Business Focus Antigua & Barbuda Issue #64

The quarterly magazine for decision makers No.64 • Jul-Sep 2017

APUA TELECOMMUNICATIONS L E A D I N G T H E W AY W I T H N E X T G E N E R AT I O N TECHNOLOGY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

THE POWER IS IN

THE PALM OF YOUR HAND ANTIGUA YELLO

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE ON the app store Simply search for Antigua Yello in the App Store

No. 64

BF Jul - Sep 2017

CONTENTS FEATURE 21.

A PUA Telecommunications Leading the Way With Next Generation Technology in Antigua & Barbuda

REGULARS 04.

Editor’s Focus

06.

Business Briefs

08.

Get Rid of Your Executive Committee!

BUSINESS TECH 10. Technology Integrates Into Today’s Homes 11. Generators – A Practical and Affordable Option 12. Silicon Dadli: Talent + Technology = Our Community 13. Virtually There: The New Face of Internships 14. The LocaL App - Mobile Tech Bridging the Customer Divide 16. Debt-burdened Digicel Seeks to Borrow More 18. CARICOM Ministers Approve Integrated Work Plan for Single ICT Space BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 40. Global Bank 42. Big Banana 46. ACT 48. Sagicor MONEY MATTERS 50. ABBA Account & Card Security 52. CIBC First Caribbean's Mobile Banking App Named Best in the Region 52. Eleven Caribbean Projects Selected for European Funding 54. Moody’s Downgrades Trinidad &Tobago to Junk Bond Status 56. World Bank Says Remittance Growth Only Seen in LAC Region 58.

UST READS BOOK REVIEW - The Hard Thing M About Hard Things

IN THE KNOW 60. Canada Implements Visa Regime for Antigua-Barbuda 61. Caribbean Export - Part of the “Best of Investing in Development” 62. Antiguan Scientists Attend Commonwealth Science Conference in Singapore 63. Antiguan Doctor receives award for Outstanding Performance at The University of the West Indies 64. Small and Medium-Sized Business Owners: An Open Letter to YOU, if you missed LEAP! 2017 66. CGTI'S 4TH Hot Topics Conference with Audit Committee Certification 68. Sir Richard Branson Relaunches Entrepreneurship Center in Jamaica 69. Building Your Leadership Mindset 70. Entrepreneurship: Making Waves 71. Speaking Frankly: Design Terms You Need to Know 72. ONDCP Recieves 'Eye Detect'- Advanced Lie Detection 73. PAHO to Transform Health Facilities in Seven Caribbean Countries to be Disaster Resistant 74. Harris Paints Introduces New Brand to Antigua for Professionals ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS 75. Antigua and Barbuda strengthens diplomatic outreach in Canada 76. Regional Cooperation Critical in Current Global Environment 77. The Region Needs to Develop the Digital Financial Services Sector 78. Caribbean American Leaders Warn Proposed US Budget Cuts Could Pose Security Problems for the Region 79. OECS Convenes Meeting With Citizenship by Investment Stakeholders 80. Regional Governments Urged to develop Social Security Systems 81. ExxonMobil Gets Clearance for US$5 Billion Investment in Oil Production in Guyana

YOUTH FOCUS 82. OECS Announces 30 Under 30 Campaign Winners 84. Lia Nicholson Receives The Queen's Young Leaders Award for Antigua & Barbuda TOURISM FOCUS 85. S eaborne Airline to Resume Services to Antigua 85. Antigua & Barbuda Beach Bar opens in Soho, London 86. Stacy Cox to Lead Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) 87. Antigua & Barbuda's 60th Carnival Gets a Warm Reception in Trinidad and Tobago 88. Elegant Hotels Group Acquires Barbados’ Treasure Beach Hotel 89. Call to take Caribbean Cuisine to Global Heights ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS 90. Government and Barbuda Officials pursue Green Barbuda Energy Project 91. Heat Waves to affect Caribbean during Atlantic Hurricane Season 92. Caribbean Fisheries Threatened by Overfishing, Reef Decline 93. Climate Change Toolkit being developed for Regional Policy Makers 94. CARICOM Chairman on US announced withdrawal from Paris Agreement HEALTH & WELLNESS 96. Health Technology 97. Call for Non-Partisan Approach to Issues Related to Stigma, Discrimination and HIV Transmission 98.

Events

100.

Major Moves

101.

New Company Registration

104.

Advertiser's Index

TECHNOLOGY – DRIVING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE SERVICES SECTOR!

nationals travelling to Canada. Hopefully this will only temporarily impede the progress being made with this Programme.

Our Special Feature in this Issue highlights the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and particularly focuses on their forward thrust and success in pushing ahead with expansion into the ICT sector and exploring the many opportunities.

APUA’s entry into this sector started with the delivery of the land line telephone services throughout the island. Over the years, the company has seen rapid expansion with the growth and introduction of new technology allowing it to add Mobile Phone service, Internet and related services.

LOKESH SINGH Publisher/Managing Editor

Despite the best efforts of the Government and private sector to attract investments, expand the economy, create employment and improve the quality of life of our citizens in a challenging global environment, we continue to face an ever increasing range of obstacles which inhibit growth and slows the forward thrust.

With the significant loss of donor country financing, Antigua & Barbuda has focused on tourism and financial services through the Citizen by Investment Programme as two primary sectors to attract increased tourism arrivals, new investments and capital inflows. The success in these areas has seen new streams of revenue which have driven Government investments in major national infrastructure and renewed energy in the construction sector with a number of large hotel developments and resultant significant growth in the economy.

The success of the CIP is now being threatened with challenges to its operations and legitimacy, resulting in a Visa Regime being implemented for Antigua & Barbuda

APUA is today an integral part of the community with a proud legacy of success competing in the telecommunications sector with major international companies. In the process the company has offered many Antiguans the opportunity to become highly qualified technology specialists with long serving and rewarding careers.

The last decade has seen the most rapid evolution of technology which has impacted all aspects of life globally and across Antigua & Barbuda. This sector continues to create opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship and employment. It has penetrated every aspect and sector of business and created a new and ever increasing cadre of skilled professionals providing technical support and service to an extensive clientele of private citizens, businesses and Government.

With a looming decision by the Government to liberalise the Telecommunications sector, we wish APUA continued success in the new and continuously changing environment.

BUSINESSFOCUS

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

PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Lokesh Singh EDITOR: Alicia Ward • Ashwini Singh ADVERTISING SALES: Ann-Maria Marshall • Evol DeSouza Shari Dickenson-Matthew • Jackie Charles COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Gemma Hazelwood PHOTOGRAPHY: APUA • OBMI • Gemma Hazelwood EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Alicia Ward • Martina Johnson • Dr. Chris Bart OBMI • Lewis Elder • Elijah James Arlene Timber-Henry • APUA • Lyndell Halliday Vivette Samuel/Profiles Consulting Sandra Baptist • Tanya Smith • Julianne Jarvis Melissa Sebastien • Dr. Marlene Joseph 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: APUA Telecommunications Leading the Way With Next Generation Technology in Antigua & Barbuda

The quarterly magazine for decision makers No.64 • Jul-Sep 2017

We hope that you will enjoy reading our Special Feature on APUA and all of the other articles as well as explore the possibilities for creating new and expanded business opportunities.

Happy Reading. • APUA TELECOMMUNICATIONS L E A D I N G T H E W AY W I T H N E X T G E N E R AT I O N TECHNOLOGY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

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V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

BUSINESS BRIEFS AUA’s Manager of the Emergency Medicine Training Centre, Marlon Destin, stated that the educational institution is proud of the AUAEMS alliance and it is committed to continuing relevant training programmes.

The visit by the Cuban delegation came two months after A & B Agriculture Ministry officials visited Cuba to observe the country’s agricultural programme. •

Supervisor of Training at the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services, Morvin Fiedtkou is optimistic that the EMS technicians will be better equipped and qualified for the call of duty with continuous training and advances in the field of emergency work.

ANTIGUA RECEIVES PORT OF THE YEAR AWARD Antigua and Barbuda has been voted port of the year by the Port Manager Association of the Caribbean.

The training covered three parts – practical, theoretical and application and included the participation of ten EMS technicians. EMS Director Shawn Greenidge expressed deep appreciation for AUA’s continued support, “going beyond the call of duty” to the Emergency Department. •

“We are indeed excited,” said Port Manager Darwin Telemaque.

He said the port’s consistent financial performance gave it the edge over the other countries.

“We manage our finances well and the extent of our profits have shown improvements in the country,” said Telemaque.

He added that the Association was also impressed with the Ports continued increase in tonnages.

“While the port itself from an infrastructural perspective may not reveal the type of building, the performance from a financial and operational perspective has gone up,” he explained.

He said productivity was also improved at some key sites and that was also taken into consideration. Telemaque admitted however, that Barbados came close to copping the award but the organizers looked at profitability “and we took it instead”, he stated. •

AUA AND EMS PARTNER FOR CONTINUED TRAINING Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the American University of Antigua (AUA) jointly conducted a three week Advanced EMS Technicians Refresher Course during May as part of an on-going partnership in training between the two entities.

The collaborative project was hosted at the University Complex and involved advanced technicians in Emergency Medical Services being trained in Airway Management, Medical Emergency, Trauma, Pharmacology and OB Emergencies (Delivery of Babies).

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CUBA OFFERS SUPPORT TO A & B IN FOOD SECURITY The Cuban Government has agreed to provide technical support to Antigua & Barbuda in implementing a two-year National Food Security Action Plan designed to reposition the country’s agriculture sector.

The action plan addresses the nutritional demands of Antiguans & Barbudans and trade arrangements with respect to importing and exporting food.

An 11-member delegation from Cuba inclusive of agronomists and agriculture engineers will be working within the Ministry of Agriculture and to provide technical expertise focusing on the eradication of the Giant African Snail and revitalisation of poultry, pork and mutton production locally.

Director of Agriculture Jedidiah Maxim said the Cuban team will also be conducting an assessment of the programmes and initiatives that are already in place at the ministry.

Agriculture Minister Arthur Nibbs said the Ministry lacked the human resources to get the job done, hence the decision to partner with Cuba to achieve the Ministry’s goals. He also stressed that the relocation and upgrading of the abbatoir and increasing national capacity for post-harvest management and storage of food will be prioritised.

THREE-DAY STRIKE CAUSES LIAT TO LOSE MILLIONS LIAT 1974 Limited has quantified the value of the mass cancellation in bookings and the other expenses it incurred following a strike by its pilots as being in the region of EC $7 million as quoted by the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Julie Reifer-Jones who said that within a “very short period” there were thousands of cancellations in bookings.

“The challenge with cancellation is that when they are in that kind of volume – it’s dramatic and many of the cancellations were in our summer period which is our peak period,” she said. Her outgoing Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Lloyd Carswell said that for the period of June to September “about 9000 bookings [were] cancelled”. He admitted that LIAT was only able to so far make 1500 re-bookings.

Between June 7 and June 9 LIAT’s pilots were on strike protesting the status of negotiations on the implementation of a new, increased pay scale for pilots who now fly LIAT’s ATR-72 aircraft.

Later on June 9, the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIAPA) made a deal with LIAT bringing an end to three days of industrial action.

Carswell said that there were 1,100 passengers who were disrupted over the three days. He added, “People also rely on our flights to feed into connecting flights for other airlines. So, on top of that we had another 400 people who misconnected to flights elsewhere.”

The CCO said that LIAT has lost EC $1.3 million thus far for the period June. Reifer-Jones said the bookings that were lost for the summer couldn’t be recovered later in September and October.

“The disruptions hurt everybody – the passengers, the employees and the company’s image. The three days had an immediate impact and a long-term impact for the summer period is in the region of EC $7 million,” the acting CEO said. She argued that the greatest impact was the confidence that had been lost in the company and the brand. •

BUSINESS BRIEFS LIAT PROMISES BETTER EMPLOYER/ EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

he relocated from Britain and began making frequent trips to his former country of residence.

Regional carrier LIAT is admitting that it has not done enough to engage its employees over the years since more attention was paid on how to turn around its financial challenges and then the re-fleeting exercise. The company said it is now focusing on building employee/employer confidence.

He spoke of a difference of up to EC $1,359 in some cases. White said every Caribbean national including the heads of government should be clamoring for an explanation.

This admission was made by Acting Chief Executive Officer Julie Reifer-Jones when asked why the airline’s management and staff have such a combative relationship and why the attitude of the staff towards passengers is labelled by many as poor.

“We have made a commitment to engage with the employees because we see that as a major issue. Engaging with the employees is about refocusing on what LIAT is about, what our objectives are, about why we take some of the decisions we have taken and making sure that there is an understanding of what is in the best interest of the company as a whole,” she said.

Reifer-Jones added that this sort of engagement will increase because the airline’s managers want a better relationship with the workers and to see improvement in the services offered. Reifer-Jones noted that last year LIAT trained its frontline staff and the company wants to provide training at all levels and to all staff. She promised more employer/ employee engagements will take place with management and pilots especially in face of the pilots’ refusal to fly the ATR 72-600 aircraft during the dispute over pay. •

“If BA and Virgin say the reason there is such a disparity is because the tax that we pay exiting the UK is significantly less than what we pay from Caribbean jurisdictions, then that is a different discussion we would have to have,” the former Linguistics lecturer reasoned. Unlike American Airlines, which itemizes each tax, and to which country it is going, the two British carriers lump the levies together.

The online petition now has over 1000 signatures. “I want as many people as possible to sign the petition and to begin to speak to political leaders in the Caribbean, that this is an issue that they need to pick up,” White added.

White’s initiative to influence the regional heads of government to query the pricing regime of the British carriers is significant because a few years ago they too had engaged in a similar fight but against the British government.

Any product that has caused harm or has the potential to cause harm, can be logged on the website. The facility can also be used by the public to submit complaints to consumer protection agencies on defective products.

The system functions as a general alert and surveillance structure, built to work in emergency situations with rapid exchanges of information between the member states and the CARICOM Secretariat. This is especially useful when the presence of a product which represents a “grave and immediate risk to consumers’ health and safety has been detected”, according to a press release.

It enables the national authorities to act immediately where a serious and immediate danger has been registered to circulate nonfood and pharmaceutical products on the national territory.

Food and pharmaceutical items have been excluded from this system, as procedures that monitor these products tend to have a higher level of stringency and are regulated by different processes. •

Caribbean countries which are heavily dependent on tourist arrivals from the UK, successfully lobbied England to reduce the controversial Air Passenger Duty (APD) which had skyrocketed the cost of airline tickets for British travelers to the Caribbean. It was thought that the high fares would devastate Caribbean tourism. And while Caribbean nationals often complain in private about high fares to travel to England, there has not been much ado, publicly.• SAINT LUCIA'S PRIME MINISTER, HON. ALLEN CHASTANET ASSUMES OECS CHAIRMANSHIP Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Hon Allen Chastanet took over the Chairmanship of the OECS from Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris in June and will serve for one year.

PETITION CHALLENGES AIRFARE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LONDON AND CARIBBEAN What started as a solo mission, by a concerned and slightly irate traveler, Theodore White, has grown into a region-wide initiative aimed at forcing two major carriers to be “transparent” with their fares. White said he decided to start an online petition against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic after executives from the two airlines brushed off his queries about fare discrepancies.

White wanted know why it costs more to fly from the Caribbean to the United Kingdom than it does to travel from the UK to the region.

“I am optimistic that the more we make an issue of it, the more officials at BA and Virgin will have to give account,” he said. White said he became aware of the “discriminatory” airfares only when

Consumers living in Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries are now able to access an online portal to alert authorities about dangerous non-food products. All fifteen member states can log in to the CARREX Online Electronic Platform by visiting www. carrex.caricom.org.

The new Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Prime Minister Honourable Allen M. Chastanet, has called for deeper economic integration and more extensive functional cooperation between small island developing states.

Prime Minister Chastanet has noted that the OECS needs to “assert ourselves on the world stage” and added that the Revised Treaty of Basseterre must be implemented in a manner that is “strategic, innovative and fearless.”

Registered national contact points, national authorities and economic operators will be able to transmit notifications on the platform, which was developed with assistance under the 10th European Development Fund, CARICOM Single Market and Economy Economic Integration Programme.

As the current Chairman of the OECS, Prime Minister Chastanet is committed to continuing work on the economic union, facilitating business development, and promoting functional cooperation with particular attention being to justice and security and climate change. •

PRODUCT COMPLAINTS CAN BE SUBMITTED ONLINE IN CARICOM STATES

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IN THE KNOW

G E T R I D O F YO U R E X E C U T I V E C O M M I T T E E !

By: Dr Chris Bart - Chairman, The Caribbean Governance Training Institute

Do you have an executive committee (EC) operating within your current board structure? If the answer is yes, then here’s a tough question for you: Why? There’s no question that executive committees are still popular among boards for their supposed many advantages they bring to an organization’s governance model. In fact, at one time, they were widely used among publicly listed corporate boards, being found in almost 60% of such organizations. However, they have in recent times fallen largely into disuse as a governance mechanism and their presence today in the corporate world is barely noticeable at 4%.

So what happened to them? Why have most boards abandoned them? And why do some boards, particularly in the non-corporate sector, still cling to them?

For the record, boards establish committees (such as the audit, governance, and human resources committees), to carry out specific work and activities on behalf of the full board which the board itself would have to do if the committee did not exist. The rationale for setting up an executive committee is, in principle, no different.

However, that’s where the similarity ends.

Executive committees are different in that the reason for having one is most often to make up for what are ‘perceived deficiencies’

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in the Board itself. For instance, once a board gets beyond a team of 17 directors, it becomes extremely difficult to bring them all together on short notice in between regularly scheduled meetings. An EC therefore is typically established so that it can deal with important and urgent matters that can’t wait for resolution until the next board meeting. In carrying out their function, they are usually granted extraordinary decision making power that commits the entire board to whatever course of action they have approved during the times they meet.

Another reason often cited for having an executive committee is that CEOs like having a small group of directors for testing their preliminary ideas before formally presenting them to whole board. Having such conversations with a large board can easily be perceived as inefficient, quickly becoming unwieldy and thereby waste valuable board time that has been scheduled to make decisions and not navel gaze with the CEO. It’s potentially career limiting. So the executive committee represents a safe harbor for CEOs to pilot their initial thinking and assess their potential for board support before bringing them to the full suite of directors for review and approval.

And then there’s the whole matter of who’s going to evaluate the CEO. Setting his or her performance evaluation criteria, conducting

the actual evaluation, and awarding compensation is one of the toughest activities of the board and one in which CEOs take the results personally!

Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is a recognized global governance authority and Co-Founder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute in Saint Lucia.

The Institute is the first to offer throughout the Caribbean, an intensive, 3 day governance programme leading to the prestigious and internationally recognized Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation.

For more information visit www.caribbeangovernancetraininginstitute.com or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

Accordingly, carrying out this monumental responsibility is considered to be best done by a small group of directors – an executive committee - who are charged with becoming highly familiar with the CEO’s leadership of the organization.

Additionally, because of their unique mandate, members of the EC are often granted the privilege of withholding both their evaluation and compensation recommendations from the rest of the board because “the other guys just wouldn’t understand given their distance from the CEO.” (Honestly, I’m not making this up!)

Finally, boards do not want to spend their time on trivial, inconsequential or inappropriate matters that are best left to others (i.e. management) to decide. Executive committees therefore are often asked to set and approve the agendas of board meetings to make sure that only the right items are coming to the board for its consideration.

The composition of most executive committees also sets them apart from your normal, everyday run-of-the-mill board committees. Most ECs are populated exclusively with those board members already serving in a leadership capacity: the current, past and presumptive board chairs as well as the chairs of the major board committees. It is not unusual find 3 to 7 such persons on an EC. As such, they are an elite group who sacrifice a lot in terms of taking on major responsibilities over and above their other leadership roles.

So with all this going for them, why have executive committees fallen into disfavor and why should you get rid of yours….or at least rein it in?

First of all, if you have one because ‘you’ve heard it’s the thing to do’ or ‘that others are doing it’ and so you’ve set one up in order to appear “with it”, think again. In the world of governance, one size does not fit all and just because other organizations have an executive committee, that is no reason for you to blindly follow the heard. Boards need to ask themselves why they need to have an executive committee in the first place and most importantly, whether they still need one in today’s current governance environment.

After dealing with this fundamental question, a modern 21st century board needs to confront and acknowledge the many problems that having an executive committee creates for them. At the top of the list is board disengagement. With a “super board”

operating inside the full board, it becomes very easy for the “ordinary directors” to feel that their status is diminished (relative to the elite members of the EC) and that their contributions are reserved only for the incidental, inconsequential and ceremonial decisions. Ironically, this in turn may cause the non EC directors to request fewer meetings of the full board. Yet the fiduciary responsibility and personal liability of the non EC directors is not lessened because of their reduced involvement. In fact, due to their disengagement, they may be setting themselves up for tremendous liability consequences if the decisions of the executive committee later go bad.

And why should an executive committee be charged with the tremendous responsibility for making important decisions – decisions that commit the entire board - just because it’s difficult to bring all the directors together.

Of course, if the problem is having too large a board, an easy fix is to shrink the board in order to more easily accommodate and coordinate director schedules. But that is not always possible if certain “board membership criteria” need to be met and balanced (e.g. geographic, gender, professional criteria etc.).

Nevertheless, for the really big decisions, all board members need to be involved and participating. There is absolutely no excuse for excluding any of the directors when such matters arise especially when technology exists today to enable any director to “be present” no matter how far away they may be.

It is also difficult to accept the argument that the CEO needs a smaller subset of the board with whom to pre-consult his ideas.

That’s what a modern Board Chair’s job is supposed to be and that responsibility should be clearly laid out for both the chair and the CEO. And because nothing the CEO discloses to the board chair should be treated as confidential, the chair should keep notes of his meetings with the CEO so that the board has some sense as to the nature and content of all meetings that their chair has with their number one employee. It is also the job of the chair to set the board agenda with the input, not only from the CEO, but all other directors.

There simply is no good reason why this responsibility should be turned into an elite committee’s jurisdiction.

soft discretionary) measures as possible – at least 75 percent. When such measures are in place, it becomes relatively easy and objective to measure a CEO’s performance and to dole out its corresponding rewards.

The 25 percent discretionary portion can then be handled by either averaging out the CEO’s rating among the directors or assigned to the board’s ‘leadership members’ (i.e. those who would have worked most closely with him) as a one-time annual activity.

But what is really important, is for there to be full disclosure to the entire board as to the method and outcome of the CEO’s performance evaluation. All board members need to be able to understand and explain how the compensation of their CEO was established and why it is justified. Otherwise, it creates mystery and mistrust among those board members who feel excluded from such an important board governance decision.

Bottom line, most of the work that some think requires the creation - or continuation - of an executive committee should in fact be done by the entire board itself. Nevertheless, if you still believe you need one to deal with “certain types of decisions”, those decisions should be ones that would not upset the ‘other’ board members who have been excluded. Moreover, the decisions should be clearly specified in the charter or mandate of the executive committee so that its members do not overstep their role or decision making authority.

So here’s the big, uncomfortable question for Caribbean directors: to what extent do you and your fellow board members think you still need an executive committee, or need to create one? If you think that there is room for improvement in the way your board manages this controversial governance function (and others like it), you might want to consider sending them to one of the corporate governance training programs currently available in the region – like the extraordinarily unique 3 day Chartered Director Program (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute.

After all, it’s not education which is expensive, but rather ignorance.•

Lastly, when it comes to evaluating the performance of the CEO, the entire board should be involved in establishing his performance criteria with as many hard (versus

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BUSINESS TECH

T E C H N O L O G Y I N T E G R AT E S I N T O T O D AY ’ S H O M E S SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY IS ONE TREND THAT IS GAINING MOMENTUM WITH DESIGNERS, HOME OWNERS AND THE TECHIE IN ALL OF US. From a fully integrated smart home system to various smart home gadgets the industry is rapidly evolving into a multi-milliondollar hub of creative concepts to help make our homes more comfortable using technology.

A smart home is quite simply a home equipped with lighting, heating, and electronic devices that are connected via Wi-Fi and can be controlled onsite or remotely. Recent surveys illustrate the rapid adaptation of smart home products with more than a quarter of all consumers owning at least one and nearly half of all Millennials embracing the technology.

Smart home products range in use and cost, but some of the most popular products are used to control lighting, temperature, windows and doors, and even outlets. These products are designed to not only make homes more comfortable, offering easy solutions to routine tasks, but they frequently reduce electricity consumption as well by automating when devices are on and off. Smart products can also improve aesthetics in traditional appliances. OBM International has recently integrated LG’s Art Cool Gallery air conditioning into a home providing energyefficient cooling with a gallery style frame to conceal the unit.

Want even more technology? A fully integrated smart home begins during the design phase of a new home. It integrates and controls everything within the home that runs on electricity from automatic lights, locks, shades and shutters, security cameras, and everything in between. The engineering of a fully integrated home is complex and requires a technology professional who is familiar with the system to be used in the home. These smart

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home engineers will work with architects and interior designers to ensure the wiring is available for control panels and switches and that there is adequate space for the ‘rack room’ or control room for the system. Not only must space be allocated but frequently additional cooling and back-up generators are required to keep the rack room operating efficiently.

