Senior official in the National Economic Social Council (NESC) Dobrene O’Marde said there is no need for him to resign as executive director, as he was not speaking in his official capacity in an article recently published in The Daily Observer.
In a press release on Saturday, the Antigua Labour Party executive chided O’Marde for calling cruise ship operators the “new Columbuses” and took issue with O’Marde’s perspective that tourists are responsibly for their own safety.
The ALP condemned the remarks, calling them “unwarranted” and “unthinking,” and called on Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer to terminate O’Marde.
However, O’Marde told Caribarena on Sunday evening that he made those statements in his own persona. He said in order to make any statements in his official capacity, he would need permission from the chairman.
Asked whether he believes cruise operators are the new wave of neocolonialism, O’Marde said his statement is left up to interpretation.
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In an attempt to clarify the issue of visitor security, however, O’Marde said crime is a major concern for all, as it affects residents and visitors.
The opposition is asking Prime Minister Spencer to distance himself from the remarks, which they described as “warped” and “inconsistent” with the economic choices of people living in Antigua & Barbuda.
written by Observer, February 08, 2010
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written by browngal, February 08, 2010
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