015 Banking Act moved the capital requirement for banks from $5 million to $20 million.

“CUB has had no retained earnings and no dividends have ever been declared or ever paid by the bank,” he said. “It is important to note, however, that CUB has maintained a net positive equity position, so that the value of its assets minus its liabilities has allowed it to meet the regulatory capital requirements of five million dollars.”

According to the prime minister, records show that the bank reduced its losses from $997,000 in 2014 to about $400,000 in 2015. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

F O R E I G N N AT I O N S " THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES P L E D G E M I L L I O N S HAS COMMITTED TO PROV I D I N G T O I M P R O V E ANTIGUA WITH A GRANT OF E D U C AT I O N A L US$1.5 MILLION DOLLARS. . . . " FA C I L I T I E S The United Arab Emirates has committed to providing Antigua with a grant of US$1.5 million dollars to fund the upgrade of the Villa Primary School.

government funded expansion project targeted five of the schools most affected by overcrowding and which had shoddy facilities.

The promise was made on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York in late September where it was agreed that the UAE would provide the grant to modernise the educational institution.

Meanwhile, in November, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology secured US$83,000 from Japan to build an aquaponics and organic agricultural farm at the St. Mary’s Secondary School.

The Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst said the UAE is expected to transfer the money to Antigua and Barbuda before 2017.

This development follows a meeting that involved Miho Harada, a consultant working with the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project, which is offered by the Embassy of Japan in Trinidad; Craig Cole, education officer of Agricultural Science (ag.); Ezra Knowles, special project consultant for the Ministry of Education Science and Technology; Casey Phillip, the principal of the St. Mary's Secondary School; Adolph Audain, a specialist in aquaponics and organic farming; and the school’s agricultural science teachers.

The UAE minister responsible for foreign development assistance visited the Villa Primary School this year and saw the need to develop the institution.

The Kingdom of Morocco, according to a Cabinet statement, has also agreed to fund one wing of a new secondary school to be built at Tomlinson, in the parish of St. George.

School overcrowding is an issue that persists in Antigua and Barbuda and several schools are in need of renovation. Most schools across the nation are used as hurricane shelters. But in recent years, the institutions have deteriorated and are among the first affected by problems such as flooding and leaky roofs. A recent

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The project once implemented will not only serve the St. Mary's School, but all primary and secondary institutions, along with the farming community. The project is designed to increase the nation's understanding about climate smart agriculture practices. Once complete, St. Mary's Secondary School will be the first school in the Caribbean to house a commercial level research aquaponics facility. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

T H E R O TA R A C T CLUB OF ANTIGUA: 30 YEARS OF CONTINUED S E RV I C E Known for its regionally recognised initiatives, such as “Stop the Trend – Know Your (HIV) Status,” and its community service project that provides medical assistance to the needy, the Rotaract Club of Antigua celebrates these and many more achievements, as it marks 30 years since its establishment in December 1986. Rotaract is a service club for young men and women, who are between 18 to 30 years of age. Rotaract clubs are either community or university based, and are sponsored by a local Rotary Club. This makes Rotaract clubs true "partners in service" and key members of the Rotary family. Rotaract clubs are part of a global effort to bring peace and international understanding to the world.

Rotaractors and Rotaract clubs can be found worldwide.

The club emphasises four avenues of service, which are the foundation of its committees. Its committees are: club service, community service, international service and professional service. There is also a finance component that focuses on the club’s fundraising efforts.

CLUB SERVICE: • D evelops strategies for membership development and retention • Plans fellowship activities for the membership

2016 INET-ROTARACT SPELLING BEE WINNERS AND SPONSORS The members of the Rotaract Club of Antigua are proud to be celebrating 30 years of existence on December 5, 2016 and look forward to celebrating many more years of service to the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: • D evelops plans for the club’s annual community service project(s) • T akes a leadership role in organising and facilitating the project(s) INTERNATIONAL SERVICE: •D evelops plans for the club’s annual international service project(s) •D evelops other activities that promote international understanding among club members and in the community PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: • Develops plans to provide opportunities for professional development for the club’s membership FINANCE (CHAIRED BY TREASURER) • Collects any district and club dues • P lans the club’s fundraising efforts to support club administration and service activities THE FOUR WAY TEST (THE MANTRA THAT ROTARACTORS LIVE BY) • Is it the truth • Is it fair to all concerned • Will it build goodwill and better friendships • Is it beneficial to all concerned

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ROTARACT CLUB OF ANTIGUA PAST PRESIDENTS

CURRENT EXECUTIVE- ROTARACT YEAR 2016- 2017 From Left to Right: Club Service Director Oliver Clarke; International Service Director Jannelle Ambrose; Secretary Rickisha Terry; President Jessica Challenger; Immediate Past President and Vice President Mykel Samuel; Professional Service Director Shari Thomas; Community Service Director Abigail Burke; and Treasurer Wazir Browne.

Greg Walter 1986—1987 Shirlene Nibbs 1987—1988 Kevin Joseph 1988—1990 Josiane Salmon-Whyte 1990—1991 Deighton Martin 1991—1992 Karen James 1992—1994 Ira Charles 1994—1995 Delbert Baptiste 1995—1996 Lenore Watty 1996—1998 Cathy-Ann Tonge 1998—2000 Diana Browne 2000—2001 Herald Rolland 2001—2002 Chanette Mills 2002—2003 Daryll Matthew 2003—2004 Tricia Lovell 2004—2005 Cattrice Browne 2005—2006 Keita Mason 2006—2007 Kyron Simon 2007—2008 Margo Mason 2008—2009 Marissa Benjamin 2009- 2010 Niekesha Lake 2010—2011 J. Shamarie Spencer 2011—2012 Daydre Daley 2012—2013 Sharlene Matthew 2013—2014 Rozanne Emanuel 2014—2015 Mykel Samuel 2015—2016

10 REASONS FOR JOINING ROTARACT.

Vector Borne Illness Prevention Project with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross

If you want...

- Great way to meet new people -C hance to visit and learn about foreign countries - Exciting ways to serve your community - Networking opportunities - Dynamic addition to your résumé - Friendship and service - Leadership skills looked for by employers - To promote peace - Scholarship connections - To be a part of a world-wide phenomenon

ROTARACT CLUB OF ANTIGUA The Rotaract Club of Antigua was chartered on December 5, 1986 and is a part of a wider group of Rotaract clubs known as District 7030. The district includes clubs from St. Kitts, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Each year, Rotaractors get an opportunity to fellowship and network with fellow Rotaractors at a district conference.

Meetings are held at the Rotary House (opposite the Sagicor Building on the Factory Road) every first, second and third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm. We look forward to having you join us at one of our meetings to find out how you can make a difference.

The Rotaract Club of Antigua was borne as a project of the Rotary Club of Antigua and was originally founded by Rotarians, Patrick “Paddy” Benjamin and the late Anthony Michael. Greg Walter was the charter president and Keva Margetson served as the vice president.

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

G L O B A L C L I M AT E F U N D FOR ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

A " P R ACT I CA L S T E P F O RWA R D ” TOWA R D S D E L I V E R I N G T H E PA RI S AG RE E M E N T O N C L I M AT E C H A N G E .