If an integrated smart home seems overwhelming, there are many things that have been integrated into Antigua homes for years that continue to be smart. Utilising solar elements throughout a home whether for heating a pool or for supplemental electricity will always be smart, as well as building open, tropical homes designed to provide airflow for natural air conditioning.

As technology continues to evolve and it integrates into our homes, it’s important to remember the best smart technology is the one that works for you to make your home a more comfortable place. •

OBMI is a global master planning, architecture and design firm with an experienced team of professionals who are passionate about creating timeless spaces that transform the dreams of our clients into reality. We design luxury resorts and hotels, high-end private residences, and engaging urban areas that reflect the utmost respect for the land, people, and cultures they will impact. Architectural planning and design is in our DNA, but we are more than our day job. We are travelers, sculptors, photographers and mountain climbers, and our work inside the office reflects our adventurous, creative approach to life outside of it. For more than 80 years, clients have embraced OBMI as trusted advisors for our tireless dedication to them and our commitment to exceptional, beautiful design.

G E N E R AT O R S – A PRACTICAL AND AFFORDABLE OPTION In an era of unreliable power and an environment prone to the threat of natural disasters, homes and businesses across the Caribbean have resorted to the purchase and installation of Generators primarily as a backup source of continuous and reliable power.

Historically, generators have been identified as a dirty, smelly and noisy diesel engine and a necessary evil. Like most machines with engines, Generators today have evolved with time and have changed extensively to become significantly more fuel efficient, reliable, quiet and environmentally friendly.

The diesel engines of today are wonders of modern technology.

Computers have taken over and ‘Full Authority Electronic Engine Management’ as it is known has replaced the old mechanical fuel injection pump. A dedicated engine computer now has full control of all parameters of the fuel injection process on the engine so fuel delivery, on a per cylinder basis, is now precisely controlled. And it’s so precise that the computer can adjust the fuel injection time, quantity and duration on each cylinder, for each stroke of the engine. That adds up to thousands of micro-adjustments every second as the control system continually ‘fine-tunes’ the engine.

These improvements along with regular servicing using genuine replacement parts have increased not only the reliability of generators but the life-expectancy of the engine has almost doubled. The industry standard life expectancy for an industrial diesel engine was always thought to be about 8,000 to 10,000 hours of use, but we are regularly seeing engines last much longer before they’re considered worn out. We have several customers who run their businesses on generators full-time and we fully expect these engines to last at least 20,000 to 25,000 hours. We actually have a customer in Dominica who has been running their hotel with our generators for 15 years straight! They have a staggering 40,000 hours on their engines without ever having any major repairs. That’s roughly equivalent to 2.4 million miles on a vehicle!

Fuel efficiency improvements have also had a major impact on generator use and it’s now common for these electronic engines to produce electricity 30% to 35% cheaper than using mains electricity (depending on what country you’re in and what your fuel costs are) but it’s not all about the cost of electricity – it’s the quality of the electricity that also has been impacted. Our customers routinely

report lower maintenance costs for their consumer equipment because being on an isolated grid means that they are no longer subject to voltage fluctuations from their mains power supply – the infamous Caribbean ‘brown-out’ which is like the Grim Reaper for any connected electronics!

Diagnostics & maintenance have been all but re-invented too. It wasn’t so long ago that tool-kits were packed full of wrenches and screwdrivers. These days it’s a laptop (thankfully much quieter) and you just plug into your engine and you’re away. The engine computer keeps a full history of all events, including exactly how much fuel it has used over its life-span and how much load it has been subjected to over what periods of time. Full engine diagnostics are a mouse click away and fault finding is no longer a frustrating three day episode.

Generator control panels have also succumbed to technology and are themselves computers dedicated to monitoring and controlling all aspects of the generator. They are now easily capable of ‘synchronizing’ — a method of interconnecting generators together to parallel their power. This adds up to even better fuel consumption as you no longer need to run one large generator during low load periods, you can now have two smaller units with synchronizing control panels and run one small generator, saving fuel & maintenance and at the same time increasing your redundancy factor. As the connected load increases, the control panels will automatically start the next generator and put it on line, sharing the load between the two generators. These control panels can be tailored to each customer’s specific needs offering options like automatic refueling, remote control of auxiliary equipment, programmable alarms for an endless list of events and even access to remote generator monitoring and control.

So, when looking at your power supply options for your home or office and considering the other variables, you may wish to consider purchase and installation of a Generator for your comfort and peace of mind. They are affordable, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly. •

Lewis Elder is Managing Director of Exel Engineering Ltd, Antigua. He is a highly qualified Mechanical and Electrical Engineer and specialises in generators.

With over 30 years experience, Exel Engineering is a flagship dealer for FG Wilson generators throughout the Caribbean Region.

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BUSINESS TECH

TA L E N T + T E C H N O L O G Y = O U R C O M M U N I T Y

By: Elijah James

What happens when a team of tech professionals and enthusiasts decide to partner, train, and advocate with each other to address Information Communication Technology (ICT) issues affecting people of Antigua and Barbuda?

In March of this year, during World Consumer Rights Day Silicon Dadli presented to a wide cross section of schools and youth at the Consumer Affairs Tech Fair & Tech Talk under the theme: Building A Digital World Consumers Can Trust.

You guessed it – they form an association that brings together the best in talent and technology that the twin island nation has to offer.

Here’s an idea of some of the homegrown ICT solutions that are available from within Silicon Dadli’s community:

The end result? “Silicon Dadli”.

This community of over 100 members actively engage on a daily basis to discuss opportunities and possible solutions for the local and even wider Caribbean ICT sectors. Silicon Dadli members comprise of key stakeholders in the industry ranging from Entrepreneurs, Senior IT Managers, IT Specialists and App Developers.

Entrepreneurship, Development, Innovation

Ebuzzz Network – Get Personal Alerts about Events, Jobs, Sales and More Grid Shop – Buy and Sell New or Used Items from your Mobile Phone

The idea behind the association was conceptualized in 2016.

It later bloomed, and officially launched in June 2017 by the following inaugural Executive Board:

Pick Me Up – Need Transportation? - Anytime and Anywhere in Antigua

Mr. Sven James – President

Pocket Antigua – Access the Best of Antigua & Barbuda from Your Pocket

Mr. Kenlie Browne – Vice President Mr. Ashton Fearon – General Secretary Mr. Dwight Williams – Assistant Secretary Mr. Dennis Byron – Treasurer Mr. Dirk Agard – Assistant Treasurer Mr. Elijah James – Public Relations & Membership

The LocaL App – Explore, Trade & Review Local Businesses, Events, Opportunities & More TickeTing Events – Save Time & Conveniently Purchase Event Tickets from Anywhere

Ms. Mako Williams – Youth Research & Development Mr. Dorlan James – Education & Training One of their most notable objectives is focused on promoting entrepreneurship, development and innovation within the local Antigua and Barbuda marketplace; thereby forging closer ties with the public, government and business community to recognize that homegrown ICT solutions are very much available on island.

The association is actively working to get more youth involved in the ICT sector so that they not only see it as a hobby, but even more so a career and at the same time it’s poised to become a coherent voice on technology issues in society.

Silicon Dadli will seek to host several programs and events to include - Hackathons (solution oriented competitions), Mentorship and Internships opportunities, as well as convening dialogues and forums on any challenges or issues that need to be addressed and intends on presenting the results via Newsletters, Press Releases and Public forums.

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With all these amazing startups, if safe to say that the people of not only Antigua & Barbuda but the wider Caribbean; should be looking forward with eager anticipation to what the future holds for the ICT market.

Silicon Dadli is open to new members from all backgrounds and skill sets including students and even corporations; so if you’d like to join or even learn more about their community - contact them at email: executive@silicondadli.com or contact (268) 772 0781 / (268) 772 8913 •

V I R T U A L LY T H E R E : T H E N E W FA C E O F I N T E R N S H I P S By: Arlene Henry

What if your business or organization wanted to offer internship opportunities or develop an internship program but, because of space, time, equipment, payroll, or other constraints, you didn’t feel you could. Or what if, as a young graduate or student, you could land an international internship without ever leaving your home or dorm room? One that would just make your resume scream, ‘Hire me, I have real world experience!’ Sound far-fetched? Maybe not.

I recently received an email inviting me to attend an informational webinar about a virtual internship program at one university in the United States. The invitation itself piqued my interest on several levels. I was intrigued by the realization that our communication methods have become so technologically driven we tend to almost take them for granted. Here it was; an electronic mail announcing a web-based seminar about virtual internships – practical work experiences carried out remotely. My brain had a chuckle.

Since the concept of virtual internships was not something with which I was familiar, my curiosity was stirred on an even deeper level. I wanted to find out whether or not this might be an ‘idea worth spreading’ like the many Ted Talks making the rounds.

The benefits, then, of internships overall are many. Students get to widen their knowledge, strengthen and sharpen their skills set in their chosen career direction, make powerful connections and build strong professional relationships that could have far-reaching and long-lasting future outcomes. If it is a paid internship, they may even earn a little – or a lot!

Employers too, who tend to value prior working experience over many other criteria, stand to gain just as much. Applicants who were involved in an internship program tend to make better new-hires as full time employees and are more likely to be still on the job after one year than those who did not have this type of trainee experience.

But what of the virtual internship model mentioned earlier? What could possibly be beneficial about an internship where you never actually set foot in an office or get out into the field? Can such an idea even be taken seriously? Apparently so and very much so, judging from the abundance of information available surrounding it and the growing trend among job seekers and employers alike to explore and experiment with alternative work opportunities.

Like almost every other aspect of our lives, internships programs have become a part of the technological age and have undergone changes that have essentially revolutionized the way we think about and approach work. Around the world, many have already readily embraced author and entrepreneur, Tim Ferris’ mandate “to value performance over presence” by literally thinking outside the box, in this case, the traditional office environment.

While, arguably, some types of jobs, like written assignments, computer-based projects, and social media applications would seem better suited to a virtual setting than others, given what is already possible with computer and other technology, it stands to reason that almost any job can become a virtual one, to a greater or lesser extent. There are even some surgeries that have been performed remotely!

H ELLO M Y NAME I S

INTERN

My cursory online search (because, let’s face it, how else does one research anything nowadays?) revealed that internship programs in general have existed in one form or another for centuries. Trade and craft professions typically took on apprentices, usually male, who were desirous of learning the skills needed to become an expert in that particular occupation or vocation. This type of on-the-job training could last anywhere from two to seven years, during which time the apprentice’s knowledge and skill levels would advance to or even surpass those of his master. Groups of tradesmen within a particular line of work (e.g. masons, carpenters, blacksmiths) often formed associations or guilds, as they became known, to support and, where necessary, advocate for the special interests of that trade.

Over time, apprenticeship programs evolved and became more formalized, eventually developing into various types of governmental or education-based regulation in many countries across the world, the aim of which is to maintain minimum standards for the health, safety and general well-being of workers in training.

Today, the internship experience is one that has great significance for both employers and interns alike. Most college and university programs have a built-in internship component that allows students to gain meaningful and valuable working experience while still undertaking studies or at the end of their education program. This experience becomes particularly important as a way out of the perennial paradox that makes employers shy away from hiring job applicants with no experience and causes would-be employees to lament that they’re not getting hired because they have no job experience.

So, before we write off virtual internships as just another internet craze that would only appeal to high-tech cyber gurus, consider our students in China, Cuba, North America or elsewhere who might just make the ideal intern for your business. At the same time, our local students need no longer miss out on gaining one of the many desirable internship opportunities now available with brands such as Samsung, Universal Studios or Toyota, to name a few, simply because they are not in that location. Virtual internships offer great prospects for interaction, learning and collaboration with people of different ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds that might never happen otherwise. The possibilities are truly, virtually endless! •

Arlene Timber-Henry, M. Ed, CHE TimberHenry Consultancy Services Helping you do business better Career & HRD, Business Writing, Editorial Services & more . . . https://www.facebook.com/timberhenryconsulting http://www.linkedin.com/in/arlenetimberhenry

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BUSINESS TECH

THE LOCAL APP MOBILE TECH BRIDGING THE CUSTOMER DIVIDE “The Customer Is Always RIGHT!” – as controversial as this adage might be for some; the phrase, which was coined back in 1909, speaks to the core of what keeps every successful business alive – which is, customer satisfaction.

Why is this important to any business? Customers bring in the MONEY - which in turn pays for vital operational costs such as staffing, utilities, supplies and of course ensuring that the business makes a profit.

Now, while this reality hasn’t changed since the 1900’s; what has evolved is the way in which customers are finding businesses today. The advent of mobile technology has and continues to drastically change the game in terms of retail. Over 75% of traders in some markets are shifting to the convenience of searching online for businesses via the Internet – particularly using their mobile smart phones.

People today aren’t leaving their home without their keys, wallet or mobile device and are utilizing mobile applications (apps) more and more everyday to not only communicate with each other, but also to conveniently find or shop for just about anything, from almost anywhere. This shift has been pushing traditional brick and mortar stores into quite a serious dilemma; as they are now fighting for sales

with not only competitors at home, around them, but with anyone around the world who can setup an online storefront.

What has been fueling this growing trend you might ask? Several factors, to include: 1. ADVANCES IN INTERNET CONNECTIVITY AND LOWER PRICES for mobile smart phones have almost tripled the overall level of mobile penetration across the Caribbean region over the past several years. Providers have reported that most of their users either have accounts & smart devices with other companies and in some cases they even have multiple ones from the same company.

2. INFORMATION IS EASIER TO ACCESS AND ON DEMAND for consumers to be able to research and compare specific items even on the spot in a retail store to ensure that they are getting genuine deals or the most for their hard earned dollars. No longer do they have to rely on a sales person to give them advice on what might be the best options to buy or consider.

3. A GROWING ONLINE COMMUNITY OF FEEDBACK, REVIEWS AND OPINIONS from both satisfied and dissatisfied customers.

Word of mouth still remains one of the most powerful and effective marketing tools today for any business. A happy customer will not only keep coming back for more but they will also sing praises to others, pulling new potential clients in as well.

Bearing all this in mind, what does this mean especially for small and medium sized enterprise (SME) businesses in Antigua & Barbuda, many of whom don’t have a website, mobile app or social media presence and are already feeling the pain of lost business as potential customers are searching or shopping online with competitors and not with them? That should be an easy no brainer, right? - They need to begin embracing solutions that will not only help increase their business presence but also their products and service offerings online. •

Elijah James loves technology, communications and entrepreneurship.

He’s the founder of The LocaL App and his passion for ICT has kept him on a journey of marketing and innovation in the local retail and tourism sectors. Whenever he’s not active fixing gadgets or programming, he enjoys volunteering and youth development.

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BUSINESS TECH

D E B T- B U R D E N E D D I G I C E L SEEKS TO BORROW MORE Irish-owned, Caribbean mobile phone group Digicel, is at an advanced stage of raising more than US$1 billion (€920 million) of debt to refinance borrowings that fall due over the next two years, the Irish Times recently reported.

The news, which the Irish newspaper attributed to credit rating agencies, follows Digicel’s announcement in February that it would reduce its global workforce by 25 per cent over 18 months as it attempts to cut its costs and boost its earnings.

Digicel currently employs in excess of 6,500 full-time employees, which means it plans to terminate 1,625 employees.

The newspaper reported that Digicel International Finance, which owns assets across the Caribbean, is raising US$935 million in senior secured loans that are due to be repaid within the next five to seven years. The telecommunications company is also said to be seeking to secure a US$100 million revolving credit facility.

The proceeds will mainly be used to redeem the company’s $856 million existing secured loan, which it must repay between March 2018 and March 2019, the Irish Times reported. According to the newspaper: “A deal would give Digicel, which operates in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific, significant financial headroom as it focuses on a massive restructuring programme. Digicel revealed in February it plans to cut more than 1,500 jobs, or a quarter of its workforce, over 18 months to improve earnings, which have fallen in each of the last seven quarters amid currency weakness in some of its main markets and heavy investment in its networks.”

The newspaper reported that Digicel’s US$6 billion-plus debt mountain stood at about six times earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) in December. It has committed to debt investors to lowering this ratio to 4.5 within the next two years.

“Refinancing of the existing credit facilities improves its financial flexibility as the group will not face any sizeable debt maturities until 2020, when its bonds start becoming due,” said the Irish Times quoted Fitch, the ratings agency, as saying in a note. While Digicel still has $80 million of debt maturing at its Digicel Pacific Ltd unit in August, Fitch expects it to be “comfortably” met with additional money being raised in the new debt issuance, according to the Times.

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Denis O'Brien — Digicel Founder

The newspaper quoted another ratings agency Moody’s as saying: “Moody’s said Digicel’s creditworthiness, which rated noninvestment grade or ‘junk,’ is constrained by the group’s high debt levels and ‘aggressive financial policy, which includes frequent debt-funded acquisitions and opportunistic dividend payments’.”

Moody’s said it could upgrade Digicel’s rating “if the company showed continued restraint with respect to dividends” and if it demonstrated that it was on track to lower its debt to four times ebitda.

“O’Brien, who set up Digicel in 2001, received $1.1 billion in dividends from the group in the three years to the middle of 2015. This includes special dividends and a quarterly $10 million payment. He stopped taking the regular $10 million dividend in late 2016 and committed to debt investors in Digicel that he would not take any more payments until the company’s finances improved,” The Irish Times reported.

Courtesy: Trinidad Guardian •

©2017 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox®, Xerox and Design®, AltaLink®, ConnectKey® and VersaLink® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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BUSINESS TECH

Cox also reminded the meeting that recently the world observed World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with the theme of ‘Big data for big impact’. “Big data is just one of the issues on the front burner of the digital sector. Are we dealing with the issues of standards, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence at the national and regional levels?

CARICOM MINISTERS A P P R O V E I N T E G R AT E D WORK PLAN FOR S I N G L E I C T S PA C E Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ministers with responsibility for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) recently approved the integrated work plan for the Community’s single ICT space.

The approval came during discussions at the 68th special meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on ICT. The virtual meeting was anchored at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

The single ICT space is conceptualised as the digital layer of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the region’s flagship programme. It encompasses the management of regional information, human resources, legislation 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 premised on the Regional Digital Development Strategy (RDDS), which was approved in 2013, and will also have inputs from key regional commissions and the post-2015 agenda.

CARICOM Heads of Government approved the road map for the single ICT space in February 2017, and the integrated work plan was developed and fine-tuned following several meetings of senior officials of ICT in the region. The integrated approach allows for the coordination of activities which are geared towards the best solutions to meet the needs of the people, and to achieve economies of scale across the region.

CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration, Joseph Cox, said that in the course of developing the work plan, several matters were brought to light, including the fact of the different stages of ICT development across CARICOM member states.

“The single ICT space work plan provides a guide for issues that the region can work on together with those that have done some things before helping the ones now embarking on those projects,” he said.

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He cautioned, “Our citizens are very aware of what is happening around them and possible resulted impact. We as servants of the citizens of this region and the practitioners and decision-makers in the sector have to give them the assurance that we are aware too and are earnestly working to ensure that we do not retard their progress as digital citizens.”

Cohesiveness in national and regional ICT endeavours, and the indicative budget for the single ICT space elicited robust discussion at the meeting. Ministers commended and gave their imprimatur to the work plan which will now be placed before the CARICOM Heads of Government in July in St George’s, Grenada.

Before the Ministers got down to business, Chairman, Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Ferdinand Welzijn thanked the senior officials from CARICOM member states and regional organisations who worked on the draft integrated work plan.

“I want to thank them for their dedicated efforts on this important regional initiative,” he said.

The Minister added that given the importance of the single ICT space to both national and regional development, “Heads of Government expect ICT Ministers to play a pivotal role in the guidance and development of key regional documents and processes. It therefore means that you have to endeavour to prioritise areas which are not only on the national agenda, but are regional as well. Ultimately, one affects the other, especially since we are working towards a harmonised ICT space.”

While he pointed to challenges which the Community may encounter, he issued a reminder that when used strategically, ICT was a solution provider. He said that ICT was becoming a main pivot in the four pillars of the Community – trade and economic development, human and social development, foreign policy coordination and security.

“Let us therefore focus on doing our part so that the big picture can be understood and appreciated by the citizens of the region whom we serve. The work on the single ICT space forces us to collaborate like never before as ministers, policy-makers, officials and civil society, if we are going to succeed and advance as a region”, he told his fellow ministers.

The half-day meeting also paid attention to the Community’s digital agenda, which encompasses the role ICT plays in the development of society such as in relation to the elderly, disabled and marginalised; in transportation, agriculture and energy; and in the green economy approach now being undertaken by member states.

The ministers also acknowledged the cyber security action plan which was recently approved by the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) and agreed to forge ahead with a coordinated approach to keeping national assets secured. They agreed to meet to discuss digital broadcasting and switch-over issues.•

SPECIAL FEATURE

A P U A T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S L E A D I N G T H E W AY W I T H N E X T G E N E R AT I O N TECHNOLOGY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

FEATURE

APUA TELECOMMUNICATIONS DRIVING LOCAL INDUSTRIES Innovation lies at the core of any economy; it facilitates productivity and growth. Innovation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) takes place at many levels. Within the telecommunications (telecoms) sector itself, it is manifested in the rate at which new technologies are developed and brought to the market. It also fuels development in other industries, such as manufacturing and services. Essentially, it drives the knowledge economy.

APUA Telecoms understands the role that it plays in providing a communication backbone that assists in the refinement and improved efficiency of business processes, and meeting the communication needs of an entire nation. Some may see this organisation as an incumbent seeking to maintain a tight grip on the market, but in truth, it is a guardian of the legacy of local ownership and innovation.

In much of the English-speaking Caribbean, in the context of fixed voice and broadband internet, the incumbent was known by one, or may be a few names, depending on the owner at the time. We first came to know it as Cable & Wireless; this company has deep roots in the Caribbean, dating back to 1934, when they purchased the West Indies Cable Network, allowing them to provide the Caribbean and Panama with international communications. It evolved into b-mobile, and then as we began to remember the name Lime, we had to soon go with the Flow. In 2012, Digicel entered the market and became a major competitor in mobile services, alternatives for fixed voice, and now home internet.

The nation of Antigua and Barbuda has a slightly different story. While Cable & Wireless began to invest in infrastructural development in most of the neighbouring islands; the fixed voice network in Antigua remained in the hands of the government; starting with the Telephone Department in the Ministry of Works, which was then consolidated with the Water and Electricity Departments to form a statutory

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body, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), in 1973. While Cable & Wireless enjoyed a monopoly on international voice traffic up to 2012 in Antigua, the rest of the telecoms market remained virtually opened.

Although there were no barriers to entry in the mobile market, it seems no one thought it a lucrative venture to challenge Cable & Wireless or Boat Phone in a huge way until APUA launched its own service, PCS in 2000. PCS was the first GSM service offered in not only Antigua, but in the English-speaking Caribbean. For the first time, the average man was able to access a mobile service, and this broke the market wide open. The mobile landscape changed quickly, Cable and Wireless rebranded and altered their rate structure, and AT&T acquired Airtel Cellular, later to become Digicel.

APUA also changed the broadband Internet landscape in 2005, when it launched its ADSL service inet. Once again, a first-mover, in a market that was dominated by single operator offering sub-par services at a very high cost.

Despite the fact that by this time, fixed voice was on the decline, inet made significant strides in the market with a service that converted existing copper lines into conduits that could transmit data at high speed. Being ever the pioneer, APUA Telecoms has now become the first broadband Internet provider on island to offer fiber to the home services.

This is next generation technology that will allow the company to meet the growing communication needs of the populace.

As APUA Telecoms looks to the future there is the understanding that the services that it offers will continue to transform lives in this nation.

The small local business can now access a global market through electronic commerce, and advanced education can be had in the comfort of one’s living room. Corporations can streamline processes and increased productivity among employees through the use of software enabled collaboration solutions by increased access to bandwidth. •

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FEATURE

A MESSAGE FROM:

MINISTER SIR ROBIN YEARWOOD

The business of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) remains high on the agenda of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as it seeks to transform this nation into the economic power house of the Caribbean Region. At the core of this vision becoming a reality is continued advancements in information communication technology (ICT).

APUA is committed to assuring broadband penetration throughout the state of Antigua and Barbuda under my guidance along with my Board of Commissioners led by Mr. Luther Lee. APUA Telecoms is currently engaged in making the fastest, and most reliable internet service available to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

APUA TELECOMS THANK YOU APUA Telecoms has enjoyed tremendous support from the Minister with responsibility for Public Utilities, Transportation and Civil Aviation, the Honourable Sir Robin Yearwood and APUA's Board of Commissioners. The Management and staff would like to acknowledge this support and extends a heartfelt "Thank you." •

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MESSAGE FROM ESWORTH MARTIN — GENERAL MANAGER As the leader of a multifaceted organization, the duty is mine to ensure that each business unit reaches its full potential, and for each the requirement is quite different. Our telecom product finds itself in a dynamic market, and the leaders are those who are able to adopt and deploy new technologies to meet the everevolving communication needs of Antiguans and Barbudans.

