If it's wan thing, Antigua ppl can cook wan funjee and sarlfish but when it comes to standing up for what we believe in and fighting for our rights, we are sadly lacking.

Every year I hear about the amount of academic "scholarships" given to our youths to study abroad. I would love to see a break-down of the types of degrees these youths are pursuing in their studies (obviously we need more than just banking or finance, or even hospitality concentration). Clearly, if we are "lacking" with persons with knowledge or expertise in engineering, aviation, marine operations, among others, why don't WE make provisions for our youths or those who want to pursue advanced degrees to study in these "critical" areas? I am not against "foreign" hirings but I believe our citizens should be "equip" with the knowledge or expertise to get "first-priority " in nation-building . Yet, again, our "badmindedness" hindered our vision to use our qualify people as resources! Why are WE constantly looking for "consultation" in likes of operating our Port or Airport, when we could put those monies into education and development of the land, and, stop the "brain-drain?" Most of us like to say we love Antigua but clearly as song says "This is one big rat race, Antiguans way back in second place."

I believe it is important that we ALWAYS give "consideration" to our very own sons and daughters of the soil! Did I hear thatQuote:

All three are currently employed elsewhere in the Caribbean, and according to Ryan they need adequate time to notify their current employers should the job be offered.

Is Mr. Ryan trying to tell us that they are no "qualifying" persons in Antigua to take the position of CEO or even considered for the job! This is a total "slap' in the face to the people of this country! It reminds me of the GOAB hiring the Canadian Mounties to fight crimes. The Mounties left, and, we are stuck with a COP Browne, who is still yet to give the people his understanding of the POA or a "valid" reasons for denying a march or the direction of where the march should go!

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Tenman with your courage, sagacity and keen acumen, you keep reminding me of a Kenyan Proverb which states that Quote:

Not even good counsel can make strong a person whose character is weak.

Your abilities to find and apply the facts correctly is a joy to experience. In the fullness of time, your extraordinary intelligence and well honed talents will be surely appreciated in this Nation of Antigua & Barbuda.
Leadership Beckons.
Let me thank you with a Sudanese Proverb: Quote:

The one who wants to do something finds a way; the one who doesn't finds an excuse.

Continue to lead the way forward! Go Well! Much Respect!

Using just one example used by a commenter: "the police force being sorted out": what a crock. The imported chief of police was fired, the higher ups say for incompetence. His tenure showed the real problem was not lack of experience but an unwillingness to provide the necessary resources to get the job done, and too much political involvement. Currently there have been too many instances of police men found to be involved in criminal activity yet in the commenter's mind the police force has been sorted out. Let me end by quoting a portion of a current advisory by the US state department on Antigua:
Quote:

Violent crimes, including rape and murder, do occur, including at hotels and main tourist venues, and visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety.From 2008 to January 2010, four tourists were murdered in Antigua - a British couple on their honeymoon, an Australian yacht captain, and, most recently, an American citizen on a shore excursion from a cruise ship. Visitors should be especially vigilant on the beaches after dusk...

..

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Quote:

Please remember, It took foreign leadership to sort out the police force. It is taking foreign leadership to sort out Customs. We might need foreign leadership to sort out APUA, the Airport, the Port Authority etc. I am not suggesting here that that is the only route. But we should at least consider the options.

The quote in its entirety is provided lest this "mere voice in the wilderness" be accused of being selective.
With a Nation to Build and Young People to Educate, can any well intentioned, socio-economic scientist or politician engaged in forming a Deliberative Democracy continue such policies in the absence of Convergence of Consciousness.
Let me end with Dr. Newton on We Can Win: Quote:

We can execute a winning mindset by rejecting our perceived pious disabilities. It requires cultivating a winning culture that raises expectations. It teaches that excellence is inside us and that greatness is not foreign. It implements strategies for constantly attaining the best, and shows its positive effects on our capacity to triumph -Dr. Isaac Newton.

Heaven Help the Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Quote:

I would argue that a track record of achievement in a similar leadership role is perhaps the best qualification for a position such as the CEO of the Airport Authority.