Antigua and Barbuda and five over Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are seeking assistance for funding of climate related projects after the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub was launched in September.

The agreement for the new Commonwealth initiative was signed late September between the Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and Mauritius Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth.

Baroness Patricia Scotland Commonwealth Secretary-General

The first countries to formally request assistance from the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The Dominica-born secretary-general hailed the hub as a “practical step forward” towards delivering the Paris Agreement on climate change, which calls for the urgent release of funds.

“Climate change is arguably the greatest challenge facing the world today,” she said. “Increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, extreme weather and loss of ecosystems look set to radically alter the planet and pose an existential threat to many countries.”

Anerood Jugnauth Mauritius Prime Minister

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The hub, which is being hosted by the Mauritius government, is intended to assist governments with dealing with the ravaging effects of climate change by accessing funding from a global fund target of US$100 billion a year by 2020.

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“Donors are at last creating climate funds, but too often they are tied up in red tape and tremendously complicated to access, especially for small countries with limited capacity,” the commonwealth secretarygeneral said. “In short, the money isn’t getting to those who need it nearly fast enough.

“This Commonwealth initiative will make the difference in unlocking much needed capital for adaption and mitigation, thanks to the generosity of Mauritius and other partners.”

Despite the target of US$100 billion a year by 2020, only US$726 million of available climate finance has to-date been received by the 31 small states of the Commonwealth, whose populations of less than two million are among the most threatened by climate change, according to new analysis by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Endorsed by Commonwealth heads of government, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub-which is based in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius--will place national climate finance advisers in recipient countries for two years, at a time. The advisers will help host ministries identify and apply for funding streams.

The innovative approach will build on-the-ground capacity to access multilateral funds, such as the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund and Climate Investment Funds as well as private sector finance.

The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub is supported with a AUS$1 million grant from the Australian government and a £1 million grant from the Commonwealth Secretariat, plus in-kind support from the Government of Mauritius. •

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TOURISM FOCUS

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA PREDICTS BUMPER TOURIST SEASON IN 2017 " WE CA NNOT B E C OM E COMPLACENT ON OUR R E CE NT SUCCESS AND E X P E C T TH IS GROWTH TO CONT I NUE OR GANI CALLY. . . .

" Asot Michael Tourism Minister

Antigua and Barbuda is predicting 2017 to be a bumper year for the tourism sector with stay over tourist arrivals expected to surpass 280,000 and the number of cruise arrivals likely to exceed 1,000,000.

tourism minister said. “So, our challenge is to educate our key markets, and target new tourism niches and opportunities to offset any decrease in the romance market.”

Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Asot Michael said, “2016 has been a strong year for tourism…as we have seen double-digit growth in visitor arrivals and [we] have been fortunate to announce the start of multiple new tourism construction projects.”

The minister was speaking at a strategic meeting for tourism officials, which addressed current conditions in the industry and sought to determine actions for the future development of the sector. The tourism industry is the lifeblood of the local economy and represents the main source of employment at roughly 53 percent of the workforce. Michael said tourism contributes 60 percent of the gross domestic product making it the Antigua and Barbuda ‘s primary industry.

Michael added that tourism officials must ensure that the sector meets projected targets or even exceed them.

“We cannot become complacent on our recent success and expect this growth to continue organically,” Michael said. “We need to be strategic, dynamic, proactive and adaptive to all opportunities for strengthening and growing our tourism industry.”

The tourism minister said another key issue the region must address is the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

“The region overall has seen the impact of cancelled group reservations and felt the effect of those choosing not to travel if they are pregnant, or are in the child-bearing years of their lives,” Michael said. “This of course impacts the romance tourism sector – again – a key segment of the Caribbean and Antigua and Barbuda tourism. “ But, Michael said that due to the diligence and productivity of the various health agencies, Antigua and Barbuda has been able to minimise the spread of the virus.

“This continues to be a top priority for the government, but the overall perception of the spread of Zika in overseas markets is that the Caribbean equals Zika,” the BusinessFocus

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It is estimated that the tourism sector provides revenue of approximately US$750 million, and is responsible for 40 percent of all investment. “Our success as a nation relies on the success of tourism,” Michael said. “In other words, where goes tourism there goes the nation.”

Michael described the prevailing environment as “extraordinary” saying it requires “extraordinary responses not only for the tourism industry, but for the economies of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) individually and collectively.”

He reminded the meeting that earlier this year, the International Monetary Fund, in its assessment of the Antigua and Barbuda economy, stated quite clearly that it is “on the back of strong tourism inflows and lower oil prices, the Antigua and Barbuda economy has returned to growth after experiencing a recession in 2012 and close- to-zero growth in 2013.” •

TOURISM OFFICIAL: S O FA R B R E X I T HAS NOT AFFECTED REGIONAL TOURISM SECTOR

Wilchcombe, who is also the Tourism Minister of the Bahamas, said the Organisation will continue to monitor the effects of Brexit. He noted that apart from the decline in value of the pound sterling there was no other significant impact.

“The truth is that the numbers seem to be going up.” The CTO chairman said at the State of the Industry Conference event in September. “Now, what happens in the future? We will have to wait and see. But so far, people are still traveling, and tourism remains one of the most resilient industries in the world. So, we have not seen any decline, thus far, but obviously we are paying attention to it and continue to monitor it.”

He said that there has been an “excellent collaborative effort” among CARICOM, CTO and others to deal with the Brexit issue.

Wilchcombe, who succeeds Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Richard Sealy, will serve a two-year term.

It is his second stint as chairman. He was previously elected to the position in 2002.

Sealy, while confirming that his country was the leading source market for visitors out of the United Kingdom, said while there was no decline in arrivals, Brexit affected the value of the pound and brought with it uncertainty over the future of the market.

Obediah Wilchcombe - Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairman

However, he noted this was not new as Barbados has always had to live with fluctuating UK currency.

The recently installed Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairman Obediah “Obie” Wilchcombe said so far the body has not recorded any decline in arrivals out of the United Kingdom since Britain voted to opt out of the European Union in June.

Like Barbados, the two other Caribbean markets that rely heavily on visitors from the UK are Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada, while the USA is the major source market for most of the other CTO member states. •

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T O U R I S M I N " IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT A N T I G U A & ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA B A R B U D A A N D OFFERS A PLEASANTLY T H E W I D E R MEMORABLE AND UNIQUE C A R I B B E A N VISITOR EXPERIENCE.... " For the fifth consecutive year, the outlook for travel and tourism remains robust, despite economic fragilities and other sources of volatility in the wider market. The gross domestic product’s (GDP) growth contribution is expected to accelerate and again outpace growth of the wider economy.

Stronger growth in 2016 is likely to be underpinned by an improving global economy, the lowest oil prices in more than a decade, and overall household finances and disposable income will benefit from reduced energy costs.

Globally, tourism accounts for 9.8 percent of the GDP – US$7.2 trillion, the travel and tourism sector employs seven times more people than the automotive industry, and represents one in 11 jobs – 284 million people employed in the industry.

Amidst all this, in the last year, safety and security concerns have moved into the spotlight with recent incidences in Europe, and we have to assume that these issues will continue to cause concern among stakeholders, including travellers.