Decisions have to be made that balance investment with the expected return and also take into consideration the fact that we are a state-owned entity carrying a social obligation.

APUA Telecoms is our pride and joy; it signifies local ownership, innovation and has been a pioneer in so many ways. I am fully invested in its success, as I am in the success of every business unit within our organization. We have taken the mandate handed to us by the government to ensure high levels of broadband penetration very seriously. In addition to that we are poised to become the premier communications provider in Antigua and Barbuda. There is a lot that needs to be done to get there, but I am committed to driving this process and lending my full support to the leadership and staff of the Telecoms Business Unit. •

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FEATURE

SMART HOMES POWERED BY INET He sat across from me, fingers linked as he reclined in the chair. Confident and deliberate, Garry Gore, Chairman of Marine EcoSystems Protected Area Trust (MEPA), is a gentleman and he is a business man. He makes time to pencil in our discussion as an enthused patron. He awaits my first question; calm, cool and collected.

it off. I can open the gate. I can let someone in if I want to if I’m not at home. I can know when someone presses the doorbell at my home.”

We can comfortably describe Mr. Gore as technosavy. Over the years he has moved between internet service providers given that a fast and reliable connection is vital in both his professional and personal life. “To me, the internet is like an essential service, it’s like electricity, it’s like water to my home.

I’ve reached a stage now that I cannot live without it”.

“Back in 2008, Governments in the region got together and they realized that we were losing a lot of our near coast reefs to climate change…”

They came to a decision that by 2020 they wanted to preserve their near coast reefs and also set up a sustainable financing mechanism so we can finance protected areas indefinitely.

The marine eco system is one of that sustainable finance trust fund set up in Antigua. It is set up in St. Kitts, St. Lucia, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Grenada.

When asked why he chose inet, the Chairman had this to say, “At times I was running 2 services at the same time for a comparative analysis and none of them seemed to work out for me. Eventually, I tried the APUA service via the telephone line.” Digital Subscriber Line or internet via telephone line is the primary conduit for inet’s reliable service. However, as pioneers in the local telecommunications industry, Fibre to the Home (FTTH) is the most recent addition to inet’s suite of service offerings which provide the fastest speeds on island. Fibre optics is a complex technology which utilizes hair-like fibres with a glass core to transmit data at the speed of light. Perfect for a fully automated home much like Mr. Gore’s. “When I learnt of the new service, the internet via Fibre (in 2016) that was when I subscribed to the service and I have been using that service for maybe a month and a half and so far I’m really happy with it.”

“I can control virtually nearly everything from my cell phone,” he says. “I can turn all the lights on, I can turn the security system on, and I can turn

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With 20 mbps up speed and 10 mbps down speed FTTH, these features are ideal to meet the demand for the transmission of large amounts of data for Mr. Gore’s organization.

MEPA, a Not for Profit Company, is an outcome of a 2011 World Bank Funded Project called the Sustainable Financing & Management of Eastern Caribbean Marine Ecosystem Project.

This project was implemented by The Nature Conservancy and ended on the 31st December 2016. It is envisioned to be a core National Mechanism for sustained financing to support local community environmental initiatives.

Furthermore, it awards grants to support a wide range of both marine and terrestrial conservation-related activities.

With a heavy mandate to preserve the national natural resources, inet is happy to provide a service which supports the needs for an impactful cause to identify the financial cost and initiative to expand the current Protected Areas System to achieve 20% of Antigua and Barbuda marine and coastal area under effective management. •

Garry Gore — Chairman of MEPA

There is a range of Internet solutions offered by APUA Telecoms, which affords every customer the opportunity to have a service tailored to their needs. The most widely used is the DSL service, and fibre continues to increase in popularity as we expand across the island. Broadband Internet services are usually governed by what is called a contention ratio, which means that multiple users share the data capacity on a single line. This is a common practice among many service providers, and at APUA we strive to keep the contention ratio as low as possible to allow quality services to be delivered to our customers. There are some users, especially businesses, that have needs beyond what the general DSL services provide, and a Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) might be a more ideal solution.

However, for business customers that still require a better quality of service, our DIA would offer that level of comfort without any contention issues: ensure quality service, encourage better utilisation of resources and reduce cost.

MAKE YOUR INTERNET ACCESS WORK FOR YOU

DIA offers a more reliable Internet connection through a dedicated leased circuit connected to customers local or wide area network.

Business owners must ensure that they have enough bandwidth for their employees to function daily, and if a great deal of the company’s processes rely on web-based applications such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and accounting software, then it must run on a stable communications backbone.

Businesses that intend to maximize on their efficiencies and allow employees to function more speedily, should invest in a stable communication backbone.

There are many benefits to having a DIA service: � The speeds are symmetrical; equal upload and download � The service is guaranteed and is governed by a service level agreement � It is truly dedicated; an unbroken connection to you and only you, also a guaranteed service reliability of up to 97% � Customers receive 24/7 technical support � It offers real time connectivity � It comes with guaranteed number of static IP addresses DIA provides increased reliability and security, both of which are critical in the current business environment. This will increase the productivity of your business on a whole and allow for video conferences with employees and clients. Multiple employees will be able to access the same web-based applications while other employees are downloading files and making VoIP calls.

Dedicated access enables and empowers businesses to do more with the Internet. •

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FEATURE

Q & A WITH VAUGHN BROWN

APUA TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT MANAGER

Telecommunications and new technology has been rapidly expanding and impacting all sectors of the island’s economy. APUA is the primary provider of an all-encompassing suite of Telecommunications and Technology services across the island and has positioned itself to be the leader in the integration and introduction of new and enhanced cutting edge technology across all sectors.

Vaughn Brown – is the recently appointed Manager of APUA’s Telecommunications Business Unit charged with the mandate to position APUA to take advantage of the new opportunities, grow its business and increase the delivery of services to the wider community.

Business Focus had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Brown where he shared his thoughts on addressing some of the many issues and challenges as he leads his team to make APUA the preferred telecommunications services provider in Antigua & Barbuda: BF: Congratulations on your recent appointment as Manager of APUA’s Telecommunications Business Unit. Share with us your experience and passion for technology leading to your growth and current role at APUA? VB: “I’ve had some twenty plus years experience in the industry. I started at APUA back in the 90’s. I actually started as a summer intern. I don’t think the programme back then is as developed as it is now. Needless to say, I was an intern. I started back then doing PABX’s for APUA telecoms and that was when I was doing my first degree. I actually thought I was going to be doing power systems when I was in school, but turns out I ended up in telecoms and twenty plus years later, I’m still here. The good thing about that, in

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working with PABX’s back then, it got me excited as to what it is that technology can do and it kind of piqued my interest, so I stayed there.

When I eventually got out of school I was fortunate to get employed by APUA. I did some more work at that point in PABX’s and so on, and then I eventually moved on from that area into something called ISDN, which was the predecessor to the Internet service we have now.

That is basically what we used to use back then to provide some of the data services required for the then developing gaming sector.

After that, I got involved into data services, computers and networking, that lead to the formation of the data services department.

When the data services department was created back then we were primarily providing data service for the gaming sector and one or two other agencies that needed data services.

Subsequent to that, we developed the INET platform, which I was very much involved in: the design of it, the deployment of it, and so on. It was, if I can say, one of my babies. Subsequent to that as well, we also did some work on mobile.

Through my several years here at APUA I’ve been through pretty much all the different areas that telecommunications covers and its an exciting arena. It’s a really interesting field, and one that continues to interest me as it is also in keeping with my interest in engineering. It’s been a fun journey. I’ve benefited from working alongside some really smart and interesting people and I’m hoping that I can provide a similar experience for some of the employees within the telecoms department right now.”

BF: In this new position, what is your mandate from the Board and Management of APUA in growing and developing the Telecommunications Business Unit and what is the proposed approach to realizing these goals?

VB: “With my position at APUA right now, I report to the General Manager who, of course, then reports to the board and so basically, the direction I’d receive would be coming through his office.

The focus on APUA telecoms is to, again, become the premiere telecoms provider in Antigua. It’s a position that we enjoyed previously, probably can’t say definitively, at the moment, that we are the leading telecommunications industry, but that’s definitely the position we want to regain.

And it’s not from the point of view of looking at it through the APUA lens per se, its from the point of view of the customers; we want to get back to that position where customers view us as the premiere telecommunications company.

Getting there would mean that we have to provide the customers with the products and services that they desire, at a price of course, that they can afford. That’s looking at it from the customer side of things, but in terms of APUA as well, we do have a mandate, to ensure that the employees who are working here, can be employed somewhere that they can enjoy and have some kind of reward and satisfactory professional life. Finally, and not least important, is to improve the financial position of the organization. We’ve struggled in the past couple of years and we definitely need to improve in terms of our finances as well.”

BF: What is the proposed investment and expansion strategy to move ahead with this process and position APUA as the market leader in relation to the company’s domestic competition?

VB: “APUA is investing significantly in our market.

We have investments planned to the tune of several million dollars to improve the products and services provided, and also to improve our operational capabilities as well. So we’re building up and we’re also trying to strengthen the organization.”

BF: How is the APUA Telecommunications Business Unit being structured and reorganized to ensure the efficient delivery of current and proposed new and expanded services?

VB: “APUA has been in operation for several decades. It has provided us a rich bed of experience for the authority and over the years, we’ve been adapting to market conditions.

What was required of us then is the same that is required now. We see other operations in the jurisdictions and they’ve transformed their businesses from an engineering focused entity to one that that is more market driven. That kind of impetus is required here at APUA as well. Just from the ability to be able to compete effectively, marketing has to play a much stronger role than it has played previously. We need to improve in terms of the marketing area and to that extent; we have already started some restructuring exercises in the products and marketing division.

“

We have quite a few ambitious short term goals, there are a number of things we want to accomplish.

”

As of June, it was the first time we’d actually have product officers in place. They’re currently being trained now and we expect to see some improvements in terms of our sales capabilities – we’re strengthening that. Our strong point has always been engineering and even that is undergoing some “tweaking”, if you want to call it that. It’s quite a bit of restructuring, reorganizing, that we are undertaking at the moment.”

BF: Technically skilled people are at the center of the delivery of new technology and services.

What programmes have been developed and implemented to ensure the relevant skilled personnel are available to support your efforts?

VB: “APUA has been, traditionally, pretty strong in terms of training internally. We actually have a training officer whose obvious mandate is to look into training. Training continues all the time inside the organization, and we bring in external help in terms of trainers from time to time. Right now we actually have a system in place with ABIIT where we have a number of employees who are currently enrolled in programmes there.

Primarily, it is from a technical standpoint, but we also do a lot of training in the other aspects of the business as well.

BF: The Government of Antigua & Barbuda has confirmed that the new Telecommunications Act will be coming into force resulting in liberalization of the Telecommunications Industry. How is APUA preparing for Liberalization and what are some of the changes we can expect?

VB: “My argument would be that we are already somewhat liberalized right now. We do have open competition pretty much in all aspects of telecommunication: voice services, mobile services, data services, and television services.

So I guess what the Telecommunications Act will probably bring is some more rules to govern the market place. From an APUA standpoint we are already competing with the others and we definitely can continue to compete once the rules are put in place with Telecommunications Act. What I will say though, is that over the years the telecommunications division of APUA has provided funding for the other two entities – our brothers, electricity and water, and whatever these rules are that are put in place, it just needs to consider these responsibilities as well that are placed under the telecommunication unit of APUA.” BF: Customer Service is a critical component of the Telecommunications Business Unit and its interface with current and potential customers.

What are some of the new initiatives you intend to or would like to see introduced to reinforce and enhance the company’s relationship with its customers?

VB: “From our standpoint, we think that customer service is key to us being able to compete effectively in the market place so we think that that’s one of the pillars we need to build pretty strongly in our portfolio. We are putting measures in place to empower our consumers even more, some of which I alluded to earlier. We have a call center which we operate providing that “human touch” as opposed to the automated systems that are out there. Even though the technical side is there, allowing for the consumer to do their own management of themselves, we definitely think the human side of it is also important. We are continuing to train our Customer Service Representatives, and other staff to work along with our customers and its not just from a CSR standpoint, we’re also trying to build that into every aspect of our business inclusive of our technicians who go out into the field to work with our customers.”

BF: With the rapid expansion and introduction of technology across all sectors, many of your

customers and the wider citizenry are being disadvantaged by not being able to relate to and use technology. This is particularly applicable to the elderly and less tech savvy persons. How is APUA Telecommunications proposing to address such issues as it can clearly strengthen the relations and loyalty with this sector of your customer base?

VB: “From an APUA standpoint that’s where our processes that we have in place can assist; there are other initiatives that we have in place internally and as we roll out more new products, what will happen is that we will have educational programmes that go along with these.”

BF: What is your vision for the APUA Telecommunications Business Unit over the next decade?

VB: “We have quite a few ambitious short term goals, there are a number of things we want to accomplish – the reorganizations, products and services that we want to bring to the market and assuming we get those things in place, I’m expecting that over the long haul the organization will become a bit more dynamic and efficient going forward where we’ll be able to meet and surpass the needs of our consumers. I expect at that time that we will be able to achieve our goals of enjoying the predominant mindset of our customers, becoming that premiere technology company in Antigua. You never know, we might even become a regional outfit by that time.”

BF: Any final comments you would wish to make?

VB: “I’d like to just thank all the customers who have supported APUA over its entire journey.

Without customers we would not be anywhere.

For those of you who have remained loyal to us, thank you for your support. And we look forward to converting those who are not our customers as yet, in having them join our APUA family. To our employees, I just want to say thank you. We’ve started quite a bit of work over the not too distant past and the support of our employees and management in that journey has been tremendous. I have to say thank you and well done to all of the employees within our organization.

To the Antiguan public, we will continue to relentlessly and tirelessly pursue that pinnacle of satisfaction that we aim to achieve.”

The Business Focus Team offers our best wishes to Vaughn Brown and his talented and capable Team at APUA Telecommunications Business Unit every success in their efforts at bringing modern telecommunications and technology to Antigua & Barbuda and its citizens. •

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FEATURE

A TALENTED TEAM OF SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

CENTRAL OFFICE Central Office is located on Long St. and can be considered as part of the central nervous system of telecommunications. This department is responsible for cross connections in Central Office/ RLCM and port configuration.

OVERVIEW OF DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE APUA TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT

PRODUCTS AND MARKETING This new department focuses on the development and lifecycle of telecoms products. As well as the marketing and advertisement of imobile, inet and wireline services.

OUTSIDE PLANT (CIVIL AND CONSTRUCTION AND CABLE SPLICING) This team is tasked the physical building-out of telephone and data networks.

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INSTALLATION AND REPAIR This department is responsible for the installation and repair of wirelines and data services.

TELECOMS CALL CENTER Our local contact center responds to telecommunications faults and does first and second tier troubleshooting.

BUSINESS SYSTEMS TEAM The BSG Department is the group responsible for the corporate installations of telephone networks.

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FEATURE

DISPATCH The Telecoms Dispatch Department coordinates the installation and repair service crews.

BASE STATION TECHNICIANS This team of technicians service and maintain imobile base stations.

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ROAMING AND OUTSIDE PLANT SUPPORT The Roaming department (first two employees pictured) manages the interactions between imobile and all international roaming carriers.

Outside Plant Support offers administrative and supervisory support to the Outside Plant crews.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS The MIS Department maintains all software and telecoms networks.

THE ASSIGNING DEPARTMENT This department handles the issuance of cabling information island wide.

RETAIL SALES AND COMMERCIAL SALES The APUA Telecoms Retail Sales team is the first point of contact for most customers. They are the team that handles customer sign ups, payments and residential account management.

The APUA Commercial Sales Team is a vibrant team which manages all commercial internet and mobile accounts.

DATA SERVICES Data services is another vital part of APUA Telecoms. This department is responsible for installation, provisioning, providing technical support, maintenance and troubleshooting technical problems with the data network.

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FEATURE

A FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE The ultimate customer service experience is being able to get assistance whenever you need it. No one enjoys a first point of contact being an automated dialling system that never really connects you to someone who can address your needs. Neither do customers want to be routed to a call centre in a completely different country unable to offer any tangible solution to technical problems being experienced.

The customer service ethos at APUA Telecoms is geared towards having real people provide real time interactions and real time responses to issues customers may be experiencing. As such we are focusing efforts on developing our local call centre to allow it to be more responsive to the queries received from customers.

Additionally, we understand that there is a tech-savvy portion of the market that wants to be able to engage in self-care, and the process is well underway towards launching an online portal that allows customers to conduct just about any transaction without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. There is a customer service model in APUA Telecoms to meet the needs of every customer. •

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LOCAL BUSINESS POWERED BY INET HOSPITALITY Access to the Internet is extremely vital to the day to day running of the hotels within our group.

Our staff uses it for simple tasks such as email and item research to more complicated uses such as remote access to our central reservations system and PMS. All of our restaurants use online music services for background music as well. Guests have also become very demanding of internet access. Most choose their hotel stays depending on the availability of the service and are willing to leave the property if there is no internet service available.

I would say at least 90% of our business involves the internet in some shape or form. Email and VOIP are essential for communication within the group. Our central reservations system, as I mentioned earlier, is accessed via a secure internet connection and some staff have the option to access our network from wherever they may be via Internet access. Guests have zero tolerance for a lack of internet service and we go as far as offering free internet access in our lobby areas and on our beaches at St. James Club.

We have had the internet service for over 2 years now and I cannot say anything negative about it. The service is extremely reliable and the bandwidth I receive is exactly what I am supposed to receive. They always go the extra mile to make sure any issues are resolved promptly. As a whole, I would say that I am extremely satisfied with the level of service I receive from the APUA inet Service.

- Michael Ferraz, Corporate IT Administrator, Elite Island Resorts | Hospitality Industry

TECH FIRM Internet connectivity is like oxygen to life for my business - it has helped overcome geographical boundaries allowing me to not only connect with suppliers and customers within Antigua & Barbuda but also from around the world; giving me access to new markets and increasing my ability to scale business.

Additionally the internet has helped to increase the efficiency by which tasks and projects can be completed - for example my team can save a lot of time and resources by meeting virtually at any time - instead of having to physically drive to a meeting point to do a similar face to face meeting or share information.

90% of my business is based on an internet connection - so it’s important for me to always be connected for clients to reach me and for my product and services to reach my target audience.

What's not to love about my inet service, hmmm... I had it when I started my first business as a teenager and have kept it still today. I love the consistency in speed that I've had - in addition to the now even lower rate for more performance. I also like the fact that I have been able to reach a support technician even over the weekend instead of getting a machine recording or a rep answering from overseas.

- Elijah James | CEO & Founder of Voice Publications & The LocaL App | Marketing Communications and Information Technology Consultancy •

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FEATURE

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY It is estimated that out of the 7 million people employed globally in the ICT sector, only 30% are women. We often make reference to the ‘IT guy’ and without second thought assume that an engineer is male. Like many other industries the technology field has been stereotyped as ‘man’s work’.

Little exposure is given to the female pioneers blazing the trails in careers not frequented by their gender. Even less exposure or mention is made of women in the Caribbean and locally in Antigua. APUA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and an indigenous telecommunications company which is able to offer a plethora of jobs in the ICT field. We are pleased to introduce you to some of APUA Telecoms’ female trail blazers.

and was given the opportunity to work as a technician in our Central Office section. It was at first a bit intimidating as I was virtually the only female that had ever been assigned to this section. It was what I wanted and was determined to make my mark in a field largely dominated by men thus far.

HOW HAS APUA HELPED TO FURTHER DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS?

JENISE PILGRIM SUPERVISOR, CENTRAL OFFICE DUTIES: - Provisioning of voice and data services.

- Line checks - Assignment of duties to Central Office staff/ Coordinating activities with Outside Plant personnel - Maintenance of service order records.

- Identifying network failures.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER? I began employment with the Authority some twenty-nine years ago as a clerical worker and could not have envisaged, at that time that my career would have taken me into one of the most technologically oriented areas within our business unit. After working in fault reporting and then data entry for a couple of years, I decided that the time had come to move onto more challenging opportunities within my section. It was at this point that I became more interested in the operation of our Telephone Network and the ever-changing technology that was driving our business. I applied for a transfer

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I have matured considerably since those early days and presently have a very demanding workload which causes me to engage my time management skills. As the Central Office Supervisor I have had to learn how to manage a small group of technicians that are expected to satisfy the day to day demands of both our INET and Installation & Repair departments.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT? The Authority has enabled my personal development through training and by entrusting me to work with cutting edge equipment. This has allowed me to be a part of a highly talented and technologically savvy group of individuals. I would like to acknowledge the role of my supervisors both past and present for their confidence in my ability and for pointing me in the direction that has allowed me to evolve into the individual that I am today.

A job is very often what you make of it. My achievements to date were as a result of hard work and perseverance. It is of great importance that I now find myself in a career that offers personal fulfilment at the end of each work day and to know that I have been allowed to participate in a meaningful way toward the development of our business unit.

We are truly going through a technological revolution in the Telecoms industry and I am privileged to be making my contribution one day at a time.

JOYCE BALTIMORE-WHYTE COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

CAROLYN WEBSON TELEPHONE TECHNICIAN

DUTIES:

DUTIES:

- Providing network connectivity support for APUA’s Data network.

- Responding to telephone faults.

- Assisting in installing and configuring system hardware and software.

- Establishing and maintaining user accounts, profiles, file sharing and access privileges for the local area network (LAN).

- Troubleshooting network problems for both Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).

- Assisting in the establishment of agreements that governs the level of service provided by APUA to our business customers.

- Assisting in the installation of APUA’s Wi-Fi product.

- Provisioning and troubleshooting services for APUA’s Fiber to the Home (FTTH) offer.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER? I was drawn to this career field as a freshman in high school when we were asked to write our first computer program for a class assignment. I became interested in the field from then and decided that this would be the area of study I’d pursue.

HOW HAS APUA HELPED TO FURTHER DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS?

- Assisting with installation and repair dispatch.

KANDICE WESTE SYSTEM SUPPORT ANALYST / PRODUCT OFFICER – INTERNET DUTIES: -M anagement of the telecoms billing system.

- T roubleshooting software issues with employee users.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

- Software training.

As a young girl growing up I realized that I am a hands on learner. I enjoyed joining in challenging and interesting project with my brothers. This family bonding time influenced me to choose my career.

WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CHOOSE THIS CAREER?

HOW HAS APUA HELPED TO FURTHER DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS? APUA has helped me to develop my skills by giving me the opportunity to work in my field of choice. Every day I get to put my knowledge and skills into practice.

This may sound cliché but my mother influenced my career choice. She is a network engineer and her love for information technology made me want to enter this field.

HOW HAS APUA HELPED TO FURTHER DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS? APUA has provided an abundance of job training which has helped to further develop my skills and exposure to industry software.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT?

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT?

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the Telecoms Business Unit?

Being responsible for the billing system has allowed me to train and ensure that all staff members interacting with the system are properly equipped.

I take great pride in the fact that APUA has entrusted me with this very important role.

For me my biggest accomplishment was not the degree obtained in a class room or online. It is the respect of all my fellow co-workers both past, present, young and old, who appreciate the work that I am doing.

I have seen the steady progression of my skills over the years as I am tasked with the varied projects that challenge me to extend beyond the limits of my degree to learn new disciplines as those mentioned above.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THE TELECOMS BUSINESS UNIT? I cannot yet say what my greatest accomplishment has been. However, I do believe that I have accomplished much in providing, to the best of my ability, service to our customers and value to the organization.

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FEATURE

PARTNERING WITH TECHNOLOGY LEADERS: APUA & CANTO CANTO is a nonprofit membership organization which serves telecommunications operators, government departments, equipment suppliers, regulatory authorities, consultants in the telecom industry, and other institutions and affiliate members throughout the Caribbean Region and the Americas. CANTO comprises of a Board of Directors, Secretariat, and eight (8) Working Committees. The Secretariat along with each Working Committee is responsible for various operations of CANTO and aid in informing the Board of Directors decisions pertaining to the directional focus and thrust of the organization.

The Working Committees are as follows: 1. Marketing and Communications Committee 2. Human Resources Committee 3. Disaster Recovery Planning Committee 4. Financial Advisory Committee 5. Regulations Committee 6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee 7. Vendor/ Supplier Working Committee 8. Technology Working Committee The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) has been a member of CANTO for more than twenty (20) years. Throughout the years, APUA’s involvement and relevance to the vision and mission of CANTO has significantly grown. In 2008 CANTO’s 26th Annual General Meeting of Members was cohosted by APUA at the Veranda Resort. In 2012, two (2) employees from APUA won second prize at the 28th Annual CANTO Conference for competing in an APP design competition.

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On 29th June 2015 Mr. Joseph Samuel, Business Development Coordinator at APUA, was appointed as Chairman of the Marketing and Communications Committee. As Chairman of the Marketing and Communications Committee, Mr. Samuel and his team are responsible for advising the Secretariat in the utilization of methodologies and strategies aimed at increasing the visibility of CANTO’s valuable initiatives and programs that are designed to benefit its membership, the Caribbean Region, and the Americas.

