WASHINGTON, United States—The United States says despite recent improvements as a “significant” offshore centre, Antigua and Barbuda “remains susceptible” to money laundering. In its 2013 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report on money laundering and financial crimes, the US Department of State said that Antigua and Barbuda’s status stems from its offshore financial sector and Internet gaming industry.
Antigua and Barbuda
ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – A delegation from the China EXIM Bank has arrived here for talks with government as Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer said his administration had repaid the funds borrowed to purchase the power plant at Crabbes.
“We are delighted that we have been able to close this loan agreement with the China EXIM Bank that was entered into by the former administration some 15 years ago. Last month we made the final payment of 2.2 million RMB (One Chinese dollar = US$0.16 cents) on the loan,” said Prime Minister Spencer.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer Wednesday underscored the need for Antigua and Barbuda to develop a sustainable energy programme in light of ever increasing oil prices on the global market and the need to deal with the impact of climate change. Addressing the national stakeholder consultation in the build up of the legal framework for the development of sustainable energy here, Spencer said the conference is intended to advance the transition towards a more sustainable energy future for the island.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Former chairman of the Leeward Islands Pilots Association (LIALPA), Captain Michael Blackburn, has won his unfair dismissal case against regional carrier LIAT. The Labour Department recently handed down the ruling. In the conciliation report, the acting Labour Commissioner Pascal Kentish said the dismissal was unfair because the company failed to follow the disciplinary provisions of the collective agreement.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer has told his party’s convention that with or without him, the United Progress Party (UPP) remains the best option for leadership of the country. He was speaking as the UPP gets set to choose the leaders that will pilot it through the coming general election. Spencer is unopposed as leader of the UPP. His one-time rival for the post, Harold Lovell, has fully endorsed him, saying he is the only man who can lead Antigua and Barbuda at this time.
ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Baldwin Spencer, will not be challenged for the post at the party’s convention on Sunday. A document listing the 14 positions up for grabs shows Spencer as the lone candidate vying for the position, while Leon “Chaku” Symister is the only contestant seeking to fill the post of chairman. Current chairman and Deputy Political Leader Harold Lovell, said Spencer has his “unequivocal” support.
St. John’s Antigua- Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer sent congratulatory remarks to the newly elected Pope Francis I referring to him as a “crusader” for the most vulnerable and indigent people of Latin America and the Caribbean. “As a member of the Caribbean and Latin American community your wisdom and good grace will be needed as our countries continue to promote peace and goodwill among our people and our efforts to eliminate poverty and inequality,” the Prime Minister said. Spencer said he would pray for the Pope as he seeks to carry out the work of the church in challenging times.
St. John’s Antigua- The church is answering the call from the nation’s leader, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, to organise activities aimed at curbing crime and violence, which continues to permeate the twin island state. Beginning this weekend, churches across the island will be offering special prayer sessions for the country. The events, which remain in planning stages, will lead up to a National Day of Prayer, Fasting and Worship, to be held at the Antigua Recreation Grounds (ARG), on Wednesday, March 20.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua- Some of the top women in entrepreneurship in Antigua & Barbuda and the rest of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have put forward recommendations on how to address certain issues arising out of the evolution of the roles of men and women in society.
Their recommendations were made during panel discussions organised by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago (RBTT) in each OECS territory for International Women’s Day on Friday.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - There is no doubt that the former president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, left an indelible mark on the world and his very recent death on March 5 gave many people a reason to pause and remember. Chávez was no stranger to controversy. In some cases, he almost seemed to thrive on it. He was brash and outspoken and minced no words; especially as it related to his opinions on the United States of America as one of the new global imperialists. Around the world, there were admirers and critics. Some people loved him and some hated him.