Thankfully, Antigua and Barbuda has an incredibly strong safety record. In fact, the country has decided to emphasise BusinessFocus

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this strong selling point and consistently share this message with potential visitors.

Other factors influencing the flow of travellers around the world include the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies and the shifting price of competitiveness of destinations.

Drilling down to the Caribbean, the total contribution of the travel and tourism sector to the region’s GDP in 2015 was US$53.1 billion, and is forecast to rise by 2.7 percent in 2016. It supported 13.3 percent of total employment (2,255,000 jobs) and is expected to rise by almost 1 percent this year to 2,276,000 jobs.

Of the 12 regions in the world, the Caribbean ranked the highest as having the travel and tourism sector contribute to the GDP based on relative size.

Essentially, the Caribbean is the region most reliant on travel and tourism to build the economy.

For Antigua and Barbuda, travel and tourism contributed to 57.1 per cent of the GDP in 2015 and is forecast to rise by 3.5 percent in 2016. In regards to employment, 51.6 percent of total employment – 18,500 jobs – was directly and indirectly supported by the industry.

This is expected to rise to 18,500 jobs this year. These figures would highlight the importance of the travel and tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda.

Data from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank shows that visitors spent around XCD$40 million more in Antigua and Barbuda for the first three months of this year (January through March) over the same time period, with just over XCD$314 million being spent.

In addition, the country has been fortunate to see the start of multiple new tourism construction projects, including the Pineapple Beach Club, which is set to reopen in October following renovations and rebranding as an adults-only resort.

Also, the Eden Village Premium Ocean Point Resort and Spa, which is located in the Hodges Bay area, is set to open in March next year – meaning the country will have an entirely new high-end property with one-bedroom suites, villas, and townhouses to appeal to visitors.

The incredibly popular partnership with Eden Viaggi, an Italian tour operator, and Alitalia, Italy’s national airline, will service the new resort and spa using direct charter flights from Milan.

Accessible tourism for all is about the creation of environments that can cater to the needs of everyone. This is something Antigua and Barbuda has been focusing on a lot lately – to ensure, where possible, that those with disabilities or young children, seniors and other individuals with special mobility access requirements are still able to fully appreciate everything the country has to offer.

The design of the new airport facility, which is equipped with jet-bridges, escalators and elevators with braille control buttons in the terminal, has made travel much easier for visually impaired passengers, travellers using wheelchairs and those passengers with other mobility issues.

The government is investing in improving the overall cruise product, as well, with plans already in motion for developing St. John’s Harbour to include extensions of the piers that will accommodate the largest vessels, along with the

construction of an additional pier to enable up to six ships to be berthed simultaneously.

tours and attractions, an outdoor amphitheatre, as well as a museum detailing the unique history of this fort.

The development of the quayside comes with the added benefits of new high-end shopping and facilities such as a cruise passenger terminal to re-position the destination to take advantage of home porting opportunities. The government is actively pursuing opportunities to be a homeport with several European based cruise lines in an effort to diversify the cruise ship offering.

It is imperative that Antigua and Barbuda offers a pleasantly memorable and unique visitor experience that should not be a one-off outcome but an all the time phenomenon, given the importance of earning repeat visitors, as well as attracting new ones through the sharing of positive experiences via social media. •

This season Pullmantur, which is scheduled to make 19 calls, will be offering home porting services from Antigua and Barbuda for the first time.

Another major initiative in which the government is investing is the Fort James Development Project that is aimed at leveraging the strength of one of the country’s best beaches by including authentic local restaurants, boutiques,

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Antigua and Barbuda is among six independent countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) that will have access to millions of dollars to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic, as well as tuberculosis.

AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams said Antigua and Barbuda is classified as a high income country, which makes it difficult for the twin-island state to qualify for global funding, but it can still access US$5.3 million under the MultiCountry Global Fund Project.

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Williams said that the funding is a means of targeting interventions for key populations to find out exactly where the AIDS epidemic stems.

The US$5.3 million is to be spent over a threeyear period. Williams said the countries to benefit were evaluated in workshops held by the OECS Commission over a two-day period in September.

Meantime, said that the two-day workshop in Antigua and Barbuda also sought to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

The good health advocate said Antigua and Barbuda’s grant proposal outlines that the authorities want to use HIV prevention activities to target the Most-at-Risk Population (MARPs), which would be men who have sex with men and female sex workers.

Funding was also requested for a case-based surveillance in which care and treatment will be made available to an HIV affected individual in each member state to ensure everyone, particularly, new cases are attended to quickly and efficiently. This is the second time that Antigua and Barbuda has received funding from the OECS, the first time was in 2005, and that came to a conclusion in 2010. •

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE By: Koren Norton

As we do our best to ensure that we maintain safe and comfortable workplaces in Antigua and Barbuda, we must understand that safety is not just about the physical environment, but also about the mental and emotional space in which employees are asked to operate. The Legal Dictionary defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that tends to create a hostile or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that occurs in the workplace.”

• C ornering persons in an office, elevator, behind the store, or some other space

We must ensure that we maintain a zero tolerance policy to sexual harassment in the workplace. Imagine how an employee would feel, if he or she were humiliated or preyed upon while at work. Imagine how the customers would feel coming to a place with such a reputation. Imagine the hit the company would take if other businesses refuse to collaborate because sexual harassment of workers is allowed.

It’s a lose-lose-lose situation, so it must be addressed.

• A sking non-relevant questions about a person’s personal life or relationships

Some examples of sexual harassment at work include:

If you are an employer receiving a complaint, it is best to investigate the complaint to ensure that it is a legitimate one and not a misunderstanding.

Speak with both parties involved and

• S uggesting that an employee only wears sexy, or short clothes when it is unrelated to her job BusinessFocus

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• R epeatedly making jokes with sexual innuendos even after being asked to stop • S exually explicit photos, texts or emails that are unwelcome • B rushing against persons or being in their physical space in an intimidating or offensive manner • K issing, touching or fondling persons against their wishes • C ommenting on a person’s body in a sexual manner

If you are being sexually harassed at work, ask the harasser to stop verbally, and if possible in writing. If this does not work, a report could be filed with your supervisor, or the human resource department that would make the necessary investigations. If that does not yield any satisfaction, then you may contact your union representative, or the Ministry of Labour.

review texts, emails, or verbal reports submitted. In some cases, the issue might be resolved with an apology and an agreement from the harasser to stop. In other cases, it might require the harasser being disciplined or transferred.

In extreme cases, where the person continues to perpetrate the harassment in spite of the employee’s concerns or the concerns of several employees, then that person might need to have his or her services terminated. There should be written reports of warnings.

All workplaces should inform employees that sexual harassment is not tolerated and clearly outline the consequences of such actions. While we hope it never happens, a well-written policy should provide clear guidelines on how to handle sexual harassment. Such a policy should be based on relevant legislative acts.

Just for the record, it is still considered harassment if you work with someone as a supervisor and you make an unwelcome sexual pass at him, or her at a staff dinner held outside of the workplace. The fact that you had two rum punches is no excuse.