Today, additional APUA employees are integral members of other CANTO Working Committees.

Mr. Denelle Richards, Auditor Senior, is the Chairman of the Financial Advisory Committee and Mr. Francois Sutton, Senior Network Engineer serves on the Regulations Committee.

As APUA continues to experience growth in the telecommunications landscape it is vital that we seek not to do so in isolation. To this end, the umbrella of support derived from being a member of CANTO cannot be understated as we strive to continuously be at the vanguard of telecommunication innovation here in Antigua and Barbuda. •

PROUD PARENTS In 2015, inet became the proud adoptive parents of the T.N. Kirnon Primary School. To date inet has donated computers, books, hosted a career day and sponsored Student awards/scholarships.

INET & THE NEXT GENERATION

HEALTHY BODY, SHARP MINDS inet prides itself on finding opportunities to foster the development of our next generation. From sports groups to school activities, inet is always willing to help provide the necessary assistance to offset these nation building activities. •

Advancing Antigua and Barbuda isn’t just about providing new and innovative technology to facilitate faster speeds and better access to data. It is about developing the citizens who use our services. inet has a strategic focus towards the development of the youth. It is pivotal to nurture the next generation to ensure that they are educated and well-rounded in order to exist in a rapidly developing global village. inet takes great interest and pride in supporting events geared towards the next generation.

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years:

When Big Banana first opened back in 1985, there were only three items on the menu: four types of pizza, a mixed salad, and baked potato.

Fast Forward to 2017 and not only has the menu grown, but so has the number of locations. The latest of which is the Big Banana branch in the newly developed V.C. Bird International Airport; boasting stylish décor, and an inviting ambiance- with the gastronomy to match!

The new location has garnered international attention, and has been described as one of the best airport restaurants in the Caribbean.

Quite an accomplishment for Jeff, Eddie, and Bernadette, who started out quite humbly in the restaurant business.

During the earlier years of acquiring the restaurant from Steve and Carrie Crotty, the siblings were hands on and at time even had to prepare the meals, at their home, since the only food preparation equipment present at the establishment at the time was an oven.

While some may have used lack of equipment as an excuse to throw in the towel, Jeff, Bernadette, and Eddie saw it as an opportunity to exercise their culinary creativity.

Today, Big Banana is recognized as one of Antigua’s go-to spots for indulging one’s taste buds.

Looking back, becoming the owners of Big Banana wasn’t exactly what the siblings had planned as a career path.

Having returned home after studying abroad, Jeff worked at Big Banana as a bartender for Steve and Carrie just after the business had been opened. It wasn’t until a year after, that Jeff made the offer to buy the business on behalf of a third party, and was then encouraged by his boss, Steve Crotty, to buy the business for himself. This was when the siblings got together to acquire business.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Acquiring the business occurred at a time when Antiguans were beginning to eat out more and were in search of a place that they could stamp as their hang out spot! Showcasing

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the larder ANTIGUA WEST INDIES

popular bands such as Third World, Antigua’s own El A Kru, and the birth of “the 3 cylinder” band what was once a quaint eatery, quickly grew into a favoured local entertainment venue.

Entertaining and exuding hospitality came natural for the siblings who were taught by their parents the importance of making any and everyone feel welcomed in their home.

That “familiar encounter” has been built upon over the years so much so that some describe being at Big Banana as “going over to a friend’s house.”

the old classic, that is the Big Banana Redcliffe Quay branch. Not wanting to give too much away, Jeff said, the charm and inviting nature of Antigua’s favorite eatery will remain the same, but with added flair that’s sure to impress the toughest of critic.

“Our parents were always entertaining at home and we feel the same way about our customers; we treat them as our guests,” says Jeff.

Building on the success of Big Banana, the entrepreneurial trio later gave us: ‘The Beach’ Restaurant, which was formerly Spinnakers Restaurant, from the year 2000 to 2010. A year later, in 2011, they purchased The Larder; and developed South Point Antigua which opened its Restaurant and Lounge in 2015.

The success of each entity, Jeff says, is the result of, not only the strong bond he has with his sister and brother, who have been his partners for over thirty years, but their determination to not fail, despite having had to face several difficult moments along the way, some of which nearly cost them their business.

One such circumstance was the global economic recession. The economic downturn called for some hard decisions to be made one of which, he said, was closing “the beach” restaurant having to let go staff members who became like family. Another challenge the business owners had to be overcome was the downtown in business at the new location of Big Banana on Redcliffe Street and having to reinvest to return to the old Redcliffe Quay location.

Reflecting on those challenges and the many others encountered throughout the years, Jeff said, if it weren’t for their commitment to succeed, support of his staff members, and the support of our clientele, Big Banana wouldn’t be where it is today. A lot of the original staff members are still part of the Big Banana family despite the challenges faced.

As a way to continuously express their gratitude, the Company continues to extend financial support to various projects, charitable causes, and community initiatives.

Having made such an impression on travelers with their look, feel, and taste at the V.C Bird International airport, what’s next for the business owners is an expansion on BusinessFocus

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meet our staff

alfredo dedrick RESTAURANT MANAGER, THE LARDER “I’ve enjoyed the growth over the last 17 years.

It’s a company that’s always striving to look at new trends in food. We’re actually the first to introduce Sushi to Antigua back in 2000 at The Beach Restaurant. Big Banana is a brand that stands out, and it’s a great company to work for.”

barbara williams walcott ‘wally’ haywood

WAITRESS AT BIG BANANA FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS

“We’re like family. Everyone looks out for each other. Jeff, Bernadette, Eddie, are like the mom and dads. If you have a problem, it’s their problem too.

I like what I do; that’s why I’m here so long. I love serving people and I always want to make sure they feel welcomed and satisfied so that they’d want to come back to Big Banana. It’s not just a job, it’s like home away from home.”

our customers

curtis ‘truths’ ryan LOCAL SUPPORTER FOR OVER 30 YEARS “Big Banana is a nice family oriented place. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and on a whole, it’s a nice go-to place. On a scale from 1-5, I’d give it a 4.5”

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CHEF AT BIG BANANA SINCE ‘87 “They give back to the community. I’ve received two scholarships since working with the company.

What I’ve enjoyed most, though, is meeting new people- I actually met my wife here! And I also enjoy cooking for people as well.”

30

YEARS &

still making you

happy everyday

Redcliffe Quay & V.C. Bird International Airport

gourmet deli-café · sushi bar · neapolitan pizza · homemade gelato · awesome salads · premium bar royal palm place, friars hill road

hotel | restaurant | sushi bar | lounge

yacht club drive, english harbour

We Do I.T. When ACT first began its operations in 1989, they were a consulting company- writing software, initially, for small hotels, and business owners across the island. Creating Hotel Guest Management Systems, Payroll Systems, Customs Warrant Generator Systems, Accounting Systems, and Billing Systems that controlled inventory for a host of entities.

Within two years of operations, Founder of ACT, Salomon Doumith, realized that there was a gap in the market where computers were concerned; those that were readily available were over priced, and not as easily accessible to local consumers. That observation lead to the development and assembling of the country’s first, locally branded computers.

Adding more of a local touch: graduates from the Antigua State College’s Engineering Department got an opportunity to contribute to the development of the product. Recruited as summer interns by the company, the students were taught how to build computers, develop the corresponding software, and how to repair the computers once damaged.

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HOMEGROWN TECHNOLOGY PIONEERS “In that moment, we brought PC’s to Antigua. These PC’s were locally built and locally supported- we had all the spare parts along with the required skill set. It wasn’t only about making them available on the market; it was also about educating people; exposing them to these technologies, even when it was at a very premature stage in the United States and abroad. We were, at the cusp of technology, bringing it to Antigua even at its very early infancy stages,” says Operations Manager, Aziz Doumith.

“We grew the company at a fast pace in every single sector of the market; and we captured over 70 percent of the computer market in Antigua at that time,” he added.

As the demand for personal computers increased, so did the need for Internet access.

“In 1999, we were granted the license by government to be an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and also a license to operate a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal- a two-way satellite ground station for a dish antenna). This afforded us the opportunity to provide more affordable Internet in Antigua. We grew a customer base of

three to four thousand dial-up internet access customers using this satellite technology along with fiber optic capacity,” says Salomon.

Founder of ACT, Salomon Doumith, added, “The internet business grew rapidly. The gaming sector was coming in and we saw this as a welcoming thing, because we were also building PC’s for the gaming companies, supporting them, and so the obvious next step would be to provide Internet access for that sector. We were offering full end-to-end solutions, from the cabling, to the PCs, to the internet, to the power, and full-support of all of these products and services.”

Further strengthening their customer support system, over the years ACT has partnered with international technology companies such as HP Inc., Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, APC, IBM, RadioShack, HID, Newgen Software, Lenovo, Microsoft, and others, to provide enterprise solutions to their consumers. Working on behalf of these companies to provide on site customer support.

“About four years ago, we teamed up with IBM to offer solutions to companies, banks, and the government, in the areas of security and analytics. Hence, we are able to deliver expertise to our clients,” says Aziz.

He added, “We’ll always be open to adding new partnerships.

We do believe that we’re able to be the intermediaries for these companies to bring the technology home and across the region.”

ACT’s headquarters on Old Parham Road houses its cutting-edge data center, administration offices, the ACT Service Center, and an enterprise ACT store focusing on peripherals, networking, and other enterprise products. In addition to its own computer store on the corner of Market & Church Street, where it offers a complete line of brand name computers and accessories, along with a wide range of repair and support services, the company is also a RadioShack distributor. ACT operates two RadioShack stores, one located in the Woods Mall and the other on the corner of Market & St. Mary’s Street, with the flexibility of offering its own products in addition to the consumer electronics from the RadioShack brand.

Today, ACT has grown into Antigua's largest, single source technology provider. “We provide every aspect of technology – from the PC to the software, from power to switching, from cabling to internet access, from sales to after-sales support. ACT even provides the training that is required to fulfill this demand,” Doumith says. ACT strives to continue their mandate to provide the latest technology services to the island. The company will soon be offering Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Solutions, allowing customers, both locally and internationally, to leverage the ACT Data Center for services such as remote backup, smart monitoring, and infrastructure-as-service. •

Enterprise

Power

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175% OF SUM ASSURED CHOOSE A FINANCIAL PLAN YOU CAN THANK YOURSELF FOR

CREATE A LEGACY AND PLAN FOR THE ROAD AHEAD Endowment policies provide additional benefits for their owners by complementing traditional life insurance coverage with a lump sum payment at the end of a specific term. Sagicor 175 Endowment Plan II policies provide life insurance protection over terms ranging from 10 to 20 years, with cash value accumulation* and a special maturity bonus. At maturity, Sagicor 175 Endowment Plan II policies will pay a lump sum benefit equivalent to the Sum Assured (100%) plus a special bonus equivalent to 75% of the Sum Assured. If the insured dies before maturity, the death benefit specified in the policy will be paid.

HOW CAN SAGICOR 175 ENDOWMENT PLAN II BENEFIT YOU? Sagicor 175 Endowment Plan II helps you to protect your financial future and allows you to: • Accumulate cash values for future cash requirements such as liquidating mortgage payments, the cost of education, wealth accumulation or even supplementing retirement income; • Ensure that in the event of death, your family’s needs are taken care of and expenses or debts can be settled; • Accomplish a specific financial goal to be met at maturity.

Sagicor Life Inc is rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Rating Company.

HOW SAGICOR 175 ENDOWMENT PLAN II WORKS FOR YOU The range of features includes: • Guaranteed cash values against which cash loans can be obtained, subject to terms of repayment; • A guaranteed lump sum payment at maturity that will be equal to 175% of the Sum Assured once there is no loan related indebtedness to be satisfied; and • Payment of the death benefit in the event that the insured dies before maturity.

ENHANCE YOUR SAGICOR 175 ENDOWMENT PLAN II WITH OPTIONAL BENEFITS Waiver of Premium and Accidental Death and Dismemberment benefits are optional benefits that may be added to any Sagicor 175 Endowment Plan II policies.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT BENEFIT With the purchase of this option, should an insured who is at least 15 years of age die in an accident or become dismembered within the meaning of the policy then, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy, the agreed benefit will be paid.

WAIVER OF PREMIUM BENEFIT Should you choose to purchase this option, on being satisfied that you have become totally disabled under the terms of the policy, while your disability continues, Sagicor will waive the payment of the premium until the end of the benefit period. Where this option is chosen with a policy issued to you on the life of another person, the premium will also be waived following your death until the end of the benefit period.

*The point at which cash value accrues varies across the product suite with values accruing as early as the second policy year for 10-year plans. To maximize value, an endowment policy should be held for its entire term as surrender values, especially in early years, are generally less than the total amount of premiums paid.

Contact your Sagicor Advisor at 480-5500 for more details or visit www.sagicorlife.com

Sagicor Life Inc is rated “A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Rating Company.

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MONEY MATTERS

ACCOUNT & CARD SECURITY TIPS

ATM SECURITY void using an ATM in secluded or deserted areas or when you •A are by yourself. Use ATMs located at banks or supermarkets where other people are around or in in well-lit, public areas.

• Avoid using ATMs late at night.

KEEP YOUR MONEY SAFE

• Ensure that your card is readily available to gain access to the ATM. •B e aware of lights not working, anyone loitering nearby or shadowed areas where someone might hide. If you notice anything or anybody suspicious, consider returning later or use an alternate ATM location.

• I nspect the ATM. If it looks like someone has tampered with the equipment, don’t use it. This could mean that someone has attached a “skimmer” to the ATM to steal your financial information. If a suspicious person offers to help you use the ATM, refuse and leave.

ACCOUNT SECURITY • Frequently monitor your accounts using Online Banking and review your account statements promptly. Immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank.

•P ut your money and debit card away before leaving the ATM. Always avoid showing your cash. Always verify that the amount you withdrew matches the amount printed on your receipt.

Shred or destroy your ATM receipts before you throw them away.

• DO NOT maintain large balances on accounts linked to your debit card. It is recommended that you keep separate accounts and transfer funds from your savings account to your account linked to the debit card via Online Banking as needed.

•M ake sure you end your session and the ATM returns to the start screen before leaving the ATM. This will prevent anyone who uses the ATM immediately after you from accessing your account.

• Your bank will never contact you via e-mail for personal information about your account such as PIN, identification number, etc. If you receive an e-mail asking for this information, do not reply, and delete it immediately. Inform your bank as soon as possible.

• DO NOT share your Online Banking login details with anyone.

ONLINE & EMAIL SECURITY • Be sure to verify the authenticity of websites and email senders before conducting online transactions or responding to emails.

• DO NOT complete information in pop-up boxes unless sites are secure.

CARD SECURITY • S ign your card on the signature strip at the back as soon as you receive it.

• T reat your card like cash. Never let your card out of your possession or control. You are solely responsible for its use.

• E xercise caution when making purchases via telephone. Make sure that the company/organization you are dealing with is a legitimate one.

• Check your statement and immediately report any discrepancies.

• DO NOT share your account details or card information via email or instant messaging programs.

•R eport lost or stolen debit cards immediately by contacting your bank via telephone and email. Save the number on the back of your card so that you can call the hotline in the event that your card is lost or stolen outside of banking hours.

• Create strong Online Banking passwords that will be difficult for persons to guess.

roperly destroy statements and receipts before discarding •P them. Never discard in public bins.

• Always call back Suppliers to confirm changes in wiring details received via email before remitting wire payments.

• I nform your bank ahead of time if you will be travelling to another country.

• Only make online purchases using your debit or credit card from a website with Security Socket Layer (SSL) encryption installed.

You will know the website is secure because an icon of a padlock will appear in the web address.

•A lways destroy your old card by cutting it into small pieces before discarding it.

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eep your card away from items with magnets, which can erase •K the information stored on the card’s magnetic strip.

Live a Life of Adventure POINT-OF-SALE SECURITY • When shopping, be sure that you get your card back after every purchase.

• Always make sure that sales vouchers are for the correct purchase amount before you sign.

ECOSPORT

• DO NOT volunteer any personal information when you use your card, other than displaying personal identification as requested by a merchant.

• When using your card at Point-of-Sale or ATM locations, be sure to be discreet when entering your PIN to prevent persons who are nearby from seeing your PIN. • When using your card at restaurants, do not leave the line for tips on your transaction receipt blank. Write the tip amount yourself. If you do not wish to leave a tip write a zero on the line.

Also be sure to fill in the total. By doing this, no one can add an amount to the receipt after you would have signed it.

HILUX

Factory & American Road, St. John’s Antigua Tel: 462-1062 www.harneymotorsltd.com

PIN SECURITY • DO NOT write down your PIN. Memorize it.

FLO'S

• Never tell anyone your PIN. No one from a financial institution, the police, or a merchant should ask for your PIN.

PERFUME +

• When selecting a PIN, avoid picking a number that is easy for others to guess — for example, your name, telephone number, date of birth, or any simple combination of these.

SKINCARE | COSMETICS | FRAGRANCE

• Be sure to enter your PIN discreetly at ATMs and Point-of-Sale locations. •

MEMBERS OF THE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA BANKERS ASSOCIATION

FEEL THE

Magic

OF LOVE

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REMEMBER OUR DUTY FREE STORE AT V.C. BIRD INT’L AIRPORT

Lower long Street / V.C Bird Int'l Airport, St. John's, Antigua.

T: 268-562-5618 | F: 268-562-5618 E: flosperfumeplus@candw.ag | flosperfumeplus BusinessFocus

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MONEY MATTERS “These awards are a fitting tribute to the hard work of our dedicated team of client-focused professionals whose daily mission is to provide our clients with excellent banking products and services that fit their lives,” he added.

MOBILE BANKING APP NAMED BEST IN REGION

Less than a year after its launch, CIBC First Caribbean’s mobile banking app has been named best in the region.

The regional bank’s credit card products were also named best in the region by International Finance Magazine (IFM), in its International Finance Awards for 2017.

The International Finance Awards recognizes and honors individuals and organizations in the international finance industry and celebrates

“We were able to impress the judges with our highly rated mobile app, which has been receiving high praise from our clients, along with the impressive suite of credit card products that we have introduced to the market, most recently our CHIP, PIN and Contactless cards and our Cash Back card,” said Torzsas Since its launch last June 2016, the bank’s mobile app for smartphones has been downloaded by thousands of clients and has been consistently rated 4.5 and higher by users.

the highest standards of innovation and performance. The awards highlight those who make a contribution to raising the bar in the financial industry.

The app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play store, the Apple store, and BlackBerry App World, is accessed via Android, Apple, and Blackberry and Windows devices.

“We are delighted to have won these two prestigious awards,” said Trevor Torzsas, the bank’s Managing Director, Cards and Customer Relationship Management under whose portfolio the winning products fall.

It affords users the convenience of checking their account balances, transferring funds between accounts or to other CIBC First Caribbean clients, paying bills and locating branches and Instant Tellers™, all from their mobile device. •

ELEVEN CARIBBEAN PROJECTS SELECTED FOR EUROPEAN FUNDING

The second selection committee for the Interreg Caribbean Program 2014-2020 has made public the list of the 11 regional projects eligible for European funding.

7. CARIFORTS: Creation of a network of forts and fortifications of the Caribbean in partnership with Antigua, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and St Eustatius;

Many countries in the Caribbean will benefit from these projects, as follows:

8. CARI’MAM: Networking of marine protected areas dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals in the Greater Caribbean in partnership with Bonaire, Cuba, Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands;

1. T EECA: Set up a trade facilitation team and improve knowledge on existing financing solutions in the Caribbean area in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); 2. P AIRE: Develop an action plan to facilitate cooperation between the Caribbean air transport operators in partnership with Antigua, Dominica, St Maarten and LIAT; 3. O SAIN: To identify and promote the medicinal plants of the Caribbean in partnership with Belize, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica and Puerto Rico; 4. R ECAVAC: Supporting cocoa farmers in partnership with Haiti 5. R ADAR: Installation of a weather radar system in St Maarten; 6. P REST: Creation of an earth/sea geophysical observatory in partnership with Haiti, Cuba and the University of the West Indies;

9. OSATOURC: Creation of an international network of popular and traditional music of the Caribbean, in partnership with Cuba, Dominica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago; 10. CARIBIX: Develop Internet exchange points in the Caribbean in partnership with St Maarten and Trinidad; 11. CAP 3D: 3D creative mobility project in partnership with the University of Trinidad and Tobago.

The total budget of the Interreg Caraibes Program 2014/2020 is €85.7 million. The next selection committee will meet in September 2017 to study new projects. •

MONEY MATTERS

It cautioned that although the Fund’s assets stand at around $5.7 billion or 24 per cent of GDP, “recurring withdrawals will erode an important credit strength,” of the country.

With the fall in oil and gas prices, Moody’s said energy-related government revenues fell to only one per cent of GDP in fiscal 2016, from eight per cent in the previous fiscal year, and current revenues declined by 28 per cent over the period 2015-2016.

M O O DY ’ S D O W N G R A D E S TRINIDAD &TOBAGO TO J U N K B O N D S TAT U S

While the rating agency said government responded to the fall in revenues by reducing gasoline subsidies and current transfers, it was not enough.

Moody’s said: “These measures have not changed a rigid expenditure structure in which wages, subsidies and transfers account for 70 per cent of total government spending.”

By: Rosemary Sant

Yet another international financial institution has downgraded Trinidad and Tobago.

Moody’s announced in April 2017 that it had downgraded T&T to Ba1 from Baa3, just days after an earlier announcement by Standard and Poor’s (S&P) that it had lowered its long-term sovereign credit ratings for this country from “A-” to “BBB+”.

In Moody’s ranking, Ba1 is considered to be non-investment grade, or junk-bond status, while S&P’s BBB+ is considered as investment grade.

Bonds are rated as investment grade or junk based on the credit rating agencies assessment of the risk of the issuer of the bond defaulting on interest or principal payments.

In its assessment of T&T, Moody’s said the key driver of its decision was because the authorities’ policy response has been “insufficient to effectively offset the impact of low energy prices on government revenues, as fiscal consolidation efforts have mostly relied on one-off revenue measures.”

Weighing in on the property tax which government wants to implement this year, Moody’s said while “it will yield modest results but these will not be fully reflected in revenues until next year.”

According to Moody’s, the steady rise in debt ratios driven by large government deficits has eroded the country’s fiscal strength and it is forecasting that the country’s debt to GDP ratio which exceeded 56 per cent in 2016 from 42 per cent in 2014 will rise to almost 70 per cent of GDP by 2019. This, it said, “is substantially higher than the baseline scenario we assumed when we lowered the rating to Baa3 from Baa2 one year ago.”

Moody’s is also forecasting that government’s dependence on the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) will continue, saying “without meaningful fiscal adjustment to reduce double digit fiscal deficits excluding capital revenues, the government will likely continue to use resources from the HSF.”

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Moody’s said it expects that “total expenditures will continue to increase this year amid higher debt servicing costs and larger capital expenditures.”

While this is happening Moody’s said there have been “limited results equivalent of 1 per cent of GDP this fiscal year,” to measures to raise current revenues.

It noted that even though government had eliminated exemptions from the value added tax and lowered the overall rate from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent, revenues gained were “less than originally expected.”

Government, it said, had been relying on dividends from the National Gas Company (NGC) and asset sales to contain the fiscal deficit. But Moody’s said while government expects to earn TT$9.69 billion or 6.4 per cent of GDP from one-off capital measures in fiscal 2017, “we believe TT$6 billion or 4 per cent of GDP is a more likely outcome given significant implementation risks.” •

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MONEY MATTERS

W O R L D B A N K S AY S R E M I T TA N C E G R O W T H O N LY S E E N I N L A C R E G I O N Despite overall global decline, the World Bank says the only region to record growth in remittances in 2016, was Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Washington-based financial institution said regional growth was estimated at US$73 billion, an increase of 6.9 per cent over 2015 and robust remittance growth was estimated for Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala.

In 2017, the World Bank projected remittances to the region to grow by 3.3 per cent to US$75 billion.

But remittances to developing countries fell for a second consecutive year in 2016, a trend not seen in three decades, according to the latest edition of the Migration and Development Brief, released by the World Bank during it Spring Meetings.

The bank estimated that officially recorded remittances to developing countries amounted to US$429 billion in 2016, a decline of 2.4 per cent over US$440 billion in 2015.

Global remittances, which include flows to high-income countries, contracted by 1.2 per cent to US$575 billion in 2016, from US$582 billion in 2015.

The Bank said low oil prices and weak economic growth in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Russian Federation are taking a toll on remittance flows to South Asia and Central Asia, while weak growth in Europe has reduced flows to North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The decline in remittances, when valued in US dollars, was made worse by a weaker euro, British pound and Russian ruble against the US dollar, the World Bank said.

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As a result, it said many large remittance-receiving countries saw sharp declines in remittance flows. India, while retaining its top spot as the world’s largest remittance recipient, led the decline with remittance inflows amounting to US$62.7 billion last year, a decrease of 8.9 per cent over $68.9 billion in 2015.

In keeping with an improved global economic outlook, remittances to developing countries are, however, expected to recover this year, growing by an estimated 3.3 percent to US$444 billion in 2017.

