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**Young analyst** » 2013-02-14 23:01

Firstly the embassy was here already, so that shows that it is possible. Secondly if the proper feasibility study is done it can and will be a success. Thirdly is the CIP a good idea? Yes agreeable that may be some aspects that may need serious consideration however we can't run from the fact that it is a superb idea and for me the best in a while.

**Observer..** » 2013-02-14 22:47

Brown is a creative thinker, and that is something I have not seen any of the UPP politicians do. Think outside the box on ways how to grow the economy. Its not that you have to agree on everything but you can agree that he comes with idees that others not even dare to dream of. Go Gaston it shows you have been properly trained in the Lester camp. Use the God given brain you have to get us out of this mess.

**UNITED STATES** » 2013-02-14 18:57

Gaston,your ideas are worth discussing.Only the people living on Antigua would be able to access the web site with imunity.All other persons will be subject to US copy right laws.As an example,if someone in St.Kitts download music and or movies from that web site in Antigua.That person and St.Kitts would feel the wrath of US laws,in regards to piracy.We in the US could not access the site without consequences.A heavy fine and or prison.So by coming to the table and negotiate is the best way to go.How much money is the Government forcasting to take in from the supposed web site.

**labourite** » 2013-02-14 18:24

Gosh,lets be realistic and put these jokes aside just to gain some few political points.
1.The cold war is over
2.Obama made it very clear during the innaugural that his main focus for
the 2nd term is on the American ppl.(forget about foreign policy)
3.The state of the union address stressed a lot on spending cuts towards the goal of $4 trillion in deficit reduction.This is already jeopardizing defence cut, government programs with priorities like education,energ y,social security,health care and medical research.
4.Is Antigua going to foot the bill for the running of the consulate and all the security cost?Our gross trade with the US if any is insignificant. Is this feasible with just a day or two accomodation in guest houses?Liat is already bennefitting from the flights,you are only trying to squeeze some of the juice from Barbados mainly with the leeward island population.I bet more than 85 percent of ppl flying down for visa dont overnight.Don't be naive,this is not realistic PERIOD.
Uncle sam will not put a consular office at this time in Antigua,if even it will not cost them a thing.

**FUSS** » 2013-02-14 17:56

Ok mmmmmm embasy in antigua even if we take up the cost of builing etc we would have daily flights from different islands clients would over night they have to eat our courier service would get more business so i look at it as a refenue growth come onnn look at the future even dunces can see the big picture we are antiguans why we bringing down our own people man no idead is a stupid one what if it came tru we kick up and make them leave is the same dunceness under pervious governments why they left in the first place are u saying barbados is better than us smh

**Bluddy Bloke** » 2013-02-14 16:06

This is what is lacking in the UPP administration. Simple Vision and care for the people. IF ALP continues like this then there should be a bright future ahead for Antigua.

**Neil** » 2013-02-14 15:05

Another Good idea by Comrade Leader.

**Fred** » 2013-02-14 15:04

As a matter of courtesy, The US First officer meets with the leader of the opposition evertime she comes here to meet with the PM and she solicits ideas and solutions routinely. It is within the purview of the leader of the oposition to suggest alternatives. Those who support the piracy move by the Government ask them to proceeds. Browne is protecting the nation by avoiding unecessary confrontation. When the reataliatory actions follow, the consequences will far outweigh the utility of Bravadoa.

**skyewill** » 2013-02-14 14:49

I agree with you. However, Browne is a member of the government and he did what he felt was the right thing to do. This is what happens whe you don't trust the judgement of others who have proven they will cause more harm than good. If when we where negotiating with China for the WPP and Browne had written China and said Hell no1 maybe we would have a real power plant that by the way did not go through Parliament like it should have. That was illegal what Browne did was bypass protocol not illegal. This move have no direct benefit for Browne but for the People of Antigua. it is a form of protest.