Men can also be sexually harassed and the harassment can occur between members of the opposite sex, or same sex. Sexual harassment can occur

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verbally, physically or even using texts or e-mails. Unfortunately, many women have endured unwanted attention to keep a job, or get a promotion until they can get better opportunities.

If your touching, comments or writing makes a person feel uncomfortable, if it is not work related and if it is brought to your attention, you have an obligation to stop. All employees have a right to be treated with respect and to be able to work in a safe, non-hostile, comfortable and productive environment. •

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

SOCIAL SECURITY– MAKING IT S U S TA I N A B L E !

By: Everett Christian

Social Security was created to provide benefits to insured persons and their beneficiaries when there is a reduction of earnings as a result of sickness, pregnancy, invalidity, retirement or death. The Social Security Act was passed into law on July 11, 1972, and subsequently, the Social Security Scheme was launched on April 2, 1973.

When Social Security was introduced in 1973, the average life expectancy in Antigua and Barbuda was 66.51 years, so the average beneficiary would be paid a pension for an average of 6.5 years. Due to the improvement in life expectancy, the average beneficiary now receives a pension for 15.8 years, which is twice as long as it was designed to do.

The question that arises is: “Has Social Security fulfilled its mandate?” While Social Security has been able to meet its commitments to contributors to date, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. There are serious questions regarding the long-term sustainability of the Social Security Fund, and this needs to be addressed.

An equally important statistic is what is referred to as the “dependency ratio.” This ratio represents the number of active contributors to the fund for every pensioner. When the fund was established in 1973, the projection was that there would be 10 active contributors for every pensioner, or a ratio of 10:1. As at December 2013, the dependency ratio was 4.2:1, or less than 50 percent of what is required to make the fund sustainable.

Life expectancy is an important consideration when pricing all insurance policies, and Social Security is in reality an important insurance policy that covers the risks (benefits) detailed in the opening sentence. The chart below illustrates the trend in life expectancy in Antigua and Barbuda: LIFE EXPECTANCY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA YEAR

MEN

WOMEN

OVERALL

1973

64.03

69.11

66.51

1983

66.89

72.06

69.41

1993

69.39

74.48

71.87

2003

71.63

76.53

74.02

2013

73.48

78.30

75.83

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Social Security is a “pay-as-you-go” system where benefits for pensioners and other beneficiaries come from the contributions made by current contributors. The two sets of statistics provided above reveal why Social Security, as presently structured, is not sustainable over the long term. Pensions are being paid for more than twice as long as was intended, while the number of active contributors is less than 50 percent of what is required.

For the period January to April 2014, contribution income amounted to $33.9 million, while other income amounted to $4 million making total income of $37.9 million. For the same period, pensions and other long-term benefits amounted to $31.7 million; Short-term benefits amounted to $2.6 million, and administrative expenses amounted to $3.6 million for total expenditure of $37.9 million. As such, the fund broke even for the period.

These figures reveal that pensions and long-term benefits represented 93.5 percent of contribution income. Once you add short-term benefit payments, total benefit payments amounted to 101.2 percent of contribution income, and 98.3 percent of total income.

For the year 2013, the number of pensioners increased by 686, or an average increase of 57 each month. The average now exceeds 60 each month. In order to maintain the status quo, and avoid any further deterioration in the finances of the fund, there would need to be a minimum of 600 new active contributors each month.

Age pension and other long-term benefits is the single largest expenditure incurred by Social Security. Nothing can be done to reduce the number of pensioners, so steps must be taken to slow the rate at which new persons qualify for a pension. The decision to increase the pensionable age is a correct one, but:

Antigua and Barbuda does not have the capacity to generate this level of new jobs. In fact based on information obtained, contribution income declined in 2015 compared with 2014; and that trend has reportedly continued in 2016.

This suggests that there has been a decline in employment and/or there has been an increase in non-compliance.

When one examines the trend in life expectancy, the retirement age should be extended to 67 rather than 65.

To complicate matters, it has been established that in relation to contribution income, Antigua and Barbuda has the highest level of administrative expenses when compared with other countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. During the public consultations that were held in 2011/2012, various stakeholders demanded and the Board of Directors agreed to take steps to reduce administrative expenses. Steps were taken to adhere to that commitment through the use of attrition and job enrichment. During the last two years, this trend has been reversed, and administrative expenses have increased, so that a bad situation has been made worse.

The question is, what should be done to turn around the fortunes of Social Security? No single action can do the trick, and what is required is a combination of actions to include the following: To bring about immediate relief, the contribution rate needs to be increased, and the strategy to increase it to 17 percent over time is correct. I however differ with the decision to increase the rate by 2 percent, effective January 2017.

Instead, I recommend a 1 percent increase (.50 percent for employer and .50 percent for employee) each year over the next 7 years.

Meanwhile, efforts must be made to continue previous efforts to widen the net of contributors.

Greater emphasis should be placed on enhancing compliance, which has declined over the last two years.

The Social Security Act should be amended, to enhance the powers of the director to collect outstanding contributions. This should include the ability to garnishee the accounts of employers indebted to the fund.

The penalty structure for non-compliance should be strengthened, so that it acts as a real deterrent to delinquency.

In most countries of the world, Social Security is considered a payroll tax. This allows it to be treated as any other tax due to the government, and is given priority ahead of other creditors.

Rather than increasing the pensionable age by one year every two years, the process should be accelerated by increasing it one year every year, for a period of seven years.

While these steps will arrest any deterioration in the finances of Social Security in the short to medium term, it must be recognised that we will not return to a situation where the dependency ration is 10:1. Based on trends, it is likely that the dependency ratio could decline to 3:1. New approaches therefore need to be implemented to reduce long-term benefit payout, while increasing contribution income. Consideration should therefore be given (over the next 15 to 20 years) to: Making Social Security a retirement pension rather than an age pension. Put simply, an individual will not receive a pension from Social Security once they are gainfully employed. This could be made subject to certain considerations such as the level of income compared to the pension they would qualify for, if not gainfully employed. The intention is to ensure that the individual would not experience a reduction in income due to the decision to remain in the workforce.

Social Security in Antigua and Barbuda is asset rich but cash poor, and these non-performing assets should be converted into cash or other income generating assets. For this reason, when negotiating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and Social Security in 2010, in addition to the bond for $330 million, the board of directors made a demand for a mix of readily marketable lands and shares in government owned entities such as State Insurance Corporation and West Indies Oil Company, up to a value of $220 million. This way, the lands could be flipped rather quickly at a profit, while the shares in viable companies would generate ongoing dividend income.

An effort was made (and should continue) to sell some of the existing real estate holdings, which are not generating income for the fund. The decision to transfer ownership of the former U.S. military facility at Coolidge to the board is not helpful, as to the best of my knowledge, it is not an income generating asset and could prove difficult to dispose of to generate needed cash flow.

The time has come for the Social Security Board and the Ministry of Finance to be innovative and forward looking, if they are to succeed in making the fund sustainable over the long haul.•

For those persons above the “normal pensionable age,” who remain active in the workforce, they should be required to continue contributing to the fund. Though, their employers would be exempt from paying their portion of the contributions.

