Caribarena Antigua The Best Caribbean News Portal

**John French II** » 2011-07-02 22:22

Thanks for always providing the correct link. For some unknown reason my urls always have some missing piece. I shall say no more.
Best Regards.

**George LB Bird** » 2011-07-01 21:25

We will see if the people let Butch Stewart give them a kung-fu kick off Long Bay. This is not about the vendors ONLY!!! Anyone who frequents or even been to Long Bay will tell you that the spot directly infront of the vendors is the best spot on the beach. And if you take away that spot the beach becomes very small. This is clearly an ignorant agressive move to eventually huff the beach for his Beaches Resort. Why would they need right there with so much land to the west available??? I don't understand why after 30 years of so called independance we are still letting "other people" dictate to us their "vision" of how Antigua and Barbuda should look. When Antigua was in it's tourism glory days Halcyon was the hot spot and King Short Shirts bar was the perfect example of how tourist and locals could of interacted and both enjoy the beaches "AND BARS/RESTAURANT S TOGETHER". It was locally owned with lots of local pictures and memorabilia squattered around in it. Now Halcyon is full of ALL-INCLUSIVES and locals can only enjoy the beach and their is no "culture exchange" like when our local Monarch King Short Shirt had his tourism vision there. Now it's Stewart's vision there!!!

**ipponupp** » 2011-07-01 19:50

To the vendors more power to you. Please let the public know when is the next picket so we can come out and support your cause. Its time all Antigua take a stand and stop being afraid of a back-back government.

**John French II** » 2011-07-01 19:37

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. If you see the Plans, what will it say to you? Maybe the Vendors have new updated digs. They will not have access to the Beach. Will the Privateer share his Strategic and Business Plan/ Not A Chance. You Know the Vision of Beaches and the Value Proposition they make to their Guests/Clients/ Customers/Touri sts. It is not Congruent with the Activities of the Vendors plying their trade on the Beach. Never forget **enson Bay! When you are down and out, Colonial Privateers a la the Developer go for the Jugular.
Many Men, many, many, many, many men want me "PPickey Head People" dead. Don't cry to the Sky no mo! The Creator Helps those who help Themselves. Forget FDI and The Bretton Woods Bandits. Heaven Help The Nation of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**VeNoM** » 2011-07-01 19:27

Perplexed, why do u feel the need to defend? You mentioned your neighbour- one person out of hundreds. I wonder how many, of the others, do as your neighbour does. I wonder, even more, if on occations; when they gross more than the minimum taxable amount, if the "render unto Caesar." I dont know if you neighbour shows you his/her "books" but there're vendors, on occasions, make thousands monthly. I have one such vendor, in my family. Besides, we all know the vast majority of self employed persons, in Antigua, do not pay statutory/ABST. This only, makes the woes of MBS, SS & the country worse, as many of them still reap the benefits others pay for. My stance, therefore, stands: they, as well as all other self employed persons, should be brought into the tax net. I just cant see them protesting & blocking development-tho ugh i agree in principle with the protest-when they are just sucking the country's blood & giving nothing back!

**tenman** » 2011-07-01 19:16

John, will take a read. The url is online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304314404576413984028888352.html. The link you provided is missing "52.html"

..

**John French II** » 2011-07-01 19:01

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. That we continue to grapple with every Tourism and Hospitality Development and lurch from one position to another brings these lyrics to mind. I shall not give the author lest we pay attention to the artist and not the intent and spirit of this chorus and song: "Many men, many, many, many,many men wish death 'pon me. Lord I don't cryno more. Don't look to the Sky no more. Have Mercy on Me". Many of our Young know these lyrics. Here is something which I found in the Wall Street Journal today. "The Fall of The House OF Kluge Leads to the Rise of The Yard of Trump. - The Donald Snaps Up Lawn, Driveway of Foreclosed Manse; Bank is Not Amused. See the URL
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304314404576413984028888352.html For those who do not understand Colonial Bucaneerss who go for the jugular when you are down and out, I hope that your reading of the article has shed some light on our plight. "Don't Look to the Sky No More." Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**John French II** » 2011-07-01 18:36

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Friends, Ouadadlians, CountryWomen/Me n, Rastas, "Pickey Head People" Come Now, Let Us Reason Together. But before we do, revisit "Release The Hounds" an order which many of our young are fully cognizant of. For those less fortunate who have not seen the Simpsons and know not of Mr. Burns See the URL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Burns This should set the tone and provide context to what will follow in the other comments.
May Heaven Help The Nation Of Antigua & Barbuda - Redonda?

**Cool Ruler** » 2011-07-01 16:46

Tenman why are you pulling a redherring across the trail? The matter of the ministry of sports is not relavent to this. If an agreement in principle do exist for the proposed development that doesn't negate the requirements of DCA approval ect, any agreement in Principe may be subject to the very DCA approval along with an environmental Impact study. I am sure when the time is right all will be revealed and the public fully informed

**Buzzbomb** » 2011-07-01 16:10

Like any other country in the world, we need foreign investment. We also need regulation in the public interest.
Antigua & Barbuda is on the ropes economically let alone under IMF pressure as wealthy corporate vultures circle to cut a deal in their own best interest. You have to admit, they have the timing in their favour. It’s also a time when we need representation of the citrizenry.
The government should simply set the criteria for coastal resort development in the nation. If the policy is to demand proper set-backs, to protect environmental concerns, ensure locals have unlimited access to the beach and that local merchants be allowed to sell goods for their livelihood… Great it’s a win-win….If not, so be it, and we know your stance. Less drama every time!
So why don’t the elected officials just set a clear policy for our nation; and be done with this reoccurring problem on every beachfront resort development and stop trying to cut deals on the side?

**rupert** » 2011-07-01 16:07

How can any one prevent a hundred million dollar project that is going to employ some three to five hundred people in and out of the construction phase and beyond to placate four or five vendors who can be relocated to another spot and still make a living, is every proposed development not good for the country, we complain that there is no work and now work is on the way we dont want it, one last question how much money are they contributing to the taxbase of the country.

**tenman** » 2011-07-01 16:02

Cool Ruler if there is already "an agreement in principle" what details would he need before he could go and meet with the vendors to allay their fears? Your very suggestion that such an agreement exists, shows Lovell out to be a liar, because how can there be such an agreement if they had not worked out the issues of the vendors? I recall it being stated that major projects of that kind, before being approved, that the community must have a say, has that changed Ruler? I guess it was such agreements in principles why it was felt during the projects handed out by Ministry of Sports, that a building worth 8.6 million did not need DCA approval. Next time I plan to build a home or such, lets see what happens if I try not to get my drawings approved by DCA, and start construction, because I tell myself I have an agreement in principle with them.

..

**Perplexed** » 2011-07-01 15:24

My neighbor is a vendor at long bay and I know she pays medical benefits and social security.... she is still paying off the loan she had to get in order to purchase the vendor hut. She does not haggle the tourist as she stands on her steps and wait on them to approach her then she gives them the best customer service possible. In terms of ABST I am not sure how that works but if she is willing to pay the other two along with what ever is required she does so. I do not understand where you think these people pocket all the monies they earn from sales.

**A Stitch in Time** » 2011-07-01 13:36

Mr. Butch Stewart could find all these millions of dollars to build/expand another hotel, but couldn't pay his bills at Sandals which were written off by government?
The vendors are very annoying, yes, but this is their revenue. They ply their trade and ha** the tourists, but this is their revenue.
A compromise could be reached between the developer and the vendors. The developer should have approached them before any decisions were made. Once again, egos did the talking. The Minister in charge is talking hog wash; as usual (like the rest of his mates) trying to make us believe that he hasn't seen the plans. Yea, right. The usual ploy: act dumb (they do a good job at that!) and pretend you don't know a thing.
The law as far as I know says that beaches are public, so what makes Long Bay different to any other beach on the island?
I hope that the vendors stick to their guns and I also hope that a win-win solution can happen between the haves and the have-nots.

**VeNoM** » 2011-07-01 12:59

I agree with the vendors, in principle. However, i wonder if they would mind if they are allowed to stay put, while being brought into the tax net; at the same time. Of course,where it can be proven their revenues fall within taxable amounts.

**S.James Sr.** » 2011-07-01 12:55

I am in full support of anything that will benefit the people and nation of Antigua & Barbuda. With regards to the Long Bay project and also more recently the Rendezvous Bay project, I think the vendors and the Prime Minister and his cabinet need to have a very serious meeting concerning these 2 very important projects. I beleive that both parties should be able to compromise and make the best decision for the nation especailly in these tough global economic times. We have a responsibility to the youths of our nation and we should do our best to leave the nation in their hands in the best position we possibly can. Personally, I believe we should welcome both projects to the nation and still be able to accomodate the vendors plying their trade as well as locals still having access to all beaches on both islands. These investments should not be turned away simply because of which party one belongs to or for any other personal reason for that matter. These investments bring jobs to our people, positively impacting our tourism industry and in essence will pump a much needed revenue back into the economy of Antigua & Barbuda.

**A Stitch in Time** » 2011-07-01 12:52

Mr Butch Stewart could find all these millions of dollars to build/expand another hotel, but couldn't pay his bills at Sandals which were written off by government?
The vendors are very annoying, yes, but this is their revenue. They ply their trade and ha** the tourists, but this is their revenue.
A compromise could be reached between the developer and the vendors. The developer should have approached them before any decisions were made. Once again, egos talk. The Minister in charge is talking hog wash, as usual (like the rest of his mates) trying to make us believe that he hasn't seen the plans. Yea, right. The usual ploy: act dumb (they do a good job at that!) and pretend you don't know a thing.
The law as far as I know says that beaches are public, so what makes Long Bay different to any other beach on the island?
I hope that the vendors stick to their guns and I also hope that a win-win solution can happen between the haves and the have-nots.

**Cool Ruler** » 2011-07-01 12:44

Some of you bright people act like you never heard of the term "agreement in Principe" agreeing with something in Principe does not mean its written in stone or that once the full plans are presented changes cannot be made or agreed to, I suspect some of you know this but like to play politics with everythingthe government does yet these are the same persons who want the government to slash the work force pronto.

**Dig It** » 2011-07-01 12:32

TheStanfordAlli ance, thanks for the video!!! That was really fuuuunny watch Senator Fence! LOL. Love this one! Yes, For The First Time In A Long Time, we have a Finance Minister who failed to properly launch a investigation in 43 to 60 million dollars of fencing contracts! Nowadays, you can't even trust Lovell's wordss!

**Dig It** » 2011-07-01 12:20

Tenman, first of all, welcome back to the forum! I am sure all of us want the best for the Pineaplle Resort to expand its hotel, just not at the cost of the people of this country! Protecting the vendors livelihood and the public's access to Long Bay should be first priority! I find it very funny that Lovell all of a sudden wants to meet with the vendors when "we have some basic drawings to show," which is questionable (they have the drawings, don't let them fool you)! This is the same Lovell, along with Brother B, who told the owner of Mama Pasta at Long Bay that "she had to move." At this point, Lovell and the government is vulnerable, and would do anything developer Butch Stewart said! if Stewart really have the people of Antigua at heart with this expansion, he should work with us, and threatening to take the project to other islands!

**Good Job Bob** » 2011-07-01 12:05

The first sentence says "no retreat, no surrender", yet when cautioned by a cop, they retreated.

That phrase "no retreat, no surrender" means you're willing to die for your cause. This bunch (hardly a "mob"), isn't willing to risk a disorderly conduct ticket!

**tenman** » 2011-07-01 11:14

fnpsr all is well. I felt the need to take a break from posting. During that time I enjoyed reading your posts, because you brought a lot of clarity to many of the discussions, especially the last report on EuroMoney.

..

**fnpsr** » 2011-07-01 10:59

Tenman, Welcome back to the debate. Over the past several days, there were several isuuses which I would have loved to have your input. I hope all is well!

**Hot Sauce** » 2011-07-01 10:30

Interesting video made by TheStanfordAlli ance

LOL @ the sound of the buzzer going off at the sound of each LIE!!! :lol:

"Arl the Bird people go first" ~Mr.Season Rice

**tenman** » 2011-07-01 09:27

in a recent article in the daily observer (http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=60651) , the finance minister is noted as saying that he will speak to the vendors again when he obtains details on Mr. stewart's plans. He stated that he expects his fact finding mission to take no more than 2 weeks. How can the government approve this project when they have not obtained the details?

..

**Skyewill** » 2011-07-01 09:15

According to Mr. Yearwood, When the UPP was in opposition they protested the sale of the beach or the prohibition of use by Antiguans. This is a good example of how one day when it in your favor to do something it's a good idea but now the shoe is on the other foot it a bad idea. The vendors should be included in the plans and the government, the hotel owners and the vendors should sit and figure ourt a plan to include the vendors. This should have been doin from the start (hindsight) Is it because these are they are poor black people that they don't deserve respect from our elitists government or the rich high browers? After My injuries and I almost lost my life I came to a realization that money is not everything all men die and end up in the ground no matter who they are. I truly believe thes people are fighting for Antigua's Future and the future of Antiguan childrens in more ways than one. Would you sell that for 100,000,000? More than ever we need a mix of industries on a 108 square miles so we don't have to compromise our people for money.

**Perplexed** » 2011-07-01 08:47

You seem to have believed the lie that we hae 365 beaches. For the record it is not true, it was a tourism gimmick..... a catch phrase. It appears that you do not understand the fight or you just do not care.... no one is saying that butch stewart cannot build, in fact he has 26 acres he can expand, the beach is ours not tourists alone..... long bay is a small beach but we can all share it. Or are they saying that black people cannot bathe in the same waters as tourists? I guess its time we find another industry to make money as the competition for tourists is extremely high with Cuba and other islands ramping their bid in this industry. While I agree the Beaches model is a successful model, we have laws and the law says that the beach belong to we.

**TheStanfordAlliance** » 2011-07-01 08:46

Why are the U.P.P trying to sell off land that is part of the National Parks anyway?

Then when they get caught in the act, their response is that, people should not make noise about it because the deal has not yet gone through. Seemingly people are to wait until the horse has already bolted from the stable before they close the door.

More Government deception will likely be the order of the day.

**lethal.** » 2011-07-01 07:41

antigua people open your eyes please. this sore cannot be cured. you have elected a gov't that cares only about themselves. they only care about fattening their fat pockets. all ministers are the same, selfish and greedy. its called lying and getting easy money. they promise and never fulfill, but the LORD awaits them with a smile.

**HTH Peppersauce** » 2011-07-01 07:15

Is this development any different than any of the other hotels currently occupying beach front land? Do we expect the hotels to be built in Potters, or maybe Gray's Farm? People, give your head a shake!! This island was built on tourism. We have no manufacturing sector to speak of, no mining, no forestry, nothing but tourism. Everything the residents of this island have, the VAST majority of it is a result of tourism. And tourists, typically, come here for our beaches. We can't build hotels inland. Jolly Beach, Hawksbill, Sandals, Blue Waters, Galley Bay, all on beaches. Is this the last unoccupied beach on the island. We can't enjoy any of the other HUNDREDS of beaches?? Really??

At a time when many of our residents are going to bed hungry, and wondering how they will pay the electricity bill, why are we trying to scare away one of the very few investors who are going to help the island. Why are we letting a handful of squatters, who have cobbled together rickety shacks on the beach for commercial purposes, tell us it is wrong to build on the beach for commercial purposes.

I just don't get it.

**HTH Peppersauce** » 2011-07-01 07:14

I've heard people say that they shouldn't be allowed to build these rooms, when there are other hotels that can't fill the rooms they already have. This is INSANE. They seem to think there are only so many people who are able to come to Antigua, and we are already capturing 100% of the available people. Just because other hotels sit on their hands, hoping people find their way to us, Sandals is going to spend the millions needed to convince travel agents that they should send their clients here. Judging by Sandals' occupancy rates, this seems to work pretty well. At least it works better than the current hoteliers system of sitting around complaining that the government needs to spend money to get people into their hotels.

These beach-vending morons are trying to scare away, a $100 million cash injection at a time when our island needs it more than ever

**HTH Peppersauce** » 2011-07-01 07:13

I just want to confirm that I am understanding this correctly.

$100 Million development - Bad.
$5,000 Clapboard shacks to sell foreign, trinkety garbage - Good.

What is the difference? They are both commercial ventures occupying beach space. They are both privately held entities. I guess there are a few differences. The clapboard shacks pay nothing to the country. I doubt very much they are ABST registered. They pay no rent. They contribute absolutely nothing to our floundering economy. On the other hand, Butch and his group are first class marketers, who know how to fill their hotels. They get people to our island, who pay departure taxes, take taxi rides, eat at our restaurants, shop in town. Some of them might like what we have to offer, and actually decide to buy some land here and build a vacation home. More jobs, more import duties, etc.

**Jail Bird** » 2011-07-01 03:39

The writer of this article could not have made a better description of the protestors by calling them a "mob". By the way what the PM has to say about this. When will he ever speak about issues relating to Antigua and Barbuda. Is it a case that we have been forgotten by him and that he only comments about what happens in China, Venezuela, North Korea and Burma.

Title	Answers
How do you keep people safe and seen on your roads at night?	0
what kind of plants do giant african snails affect?	0
wat are the names of plant pests in antigua?	0
how can i get in touch with musicians to start a new touring reggae band in antigua	2
who agrees that the government should pay the school teaches and improve the libraries instead of buying school students expensive tablets	1

Title	Answers	Hits
Was there a police report filed by Royal Caribbean Vision of the seas for the man, wife and 11 yr old child removed from the ship on December 20th, 2012 ? He allegedly attacked a man with a service dog on the ship and was set on the dock that day with hi	0	28708
PWD in shambles, what is the purpose of their position? I'm tired of these people in the dept who jsut come eac day to make you feel uncomfortable because of their miserable lives. someone needs to look into this.	0	14596
What is the world's largest airline?	2	5303
What is the amount ZDK owes for electricity ?	1	3647
any audio or video of Minister Farrakhan speech at the Multi-purpose Centre?	1	3563

33 Comments In This Article

Add comment

Follow us on Facebook

Popular Questions

Ask Your Question

Spotlight on Entertainment

Latest Hotel News

Most Read This Month in Tourism

Search Directory

Directory Listings

App

CARIBARENA