**skyewill** » 2013-02-14 14:40

We have people that can pass that background, ask Morris if you don't believe me and we have Antiguans decorated as American Heroes. If it's the Background you are worried about, let not your heart be troubled.

**skyewill** » 2013-02-14 14:14

4.ON THE EMBASSY - This would also generate brisk business for people in the guest rooms and small hotels sector. It would also generate business for restaurants and taxi operators.” HE IS RIGHT AGAIN! It will create an entire new business sector and is a great idea.
This kind of thinking is about PEOPLE not power.
5.
Browne is of the view that the traffic that would be generated by the presence of the consular office in Antigua would more than compensate for the costs the government would bear. - AND IT WILL and will create new jobs and oppertunities.
6.
but when we retake the government we will work towards making it a reality,” Browne told Caribarena.com. - POSITIVE THINKING- nothing wrong with that!

I believe Mr. Browne spend hours reading and studying and it shows. I may not always agree with him but I see his ambitions and he is on point. Some may not agree but they are using imotions not brain.

**skyewill** » 2013-02-14 14:06

@ Mr. Browne, I would certainly have to say you are qualified to be PM
1. According to Browne, the ABLP is opposed to the stance being adopted by the government where it plans to approve the piracy of copyrighted materials from American companies. Browne said this action is foolhardy" YES IT IS: We have spent millions on everything: lawyers, politicians, public relations companies and have nothing to show and now being called a "RADICAL STATE"
2. He said Antigua & Barbuda can instead put a package of programmes to the US to satisfy the US$21 million ruling by the WTO. This is so far the best idea and the smartest way forward so far. We will end up with more than 21 million, I’ sure
3. Browne said. “This talk that somehow Antigua & Barbuda can pressure the US into changing its anti-online gaming position will not happen.” HE IS RIGHT! - will just attract unnecessary lawsuits against the government by these affected companies – ALL DAY LONG! You think things bad now? - as suggested by the finance minister, shows that the minister is living in a different world.- OR FAST ASLEEP!

**Morris** » 2013-02-14 12:55

I will say this much, if the CIP program is approved in its current form you can kiss the idea of a US embassy in ANU goodbye.

**Kenred** » 2013-02-14 12:51

I think that this is a good idea. The volume of people that would travel to Antigua to visit the embassy and rent a hotel room, use taxis, visit restaurants, pay airport and travel taxes and the like would be tremendous. Barbados has a thriving industry from persons visiting their US embassy. GOOD IDEA.

**Dig It** » 2013-02-14 12:37

Tenman, LOL. Must say renaming Boggy Peak was a bad idea. Why not give that to. Prince Klauss or even Mandela? Anyway, l hope this WTO dispute will resolved in the near future, as has been a "drag " for too long. Bless.

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-02-14 12:13

Before we can determine a GOOD IDEA, we must ensure that it is:
1. Feasible
2. (Workable) Viable
3. Bankable/Profitable
4. Agreeable (Likely to be Concretized).

Is a bridge connecting Antigua to Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean is a GOOD IDEA, because it is likely to deliver benefits. Remember to take all of the factors into consideration when you do your ANALISIS.

**UnCommonSense** » 2013-02-14 12:07

Aren't you aware that the US has always looked for alternative leaders and sometimes set up leaders of opposition parties that are more aligned with its vital national interests? So your ideas are way off. If the US thinks that Gaston Browne's approach favors its long-term business interests it will validate Browne. Clearly, the US does not think highly of the present UPP govt. It kept them at bay for 10yrs because it realizes that these village leaders don't know how to identify geo-political strategies! Study history and observe how superpower works.

**tenman** » 2013-02-14 11:59

Dig It, recalling past practices, I suspect the letter has not been mailed. Surprised no one is writing the "queen" on these matters. It was Ivor Forde who once stated that the "Queen" knows all and is concerned about all that happens in her realm. I am surprised no one has come up with the crazy idea of asking her to beg (intercede) the US on our behalf. Perhaps some would prefer instead of using the IP sanctions we threaten instead to remove Obama's name from what should be boggy peak.