Eventually, Social Security will need to find other ways to increase contribution income, without incurring a comparable liability in respect of sickness, maternity or pension benefits. Specifically, while there should be a “pensionable income,” some methodology should be developed for employers and employees to pay contributions on income that exceeds the “insurable” limit. However, in calculating benefits for such individuals, a formula of the pensionable income plus say 20 percent of the income above the said insurable income should be used to calculate the benefit. I am not aware that any such approach has been used in other jurisdictions, but we need to consider novel strategies.

Everett Christian was a Banker for 41 years and worked in Antigua, Guyana, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where he held management positions. He was the Project Manager of Revenue Administration Reform, within the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Public Administration in Antigua & Barbuda for five years. He currently serves as a Management and Financial Consultant and Motivational Speaker, providing a range of consultancy services to include the preparation of business plans and organisation restructuring. Share your thoughts with via Everett.S.Christian@gmail. com or telephone (268) 464-8342.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

HIV/AIDS 35 YEARS L AT E R On June 15, 1981, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta announced that a new disease was affecting homosexual men. This disease was referred to as the Gay Related Immune Disease (GRID). Now referred to as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), it has infected over 70 million people and killed over 36 million individuals worldwide. To put this into perspective, the entire Caribbean has a population of 39.17 million persons.

When I first heard of HIV/AIDS, I suspected it would be devastating. It was impossible, however, to imagine the extent of despair it would cause. I have seen many lives, marriages and families fractured by this disease. The mission to avert HIV was started early, but 35 years later, the war still rages on.

One of the first endeavours I took up in the fight against HIV was educating myself about the disease, so that I could also educate the public. In 1983, I visited the Montefiore Hospital in New York to observe how patients with HIV/AIDS were being managed. At that time, no one knew if the virus could be transmitted by “casual contact,” hence, gloves and masks were worn at all times when attending to these patients.

Upon my return to Antigua, I began speaking about HIV to doctors, nurses and the public via radio, television and face-to-face interactions. I believe that BusinessFocus

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educating the public about the disease was of and still is of great importance.

In my opinion, Antiguans were the most informed persons in the world about HIV, at that point in time. It was thought that through education transmission could be decreased and any fears or stigmas attached to this disease could be stifled.

Unfortunately, it appears as though education has not made the impact we expected and hoped for. A lack of continued education has hindered the fight against HIV. Even more damning is the nonchalant attitude towards HIV. The advent of HIV medications has allowed infected persons to have reasonably healthy lives. For this reason, I do not believe that the true horrors of this disease have been showcased to many of our young people. This is most troubling because we now have a new generation of young people, who are ignorant of HIV/AIDS, but even more frightening they are not cautious about getting the disease either. School teachers, therefore, need to be educated about sexually transmitted diseases (STI) including HIV, so that information can be passed from them to students in a more academic and non-threatening setting.

Health agencies worldwide have also seen the importance of continued education and raising awareness to help prevent the spread of HIV. In 2002, The World Health Organisation (WHO) chose as its World AIDS Day theme “Stigma and Discrimination, Live and Let Live.”

Many thought that this theme was inappropriate, at the time; yet after 35 years, the world continues to stigmatise and discriminate against persons living with HIV/AIDS. The theme was and still is an emotionally provoking one that forces us to look in the mirrors and assess our own biases.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic has become the ultimate test of humanity, a moral dilemma that questions the Christian principle of being our brother’s keeper. It can bring out the best and worst in people.

These unfortunate people have been stigmatised because of strong cultural

taboos about homosexuality, illicit drug usage, promiscuous behaviour and prostitution. Stigma and discrimination deny people living with HIV/AIDS the right to be part of humanity and makes each of us who perpetrate these deeds inhumane. The social ostracising, which results from stigma and discrimination, makes all of us victims of our own actions.

There is no doubt that the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic has been felt in the lives of many of our families and friends, who face psychological issues in the workplace or at school. This harms and devalues the persons living with this infection. It interferes with the physical, mental and financial well-being of these individuals. Such discrimination is a clear violation of an individual’s human rights, which we should all fight to protect.

This discrimination reminds me of my earliest encounter with an HIV patient in Antigua at The Holberton Hospital, in early 1985. At that time, HIV was diagnosed only by signs and symptoms -- since the ELISA test, which is the blood test used to identify the presence of the virus was not discovered until later that year. I do not remember exactly how he looked except that he was very emaciated.

What I do remember is how he was treated. He was a young, black male who had returned to Antigua from the United States. He had been ignorantly isolated to prevent the spread of his disease. I remember seeing the wary looks tossed his way and nurses hurrying away from the door after they dropped off his food. One day, he vomited and neither maids nor nurses wanted to clean the vomitus. I believe that the hospital staff was reacting out of fear, since this was the first HIV patient they were exposed to. The situation became so intense that the staff threatened to strike if the patient was not removed.

To some extent, a lot of the stigma and discrimination that surrounded HIV came from medical and nursing personnel.

Unfortunately, this stigma and discrimination still exists. People with HIV are still poorly treated, but this treatment has improved over the years.

Although, I had my first encounter in 1985, I did not diagnose my first HIV patient until a year later. In 1986 there were no treatment options available, so my patient and I waited expectantly and impatiently. When treatment options became available to us in 1992, I immediately began treating my first patient. I treated all my patients with HIV upon diagnosis regardless of how they looked or felt. At that time, this was not WHO or CDC guideline. This guideline was not instituted until September 30, 2015. The anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs we now use are very effective. They are so effective that they have put HIV into the chronic disease category with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. ARVs have saved an estimated 4.2 million lives since the introduction of these guidelines in 2015. Further, the use of ARVs and early treatment has decreased HIV transmission by 20 percent.

Although, the medications to treat HIV became available to us in 1992, the cost of the medications presented itself as a major hurdle to the fight against HIV/AIDS. With the help of international agencies, including The Clinton Foundation and the United Nations Global Fund, medications have been made available to HIV patients in the OECS free-of-cost and at a drastically reduced cost to governments.

A reduced cost of medications is just one way the region has welcomed the assistance of and partnered with nonprofit organisations in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Together, governments and international agencies have combatted the disease through, testing, treatment and education. In fact, in 1992 The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) opened The AIDS Secretariat to assist in this way. The Secretariat has also played an integral role in terms of HIV testing and educating the general public in Antigua and Barbuda. This education has helped to reduce the transmission of HIV, as well as reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding this disease.

We have been fighting the good fight, but we are still seeing mother to child transmissions worldwide of about 15-45

percent. Antigua is one of the few places where the transmission rate from HIV infected mother to child is zero percent in those mothers, who accept treatment during their pregnancy. Although, we should be proud of this, I still believe there should be mandatory HIV testing for pregnant women just as there is routine testing for rubella, hepatitis B, syphilis and other conditions.

Also, all prisoners should have a mandatory HIV test before they are placed in a cell with other non-infected prisoners. This would reduce the spread of the disease within the prison population, which has notoriously been known to have transmission rates three times higher than the general population worldwide.

