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**HeavenHelpAntigua** » 2012-06-29 16:35

Who in their right mind would have a one on one meeting with PM Spencer?
Is Gaston naive or desperate? !!!
What you want Wine?, Blood? !!!
You think that this is a democracy? !!!

**keith** » 2012-06-29 09:28

To much run talk

**keith** » 2012-06-29 09:27

no need to ask about clavis, but was shoul dxxnk during the power plant negotiation?

**Vere C. Bird III** » 2012-06-29 05:56

We do not take leadership from politicians. And we will be picketing the Chinese Embassy to throw them out until they learn to obey our laws. The Lone Wolf do not know if the generators are old or new. They look like junk to our untrained eyes, but our argument has always been the laws have been broken and that is a fact that we are addressing simple and plain. We leave Gaston, ALP, and UPP tor argue over whether the generators are new or old.

**It Is Me** » 2012-06-28 23:49

This is interesting!!! Some kind of deal must have been cut with Gaston. the heat is on so he is using Gaston to help put out the fire.

How come all of a sudden because Gaston writes him he suddenly understands "the gravamen of the issue."

Baldwin calls in Gaston then Gaston runs to the media to make Baldwin look good? Isn't that Maurice Merchants job? Why would he want to take the heat off of the PM right now? Gaston should be giving him a deadline not telling us the PM "indicated that he was giving serious consideration to the request."

What does he mean by "serious consideration"?

The first thing he should do is halt the airport project that the same 2 ambassadors happen to be involved in. How can we put another US47 million in the same 2 ambassadors hand who obviously botched the last deal. They botched it both in costs and quality.

Then he has to bring in a qualified MAN engineer to look at the power plant.

Finally an inquiry is neccessary to get to the bottom of the 3 Chinese companies involved and follow the money!!!

Nothing else should be acceptable!!!

**SlyThatGuy** » 2012-06-28 22:34

The Wadadli Power Plant is a financial burden(a curse)placed on the people of Antigua & Barbuda. It is costing us too much money to operate it.This is because we are constantly buying and replacing parts due to frequent breakdowns; unless something is done to change that,it will result in bankruptcy for the country.That's why it does not serve the public interest to have a Commission of inquiry now. Our focus should be on finding a solutions to improve the situation first.The inquiry can take place afterwards.

**Anonymous** » 2012-06-28 22:12

As i listened to Gaston speak to the WPP, I became impressed by his intellect an d his honesty. Gaston was clever enough not to commit himself to the used engine argument but instead called for an investigation to prove if they are old or new. If they turn out to be old, he still remains a credible but what if indeed they are proven to be new. I imagine certainly people's credibility will be destroyed. Then again, they really have no credibility so they have nothing to lose. Gaston we trust you and we love you. Dont be afraid to stand alone when you are on good ground. This is the one of the hallmarks of a great leader.

**Amazed** » 2012-06-28 21:56

They called for investigation and now they are getting the investigation they are still quarreling. These ALP morons and stool pigeons of the wealthy power company family do not want to know the truth hence, all of their stupid conspiracy theories. Just a bunch of losers seeking political mileage. Baldwin Spencer should call the investigation and let those morons fall on their own swords. Idiots.

**CLASSICUS** » 2012-06-28 20:56

Why then the Invitee to the meeting did not insist upon a joint statement to the media that such meeting took place and that PM Spencer really acknowledged the gravamen of the issues?

Is the public really convinced that the PM had in fact acknowledged what was attributed to him?

What is the role of the PM's Press Secretary Maurice Merchant? Did Caribarena make efforts to reach him to confirm the PM'S acknowledgement of the gravamen of the issues?

One would have thought that if a formal letter was written to a Prime Minister, a formal letter would have been sent by him, if only to extend an invitation to the sender.

The Invitee may wish to expound further on this matter, lest it was intended to ease up public and media pressure off the PM. ILest also it remains a promise in fool's paradise.

**Jackie Spence** » 2012-06-28 20:12

Poor Gaston, all he Comrades them a bang he now for doing what they never could! That's why I must love Baldwin he read them old Comrades like a book! No matter how many investigations he going call now...Maulwyn and Lester and Robin going cry foul - and fight amongst themselves...ju st like the "Vote of No Confidence" that Lester sick out on! Me never hear yet that a leader of an opposition Party call a Vote of No Confidence and then call sick when is time for the vote to call! The same Maulwyn and Robin cussing Lester behind his back but "bigging" him up publicly - what a bunch of has beens!

Gaston take my advice - challenge Lester for leadership - Maulwin and Robin will run and join Lester to stop you, but they still can't bang you!

**David Shaolin** » 2012-06-28 20:02

If PM Spencer calls the investigation, would you still picket the Chinese Embassy for them to recognize Taiwan and Tibet?

**Slapping Hand!** » 2012-06-28 19:26

Congratulations Mr. Brown! Now we wait and see if Dr. Dr. Spencer is serious in his promise! If not then you will have to lead the charge to get him to move forward the investigation!

**Follow the Leader!** » 2012-06-28 19:23

Imagine...the ALP rabble rousers laughed at Gaston when he wrote to the Dr Dr PM Spencer!

Now that the PM has acknowledged that he will (as a result of the said letter) move to have the matter investigated, the same ALP rabble rousers pour scorn on Brown?

How sad! It seems that they want to kill the person who managed to get what all the King's horses and all the King's men couldn't get done.

It would be prudent for the ALP Leadership to take this and run with it! Then again was it ever really about finding out the truth? Maybe it was about promoting one's self and the interest of others!

It will be interesting to see what the Hon. Lester Bird will say about this - since he too failed in his Vote of No Confidence delivery!

Congratulations Deputy - irrespective of what they say - you're the man! Big up!

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-06-28 19:15

Giving consideration?? ? What about the word 'DEMANDING "that is soo hard to understand? It is not a matter for your consideration,i t is a command from us the taxpayers.You are not doing us a favour sir.The question is when can we expect the inquiry? Hope its before yr end.

**Vere C. Bird III** » 2012-06-28 19:15

Mr. Spencer will come back with enough to make him look like he is trying to hive full and frank disclosure and make Browne like he has achieved something, but the real intention is to divide the ALP with Gaston Browne's assistance.

**Anu** » 2012-06-28 18:30

There should be a lesson learned from this Mr Browne. There time you spent challenging your colleages debating if we got value for money or if the power plant is old, you should have thought about writing this letter to Mr Spencer months ago, since you claimed to have the same documents that your colleagues have in reference to the WPP. There was alot of time wasted. However, i must say better late than never. The only question remain is if Mr Spencer and his cabinet is really serious about an inquiry into this problem. We are holding the UPP leader to his word. I hope this would'nt have to be taken with a grain of salt and i pray that something is done sooner than later.

**Judge Dredd** » 2012-06-28 18:27

Gaston Browne has now shown the country that he is a political simpleton. He has allowed Baldwin Spencer to use him.

It is significant that he went to see Spencer as a Member of Parliament for City West and not as the Chairman of the Labour Party or as Deputy Leader - titles which he usually uses.

Did he, as an ALP MP, seek the approval of his Party before he went to see Spencer, and if he didn't, should he now have done so?

When he spoke to Spencer, he was, by the statement released by Spencer, speaking against his own Party.

When Tim Hector attended an international conference as part of a government delegation, Spencer kicked him out of the UPP. Spencer also kicked Donald Halstead out of the UPP in similar circumstances.

Surely by his arrogance and his plain political stupidity, Gaston Browne's behaviour should be investigated by a disciplinary committee and appropriate action taken based on its findings.

**Galileo** » 2012-06-28 18:13

"
Baldwin Spencer, your "blood and wine" press conference made things from bad to worse and I hope you have gain some wisdom and not to be stupid enough again to pull another trick to deceive and insult the intelligence of the ppl.
A lil advice,better deal with this wpp mess now and not drag it to the polls...cuz as much as you try to run from this serious issue of national concern, you cant hide from it.
"RUNNING AWAY FROM YOUR PROBLEMS....IS A RACE YOU WILL NEVER WIN"

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-28 17:48

JF, as usual ,well said. RWE would have produced value for money and saved the taxpayers a bundle.

**Barry** » 2012-06-28 17:47

"Believe only half of what you see and nothing that you hear." So if it's only "being given consideration" lets move on to something else! Consideration=D elay! :zzz

Wake me after 2014 as nothing much will come about before then :-*

**GARRAT** » 2012-06-28 17:46

I am amazed at what apparently is the stupidity and nievity of Gaston. He is the Chairman of the ALP and Lester also made him the Deputy Leader. Now he wants to lead our grandchildren and displays such positions that only a political idiot would display. He is not the Leader of the Opposition .Spencer is yet to respond to the Opposition's letter calling for accountability. Why Spencer did not recognise the Constitutional position of the Leader of the Opposition , request a meeting with him and say to him what he is now saying to the press. Gaston has been on the wrong side of this issue, he now know how wrong he is and he thinks this will up stage Molwyn, Robin and all those who are on the right side. His letter was a set up. Not approved by the Party and we are taking note of his dictatorial streak and will never accommodate his political wishes. As a reminder to Gaston, when the late Sen. Tim Hector represented Antigua in the UK with theALP Govt. Spencer threw him out of the Party. You gaston should share the same fate.

**tenman** » 2012-06-28 17:45

John French II, I stated in an earlier post today, that even before an investigation, its clear that we have not learned the lesson from the Don Mitchell report. It spoke of the minister and the chair, basically doing what Shoul has now done. I will not call this a mistake because I beleive such only happens once, when done a second time its on purpose. It shows an attitude of I will do whatever I want, to hell with the consequences. The attitude from ambassador Shoul at the press conference, confirmed he was out of his depth. I heard former ambassador Hurst once say that the sign that someone feels out of their depth(particula rly Antiguan's), is when they get belligerent at questions they should have answers for.

..

**John French II** » 2012-06-28 17:09

Notes Of A Native Son Of The Rock. The Merchant - with abolutely no knowledge in such matters, negotiated what will be a Capital Expenditure of some $55.0M USD Electrical Power Plant. Where were the Engineers? The Good Dr. PM was not well advised by his other Plenipotentiary At Large, who also made many secret visits to the PRoC at the PM's behest to keep an eye on things.
The Merchant lacking Knowledge & Experience in developing Airport Facilities was again given the lead in negotiations. The "Bewildered & Bemused Electorate" have seen neither financing, designs or specifications, construction or operating Agreements. A Resident Engineer has been engaged. What are his Responsibilitie s & Authority on behalf of GoAB?
In all of these Matters, whether this was the modus operandi of previous administrattion s, Parliament has been made irrelevant. The Chair/Deputy must never be encouraged to attend such meetings alone and without counsel. Truth & Reconcilliation . Things Fall Apart. The Center Cannot Hold. "luk wha wi cum tuh!"
Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda including Redonda.

**John French II** » 2012-06-28 16:47

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Dr. Isaac Newton, Creative and Change Management, Political Advisor & Consultant of Sustainable Development, articulated that: Leaders must act with Urgency and "convey contagious passion" to erase Doom and "Solve Problems" with "Innovative Good by playing around with the chaos as a kind of marching orders may inspire break through performance ... and effective good governance in the public sector ... and the Right People",..., "where all praise and honour will be measured by how lives are transformed on the personal and communal levels." "luk wha wi cum tuh!" Tenman, fnpsr, Dig It, Skyewill: RWE and Don Mitchell Report.
The Minister wanted beautiful sidewalks and covered gutters. The Engineers did not advise what was needed to effect well designed and built infrastructure.
The Minister desired fenced playgrounds. The Engineers provided a green engineer just out of school and the Minister Project Managed the Disaster.
The ICC demanded a modern Cricket Facility & infrastructure. The Minister deferred, as a supplicant & mendicant, to Consultants, Builders, Engineers & Merchant lacking knowledge & experience.

**Aaron** » 2012-06-28 16:43

They say force let water go up hill and while i am happy to know that we are going somewhere and getting something, i will not start the celebration too early wnd i must admit something isn't adding up here. There isn't enough room for me to place my full comment but i will make it short by saying, if you are a regular news reader and have read all the articles published on the WPP and the tug-a-war surrounding Gaston and the power plant you would clearly see why i am not too quick to celebrate this sudden move by the prime minister to take Gaston's letter into consideration. It smells fishy and i do hope that it is not like it smells and that transparency is at the forefront of this issue. I will wait for further details or updates. By the congratulations for actually getting the prime minister to take a second look at the situation

**fnpsr** » 2012-06-28 16:25

I am glad to see that that the PM is ready to take responsibility for the fiasco called WPP. I do not think it has anything to do with whether the PM prefers to deal with GB rather than LB or any other politician, who has written to him about the WPP. How many times do you have to be hit on the head before you realize that it is senseless to continue getting hit? GB’s letter is the latest and it is the easiest to response to. If the PM had responded to LB or any other, he would have been criticized for the untimely response. Now he gets credit and look statesmanlike by responding to GB in a few days. This is gamesmanship at its best.

I also believe that the PM and his surrogates have read my call for a lawsuit. Thus, I believe this might have forced him to respond to GB’s letter. The PM knows the intricate details involve in discovery, which is more invasive than an inquiry. With and inquiry, he still has some control, in that, he can choose when and where to release the report. Furthermore, he can choose whether or not to accept the findings and or implement the recommendations.

“Let’s fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**tenman** » 2012-06-28 15:28

Its like pulling teeth to get the government to even think about making the right move. Perhaps Gaston missed his calling and should be a Dentist. The PM is also sending a message to Bird that he prefers to deal with Browne. Lets just hope that unlike with the Don Michell report, that we will hold heatedly embrace whatever proper recommendation made by the investigator. Its time for up to stop allow square pegs in round holds to make decisions they are clearly not qualified to make (eg. having Shoul involved in negotiating a contact of this type when he does not even know about hedge insurance). APUA by their actions do not see the plant as valuable (No insurance, no spare parts, no consumables, having the plant in a bad state when media visits) so why should the general public?
..

**Really?** » 2012-06-28 15:23

The Prime Minister acknowledged the gravamen of the issue and indicated that he was giving serious consideration to the request.

Hahaha. Yeah rite! You fool me once, shame on you. You fool me twice . . . .

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