Given that statement does the commenter seriously believe that no, not one Antiguan & Barbudan attained such heights? Quote:

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathaniel asked. "Come and see." said Philip - John 1:46

Quote:

Like everyone else, I like to see my people given opportunities when they arise. But not if the are unprepared or unqualified - I am not just referring to paper qualifications. In the end results matter, and we should seek to put in place leaders who can best deliver results.

Let's confine "my people" to where such statements belong. "Paper Qualifications" are earned and are usually precursors. We encourage our youths to strive for this in order to land the job and gain life long experiences. In addition two notable A&B examples, closely related to the minister, were provided. Diasporan Antiguans & Barbudans with the requisite qulifications were noted. Father, please have Mercy Pon Us.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Friends, CountryWomen/Me n, your forbearance and indulgence. This response to (sorry but I refuse to entertain the quote) an overseas observer goes to the gravamen of what Dr. Isaac Newton so artfully wrote in his opinion piece "We Can Win". Here is Doc's opening salvo: Quote:

There were young college and university graduates, g**roots intelligentsias, seasoned professionals. Yet not oneof them had the courage to imagine that Antigua & Barbuda's Benna Boyz could have beaten the Americans. Most saw defeat as inevitable, a few pictured a far-fetched draw, and the rest predicted that victory was impossible. I suspect these sentiments are widespread.

Rather than question the overseas observer's motivations, examine the statements: Quote:

Some people seem to think that the most important qualification for a job in this country is that of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship (some might even say Antiguan born and black).

It is clear that this person does not know that A&B is an Independent Nation with 95% of it population of African Descent. US CIA Fact Book. The 2011 Census has not denied those numbers.

Congrats...the face of Colonialism is returning...

I find he look like Maginley...that 's a good enough reason to make him Chairman...then again he wearing a blue shirt...that's an even better reason...when will we ever learn...me tummach ah hut me!!!

How many other boards does Patrick sit on?

No matter how many qualifications you have as an A-N-T-I-G-U-A-N , they don't care. It's WHO you know, not WHAT you know. Sad sad. Nepotism is alive and rampant up to now in Wadadli. You have to have a certain last name, know someone, be a part of some so-called "high class society" or lick the boots of some politician. This is sad

Some people seem to think that the most important qualification for a job in this country is that of Antigua and Barbuda citizenship (some might even say Antiguan born and black). I would argue that a track record of achievement in a similar leadership role is perhaps the best qualification for a position such as the CEO of the Airport Authority. Like everyone else, I like to see my people given opportunities when they arise. But not if the are unprepared or unqualified - I am not just referring to paper qualifications. In the end results matter, and we should seek to put in place leaders who can best deliver results.
Please remember, It took foreign leadership to sort out the police force. It is taking foreign leadership to sort out Customs. We might need foreign leadership to sort out APUA, the Airport, the Port Authority etc. I am not suggesting here that that is the only route. But we should at least consider the options.

john french why do you just give me the answer

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. For progress to be made on this SIDS, all politicians of every hue - Blue, Red or Green - must be honest. Politics is the supreme art of war without fighting.

The Good Hon. Minister of Aviation categorically stated on several occasions on this News Portal that the CEO would be a Non-national and be in place by April 2012. The New Board Chair has reechoed the Minister's comments and has filled in some additional areas. The short-list is three non-nationals - sadly not one Antiguan & Barbudan. Quote:

'Two Antiguans will be hired to "understudy" that CEO.'

The search was lead by an Antiguan & Barbudan Company owned by Dr. Richards.

Sadly there was no previous succession planning. The young acting GM has been cast adrift. The former Board Chair & Exec Party Mem. has safely landed as the acting CEO until the Heavy lands.