Thirty-five years later, the question still is: “Should we be celebrating, or just observing a milestone?” We have good reasons to celebrate the dramatic progress made in HIV/AIDS medicine. I can unreservedly say that we have come a long way with the improvements made in HIV/ AIDS education, and even more profoundly HIV/AIDS treatment. The diagnosis of HIV is no longer a “death sentence,” but we must work together to eradicate the stigma attached to the disease and transmission of it altogether. •

Dr. Sir Prince Ramsey

M.B.,B.S.,K.G.C.N., DSc.,O.D.,O.M.,O.St.j Family Physician Reg#7139

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MAJOR MOVES He is also a 2002 graduate of the University of the West Indies Executive Masters in Business Administration (EMBA) programme. John is a Notary Public of Antigua and Barbuda and also a certified court mediator. He conducts mediation under the existing rules of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. •

New Legal Draftsman to Lead the Legislative Charge for New University Ashwini Singh has been appointed General Manager of Regional Publications Ltd..

Ashwini Singh has been appointed General Manager of Regional Publications Ltd., publishers of the Antigua & Barbuda Telephone Directory & Yellow Pages, Antigua & Barbuda Business Focus Magazine, and the Antigua & Barbuda Tourist Map. The company is also associated with the publishing of the OECS Business Focus Magazine.

Ashwini is a St. Lucian national and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, with a Degree in Finance and Administration. She is also an experienced Audit Professional having been previously employed with PwC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) St. Lucia. She has over 10 years of work experience in Canada in the fields of management, marketing and insurance.

In addition she is a certified Life Coach. •

Police Service Commission Gets New Chair Attorney-at-law Kelvin John is the new Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

John, who was first called to the bar of the Commonwealth of Dominica in 1993, is a past president of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association.

He has since practiced in the areas of criminal law, maritime, constitutional/ administrative litigation, civil litigation and real property matters, first as a state attorney and then as an associate in the firm of Cilma A. M. Dupigny, Barrister -atLaw and Solicitor, and as a partner with this firm since 1997.

In 1990, he graduated from the University of the West Indies, Cavehill Campus based in Bridgetown, Barbados with a Bachelor of Laws Degree, Second Class Honours. From 1991 to 1993, he attended the Norman Manley Law School in Kingston, Jamaica where he completed the Legal Education Certificate.

John holds a Masters of Law (LLM) in International Maritime Law read at the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Malta, a certification he received in 1991.

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Retired Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Errol Thomas has joined the Ministry of Legal Affairs on a three-year contract.

Justice Thomas’ main role is to draft the necessary legislation to govern the University College of Antigua and Barbuda, College of the West Indies.

Thomas will also train or supervise four recent university graduates to become legal draftspersons as well as two other persons already working in the field to improve their skills.

Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin said the Vincentian born lawyer has worked in the legal profession since the early ‘70s and has been instrumental in drafting laws in several countries in the region, including Grenada and Barbados.

According to the ECSC’s official website, Justice Thomas served as crown counsel, parliamentary counsel and registrar of titles in the Ministry of Housing, Lands and the Environment in Barbados; solicitor general in St. Lucia, attorney general in Grenada and from 2001 he began serving as a High Court judge. He also worked as the executive director of Grenada International Financial Services Authority for a nine-month period in 2002. Then from 2002 – 2007 [August] he worked as High Court Judge of the ECSC and in 2009 he was an acting judge in the ECSC. •

MAJOR MOVES A past president of the local medical association and former treasurer of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (Antigua and Barbuda chapter), Ramsey was also the vice president of the Antiguan Planned Parenthood Association; a board member of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and was the founder and chairman of the Friends of Fiennes Institute, and is listed by the American Biographical Institute in the International Directory of Distinguished Leadership.

Antigua Appoints Two New Cultural Ambassadors In the past few years, Ricardo Drue skyrocketed to fame and became widely recognised across the globe as a soca icon.

His appeal to a wide cross section of groups is what Cabinet agreed makes him an excellent choice to be a cultural ambassador.

As a part of his ambassadorial duties, Drue is expected to advance Antigua and Barbuda in the Soca World and promote the land of his birth as a cultural and tourist destination.

Ricardo is no stranger to the role of ambassador, as he is currently one of Digicel’s Brand Ambassadors.

A second ambassador was also named: Dennis “Menace” Roberts, who is also tasked with promoting Antigua and Barbuda as a cultural and tourism destination.

In recent years, the newly appointed cultural ambassador elevated his craft with his signature voice and is now recognised around the Caribbean and in the United States.

Like Drue, Roberts too performed at Miami’s carnival in recent years and has rocked the boat in other states. The discipline he has applied to making music over the years has brought him thus far and he continues to grow as an artist every day.

Roberts is also no stranger to the role of ambassador, as he is currently an APUA Inet’s brand ambassador. Both men said they are honoured by the appointment and are anxious to perform the long list of tasks that Minister of Culture EP Chet Greene said he has lined up. •

Sir Prince Ramsey Conferred With Honorary Doctorate For Work In HIV/AIDS Field Antiguan physician, Sir Prince Ramsey was conferred with an honorary degree as Doctor of Science (DSc), for his work in the field of HIV/AIDS during the eight UWI open campus graduation ceremony held in October.

Sir Ramsey, a highly respected family physician in private practice in Antigua and Barbuda, has been described as having the zeal of a missionary in taking his personal and professional messages on HIV/AIDS to more than 20 Caribbean countries, the U.S. and Canada, most times free of cost.

“Considered to be one of the region’s foremost experts on HIV/AIDS, Sir [Ramsey] has lectured for more than 25 years on this critical medical and social issue across schools and churches in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as to student nurses and midwives,” UWI said, noting that he provided all required anti-retroviral medications for the AIDS patients before they were made available by the government in 2005.

Ramsey’s work and unselfish contributions have been recognised by the people of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean. He received the Queen’s Commission as Major and Medical Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and is an honourable member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the USA. He was also appointed “Officer Brother” to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem for his 25 years of voluntary contribution to the St. John’s Ambulance Society. He has also received many local, regional and international accolades for his contribution to health, especially in the HIV/AIDS field.

He received three national awards: The Order of Merit, The Order of Distinction, and The Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of the Nation. His volunteer contributions to Antigua and Barbuda have made him an honourary member of the Jaycees, Optimist, Rotary and Lion’s Clubs of Antigua and Barbuda.

In 2012, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP) with “The Order of Excellence” honoured Ramsey for his contribution to HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean.

As a true Caribbean soul, his hobbies include playing dominoes and writing calypsos. He has written over 100 calypsos for 50 calypsonians and produced 45 calypso albums from 1980 to 2009. •

“In, addition, Sir [Ramsey] has served as a volunteer medical officer, lecturer and examiner for the Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance Society. He was appointed the nation’s AIDS Clinical Care Coordinator as well.”

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MAJOR MOVES

A New Chairman is Appointed to the ABTA Board The former chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, has taken the seat of Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Board of Directors.

Skerritt will also serve as an advisor to the Minister of Tourism Asot Michael. As NonExecutive Chairman of the ABTA, Skerritt will be responsible for overseeing the development of policies and strategies designed to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a world-class tourism and travel destination.

In announcing the recent appointment, Minister Michael said, “I am very excited that Ricky Skerritt has agreed to join our tourism leadership team. We have already begun taking a number of important steps towards revitalizing our tourism product, and Mr. Skerritt’s advice and leadership will be invaluable to us going forward.”