The financial institution noted that the global average cost of sending US$200 remained flat at 7.45 per cent in the first quarter of 2017, although this was significantly higher than the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 3 per cent. Sub-Saharan Africa, with an average cost of 9.8 per cent, remains the highest-cost region.

The World Bank said a major barrier to reducing remittance costs is de-risking by international banks, when they close the bank accounts of money transfer operators, in order to cope with the high regulatory burden aimed at reducing money laundering and financial crime.

It noted that several high-income countries that are host to many migrants are considering taxation of outward remittances, in part to raise revenue, and in part to discourage undocumented migrants. But the bank said taxes on remittances are difficult to administer and likely to drive the flows underground. (CMC) •

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MUST READS Volume 22

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

IT’S NOT AN EASY ROAD “ IT’S NOT AN EASY ROAD. MANY SEE THE GLAMOUR AND THE GLITTER AND THINK IT’S A BED OF ROSE. WHO FEELS IT KNOWS.” – Buju Banton Business is hard. Sometimes there are no easy answers. So what does a business leader do when faced with the most complex and difficult issues? A Silicon Valley venture capitalist, technology entrepreneur, blogger and former CEO provides some answers in The Hard Things about Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz (HarperBusiness, 2014)

The Hard Thing about Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers The Hard Thing about Hard Things is Ben Horowitz’s first book. First the caveat – it is an extraordinarily unconventional book. Horowitz quotes rap lyrics, uses expletives liberally and his writing style is casual and in fact at times downright irreverent. This book may be deemed somewhat of a memoir infused with reams of sage advice. Ben Horowitz – who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science was the co-founder of enterprise software company Opsware, which he eventually sold to Hewlett-Packard for US $1.6 billion in 2007.

After selling Opsware, Horowitz together with fellow technology entrepreneur, Marc Andreessen co-founded Andreessen Horowitz – a venture capital firm focused on high technology companies.

Horowitz writes about his experience as an entrepreneur and CEO, founding and leading a technology start-up in the twilight days of the dot-com era. He writes about the myriad of challenges he faced along the way - growing the company, hiring and firing staff, going public, dealing with multiple round of layoffs and restructuring, and facing what seemed like all but certain bankruptcy when the dotcom bubble burst in 2001. Horowitz wrote this book ostensibly to give advice about the hard things in business – the things that you won’t find in a typical MBA course, the things that you won’t easily find the answers to anywhere. According to Horowitz, “Hard things

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are hard because there are no easy answers or recipes. They are hard because your emotions are at odds with your logic. They are hard because you don’t know the answer and you cannot ask for help without showing weakness.”

Given the context of this book – a Silicon Valley entrepreneur running a start-up and eventual public company – the audience of the book might seem narrow. And you might well ask, as I did initially, “how is this book relevant to me?” Surprisingly, many of the lessons in fact, have broad applications. The struggles that Horowitz goes through will be relatable for any executive or entrepreneur who faces the daunting and often lonely and emotionally taxing task of leading a company of any size through the never-ending series of peaks and troughs of the typical business cycle.

One of the key appeals of this book is the voice of Horowitz – his authenticity and vulnerability, his willingness to talk openly about his emotions as he faced trials of varying magnitudes. He does not try to present himself as some kind of infallible hero. Horowitz writes, “Great CEOs face the pain. They deal with the sleepless nights, the cold sweats, and what my friend the great Alfred Chuang (legendary co-founder and CEO of BEA Systems) calls “the torture.” Whenever I meet a successful CEO, I ask them how they did it. Mediocre CEOs point to their brilliant strategic moves or their intuitive business sense or a variety of other self-congratulatory explanations. The great CEOs tend to be remarkably consistent in their answers. They all say, “I didn’t quit” Horowitz talks with remarkable candour about his mistakes and the emotional highs and lows as he fought his various battles. He confesses to crying in his darkest hours. Horowitz’s deeply personal style of writing and his realness is the defining strength of this book.

As you read it. you will get the impression, that you are hearing the voice of someone who has been there in the trenches like you, who knows what it feels like when your back is against the wall, who understands what it means when the buck truly stops at you and your next major decision could have far reaching consequence for the success or failure of your business. I heartily recommend the The Hard Thing about Hard Things to aspiring leaders, but particularly to entrepreneurs, CEO’s and general managers. •

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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IN THE KNOW

CANADA IMPLEMENTS VISA REGIME FOR ANTIGUA-BARBUDA Effective 27 June 2017, the Government of Canada has announced the citizens of Antigua & Barbuda will need to obtain a Visa to travel to Canada.

According to a statement from Canada’s Communications Branch for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the two countries “share longstanding ties that are rooted in history” and the two will continue “working together on mutual challenges and opportunities.”

But this does not extend to visa-free travel.

“After carefully monitoring the integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s travel documents, the Government of Canada has determined that Antigua and Barbuda no longer meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption,” the statement added.

Citizens from Antigua and Barbuda will now need a Visa to travel to Canada.

From Tuesday, 27 June 2017, any existing electronic travel authorisation (eTA) issued to an Antigua and Barbuda passport holder will no longer be valid and these travellers will not be able to use their eTA to travel to Canada.

The Government of Canada is sending emails to all affected eTA holders to inform them that their eTAs are no longer valid and that they will need a Visa to travel to Canada.

“Canada continues to welcome visitors from Antigua and Barbuda. Most approved visa applicants will receive a multiple-entry visa, which allows travellers to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years,” officials from Canada said.

“For each visit, travellers can stay for up to six months.

Travellers with questions or concerns should take note of the following.”

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FOR TRAVELLERS IN TRANSIT During the first 48 hours after the imposition, or until 5.29am on 29 June, the government of Canada will be working closely with airlines to help facilitate travel for those who are already in transit to Canada.

For Travellers in Antigua and Barbuda (with confirmed flights to Canada during the next two weeks) To help speed up Visa processing, citizens who are in Antigua and Barbuda and who have already booked a flight to Canada, departing on or before 11 July 2017, can send their complete visa application, along with proof that they purchased their flight before 27 June, the appropriate fees and supporting documents, directly to the Visa Office in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for priority processing.

If they go in person before noon, their application will be processed that day. If they send via courier, their application will be processed within 24 hours.

ALL OTHER TRAVELLERS Antiguan and Barbudan citizens can apply online for a visa as of 5.30am on 27 June, or submit a paper application in person or by mail to any Visa Application Centre.

The Visa Application Centre in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is the closest one to Antigua and Barbuda.

Most applications (around 80%) are processed within 14 days.

Canadian officials have pointed out that having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee that a traveller will be issued a visa. •

C A R I B B E A N E X P O R T — PA R T O F T H E “BEST OF INVESTING IN DEVELOPMENT” The 2017 edition of the European Commission’s event European Development Days (EDD) held on June 7-8 in Brussels saw the participation of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) as part of those considered to be the “best of investing in development”. Caribbean Export showcased their export development work to the 8,000 participants that passed through the event over the two days.

“Our participation at EDD 2017 at this level has been a worthwhile investment. Not only from a visibility point of view but more importantly it has enabled us to contribute significantly to the conversation around the EPA and how the region’s private sector is able to maximise the opportunities especially being a part of the ACP group” expressed the Executive Director of Caribbean Export, Pamela Coke-Hamilton.

Coke-Hamilton participated in key debates ensuring that the Caribbean’s position was heard amongst the key stakeholders in the world of development. In the session entitled “Boosting Investment for ACP Inclusive Trade and Development” the Executive Director called for stronger trade linkages

between the Caribbean and Africa in view of the apparent synergies between the two regions. “We want to promote trade as THE mechanism to deliver real economic results for our companies, their workers and for our consumers. As such we should look toward strengthening trade between us as a means to achieve this”.

In addition, Caribbean Export participated in a debate organised by the European Commission entitled “Building on EPA Opportunities” to share the experience of the CARIFORUM private sector in leveraging the opportunities under the EPA. The debate noted that EPAs help by stimulating competition and reducing border delays but in order to exploit them to their fullest it is encouraged that ACP countries need to take ownership of their development and design their own strategies for growth and prosperity.

The Agency also highlighted their work under the recently concluded 10th EDF Regional Private Sector Development Programme at their booth space where they presented a small sample of unique products from

the region at the event which received a phenomenal response from the attending audience. Sweet potato granola produced

by Rainforest Foods in Saint Lucia was particularly attractive and loved by visitors to the stand. Caribbean Export is encouraged by the positive feedback from the EDD attendees and remains committed to continuing its support to regional companies and BSOs so that they can utilise the benefits of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA. •

Caribbean Export is a regional export development and trade and investment promotion organisation of the Forum of Caribbean States (CARIFORUM) currently executing the Regional Private Sector Programme (RPSDP) funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Export’s mission is to increase the competitiveness of Caribbean countries by providing quality export development and trade and investment promotion services through effective programme execution and strategic alliances. More information about Caribbean Export can be found at www.carib-export.com.

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IN THE KNOW Three Antiguan scientists, Dr. Branson Belle, Dr. Errol Loïc Samuel, and Mr. Joshua Burton, were selected by the Royal Society of London to attend the 2017 Commonwealth Science Conference.

Organised by the Royal Society and the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister's office, Singapore, the conference took place on 13-16 June 2017 in Singapore.

Dr. Belle is currently a senior scientist at SINTEF in Oslo, Norway, specializing in the development of graphene-based sensors for a variety of applications. Dr. Samuel’s postdoctoral research position in the Center for Drug Discovery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, USA, focused on fragment-based approaches to drug discovery and chemical biology. Mr. Burton is currently a Ph.D. student in developmental biology at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY, USA, where he works on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the early stages of egg cell development, with an interest in the defects that cause female infertility.

A N T I G U A N S C I E N T I S T S AT T E N D C O M M O N W E A LT H S C I E N C E CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE

The conference brought together 450 scientists at different career stages and from 40 different countries, and centered around 4 themes: infectious diseases, the future of the ocean, low carbon energy, and sustainable cities. There were also talks on emerging new technologies and the implications for policy.

The last Commonwealth Science Conference took place in Bangalore, India in November 2014. •

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CASUALLY EXECUTIVE

#2 Central Street Villa Area P.O. Box 2163 St. John’s, Antigua

email: akhimo@akhimo.com

Shivon was awarded with the Leila Winter Prize by the Paediatric Association of Jamaica for receiving the most outstanding performance in the final Paediatric Medicine Examination 2015 at the University of the West Indies Mona.

The Leila Winter Prize is awarded to outstanding recipients and is presented every two years.

Shivon Belle Jarvis, BBMedSci(Hons), MB,BS., D.M. Paediatrics

Shivon credits her success thus far to God’s help and the love and support of her family and friends. She currently serves as a Consultant Paediatrician at the Mount St. John’s Medical Center and deems it a privilege to intervene in the lives of our children – the country’s greatest resource.

Neonatology has captured her interest, and she is an avid lover of singing. Her passion in life is to always be an agent of change.

ANTIGUAN DOCTOR RECEIVES AWA R D F O R O U T S TA N D I N G P E R F O R M A N C E AT T H E UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Her journey has been ear-marked with varied achievements which include: being a recipient of the Governor General’s and Cable and Wireless Awards for the most outstanding CXC student in 2001 in Antigua and Barbuda, receiving her Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences (Honours), Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Doctor of MedicinePaediatrics. She was also one of the recipients of the Scotia Bank’s Paediatric Prize for the Medical Class of 2008 – UWI Mona. •

• Antigua’s only Authorized FG Wilson Service Centre • Superior quality service and support • Top quality, fully automatic generators at unbeatable prices • Complete sales and service centre 1 268 462 EXEL (3935) | exeleng@gmail.com | www.exelengineering.com Friars Hill Road, St. John’s, Antigua, W.I. BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESS OWNERS: A N O P E N L E T T E R T O YO U , I F YO U M I S S E D L E A P ! 2 0 1 7 By: Sandra Baptist, Founder: Antigua Barbuda Association of Small Business Owners (ABASBO). www.ABASBO.com

Dear Micro, Small and Medium-sized Business Owner, I’m sorry that you missed LEAP! 2017: The SME Conference. So, because I know you’re so busy, I’ve decided to write you a letter and let you in on what you missed!

If you haven’t heard about the Antigua Barbuda Association of Small Business Owners (ABASBO), it started in February 2015 and was designed to provide tools, training and support for Antiguan and Barbudan entrepreneurs and small business owners to Create, Manage and Grow the business of their dreams. With the combination of online tools with offline support, ABASBO wants you, the business owner, to access information anywhere at any time.

The 2nd annual SME ABASBO Conference was held on May 31st 2017 with the theme for 2017 being “The Sales and Money Experience” and on the afternoon of June 1st Women LEAP! was held.

The Association’s Founder, Sandra Baptist, and her team transformed the Ciboney Room at the Halcyon Cove Hotel into an oasis for learning and growth. The room, draped in the colours of the Antiguan and Barbuda flag, represented me, you and all of us, the Micro, Small and Medium-sized Business Owner.

This year our theme is the Sales & Money Experience. To increase Sales, we must learn what the customers want to buy. Many new business owners begin with two primary goals: make a profit and grow a business. However, in reality as business owners, we are scrambling daily to get a handle on what customers want, in order to steer our way back to higher volume and greater profitability.

We will also focus on mindset and money because it really doesn’t matter how many strategies you learn, if you don’t get your mindset right, you’re doomed to fail. During this Conference our speakers will discuss different approaches and strategies to learn how to track the money in your business and to increase your sales and revenues!”

Derrick Sutherland of Antigua – the first Speaker, is an award winning sales professional and motivational speaker with a career spanning over 25 years and a wealth of experience in sales, operations, coaching and merchandising.

Derrick’s ‘performance’ on “Master Your Motivation Via Sales” was high-energy, interactive and informative! We learned some effective sales techniques, including one called “the nibble”. You should have been there!

Day 1: The General Conference provided a space whereby entrepreneurs and small business owners obtained knowledge, insights and expertise into sales, money and mindset strategies that will assist them to create profitable businesses. All of our speakers were of Caribbean roots or Caribbean-based entrepreneurs. This is deliberate. No more excuses. If they are doing it, the business owners in Antigua and Barbuda can definitely do it!!

The next Speaker was Tanya Smith of Canada - a certified NLP Master Coach, Trainer and CEO of Tanya Smith International, a professional development company that provides business coaching and guidance to leaders and entrepreneurs. She has over 20 years of experience working in the Financial Services Industries including 9 years working in the Latin American and Caribbean markets.

The 1st day of LEAP! commenced with the opening statements by the Founder of the Association who gave an overview of ABASBO and of the LEAP! 2017 conference.

Tanya’s presentation was titled “Unlocking Your Blueprint to Increase Your Success in Sales” and she shared some key principles for how people process information to communicate and make decisions to empower you to increase your success in sales.

Another very interactive presentative, Tanya taught us how our thoughts and beliefs drive and affect our success with money and sales and how to breakthrough in sales through communicating with prospects on an unconscious level.

Sandra Baptist stated that the ABASBO team “…look[s] at this conference as more than a two-day event. We are committed to working together with all of you to catalyze new initiatives, raise awareness of Entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges and provide business growth strategies to help us all be successful in Business.

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The third Speaker was Sandra Baptist of Antigua, a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years’ experience in accounting and audits and a Chartered Director. Sandra is an International Business Growth Expert, Accredited World Bank/InfoDev Facilitator and Coach to entrepreneurs and CEO’s. She is a Certified Business Coach, Certified CTA Coach, a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Advisor, and a Certified Live Plan Expert Advisor.

Sandra’s presentation entitled “4 Key Strategies to HighPerformance Cash Management” turned the basic accounting formula “Sales – Expenses = Profit” on its head to enable business owners and entrepreneurs to manage their cash more effectively and build profits fast in their business. Eye-opening and provocative, Sandra challenged the business owners in attendance to use this proven method, which will drive profitability in their businesses.

Just before lunch, the Inland Revenue panel gave an overview of the main taxes in the country and took questions from the audience and clarified tax situations that some business owners had.

During the lunch break, the sponsor booths were open and attendees were encouraged to visit LEAP! 2017 partners, which included PACCS Inc., Scotiabank, CIBC First Caribbean, the Inland Revenue Department and of course ABASBO. Our final Speaker was Mrs. Monique Caradine‑Kitchens, also known as the OverFlow Coach. Monique helps women fix their relationship with money so they can stop worrying about it,

stressing over it, and chasing after it and instead, start manifesting more than enough of it. Since 2012, Monique has mentored hundreds of women entrepreneurs on how to make money doing what they love.

Monique blew minds at LEAP! 2017 as well as at Day 2: Women LEAP! She invited us to live and Overflow Life and define that in our own way and on our own terms (Overflow meaning that the amount of money coming in from our businesses keeps coming in such great amounts that we have more than enough to live on so that we live comfortably on simply what is left over after we invest, tithe and save.) She talked to us about 4 different types of people that have money and encouraged us to think BIG when it comes to our business and companies.

During the final 30 minutes and prior to wrapping up, the Business Panel comprising of all the speakers answered questions from the audience.

Day 1 of the General Conference wrapped up with giveaways and impromptu networking. Everyone gained useful insights, techniques and strategies that they can put to use in their businesses. Some came back for Women LEAP! the following day, including one brave, highly-motivated gentleman who wanted more!

The Association’s team worked really hard within a very short time span to pull off LEAP! 2017 and we look forward to welcoming all of you to LEAP! 2018! •

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IN THE KNOW

CGTI'S 4TH HOT TOPICS CONFERENCE WITH AU D I T C O M M I T T E E C E R T I F I C AT I O N

After only three years, the Saint Lucia-based Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI) is emerging as the premier governance training provider in the region, evidenced by the big name clients that are signing up for their programs. All members of the current Board of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank have taken the Chartered Directors (C.Dir) course in the past two years, as have a growing number of execs at Sandals International, including Deputy Chairman and CEO of the company, Adam Stewart.

CGTI continues to spread the message that sound corporate governance by a strong, educated and effective board is the key to the success of any organisation, and regional businesses are continuing to taking notice.

Last year, co-founding directors, Lisa Charles and Dr. Chris Bart, and the esteemed members of the CGTI faculty of governance experts, facilitated two separate Chartered Director Programmes for delegates from the Sandals Group of Companies in Jamaica and North America, which includes ATL Automotive, Jamaica Observer, Sandals Resorts International, Sandals Corporate University and Unique Vacations.

So far in 2017, the CGTI schedule has included return visits to Antigua and St. Kitts, as well as at home in Saint Lucia, where in January, eighty-five members of 'senior management' from government departments, including fourteen Cabinet ministers, fifteen Permanent Secretaries and twelve Board Chairpersons, came together in an unprecedented training exercise, becoming the world's first government to be trained and certified as Chartered Directors (C.Dir).

Continuing to prove that board effectiveness is a priority for progressive organisations in the region, CGTI is set to deliver its 'Fourth Annual Hot Topics In Corporate Governance Conference' in July. The event to be held under this year's title 'The 21st Century Audit Committee Conference & Certification Program: New Challenges, Risks and Best Practices', takes place on July 10-11 at Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.

For the first time, CGTI will focus on the skill set required to work and communicate effectively within one of the most important governance mechanisms in any organisation, by "raising the bar of professionalism in Audit Committees across the Caribbean."

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CGTI Lisa Charles & Dr Chris Bart

According to CGTI 'Governance Guru', Dr. Chris Bart: "This conference is among the most innovative and comprehensive programs on Audit Committee governance available in North America, delivered by top faculty and governance experts.

Offering a ‘gold standard’ director education program enhances executive decision-making and adds unparalleled value for Audit Committees in the Caribbean.

"Delegates will strengthen their knowledge of what it means to become a more effective Audit Committee board member, using modern governance processes and tools that will transport their Audit Committee beyond mere compliance and help it capture opportunities that generate long-term value for the Board and the organisation."

And if recent recommendations by both World Bank Group and International Development Bank (IDB) to the Latin America & Caribbean (LAC) region are anything to go by, in today's corporate and political reality, improving the quality of governance is key, if not crucial, to achieving long term strategic goals.

In another first, CGTI is adding the chance for executives to become certified as Audit Committee Directors at the end of the 4th Hot Topics Conference. By writing and passing the two hour AUDIT COMMITTEE CERTIFICATION EXAM at the conclusion of the conference, Audit Committee Directors will earn the prestigious and highly coveted designation “Audit Committee Certified” or ACC. CGTI's Lisa Charles explains what it means to obtain the ACC certification: "It demonstrates your commitment to good governance and Audit Committee literacy. The initials ACC after your name will establish that as a member of your organisation’s Audit Committee, you have achieved the gold standard in 21st century Audit Committee learnings and best practices. Becoming “Audit Committee Certified” shows you have the knowledge and skills necessary for survival and success in our increasingly litigious and complex regulatory environment."

This one-of-a-kind Caribbean corporate governance conference promises to assemble Audit Committee thought-leaders and practitioners to discuss the need for improved accountability through more relevant boardroom practices, nurturing key relationships, essential boardroom behaviours and culture.

For more information, please email: lisa@caribbeangovernancetraining.com or call 758 451 2500 / 487 2433 Visit the CGTI website for details: www.caribbeangovernancetraining.com. •

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Live music Wednesday to Saturday nights, with some of Antigua and the Caribbean's top musicians. Come and enjoy Steel Pan, Jazz, and other genres of music and enjoy our relaxing ambiance.

Be sure to check our Friday after work lime from 6pm, and sample our mouth watering Goat Water on Friday nights.

TUE - SUN - 6PM TO 11PM T: 268 561 3894 / 268 764 3894 E: contact@tanninsantigua.com

www.tanninsantigua.com www.facebook.com/tanninsantigua Valley Church, St. Mary, Antigua, W. I. BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

SIR RICHARD BRANSON R E L AU N C H E S ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER IN JAMAICA Sir Richard Branson flanked with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Hon Andrew Holness and other Jamaican Government Officials.

Sir Richard Branson recently travelled to Kingston, Jamaica to celebrate the relaunch and relocation of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship.

After originally launching the Center in Montego Bay in 2011, Branson’s Virgin Unite has moved the Center to Kingston, Jamaica’s Capital City to be closer to the burgeoning innovation ecosystem in Kingston and environs.

“The spirit and energy of the Caribbean is like nowhere else in the world – this place buzzes with entrepreneurial spirit,” Branson said.

The group also held a panel about “the power of connection,” which Branson noted is central to the life and success of every entrepreneur.

“As I said at the event, in this day and age, the world is one world,” he said. “As business people you should try to think globally as much as you can. Try to make sure your brand is gonna work anywhere in the world.”

Branson called for global community action and for all sectors to work together and support each other.

“Entrepreneurs can solve some of Jamaica’s and the world’s biggest problems. We must find bright and innovative thinkers, give them the support, encouragement and the community they need to build strong and socially responsible businesses,” he said.

It’s also another major boost for the city of Kingston, which has been seeing renewed investment, particularly in the tourism sector, with a new Courtyard Marriott and a major planned $50 million AC Hotel project.

Sir Richard’s Virgin Unite also operates a Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship in the British Virgin Islands and has been in discussions with Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission about establishing a similar facility in an OECS Member State. •

The non-profit Virgin Unite, founded in 2004, aims to “unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world.”

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also attended the launch, and discussed with Branson the state of the current business landscape and ways to raise the country’s GDP and support new business ventures of the future.

“Ongoing support from both government and business is crucial to delivering entrepreneurs in the Caribbean with what they so desperately need – accessible investment options, business support, mentoring and global growth opportunities,” Branson said.

Both Branson and PM Holness walked around a showcase of Branson Center entrepreneurs and listened to their business stories.

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Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness with Sir Richard Branson.

B U I L D I N G YO U R LEADERSHIP MINDSET By: Tanya Smith, TNLP MCHt, CTDP MBTI Leadership and Lifestyle Coach

Questions to ask yourself: What fixed or growth mindsets do you struggle with as a leader?

What are you doing daily to build a growth mindset? What changes do you need to make to develop your growth mindset?

The great thing is, you CAN change your mindset. In the book “Mindset, The New Psychology of Success” the author Carol S. Dweck lays out 4 fundamental statements to gage whether you currently have a fixed or growth mindset.

The 4 Statements are as follows (Answer True or False for each one): 1. Your intelligence is something very basic about you that you can’t change very much.

2. You can learn new things but you can’t really change how intelligent you are.

Being a great leader requires you to have a different mindset. In order to get different results, you have to think differently, which allows you to act differently therefore achieving different results.

The mindset you embrace sets the tone for your leadership style, which can influence and determine the success you will have with your teams.

Which characteristics will help you to succeed? Which will move you toward success? Here are a few characteristics that you should be aware of.

1. YOUR PERCEPTION MINDSET One fundamental lesson I learned about leadership over the years working with various people is how we see people can help them to get in touch with their potential, and empower them for growth.

The perceptions we hold for our employees can instill confidence and optimism allowing them to perform at their best.

3. No matter how much intelligence you have you can always change it.

4. You can always substantially change how intelligent you are Statements 1 and 2 are fixed mindset statements. Statements 3 and 4 are growth mindset statements. Which ones do you agree with more?