Quote:

"If U know the enemy and know yourself, U need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If U know yourself but not the enemy, for evey victory gained U will also suffer a defeat. If U know neither the enemy nor yourself, U will succumb in every battle." - Sun Tzu

I CANNOT BELIEVE FOR THE LIFE OF MINE,THAT AN ANTIGUAN CANNOT FILL THAT SLOT.WE SEEMS TO ALWAYS GO OUTSIDE AND FIND SO CALLED TALENTED PEOPLE AND THEN THEY COME ANTIGUA AND DO A LOUSY JOB.IN MY OPINION THERE ARE PEOPLE IN ANTIGUA WHO ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF DOING THAT JOB.I LEFT ANTIGUA 32 YEARS AGO AND NOTHING SEEMS TO CHANGE.THERE SEEMS TO BE HIGHER TRUST BEING PLACED IN FOREIGNERS THAN RIGHTFULLY BORN ANTIGUANS.ANTIG UANS SHOULD NOT SIT IDLELY BY WHILE FOREIGNERS GET THE TO GOOD PAYING JOBS AND YOU GET THE CRUMBS FROM THE TAB.I AM VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS DECISION AND SO SHOULD YOU THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE DOWN THERE.

The new tax is nothing more than another rip-off tax added by the UPP to supplement squandering. It will contribute to further reduction in bookings which will further devastate the Tourism Industry that the already suffering public directly and indirectly relies on for survival! So, in order to tow a line, a stupid excuse of ‘others do it’ is supposed to justify reasoning…The UK and USA etc. don’t need Antigua, we need them. The big airlines don’t need us either. Antigua does not “sell itself”. It is not a case of what other islands do; it should be a case of being competitive to attract the way over 90% majority of the flying public that book trips based on all the costs. Antigua is already over priced…this is just going to make it worse with an additional US$400.00 added to tickets for a family of four no matter the ages. The public, hoteliers and airlines need to rebel against this one big time. How much lower must we sink before a reaction is taken to stop the destruction of what little economy we have left?

Notes From A native Son Of the Rock. Tenman, that your fellow has logically put forward the argument does not detract from your position that "we lack respect for each other" of African descent.
Not knowing if the gentleman is alive and not wishing to offend his family I shall refrain from using his name. During the 60's and 70's the Airport was managed by one of the finest, capable, & visionary CEO's anywhere in the Caribbean. ANU competitively outperformed them all.
The Hon. Min. aunt led A&B's tourism to heights with little if any Tourism training.
These were people of Vision, Energy and Commitment to A&B notwithstanding their Political inclinations.
It has been stated that Antiguans in the Disapora had thrown their Exec hats on the Airport Tarmac only to find out that they were sent to Burma Road.
Had the GoAb been interested in true Technology Transfer and Human Capacity development, they would have sought the assistance of the two Antiguans Execs @ MIA & JFK. That we have a Native African Parliament save for the lone Arab has not registered. They should read Dr. Heath's Autobiography. Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including Redonda.

The rumour mill had it that former GM of Jolly Beach would be given the job and then it was said that the LIAT CEO was resigning to take the position. What has happened? Is it that someone peeped the cards or that Antiguans are just not good enougn?

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock.Quote:

Without a Vision A People Perish. Before Isaiah could have a vision of God, he had to experience a vision of the evil that people do (Isaiah 5:8-6:8)

The airport development was planned years ago. It did not just happen. Two natives will understudy a Non-National. Where are Drs Newton, Thomas, Mottley, Jacqui Quin-Leandro, Richards, the human resource specialists, et al to advise on the negatives inherent in this approach. These potential Native CEO's should have been seconded to other advanced and progressive International Airports, if GoAB was not convinced of their abilities, in time to return and be part of if not the design process atleast the project & construction management process.
Due to a culture where planning does not exist, Native infrastructure development and technology transfer continues to fall further and further behind.
Big Creek Bridge, Cultural Centre, Sir Viv Cricket Grounds, Highway Lighting, Wadadli Power Plant, Airport Development all still managed and maintained by Orientals of The PRoC through Contracts. Understudy, the very word tells how we are looked upon. Have mercy Pon Us.

John, I recall an argument I had with a fellow poster who opined that a big part of the Antiguan predicament is we lack enough leadership with "first world experience". I find myself then and now disagreeing. As you have shown, a big part of the problem is we lack respect for each other.

..

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. No one should be confused with this appointment. This is a political appointment. Plain as the light of the Sun, deep as the Blue Ocean surrounding A&B and White as the sands where "the beach is the just the beginning" in this SIDS of "Sun, Sea & Sand."
Quote:

“I have no executive duties. My job is to set direction and policy from the Board. The role of the board is to set the direction. My role is to serve as Board chairman and I don’t intend to run a one-man show. I don’t have the authority or the time to be involved in the day-to-day affairs of the airport. If I am doing that, it means that the CEO is not doing his job,” he remarked

If by direction the Chair means Strategic Direction, his words suggest a different trajectory for a Caribbean SIDS Board. Hope springs Eternal. On the other hand, Quote:

While none of the three is a national of Antigua & Barbuda, Ryan explained that the intention is to hire two Antiguans to understudy that CEO with the intention that one will assume the role at the end of the three-year contract

Have Mercy Pon US. That is so Colonial. Even the Queen accepts a Native Rep.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Friends, CountryWomen/Me n, Ouadadlians, Rastas, "Pickey Head People", "gang-bangers", there is absolutely no surprise here. The Good Hon. Min. of Aviation promised that the positions would be filled by non nationals by April. Satre advised of his education and bourgeois inclinations. It will be instructive to review the education backgrounds, class proclivities and motivations of the Blue Cabinet & Executives of the Party. With tongue in cheek one can satirically say By their deeds and words they have paid homage to Satre's words.

Backburner, answers to your questions have been provided since last year by the "Red Rabble Rouser Senator" and can be found on his "uncut" website.

Godfather, that the Board Chair's pronouncements have you firing on all cylinders cannot be gainsaid.

One must critically ask, what were the failures of the past Board Chair & Acting CEO? Did he lack the Skills & Experience? That he has been removed from Policy and soon to be ingloriously relieved of any operational responsibilitie s after yeoman duty speaks volumes of how Blue Political Elites view African Antiguan & Barbudan Human Capital.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Quote:

The (Queen's Representative) has the Word. The (Blue GoAB) has the use of it. Between the two are hired (North Atlantic Buccaneers, Privateers and an African Antiguan & Barbudan) Bourgeoise, sham from beginning to end, which served as go-betweens. In The colonies the truth stood naked, but the citizens of the mother country preferred it with clothes on: the native had to love them, something in the way mothers are loved. The (North Atlantic) elite undertook to manufacture a native elite. They picked out promising adolescents; they branded them as with a red-hot iron, with principles of western culture, they stuffed their mouths full with high sounding phrases, grand glutinous words that stuck to the teeth. After a short stay in the mother country they were sent home, whitewashed. These walking lies had nothing left to say to their brothers; they only echoed. - Jean-Paul Sartre 1961

That was written 20 years before Independence as the foreword to Frantz Fanon's Wretched Of The Earth. After 60yrs jubilee, 50yrs of serious political commentary & 30yrs Independence "Duh U C eny ting fu smile fa"?

My argument is not with Patrick Ryan, he is an Antiguan citizen, the fault is not with him, but our government. The government should ensure that our human capital is utilized, presently it is undermined and sabotaged. I am nit concerned if a person is UPP or ALP, the main beneficiary is country first!

But, most of all I detest politicians who take the oath of office to protect the peoples assets, then divided up amongst business interest. Today, these activities are still ongoing, justice is blind, only the smaller man always suffer the indignity of jail and constant humiliation. This I am totally against, not about colour but accountability and transparency, and putting citizens first!

WAIT! Ah he name Patrick Ryan? Ah so he look fu true? Is he a born and bred Antiguan?

Antigua & Barbuda service industry gets the least attention, we are not focus on what is necessary to assure human capital is available to control and manage strategic areas. All the major positions within tourism are controlled by foreigners, though we have the human capital to make a difference.

The airport is one such example, for more than 60 years there is no one capable to manage our airport, so we have to give lucrative contracts to others. Everything from sous chef to management PCMCIA hotel industry, from airport to even government services are now foreign. This is an indictment of our government past and present. We need to get house in order!

Mr. Ryan
Can you please tell us if we have paid for the resurfacing of the runway as yet and if not how much we still owe.