Skerritt, who was the Minister of Tourism and International Transport in St. Kitts and Nevis from 2004 – 2015, was appointed chairman effective October 1, for two years, in accordance with a Cabinet decision.

He is said to have been instrumental in attracting the United States-based cruise industry to St. Kitts, increasing cruise passenger arrivals, and leading several redevelopments and re-organisations of tourism related bodies and areas in St. Kitts. •

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Kathy Lammers Heads the Caribbean Sailing Association

Casroy James Appointed Ambassador Designate to Qatar Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, E. Casroy James has now been named as ambassador designate to Qatar.

Part of his role involves helping attract investors to Antigua and Barbuda under the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

James has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry with over 10 years spent working in the areas of investment banking, brokerage and investment advisory services. He spent the last decade focusing on the securities industry developing multijurisdictional experience and business in Latin America, Caribbean and the United States. He is also a former member of the board of directors at the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange.

He is currently the director of the Immigrant Investor Programme at James and Maginley Ltd, a real estate and financial consulting company. In his role, James provides consulting and advisory services to applicants of the Antigua Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme as promulgated by the Antigua Barbuda Citizenship Act 2013.

The new ambassador holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the West Indies. He is a Certified Financial Planning professional (CFP®), and a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®). He holds postgraduate certificates in financial planning and investment management from Florida State University and the Wharton School of Business respectively. •

At the annual general meeting of the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) that was held at the Jolly Beach Resort and Spa in Antigua in October, incumbent President Kathy Lammers was voted back in to lead the organisation for another year.

Lammer is also Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee for Antigua Sailing Week.

Alongside her, Peter Holmberg, past president, will continue to serve as well as directors Pam Fuller (treasurer), Mike Green and Alison SlyAdams (vice presidents). Newly elected directors include Mei Ling Evan-Wong (secretary), Ian Hope Ross and Mark Theron (vice presidents) and Bastien Pouthier (chief measurer) will also act as chief technical officer.

Of her re-appointment Lammers said, “The Caribbean Sailing Association has grown and progressed over the past several years and we are very proud of its many achievements. It’s a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated and hardworking people –- members and co-directors alike -- and I look forward to working together to progress our many projects in the coming year.”

The CSA Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to bring regatta organisers, CSA rating rule measurers, race officials, members of national authorities, yacht club managers and youth sailing co-ordinators together for a weekend of discussion, education and inspiration.

One of the major outcomes of this year’s meeting was the further endorsement of the importance of regional sailing development and support of youth programmes. The members clearly see a need to assist in support and coordination of sailing at the grassroots level because it is a great opportunity for regattas and clubs to give back to the communities in which they operate with the positive outcome of increasing home grown Caribbean sailors •

EVENTS 2016/17

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE BAHAMAS – JAN. 31 - FEB 2, 2017 Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the region's largest and most significant marketing forum, will return to The Bahamas for the second consecutive year when the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) stages the event from January 31-February 2, 2017 at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

In addition to CHTA, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2017 will be organised with the support of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (PITDA) and The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).

Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the vital opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation packages over the course of two days of business meetings.

8TH ANNUAL ST. LUCIA BUSINESS AWARDS ST. LUCIA - JAN. 28, 2017 The St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture will host the St. Lucia Business Awards as the grand finale event in St. Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Week by honouring business excellence on the island. The goal of the awards continues to be, rewarding and celebrating top performing companies within St. Lucia’s private sector. The awards have brought much prestige and attention to the many winners and nominees over the years. This is testament to the high regard, which people hold the awards and its independent adjudication process.

For further info: www.stluciachamber.org

CAPACITY CARIBBEAN CONFERENCE SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO – FEB. 7 - 8, 2017 Celebrating its 11th year running in 2017, Capacity Caribbean is the only wholesale telecommunications event for the entire Caribbean market. The event aids to unite the local telecommunications market with international service providers. With nine cables connecting the island, Puerto Rico is seen as a hub for broadband connectivity within the Caribbean market.

For further info: http://www.capacityconferences.com/Capacity-Caribbean.html

CARAIFA - THE CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS 31ST ANNUAL SALES CONGRESS : THEME: “THE POWER OF IMAGINATION” BARBADOS – MAY 21 - 24, 2017 CARAIFA is an umbrella organization of regional life underwriting associations whose members are engaged primarily in the sale of the products of life insurance and financial Services companies.

CARAIFA hosts an annual conference of the life underwriters/financial advisors throughout the region in May each year.

These congresses feature motivational and inspiring regional and international speakers.

For futher information visit our website www.caraifa.com

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NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS

NAME

COMPANY NAME

DIRECTORS

NATURE

DIRECTOR(S)

NATURE

MAKKARONI LTD.

TIZIANO ROSIGNOLI

ROTARY CLUB OF ANTIGUA INC.

PAUL RYAN FAUNDA PRIMO EVANGELINE CORDNER VERNON GORDON-JULIEN DESDEMONA LAKE SOMI GERBRON NARESH VELUSEMLY DONALD A. BAILEY HOWARD KELLY RICHARD PENTON PATRICK RYAN DR. JAMES. W. SUTTON JACQUELINE YEARWOOD ANNA-MARIE JOSEPH NORRIS SCHOLAR CRAIG RYAN ANTHONY SMITH JR. DANIEL GRADY MARK RYAN IMTIYAZ ADAM FARMAN RAMJOHN THE RIGHT REV. RELTON CHRISTIAN THE RIGHT REV. MARTHA WILLIAMS THE RIGHT REV. TROY GEORGE THE RIGHT REV. FEDRA TAVIA HUNTE THE RIGHT REV. CELEST CHRISTMAN THE RIGHT REV. HAZEL LUKE VINEMA JARVIS ZAHRA AIRALL MELINE ST. HILAIRE PETER ANTHONY HORTON WENDY ANNE HORTON

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, DORMITORY AND CAFETERIA SERVICES COMMUNITY SERVICES

AKPARO LTD. ZETTAZ LTD. OLYMPUS RENTALS LTD. MCMC SECOND CHANCE FOUNDATION INC.

DAMC LTD.

ADAMS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ANTIGUA (AIMA) LTD. THE SCIENCE OF BEING CENTER OF TRUTH: ANTIGUA TEMPLE OF LIGHT, LOVE AND TRUTH INC.

THE CARING ARMS FOUNDATION INC.

HORTON ENTERPRISES LTD.

CARINCONEX LTD.

TAMEKA JARVIS-CHRISTOPHER

CLAYMORE INVESTMENT LTD.

MELAREEN JARVIS-CHRISTOPHER ALTHEA GAGE CLAUDINE LANDFIELD KHALDEM JOSEPH

TWISH WHOLESALE INVESTMENT SUPPLIES AND TRADING LTD.

THEODORE BUSINESS CONSORTIUM LTD.

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OLIVER THEODORE

SALON AND SPA SERVICES SOFTWARE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RELATED SERVICES MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL SERVICE NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION PROVIDING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF SUPERMARKET

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

CHURCH

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION PROPERTY RENTAL (VILLA 223 ST. JAMES CLUB) FREIGHT FORWARDING AND SHIPPING REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

EXPORT AND IMPORT SERVICES, RENTAL SERVICES, WHOLESALE SUPPLIER OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS AND SUPPLIES PROCESSING, PACKAGING AND EXPORTING OF SEAFOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME MOUNT PLEASANT DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION INC.