One thing I have learned for sure is that leaders, who choose a more positive mindset, prepare themselves for success. Developing a leadership mindset focused on growth is the beginning of a great journey that starts with believing anything is possible.

Whether you believe you can or you believe you can’t, you are right! – Henry Ford •

Questions to ask yourself: What are your perceptions of the people you lead? Do you instill confidence in them? What changes do you need to make in your perceptions of them? What personal changes would help you to be a better leader?

2. YOUR ATTITUDE MINDSET Your attitude in leadership can be your best friend or worst enemy.

It’s one of the most contagious characteristics of your leadership style. It can cause your employees to get behind you and your vision or it can turn them away. Your attitude mindset, as the leader, really sets the tone for the attitudes of your employees.

If your attitude is negative you can’t expect the attitude of your people to be good.

Questions to ask yourself: What kind of attitude are you projecting? Do you focus only on the negative? Do you only see what your employees are doing wrong as opposed to what they are doing well? How does your attitude inspire, encourage, and motivate your employees?

3. YOUR PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT MINDSET There is a saying, “when you stop being uncomfortable, you stop growing”. One trait in many great leaders is the openness to continuous learning and growth. You can have a fixed mindset or you can have a growth mindset, which can make a great difference to your leadership style. The mindset you choose to feed and nurture is the one that will win at the end of the day.

Tanya Smith is a leadership consultant & change catalyst here to empower people to be the leaders of their own lives. She runs a professional development business that provides leadership training, masterminds, workshops and retreats for corporates and individuals internationally. Her clients are empowered to be their authentic selves and master what they are good at. Corporate leaders learn to embrace being themselves to engage more with their teams to get better results. Individuals tap into their passion and make it their business. Tanya is a certified NLP Trainer and Master Coach, Professional Trainer and Facilitator working with executives in banking, technology and entrepreneurship. Some of her clients include Scotia Bank, CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Sysoft Computing, and the Urban Financial Coalition in Toronto. She is the designer of the PAN American Games Leadership Impact Program; President of the WENC Antigua Chapter and a Coach at the Richard Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean.

You were born for greatness! Will you choose it? Reach out at TanyaSmithInternational.com

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E N T R E P R E N E U R S H I P : M A K I N G WAV E S By: Julianne Jarvis

When you live on an island paradise and the beach provides an avenue for tranquility and reflection you can draw parallels between your life and nature. I am a regular beach-goer with a strong passion for operating in and out of Antigua & Barbuda. I have given thought to many entrepreneurs, consulted with them about their motivation and I have concluded that the undeniable driving force behind successful entrepreneurship is passion.

Passion that encapsulates the need for achievement; need for autonomy; creative tendency; risk taking; drive and determination and problem solving. Beach waves are created by an energy source that causes a disturbance on the surface of the water. I think entrepreneurs are also driven by a force within themselves, as well, that causes a creative disruption, offering something new or a better iteration of something that already existed. In this respect, entrepreneurship can be analogous to waves that steadily build, depositing lasting impression and if large enough can take everything in its path.

The thing about waves, is that they are not just seen in an island paradise, however, due the size of the island the effects felt can be greater. This is an extraordinary and most memorable factor when starting a business that services an island. In Antigua and Barbuda, academic research has suggested that the potential for doing business is great. Entrepreneurs operating in Antigua and Barbuda can intensify the growth and capability of the enabling environment on the island. For the budding entrepreneur, filled with enthusiasm, and ready to “make waves”, a good starting point is to create a qualitative understanding of market drivers.

They get into the head of the consumer and are able to tell their story. As the consumer is defined, then the business becomes more specialized. Businesses respond to desires with solutions which are unique, distinct and satisfy an emotional need. For the established business owner, “taking waves” requires constant monitoring of the market and when it changes, reevaluating for the new angle of the next business move. Some of the businesses in my study outlined that rather than continuing down a path where consumer interest in dying, they started exploring who else might be interested in their services. Eventually, they found a new market or new product that ended up being a huge success for them. The stark reality is that in both scenarios, flexibility and adaptation will make the effects greater, seeking new opportunities that did not previously exist.

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Lastly, one thing is sure. As waves enter shallow water, they break.

A constant reminder that waves existed because of the energy source caused by winds which are further caused by differences in temperature. It is constant reminder that entrepreneurs are a part of a larger ecosystem and that there are several factors that affect their longevity. The very essence of the entrepreneur, therefore, is how they network to sell themselves and their business to maintain focus and relevance. As such, building your brand and your network, keeps you alive.

The waves of entrepreneurship are really built on the ability to produce for bigger purpose. Focus on every opportunity, even when there is stillness for a moment to strategize and plan, for the waves will come again. •

Julianne Jarvis is an Organizational Development & Change Management professional and Program Manager with over ten (10) years experience working in the areas of: Sustainable Energy, Anti-Money Laundering-Compliance, International Business, Leadership Development, Community Development Finance, Small Business Development, Government, Technology and Corporate Strategy.

Julianne has a fervor for human growth and development and as such, she is a member of the Rotary Club of Antigua – Sundown.

S P E A K I N G

F R A N K L Y

D E S I G N T E R M S YO U NEED TO KNOW By: Melissa Sebastien

Every profession has its jargon. Graphic Design is no exception. We as designers use this jargon when liaising with our clients. However as language and communication have it, things sometimes get lost in translation. So I am going to share some common design terms that will assist in making the client-to-designer communication process a little easier for all of us.

PIXELATION

BLEED

That uncomfortably fuzzy effect you get on lower resolution images (images with low pixel count) is called pixelation.

In everyday life this would be the act of losing blood. However, where design and printing are concerned the term means something quite different. Bleed is the extension of images and other elements beyond the edge of the page i.e. the page has no white border.

Documents with bleed are usually printed on larger sheets of paper and then trimmed to actual size. Speaking of trims, let's move on to the next design term.

TRIM / CROP MARKS These “are lines printed in the corners of your publication’s sheet or sheets of paper to show the printer where to trim or cut the paper to the specific size of the end product. They are used by commercial printers for creating bleeds where an image or color on the page needs to extend all the way to the edge of the paper.

Printers generally can’t actually print to the very edge of the paper, so instead they print on a larger sheet of paper and then trim it down to the correct size, and crop marks are used to define where to trim.”

RESOLUTION Some of you may be familiar with this term and have a general idea of what it means as it relates to print or web media. In any case, “Resolution refers to the quality of a printed image or to the number of pixels [or dots] in an image. Resolution is sometimes identified by the width and height of the image as well as the total number of pixels in the image. For example, an image that is 2048 pixels wide and 1536 pixels high (2048X1536) contains (multiply) 3,145,728 pixels (or 3.1 Megapixels). You could call it a 2048X1536 or a 3.1 Megapixel image.”

Pixels or dots create images. The pixel or dot count — pixels per inch (PPI — the terminology used for web images) / dots per inch (DPI — terminology often associated with print) contributes to the overall quality of an image. The lower the pixel count, the lower the overall quality of the image will be.

CMYK vs RGB CMYK or full colour (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) and RGB (Red, Green, Blue) are colour profiles used in the design process. The purpose of the document will determine which profile will be applied.

RGB (red, green, blue) — “This colorspace represents the emittance of light. Displays (such as computer monitors, [television sets, and theater]) use the emittance of light to create colors, and, thus, use the RGB colorspace.

However, with actual printing, ink and toner does not properly represent the emittance of light.” As such, a printed version of an RGB image may look completely different than it did on screen making this colour profile less than ideal for printing purposes.

CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) — This colour profile is used primarily for print purposes and can commonly be found in books, business cards and editorial publications.

As mentioned earlier, ink and toner do not properly represent the RGB colour profile. If you try to print RGB on a CMYK printer the printer “may not drastically misrepresent the colors of the image, but sometimes the color mismatch can be noticeable. The most common mismatch is usually with Blues looking more Purple.” If you are printing brand specific colours, that little mismatch would be a BIG no no.

Tip: Do a test print of your files before sending them to the printers.

In doing so, you should be able to avoid any unwanted surprises. •

The higher the resolution the better – more is more! The size of an image can always be reduced. However it is NOT possible to increase the size of an image without losing quality... and we really don't want that.

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ONDCP ACQUIRES ‘EYE D E T E C T ’ - A DVA N C E D L I E DETECTION TECHNOLOGY Roger Branche, PhD, a Forensic Psychologist and owner of Forensic Psychological Services- a leading company in Integrity Screening Services that supports National Security Unit in the Caribbean, presented the ONDCP with a new vetting known as ‘Eye Detect.’

The acquisition of the screening tool will increase the stringent Integrity Screening process of the ONDCP, which already involves the use of Polygraph, Urine Analysis, and Psychological Assessment.

The system measures bio-cognitive responses such as changes in pupil diameter, eye movement, eye blinks and fixations.

Monitoring these eye behaviours has been proven to determine truthfulness with eighty six percent accuracy.

ONDCP’s Director Lt. Col. E. Croft says, “due to the heightened threat of terrorism and other global concerns, security vetting is of utmost importance in keeping our society safe.”

Director Croft further added that ‘Eye Detect’ would help maintain ONDCP’s high standing nationally, and with other international law enforcement agencies. •

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PA H O T O T R A N S F O R M H E A LT H FA C I L I T I E S I N S E V E N C A R I B B E A N C O U N T R I E S T O B E D I S A S T E R R E S I S TA N T The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has selected 16 hospitals and health centres in seven Caribbean countries to make them safer, greener and more resilient to natural disasters, under the framework of the Smart Health Care Facilities Project, an initiative backed by UKaid, the UK Department for International Development.

The project is being financially supported by the United Kingdom's Department for International Development (DfID) and implemented through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Department in partnership with the Ministry of Health in each target country.

"By becoming 'smart hospitals', selected health centers will lower operating costs, reduce risks that can occur in case of disasters, and protect the environment," said Dana Van Alphen, PAHO Project Coordinator.

A health facility is considered 'smart' when it combines structural and operational safety with environmentally friendly interventions with a reasonable cost-benefit ratio.

In 'green' hospitals, air quality improves, staff work under more favourable conditions, and costs for energy and water consumption decrease. These benefits also affect the decision of the people to go to health centres.

Health facilities were selected by PAHO after analyzing the safety situation of nearly 350 hospitals and health centers, and their likelihood of continuing to function in disasters.

They include the La Plaine Clinic in Dominica; The Princess Alicia Hospital in Grenada; The Chateaubelair Hospital in St Vincent and the Grenadines; and the Comfort Bay Nursing Home in St. Lucia.

As part of the initiative, participating hospitals are expected to reinforce roofs and windows so they will not be damaged when there are hurricanes. They also work on installing water tanks to collect rainwater for services, laundry and gardens, as well as to install solar panels, provide accessibility for people with disabilities, use LED bulbs that consume less energy and replace old air conditioning equipment with more efficient models.

In addition, interventions will be carried out at 12 health centres in St. Lucia to improve disaster resilience, and to save energy and water. The selection of facilities that will be part of the project in Jamaica, Guyana and Belize is still in process.

The initiative builds on the Smart Project, which began as a pilot in 2012 and improved structural safety and reduced energy and water use in hospitals in Georgetown in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Pogson in St. Kitts and Nevis.

It is expected that by 2020, more than 600 hospitals and health facilities will be evaluated and 50 will be transformed to be safer and more environmentally friendly under the project, whose budget amounts to just over 38 million pounds, or 49 million dollars.

In this second phase, which began in 2015, in addition to analyzing the safety situation of nearly 350 hospitals and health centers in seven countries, PAHO trained more than 200 people from various sectors – construction, public officials, private sector – in energy and water conservation, use of the Smart toolkit, and contingencies for health facilities.

The project is currently ready to commence refurbishment work at selected facilities. •

In Latin America and the Caribbean, seven out of ten hospitals are located in areas at high risk of disasters, which can leave them out of service in the event of a hurricane, earthquake or flood.

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IN THE KNOW

The exciting new range is available in 3 finishes - Flat, Eggshell and Gloss - and each has been specially formulated to provide key benefits and cost savings to contractors.

David Goddard, a Director of PaintPlus – Distributors for Harris Paints in Antigua, pointed out: “While these products are being offered at a great price, they have some exceptional characteristics.

The Flat and Eggshell finishes utilise FLOWTEK 555 Technology, a specially-balanced and optimised formulation that produces excellent spreadability and coverage without compromising hide”.

H A R R I S PA I N T S I N T R O D U C E S NEW BRAND TO ANTIGUA FOR PROFESSIONALS Harris Paints — a leading regional paint manufacturing company recently unveiled its newest line of decorative paints, designed to help Antiguan professionals work within tight maintenance or renovation budgets by providing a cost-effective alternative where there is considerable pressure on prices. Pro Speed Cover is the innovative new line of water-based, interior/exterior products, and it is the first commercial paint from a regional manufacturer specially designed for the trade sector.

The new Pro Speed Cover brand was unveiled by PaintPlus — agents for Harris Paints in Antigua. It was attended by speciallyinvited contractors, maintenance managers and key industry professionals, who had a front row introduction to the performance properties of each of the new products, as well as the extensive testing and comparison materials provided.

In introducing this new line, Harris Paints has recognised that the trade sector has very specific needs, and requires flexible options depending on the nature of the project and its priorities.

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Orlando Vazquez explains: “Professionals well know that premium paint such as Harris Ulttima Plus, will provide the highest performance, best all-round results and lifetime value for their clients. Yet, owing to the need to be more competitive, some contractors have been calling for a lower cost alternative that can reduce their overheads substantially and help drive their business while delivering serviceable performance. That has been the major motivation behind the development of this new brand.”

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In ideal conditions, Pro Speed Cover Flat spreads up to 40% or 200 square feet per gallon more than similar products. This can result in considerable savings for contractors, even factoring in that coverage can be affected by a number of variables from the porosity of the substrate to the tools that are used. While products with a higher sheen normally don’t spread quite as far, Pro Speed Cover Eggshell performs above average, spreading about 20% or 100 square feet per gallon further than comparative product in tests.

Also unveiled was the remarkable Pro Speed Cover Gloss with a high shine lustre usually associated with traditional oil paints. This innovative water-based gloss contains FAST-FUSE Technology that allows the product to dry for recoat in as little as 1 hour, which can significantly increase the turnaround time of a job. It was also demonstrated to be an excellent choice for use on windows and doors as its quick-curing properties prevent freshly painted surfaces from sticking together in as little as 4 hours! Unlike oilbased products Pro Speed Cover Gloss won’t yellow, has low odour and washes up easily in water.

The Pro Speed Cover range is expected to play a vital but selective role in Antigua’s commercial paint market, particularly on projects that need frequent repainting, or in secondary areas that do not demand the very highest quality finishes. Key sectors include maintenance of commercial properties, new construction, property sales, residential and office rental markets.

Visit PaintPlus for further information on this new range of Harris Products. •

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA S T R E N G T H E N D I P L O M AT I C OUTREACH IN CANADA Sir Ronald Sanders has been accredited by the government of Canada as Antigua and Barbuda’s non-resident High Commissioner.

The Antigua and Barbuda diplomat, whose principal accreditation is as Ambassador to the United States of America, explained that accreditation to countries that neighbour each other is “an effective cost-saving device”.

Speaking in Ottawa, Sanders said “this is the same device utilised by the governments of Britain, Canada and the United States that serve multiple countries in the Eastern Caribbean from their missions located in Barbados”.

The seasoned diplomat, who has served in the past as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Germany and France as well as UNESCO and the World Trade Organisation, said, “strengthening diplomatic contact with the Canadian government and engaging in regular dialogue with ministries and departments in Canada is important to Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy outreach”. He added, “Canada is an important source of tourists and investment in Antigua and Barbuda; a number of Canadian banks provide global financial services and nationals of Antigua and Barbuda enjoy visa-free travel to Canada; it is important that these beneficial relations be maintained and reinforced”.

“Since our country cannot afford a multiplicity of Embassies and High Commissions, doubling-up representation to nearby countries makes perfect sense. It is far cheaper to make regular visits to Ottawa from Washington DC, than to establish a full-blown mission in Canada. That is something appreciated by the Canadian government since it does the same thing in the Eastern Caribbean and elsewhere in the world”, Sanders said. • BusinessFocus

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

R E G I O N A L C O O P E R AT I O N CRITICAL IN CURRENT GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, underscored the critical importance of regional cooperation amidst fundamental shifts spawned by changes in policies of the US and Britain (vis-a-vis the EU) that may impact the Caribbean states.

She expressed this conviction at the onset of discussions between the CARICOM Secretariat and the UN System in the Caribbean on mechanisms for the effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region.

As the CARICOM Secretariat and the UN were leveraging multilateralism to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, both the CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Ms. Tanaka expressed disappointment with the Trump Administration’s announcement of withdrawal from the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Stating that an appropriate response was needed, Ambassador LaRocque said the parties to the Agreement “have to keep on going,” adding that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like those of CARICOM were “most challenged by Climate Change.”

Echoing that sentiment, Ms. Tanaka said the people of the Caribbean and SIDS countries were among the first to suffer from rising sea levels and extreme weather occurrences and that the fight against climate change had to continue.

In addition, she said that historical dependency of trade, migration and remittances of Caribbean states and their people in the US, UK and Europe may also be at a turning point, and proposed there is a need for “paradigm shifts” in the way economies, governance and societies operate in the Caribbean.

Underscoring the role of CARICOM in this era, she said it had been at the center of forging cooperation, contributing to important regional and global initiatives, and responding to complex challenges of recent years.

“At a time of unprecedented risks and challenges for the world and region, multilateral cooperation at global and regional levels becomes more important than ever,” she stated.

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paradigm shift, Ms. Tanaka stated that 20 UN agencies had signed the Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDF) with 18 countries and territories in the Caribbean, committing the UN system to work with countries to make needed transformations to achieve the SDGs. This is the first regional UN development assistance framework that will enable stronger cooperation with CARICOM institutions to tackle common challenges.

Chair of the UN MSDF Regional Steering Committee, Mr. Bruno Pouezat added that the MSDF will not duplicate efforts rather; it will improve how the UN System works with CARICOM to provide development assistance at national and regional levels.

The Forum’s discussion builds upon the areas for strategic intervention which were agreed at the Eighth Biennial Meeting of CARICOM and the UN System in July 2015 in Georgetown, Guyana.

They included capacity building for the Secretariat and CARICOM Institutions, and support for an effective institutional platform to enable the Region to implement the SDGs, the goals of the Samoa Pathway, and the 2030 Development Agenda. Against this backdrop, the UN was interested in sustaining productive partnerships in addressing the new challenges facing the Caribbean.

The discussion, which was described by CARICOM SecretaryGeneral as a commendable approach in advancing the 2030 Agenda, involved UN Resident Coordinators from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Barbados and the OECS, Belize, and Guyana; and UN Agency Representatives from the FAO, PAHO/WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UN Environment, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, and UN Women.

Ambassador LaRocque told the representatives that the Community had found synergies between the Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019 and the 2030 Agenda. He pointed out, however, that the Community was challenged with capacity to implement the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As such, collaboration, coordination and assistance were critical. •

C A R I B B E A N T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S U N I O N P R E S I D E N T S E N AT O R B OY C E

THE REGION NEEDS TO DEVELOP THE D I G I TA L F I N A N C I A L S E RV I C E S S E C T O R “The ITU, UNECLAC, the CTU, the various bankers’ associations, the central bankers, the anti-money laundering regulators, the digital financial services technology providers, the cyber security experts and the consumer protection officials need to see how we as a region can develop our regional DFS sector,” stated Hon. Darcy W. Boyce, President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, and Senator in the Office of the Prime Minister Energy, Immigration, Telecommunications and Invest, Barbados.

Senator Boyce added, “Digital financial services, through the attributes of digital financial inclusion have significant potential to provide a range of affordable, convenient and secure banking services to the poor people, small and micro enterprises in the region.”

His call for collaboration was made during the opening ceremony of the Digital Financial Services (DFS) Workshop, which was held in Port of Spain, and was organised by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the University of the West Indies St. Augustine Campus (UWI), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), and Pinaka Technology Solutions.

The workshop follows on the heels of the CTU’s 15th Caribbean Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar, which was held in Antigua and Barbuda in March, and had as its theme: ICT Driving 21st

Century Financial Services. The Seminar laid a foundation of understanding of the impact information and communication technologies was having on financial services.

The primary objective of the workshop was to provide Caribbean stakeholders from various sectors with insight on technological innovations for improving financial transactions and financing arrangements. Specifically, it sought to explore online decentralised systems that allow people to exchange goods and services without using traditional monetary instruments, and to assess whether the adoption of digital currencies as an alternative currency in the Caribbean, can serve the needs of the region.

During panel discussions, the Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications & Information Technology, Government of Antigua & Barbuda, identified the challenges faced by the region in adopting digital currencies. “The greatest challenge may not be an ICT challenge. The challenge for our Caribbean societies and economies is how do we get our Caribbean producers to be included in this new digital economy.”

Minister Nicholas took a bottom-up approach in assessing how best the region can transition to DFS. “We need to focus on the whole issue of trade. Economies are driven by consumer demands and purchases. In order to be included, we need to consider how our consumers operate within the context of global economy.” •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

C A R I B B E A N A M E R I C A N L E A D E R S WA R N PROPOSED US BUDGET CUTS COULD POSE SECURITY PROBLEMS FOR THE REGION Caribbean American leaders have warned that proposed cuts to the United States Department of State’s foreign aid budget could have serious implications for the region at a time when there is increasing concern about terrorism.

The warning came in a briefing on US-Caribbean policy, hosted by Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and members of the Caribbean Congressional Caucus.

The talks focused on security, a bill proposing tax remittances and the Trump administration’s recent decision to give Haitians a limited,

six-month extension in the Temporary Protected Status programme, potentially sending 58,000 undocumented Haitians back to their country in January.

“The economy cannot absorb 60,000 people in 60 months. It is unrealistic, it is inhumane and it should not happen,” said Curtis Ward, a former Jamaican ambassador to the United States.

Most of Ward’s remarks, however, were focused on proposed US aid cuts and possible implications for the United States’ third border, as the Caribbean Basin is sometimes known.

“Despite being under-resourced, CBSI is fulfilling some of its original gains to assist countries in the region to build security and law enforcement capacities to deal with drug trafficking and related criminal activities,” he said.

“Any cuts, any reduction of current funding levels for the CBSI, would adversely affect the security capacity in the region, and the threats to US national security emanating from or transiting the region will increase exponentially,” he added.

“In more recent years there have been increasing concerns about radicalization and recruitment to terrorism, in particular the recruitment of foreign fighters from the region joining ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

“A more serious problem will be faced by the region and the hemisphere when these foreign terrorist fighters return to the Caribbean. They can be expected to pose future significant risks to their countries of origin and to the United States.”

He said a proposed US$800 million cut in the US Treasury’s budget would “severely impact US anti-money laundering” and efforts to halt terrorism financing in the Caribbean.

Vice president of the Washington-based Institute for Caribbean Studies (ICS), Oscar Spencer, said the cuts would further exacerbate the pull-out

by US banks from the Caribbean.

Known as “de-risking,” the withdrawal of the banks “has the potential to destabilize our economies” and increase poverty, he said, noting “there is a clear and present need for strong and friendly US-Caribbean relations.”

This is particularly true of Antigua and Barbuda as the twin island state remains heavily dependent on tourist arrivals from the U.S. In the shadow of the proposed budget cuts, the withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, and ongoing rifts over the financial services industry, the executive director of Caribbean-Central American Action, Sally Yearwood, said it might seem that the Caribbean would be inconsequential to the Trump administration.

“In 2016, the Caribbean imported US$21.6 billion of US products and services. Simply put, the Caribbean is one of the United States’ most important trading partners,” she added. •

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L-R): Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of St Lucia and incoming Chairman of the OECS Authority; Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS Commission; Dwight Lay, General Counsel at the OECS Commission; and Giselle Martin, Legal Advisor (IMPACS)

OECS CONVENES MEETING WITH CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT S TA K E H O L D E R S Representatives from the region’s five Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP) met in Saint Lucia on Friday 16 June to explore opportunities for increased collaboration and harmonisation of due diligence processes.

The meeting, convened at the behest of Heads of Government of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states with CIP programmes, provided a platform to discuss further harmonisation of CIPs across the region and consider ways in which strategic collaboration could enhance the quality and efficiency of the Citizenship

by Investment service.

Among other agenda items, the establishment of an equal standard for vetting of candidates and the implementation of an information sharing mechanism were outlined as areas for deeper cooperation.

Prime Minister of St Lucia and incoming Chairman of the OECS Authority, Hon. Allen Chastanet, said that a shared intelligence system would streamline the due diligence process in each member state.

“If an applicant applies in St Lucia and is rejected, mechanisms must be in place to ensure that this person does not surface elsewhere in the region as a citizen through another CIP,” Chastanet said.

The meeting also reviewed and proposed amendments to a policy and procedures manual prepared by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). This feedback is to be forwarded to the CIP standing working committee established

by CARICOM. In his remarks to the meeting, Director General of the OECS Dr Didacus Jules noted that many of the leading Western economies had some variant of the Citizenship by Investment Programme but still exerted pressure on poorer, more vulnerable countries doing the same.