..

**Dig It** » 2013-02-14 11:28

Tenman, very good questions! We can't send "mix messages" in any dispute, especially, WTO. It is an A&B Dispute, not Red or Blue! I don't the CL have no business to get involved with dispute, unless it is in "good faith" with the GOAB.

**Young analyst** » 2013-02-14 11:14

Indeed i think this is the best idea that i have heard for years as a matter a fact we here in Antigua is considered the central point of the eastern caribbean. We have the technological infrastructure already in place, a new airport on the way. I would just have to give flowers where its due and mr browne deserves at least some credit for this idea. Putting party colors aside

**Just Come** » 2013-02-14 11:08

What R U trying Gaston? Washington don't even acknowledge you!!!!!!

**Vicnes** » 2013-02-14 10:36

Browne, you are acting like a jackass. Any discussion between the US and Antigua regarding opening a consulate office must be with the government, the UPP, and not the opposition. You are so **ed.

**tenman** » 2013-02-14 10:34

I honestly tried to stay quiet on this matter, and some will say I should. I will not try to hide the fact that I have much respect for Gaston Browne. However, I have to ask 3 questions: 1. if and when MP Browne becomes PM, would he appreciate the opposition leader taking the action Browne has in a trade related matter? 2. We are willing the risk (maybe low) the wrath of the US by accidentally selling a terrorist citizenship but its a bad idea to demand the US adhere to its WTO agreement? 3. When Brazil was days away, from imposing the same IP sanctions against the US, would a similar letter from their opposition leader, have caused the results to be different and Brazil not get the 147 million USD annually it now gets (the US paid the full wto awarded compensation and will do some until their Farm Bill conforms to WTO rules)?

..

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-02-14 10:10

For 19 YEARS, the US Embassy in Barados has served the Caribbean states of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the British dependent territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Montserrat, and the French islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Barthélemy and St. Martin without BLACKLIST or scandal.

YES, Antiguans would love to have a US Embassy in its backyard, but from the US perspective, they do not need the cost of an additional embassy when what they have is doing a good enugh job. So what are the COMPELLING REASONS stated in Gaston Browns letter for what would be deemed as adding an UNNECCESSARY COST to the US budget. People in hell want ice water, but that does not mean they are going to get it.

Let us forget the politics for a second and ask ourselves honestly whether a request from Gaston with promises of negligible concessions stands a chance at persuading the US to pay millions of dollars per year in salaries and security for an embassy in Antigua. ANOTHER EMPTY POLITICAL PROMISE.

**GodSon** » 2013-02-14 09:48

If they settle this dispute with money, do you really thinks that Antiguans will benefit. Only the politicians and their Chinese and Arab friends will benefit. This idea of an embassy at least let the ordinary Antiguan benefit and do so for a long time.It is a good idea that will add immediate benefit for all the people of Antigua, not just a few. I do like this idea but it must come with at least a 20 year comittment frrom the US.

**JP Farnsworth** » 2013-02-14 09:33

Let's see Mr. Brown wants to help defer the costs of an office for a nation that owes several million dollars? Let's forget for a moment the political issues and just look at this financially, and logistically. To run such an office requires someone that can pass a U.S. Security background check at a level that Mr. Brown can not comprehend. Then the salary and housing of such a person is quite an under taking. Mr. Brown's idea is that this be opened part time like a 7-11? So you see this is not a realistic idea at any level. First and foremost the U.S. really does not care what issues with have with getting a visa since it is their objective to make it as difficult as possible. I think the term is a "Political Pandering" saying of things to try and look good but really under the hood it's just fluff. :sigh:

**Dig It** » 2013-02-14 09:04

First of all, we will be "selling-our-pa ssports-to-the- highest-bidder" in CIP, so I don't see the need for us to set shop to isssue 'American visas.' The US had 'closed' its embassy in A&B on June 3o, 1994. And, I don't believe they will be back anytime soon. Remember, once a upon a time, we were 'blacklisted' by the US, when it put a "financial advisory" on us. Then we have the "Stanford-debac le." Then we have WTO. Then we have the Chief Servant stating those "so-called western democracies." I don't believe a 'piracy' site will solve the dispute but what the new ABLP Leader suggests of first, settling-the-sc ore, with the US through "scholarships" at the medical school and now a "visa shop" will not work either! China is 'planting their flag' in this country and the region, so the US doesn't want any involvement, until it sees a 'military presence' by the China, to start show some concerns or interests. We must resolve all issues with the US diplomatically before we move a head with new ones.

**Confused** » 2013-02-14 08:55

I think it is EXTREMELY wrong of Gaston to send a letter to the US with respect to the gaming matter. He is in effect interfering with the negotiations.

However, I like the idea of a US consular office in Antigua.

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-02-14 08:50

Gaston Brown fought so hard to become the leader of the opposition and now he is fighting to prove himself and constantly comming up short. Gaston is so accostomed to a political environment in which if an idea sounds good he just put it out there and his supporters will support it no matter how HALF BAKED it may be.

Unlike Antigua, the US is not a constitutional monarchy, which allows the leader of the government to do as he pleases once elected. US Policy is based on STUDIES, HEARINGS and STRATEGIC PLANNING and CONSENSUS (polling data).

Gaston needs to learn to think before he talks and to research before he writes. A letter from the opposition leader in Antigua asking for a US embassy will serve as the joke in the office for the day and be filed away in the "wishful thinking"pile. It is even a little childlike for him to be telling the US "I want to be your friend when I get into power"

US Embassy in Antigua was closed in June 1994 for economic reasons. The cost of operating in Antigua was twice that of similar installations arround the world. http://www.gao.gov/assets/230/220413.pdf

**NYC** » 2013-02-14 08:48

Grow up. Negotiations is what a leader must do in the 21 st century. Not hating and fighting.

**wada** » 2013-02-14 08:19

This is thinking outside the box. I really like this idea.

**fnpsr** » 2013-02-14 08:18

I agree with the Comrade leader (CL). I can foresee an Embassy returning to Antigua. This is something the US can do without recapitulating on its stance on on-line gaming. Furthermore, it would also show good faith on the part of the US. This could be a win-win position for both. Good move, CL!

"Let's fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things."

**NYC** » 2013-02-14 08:08

Good idea. Good for Antigua's tourism facilitating regional guests who will generate some local taxi, restaurant, and hotel business etc.

**fire** » 2013-02-14 07:58

Brilliance at work

Election will come and the upp/wpp will loose!

**Hate politicians** » 2013-02-14 06:51

I hate kiss ass politicians so much right! Is he seriously saying that after the US broke a WTO agreement and thus causing one of the most thriving business sectors for ANU that he is proposing spending my money, that I work hard for, to pay rent and utilities for the US to have a consulate here?

Does he really think that the US moved for financial reasons? Strategically there is no need to have more than one embassy within our region. It would be great but strategically not necessary.

You see, this is the difference between politicians and leaders and frankly speaking, leaders are a scarce commodity and moreso in our political system. As a leader, an individual does everything possible to avoid any form of confrontation but at the same time he/ she must ensure that the respect of a sovereign state is maintained at all times.

Personally speaking I couldn't care less if UPP or ALP wins the next election. To be even more honest, I wish there was a (serious) 3rd choice but such is our society and our political system.

**nix** » 2013-02-14 06:19

I hope the US Embassy responds favourably....a n office is needed here... it is very expensive to travel to Barbados...with no guarantee of receiving a visa.

**not again** » 2013-02-14 05:34

Is that your great idea? Okkkkkkk and I guess they could rent a space in south mall. Give me an aspirin.

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