The Caribbean in sight, sound, soul and speed

by Bevan Springer
New York Amsterdam News



Recently, I traveled to a beautiful island, the City of Brotherly Love and back to a number of inspiring events in two of New York City's boroughs. It was a seven-day trip which reinforced my belief in the Caribbean and its endless capacity to inspire.

First, it was to the azure waters of the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda for sailing week activities with some newly found media colleagues from the US and the UK. The non-stop Continental Airlines flight from its New Jersey hub at Newark was a breeze.

I have visited Antigua, which boasts 365 beaches, several times since I was a young lad: on national duty as a tennis player, the past decade to produce a media conference, last December to try out Caribbean Airlines' new nonstop service from JFK Airport, and even to enjoy its alluring summer carnival.

This time, I gained an even greater appreciation for the twin islands' strength as a Caribbean tourism player.

I was particularly impressed with its beautiful, pristine environment and the quality of accommodations on island. And, there are some very attractive properties, including the four-star Blue Waters Antigua and Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa in the north, and the well appointed Sugar Ridge boutique hotel on the southwest coast of the island.

Antigua and Barbuda has so much to offer, at surprisingly affordable rates and truly deserves a more aggressive marketing charge across the globe.

Unfortunately, my Caribbean jaunt was short-lived and before I knew it I was deplaning a jet plane in Newark and driving to Philadelphia for the historic Penn Relays where many an athletic star is born.

The Caribbean spirit was strong at this meet thanks to the thousands of Jamaicans who assembled to cheer on their athletes. Other Caribbean nations such as the Bahamas, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago also took to the track, and plenty of praise must be showered on the Caribbean companies who sponsored their athletes.

That same evening, the Spanish Caribbean was the focus at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Jamaica, Queens where Xiomara Laugart, the Afro-Cuban vocalist gave a memorable performance. Patrons enjoyed her sultry tones and the band's pulsating Caribbean rhythms generated welcome warmth on a cool April evening.

Following an inspiring church service in Brooklyn on Sunday morning, I attended an event hosted by Country Team Barbados at the Sheraton in Brooklyn (who knew there was a Sheraton in Brooklyn?) in support of athletes from three Barbadian high schools which participated at the Penn Relays.

Even though the Bajans did not return with any medals, I was heartened to learn that two female athletes from my Barbadian alma mater, the St Michael School, performed so well they were offered athletic scholarships.

From Antigua to Philadelphia to Queens and Brooklyn, the Caribbean has so much to be proud of, and I am thankful to carry on witnessing the beauty and excellence of our region in sight, sound, soul and speed.

May 11, 2011

caribbeannewsnow

Bahamas Blog International

Antigua and Barbuda: Wrong track, wrong direction

Wrong track, wrong direction
by Dr Isaac Newton:


I read Peter Richards’ article ‘Antigua Threatens Sanctions Against the United States’ on Caribarena’s online news with intense interest. I distilled that PM Spencer is expressing a certain brand of ‘righteous anger’ over the United States’ (US) refusal to settle the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling with Antigua and Barbuda (A&B).

Spencer typically dwells on the egregious effect that the United States’ behavior has had on A&B’s economy. But he gives few considerations and realistic proposals of improving relations with the US. It is reasonable however, that Spencer should advocate that the US should respect voluntary codes of conduct consistent with international rules governing the WTO.

Amongst a thousand reasons, Spencer has one motivation to improve relations with the US. That is, A&B carriers the towering presence of Mount Obama—its highest peak, a tribute paid to President Obama by Spencer himself.

Overshadowed by years of failed negotiations, Spencer has arrived at a formidable impediment. He realizes that as a super power, the US is determined to protect its national interests with little regard for international monitoring and compliance verification of the WTO. The PM now is considering the option of imposing sanctions against the US.

The rational for Spencer’s decision is that the US has sustained its position through a prolonged process of sidestepping that offsets the nation’s progress, tantamount to abusing a small island state. There may be other complexities involved.

Yet, it is a discerning leader indeed who can make a wise choice between the ethics of a little axe cutting down a big tree, and the geo-politics of a M1A1 Abrams’ tank crushing a small rose.

Spencer’s decision is further compounded by a dangling political future at home. He awaits the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeals’ decision, and within a month may be compelled to go back to the polls with the likelihood of descending into the valley of the shadow of death.

Adding more pepper to the stew, the PM is currently presiding over a deadbeat economy--- which is fundamentally dictated by IMF’s dominant interests. The prevailing mood amongst a vast sector of the population suggests a general exodus. Sensing his tenure is on the brink, and that voters believe his leadership amounts to a travesty of public service, Spencer seems trapped between getting results and the dramatics of appearing tough. Folkloric wisdom cautions, “You don’t cut off your nose to fix your face.”

In this context, imposing sanctions against the US invites a yawn and a smile. It also represents a public autopsy that Spencer is unable to handle the uncertainty of his office with keen thoughtfulness. Perhaps the PM may prove naysayers wrong, but to date, he has not gotten his leadership act together fast enough to reach expected potential.

At best, sanctions against the US may evoke symbolic sympathy from Caricom as well as some members of the international community. I cannot see any benefits whatsoever, bestowed to A&B, anytime in our preferred future. A&B cannot afford to erode its hemispheric relations with and economic ties to the US.

Perhaps Spencer should consider the possibility of another attempt at soft negotiations, even if in the past, this strategy might have been met with subtle but fierce resistance. It is quite possible that the road to effective diplomacy supported by patience, fresh eyes, and a philosophy of finding common ground, can effect flourishing change.

What the PM needs right now is a strategic intelligence pathway that produces a win-win for Antigua and Barbuda and the US. But this requires possibility thinking that does not align with Spencer’s natural mode of political miscalculations.

Seen through critical lens, Spencer has become a captive to the dogma that desperate times call for desperate measures. But the pragmatics of this strategy applied to the WTO’s case, will not yield financial reward or diplomatic right-thinking. Both of these ingredients are needed for the country’s long-term prosperity.

Although I have completely given up on Spencer’s leadership credentials to turn the ship of state in the right direction, the nation needs well-practiced operational-skills to address this matter. But Spencer will have to ignore his string of advisors, whose failed ideas are now brilliantly evident in the trademark of colossal failures, intrinsic to his administration.

Mired in high-stakes politics where perceptions of eroding ethics and unfair treatment intersect to destroy democratic values and international trust, Spencer should see by some force of miraculous intervention, that evoking sanctions against the US, will not guarantee our national successes or lessen our regional challenges.

Ultimately, the PM can not afford to pretend to operate in a vacuum. Should he move towards sanctions, he will induce an aberration, far too costly for our nation to bear. Sanctions would not hurt the US. At best, influential countries, whose economies are linked to Wall Street, may frown at United States’ non-compliance posture. And nothing will happen, except that A&B will feel untold pain.

I hope Spencer will reconsider his odd temptation, and push the envelope in the pursuit of doing what is right for A&B. Or he will continue on the wrong track--- heading farther in the wrong direction.

July 8, 2010

caribbeannetnews

Caribbean Blog International

Spotlight on three CARICOM countries

By Oscar Ramjeet:


There is uncertainty about the future of three Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries and the media is focusing its attention on these countries and will no doubt continue to do so until there is a resolution.

Top of the list is Antigua and Barbuda, which is still being governed by Baldwin Spencer, although his United People's Party (UPP) controls only six of the 14 seats, but is getting the backing of the Barbuda's elected representative to make it a total of seven, while the Opposition Antigua Labour Party under the leadership of former Prime Minister, Lester Bird, controls seven seats.

The situation is a delicate one following a court ruling two Fridays ago when a High Court judge ruled that there were breaches in the process of the last general election, mainly late opening of the polls, and declared vacant three seats held by three top members of the governing UPP, including the Prime Minister Spencer's seat, and Ministers John Maginley, and Jacqui Quinn Leandro.

After the court ruling, the UPP moved to stay the court order, which was granted by another judge, and later filed an appeal against the ruling of High Court Judge Blenman.

The stay was granted until Friday April 16, when the opposition ALP members can object to the stay of execution.

Meanwhile, Spencer said that his government is still in command of the affairs of the country and that there was no constitutional crisis.

Over in Dominica, the opposition United Workers Party (UWP), which gained three of the 21 seats in Parliament, is boycotting Parliament, contending that there were gross irregularities and the December 18 election was fraudulent.

So far, the UWP has refused to attend two sittings and if they miss the third, the seats can become vacant. But the leader of the UWP Ron Green said that he and the other two elected members, former Prime Minister Edison James, and Hector John, have no intention to attend Parliament until there is electoral reform.

Dominicans, as well as residents of other CARICOM countries, are anxious to see the outcome of the impasse.

Last Friday, the spotlight shifted to the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, when Prime Minister Patrick Manning advised President Maxwell Richards to dissolve Parliament to pave way for general elections. Although he has not announced a date, it is almost certain it would be held next month.

Manning no doubt decided to call a snap election because he is losing popularity following reports of corruption and maladministration, and plans for the two opposition parties, the United National Congress (UNC) under the new leadership of Kamla Persad Bissessar, a former attorney general and the breakaway Congress of the People (COP) led by university professor, Winston Dookeran, to merge.

Reports from Port of Spain state that there are problems for the merger and last Friday the Deputy Leader of the COP, Devant Maharaj, tendered his resignation because he said that" inflammatory and decisive statements were made by party members against the unification process."

Meanwhile, the governing People's National Movement (PNM) has accelerated its campaign and it is reported that the party intends to spent $150 million in its campaign. The money will be spent for T shirts, slogans, rental of vehicles, entertainers. and to pay full time campaign workers.

Some commentators feel that Manning is taking a serious gamble to call elections so early -- just half way his term -- and there might be a repetition of 1995 when he lost a snap election. However, if the opposition parties fail to merge, I have no doubt that the PNM will return to office.

April 14, 2010

caribbeannetnews

Bahamas Blog International