“When the weak and vulnerable are able to successfully engage on playing fields like these, every effort is made by the strong and powerful to change the rules of the game.

“Our only chance of winning is to make the integrity of these programs unassailable,” he asserted.

The maintenance of international credibility and integrity for the region's Citizenship by Investment Programmes was outlined as a priority. • BusinessFocus

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Antigua and Barbuda were amongst several Caribbean islands that were urged to ensure that its social security systems are strong enough to withstand the economic shocks from the global economic crisis.

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At the 28th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Social Security Meeting in Barbados urged regional countries to ensure that their social security systems are strong enough to withstand the economic shocks from the global economic crisis.

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Addressing delegates at the 28th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Social Security Meeting, Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development Minister, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo of Barbados said that despite the challenges to social security systems on account of the global economic crisis, the population will still be dependent on their pensions and benefits long after the recession has passed.

Cognizant of the pressures on the various social security institutions across the region she said, “It is therefore important, now more than ever before, that you ensure the viability of your schemes in the face of such pressure.”

Noting that most social security systems in the region encountered similar challenges such as globalization; low coverage among self-employed persons and the informal sector; the demographic shift towards aging populations; and the high rate of chronic NCDs, the Labour Minister said the meeting’s theme “Sustaining Social Security Systems in the Context of Economic and Social Pressures” was timely given the prevailing circumstances.

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“The one positive is that if we realize we are in this together, that we have more similarities than differences and put our heads together, then, as they say, two heads are better than one. Meetings such as this provide the opportunity to discuss matters of common interest, share ideas and chart the best way forward for your various organizations,” Suckoo said.

The meeting was attended by delegates from Belize, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Barbados. •

ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson (left) receiving the Production Licence from Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Raphael G.C. Trotman.

EXXONMOBIL GETS CLEARANCE FOR US$5 BILLION INVESTMENT IN OIL P R O D U C T I O N I N G U YA N A ExxonMobil will soon formally make its Final Investment Decision (FID) now that the Guyana Government has issued a Production Licence for the Liza Exploration Block offshore Guyana.

The Licence was issued and the Liza Phase One Development was approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Prior to an official release, the Minister of Natural Resources told Guyana’s Parliament during debate on the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill that “Government has taken a decision to issue that Licence following on the advice of world-renowned experts who advised that it was possible to do so.” ExxonMobil in December, 2016 had applied for the Production Licence and approval of its development plan.

After ExxonMobil makes its FID, the company will accelerate the purchasing, contracting and installation of more equipment for commercial oil production to commence in 2020. Company officials have estimated that at the end of that process, the company is expected to spend at least US$5 billion.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said following the approval of the Production Licence and Environmental Permit, it is expected that ExxonMobil and co-venturers Nexen and Hess will make a final investment decision on the Liza Phase 1 Development.

In a separate process, the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency issued the Liza Field Environmental Permit on June 1. The Environmental Permit ensures that the environment is protected through the life-cycle of the project.

The Liza Phase 1 Development plan includes completion of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN WINNERS The OECS Commission is pleased to announce that after five months, and over one hundred applications from young business men and women throughout the region, the top 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs have been chosen.

The selected cohort represent a diverse cross section of industries, including Food and Beverage, Art and Photography, Business, Technology, Agriculture, Sustainable Development, Social Development, Sports, Photography and Entertainment.

MR. AKEEM EDWARDS

OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, commended this initiative that seeks to bolster the creativity of the region’s youth.

“At the center of this effort is youth development. The youth demographic is among the most disadvantaged segment of the population characterised by unacceptably high rates of unemployment; therefore youth empowerment and entrepreneurship must be a priority if we are to drive the change we all seek.”

MR. REGIS BURTON

“It is the hope that this initiative will provide the support that these young entrepreneurs need to take their businesses to the next level,” Dr. Jules said.

Winners will receive business support from the OECS Competitive Business Unit in the form of mentorship, to aid their professional and business development; technical assistance in sourcing markets; and financial assistance.

Through its Youth Empowerment Strategy (YES), the OECS Commission opened nominations for its inaugural 30 Under 30 in Entrepreneurship initiative in November of 2016 and extended the nominating period until March 31, 2017.

Eligible entrepreneurs had to be 30 years old or younger at the time of nomination, and be a citizen or resident of an OECS Member State. All eligible applications were considered despite business size, years of operation, and business industry. •

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MR. WINSTON LAVILLE

OECS 30 UNDER 30 WINNERS NAME

COUNTRY

INDUSTRY

Mr. Akeem Edwards

Antigua & Barbuda

Food & Beverage

Mr. Regis Burton

Antigua & Barbuda

Social Business

Mr. Winston Laville

Antigua & Barbuda

Agriculture

Miss Sharie De Castro

British Virgin Islands

Education

Mr. Mitch Jno Charles

Commonwealth of Dominica

Agriculture

Mr. Oudin Samuel

Commonwealth of Dominica

Website Design

Mr. Sherwin Thomas

Commonwealth of Dominica

Entertainment & Media

Mr. Prince F. Thomas

Grenada

Agriculture

Miss Tereika Peters

Grenada

Food & Beverage

Mr. Shakim J. Fortune

Grenada

Food & Beverage

Mr. Jacques Sanquer

Martinique

Consulting

Mr. Sébastien Célestine

Martinique

Culture & Entertainment

Miss Sasha Herbert

St. Kitts & Nevis

Art & Entertainment

Mr. Dijaun Jack

St. Kitts & Nevis

Business & Personal Service

Mr. Janeel Boon

St. Kitts & Nevis

Computers, Communications & Electronics

Mr. Shane Browne

St. Kitts & Nevis

Shopping & Specialty Services

Miss Desi Brown

St. Kitts & Nevis

Creative Enterprise & Business and Personal Services

Mr. Wendel George

St. Lucia

Sports & Recreation

Mr. Larry Shepherd

St. Lucia

Construction & Renovation

Mr. Nyus Alfred

St. Lucia

Sports & Recreation

Mr. Jonathan Theobalds

St. Lucia

Computers, Communications & Electronics

Miss Kenisha Jn Baptiste

St. Lucia

Construction & Renovation

Miss Kandice Delice

St. Lucia

Shopping & Specialty Stores

Mr. Denell Florius

St. Lucia

Public Utilities & Environment

Mr. Randy Lafontaine

St. Lucia

Photography, Automotive & Tourism (respectively)

Mr. Johanan Dujon

St. Lucia

Agriculture

Miss Heidi C. St. Clair

St. Lucia

Child Care Services

Mr. Anton Volney

St. Lucia

Business & Personal Service

Mr. Javid Collins

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Photography

Mr. Jeronnie Richardson

St. Vincent & the Grenadines

Messenger & Courier, Online Marketing & Advertising

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

Recognised for her work to address climate change, Lia represented Antigua and Barbuda at Buckingham Palace in London.

Selected from a competitive process where thousands of young people from all over the commonwealth applied to be a ‘Queen’s Young Leader’, Lia said, “the award will provide a platform for me to connect with communities in different islands to fight against climate change.”

Before receiving their Queen’s Young Leaders Award at Buckingham Palace, the winners will visit 10 Downing Street, as well as take part in masterclasses at the BBC World Service and the UK headquarters of global social media company Facebook. They will also meet the Commonwealth Secretary-General, take part in workshops at the University of Cambridge, meet senior executives from some of the UK’s leading organisations and visit projects that are changing the lives of vulnerable people in the UK.

LIA NICHOLSON: RECIPIENT O F T H E Q U E E N ’ S YO U N G L E A D E R S AWA R D

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Dr. Astrid Bonfield CBE, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said, “The Queen’s Young Leaders of 2017 are doing truly remarkable work within their communities. Their actions are having a positive impact not only on those around them but also by setting in motion positive change that will last for generations to come. The residential programme is an opportunity for the 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders to come together for the first time, to foster partnerships and share ideas about how they can work together as a group to improve people’s lives all over the Commonwealth. We are delighted that these young people are being recognised for their life changing work by Her Majesty, The Queen, and we hope that their time in the UK will inspire and enable them to pursue their work for others on an even greater scale. •

TOURISM FOCUS

SEABORNE AIRLINES TO R E S U M E S E RV I C E TO A N T I G UA

Seaborne Airlines has announced that non-stop service between the carrier’s hub in San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport and Antigua and Barbuda, V.C. Bird International Airport, will resume starting on Friday, July 21, 2017.

Seaborne Airlines and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority have entered into an agreement to resume flights. The service will provide increased airlift and convenient connecting opportunities for both visitors and Antiguans and Barbudans.

Passengers from over 30 destinations in the Americas and Europe will be able to reach Antigua with a single stop in San Juan through connections with Seaborne’s partner airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, and Vieques Air Link.

All flights will be operated by a crew of two pilots and one flight attendant using 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft, which feature a roomy cabin with overhead bins, in-flight service, a restroom, and other amenities.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA BEACH BAR OPENS IN SOHO, LONDON

Seaborne will operate four non-stop round-trip flights per week between San Juan and Antigua beginning July 21, which will be available for booking now.

“A convenient schedule has been designed to benefit local customers with easy access between the islands, while connecting passengers will benefit from direct transfers through Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean” said Hector Montanez, Seaborne Vice President of Commercial.

“An overnight flight with a morning departure from Antigua will maximize convenience to both tourists and residents,” added Montanez.

“We are excited to have Seaborne resume services to Antigua and Barbuda, starting this July. Additional airlift, which is also competitively priced, is a plus for the destination as we prepare for a busy summer season with visitors travelling to Antigua and Barbuda for vacation, and to participate in our major summer festival, Antigua’s Carnival which celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year from July 27th – August 8, 2017,” said Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Hon. Asot A. Michael. •

Known for hosting much talked about pop-up bars such as the Polo inspired Chukka Bar, the Aprés-Ski Lounge Piste Bar, and summer 2016’s Hyki sand Bar; Archer Street Cocktail Bar’s new theme is Antigua and Barbuda.

The first ever Caribbean themed pop-up beach bar features Calypso themed entertainment, a 180 degree panoramic view of Shirley’s Heights being showcased on the big screen, and drinks that feature the local favorite — English Harbour Rum. The Antigua & Barbuda themed beach bar is part of Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Authority’s Beach Bar Trail, designed to showcase some of the island’s best hang out spots-from foodie favorites to romantic hotspots, party bars to R&R spots only locals are privy to. •

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"To be elected by my counterparts throughout the Caribbean for such a role speaks volumes and I am truly honored," said Cox, who promised she will not take the role lightly. She looks forward to continuing her advocacy efforts for local members, while "taking our collective voice to CHTA, with the hope of having our issues addressed at the top of the regional association's agenda."

"It is a blessing to have Stacy in this leadership role," said Director General and CEO of CHTA Frank Comito. "She has been a model member of this group for several years and we always look forward to her wise counsel and enthusiastic, solutions-driven approach to addressing challenges for our members. She leads by example and has done outstanding work in her role with the TCHTA," he added.

Cox began her hospitality career as an activity coordinator in 1991 at what is now the world-famous Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, and quickly moved her way up the ranks, receiving the coveted "Cacique" award prior to leaving her island home.

In 1997, she moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she held General Manager positions at Windsong Resort and Royal West Indies Resort.

T C I ' S S TA C Y C OX E L E C T E D PRESIDENT OF CSHAE

The hospitality professional is committed to the advancement of the tourism industry and believes that education and awareness of opportunities within the sector are critical in the region. "One of my first tasks as President of CSHAE is to meet with the team to determine how we can better raise the profile of the Society and to identify networking and developmental opportunities for all Associations," she said.

Seasoned hotel industry professional Stacy Cox is the new President of the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE).

Cox volunteers her time to organizations and events such as Youth Explosion, Maskanoo, TCI Shines Clean-up Campaign and TCI Little Chefs. She has also served on various executive boards, including TCHTA, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos Animal Welfare Committee, CHTA, CSHAE, Junior Achievement Turks & Caicos Islands, and The Salvation Army.

Cox was recently appointed to the leadership position during board meetings that preceded the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHTA) annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace event in The Bahamas.

An advocate of continuing education, she has furthered her own professional development through online courses at Cornell University and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

CSHAE is an independent organization aimed at advancing professional development and strengthening networking among Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Executives.

Cox's favorite motto is "Living with purpose, because of the promise". She regularly mentors young women, especially those in the hospitality industry.

Cox, who has served as the Executive Director of The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) since September 2011, is a native of The Bahamas and a citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands. She has amassed more than 20 years of hospitality experience in both destinations.

For further information, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com. •

As Executive Director, she represents the membership of TCHTA on matters affecting the tourism and hospitality industry, both locally and internationally, including advocacy issues and marketing initiatives, which help build a sustainable tourism product through awareness, outreach and educational programs.

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ANTIGUA & BARBUDA’S 60TH C A R N I VA L G E T S A WA R M R E C E P T I O N I N TRINIDAD & TOBAGO The Antigua and Barbuda delegation, received a warm reception from the Trinidad public with persons wanting to get as much information as possible on all the activities taking place for the big 60th Anniversary Celebrations.

Regional Marketing Consultant for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Charmaine Spencer, said “The aim of the Antigua Road Show was to sensitize the Trinidadian public to Antigua and Barbuda as a neighbouring paradise, but also as a Carnival and party destination, to attract the Trinidadian and Tobagonian avid party-goers, and seasoned mas players.

Following from previous efforts of the ABTA in the Trinidad market, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation conducted media appearances on leading Trinidad radio stations, as well as local TV, inviting all to visit Antigua and Barbuda for the upcoming cricket, as well as, the 60th Carnival Anniversary, and just for vacation any time of the year.

Antigua and Barbuda's Trinidad Launch delegation included Minister of Culture and National Festivals E P Chet Greene, and representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and the Department of Culture

The team also had meetings with some of Trinidad’s most prominent mas bands such as, TRIBE Carnival, Ronnie & Caro, Fantasy, and YUMA. The Road Show culminated with a media Cocktail Launch hosted at Estate 101 in Maraval. The cocktail launch was well attended by representatives of Caribbean Airlines who, as a prize, gave away a trip to Antigua and Barbuda. Also in attendance were members of Trinidad’s National Carnival Commission, local media celebrities, journalists, several travel agencies, representatives from the local hotel association, as well as legendary calypsonians such as, Ronnie McIntosh and Gypsy, and other invited guests.

A sponsored trip to Antigua’s 60th Carnival was also given away compliments LIAT – The Caribbean Airline. This package included round-trip airfare, hotel accommodation and tickets to all the Carnival shows.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of Antigua mas costumes. Guests were visibly impressed by the splendor that is Antigua’s Carnival with a preview of carnival costumes by Antigua Mas Band, Beautiful People. •

National Festivals Minister EP Chet Greene presents and congratulates the winner of a trip to Antigua and Barbuda for Carnival, which was provided by Caribbean Airlines Product Development Manager Sharon Marquez-Dass

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The acquisition will mean that four of the now-seven Elegant Hotels Barbados properties will account for a 300-meter stretch of the island’s exclusive Platinum Coast.

The company said the property will be refurbished, repositioned and repriced before being rebranded as Treasure Beach by Elegant Hotels as part of a multimillion-dollar project.

ACQUIRES BARBADOS’ TREASURE BEACH HOTEL ALSO SIGNS MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR A N T I G U A ’ S H O D G E S B AY R E S O R T & S PA By: Alexander Britell

One of the Caribbean’s top hotel companies has added another property to its portfolio.

Barbados-based Elegant Hotels Group has announced the recent acquisition of the Treasure Beach Hotel. The four-star, 35-room property is located on Paynes Bay in the St. James parish of Barbados, adjacent to Elegant’s Tamarind Hotel.

It is expected to reopen for business at the start of November 2017 as an adults-only, European-plan hotel with an emphasis on a “highquality food offering.”

Elegant Hotels Group has been on a rapid growth thrust having most recently signed management and sales and marketing agreements with the soon-to-open Hodges Bay Resort and Spa in Antigua and the Landings Resort and Spa in St. Lucia.

“This newest addition to our family shows that Elegant Hotels is more committed than ever to executing its long-term expansion strategy,” said Sunil Chatrani, the Chief Executive Officer of Elegant Hotels Group.

The company’s Barbados portfolio includes Colony Club Hotel, Tamarind Hotel, The House, Turtle Beach, Crystal Cove and Waves Hotel and Spa. •

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C A L L T O TA K E CARIBBEAN CUISINE TO GLOBAL HEIGHTS Celebrated Trinidadian chef Richardson Skinner asserts firmly that the Caribbean can do much more to promote its cuisine to attract interest and travel to the region.

"In the past, visitors came to the Caribbean for sand, sun and sea ... and the food was just simmering on the back burner," says Skinner, the executive chef at Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar, located at the award-winning Coco Palm hotel in Rodney Bay Village in St. Lucia.

Now, however, the chef, with over 20 years' experience in Trinidad, Martinique and St. Lucia, points out that travelers go out of their way for fresh culinary experiences, particularly for meals with a savor of the Caribbean.

"As crazy as it sounds, it's actually what's driving business right now," Skinner affirms. "Look at Trip Advisor, and see what visitors say in their reviews. More often than not, they're talking about what they ate on their vacation. Food matters."Â Skinner believes food can set the region apart from its global rivals: "Caribbean cuisine is right up there with the classic cuisine of the French or the Italians - right there, ripe and ready to be plucked."

Skinner encourages aspiring chefs to "use the techniques of your grandparents and don't abandon your roots" when crafting contemporary recipes for the global palate. He strives to do just that at Ti Bananne, where his menu offers dishes that combine St. Lucian Creole heritage and classic French cooking techniques.

"Respect your culture, your style of doing things. Be innovative and then take it to the next level." •

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G OV E R N M E N T A N D B A R B U D A O F F I C I A L S PURSUE GREEN BARBUDA ENERGY PROJECT Representatives from the Barbuda Council, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) met with a representative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss plans for a project aimed at enabling Barbuda in transitioning to become a 100% green energy island in terms of its electricity production.

The meeting, which took place in Barbuda, was aimed at providing Masdar with a first-hand perspective on the opportunities and challenges for renewable energy development in Barbuda.

The mission to Barbuda comes against the background of a US$50 million grant funded by the Government of the UAE for supporting renewable energy projects in sixteen Caribbean countries.

Antigua and Barbuda is among a number of Caribbean countries, which have already submitted requests to the UAE – Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund for the development of renewable energy projects in the region.

Technical implementation of the UAE Fund is being managed by the Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, which works to advance the development, commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies and solutions.

The project proposal for Barbuda, the brainchild of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, is aimed at a smoothly phased movement by Barbuda away from expensive and polluting imported fossil fuels to a situation where the island’s electricity would be supplied by a mix of renewable energy technologies, expected to be primarily solar and wind power, backed up by modern battery storage technologies.

The team visited the APUA electricity plant in Codrington and obtained data which would be required for advancing renewable energy uptake on Barbuda as well as visiting possible sites for installation of the facilities.

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While in Barbuda, the team met with representatives of the Barbuda Council led by the Honorable Arthur Nibbs, Parliamentary representative and Minister with responsibility for Barbuda Affairs, who confirmed his government’s full support for the project and pledged his assistance in taking the project proposal forward.

Accompanying the team was Ambassador Conrod Hunte of Antigua and Barbuda’s Mission to the United Nations and whose office has played a lead role in the discussions to date with the UAE and Masdar officials. Ambassador Hunte noted the importance of the project in supporting Antigua and Barbuda’s commitments in meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris Accord on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and emphasized the need for full stakeholder buy-in at all levels if the project was to receive the support being requested under the UAE’s Caribbean fund.

In an earlier meeting with UAE officials in January, Prime Minister Browne and Energy Minister Asot Michael, had pointed to the need for ensuring that tourism and other developments planned for Barbuda proceed in a sustainable manner, and pointed to the possibility of the Green Barbuda project serving as a model for other small Caribbean islands and communities seeking to move away from fossil fuel based sources of energy and utilizing their abundant renewable energy resources.

If approved by the UAE, it is expected that management of the Green Barbuda project would be led by the Energy Unit of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy. •

H E AT W AV E S T O A F F E C T C A R I B B E A N D U R I N G AT L A N T I C HURRICANE SEASON Antigua and Barbuda are among several Caribbean islands that are being urged to prepare for heat waves as they will be a feature of the 2017 rainy season.

The warning issued by Dr. Simon Mason of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in his presentation - “Caribbean Heat outlooks: Research and product development” to the participants attending the Caribbean Regional Climate Outlook Forum.

Simon said in the past, not a lot of emphasis was placed on heat waves but data gathered from islands over the years, has shown that this is a growing challenge. “It’s time to investigate the problems of heat waves and the best way to deal with it in this region,” said Simon who pointed out that in the United States of America heat waves kills more people than tornadoes while in 2003 heat waves killed 30,000 in France.

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries.

While definitions vary, a heat wave is measured relative to the usual weather in the area and relative to normal temperatures for the season. The CIMH is projecting that islands in the South of Caribbean will receive less rain and hotter days.

“The projection is for as much as one third of the total days for the rainy season will be warmer than normal so the advice is for people to be ready for the heat,” he said.

Simon said that with the elderly being particularly vulnerable, steps must be taken in advance to assist them to cope with the effects.

“Most parts of the Caribbean are having growing elderly, the heat waves can kill them, so understanding how to deal with this weather will be very critical in order to reduce the impact,” he said.

Besides impacting on the elderly, a heat wave could affect productivity.

However, he noted that the CIMH is not projecting drought conditions for the region because the overall outlook is for above average rain for the entire rainy or hurricane season, which officially ends on November 30. •

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C A R I B B E A N F I S H E R I E S T H R E AT E N E D B Y OV E R F I S H I N G , R E E F D E C L I N E Overfishing and the degradation of coral reefs across the Caribbean and Pacific islands are pushing many fish, including food sources like tunas and groupers, towards extinction.

This is according to two regional Red List reports published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Conservation status of marine bony shorefishes of the Greater Caribbean Red List report includes assessments of 1,360 marine bony shorefishes – a group that includes most fish species found near the shore across 38 Caribbean countries and territories, including Antigua and Barbuda.

The report says that approximately five per cent of marine bony shorefishes in the Caribbean are threatened, due to overfishing, invasive lionfish predation and the degradation of coral reefs and estuaries, which provide habitats and feeding grounds for many species.

Species threatened by overfishing are commonly associated with reef habitat.

“These new reports ring alarm bells for marine life across the Pacific and Caribbean, hard-hit by unsustainable fishing and the destruction of habitats. These are the latest in a series of IUCN Red List reports covering more than half of the global ocean, which collectively reveal a looming threat to life below water. It is essential that we use this new science and analysis to effectively conserve marine resources, which provide us with food, enhance our health, sustain the global economy and protect us from the worst effects of climate change,” says IUCN Director General Inger Andersen.

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In the Pacific islands of Oceania, around a third of reefbuilding coral species are threatened with extinction. While in the Caribbean “the Vulnerable red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), a common choice for locals of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Endangered Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) are among the threatened species targeted by fishers.”

It added that fewer individual coral species – around a fifth – are threatened with extinction in this region, although overall Caribbean reefs are in worse shape than those in Oceania due to human pressures adding to the effects of ocean warming.

Various local- to broader-scaled threats are flattening reefs across much of the Caribbean, particularly affecting the Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).

These endemic, branching corals, which are among the most important reef-building coral species in the Caribbean and vital for the survival of reefs, are both classed as Critically Endangered.

“We know that well-managed marine protected areas can increase the resilience of marine species in the Caribbean and the Pacific in the face of mounting threats. In an extremely species-rich region dominated by small island states, inter-governmental cooperation between countries should be boosted to ensure protected areas are managed effectively, and destructive fishing practices are minimized,” says Kent Carpenter, manager of the IUCN Marine Biodiversity Unit. •

Antigua and Barbuda, as well as other small island developing states, is being encouraged by the Commonwealth to take advantage of a new toolkit that will provide countries with a comprehensive source of methods, good practices and knowledge sharing on climate change legislation.

The toolkit will be an online platform comprising a database of climate change laws, a collection of world practices; and a database of climate projects and contracts.

Matthew Moorhead, Legal Advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat said, “with the assistance of Antigua and Barbuda, other countries that will be part of the pilot phase, and our partners UN Environment, we intend to build the toolkit into an effective mechanism to address the impact of climate change and to fulfill commitments made under the Paris Agreement.”

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The Paris Agreement requires all of its 145 Parties to put forward their best efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change through nationally determined contributions (NCD’s), and to strengthen these efforts in the years ahead.

Moorhead added that the toolkit would help policy makers review existing climate change laws and build appropriate legislative responses for the twin island states.

The toolkit will be available online by the end of the year. •

Every employer, employed and

self-employed person in Antigua & Barbuda must register with the Medical Benefits Scheme!

Medical Benefits Scheme

Qualified individuals receive their MBS Smartcard which offers the following benefits: A basket of services at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre Access to pharmaceuticals from the Medical Benefits Scheme for 11 diseases Reimbursements for laboratory and diagnostic tests

Your Smart card is required every time you access benefits from the Medical Benefits Scheme!

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The Paris Agreement on Climate Change was more than just another international agreement on another complex international issue. It reflects the acknowledgment and acceptance that climate change is a global issue requiring global solutions.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is therefore deeply dismayed and disappointed by the decision of the United States to withdraw from the Agreement.

For us Climate Change is an existential threat. As members of a Community of Small-Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), the reality of climate change is making itself manifest to us, especially given that our Region is the most prone to natural disasters globally.

The need for global action to combat this phenomenon is past urgent. As one of the prime contributors to the emissions which continue to push global temperature rise to an untenable level, the leadership of the United States in efforts to curb the warming of the planet is an important factor.

CARICOM CHAIRMAN ON US A N N O U N C E D W I T H D R AWA L F R O M PA R I S A G R E E M E N T

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Abdication of that responsibility sends a negative signal particularly to those of us most vulnerable to the effects of climate change despite the fact that we do little or nothing to contribute to its causes.

However, CARICOM is encouraged by the fact that the overwhelming majority of Nations remains firmly committed to the Paris Agreement. Our own commitment will never waiver. Our existence is at stake.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

H E A LT H T E C H N O L O G Y By: Dr. Marlene Joseph

Whether or not we are interested in science, we are hearing repeatedly from scientists, business professionals and company executives that technology is increasing rapidly. What sounded like science fiction ten to twenty years ago has now become reality in many instances. The Health industry is certainly not being left behind in this development, so we need to focus on how these rapid technological changes are affecting us here in Antigua & Barbuda and indeed the entire Caribbean.

World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Health Technology as the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve the quality of lives. The development of Endoscopies about four decades ago, includes Colonoscopy which we all know about, and these are tests which rely on the presence of tiny cameras attached to tubes inserted into the body via the mouth or rectum.

Images are then directed to a monitor which the technician or Doctor can interpret. Laparoscopy not only makes use of these cameras, but now allows the Surgeon to perform selected abdominal surgery through one or more small incisions.

The inventions of the computer, cell phone, laptop, smart phone, i-phone and i-pad have resulted in a large array of inventions in the Healthcare Industry during the past four decades.

The Computer Tomography or Ct scan has been in clinical use for forty five years, and has now led to the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which provides 3-D imaging of the body’s interior and basically relies on signals from a magnetic field produced by the patient.

The PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is quite a costly piece of equipment which provides even more precise analysis of the entire body.

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There is increasing use of sensor devices which can be worn as patches applied to the skin in different areas of the body. They also come in the form of wrist bands, and rings. These devices are commonly referred to as wearables. Physical fitness activists would be familiar with some of these wearables which can inform you of the speed of walking or jogging, or whether you are on a level surface or an incline. There are also many creative apps to assist with daily exercise, athletic training programs, and even the outlining of individual dietary schedules. Currently under trial are coaching programs utilising voice commands so that, for example, the runner is constantly being advised by the electronic coach about his performance and how to function in his environment.

As Health Technology advances, research scientists continue to evaluate DNA and RNA sequencing with a view to analysing the immune system, repairing damaged body tissues, fingerprinting and understanding applications of stem cells among other important functions.

The use of sensors to collect data from a patient, sending this information to a central analyser via a mobile phone can allow different functions, for example, the participation of two or more doctors who are simultaneously in different countries to make decisions on patient care. Using the same method, a sensor applied to the abdomen of a pregnant woman is being

Dr. Marlene Joseph is a UWI medical graduate who has many years of experience in the field of Family Medicine. She has worked in several hospitals, manages her own private practice, and has also participated on executive boards involved in health care locally, regionally and internationally.

tested to see if pregnancy tracking can provide constant information on her condition as well as that of the fetus.

Innovations are also being made in delivery of drug treatments. These include implants under the skin to facilitate slow release of treatments, and nanoparticles in tissue fluids releasing treatments in a timely manner.

3-D imaging is an interesting concept which, as I mentioned, is one of the features of MRI. This imaging is being investigated by surgeons in a few countries as a highly efficient method in which certain types of surgery and particularly brain surgery can be performed.

Artificial Intelligence in Health Technology will probably revolutionise patient care as we know it today.

It basically involves the use of supercomputers which are programmed to match human intelligence as well as they could. Their function would be to use the statistical data of the patient given to the system to monitor the patient’s condition, arrive at a diagnosis, and predict curative drug treatment. These systems can also be made to recognise images and report on CT and MRI scans.

Artificial Intelligence, which sounds quite futuristic, is actually in use in some hospitals in a few countries. However, I do not believe that such systems will replace doctors, but would assist them in providing health care more efficiently.

At this point in time however, the cost would be quite prohibitive for most countries in the world.

In conclusion, the rapid increase in technology is introducing many possibilities which seemed quite unlikely just a few decades ago. We have to try and understand these changes, many of which are really excellent developments and for the sake of future generations keep pace with the changes so that we are not left behind in this global village. Driverless cars are already being built. Supertrains are already gliding along at unbelievable speeds. Let us educate ourselves about as many of these new technologies as possible, especially Health Technologies. •

C A L L F O R N O N - PA R T I S A N A P P R O A C H T O I S S U E S R E L AT E D T O S T I G M A , D I S C R I M I N AT I O N AND HIV TRANSMISSION At this year’s PANCAP Regional Parliamentarians Forum, Deputy Secretary General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, challenged all parliamentarians in attendance to commence the implementation of the CARICOM Model Anti-Discrimination Bill aimed towards adopting a more inclusive approach to ending discrimination, not just on the basis of HIV status but on a wider margin including gender, disability, and sexual orientation.

Ambassador Soeknandan said, the model was approved in 2012, but no efforts were made by member countries to adopt the recommendations proposed by the model.

Parliamentarians were encouraged to take immediate steps to adopt the recommendations of the model with the overreaching aim for full implementations being July 2018.

One such recommendation is for greater sensitization of the public on the effects of stigma and discrimination towards those living with HIV and AIDS, and its role in transmission of HIV. It was suggested that within each respective Caribbean territory represented at the forum, that the school’s curriculum be used as an avenue for disseminating information about discrimination and stigma; collaborating with parent-teacher associations and other groups related to education.

Added further was a recommendation for strict monitoring by parliamentarians to ensure that health care providers and law enforcement are not perpetuating the cycle of prejudice by discriminating against those with HIV. It was also proposed that a coordinating committee for parliamentarians be established to create and develop policies and strategies to protect vulnerable groups. A large part of the discussions were centered on youth and it was recommended that countries invest in public awareness campaigns targeted at the youth, on condom use and HIV transmission.

Following unanimous agreement, Ambassador Soeknandan requested that parliamentarians provide consistent updates on the progress of implementing the Model Anti-Discrimination Bill and emphasized that the overall benefit would be the protection of vulnerable populations, more key populations accessing health services and testing for HIV, reduction in HIV transmission, and deaths from AIDS. •

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EVENTS 2017

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

CANTO 33RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADE EXHIBITION / 11TH ANNUAL HUMAN RESOURCE FORUM / 4TH ANNUAL SALES MARKETING & CUSTOMER CARE FORUM PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – JULY 16 - 19, 2017 The conference theme is “Re-imagining ICT as a tool for National Growth and Development”.

This theme will drive the discussion as we highlight the challenges facing the regional ICT and Telecommunications sector and solutions to these challenges. http://www.canto.org/annualconference/

CARIBBEAN WELL-BEING CONFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF ST. MARTIN, ST. MARTIN – AUGUST 6 - 8, 2017 The Caribbean Well-Being conference (CWBC) is a bi-annual conference held on the island of St. Maarten. The CWBC seeks to promote the positive development and well-being of children, parents, families, schools and communities. The CWBC aims to inform and educate on best practices to promote children’s well-being by looking at the important role that parents, families, teachers, schools, and communities play in the promotion of well-adjusted, socially and emotionally competent youth.

CARIBBEAN CYTOMETRY & ANALYTICAL SOCIETY (CCAS) EXPERT SUMMIT: FROM CARE TO CURE — SHIFTING THE HIV PARADIGM ALMOND BEACH RESORT, BARBADOS – AUGUST 27 - 31, 2017 This summit will review the dramatic advances in antiretroviral therapy and the public health benefits accruing from treatment as prevention. Stubborn barriers to access will be scrutinized through a new lens, to determine if public health messaging and advocacy has kept pace with the advances in medicine.

THE EMPOWERMENT BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS AUA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, ANTIGUA – AUGUST 18, 2017 This is a free empowerment seminar being held at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine. The event is aimed at empowering women to envision and create the life they most want and to get inspired!

2017 JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON BUSINESS, ECONOMICS, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING HOTEL HOLIDAY INN RESORT, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – OCTOBER 2, 2017 This conference is for professionals who want to participate in a major international forum, get published, network with colleagues from many countries and sharing similar or complementary interests, and to have fun in one of the most exciting resorts not only in the Caribbean, but also in the entire World!

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EVENTS 2017

REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

CSA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2017 CARIBBEAN SAILING ASSOCIATION – OCTOBER 13 - 15, 2017 The CSA Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to bring regatta organisers, Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Rating Rule measurers, race officials, Member National Authorities, yacht club managers and youth sailing co-ordinators together for a weekend of discussion, education and inspiration. More information about the organisation and its members can be found at www. caribbean-sailing.com.

CARIBBEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS, MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2017 This year's event will feature a full day of interactive project showcases, awards for project excellence, a day-long workshop on renewable integration, and a focus on critical themes such as new sources of financing, the implementation of storage, driving down project soft costs, and much more. From utility scale to distributed generation, storage to smart grids, financing to procurement, energy efficiency to the emerging role of natural gas in the Caribbean, CREF is where the market meets and the discussion evolves. — http://newenergyevents.com/cref/

24TH ANNUAL FCCA CRUISE CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW SIGLO XXI CONVENTION CENTER, MERIDA, MEXICO – OCTOBER 23 - 27, 2017 The ​FCCA ​Conference ​is ​a four-day ​event ​designed ​to ​foster ​a ​better ​understanding ​of ​the ​inner​ workings ​of ​the ​cruise ​industry and help attendees improve their cruise tourism business.

Through a ​specialized ​forum that blends meetings and workshops with social functions, attendees have a unique opportunity to develop relationships with, promote products to, and learn from approximately 100 executives from FCCA’s 19 Member Lines who decide where ships call, what is sold and used onboard, and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure.

CARIBBEAN HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE AND OPERATIONS SUMMIT THE HAMILTON PRINCESS, BERMUDA – NOVEMBER 9 - 10, 2017 The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) is the region’s must attend hospitality and tourism investment conference. The event provides attendees with the opportunity to significantly expand their network while learning the most important trends that can impact their investment decisions. — http://chicos.hvsconferences.com/

CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS: 44TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE http://www.cab-inc.com/content_manager/contentPages/view/annual-conference This conference represents an opportunity to network with financial services professionals from throughout the Caribbean. Whether sponsoring an event, highlighting your products and services at an exhibit, or both, you will be taking advantage of a tailor-made opportunity to provide access to decision makers and quality leads. Whether you want to strengthen relationships with existing customers or build new ones, this conference is for you!

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MAJOR MOVES Manley Law School. He was admitted to the practice of law in Belize in 1977 and embarked on a career in private practice. In 1990, Barrow was elevated to Senior Counsel and went on to start his own law firm ‘Barrow and Company’.

Barrow’s judicial career included service as a High Court Judge in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Belize and the British Virgin Islands between 2001 and 2005. Justice of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court from 2005 to 2008 and Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of Belize from 2010 to 2012.

Samantha Moitt, RDN, MPH — Acting Chief Nutrition Officer in the Ministry of Health Samantha Moitt is a Registered Dietitian previously attached to the Mount St John's Medical Center. She recently obtained her Masters of Public Health from the University of Massachusetts. She remains active in the Nutritionists and Dietitians group of Antigua and Barbuda, the Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. •

Barrow has served in Geneva, Switzerland as a member and then rapporteur of the International Labor Organization’s Committee of Experts responsible for monitoring the application of international conventions on labor and human rights law. Barrow has also been awarded the prestigious Custos Justitiae Award for excellence in the practice of law by the Belize Bar Association. In 2012, he was awarded the insignia for Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his distinguished service to Belize and the field of law.

The ceremony was attended by the Sir Dennis Byron, President of the CCJ; Justice Adrian Saunders, CCJ Judge; Justice Kenneth Benjamin, Chief Justice of Belize; Manuel Sosa, President of the Court of Appeal of Belize; and Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney General of Belize. •

Gina Wade Papadopoulos - Cove, Villas & Leisure Manager Effective June 2017 at Blue Waters Resort & Spa. Ms. Gina Wade Papadopoulos is an Antiguan national who previously held the position of Assistant Hotel Manager. She is a graduate of Long Island University, New York and is experienced in the hospitality industry having worked in several hotels and restaurants in Antigua since the 80’s. Gina’s natural warmth and effortless charm coupled with her strong hospitality background has been an asset to our property.

Over the years, Blue Waters Resort has earned an enviable reputation as being one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts and prides itself on delivering a first class service to its guests. We look forward to the contributions of both Derrick and Gina in their new roles. •

DDL Head Komal Samaroo has been elected the new Chairman of WIRSPA Attorney Denys Arthur Barrow was sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and became the first Belizean to be sworn in to the CCJ bench.

Barrow with a 40-year legal career accompanied by several judicial appointments in judiciaries and membership on a worldrenowned tribunal dealing with international labor and human rights law was sworn in by the Governor General of Belize, Sir. Colville Young at a ceremony held in Belize City.

Barrow has a Bachelors of Law from the University of the West Indies and a Legal Education Certificate from the Norman BusinessFocus

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Derrick Huggins - Resort Manager Effective May 2017, at Blue Waters Resort & Spa - a family owned property in operation since 1960. Derrick, a Nevisian, has over 16 years of experience in the hospitality sector in Nevis including most recently as Rooms Division Manager at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club and previously the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.

He credits his success to being hands-on and a practical individual who is creative, innovative and positive at all times. •

Komal Samaroo was recently elected as the new Chairman of WIRSPA – The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association at a recent meeting in Barbados. Mr Samaroo is the Executive Chairman of the Guyana based regional conglomerate Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) group of companies, producers of the well-known El Dorado brand of premium rums.

In thanking his colleagues for the trust placed in him to lead the group, Samaroo said that it was a mark of maturity for the industry that leadership changes occurred within the context of continuity and thanked the previous Chairman, Dr Frank Ward, for his stewardship of the organisation over the past 10 years.•

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME LUIGI INVESTMENT ANTIGUA LIMITED SMP EXPRESS INC.,

DIRECTORS

NATURE MARIAN BARBARA HESSE. ALICIA S. BLANCHTTE,CAROL M. DALEY & HEATHER P. BROWNE.

FREESTONE LTD .

MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY INVESTMENT TO ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF LOGISTICS SOURCING AGENTS COURIER SERVICES ANS ECOMMERCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT,

WINDSONG RENTALS LTD.,

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

CIVES MUNDI INC.

PROVIDING A CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT AGENCY, BUSINESS CONSULTING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY CONSTRUCTION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

ROBERT JOHN WESTON & CHRISTOPHER HUGH STINTON SEPTIMUS A. RHUDD

COMPLETE BUILDING SOLUTIONS INC.,

J & S ISLAND SPORTS & ADVENTURES LTD.

THE BUSINESS GROUP CONSORTIUM LTD (TBG CONSORTIUM LTD.)

PELLA ANTIGUA LIMITED, LAWRENCE OF ANTIGUA LTD. TEAM ANTIGUA ATLANTIC ROWERS INC.

CLUB BARNACLE LTD., ART AND SOUL LIMITED, MACEDONIA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES INCORPORATED

VMI LIMITED ANB REALTY LIMITED ORIENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT LIMITED

LIGUANEA HOLDINGS LTD. CUTIE'S LTD.

THE SPILLING INK LIMITED

N.B. JONES LTD.

IMPORTATION AND OPERATION OF WATER SPORTS AND OTHER ADVENTURE RELATED EQUIPMENT OPERATING AND INVESTING AGRICULTURE, CONSULTANCY, CONSTRUCTION, EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT, MARKETING & PROMOTIONS, WHOLESALE & RETAIL, PROCUREMENT, REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING, WAREHOUSING, CARGO AGENCY TRANSPORTATION, TOURISM SUPPORT SERVICES AND OTHER RELATED BUSINESSES PROPERTY HOLDING TO OPERATE A TAXI AND LEISURE TOUR BUSINESS ANY OTHER LEGAL BUSINESS, SUPPORTING SPORTS IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AND TO SUPPORT AND ENGAGE IN THE PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA NIGHT CLUB AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES RELATED THERETO TO PROVIDE AN ARTISTIC FORUM TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT/HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT REHABILITATION, FOOD SAFETY AND CONSERVATION BUSINESS ACQUISITION AND INVESTMENT, REAL ESTATE SALES, LETTING, MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS MASSAGE AND REFLEXOLOGY THERAPY, SALES OF NATURAL HERBAL MEDICINES PROPERTY HOLDING AND ASSET MANAGEMENT BAR RESTAURANT AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES, PROCESSING, PACKING AND EXPORTATION OF FOOD SUPPLIES, IMPORTATION AND SALES OF RESTAURANT SUPPLIES DEVELOPMENT PROMOTION AND MARKETING OF THE LITERARY AND CREATIVE ARTS AGRICULTURE IMPORTS AND EXPORT, MARKETING TRANSPORTATION, CONSTRUCTION, FINANCE AND ALL OTHER RELATED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES PERMITTED BY THE LAWS OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

DAVID ALASDAIR CAMPBELL FREESTONE & JENNIFER ANN FREESTONE

JOHN SAMUEL, GARY DAVID & LATOYA THOMAS. JASPAL SINGH & SYED R. HASSAN

ALFRED J. THOMAS, ALISTER L. THOMAS, ELIJAH J. JAMES, DOYLE S.O. CARTER, DR. ERROL F. SAMUEL, JOSEPH I MARTIN & NEIL M. COATES.

STEVEN BOND LESTON LAWRENCE ELI FULLER, JOHN WATTS & JOHN E. FULLER

SHERRY GREENE LEANDRA CHRYSTAL SMITH BISHOP CHARLESWORTH E.V. BROWNEJR, PASTOR B. NATH BROWNE, MR. ORIEL DESTIN, ELDER YVETTE MOORE & ELDER MARGARET-ROSE DESILVIA MYERS DENNIS L.D FRANCIS KAREN RODRIGUEZ. LILY GUO & JERR GUO

SEPTIMUS A. RHUDD STEPHANIE COOREVITS & MELSADA JOSEPH

MIKHAIL SIMMONS, GLOREEN LAKE & OLSFRED JAMES BALTARD JONES

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NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME NWCSC INC.

WADADLI PARADISE A3D LTD. MOSHI MOSHI INC. MIRCO RICOLA LIMITED

SPREADING THE GOSPEL ENTERPRISES INC. PARALLEL LTD.

QUANTUM CHARTER LTD. MAYLES AND BOWIE CASTLEBANK COMPANY LTD. AGINGO HOSPITALITY LTD.

DIRECTORS

CRAIG ELVIN, ALEX JAMES, KIRWAN PETERSON, SONIA MOORE, GIJA GEORGE, RUSSELL JAMES & SYLVESTER JOSEPH JOLLY BEACH VACATIONS LTD.

SUPPLY OF AGGREGATES CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES WELDING, RENTAL EQUIPMENT AND BUILDING CONSULTANCY TO OWN AND OPERATE A SHIP AND TO PRODUCTIVE ANCILLARY SERVICES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

CYCIL THOMAS, GERDA THOMAS & TEKIAH THOMAS

OCEAN POINT INVESTMENT LTD. FAR EAST DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.

CONSULTING SERVICES TO HOTELS ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND PUBLISHING SERVICES PROPERTY INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

CC'S SUPERETTE LTD.

TO OPERATE A SUPERETTE STORE

REDCOAT LIMITED,

IMPORT AND EXPORT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT, TOURISM LOGISTIC MANAGEMENT BANKING & FINANCE , AVIATIONOIL & GAS, MANUFACTURING, AGRICULTURE AND RELATED SERVICES, SALES AND AGGREGATES IMPORT & EXPORT, PROPERTY, TOURISM LOGISTIC, MANAGEMENT, BANKING & FINANCE, AVIATION OIL & GAS, MANUFACTURING AGRICULTURE AND RELATED SERVICES, SALE AND AGGREGATES CONSTRUCTION

NAPL LIMITED

BCEG INTERNATIONAL ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CO. LTD. CITIZENSHIP SOLUTIONS LTD.

FOUNTAIN OF LOVE MINISTRIES INC.

I G EVENTS LIMITED HTP CONTROL CARIBBEAN LIMITED

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA INC.

TO PROVIDE AGENT SERVICES FOR CITIZENSHIP AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT TEACHING AND PREACHING CHRIST WHILE PROVIDING MEN AND WOMEN WITH SKILLS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF LIFE COORDINATING SOCIAL FUNCTIONS /EVENTS, THE EXECUTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CIVIL MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING PROJECTS TO BUILD AWARENESS AND ADVOCATE FOR POLITICS ON ALZHEIMER'S CARE IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

SEA PAL LTD.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ANTIGUA SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC INC.

LO LO LIMITED

SPAY AND NEUTER FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES TO REDUCE THE STRAY DOG POPULATION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

MELLIHAWK LIMITED

PROPERTY HOLDING

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NATURE

COMMUNITY AND SPORTS OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT ANY OTHER RELATED PURPOSES TO HOLD TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY AT TRANQUILLITY BAY RESTAURANT AND BAR FARMING, AGRICULTURE, TRAINING SCHOOL FOR AGRICULTURE AND OTHER RELATED SERVICES MINISTERING THE GOSPEL

MARK MARTINEZ & ANGELO BO SUDHAKANI MODI

JEREMIAH JOSEPH

SIMON CHRISTOPHER COOK & NATHALIE INA MONIQUE RUHS NIEL PATRICK MAYLES, KATHERINE BOWIE & MARIE CHRISTINE BOWIE NEIL FORRESTER

ANTONIO VARONA CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, JOSEPH WILLIAMS & RICHARD MARCELLIN CAROL WELSH, WINSTON WELSH & AVOR GREENAWAY KIVINEE M.J. KNIGHT EDWARDS

KIVINEE M.J. EDWARDS

CHEN YNE & HAN FEIYAN RUBY TANG-MAGINLEY

RAYMOND PROSPER, NORA PROSPER, ORWAIN COLLIER, GLEN PROSPER & YOULAND MORRIS THEODORE LAURENCE FRANCIS & MARJORIE FRANCIS RAMON RAFAEL OJEDA ARAUJO & HILDER LORENZO ESCALONA RODRIUEZ TRUDY-ANN SHARI BRADSHAW DOVER, AVA MARISA MASON & GEORGETT MAERESA EVELYN MEADE PETER COLIN ODDIE & MARTINE MARIE GENEVIEVE ODDIE JANE SEAGULL, HAYLEY BAXTER & RACHEL WOODS GREGORY NORWOOD PERKINS & LESLEY-ANN NORWOOD PERKINS AIDEN MCCAULEY

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME

DIRECTORS

NATURE

CARIBBEAN MUST (ANTIGUA) LIMITED

SALE, RENTAL AND MANAGEMENT OF BOATS

MAURIZIO CHIARETTA & GREGORY PETRELLUZZI

DEJKI FOUNDATION INC.

CHARITABLE AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS, FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES, EDUCATION SPONSORSHIPS TO RAISE SUPPORT TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA EXHIBITION AT THE VENICE BIENNALE OF 2017 IN ITALY, RECYCLING OF TYRES ACCOUNTING AUDITING TAX AND OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES THE PROPOSED COMPANY WILL PROVIDE LONG TERM CARE AND RELATED SERVICES FOR SENIORS TO OPERATE RESTAURANTS, PROVIDE CATERING AND ALL KINDS OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES SERVICES, AS WELL AS HOST SOCIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUSIVE OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES AND SERVICES CIP PROVIDE SERVICE, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, SALES AND MANAGEMENT AND WEALTH COONSULTANCY

RENEE PHILLIP, LEWTY STRAWN, HARTON NATHAN & DEJA PHILLIP

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA VENICE BIENNALE 2017 INC. WE-CUCLE TYRE & RUBBER LTD. GRANT THORNTON (ANTIGUA) LIMITED DANIEL AND COX INCORPORATED

BEACH LIMERZ INCORPORATED

PECUNIA LIMITED

MELVILLE RICHARDSON, DR. HAYDEN THOMAS & ANNE JONAS ,DR. BARBARA PACA, GLENN GOMES

JACQUELYN DANIEL & RONNIE COX

BARRY EDWARDS & GAIL EDWARDS.

JODY FRANCIS

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ADVERTISER’S INDEX COMPANY

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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

ANGUILLA • ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • BARBADOS • DOMINICA GRENADA • ST. LUCIA • ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES