Antigua does not qualify because of its high GDP per capita from what I understand. St. Kitts Nevis also does not qualify.

Dessalaines your example of France proved Morris point. In France there is one system, Social Security covers both health care and pensions etc.. I need not tell you the same is not true in Antigua. Must tell you from what I have read I prefer their system especially when it comes to real insurance coverage for illnesses. I am so tired of hearing persons beg for the community to held them fund overseas treatment and think its time we had real coverage as stated during the MBS inquiry since we are already more than paying for it.

Quote:

Social Security in France is divided into four branches: * illness; * old age; * family; * recovery.

see www.cleiss.fr/docs/regimes/regime_france/an_index.html


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Dessalaines note the bold and underlined portion:
Quote:

Using the Carte Vitale The Carte Vitale (green card) is the national insurance card issued to anyone eligible aged 16 and over. It gives evidence of membership and rights to French health insurance - an affiliation to CPAM. It is issued on application to CPAM. It contains all the administrative information necessary for the refund of care: * Social security number * Details of health insurance scheme and top-up insurance * Details of the relevant health insurance office * Full name and date of birth of the card holder and their dependants * Details of any exemption or reduction that apples to payments or entitlement to supplementary universal cover The Carte Vitale does not carry personal medical information.

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Dessalines while reading John's link take a look at paris.angloinfo.com/countries/france/healthinsure.asp#1 which explains the French system. Their idea of Social Security is that its health insurance (almost similar to MBS but they provide real insurance coverage.

Quote:

What Social Security Provides The Social Security decrees that on average 70 percent of the cost of medical treatment will be reimbursed but the exact figure received depends on: * The treatment needed and its costs * The income of the patient It is the interaction of these two factors that determines the specific level of CPAM repayment: 1. The agreed price of the treatment is set by the Ministry of Health and known as Tarif de Convention. Repayments range from below 60 percent of this amount to full repayment of 100 percent. This is the level for: * Major surgery * Major diseases such as cancer * Disability and other long term car

ctd
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Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Dessalines I was tempted to use the latin as the Title since it is the motto of the University from which The Hon. Dr. PM received his Deserved Honorary Doctorate. But before heading into the Deep Blue with you, let me direct you to this Article The Caribbean: an economy blinded by the sun. Then, you should reread the comments to this article. You will understand the Human Rights Issues with Social Security #'s & Social Insurance N#'s which pose major problems in NA, maybe not in A&B, but in open political systems. Morris was very clear. I implore you to visit and read the posted URLs. Having done that go to yesterday's article App Development Seminar Planned. @ Tenman - Improving Competitiveness . Nowhere do you find any discussion of Backward Technology in A&B. I also made note of the World Bank's efforts being privy to some discussions while in the OECS. You should state why A&B does not qualify. Tenman has posted the correct URL's. Read of Political Freedom in A&B. Always start from the position of charity and of providing learning opportunities whether us "voices in the wilderness" accept or not. Respect!

Dessalines can you provide a reference showing that in France the smart card there is used for dual purposes (health care and Social Security)? The references I have seen so far show it "Carte Vitale" as only being used for their health care system. As far as the link you provided, I am surprised that Saint Lucia was included because I have in my possession since 2009 a Saint Lucian national id card. Yes Dessalaines Saint Lucia already has a national id system (see www.stlucia.gov.lc/primeminister/former_prime_ministers/kenny_d_anthony/conversations/2005/conversation_september_5_2005.htm. Perhaps the plan is to scrap it in favor of something better.
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We are not as backwards technology wise as you think. There is actually a World Bank funded OECS program that proposes a multi purpose national ID card. (Antigua does not qualify for this loan) This card would contain both a microchip and magnetic strip. The Medical and Social data would be read only by machines in the respective entities In some countries like France both SS and MB are a single entity which may be a model we should be looking into. I know these systems can/may be compromised but what computer related system isnt? Please see link below, its quite long but you can googly OECS E-Grip national ID bids

http://www.devex.com/en/projects/electronic-government-for-regional-integration-project-egrip-in-latin-america-consulting-services-needs-**sment-and-design-for-national-id-system

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Tenman, Thanks. A few days ago, I listened to a local Radio Talk Show. There were several old Women & Men who called in. They could not understand what was happening. The Hosts were not helpful. They could offer no balm to soothe the plaintive cries of the Elderly. They were in Pain. They were Anguished. I had just left the Caribbean. It was one of my Most Painful Days. I too had no answer for the Elderly who had lived through VC and the Thirty Niners. This latest data and info which you have found resonates deep within. To be bordering on Partly Free at the Bottom of the Caricom list causes so much pain to give no rest.
As the calypsonian sings "How did we get so?" During my recent year in the Caribbean, Many would say this to me and I was most dismissive, untill I started peeping behind the curtains. I compare with Mali & SA, and I squirm knowing that it is how others understand and see us. Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua and Barbuda including Redonda.

Your comments never seem to make much sense,always shallow and without basis. Go and smoke a spill of Marijuana and get some consciousness.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. My apologies. Happy to know that you were finally successful. Please note that the data and analysis was in 2008 before the 2009 Election. If that does not cause anyone to be concerned that we were in the same category as JA, T&T & Guyana, their level of consciousness is very low.
Fast forward to 2011. Guyana - closure of Media House, T&T - State Of Emergency, JA - The recent Tivoli Gardens Uprising, the energetic Hon Min. of Redonda. mused on JA's street justice system. I sincerely hope the link, data, information and conclusions will help many in understanding what was being offered in "@ Morris & Tenman - Closed Structures, Systems & Skills." Go Well! Respect!

John French I found the most recent ones and it notes that we have gotten worse (see www.freedomhouse.org/images/File/fiw/FIW%202011%20Booklet_1_11_11.pdf) We are now worse than TNT (Political Rights) but at the same level as Guyana and Jamaica. As you stated the other OECS nations have a higher ranking than us. The report reflects the period Jan - Dec 2010


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John French thanks for telling me about that link about our political and civil liberties. However I was unable to get the link provided to work perhaps due to the site being case sensitive. The url which worked for me was www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/fiw08launch/FIW08Tables.pdf
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Amen!!

I welcome this exercise so lets do it right this time once and for all, no more 12 people living in a shack, no more coming in and voting after just 3 months in the country, no dead people voting and certainly no more double voting so I say lets get it right this time.

John French II he may be focused but i am of the opinion that he is on a track that will lead us nowhere good. There is simply no moneys to do this reregistration exercise. The government may feel its needed for their survival but the added court challenges will stall this for years. The major issue is the ALP will not allow them to remove non nationals from the list who in 2009 met the 3 year requirement but won't meet the 7 year requirement in 2012. Even if they do manage to pull off an initial bulk reregistration, because of the new claims and objection rules, chaos will slow them down. Persons can now object to names without providing proof. I really do not agree with the idea that simply because some cards expire in 2013, there is need for even persons whose cards have not expired to re-register. In addition i see no need for cards to be be given to persons since the picture list is now legal. All they should need do to vote is show up with any government issued id. Another method would be for their identity to be determined by their signature.

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Of course, the most lengthy and expensive approach on the taxpayer's dime is the best. Not to mention it will produce the optimum results for the regime after the commission has been fully stacked with their cronies.
Over the years we have had many, many elections in our country, but none so botched as the last one resulting in a court appointed government. As we watch this latest effort in voter supression unfold, I fear we are well on our way toward another fiasco under this administration.

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. That in 2008, even though clasified as FREE we found ourselves not similar in freedom to the OECS but closer to JA, T&T and Guyana should be very instructive. We are well aware of the racial animus in T&T & Guyana. In JA, the ever widening socio economic and political gap between those of a darker hue fully explains this freedom divide. What is the Root Cause in A&B. Hopefully the Political Scientists will advise us. Morris, let me give praise and thanks for your acumen, skill and experience. That you were able to identify Closed Structures and Systems as being areas where this would and have worked ie Military. What does that say about those who wish a similar system for ABEC & A&B? Closed Political. In Universities which are very open, many have tried with difficulty. Human Rights & Freedoms. Runs counter to SS# and SIN#'s being used openly. Many of us are incorrigible. A few days ago, I pointed this out but not as succinctly as you have done. The system is less that 10 years old. We must have developed the skills for improvement. A SUNK COST and not a PEEP.
Wisdom: www.passingthetorchtv.com/russell.htm Respect.

- Also cannot forget this one ya.... there needs needs needs needs needs to be recall laws passed that provide an empowerment mechanism for the people of Antigua & Barbuda to be the government, have some control on their politicians and be able to hold them accountable for their actions or in actions of sorts... no more taking us to IMF despite our disapproval... no more buying buildings when it was cheaper to build... no more begging to have investigation in to obvious misuse of public funds on fencing or roads or buildings etc..... time to stop the ongoing abuse from politicians and their parties... We need to be able to for example sign a petition expressing our will that will legally stand in court and get rid of a politician or public official if he or she is not performing... we as a people need to stop beggin politicians to do the right thing.. we need the power to move from chat to action... not only that but why should we be stuck with dead weight for 5 years and still pay them.. hmm

Whew I am finished... let the critique shark frenzy begin bloggers.... lol

- Most importantly citizens living abroad, just like all other marginalized groups of voters (disabled, young, women etc) should have every right as any other citizen in voting... no need for this residency nonsense (3 or 6 months) again (KISS) if I am a citizen, I can vote etc... If you live or studying or working abroad, once there is a set date for elections one would have enough time to plan to comeback home register confirming their residence if they want to vote... even if they come back two weeks before elections... where ever their last registered place of residency was unless it is changed 3 months or more prior.. thats where they have to vote....

- I recommend also doing away with the expenses surrounding voter ID cards.. simple put if only citizens alone can vote, it means if you have a passport you can vote, why duplicate the process ... however you wouldn't use your passport alone on polling day to vote though, I would suggest, having people confirming themselves and area of voting for the upcoming election and be issued a perforated ticket from the voter office which would be torn in half at the polling station... so when they go to a polling booth I can have a record to say I participated in the last election, in the event lets say a by-election needs to happen or otherwise... lets say to sign a petition to get rid of an elected official or otherwise.. I am of the personal opinion if you don't vote you shouldn't have any say in the matter if you choose not to be a part of the process...

- KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) with Voter Registration, if citizens alone can vote then no headache about who here long enough etc. (waste of time in my opinion)... if anyone want to vote learn our constitution, our anthem and apply for citizenship... I cannot comprehend how being in a country for x amount a time, translate into being patriotic.. can you?

- We need to centralize the voter registration center... If any business can have a central place of operation for registering customer, don't see why the voter registration center cannot.. we can save the money we pay to rent many of these out stations for the 4 years of doing noting and the people working there put them to work full time in building and maintaining an updated civil registry, God knows we need one...

- With a set date for elections, I recommend making election polling day and the following day public holidays.... It eliminates the nonsense of employers fighting with employees to leave and come back to work so they can be able to go stand up in line to vote... the following day we celebrate who wins at the polls... easy...

- With a set date for elections, we need to establish a fair platform so every candidate (independent or political party) can present themselves to the people in a debate setting... Time enough we bring an end to who hab the most money win elections since they can "campaign (bribe - ham, turkey, fridge, money etc)" the most voters... Use the national media and other media stations can plug into them and let us have them present themselves and answer questions from the moderator and the public....

- We need to revise the laws concerning voting rights to allow only citizens of Antigua & Barbuda (whether born or naturalized) to be able to vote in any general elections. (why should anyone have rights to determine the government if they do not have any allegiance to the country?)

In my opinion, we need to overhaul the entire electoral system as it stands before re-registration is even considered....

- We need to get rid of the electoral commission board as it stands because its politically structured (a only ALP & UPP hab interest in electoral matters?) and is a waste of money paying these commissions on the board for making policy decisions that should be made by MPs in law, especially when them meet once or twice a month.. crazy stupid...

- Establish a set date for next elections, I suggest the last Monday in March (dry month times) so progressive and not just politically convenient benchmarks can be set to work towards and stop the front pocket back pocket nonsense. The election is not for the parties alone its for the people, set a date so we can plan towards. fair is fair

- With a set date for elections, establish due dates for manifestos to be published by parties, else tell them forget about it... we don't want no 2009 repeat 2 days before election manifesto a come out, no time to debate or even review... so what are we suppose to vote on again??

Notes From A native Son Of The Rock. That the focus has been taken into the Deep Blue is not by Accident. One must always be on guard for Agent Provocateurs who try to take one off one's game. Tenman, your initial comments should have been the Cause Celebre. Whether one agrees with the actions of the ABEC Chair or not, he has clearly articulated his Goals and Objectives and is moving with energetic determination and focus to implement them. Point Finale. He has remained focus while others are running hither, thither and yon like chickens with their heads cut off confirming what is so prevalent in their actions as the "Implementation Deficit". Where is the Red Spokesperson. Are they engaging the stakeholders and Electorate? After all is in place, they will show up and ask the g**roots and lumpen to demonstrate. Let me provide you with Comparative measures of Freedom. Comparisons should be made with the OECS or if you wish to venture further the English Speaking Caribbean. You will be surprised. www.freedomhouse.org/uploads/fw08launch/FIW08Tables.pdf
This is where many should be going to understand what is our condition. Have Mercy Pon Us.

By hook or by **, the UPP not coming out of power. And the useless ALP can do nothing about it. If the ALP had done 5% of some of the crap the UPP has done, this country would have been closed down.

one card means that they would have to work together - this is not possible in antigua and barbuda. in addition, if PM Spenecr is never in office - or on island for that matter, then there is no one to set the pace for others to follow.

we just have to wait until he leaves office to sort out these inexperienced square pegs trying to fit into round holes.

A&B has, at most, 85,000 residents. That means, the entire population could comfortably fit into the Dallas Cowboys stadium on a Sunday, with plenty room to spare. That said, we cannot find a way to have a single identification card.

After seeing my first post, a friend contacted me to tell me that in addition to what was stated, Social Security is currently performing reregistration, and the Immigration department is currently negotiating with a smart card vendor to implement a National ID card.

If this level of ineptitude wasn't so serious, it would be laughable. However, I fail to see the humour in these incompetent idiots wasting my hard-earned tax dollars.

Dessalaines please note, I have no problem with a system where one card is used for ID purposes, my problem is with a tracking and sharing of data component. Imagine the implications to whether persons will go and tested for HIV if we now have a card which will be shared by all agencies which will identify their status.

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Dessalines I still disagree with your suggestion particularly because of privacy concerns. I have re-read the article pertaining to MBS smart card and the information it contains must be separated from any system nation id type system. We are speaking of basically putting a patient record on a smart card and the idea of this information being shared with non health related agencies should strike fear in the heart of not only doctors but patients also. I notice that you continue to suggest solutions that though sounding good initially, when you dig deep on its applications, you would see the pitfalls are simply too much. In addition In one of your posts you stated the idea was for them to simply stop duplicating numbers. I recall you stating that the SS card would be ok once its used by all for numbering. However you are now through your acceptance of this smart card idea for a national id, suggesting that these agencies share confidential information on persons.
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Your idea works well in a "closed/private system" the same way our ID cards work in the US military; however, it is useless in an "open/public system" that have different requirements and procedures. In ALL of the developed countries that are light years ahead of ANU in terms of technology, a one-card-fits-a ll is still a long ways off. So to think that ANU is dragging its feet in implementing such is a bit disingenuous. The problem in ANU is not about cards, it is inefficiency due to poor management/lead ership.

Well said. I ve been trying to knock that single card concept into Tenmans head for about a year now. I guess he and Juno are now on the same page for the first time.
In 2011 it is unnecessary to be walking around with 5 cards in our wallets when one would do.

Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."

This verse seems to have been written with the UPP in mind. Recently, the big news has been that MBS will be doing a registration and issuing smart cards. Right on the heels of this news item, here comes Juno Samuel to tell us that ABEC will not be outdone. They too will conduct a reregistration.

If MBS has already expended the money for a smart card system, does it make sense for ABEC to basically duplicate the process? I have to wonder what happens at Cabinet meetings. Don't they talk to each other? Didn't Dr. BS know that the absentee Minister of Health had plans to implement a smart card system at MBS? A smart card is the perfect vehicle to be a National ID, Voter ID, MBS ID, Social Security ID, etc. You get the picture.

This administration continues to act as if our hard-earned tax dollars grow on trees.

He made similar comments july 04 this year (see http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/politics/97831-top-commissioner-opens-up-on-electoral-matters.html. In his interview with Collin Sampson over 3 months ago it states: "Quote:

In advance of the complete re-registration an entirely new system - hardware, software and card creation machinery – will necessarily need to be sourced and installed. This process, from authorization to installation, is expected to take from six to nine months. In addition, appropriate training will be provided for the staff who will operate the system. All things being equal, the re-registration exercise should take place early in 2012...Discussions have been held with two potential suppliers of the equipment, and a decision will have to be made very soon ...

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In my opinion, this man is an idiot. He sickens me.