Caribbean Times 8th Issue

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2 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g Wednesday 1st March 2017 Role for artistes in policy formation By Everton Barnes Culture and National Festivals Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, has challenged stakeholders in the entertainment industry to come on board with the government in designing and developing a cultural policy for Antigua and Barbuda. The minister made the point while addressing a validation workshop involving Editor’s Note Caribbean Times is printed and published at Woods Estate/Friars Hill Road. The Editor is Justin Peters. Contact: Caribbean Times, P.O. Box W2099, Woods Estate/Friars Hill Road, St. John’s, Antigua. Tel: (268) 562-8688, Fax: (268) 562-8685. Visit us online at our website: www. caribbeantimes.ag We ask you to send: Pertinent news items to news@caribbeantimes.ag. Advertisement inquiries to accounts@caribbeantimes.ag. Letters to the editor to editor@caribbeantimes.ag representatives from the cultural industries that was summoned to review a situation analysis compiled by two consultants who are developing a broader policy document highlighting the country’s competitive advantage in the services sector. Greene said his wish is for the information compiled from the workshop will go towards the formulation of a comprehensive cultural policy for the country. “I encourage all of you not just to participate in this workshop, but more importantly, it is the take-away that makes the difference. We have a rich cultural history, enormous opportunities, but we need to synergies the efforts,” he urged. He also said there’s need for legislation to ensure that artistes are artistes are protected under the law for their intellectual properties. Minister Greene emphasized the need for a ‘culture of excellence’ to permeate all aspects of the country’s cultural offerings. “If we are going to be globally competitive to the extent that there is demand for the cultural products locally, regionally and internationally; we have to strengthen our cultural industries with an eye and an emphasis on quality,” he declared. He explained that currently, the government is the main driver of culture and the cultural industries in Antigua and Barbuda noting that there’s need for greater private sector involvement in the sector. He disclosed that he is constantly being asked to approach Cabinet to support artistes and cultural groups, but he is firmly of the view that the cultural industries can, in time, be net contributors to the economy. He added that the country has a rich cultural tradition that must be preserved especially in light of migration and people coming to the country under the CIP initiative. “We have to ensure that pour culture is so strong that these people won’t have any choice but to assimilate,” he stated. The workshop is being held at the Hospitality Training Institute at Dutchman’s Bay. The scope of the work falls under the bilateral agreement between the European Union and CARIFO- RUM, the Economic Partnership Agreement. It is looking at Antigua and Barbuda’s competitive advantage in five service areas; entertainment services, tourism and wellness. Yachting, education and ICT’s. The consultants are Natasha Ward from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago-based Lebrechita Nana Hesse-Bayne, who are being assisted by Barbara Williams and Juray Roberts of the Office of the National Authorising Officer (ONAO). The ONAO/EPA Implementation Unit headed by Ambassador Dr. Clarence Henry is coordinating the workshop which continues today.
Wednesday 1st March 2017 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3 Callaloo Cay breaks ground Antiguan and Barbudan Tourism Industry receives another major boost as Government breaks ground for a luxury five star property With an ambitious plan to further improve the tourism sector this year; officials are viewing the proposed five-star Callaloo Cay Development project as a major contributor to the national economy. Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony for the project on Tuesday morning, Tourism Minister the Hon. Asot Michael told those gathered to witness the event that Callaloo Cay will aid in bolstering the government’s quest towards becoming an economic powerhouse. “This administration has set the goal of increasing the room capacity of Antigua and Barbuda to over 5,000 within the next 18-24 months. Callaloo Cay is certainly helping us meet this goal. “Their focus on driving high-end year-round tourism to our country and boosting hotel room stock is one that fits right into our goals as an Administration, so we could not have asked for better partners in tourism than Sheik Tariq Faisal Al Qassemi of Dubai and OBMI, RBC, HVS and Rider Levett Bucknall,” Minister Michael noted. The investors are said to have set themselves apart in Tourism Minister, the Hon., Asot Michael. the hotel industry in Dubai through the opulence and high quality that have become synonymous with their properties and the products they offer. This, according to the tourism minister can only be good news for Antigua and Barbuda on several fronts, one being the high end market. “Ladies and gentlemen, if that is the yardstick, for Callaloo Cay then we are looking at a resort of unsurpassed luxury and quality and one that will cater to that lucrative luxury sector of our market that ensures a high return on tourism investments. “This means more tax revenue, for our country and higher paying jobs with better opportunities for the hundreds of citizens and residents that will be employed at Callaloo Cay,” the minister assured. Extensive consultations have been held between the government, residents of Old Road and representatives of the investors on developmental plans for the area, along with the need to protect the environment at every step. Minister Asot Michael has given the assurance that the Morris Bay property will be constructed under strict regulations that all parties involved will have to adhere to. “Sustainability and protection of our land and environment is also of utmost importance to the Government, and so we are delighted to know that the construction will be done through sound preservation principles, green building design and engagement with the local community. We have been 100% FINANCING FREE INSURANCE & LICENSING Don’t Dream it. Drive it FREE ONE YEAR SERVICE & 3 MONTHS GAS FACTORY & AMERICAN ROAD,ST.JOHN’S ANTIGUA W.I. 1 (268) 462-1062 www.harneymotorsltd.com transparent with the local community, hosting public forums to keep those in the Morris Bay Beach community, Old Road and beyond informed of all aspects of the project. These positive interactions have provided an opportunity for open dialogue and feedback,” the Hon. Minister declared. The Callaloo Cay Resort Development will include a luxury five-star hotel with 95-100 rooms and 40 villas with a world-class spa, a trend-setting beach club and several waterside-dining concepts among other amenities. FREE REGISTRATION & PLATES
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