MORTIMER HOLDINGS LTD. EURODOMOTICA ANTIGUA LTD.

EBUZZ NETWORK LTD.

RGM SOLUTIONS INC. TERSYS ANTIGUA LTD.

VANNAMEI ANTIGUA LTD. ANIDRA PROPERTIES INC.

MILLBOARD (ANTIGUA) LTD. BELLEVUE TRUCKING LTD.

DIRECTORS SHARON FRANCIS CLARVIS MYKE DJON LAKE-KENTISH DR. RADCLIFFE ROBINS EUTHA MEADE KAREN CHARLES MASSIAH SEPTIMUS RHUDD JAIME MANUEL BERNARDEZ ZERPA RAYE JOSE RAMON RAMIREZ CALVO BOYLE CARTER KENLIE BROWNE KAREEM JOHN RHODSHA .A. OLIVE GREG BROWNE JAIME MANUEL BERNARDEZ ZERPA RAYA JOSE RAMON RAMIREZ CALVO PAUL PAPADOPOULOS RHODSHA .A. OLIVE

ALAN SYRETT PAUL SMITH SHELBY JAMES

LAWBENJAMES INC. GO PEOPLE WORLD INC.

CHARLES THOMAS-WATSON PAUL CHARLES TRISTAN WILSON

SHADOW INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD.

ALBANO CUOMO

TIAMAT INC.

WILLIAMS FRANCIS JR. DEIDRA J. JARVIS ROLSTON WILLIAMS

RED INVESTMENT LTD. SG MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING SERVICES LTD. VISTA PROPERTIES INC.

SHENELLE GONSALVES

PAN AM WORLD AIRWAYS (ANTIGUA) INC.

SIXTO ALEXANDER BARRIOS ESCAURIZA FEDERICO RAFAEL FERNANDEZ DIAZ WILMAM ANTONI CACERES FLORES KAREN VAN RENSBURG ISSANO FIELDS ROCHELLE PETERS

LIGHTHOUSE YACHTING LTD. IRF CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES LTD.

JUDITH STUBBS DAWN BERRY

NATURE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

PROPERTY HOLDING COMPANY TELECOMMUNICATION AND PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANY MARKETING AND PROMOTION OF SOCIAL EVENTS SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONDUCTING OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND GEOTECHNICAL STUDIES AGRICULTURE SERVICES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND REAL ESTATE SERVICES PROVISION OF DECKING AND OUTDOOR FURNITURE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND INVESTMENT, LAND TRANSACTION, PROPERTY OWNERSHIP AND REAL ESTATE ADVISORY SERVICES TRUCKING AND HAULING TRAVEL AND LEISURE AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT RELATED BUSINESS SPORTS BAR, RESTAURANT AND APARTMENT INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN AGRICULTURE SPORTS MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT COMPANY OFFICE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES REAL ESTATE, PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES AIRLINE SERVICE

YACTHING SERVICE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE BUSINESS

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NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME BERRI AND SONS FURNITURE AND DECO FACTORY LTD. THE BEAUTIFUL SEA FACTORY INC.

DONGO SERVICES LTD. CSW LTD. K.S.L CONSULTANTS LTD. 17th CENTURY LTD. B. HEALTHY WELLNESS AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTRE INC. EMERGE ED CONSULTANTS INC. (N.P)

E.J.K LTD. J.K.E LTD. STELLA PLACE MANAGEMENT COMPANY LTD.

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DIRECTORS

NATURE

KAMAL BARRI

FURNITURE MANUFACTURER

PHILIPPE SUBLET ANNE CHRISTINE GIRANDY EVERTON GONSALVES DONNA-MARIA CHATTEN

YACHT CHATERS MARKETING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS CONSULTING AND CORPORATE ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS

JOE MERCHANT MARIAN BARBARA HESSE KEVIN JOSEPH LORRIE-ANN JOSEPH GAYE HECHME SHENNIQUE HENRY GORDON DAMIAN GORDON

OUTLET FOR CARIBBEAN SPORTS NEWS PERSONAL AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY SERVICES REAL ESTATE HEALTH CARE, WELLNESS, COACHING AND MEDICAL ASSISTED WEIGHT MANAGEMENT SERVICES EDUCATIONAL AND MENTORING SERVICES

DR. CYNTHIA .P. RUSSELL SANDY GEORGE JACQUELINE PETERS-RICHARDS JEWELLE GORE-HURST GEMMA HAZLEWOOD GEMMA HAZLEWOOD MARY JANE ANDERSON

HOLDING MANAGEMENT COMPANY INVESTMENT COMPANY REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

ADVERTISER’S INDEX COMPANY COMPANY

PAGE PAGE

ANTIGUA BARBUDA DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SERVICES

19 - 52

ANTIGUA COMMERCIAL BANK (ACB)

79

APUA

IBC

APUA INET

15

APUA INET

59

AXCEL FINANCE

3

BRYSONS GEO W BENNET BRYSON & CO LTD

11

BUDGET MARINE

IFC

CHALLENGER'S ENTERPRISES

89

COMMUNITY FIRST CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION

73

COOL AND SMOOTH

83

CRAB HOLE LIQUORS

85

DELUXIUM SOLUTIONS

87

DEWS

18

EASTERN CARIBBEAN AMALGAMATED BANK

69

EXOTIC ANTIGUA

91

EYE MOBILE VISION CARE

77

EYELAND OPTICAL

71

FRANCIS TRADING

77

GIGI INDUSTRIES

65

GILCON ENTERPRISES

65

H & G PAINTS

87

HENDERSON (2004)

35

IDEAL EQUIPMENT

45

KENNEDY'S ENTERPRISES

69

LICS LIMITED

83

MAJESTIC REALTY

83

MEDICAL BENEFITS SCHEME

89

NELSON'S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK

57

OBMI

75

PARADISE BOAT SALES REFRIGERATION SERVICES

53 BusinessFocus

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HENDERSON (2004)

35

IDEAL EQUIPMENT

45

KENNEDY'S ENTERPRISES

69

LICS LIMITED

83

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

MAJESTIC REALTY

83

MEDICAL BENEFITS SCHEME

89

NELSON'S DOCKYARD NATIONAL PARK OBMICOMPANY

57 PAGE 75

PARADISE BOAT SALES

53

REFRIGERATION SERVICES

63

REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS LTD.

1

SAGICOR LIFE

16-17

SCOTIABANK

5

SMP EXPRESS INC.

35

STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION

63

SUN GENERAL

OBC

TRADEWINDS

49

TROPICAL LANDSCAPING

85

WEST INDIES OIL COMPANY

35

WOODS PHARMACY

79

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HERE COMES THE SUN.

SAY HELLO TO A NEW BEGINNING.

visit sungeneral.net or call 481-2715 Woods Centre, Friars Hill Road, St.John’s www.sungeneral.net

A SunGroup Member Company BusinessFocus

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ANGUILLA • ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • BARBADOS • DOMINICA GRENADA • ST. LUCIA • ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES