Caribarena Antigua The Best Caribbean News Portal

**SlyThatGuy** » 2012-04-20 23:04

This is the worse photo of the Wadadli power plant I have seen so far.If this is truthfully a photo of the power plant,then we do not need any additional evidence that it's not new. And although the prime minister would still try to convince us that I'ts new, I am confident that if he bought a new car and the dealer delivered a car that was in the same condition as our so-called new power plant and told him it was new, he wouldn't have accepted it. But he fails understand that he has the same obligation to his country not to accept the plant in the poor condition it's in.

**a.p.u.a. fact finder** » 2012-04-17 19:36

antiguans must realize that the power plant at crabbs is a build own operate transfer deal.in a few years the 28mgw.plant will be owned by a.p.u.a. at no cost to them.presetly a.p.u.a.pays 6.1cents u.s. per kilowatt .that include principal,inter est ,operations,ins urance,maintena nce,parts.we borrow 47mill.u.s. plus an additional 5.5millus foh transformer. we pay to operate,insuran ce.maintenance, parts,and labour.we now must add principal,and interest. r a

**Antiguan Woman** » 2012-04-16 20:57

All the speculation and back and forth debates could come to an end simply.if the powers that be provide the public with detailed documentation of the transactions leading up to the purchase of the plant along with proof that the end product we received is what were negotiated for.Why is this been treated like a Stem Cell transplant?? Is it that we,re been silently told that we are out of place to ask questions,or is it that there is nothing to show that could quell the publics concern? Maybe someone can attempt to answer this.

**Morris** » 2012-04-16 19:58

After listening and reading the news coming out of ANU it appears that there is too much testosterone in this tug-of-war. I doubt it very much that the poor citizens of ANU care whether Caribarena or OMG is the first to crack this case as much as they yearn for the TRUTH.

It is such a shame that our politicians seem to forget that when credibility is lost the game is pretty much over. ANU is not some resource-rich country where money is no object; therefore, every penny spent must be accounted for. If a person allows someone else to make a purchase with their credit card they would expect to see some record of transaction. Likewise, if a person send someone on a shopping assignment they expect to see the receipt for verification and hopefully get their change. For the life of me, I cannot understand why is it so hard for the gov't to just say to the god citizens of ANU, "here is your receipt."

To the media and citizens I say, "Pool your resources together and keep the issue alive. There is strength in numbers."

**tenman** » 2012-04-16 18:51

call the doctor to add to your argument, is the fact that the wadadli plant cannot currently produce 30 MW. This is because the government has stated that the existing transformer needs to be upgraded at the cost of some 5 million usd. Currently it can only provide about half of the 30 mw, since its using a transformer from a prior plant (Tango). Why was the transformer not included as part of the power plant package? This is further evidence that the engineers were not involved when the contract was being framed.

Quote:

Spencer and Yang Xiang will sign the handover certificates, and PM Spencer and Ambassador Liu Hanming will sign the framework agreement for a 28 million RMB loan for the upgrade of the substation at Crabbes that will ensure the smooth amalgamation of the power plant into the power grid. Read more: http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/98350-new-power-plant-handover-today.html

In addition, there are allegations that the existing engines cannot produce to capacity with at least one being down and a couple of them have been down rated to 4 MW.

..

**call the doctor** » 2012-04-16 18:09

Beauty, I'm sorry to single you out, but I had no choice.

'New or old has been made irrelevant since the engines are producing."

WHAT?! ARE YOU SERIOUS! My 18 year old home generator still makes electricity. Want to buy it for the price of a new one? The point is that if the engines are old we should be paying far less than 300 million yuan for them. It's important that people realize value for money and age are directly related. Also, if the engines are old, despite producing now, will they continue to produce for the next 20 years? Will they produce for 30 years? The final payment to the chinese should only be made in 20 years. Will the power plant still work by then? If the engines are new, there's no reason why they shouldn't. But if they are old.....the power plant may not live to see the final payment. That is my real fear, that this plant will break down before we even finish paying for it.

**call the doctor** » 2012-04-16 18:05

Now I would like to comment on the actual issue in the above article. Winston Derrick missed the bus. He missed the opportunity that Caribarena had leaped upon to take pictures of this power plant. This failure is observer's greatest regret on this issue. Without the pictures, caribarena would be shooting blanks. And mr. derrick, and observer in general, has absolutely no right to cast doubt on pictures that have been authenticated by members of parliament AND APUA. It only hurts his own credibility. It's like someone takes a picture of his printing machine, him saying the picture if legit, and then someone else casting doubt on whether or not its a picture of observer's printing machine. It's a stupid, arrogant, and rotten move, and mr. derrick deserves the hammer he is served in the article. Rather than cooperating and fighting for the people with caribarena, he chooses to cast doubt. Sigh. and Telma, why say it's true if you haven't seen it for yourself? Because several people who are all more qualified and in a better position than you have said so. I'm sure you believe water boils at 100 degrees, even if you never checked it, because scientists checked and verified for you.

**call the doctor** » 2012-04-16 17:58

Now, if anyone wants to say that this power plant is worth 300,000,000 yuan (not 47 million USD anymore friends. 47.51 million USD) then my response would be you're out of your freakin mind. I've also heard of the numerous problems that APUA has reported to BCEG, and of some corrosion report. Say what you will, a 47.5 million dollar power plant does not have these problems. And to those of us who are trying to steer the subject away, don't. I am willing to respectfully debate about this matter, but no one accused the government of stealing, so let it go.

**call the doctor** » 2012-04-16 17:55

I think this discussion has somewhat gone astray. Firstly, I see no where in the above article any accusations that the government stole money. Nor do I see this accusation in other caribarena articles. The 147 million RMB was a legitimate number from XMEA. We the people want to know where the rest of the money was spent. Now, in my personal opinion, I have no problem accepting that the power plant deal is legitimate. I am willing to accept that no monies were stolen, and that all funds were transferred from the EXIM bank to the relevant parties, without the GOAB receiving any dirty money. What I am not willing to accept is this simply outrageous argument that the power plant is okay. For anyone new, go see the pictures for yourself. http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/99330-chinese-power-plant-or-antiguas-white-elephant.html These pictures are NOT MAGNIFIED as one blogger suggested, and they show that the power plant looks like something from a junkyard.

**DadliMan** » 2012-04-16 16:10

How could you say with such certainty that no money ended up in anyone's pocket/ XMEA was formed less than 2 months before the contract was signed. It is still unclear what value XMEA added to the process. We have no idea who are the principals of XMEA. Yet, you are willing to emphatically state that no money ended up in anyone's pocket? Save that for night time radio. This is a different audience.

**Southern Beauty** » 2012-04-16 15:13

Why are we getting involved in pot and kettle fighting over which is blackest!!! If in the beginning true journalism was done, instead of a sensationalism to cry down the "newness" of the engines and fight the Chinese, we would be far ahead of this issue. New or old has been made irrelevant since the engines are producing. The real question is value for money - factoring in ownership, was this cheaper; is maintenance of the engines ensuring the longest life possible; how long should the engines produce at this level; how much did the entire project cost and was this market cost? Investigative journalism vs melee/politicki ng. Now the pot and kettle fight, give me a flipping break!

**THE GODFATHER** » 2012-04-16 15:13

"dirty oil that destroyed pump and seal"

**THE GODFATHER** » 2012-04-16 14:50

Sabotage is obvious "dirty oil that restored pump and seal" demonstrates the extent of others influence, money is the motive. And to undermine WPP is their strategy, there are many sell-outs, electorates must monitor those who promote their self-interest instead of thevpublic good.

**Karim.J** » 2012-04-16 14:48

HOW DR BS spin man know noboby got Cash out the Deal. How was Bejin construction paid? Did not XEMA claim on there web site to have supplied the generators and plant, complete turnkey for 18m usd....
Who converted the yuan to us$ to pay the works? Who got the shipping commissions? Who did the local handling!!!
Who paid for the containers????
Man you turning out to be a real FARTSWORTH!!!!! !!!!!!!! :lol:

**Danny** » 2012-04-16 13:46

If you know so well then tell us the truth is it Old or New? and show us the real photos? you are just chatting that's all

**Bi-Lay** » 2012-04-16 13:36

i read both Grey Ghost and Thumbs Down viewpoint, there is more to this WPP saga. I agree with Thumbs Down view, sabotage is the culprit, much too much money is at stake. And there are many willing to sell out Antigua & Barbuda interest. PM Baldwin Spencer the m** support you.

**Steadyj** » 2012-04-16 13:26

Clearly the Gensets are not new. Perhaps they are Certified Pre Owen.(CPE). aka Brand new second hand.

**Thumbs Down** » 2012-04-16 13:20

You would be surprised how much I know about this plant. I know that it is performing better than the IPP's plants. That the plant is doing the frequency regulation that the IPP wanted a bath of money for and that it is saving Apua whole whole ton of money that would have gone to the IPP's pocket, ay the rub!!
Even with all their attempts to destroy the operations, WPP stands firm, even after having received dirty oil that destroyed pumps and seals.

**Dadliwoman** » 2012-04-16 13:19

If you understood Bodface intuitive philosophy, you would never have replied.

**JP Farnsworth** » 2012-04-16 12:56

Did anyone notice anything important about this deal? Nobody in government got any money for their pockets. The people got a power plant that now belongs to the people not some private person. The Chinese built it and just billed us by calling it a loan. We never actually go any monies. It’s like buying a car and having a car loan from the dealer and never get any cash in hand.
Unlike a deal called IHI where certain persons got money

**Danny** » 2012-04-16 12:53

Dadliwoman, do you know who to read? maybe you failed your reading comprehension at school, I never said thumbs up does not know!!! i ASKED HOW DO they know!! you check?!

Now, if thumbs up really knows and saw the power plant why don't they post "real" photos and prove caribarena wrong??

**Dadliwoman** » 2012-04-16 12:43

How do you know, thumbs down don't know, are you BOLDFACE?

**Danny** » 2012-04-16 12:16

Thumbs down how do you know??? did you see the plant with your own eyes?

**Smoke n Mirrors** » 2012-04-16 11:51

Can someone please tell me who is the guy on the left in the photo?

**Thumbs Down** » 2012-04-16 11:29

Pictures can lie and they can also tell the truth as well.

You are so correct. The areas on the plant that have oil leaking and cloths etc. are quite small but Caribarena has magnified the photos so that it looks like an immense area or that it's all bad, which is not the case. Frankly speaking without inside help on where to go and look a lot of these would have been missed. Yes the plant could and should have been in better condition, I admit, but it is not what the pictures portray. Which leads to Arville's point... there is more on the in the mortar than what you see on the pestle!! Political and financial reasons for same. Just ask who are the people in authority within the electricity dept.... who appointed them, who do they affiliate with and who was disappointed after being appointed for being close ally of the the Hood.

**Grey Ghost** » 2012-04-16 10:58

Penman, what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive. Everyone is aware that Caribarena did not exist prior to 2004, so it had to be either Observer or the Sun. And to say there is more fear now shows your partisan collusion. Grey Ghost has played his part, long before you were out of diapers. I know Antigua political culture, until you have the balls to be objective, you will forever remain enslaved. I know Lester Bird from since his days in the U.S.A and familiar with Ron in the Uk visited him a few times, so you don't tell me what's in their mind, from Lester to Robin. You know too little to understand the political dynamics!

**tenman** » 2012-04-16 10:41

Grey Ghost should have said Outlet, not Observer

..

**tenman** » 2012-04-16 10:31

InteresteD where the show yesterday was concerned, what Derrick stated was that APUA was involved after the fact (after the agreement had been signed). It was the political directorate who dealt with the contract. He pointed out that it was his understanding that it was the APUA engineers who changed from the french made engines specified in the contract due to their feeling that there were better options.

..

**tenman** » 2012-04-16 10:24

Grey Ghost let me suggest you not speak of something you know nothing of. caribarena did not exist, prior to 2004. I did write letters to both Observer, Daily Observer, and Antigua Sun which were critical of the then government. At the time I used my own name because in my mind there was less fear. There were no loud statements then about critics being unpatriotic. Like a few other commentators, in the past I even wasted time marching with Badlwin Spencer (MBS issue, and Education levy issue to name a few). I also made the mistake of joining the UPP youth league a few years before the 1999 elections, at the time headed by Chester Hughes. Grey Ghost where were you then?

..

**ALP** » 2012-04-16 10:19

All bloggers what are you comments to the article Asot Embroiled in Controversy?

**DadliMan** » 2012-04-16 10:11

In your zeal to defend the indefensible, you are in essence making Colin's point for him. If, as you claim, Lynden Francis "wrote to the Government stating the type, brand and size of "the preferred engines" (his words) that APUA technicians were recommending", how then do you explain that the contract was written up with generators that APUA technicians did not want? That is, according to Derrick. Your statement prove** that the APUA technicians were NOT involved in the negotiations from the beginning.

**Grey Ghost** » 2012-04-16 09:45

All you did was to listen, where was you voice then, probably hiding in secret, fearful could be identified by other ALP partisan supporters. That is plausible, so why not use your real name, why 'Tenman'? At least you can identify who Arvel Grant is, so don't call him a hypocrie when you obviously fit that category. You have made mention to writing articles prior to 2004....under what name and if you are so independent what's the fear now. You are. Weakling, you have no backboneand that's the truth.

**InteresteD** » 2012-04-16 08:48

I Listened to the show.....Aarvel Grant did not pick a side...what he said is that the press needs to ensure that it is not seen to be partisan. Just because his opinion does not match yours does not mean he is anyone's stooge. Also Colin Sampson Nad Winston both made the flawed conclusion that no one from APUA was involved in the technical aspects of picking the engines...well that is wrong in fact. Remember that APC took the government to court over this power generation issue? In the testimony it was determined that by letter the APUA technicians, signed by Lynden Francis, wrote to the Government stating the type, brand and size of "the preferred engines" (his words) that APUA technicians were recommending. So Winston and Colin get your facts right . This is the sort of journalism that prevents people from taking either of your papers seriously. Will you say that you made an error?

**tenman** » 2012-04-16 08:41

DadliMan like you I thought the same thing about Arvel Grant. Prior to 2004, I would listen to his show on Observer radio. Its just telling that the same standard he called for the ALP to be held to, is not even close to the one he now requires of his UPP. In his opinion, its now not urgent for the public to call upon the UPP to be transparent and accountable. Anyone doing such according to Arvel should have their motives first analyzed. Seems for Arvel the questioner is now more important than the question.

..

**dave** » 2012-04-16 08:32

dadli man so true,arvil sounds so sick

**Telma Robertson** » 2012-04-16 07:30

But Derrick did the right thing. Why say they are true if you haven't seen the item for yourself. Poor journalism. Pictures can lie and they can also tell the truth as well. Hasn't Caribarena had to retract stories before like all media houses? Be real and inform--the ultimate aim of good journalism. Don't force people to believe, just report.

**Stomper** » 2012-04-16 07:26

I don't believe that Derrick would publish those photos because he doesn't want to credit CaribArena with beating him to the story!

Also, just check the amount of ads that appears in the OMG paper and radio!

Arville Grant should be ashamed of himself! He's now proven to be just another UPP hack! It reminds me of the old saying that there none so blind as those who refuse to see!

**Skyewill** » 2012-04-16 06:36

As a independant Media house Observer want to verify, Why not? I want to thank Mr. Derrick personally for a very sharp move. I still have no comment on the Power Plant Issue. I have not seen it as yet, but the power was out a few times week before last.

**DadliMan** » 2012-04-16 06:35

Colin, I had stopped listening to Observer Radio, but I tuned in yesterday because I believe they were going to discus**ic statement by Harold Lovell. And I am glad I tuned in. This self-proclaimed political analyst, Arvel Grant, has proved that he is nothing but a UPP lackey. Prior to 2004, how come he was never concerned that the voice and tone of the media would converge with that of the then opposition, UPP? Back then, it was OK for the media to blast the ALP and raise the same issues that the UPP were raising. However, today, that convergence is a problem.

Funny how Winston Derrick wants to conduct his investigation in secret. He wants to ensure that Observer's name is called if there is credit to be gained, but he also wants to ensure that the public gets as little iunformation as possible. As the unofficial government mouthpiece, I guess OMG owes that to the UPP. They are all a bunch of hypocrites!

**STEVE** » 2012-04-16 06:26

Let us not get distracted by trying to see which media house is this or that. The issue is getting the information to the public. We all know that if the pictures on caribarena were not authentic they would have been cried down long time ago. Let us not sweat small stuffs. We now know that the Observer Group has the contract WITH CRITICAL PAGES MISSING. That is what we should be hammering on. What happen to those pages? STAY FOCUS.

Title	Answers
how can i get in touch with Dilana R. the professional singer?	0
Who was antigua's first Govenor General	1
WHICH ONE OF THE BIRD IS DEAD	1
How do you keep people safe and seen on your roads at night?	0
what kind of plants do giant african snails affect?	0

Title	Answers	Hits
Was there a police report filed by Royal Caribbean Vision of the seas for the man, wife and 11 yr old child removed from the ship on December 20th, 2012 ? He allegedly attacked a man with a service dog on the ship and was set on the dock that day with hi	0	29456
PWD in shambles, what is the purpose of their position? I'm tired of these people in the dept who jsut come eac day to make you feel uncomfortable because of their miserable lives. someone needs to look into this.	0	14605
What is the world's largest airline?	2	5321
What is the amount ZDK owes for electricity ?	1	3667
any audio or video of Minister Farrakhan speech at the Multi-purpose Centre?	1	3582

40 Comments In This Article

Add comment

RSS

World News

Follow us on Facebook

Popular Questions

Ask Your Question

Spotlight on Business

Latest News

Most Popular This Month

Search Directory

Directory Listings

App

CARIBARENA