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**Nature Island** » 2011-06-27 19:19

Just like Esau sell his birth right to Jacob for a meal, so is the Government of Antigua... What the government is saying we are not good enough for the best beach ...(you're black, or you're worst than a negro).Harrol Lovell will forever eating pork chops while the poor vendors will eat red herring...T

**francine** » 2011-06-23 11:18

longbay is not for sale,thank u ladies for coming together for the fight for longbay beach ,do not give up that,s our beach and your lively hood ,thay tell the vendors to build or get off the beach some of us dident have the money ,it took some of us years to build and we did it with no help ,mr.lovell shame on u money is not everything but the love of god is we let u all govern antigua and this is what we get ,its a shame shame;king jesus give justice to the people that work on longbay beach and bush stewar the people of antigua and longbay stand firm.

**Andy** » 2011-06-20 16:03

I am not an Antigian (dont' hold it against me). I am from Canada and have vacationed in the Long Bay area for over 20 years. I can not believe what I am reading here, there must be a mistake. Those vendors are part of that beach. A few years back they spent a lot of money building those stores at the insistance of the government. Some borrowed a lot of money to have those shops made. Now they are going to be removed? When I vacation at Long Bay I talk with those people almost everyday, some have been there over 30 years and now just because of developement they are getting kicked off the beach? Am I missing something? This does not make sense There should be a compromise. Let them stay during construction (which is good for the economy) and draw something up to have the vendors there after contruction, when the Beaches Resort is operational. This could be a win, win for everybody.

**Jan** » 2011-06-14 23:53

Goverment need to collet the back taxes from people like Butch Stewart and leave the vendors alone.

**Smart One** » 2011-06-14 23:14

But they do expect us to bat for them each time and do the politicking of every issue. These are not political issues. They are development issues that concerns us all. When our children’s children want to go to a beach in the next 20 years ahead we don’t want them to come and tell ask us, grandma/grandpa why can’t we go there to swim anymore. We will then remember that our generation made it happen. I would not want to be that grandma/grandpa to have to give that child an answer. Let us have a vision for this country and don’t sell it for less than 30 silver dollars.

**Smart One** » 2011-06-14 23:14

Guest coming to this property can tell you little about Antigua and Antiguans apart from the staff they meet. They do not have an Island experience. That is why it’s important for them to meet the locals on the beach. I believe more Antiguans should go out of their way to meet these guests and give them a real Antiguan experience. That is what I believe will do more positive promotion for the Island. People are being made tourism ambassador and have not even go out of their way to meet the guests of this Island. Stanford has started a cricket hall of fame and we have not taken that up and run with it. But we have the world most renowned cricketer, our only living legend and we do nothing to market or promote that. You would not even know if you were a tourist not in to cricket and visited Antigua. We do not even make it a mecca for cricket worshippers. All we promote is that we have 365 beaches. Yeah that’s it. If you can find them! Anyway I hope one day our politicians start seeing us as their bosses the people who put them there and come to us on issues that concerns us all. And not only come to use when it concerns them to be re-elected.

**Smart One** » 2011-06-14 23:13

No I am for development but there must be a balance. When you travel to the other island and talk to St. Lucians and Barbadians and others who have sold their patrimony you realize that it might be good in the short term but the country on the whole is going in to modern slavery for just a few bucks. Without a vision the people parish. That is why leaders like VC Bird are rare. They have vision and investors respect that in the long run. Remember the Mill Reef Club. Nowadays politicians are being bought for less than 30 silver dollars. And investors know that. The expansion of Sandals Grand Antigua didn’t happen without some sacrifices. We just don’t know the detail. But many could tell you that there is very little trickledown effect coming from Sandals. Safe from the salaries the hard working staff can enjoy. But then business is business and Butch is a good businessman. He takes care of his business being awarded year after year the best honeymoon hotel in the world.

**Smart One** » 2011-06-14 23:12

It is sad that with so little information we are able to generate so many comments. This I guess it what happened when you want to feel the pulse of public opinion. The government could be more transparent and come first to the people of the constituency and discuss this project with them. But they first look to secure the deal with Butch, who act the same way as someone we use to have here before. Mr. R. Allen Stanford. Either my way or no deal. We remember the ultimatum given to the government. It must be the thing with investors. They realize that we are the beggars and they are the choosers. But funny how the table has turned! Remember Guiana Island, Carlisle Bay, and even The Verandah got some critique. The then opposition protested against every project coming to our shores and yes the then government did not do a good job either in coming first to the people to sell the projects. They first do their wheeling and dealing. Putting the cart before the horse.

**tenman** » 2011-06-14 20:37

Observer Overseas I agree with you, well said
..

**Observer Overseas** » 2011-06-14 20:22

I am amazed at the range of opinions being expressed - for and against -without any details about the project. I am not aware of any drawings being released or details plans made public. So I am not sure what the debate is about. How can anyone be in favor of something they know so little about - other then the number of rooms and the number of construction jobs? Likewise, what is the basis of the protest about access and relocation of vendors? Published plans? I don't think so....

This risks of taking strong positions for or against the project this early are:
1. When the facts become known, even if they do not coincide with our initial beliefs, we tend to hold on to our opinions.

2. We expend so much energy debating without the facts that when the details become known, we don't have any energy left and so there is no scrutiny or debate.

Lets save some of our energy for later when we have the facts. What we should be demanding at this stage is information on the project and transparency and openness in the review and approval process, so that the best decision (approval or not) is made.

**Wada** » 2011-06-14 19:23

I really like Buzzbomb's summary of the issue at hand. While I cannot speak to the land ownership in the area, this is yet another conglomerate aiming to capitalise on the all inclusive concept. The developers aim is to ensure that every dollar spent nearby goes into their pockets. Air Jamaica did not work out so it was dumped. @Objectivity, I also am not a violent person but if you need any help tearing down any fences, drop a note here. I am sick and tired of being an Antiguan and being relieved of using MY beaches.

**John French Jr.** » 2011-06-14 17:02

Hmmm, lets hope that the Vendors have taught you a lesson in Civic Pride and what it means to be a National with focus "to increase the economic impact..." just as Sandals' have said. They are prepared to consider appropriate facilities to house the existing Vendors"." A first concession by Sandals in Antigua. The Vendors and Our Laws are working. This has been part of good development by the more forward thinking Developers. Hats off to them. VC is smilling. Keep the Reds and Blues out of this. DCA do your job. Remember the Hood's involvement in the previous ownership prior to the Colonial Privateer. Sandals' statement is very clear as to who their friends are and how far back their relationships go. Friends good marketing is all about building relationships. See the statement for what it is Marketing. The Vendors made this happen. Not the Blues or the Reds. Keep Hope Alive For The Nation of Antigua & Barbuda.

**John French Jr.** » 2011-06-14 16:51

Buzzbomb, May I suggest that you read the Sandal's statement. Their priorities are different to yours. Sandals Resorts International's Strategic Directions are not in sync with Antiguan Sensitivities notwithstanding any protestations to the contrary. Remember **enson Bay. They have presently provided a breakwater which is of little engineering value but which has as its aim the blocking of foot traffic. Sandals has as its modus vivendi and operandi privacy for its guests. Antiguan expect open and unlimited access to the Beach. The issue can be resolved quite easily within the framework of the existing laws, but Privateers will always want it their way.
Keep Hope Alive for the Nation of Antigua & Barbuda. See PT 2

**Buzzbomb** » 2011-06-14 15:08

Most problems have a solution and from what I have gleened, these are the issues:
1) The vendors want to maintain their livelihood.
2) The public requires unfettered access to the beach by law.
3) We need foreign investment and expansion of our tourism product.
4) Butch wants to expand his revenue generating holdings at Long Bay.

I just wanted to spell it out for our government ministers so they can jump on this whenever they return from wherever they are travelling to this week.

**naiomi** » 2011-06-14 13:15

In Jamaica where these hotels are located let me inform Antiguans that Jamaicans cannot use these beaches. I am not saying that a resort cannot be built but ALL ANTIGUANS make sure you have access to long bay, Please let us hold on to our inheritance and prevent the government from selling out our inheritance. I am not living in Antigua so I am depending on those who live there will fight to keep our inheritance. I believe that a meeting should be held with all the stakeholders. Money is not everything.

**curious** » 2011-06-14 12:58

OK, it's been a while, is Mama Pasta where Barrows was, or are there two restaurants on Long Bay now?

**tenman** » 2011-06-14 12:52

Hmmm aren't the owners of mama pasta Antiguan? I know Cecil was born here so I am wondering what he needs to do to become Antiguan?

..

**Dig It** » 2011-06-14 12:37

Southern Beauty, I myself would like to see the actual plan for the expansion. I say this because sometimes not all expansion work for the long term. This is not about being anti-developmen t in no way! It is about the right and wrong way to do things in this country. I do not see the need to remove the vendors and businesses like Mama Pasta, if it is unnecessary to do so! Why not work with them, and not against them? What is the real purpose behind this expansion? Are we going to have access to Long Bay, which is one of my favorite beach? Haven't our fore fathers fought for locals to have access to this beach and others? Why these brutes, who called themselves MPs would want to take us back 50 years, by killing our livelihood and way of life? Wow, look how power really change the mindsets of the very very people that were elected to bring about change? Keep fighting vendors! And remember the "Old Road Fight" in doing so!

**Dig It** » 2011-06-14 12:37

Southern Beauty, I myself would like to see the actual plan for the expansion. I say this because sometimes not all expansion work for the long term. This is not about being anti-developmen t in no way! It is about the right and wrong way to do things in this country. I do not see the need to remove the vendors and businesses like Mama Pasta, if it is unnecessary to do so! Why not work with them, and not against them? What is the real purpose behind this expansion? Are we going to have access to Long Bay, which is one of my favorite beach? Haven't our fore fathers fought for locals to have access to this beach and others? Why these brutes, who called themselves MPs would want to take us back 50 years, by killing our livelihood and way of life? Wow, look how power really change the mindsets of the very very people that were elected to bring about change? Keep fighting vendors! And remember the "Old Road Fight" in doing so!

**Hmmm** » 2011-06-14 12:30

If we would look at it, there is really no land for building as it presently exixt at long Bay. Most of what remains is sand, we saw what happened during Omar where a portion of the road by the round about fell in. My understanding is that the land which is presently occupied by Mama Pasta is the most of the land being earmarked for this project and they have already been offered money for it. Have this prevented anyone from accessing the beach? My point is, that the land is already "private land" and Mama Pasta is not Antiguan owned and they employ no one as Its a husband and wife team. So what are fussing about again?????

**maco** » 2011-06-14 12:04

I think your position is mainly reasonable except that I do not think that the position is just "no". The person in the picture supports the development, at least , that is what he said on the radio but would like it to be done for the mutual benefit of all the stakeholders. It is only natural to expect the vendors to be synical after what has happened with this investor at **enson bay with his integration policy. Remember the glass bottom boat operators. We do not only need jobs we also need to be empowered. There also seems to be some paranoia by "Butsh" with regards to beach users, he just has to overcome that. His development must co-exist with access and use of the beach by locals. Why does he even prpose a development which totally displaces locals(and this is unnecessary)?

**curious** » 2011-06-14 12:03

Is that "Bishop" with Robin in that picture?

**John French II** » 2011-06-14 12:02

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Tenman, Why are we constantly going through this anguish everytime someone wishes to engage in a development on our less than 100 beaches; actually less than 50 given the present level of ownership and development? Brief background for our youth. As a plantation society engaged in agricultural production using free and later cheap labour our development was inland. Beach land was salty and not good agriculutral land, subject to the ravishes of cyclical Hurricane Surges. The Beaches were for fishing, leisure and fun. Hence the infrastucture was developed to inland villages and not the Beaches. Visit any Major Developed or Forward thinking Nation, Waterfront, Beaches are protected and Development is separated by boulevards. We did not. I blame no one. We are a young nation. The Blues and Reds need to observe and improve on the Laws Passed by VC. The DCA needs to be populated with Architects, Engineers and Planners with skills to meet today's global environment. We are being swamped. The Privateers are seeing our weaknesses and profitting from our lack of skills Nuff Said. Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**John French II** » 2011-06-14 11:43

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Tenman, my focus is on the Strategic Development of our Island Nation. The Colonial Privateer does what he must to advance HIS Personal Strategic Plan and Interests. Point Final. The Reds & Blues are entrusted with Advancing The Interest of A Nation of Some 80,000 People and growing on a finite 108 square miles and getting smaller, in Perpetuity. His management model is colonial. Our youth may not know this history. We must educate them whenever we see it raising its ugly head. The Syndicates did it. A few Locals Prospered. The Majority were Non-Nationals. Divide and Conquer. The Hoteliers continue to do it. One "Pickey Head" with a British Accent in St. Lucia **resses my thesis. Check out Grand Bahama Development Ltd and Our Lucaya Resorts. Who now controls Freeport? The Orientals from Hong Kong. Focussing on the short term like PLM will do nothing for the Development of our People, our Human resource and the Nation.
Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**Bartigua1** » 2011-06-14 11:00

Well, all I can say just to take power, people will do anything. When will we put politics on the back burner. The concerns of the people are legit. However, from what I am reading, the protesters are leaving no room for negotiations... .give and take!!! The guy in the picture should stop been a CHEERleader and be a REALleader. The vendors are selling; therefore they need people to buy. The more people you have buying the better your margins. Now the expansion has the potential of bringing more people to the area....more people to buy. Nothing is wrong with that. It is suggested that suitable relocations will be made...negotiat e! Just saying NO! nobody go run me! me nor move! demonstrate grand standing and obstructionism. Things are tuff all over...please seize the opportunities that present themselves. Just be rational!! May god help us to think clearly.

**maco** » 2011-06-14 10:24

Hmmm, your posture is suggesting to me that we are not interested in the development and should embrace this at any cost. The acrage that he owns up there is more than he owns at **enson bay. Why must he preclude local people from benefiting from tourism? We welccome the investment but maintain that our access to the beach and vending rights and the hotel development are not mutually exclusive. All can take place at the same time.

**John French II** » 2011-06-14 09:57

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. This is not my usual modus operandi. Souther Beauty, A very rational and fact based approach. Dani, Platinum, Hmmm, Instant gratification for 30 pieces of silver totally misse** of small Island Nation Development. The "Crab in the Barrel Syndrome" is exactly what the European Privateers wish to have us exhibit so that they may pick us off, pauperize us and enrich themselves as they continue to plunder the Caribbean. Both Reds & Blues have failed in our permanent development. Since Sandals/Beaches is a private company, May I suggest that you do research on the Grand Bahama Development Corporation Ltd which should aid with your understanding of these European Privateers. Atleast the land was leased and returns to the Bahamians. The myth of 365 beaches has dwindled to under 100. Don't forget that we are being ReBranded. Slaves, our forefathers, were branded like animals are today. Wake Up! Wise Up! Heaven Help the Nation of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**tenman** » 2011-06-14 09:39

John French II, as someone who has worked for the man, for probably the first time, I disagree with you. I cannot speak with as much knowledge now, for the local properties, but I know when I was there, there were at least two locals who were executive managers. My understanding is that V. Carlos is still at Sandals Grande and serves on the executive. Admittedly where Antigua is concerned there has never been a local GM or second in command. However there was a Saint Lucian (pickey headed persons with a British accent -Mr. Eaton) who served as GM there.

I do agree with you that the vendors there should not get the shaft and I read today that Stewart plans to ensure this will not happen by building a proper area for them to sell their items. Hopefully the details for this new place will include them being protected in that area.

..

**PLM** » 2011-06-14 09:20

All dem picky head ALP smaddy don ‘poil de beach. Having all these co** obnoxious ALP yard fowls peddling their cheap trinkets on the beach does nothing for our tourism product. The same can be said of the eyesore in St. Johns wid all dem foreigners.

**John French II** » 2011-06-14 08:56

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. We see that the Blues in their rush to improve the financial coffers of the European Buccaneers are willing to sacrifice "Pickey Head People's" Patrimony. Some will argue that Pirate Cassidy is Caribbean. I say the same for Captain Morgan. Don't forget his debacle with Air Jamaica. No Friends. No National Pride. Only Personal Interest. His management model has been fashioned from the colonial model. No local Senior Managers. Ask the question, why is it that we have seen this act before with this same Privateer. His Strategy, Vision, Mission, Cultural Values and Business Model runs counter to Our Values, Legal, Business Model and Strategic Direction. Visit his establishments and experience the site development - gated with no public beach access. The Reds also missed this. On a small Island Nation, 30 years old, with a growing population and finite beach locations, notwithstanding our Brand, 365 Beaches, VC got it right! What has become of the Hon. Min Of Tourism's Rebranding Strategy? Heaven help the Nation of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**John French II** » 2011-06-14 08:47

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Visit any quarter of this globe, mention that you are from Antigua and two things will be said by those with any knowledge of the Island State: "The Beaches"& Sir Viv. "The Father of the Nation" had enshrined his vision of the Beaches in the Planning and Dev Act. Where is the DCA? Strategically he had put in place the Structure, Systems/Process es in place. Unfortunately the Human Resources and Skills have not been developed to maintain the Strategy, Vision & Mission. Heaven Help the Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**Objectivity** » 2011-06-14 08:37

Let me state for the record on this matter. Long Bay is a beach I have been going to for more than thirty years. I picnic there, I go fishing there and take drives to relax and enjoy the environment. I am not a violent person but if any fence, any barricade or obstruction is put on that beach to prevent me a born Antiguan from enjoying it, I personally will break it down, uproot, and cast it away.

My forefathers died to give me this land and no son of a colonial is going to tell me where I can or cannot go. The beach is not his. The UPP government has betrayed the trust of the people by allowing the possibility of the son of a colonial to take our patrimony from from us. Expediency is not always the right choice.

**Hmmm** » 2011-06-14 08:24

A word to Butch!! St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Dominica and any other island in the Caribbean would love the Beaches Brand. Antiguans complain about poor economy and needing jobs but they protest because a few vendors may be required to relocate their booth someplace else. Even further Butch, close Pineapple Beach for 6 months of the year because you are not making enough money and we will see how these same vendors sell their t-shirts.

**Platinum** » 2011-06-14 08:09

Hey Butch, in this economic climate there're any number of islands that don't have 366 beaches and would welcome this development. If these folks want to play politics over this issue I'm sure you know what to do. Ironically they are the same ones who will turn around and blame the government for the lack of investment.

**Southern Beauty** » 2011-06-14 07:53

Caribarena, if possible, please try to get a copy of the actual plan and the current lay out, so more informed opinions can be developed. Also, shouldn't there be a meeting held with residents and representatives from the company, the DCA and EPA for focused discussion?

**Dani** » 2011-06-14 06:51

The vendors did not really go and involve the hotel guests in this situation. Please tell me they did not. THAT is reason for the to relocate.

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