Antigua business focus 65 web by Regional Publications

The quarterly magazine for decision makers

No.65 â&#x20AC;¢ Oct-Dec 2017

ACY LIVES ON G E L THE

V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

THE POWER IS IN

THE PALM OF YOUR HAND ANTIGUA YELLO

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No. 65

BF Oct - Dec 2017

CONTENTS FEATURE 23.

KENNEDY’S CLUB — THE LEGACY LIVES ON

REGULARS 04.

Editor’s Focus

06.

Business Briefs

10.

W hen It Comes To Governance, Size Does Matter! (And Bigger Is Not Always Better!)

BUSINESS TECH 12. Internet Registry Strengthens Commitment to Caribbean with New Outreach Liaison Appointment 13. Field trial of LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) technology in Antigua & Barbuda, Sets Groundwork for Next Generation of Transformative Technologies 14. Local Stakeholders Receive Labour Market Information System Statistical Software Training 16. Implementation of an E-Litigation Portal for Courts in the Eastern Caribbean TOURISM FOCUS 17. Antigua & Barbuda Hotel Stakeholders Impressed with Marketing Strategy of Tourism Authority 18. H eritage Maps of Antigua & Barbuda 20. Antigua & Barbuda See a Spike in Booking following UK Consumer Campaign 21. S unwing Travel Assumes Ownership of Jolly Beach Resort MONEY MATTERS 54. A Glimpse of 9th Annual AML/CFT, AntiFraud & Financial Crimes Conference 2017 Hosted by KAW Management Services Ltd. 56. Making Your Credit Card Work for You Part II 58. Building Wealth Requires Budgeting 60. Negotiating Your Salary

62. 63.

Why Cryptocurrency Could Soon Become

Big News in the Caribbean W hat are the Benefits of Managing Finances Intelligently?

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS 64. Protecting your Tangible and Intangible Property 68. Trade, investment and projects from China generate 1.8 Million Jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean 70. O n Building Regulations 71. C alvin Ayre appointed as Economic Envoy for Technology Development 72. V enezuela Donates US $1Million to Hurricane Relief Efforts in Barbuda 74.

BUSINESS FOCUS MUST READS:

The Road to Exemplary Leadership

IN THE KNOW 76. Speaking Frankly — Understanding the Design Process 78. How Can You Develop Yourself Without Training? Coaching! 80. O ptimist Club of St. John’s — 25 years and counting 82. New Antigua Toastmasters Executive Sworn In 83. Caribbean Telecommunications Union seeks Strategic Partnership for Caribbean Video Assistance Service 84. P romoting Organizational Health HEALTH & WELLNESS 86. Local Pharmacist receives Major Award 87. Jamaican Scientist’s Marijuana-based Anticancer Drug Approved by FDA 88. Common Types of Pain 90. Five Health Benefits of Going Vegan, according to Science YOUTH FOCUS 92. 2 017 Recipients of the Louis H. Lockhart Scholarship and the Bursary Award 93. Introducing Prodigii Concepts – Where intelligence meets creativity 94. E ric Emmanuel Joseph Jr. Named Top CSEC Student for 2017 95. Marketing Edge Announces 2017 Collegiate Echo Winners

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS 96. ‘Make The Switch and Avoid The Risk’ — First Stage of Styrofoam Ban Now in Effect 97. CARICOM Closer to Developing Regulations to Improve Energy Performance in Buildings 98. Climate Change in the Caribbean - Why We Should Make it Our Business 100.

Events

102.

Major Moves

106.

New Company Registration

108.

Advertiser's Index

CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND OPENING DOORS TO OPPORTUNITY!

The rebuilding process is now the focus and the commitment by investors to rebuild Barbuda is an admirable gesture. The people of our islands are resilient and they continue to respond when faced with adversity. We need to continue to support each other in these trying situations. Our Special Feature in this Issue is on the Francis family – the owners and operators of Kennedy’s Club and associated businesses. Founded and led by Mr. and Mrs. Francis, they have grown an entity which has survived and thrived against the odds and upheavals in the business world of Antigua.

LOKESH SINGH Publisher/Managing Editor

The month of September 2017 will go down as the most disastrous month of the annual Hurricane Season on record with the passage of two Category 5 Hurricanes and the unbelievable devastation of Barbuda and our sister islands of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Dominica and St Maarten. Sadly, Barbuda became uninhabitable and all the residents have had to be resettled in Antigua which thankfully, was twice spared the wrath and destruction of these two monster storms. The leadership and mobilization of people and resources led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Government prior to and after the storms was most admirable. The early and advance preparations mandated by Government averted the risk of catastrophic damages in Antigua. The Prime Minister’s call for support from the local and international community including the Diaspora to house the Barbudans and provide financial and technical support in the rebuilding process has attracted positive responses.

Two simple people with a mission to build a business through vision, opportunity and hard work have employed some special skills and approaches which are well worth emulating. They have built the Kennedy’s Group into a thriving family business and their legacy is guaranteed through the involvement of their children who have all become experienced professionals and leaders of the various businesses and divisions. It is, however, the approach of the Matriarch of the family, familiarly referred to as Mommy Gen which needs to be brought into focus. Having grown up as a caring individual, she shared her good fortune with the less fortunate in Antigua and in the process created an extended family who have benefitted from her nurturing and guidance with many of them being integrated into the employment of the Kennedy’s Group. She has been recognized across Antigua for her caring and support and has been duly awarded by the Government of Antigua for her magnanimous efforts. Her legacy continues to be embodied in the leadership of the Kennedy’s Group and we wish them every success as they celebrate their 55th Anniversary and in the years ahead.

BUSINESSFOCUS

Business Focus magazine is published quarterly by Regional Publications Ltd (RPL) in Antigua and Barbuda. PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR: Lokesh Singh EDITOR: Alicia Ward • Ashwini Singh ADVERTISING SALES: Ann-Maria Marshall • Evol DeSouza Shari Dickenson-Matthew • Jackie Charles COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Kennedy’s Enterprises Ltd. PHOTOGRAPHY: Kennedy’s Enterprises Ltd. • OBMI Gemma Hazelwood EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Alicia Ward • Alison Charles • Optimist Club of St. John’s • Carel Hodge • Dr. Chris Bart • Jason Edmund • Antigua Toastmaster’s Club • Janice Sutherland • Julianne Jarvis • KAW Management Services Ltd. • Kennedy’s Enterprises Ltd. • Latoya Letlow • Lyndell Halliday • Dr. Marlene Joseph • Melissa Sebastien • The Ministry of Health & the Environment • The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety & Labour • The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy • OBMI Regional Publications Ltd Bryson’s Office Complex, Friars Hill Road, P.O. Box 180, Suite #5A,St.John’s, Antigua + 1 -268- 462- 7680 Email: sales@regionalpub.com Website: www.businessfocusantigua.com Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialised fields or areas of interest. Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication. ON THE COVER: Kennedy’s club THE legacy lives on The quarterly magazine for decision makers

No.65 • Oct-Dec 2017

We hope that you will enjoy reading our Special Feature and all of the other articles as well as explore the possibilities for creating new and expanded business opportunities. Happy Reading. • THE L

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L I V E S ON EGACY

V i s i t U s O n l i n e - w w w. b u s i n e s s f o c u s a n t i g u a . c o m

BUSINESS BRIEFS

BARBUDA FALLS VICTIM TO DISASTER FRAUD

CDB PROVIDES FUNDING FOR ISLANDS BATTERED BY HURRICANE IRMA

AIRLIFTED USAID/OFDA RELIEF COMMODITIES ARRIVE IN ANTIGUA

The Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society has expressed concern at the number charity groups that have been formed to receive aid on behalf of Barbuda.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced support for its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) affected by Hurricane Irma, and for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which is coordinating the region’s response to the affected states.

Two flights transporting USAID/OFDA-procured relief commodities—including blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, plastic sheeting, and water containers—arrived in Antigua and The Bahamas, respectively. The USAID/OFDA assistance will benefit a total of 32,500 disasteraffected people in the Caribbean region.

It is in the process of providing Emergency Relief Grants of US$200,000 each to Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will assist with costs associated with damage assessments and the provision and transportation of emergency relief supplies, water and sanitation resources, roofing materials for emergency shelters and community buildings, and temporary shelter for displaced residents.

DART (Disaster Assistance Response Team) staff are coordinating with response stakeholders— including host country officials, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) representatives, and USAID/OFDA partners—to address emergency needs in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, and St. Martin. To date in FY 2017, USAID/OFDA has provided more than $1.2 million in humanitarian assistance for the hurricanes response in the Caribbean region.

In addition, CDB has offered Immediate Response Loans of up to US$750,000 to the affected countries. The loans, available on highly concessionary terms, are designed to support the clearing and cleaning of areas damaged by Hurricane Irma, and the emergency restoration of services.

DART staff in Antigua continue to meet with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, humanitarian organizations, and other response stakeholders to evaluate the priority needs of hurricane-affected households and coordinate USG response efforts. •

Michael Joseph, president of the society said that whenever there is a disaster unscrupulous people use the opportunity to commit fraud against those who genuinely want to help. “Times like these people utilize the opportunity to take advantage of the good will of the public. As a matter of fact, a gentleman called me saying someone came to his restaurant and told him he wanted food to take to persons in the shelters when the government had already made provisions for that,” Joseph said. “The public have to take personal responsibility and do their research before they make a donation. Don’t be afraid to request a letter or contact information from anyone who comes to collect anything on behalf of the Barbudans.” Kem Warner, Anti-Money Laundering and AntiFraud specialist said residents should be on the lookout for fraudsters who exploit disasters for their personal gain. “You have individuals who go about creating bogus companies, accounts and websites in an effort to solicit contributions to help victims. And the sad part of it is whenever you commit this type of fraud you are increasing the number of victims by defrauding those in need and those who have given out of the goodness of their hearts,” Warner said. He added that even though disaster fraud might be among the most immoral of financial crimes, it is an unfortunate reality in a post disaster environment like ours. Individuals can protect themselves from this type of criminality by doing thorough background research before making donations, Warner stressed, “Make sure you conduct effective due diligence on individuals and organizations [that are] requesting donations and you should only donate to groups with a track record of proper ethics and morality,” says Warner. •

CDB president Dr. Warren Smith noted the Bank’s commitment to providing assistance following the passage of Irma. “We reaffirm our support for our BMCs affected by this devastating hurricane. We very much regret the loss of life and infrastructure, and pledge to help the Governments and people of the impacted countries recover and rebuild in any way we possibly can,” said Smith. As countries work on assessing the damage caused by Irma, CDB is also engaging development partners in discussions and planning for additional recovery and rehabilitation support. The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, a segregated portfolio company and CDB partner, announced that it will make payouts of US$15.6 million on their tropical cyclone policies to the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, and St. Kitts and Nevis as a result of the passage of Hurricane Irma. Additional payouts are expected in relation to water damage from flooding and storm surges. •

CONSULATE GENERAL IN MIAMI OPENS WAREHOUSE TO RECEIVE DONATIONS FOR HURRICANE RELIEF SUPPLIES Following Hurricane Irma and its direct impact on Barbuda, an official warehouse was set up in Miami, Florida, to receive humanitarian/ physical donations. Specifically, items such as pampers, baby formula, wipes, personal hygiene items, canned foods, medical supplies, and rolling beds with mattresses would be appreciated. Once the rebuilding effort begins, the Government will then enter into a secondary phase of requests whereby items such as building materials would be essential.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS The Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda Warehouse is located at: 12901 SW 122nd Avenue Unit 105, Miami, Florida 33186. Official accounts have been set up to facilitate monetary contributions in the Barbuda rebuilding effort managed by the Consulate General in Miami, Florida; the Barbuda Council; and the Ministry of Finance in Antigua and Barbuda. •

Irma and Maria, and the earthquakes in Mexico. Sixteen of CONCACAF’s 41 Member Associations have been impacted.

INSURANCE PAYOUTS FOR HURRICANE DAMAGE PASS US$100 MILLION MARK Unprecedented storms this hurricane season have pushed payouts from the CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility) to battered islands past the US$100 million mark. The 10-year-old facility revealed that it has made payouts of a little more than US$100 million to 12 of its 17 member countries — all within 14 days of an event.

BARBUDA TO HOUSE NEW US $3.1M UAE SOLAR PLANT The governments of Antigua and Barbuda and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed an agreement that Energy Minister Asot Michael said would transition the sister-isle to a “green energy island”. Michael, who is also Minister of Tourism, Economic Development and Investment, said the project includes the installation of a modern 800 kilowatt hybrid solar battery system. The installation of the US$3.1 million solar plant will coincide with the rebuilding of the disasterravaged twin state. Minister Michael revealed this development was in the works since last year. He said Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Health Minister Molwyn Joseph were present in the UAE for the negotiations, which have now come to fruition at an opportune time since the rebuilding of Barbuda is the main focus of the government.

The US$100 million mark was reached following payouts under the excess rainfall policy of three countries — Anguilla, Turks & Caicos Islands, and The Bahamas — as a result of rainfall from Hurricane Irma which barreled through the northern Caribbean two weeks ago. Two of these three countries — Anguilla and the Turks & Caicos Islands — also received payouts under their tropical cyclone policies due to the impacts of Irma. In a statement, CCRIF SPC noted that with two months remaining in this year’s hurricane season, the facility has already made payouts totaling US$31.2 million to six countries under their tropical cyclone (TC) and excess rainfall (XSR) policies and under a new feature for tropical cyclone policies known as the Aggregate Deductible Cover (ADC), following the passage of Hurricane Irma. •

When the plant comes online, workmen from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will carry out the daily operations in Barbuda. This assurance came from the minister who said APUA’s General Manager Esworth Martin is already involved along with technical staff from the UAE. Energy from the plant will be fed into the grid and will interface with other renewable and conventional power facilities to provide electricity in Barbuda. Minister Michael also stated that all construction on the island would be “climate resilient.” According to him, all schools, the hospital, the police station and other public buildings will access the grid. He added that Barbudans would benefit as the project supports Barbuda’s branding as a niche destination for up-market sustainable tourism development. The plant is expected to be the first use of battery storage technology on that scale within the OECS. •

“Our hearts and thoughts remain with our CONCACAF family and friends, who have been deeply impacted by the recent natural disasters within the region,” said CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani. “As the Confederation assesses the needs of our Member Associations that were severely devastated, we are working diligently to provide emergency assistance. Together, we will help rebuild these communities.” To provide longer-term rebuilding assistance, CONCACAF has established a Disaster Evaluation Taskforce, which will assess the individual situation of each Member Association to determine the magnitude of the damage inflicted by these disasters. This Task Force will help identify potential support measures and recommend the best course of action from CONCACAF, while coordinating efforts with FIFA and the football community to better assist the affected Member Associations. As supervising body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, CONCACAF’s mission includes a focus on administration and development of the game throughout the region. Disaster relief efforts are structured to align with the Confederation’s commitment to serve its Member Associations through the ONE CONCACAF Vision. •

JUMBY BAY TO JOIN OETKER COLLECTION The iconic Jumby Bay in Antigua is now being managed by Oetker. CONCACAF ANNOUNCES HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT FOR MEMBER NATIONS AFFECTED BY RECENT NATURAL DISASTERS CONCACAF announced Monday firm logistical and humanitarian commitments to assist in the relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts in the wake of the recent natural disasters that have affected Member Associations in the Caribbean and North America. The response consists of support for on-going relief efforts, as well as assistance with other resources needed to rebuild the football infrastructure in the nations that have experienced recent natural disasters, including Hurricanes

The hotel, which sits on a private island in Antigua & Barbuda, is now the tenth hotel for Oetker Collection. Chief executive Frank Marrenbach said the group is working on a thorough plan to update, enhance, and “where relevant, re-configure” the island’s inventory. The hotel will join sister hotels such as Fregate Island Private in Seychelles, The Lanesborough in London, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Germany, Le Bristol Paris and most recently Palacio Tangara, which opened in Sao Paulo this June. Also in the group is Eden Rock-St Barths, a 40-minute flight from Antigua. BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

BUSINESS BRIEFS “Since the foundation of Oetker Collection, we have grown our hotel portfolio with carefully chosen resorts and city hotels that deserve the attribute ‘Masterpiece’,” said Frank Marrenbach, chief executive, Oetker Collection. As the new operator of Jumby Bay Island, Oetker Collection will be responsible for the management of the resort and for the rental of the villas and estate homes, some of which offer up to nine bedrooms.

The report details how America simultaneously employed dubious legal and financial instruments designed to limit, and ideally eliminate, the financial freedom of American consumers to wager voluntarily online and the personal freedom of Canadians operating businesses catering legally to those customers. •

CAYMAN ISLANDS STILL WORLD’S NUMBER ONE SPECIALIZED FINANCIAL CENTER

Dennis McNeill, chairman of the board, Jumby Bay Island Company, said: “We look forward to a long and productive relationship [with Oetker].” •

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PRIME MINISTER SAYS NO TO IMF

NEW REPORT SLAMS US TRADE HYPOCRISY OVER ONLINE GAMBLING DISPUTE WITH ANTIGUA – BARBUDA “Do as I say, not as I do”: How the WTO, Antigua and Barbuda, and a Canadian overcame American hypocrisy on free trade, published by the Democracy Institute, documents both America’s discriminatory trade practices against the small Caribbean island-state of Antigua and Barbuda and uncovers the US government’s highly irregular, ill-advised, and unsuccessful prosecution of Calvin Ayre, the Canadian online gambling entrepreneur.

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, says his administration will not be approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF), despite billions of dollars in lost revenue over the last few years. Rowley was addressing the forum, “Spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s Financial Circumstances – the Road Ahead”, where he also said the country would not be revisiting measures, used in the 1990s, to control foreign exchange.

“These mistakes resulted from the US government’s illogical campaign to prevent American consumers from betting in cyberspace,” according to Patrick Basham, the report’s author.

“We will not be going back to the exchange controls we had in place before 1993, but we will certainly not be using up our foreign exchange reserves at levels that will maximize our imports. In this period of significant decline in foreign exchange inflows, it will be unreasonable and dangerous to use up our foreign exchange as we were accustomed to. This would be paving our way into the arms of the IMF and that is something that government is not prepared to do,” he said

“Policy ‘success’ in this area,” argues Basham, “required that America consciously and relentlessly threaten the livelihood of Antigua’s thriving, legal online gambling industry, which provides a global customer base with a responsible, regulated service.”

Concerning the energy sector, in the twin-island republic, the Prime Minister revealed a decline in revenue of 90 percent, between 2014 and 2017. He added that due to the massive drop in revenue, the public sector could suffer the consequences.

Basham adds, “Throughout, America repeatedly chose myopic self-interest over traditional American values, such as the freedom to trade and the rule of law.”

“One of the main concerns is the level of public payroll employment…. And since government revenues have declined, so precipitously, it is to be expected that public sector employment would be in serious jeopardy. The government has been at pains to keep the level of employment stable, even as we wind down the expenditure highs,” he added.

“It was legally incorrect and politically unwise for America to initiate this dispute with Antigua,” states Basham, coauthor of the seminal 2011 book, Gambling: A Healthy Bet. “The signals sent by American foot-dragging on the WTO case, and her subsequent, blinkered, over-the-top prosecutions of Ayre and other Canadians – rendered de facto innocent by earlier WTO decisions – reveal such disregard for the WTO’s authority that a dangerous precedent has been set by the very same institution’s most influential member.”

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According to Rowley, the government will be taking steps to tighten its revenue-collection mechanism. He said, faced with a possible deficit in 2018, further cuts in expenditure will be unavoidable, and urged the population to be patient. •

The Cayman Islands has been named the world’s number one specialized financial centre in The Banker magazine’s 2017 survey. This is the ninth consecutive year the Cayman Islands has maintained the top spot in the highly-regarded global survey. Jude Scott, CEO of Cayman Finance – the agency mandated to protect, promote, develop and grow the Cayman Islands financial services industry – said the latest award is further evidence that the Cayman Islands is unmatched as the world’s premier global financial hub. “The Cayman Islands is the leading jurisdiction for international hedge funds, the world’s second largest captive insurance company domicile, the leading jurisdiction for healthcare captives, and a leading jurisdiction for capital markets, trusts and banking. Our company register is at an historical high with regards to the number of active companies,” he said. “We’re seeing growth across the industry; a clear demonstration of the confidence our clients have in the quality of the Cayman Islands.” Scott added that Cayman provides significant benefits to countries around the world and to the smooth operation of global capital markets. “In particular, Cayman benefits onshore jurisdictions by facilitating more competitive international trade and enabling effective inward investment to help grow their economies. “Our jurisdiction’s commitment to excellence in client service, balanced effective regulatory standards, and a transparent globally responsible tax system is serving us well,” the Cayman Finance CEO said. Guernsey and Jersey are ranked second and third respectively in the specialized financial centres list, with the Bahamas and Bermuda closing out the top five places in the survey. •

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GOVERNANCE GURU

When It Comes To Governance, Size Does Matter! (And Bigger Is Not Always Better!)

W H E N I T C O M E S T O G OV E R N A N C E , S I Z E D O E S M AT T E R ! ( A N D B I G G E R I S N O T A LWAY S B E T T E R ! )

By: Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA, F.CIoD – Chairman, The Caribbean Governance Training Institute & Chairman, Caribbean Institute of Directors

According to one major study, the average US corporate board size is 9.2 members. In contrast, the average for boards of all types (for profit, not for profit, association etc.) in the US is 17. Within these statistics, boards have been found to range between 3 and 30 members. In theory, a board should be big enough to get the board’s work accomplished, yet small enough to communicate, deliberate, and act as a single body. Interestingly, while acknowledging this maxim, most writers on the topic of board size seem to agree that a typical board of directors should be comprised not less than 5 members and not more than 15, with the ideal board size being 7. So how many directors should you have sitting around your boardroom table? Naturally, the real answer is: “It depends.” The Case for Small(er) Boards By their very nature, large boards tend to be inefficient. That’s because when they meet, they usually entail longer and more protracted discussions with too many voices competing for attention and

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directors anxious to “make a contribution to the meeting”. It can become an unwieldly situation. Yet, ironically, members of large boards often complain that their opportunity for participation – to contribute their good ideas and exercise their leadership capabilities – is restricted. They feel left out of the decision making process which then leads to them feeling and becoming disengaged! Therefore, to make the board more efficient, and because it’s usually difficult to bring all of the directors together (especially on short notice), a board will often agree to create an executive committee of 5-7 directors to carry out work on behalf of the full board. But then it’s not too long before the full board becomes an acquiescent, rubberstamping body in relation to the “the real board” – the executive committee. The full board now meets infrequently and directors who are not part of the executive committee feel ‘structurally disconnected’ from the locus of decision making power. As a result, both their preparation and attendance wanes and board disengagement soars!

Moreover, due to the infrequency with which they meet, it becomes almost impossible for large boards to develop

Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA is a recognized global governance authority and Co-Founder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute in Saint Lucia. The Institute is the first to offer throughout the Caribbean, an intensive, 3 day governance programme leading to the prestigious and internationally recognized Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. For more information visit www.caribbeangovernancetraininginstitute.com or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

the interpersonal relationships with each other - not to mention with their CEO – which many argue are vital for creating a high performing board that adds value to the organisation. Interestingly, recent research has discovered that with every director added over a board size of 17, the quality of the board’s decision-making ability decreases by 10 percent. So if this is true, doing the math would mean that for the typical average US board size of 17, the quality of their decision making would be recorded at zero! Taking a somewhat different approach, an analysis conducted by GMI of almost 400 publically listed corporations found that smaller type boards tended to enjoy significantly higher rewards for their shareholders than their larger board counterparts. The companies studied had an average board size of 11 which ranged between 9 and 14 directors. Smaller boards of directors were observed to outpace their peers by almost 9 percentage points, while larger boards underachieved peers by 11 points. Interviews with the directors explained these results by noting that with smaller boards, a richer dialogue among the directors and management was encouraged. This in turn fostered more cohesiveness, decisiveness and agility in the board’s supervisory functioning. There was also more effective oversight of management – especially the CEO – with smaller boards being more willing to sack poorly performing CEOs for lackluster performance, something that gets more and more difficult to do as board size increases. So on average, it would appear that bigger is not always better and that good things do come in small packages. However, beware as you contemplate downsizing your board. There will be serious turf issues at stake as board members jostle to see who gets a seat when the music stops. As with all major change initiatives, and this is a big one, it will be extremely important to lay a proper foundation in terms of getting the board ready for such

a change and managing it without bruising egos or making enemies. So be prepared. Downsizing properly can take years! THE CASE FOR BIG(GER) BOARDS Notwithstanding the previous arguments, there is still a case to be made for having larger sized boards because they too provide certain benefits. At the top of the list is the fact that big boards offer greater diversity of thought as well as the horsepower to sustain a rigorous dialogue around each of the board’s various agenda items. Larger boards also allow for the inclusion and presence of certain directors by virtue of their geographic location, ex officio status, or ‘stakeholder’ representation. To minimise their limitations discussed previously, effectively functioning largescale boards like to make use of many committees with five to seven directors appropriately assigned to each one. The committees do all the heavy lifting on topics that fall under the board’s purview: audit, finance, human resources, compensation, governance, risk etc. Under these conditions, directors report feeling engaged due to the specialised contributions they make to the full board via their specific committee. And because of the rigor that these topics get from the highly focused and aligned attention of the committee members (and often supplemented with outside professional expertise), the full board does not have to rework the agenda items (called “double due diligence”) when they come up for final review. This helps make the full board act more efficiently when they meet. Not surprisingly, the quantity of work faced by bigger boards does not get reduced for smaller ones. Smaller boards face the same volume of responsibility and liability as do their larger counterparts. It’s easy therefore for the directors on small sized boards to become overwhelmed by their tremendous workload – which, in turn, can also lead to board disengagement.

To alleviate this problem, and especially if the directors want to avoid having to do double duty on multiple committees that require specialized expertise, small boards start adding directors to their ranks thereby setting them on a path to “bigness”. And so it goes. In conclusion, all organisations are not the same. They come in a multitude of varieties – for profit, not for profit, associations, charities, state agencies etc. Accordingly, the nature of the circumstances surrounding an organisation will significantly influence the size of its board. I have given you the cases for both smaller and larger boards. In both instances, directors want to be meaningfully consulted and not have their talents dissipated. It’s also my view that the average size of boards is slowly shrinking. However, the ultimate decision on which size is right for your organisation rests with finding the number of directors that (a) allows your board to competently and diligently carry out its many demanding responsibilities while (b) not damaging the quality of its decision making due to having either overburdened directors or disengaged ones. No outside expert can make this determination for your board. So here’s the big, uncomfortable question for Caribbean directors: To what extent do you and your fellow board members think you have the right board size? If you think that there is room for improvement in the way your board is structured – one of your many critical governance decisions – you might want to consider sending them to one of the corporate governance training programs available in the region – like the extraordinarily unique 3 day Chartered Director Program (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute. After all, it’s not education which is expensive, but rather ignorance. •

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BUSINESS TECH

Internet registry strengthens commitment to Caribbean with new outreach liaison appointment

I N T E R N E T R E G I S T RY STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO CARIBBEAN WITH NEW OUTREACH LIAISON APPOINTMENT The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) has appointed Bevil Wooding as Caribbean outreach liaison, a newly created role to strengthen the organization's relationships with community members in the Caribbean region. "ARIN has had a long history of Caribbean engagement," said John Curran, ARIN's president and CEO. "We want to build upon the work done in the past and welcome even more Caribbean voices, views, and contributions to the ARIN community. Given Bevil's standing and extensive experience in the region, we're happy to have him on board to help us achieve this goal." The American Registry for Internet Numbers is a nonprofit, member-based organization, established in December 1997 that supports the operation of the growth of the Internet. It’s core service is the management and distribution of Internet number resources such as Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs). ARIN manages these resources within its service region, which is comprised of Canada, the United Sates, and many Caribbean and North Atlantic islands. Over the past 20 years, ARIN has been engaging with the Caribbean in many ways, recognizing the region's unique challenges, opportunities and priorities. A resilient networking environment is central to the advancement of the Caribbean's development goals. Many Caribbean countries are already increasing their investment in critical Internet infrastructure to spur local innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. At the same time, consumers want access to faster, more reliable, more affordable Internet services. This will require greater investment in network infrastructure.

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Oct /Dec

Bevil Wooding — Caribbean outreach liaison

To support this, ARIN expects to see more autonomous networks, more requests for Internet number resources, and more organizations adopting the next generation Internet protocol, IPv6. Wooding's strong track record in the Caribbean Internet community well-positions him to address these regional concerns. He has served throughout the Internet community as an internet strategist and Caribbean outreach manager with Packet Clearing House, advocating the implementation of exchange points throughout the Caribbean. He is a special advisor to the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), routinely advising governments and regulators in the region. He also serves as chair of CaribNOG and co-chair of the Caribbean Peering and Interconnection Forum (CarPIF), both volunteer technical communities supporting Internet development in the Caribbean. As ARIN's Caribbean outreach liaison, Wooding will focus on three key areas: 1. Building awareness of ARIN's mission and services, 2. Growing Caribbean participation in the ARIN policy development process, and 3. Strengthening relationships with ARIN's members, partners, and communities in the Caribbean. "Over the years, ARIN has developed a positive reputation in the Caribbean. I am looking forward to building on this by strengthening ARIN's relationship with the technical community, regulators and governments in the region," Wooding said. •

Field trial of LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) technology in Antigua and Barbuda, sets groundwork for next generation of transformative technologies

F I E L D T R I A L O F LT E A DVA N C E D P R O ( LT E - A P R O ) TECHNOLOGY IN ANTIGUA & BARBUDA, SETS GROUNDWORK F O R N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F T R A N S F O R M AT I V E T E C H N O L O G I E S

At the 33rd CANTO Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition, John Reid, CEO of C&W Communications (C&W), announced that C&W has completed a groundbreaking pre-5G (fifth generation wireless broadband technology) trial in Antigua. Once installed, Antigua will be the first country in the region with the most advanced pre-5G network, delivering download peak speeds of up to 800 Mbps. In the trial’s next phase, the Company expects to test a 5G prototype reaching 2 to 5 Gbps peak speeds, which will have a profound positive impact on the island. The announcement came as part of Reid’s keynote address to prominent Caribbean officials at the 33rd CANTO Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition in the Dominican Republic. “These are exciting times for C&W Communications, as we continue to invest and develop more pioneering innovations to meet the needs of our customers and enable growth in the region through transformative technology,” said Reid. “This pre-5G trial in the Caribbean, is a significant step towards the evolution of C&W’s mobile networks across the region to 5G, and providing Gigabit speeds to our customers in Antigua,” he continued. C&W’s pre-5G technology trial, a combined effort with parent company Liberty Global, is based on LTE Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro), the latest LTE evolution that delivers lower latency, more capacity and improved reliability for customers. This translates into a faster mobile Internet experience where customers can better participate in advanced technology such as richer video experience and new apps. In October, the Company tested a 5G prototype network designed to deliver wireless data connections above 2 Gbps. Once the various trials are successful, and the business case favorable, the Company plans to invest another $5 million in Antigua alone to significantly upgrade the wireless infrastructure there. C&W has invested $1.5 billion in the region over the last three years. 5G is a new set of standards beyond traditional 4G/LTE technologies. This set of standards will allow operators to deliver wireless data connections above 1 Gbps and to enable the Internet of Things (IoT). C&W’s pre-5G trial and 5G prototype trials are part of a partnership with Ericsson, who will provide the equipment and software in Antigua and across the Caribbean. • BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

BUSINESS TECH

Local Stakeholders receive Labour Market Information System Statistical software training

L O C A L S TA K E H O L D E R S R E C E I V E L A B O U R M A R K E T I N F O R M AT I O N S Y S T E M S TAT I S T I C A L S O F T WA R E T R A I N I N G Key local stakeholders including staff within the Labour Department, the Statistics Division, Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, Ministry of Education, Trade Unions, the National Training Agency, and the Immigration Department have completed training on the “CARICOM LMIS.STAT” Platform. Held over two-days, the sessions were a continuation of the training on the “.stat” tool for system and data administrators facilitated by CARICOM across the region.

Participants of the two-day training

In June 2016, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was established between the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and CARICOM which authorises CARICOM and its Member States to use the “.Stat” product for the implementation of a regional labour market information system (LMIS). With the approval of the list of indicators the CARICOM Secretariat has started the launch of the second mission. This mission is to train System

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Administrators, that is, persons whose duty will be the day to day administration, configuration and maintenance of the CARICOM LMIS. Stat and Data Administrators who will be responsible for the uploading of data to the LMIS.Stat as well as maintaining it. The CARICOM LMIS.Stat is a platform in which CARICOM countries will publish labour market statistical data of the region. The training on the use of labour market information in policy making was held in Antigua and Barbuda during the period November 20-24, 2016. The delivery of equipment under this project took place this year, and then a consultant from the CARICOM Secretariat visited each Member State to install the equipment during the month of July 2017. In preparation for both missions, regional consultations on the design of the LMIS were held in October and November 2015. It was at these consultations that it was agreed that the IT tool to be used for the LMIS would be the “.stat”, which was maintained by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Statistical Information System Collaboration Community (SIS-CC), of which the ILO is a member. Going forward, the CARICOM Secretariat recognises that Member States will require further assistance in building capacity to conduct the surveys and statistical analyses for the LMIS. Therefore, the Secretariat has sought further funding assistance under the Eleventh EDF to assist in this regard. •

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Oct /Dec

BUSINESS TECH

Implementation of an E-Litigation Portal for Courts in the Eastern Caribbean

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F A N E - L I T I G AT I O N P O R TA L FOR COURTS IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) through the Office of the Chief Justice is implementing an E-Litigation web portal within all Courts in all the OECS Member States & Territories, for the electronic management of cases filed within the jurisdiction of the ECSC. This new system replaces the Judicial Enforcement Management System (JEMS), which has currently been in use within all the Courts of the OECS Member States and Territories since the year 2000. This E-Litigation solution is said to be a highly proven webbased application software developed by CrimsonLogic Ltd, headquartered in Singapore with a branch established in Trinidad and Tobago. The online solution utilizes CrimsonLogic’s eJudiciary Accelerator (CLA) product. Implementation, in the first instance, will be done in the following Member States and Territories: Saint Lucia, Territory of the Virgin Islands and Anguilla during the next nine months. However, the end of 2018 expects full implementation of the e-Litigation solution, in all the remaining Member States of the Eastern Caribbean. The E-Litigation solution is a web-based application that will provide Court users and Stakeholders with access to assigned services anytime, anywhere and on any device including smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. The Proposed E-Litigation solution will include the following components/ modules and features: (i) Judges’ Portal, (ii) Attorney access, (iii) Electronic Filing, (iv) Electronic Notification, (v) Electronic Payments, (vi) Electronic Docket (Case List) preparation, (vii) Functionality to resolve Attorney scheduling conflicts (vii) Electronic Case Management, (viii) Workflow and Rules Management, (ix) Creation of Trial Bundles, and (x) a Reporting and Analytics Module. The E-Litigation web portal will serve as the platform to increase operational efficiency in the Courts of the sub-region, directly resulting in a reduction of operational costs while improving efficiency. Importantly, the E-Judiciary solution will also contribute towards increasing the transparency of court services allowing the ECSC to improve access of its services to stakeholders on a macro level.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

As part of the activities leading to the full implementation of the E-Litigation solution there will be extensive consultations with all stakeholders in the different Member States and Territories which will include all the judges, magistrates, court staff, members of the Bar, Directors of Public Prosecutions, and Directors of Prisons to name a few. Excited about this development, the ECSC looks forward to the implementation of the new solution to improve the delivery of justice to the citizens of the region and significantly reduce the costs associated with the operations of the Courts both at the ECSC appellate and original jurisdictions. Once implemented the software solution will completely revolutionize the ECSC filing, case management and court processes thereby allowing the ECSC to achieve its mission and vision much more effectively. The e-litigation system by CrimsonLogic has been specifically designed and retrofitted to cater to the litigation needs of the stakeholders of the ECSC in the OECS sub-region. Legal Practitioners across the ECSC Jurisdiction are asked to note that the E- Litigation platform being implemented by the ECSC is not the same as the CURIA product being marketed by the CCJ. The new solution being implemented by the ECSC will bring the Court closer towards achieving its mission and vision for the improvement of justice for the citizens of the OECS Member States and Territories. The ECSC was established in 1967 by the West Indies Associated States Supreme Court Order No. 223 of 1967. The ECSC is a superior court of record for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), where it has unlimited jurisdiction, made up of the six independent states: Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and the three British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, the Territory of the Virgin Islands, and Montserrat. •

TOURISM FOCUS

Antigua & Barbuda Hotel Stakeholders A NofT I G U A & B A R B U D A H O T E L Impressed with Marketing Strategy S TA K E H O L D E R S I M P R E S S E D Tourism Authority

W I T H M A R K E T I N G S T R AT E G Y O F TO U R I S M AU T H O R I T Y

The marketing strategies for Antigua and Barbuda’s main source markets in the USA, UK & Europe, Caribbean and Canada, were scrutinized by local stakeholders at a public/private sector market consultation hosted by Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Asot Michael, said the meeting was a continuation of his Ministry’s efforts to achieve effectiveness and sustainable growth for tourism in globally competitive markets. The meeting also addressed airlift and related concerns raised by the hotels and tourist association membership as tourism officials continue to monitor tourism arrivals and expenditure and adjust marketing strategies accordingly. The meeting focused on the stayover projections going into the summer and upcoming 2017/2018 seasons and expressed optimism in a highly competitive environment. The Tourism Minister said: “This meeting will strengthen our resolve for achieving ongoing private/public sector partnership. Working with our local and international stakeholders, and taking into consideration their expertise and experience, we have already begun to develop new and creative strategies allowing us to be more competitive and grow visitor arrivals and revenues to the wider destination.”

Stakeholders present included representatives from: Nonsuch Bay Resort, Blue Waters Resort, Hodges Bay, Inn at English Harbour, Antigua Yacht Club Marina Resort, Curtain Bluff, Sugar Ridge, Elite Island Resort Properties – The Verandah Resort and Spa, Galley Bay, St. James’s Club, Carlisle Bay Resort, Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, Curtain Bluff, Jumby Bay, Siboney Beach Club, and Tropical Adventures. They were joined by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s partner BDO, accounting firm. BDO Senior Partner Cleveland Seaforth and ABTA Chairman, Ricky Skerritt, presented a study which gave stakeholders insight into the options for much needed short-term growth of funding for destination marketing, focusing on the projected expenditures of the Tourism Authority and the financing needed to pursue aggressive marketing efforts on a more sustainable basis. With access to funding of marketing activities, a main area of concern for stakeholders, those gathered discussed ways of ‘injecting new sources of cash to achieve the desired results’ in order to effectively compete with other major destinations that are well known to be outspending Antigua & Barbuda in destination marketing. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

TOURISM FOCUS

Heritage Maps of Antigua and Barbuda

H E R I TA G E M A P S OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

In 2014, The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy engaged Sustainable Travel International and the OAS to propel Antigua and Barbuda further along on its sustainability journey. After extensive research and with several stakeholder consultations, some gaps in the Country’s efforts were identified. One was the lack of a formal inventory and classification system of our natural and cultural heritage sites. With that being absent, there was little accurate interpretation infrastructure and management mechanisms in place for most of these sites. Hence, a working group of stakeholders – teachers, historians, government officials, and persons from various communities with a keen interest in our environment and history – was formed and met monthly over a two-year period to address the issue. The members of the working group included Vashti Ramsey-Casimir, Dr. Reg. Murphy, Michelle Henry, Sharon Dalso, Kessa Stevens, Darlene Lay, Alicia Cornelius, Richard Aparicio and Amiah Nicholas. The Vision of the working group was to have a current and up-to-date inventory of all cultural, traditional and natural heritage sites. This would require revision and updating annually with all stakeholders actively participating in the protection of these sites. It was from this vision that the project of mapping the heritage sites throughout Antigua and Barbuda was born. The two (2) year process began with the working group identifying priority themes for the map series and creating a criteria and classification system for identifying relevant sites.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

The work also required the assistance of the Department of Environment Data Management Unit to map the sites based on territorial, parish, street and exact point of physical structure. The result consisted of a series of maps separated into five (5) themes – Sites of Barbuda, Historical Churches, Slave Routes and Sugar Estates, Mystical Sites and Ancient Trees, and the Forts. Mrs. Vashti Ramsey-Casimir, Senior Tourism Officer with responsibility for Sustainable Tourism, advised “Sixty-four (64) sites were mapped and classified with the assistance of the Department of the Environment. However, a key element of the map series is the stories and information on the sites. The information is as accurate as they come which will allow for all users of the map to have correct information when learning about the natural and cultural heritage of Antigua and Barbuda.” There is also an online feature to allow the sites to be visible if using Google Earth to ensure that the tech-savvy visitor or local can have the maps and information at their fingertips. The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy launched the physical maps at the historic Copper and Lumber Store Inn located in Antigua and Barbuda’s UNESCO Word Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard, on August 17th, 2017. This event was not only held to commemorate the historic event but also in recognition of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to Sustainable Tourism in light of this year being named the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The Cocktail Ceremony saw the attendance of key stakeholders within the Industry, historians and special interest groups. Special remarks were offered by Mrs. Paula Hunte, the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Hon. Asot A. Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy which spoke to the value of protecting these sites and the role we all play in our cultural and natural heritage management. Mrs. Hunte noted “Protection of our natural and cultural heritage is fundamental to our identity – this is our past, our present and our future. This heritage map series for the destination was created with the hope that this will not only be used by our visitors but our schools, hikers, local groups for recreation and educational purposes.” She added that this map series will also be a means of awareness raising and garnering support for natural and cultural heritage preservation on all levels of the Antiguan and Barbudan Society. The Heritage Map Series is the first of its kind in Antigua and Barbuda and have been made available to the hotels, tour operators, taxis, the Ports, the Museum and the schools. Hard Copies are also available at the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy. Persons are encouraged to utilize these maps creating their own tours with family and friends to see some of the hidden natural and cultural treasures of Antigua and Barbuda. •

Mrs. Paula Frederick-Hunte, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy

Mr. Colin James, CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority

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BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Antigua & Barbuda See a Spike in Booking following UK Consumer Campaign

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SEE A SPIKE IN BOOKINGS FOLLOWING UK C O N S U M E R C A M PA I G N Following the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s largest brand marketing campaign to date, there has been a strong uplift in bookings. The UK Campaign promotes Antigua’s attractiveness beyond the beach. It was timed to encourage bookings to Antigua for a late summer holiday and to showcase how well the destination works for holidays during these months. UK Tour operator partners involved in the campaign have reported spikes in Antigua bookings with Kenwood Travel 33% up and British Airways Holidays 85% up for the last week of June following the campaign launch. Additionally, Kuoni has seen a sharp increase in Antigua honeymoon enquiries for the past month. On top of the interest generated by the multi-platform marketing campaign, the peak in bookings, specifically in the honeymoon market could be attributed to football player, Lionel Messi’s recent return from his honeymoon in Antigua which was reported heavily in the media. Prince Harry’s high profile royal visit last autumn would have also sparked interest into the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda. David Weatherson, Caribbean Destination Manager at British Airways Holidays says, “We are delighted that our investment in the Antigua and Barbuda marketing campaign has had such visible results. Antigua is an important destination for us at BA Holidays and this level of support from the Tourism Authority has really helped boost our numbers in these low season months.” Jean-Marc Flambert, Vice-President Sales and Marketing UK & Europe at the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority comments; “We are thrilled that our largest marketing campaign yet has had such tangible results for the destination and for the partner tour operators. The idea behind the timing of the campaign was to proactively push summer and autumn sales to the destination and it is encouraging to see that there is an appetite for Caribbean travel in these traditionally quieter months. We look forward to seeing the final results when the campaign comes to an end in August.” •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Sunwing Travel Assumes Ownership of Jolly Beach Resort

S U N W I N G T R AV E L ASSUMES OWNERSHIP O F J O L LY B E A C H R E S O R T

Following a meeting with Mr. Rob Barrett, who took over ownership of the hotel and kept it open since January 2016; Sunwing Travel CEO Stephen Hunter, Tourism Minister Asot Michael, Senior Ministers Sir Robin Yearwood and Molwyn Joseph, and Prime Minister Browne said that this new development shows confidence in the Antigua economy and tourism product and expressed confidence in Sunwing Travel further boosting the industry. “Mr. Hunter has a clear vision for the future success of Jolly Beach, and Sunwing has the ability to invest a substantial amount of money to renovate and improve the resort. Sunwing will be able to carry out renovations phase by phase, allowing the facility to remain open and ensuring the ongoing employment of the resort’s excellent staff and management team,” Mr. Rob Barrett announced. Sunwing recently acquired the Royal Antiguan Resort and has commenced a transformation of the landmark facility at Deep Bay on the western section of the island. •

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Oct /Dec

SPECIAL FEATURE

Kennedy’s Club — The Legacy Lives On

KENNEDY’S CLU B

THE LEGACY LIVES ON

FEATURE

KENNEDY’S – AN IDEA BECOMES REALITY B U I L D I N G A FA M I LY B U S I N E S S

What started as a small bar in Liberta Village in 1962 has grown to become the leading wholesaler and distributor of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of internationally known, signature brands in Antigua & Barbuda.

What makes Kennedy’s Group of Companies unique? For one, it is a homegrown company; one that boasts a charismatic and enthusiastic family atmosphere. From top senior management, to line staff, the owners and directors treat everyone as family.

Kennedy’s Club Ltd. has been in existence for over half a century and has proven itself to be the epitome of corporate and social responsibility.

“We work in an environment of minimal stress, created and encouraged by family members.” It was not unusual to see Director, Pauline “Mommy Gen” Francis hugging and motivating staff members. After all, medical professionals will tell you that a low stress environment is the best way to nurture emotional and mental well-being and general good health.

Often times, when one considers the founding principles or the pillars of a successful business, what often comes to mind are sacrifice, dedication, and discipline. For Kennedy’s it is: Family, Relationships, Brands, and Community. Over the years, the Kennedy’s Group of companies has provided employment opportunities to hundreds of citizens. The company currently employs over one hundred individuals – despite present economic conditions. They consider it their duty, as corporate citizens, to give back to the community, and to Antigua and Barbuda as a whole. Though not an exhaustive list, the company contributes to national annual events such as: the Coca Cola National School’s Athletic Championship, Wadadli Carnival Calypso Monarch Competition, Jaycees Queen Show, JCI Antigua Cancer Awareness Campaign, Vita Malt National Sports Awards, Antigua Sailing Week, the National Basketball Championship, as well as the Diageo “Learning for life ™” Programme.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Having mastered the beverage trade, the parent company has grown to include the following business entities: Island B-Hive Sports Bar (with locations at Heritage Quay and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium), Kreative Fitness Park (also located at the Stadium), Kennedy’s Liquor World Ltd., Kennedy’s Classic and Kennedy’s Enterprises Ltd., MoneyGram International, and Ken’s Club – the first exclusive membership club store to be introduced in Antigua and Barbuda. The parent company recently added a new member to its business family, that being the Global Explorers Limited T/A Johnnie Walker Bar in the departure lounge at the V.C. Bird International Airport. A heartfelt appreciation is extended to our Kennedy’s family (Staff), customers, suppliers and the Government and citizens of Antigua & Barbuda for their continued support and for contributing to our success over the past 55 years. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

MOMMY GEN A M AT R I A R C H S E T S T H E TONE FOR THE FUTURE

At a time when there were no female bus drivers in Antigua, Pauline ‘Mommy Gen’ Francis became the first woman to gain a bus driver's license. She’d transport patrons at Newfield and Liberta to St. John’s and her bus was always first to be filled at East Bus Station. She hurdled gender barriers too, becoming the only woman who operated heavy-duty equipment such as backhoes and tractors, and she even worked the stone crusher at Burma Quarry. She was a Jane of all trades-and master of all. She was actively involved in the Junior Red Cross Society, St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, CPTSA Wings Sports Club and was a Past President of the Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association. Pauline was also an honorary member of JCI Antigua (Jaycees) and the Purple Dragon Karate School.

Awarded JCI Honourary Membership

Locally, the name ‘Generis’ is synonymous with generosity. And that’s exactly what Pauline was – giving. Giving of her time, her resources, and most importantly, her love. In countless ways, she gave back to her community as well: during her younger years, she was the village hairdresser, seamstress, wedding cake caterer, plant nurse, and type writing school proprietor and teacher. When she met her husband Glasford Francis in 1961, they started Kennedy’s in 1962 – which now consists of several other companies. Her philanthropic nature was passed on to her children, who then passed it on to their children, which is why today, Kennedy’s prides itself on giving back to their communities and to the nation at large. BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Beautification and cleaning of the Kennedy's Sports Complex in collaboration with the Diageo Learning for Life Program

KCL community clean up at Government House

KCL sponsorship to Jaycees Queen Show

When plans to open a Kennedy’s branch in town came to fruition, Pauline transitioned into working full-time with her husband. She became the Company’s spokesperson, and was pivotal in acquiring the building, formerly AT&LU, for Kennedy’s operations. She created and maintained networking relations with overseas suppliers, and often traveled to do business on Kennedy’s behalf. On one such occasion, she traveled to Guadeloupe seeking to acquire a major brand. She was unsuccessful. You’d think this would stop her, but it didn’t. She decided to make an attempt in Paris, France before returning home. Unprepared for the weather, and completely unfamiliar with the territory – she prevailed. Using the Yellow Pages, she contacted a supplier in Bordeaux, France, flew there, and later obtained one of our leading brands. To this day, the brand is still carried by Kennedy’s and both companies have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship. Pauline also traveled to St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Curacao, and the United States, and established long-lasting business relationships with various companies. Through her efforts, Kennedy’s continues to offer a diverse selection of products. Pauline was the biological mother of 9; grandmother of 22; great-grandmother of 4, and raised 34 other children. She was devoted to her church, Cashew Hill Moravian, where she served in all aspects of church duties as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Lay Academy Member, Past President Women’s Fellowship, Youth Counselor, Bethlehem Moravian Seminary (Antigua Conference), and Elder (Lay Preacher). In 2006, she was honoured for her contribution to business, by her alma mater the Antigua Girls’ High School. In 2008, she received a National Award, the Grand Cross of Most Illustrious Order of Merit, for entrepreneurship and her contribution to the community and country. • BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

GLASFORD LER OY ANTHONY FRANCIS F O U N D E R O F T H E L E A D I N G B E V E R A G E C O M PA N Y I N A N T I G U A & B A R B U D A K E N N E D Y ’ S G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S

1940’S – 1950’S Glasford grew up in poverty and had to sacrifice his education to take care of his mother (a single parent) and his four younger brothers. As a teenager, while he was burdened with adult responsibilities; he never complained. He could remember the times when he assisted his mother with her hat-weaving trade. He gathered the date palms and marketed the finished product, practically island wide, on foot in order to support the family. He also operated a barber shop (under their Genip tree) in his efforts to help his mother financially. Glasford exhibited exceptional qualities including admirable strength of character. His experiences lead him to be identified as a leader among his peers within the village of Liberta during the era of JF Kennedy’s presidency in the U.S.A. after whom he was nicknamed. 1950’S – 1960’S

A man of vision and sound principles, Glasford L.A. Francis, affectionately, called “Joe Kennedy” was born in the village of Liberta on 24th May, 1939. He attended the Liberta Primary School. He is a man of humble beginnings, quiet, kind-hearted and polite; and with no formal education, he was well on his way to becoming a household name, as a businessman in Antigua, before he was 25. He is the founder of the indigenous familyowned business – the Kennedy’s Group of companies, which has been providing gainful employment, quality products, and services to Antiguans and Barbudans for the past 55 years.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

His first official job was at Johnson’s Construction Company in the early 1960’s, earning one (1) dollar per day. However, the aptitude that he exhibited caused him to be selected for the crew to work on the Mill Reef Project, which had begun around that time. Within three months, his outstanding performance as a mason, so impressed the boss that he was given an increased pay to $2.65 per day. Within a year he was earning $3.00 per day and soon afterwards $5.00. It was from these meager earnings that Glasford started upon his business ventures. 1962 marks a very important year. Due to his discipline and attention to details, he was favoured among the Mill Reef’s owners, which was a blessing, as they gave Glasford all of the building materials free of charge. His friends came together

to erect the structure (a bar and dance club). At age 23, this first bar was opened in 1962, named “Kennedy’s Bar.” Being a very family-oriented individual, he involved his mother, his soulmate Pauline and his brothers in the business. At this stage, he approached Mendes Company and negotiated the purchase of a truck, and eventually the heavy-duty trucking and bus service got started. April 1969 saw the needs for the expansion of the tavern’s branch in the heart of St. John’s, called Kennedy’s Bar & Arcade. For almost two decades, he owned, distributed, and controlled all billiard tables (pool tables) island wide. Mid 1980’s he opened an upscale retail outlet, Kennedy’s Liquor World, also in St. John’s – the capital. In 1995, he decided with his family that it was time to give the Antiguan public the opportunity to purchase quality brands at the best wholesale price, and thus Kennedy’s Club Ltd, the wholesale distribution company, opened its doors for business.

Glasford is the same man today that he was many years ago in Liberta… humble! Now that he has retired, he takes pride and joy in his garden where he is extremely creative. His topiary talent is displayed in the creation of Sir Vivian Richards as one of the plants in his garden. This passionate family-man and his late, loving wife, Pauline, have raised nine (9) biological, and thirty-four (34) foster children; and have instilled in them a right set of values, which have resulted in all playing a meaningful role within the group. He has twenty-two (22) grand-children and four (4) greatgrandchildren whom he enjoys transporting to and from school and extracurricular activities. He imprints on the hearts of his children and grand-children, the importance of family, efficient work ethics and never giving up. Hence, he can be assured that future generations will carry on his legacy. •

2001 – PRESENT His unique sense of business strategy and vision has enabled development and growth over the years that followed 1962 up to present. The wholesale company re-located to Cassada Gardens, where further growth and expansion continue. From this simple and unassuming man’s concept of a little tavern in Liberta, the business now encompasses a conglomerate which employs over one hundred persons with a family environment:

- Kennedy’s Club Ltd. (Wholesale & Distribution Beverage, Ice Cream, & Confectionary Co.)

- Kennedy’s Classic (Bar & Restaurant)

- Kennedy’s Liquor World (Self-Service Retail Beverage Co.) - Ken’s Club (an exclusive wholesale membership club)

- MoneyGram International (money transfer services)

- Island B-Hive (Sports Bar & Restaurant) (Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Party Stand & Heritage Quay)

- Kreative Fitness Park (Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Island B-Hive Party Stand

- Global Explorers - Johnnie Walker Bar (VC Bird International Airport) As a good corporate citizen, Glasford, encourages benevolence within the group, and he gives back to the community via several avenues. He supports the church. He knows that all praise and glory belong to God Almighty, and that without Him he could not have achieved what he has today.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

W H AT I N S P I R E D YO U T O WA N T T O B E A PA RT O F T H E FA M I LY BUSINESS AND IN W H AT WAY S D I D YO U R PA R E N T S G R O O M Y O U TO DO SO?

Just a little insight as to how our parents’ great minds work at tackling a problem. When Kennedy’s started in the village of Liberta, we recall our parents telling us, the liquor license would be taken away if there were any fights at the bar. They decided to hire all the trouble makers in the village to be the bouncers at the bar so that there were never any incidents. That’s how their minds worked. Embrace every challenge, and come up with a solution. The bar in town, just above Papa Bird’s monument, where we spent most of our childhood, was a true melting pot of people from all walks of life, every stature. Our father would often say, it’s not a bar, it’s a university. We learned to value and respect everyone. Our customers are the best. We learned from them and they learned from us. We learned from mathematicians, lawyers, judges, doctors, electricians, and even trouble makers. All of our siblings including us, have been able to pursue our passions while propelling the family business further. Our parents, Mommy Gen and Daddy ensured that our growing company was diverse so that each person has their niche. We fit perfectly together like a puzzle. However, there were times when we questioned ourselves about working for the family company due to some negative comments about the selling of alcohol. These reservations however were put to rest as our father continued to remind us that “the first miracle Jesus performed was to turn water into wine.” Since then, there was no need for our parents, or anyone else for that matter, to convince us to contribute to building a generational legacy. He went on to stress the importance of dedication and providing for your family through the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this Day our daily Bread.” He taught us that to be a memorable leader, you must go above and beyond the call of duty.

KERRI, DENISE, DONNA AND KEVINIA We were fortunate to be blessed with great parents. Our father did not have much growing up and with hard work and sacrifice, he became a leader of his community, taking up many skills and welcoming all challenges. The immeasurable support, love and faith he and Mommy Gen had for each other bloomed an unstoppable force that created a legacy not only for all the lives they touched but for all the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, whom they saw as family. Kennedy’s was built on that foundation, that everyone is family and should be treated as such. When we mention, we have great parents, it may sound cliché but we really did. They taught each of their children and extended family pure unconditional love. They imprinted in us that with love, unity, knowledge, strength, and God, nothing is impossible. We were taught that every problem has a solution and that hard work, sacrifice and practice are the key to success. We learned about giving back to the community and helping others in need. We remember growing up, our house was always filled with family, friends and even strangers, who would then become part of us too. There was always food in the house and people would always stop by because they knew Mommy Gen and Daddy would have something to fill their tummies or advice for any problems.

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Oct /Dec

Mommy Gen lead by example, displaying fearlessness and strength in everything she did. When we asked, “How do you do it?” She would respond, “Grace and hard work.” We all admired how confident and valiant she was to tackle any task, despite it being considered a man’s job or even impossible. Her courage and confidence explains how her assistance to our father transformed into her playing the leadership role in an extraordinary way. Our inspiration to work in the family business comes from a single word, “sacrifice”. We recognize the sacrifices made by our parents to create a legacy that we can be proud of. We acknowledge the hours, blood, sweat and tears that were put into the creation of a dream for us and for Antigua and Barbuda. Mommy Gen and Daddy toiled upwards, starting from the bottom and bringing us to where we are today. It is now up to us, their children to carry this legacy even further. Although many sacrifices have been made, the one thing that was never worth sacrificing is FAMILY. Growing up, we were taught that “in unity there is strength and together we can achieve anything.” From birth and to this day, our family members are our closest friends. All the days we spent as children, working in the business, learning to perform every job (from cleaning the floors to checking the accounts), we spent together. While working in the family business, we learnt to respect differences, develop solutions in the best interest of the company and always take the family into consideration. These lessons motivated us to embrace staff as family. Through the family atmosphere created at work, it was really fascinating to

see how all the staff embraced Mommy Gen and treated her as if she was their own mother instead of their boss. If any staff became ill or had an ill family member, Mommy Gen was ready and willing to assist in anyway possible. Her hugs, smiles and advice were infectious as she preached to us, that, as long as there is an Antigua, then there must always be a Kennedys. This is now our mandate to ensure the Legacy continues. Mommy Gen & Daddy were very persistent to engrave these words “Don’t Quit” into the minds of not only their children but also their grandchildren, and great grand-children. Giving up is like a big sin in the family. Our mom would say “do not limit yourself or your potential – reach beyond the stars and keep climbing the ladder of success.” Our parents’ main inspiration was love, and that continues to drive the company forward. Being family-oriented and trained to see the importance of each aspect of the business allows us to work along with each sibling and makes us value each position at Kennedys’. Working in the family-business is like second nature. We owe our successes to our parents’ love, discipline and of course sacrifices which we always choose to follow rather than disregard. By holding fast to the teachings of Mommy Gen and Big Daddy, we have become who we are today and continue to follow the mantra “in unity there is strength, and with Christ all things are possible.” Our family is living proof that not only can family and business go together, but they can do so successfully. We are fortunate to be blessed with great parents, Mommy Gen and Big Daddy. Thanks to the Heavenly Father for sustaining us until today and praying for his grace and blessings for countless years to come. We give thanks to our parents, Mommy Gen and Big Daddy, for being a Blessing to each one of us. We are grateful for the vision which helped us discover the treasure, and transform work into a family atmosphere. They have been an inspiration and motivation for us. May the Legacy of the Kennedy’s Family Live On as we celebrate our 55th Anniversary and beyond.

I had no choice. I was born in and surrounded by family-owned businesses. I had my chores, but they never seemed like tasks. I took pleasure in them. As a little boy, in Newfield, I enjoyed wrapping the flour in one pound bags, and wiping off the bread fresh from the oven, as well as tagging along with my grandfather to help out in the shop at Pares Village. After leaving Newfield to attend the Foundation Mixed School in St. John’s, I would walk down to Kennedy’s Club at the end of class to assist my parents. I was capable of performing in many areas, because Mommy Gen ensured that I was taught every aspect of the business. Today, I can function in accounts, purchasing, sales, just to name a few departments within the Kennedy’s Group of companies. Additionally, I received technical training in Oklahoma to assist in the expansion of a branch of the business known as Kennedy’s Game Center. Mommy Gen was a God-fearing woman, and she motivated her children spiritually, educationally, and emotionally. Where she detected a positive inclination - whether talent or skill, she propelled us to go after it. I was encouraged to become a race car driver; however, I never took it seriously. I know I would have had her full support. That is what she did for her family; she loved and supported them in their endeavors. The popular Purple Dragon Karate School, where I am the head instructor (Shihan), is an independent interest of mine that Mommy Gen supported from day one. She was at my first tournament in 1982 and traveled around the world with us. I truly believe that the way my parents had introduced me, or should I say incorporated me, into the business, from infancy, was the reason I did not feel pressured to work in the family business. It is my business; my family business, and family must stay together for strength and endurance against all odds. Family was important to Mommy Gen. She loved and cherished her own, and embraced all. One of her great sentences was; as long as Antigua exists, Kennedy’s must exist.

DAVE FRANCIS

DON FRANCIS Mommy Gen’s parents owned the only grocery shop and Bakery in Newfield, at the time I was born. Being the first child for the young enterprising couple, I was left with my grandparents while Mommy Gen and Big Daddy sought to establish and run the new business in St. John’s, which had expanded from Liberta. Additionally, my grandfather also operated a shop in nearby Pares Village at the same time.

The thought of working for some other company never entered my mind. I always felt it was my sense of duty to serve in my parents’ company. I suppose they taught me well, because I believe in family first and supporting what is family. It is quite logical that working for my parents’ business is just like working for me. My father, Glasford and late mother, Mommy Gen, were strict disciplinarians, yet very caring, loving, and God-fearing parents. They encouraged me to be the best I could be.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

I am the father of four sons, and like my parents, I would like to counsel, guide, and protect my children while encouraging them to continue the Legacy. I will continue to give them the encouragement to grow in the business, as I was given; and to show them the love that I received. These are the blessings that work for Kennedy’s.

KENNEDY FRANCIS

KEVIN FRANCIS I was around four years old, but still recall the delight I took in handing up a tin of sardines to my mother, Mommy Gen, to place on the shelf high above me. She never made me feel that I was in the way; I was made to feel useful. This is how it began. After school, I would rush down to Kennedy’s Bar & Arcade to do two things: To complete my homework, which Mommy Gen insisted upon with all her children and then to pack the shelves. This was my chore and I performed it with enthusiasm. From this stage, I was introduced to handling the accounts, taught Customs brokerage, purchasing and procurement of merchandise, and was eventually taken overseas to purchase goods and meet with the suppliers. I was taught every aspect of the business from a very young age. Mommy Gen and Daddy were visionaries. They probably saw that I was inclined to be technologically-minded; and sent me off to Las Vegas, after I had finished school, to study and learn everything about the games, which we operated at the Arcade, including slot machines. I also went to Oklahoma to pursue a course in Technology and Electronics. Therefore, a few years later, when our company expanded to include a Technical Department, I was poised and ready for the head position. There was no prompting or admonition for me to work in our family-owned business, because I was already there. I never left! However, I was groomed for take-over without actually being aware that I was being groomed. According to Mommy Gen’s advice to me (one of her old time sayings) – “one match stick is easily broken, but many put together are hard to break.” Simply put – a family that is united cannot be torn apart. Love and respect for family was very important to my parents – a legacy I have inherited and shall pass on.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Kennedy ‘Ken’ Francis, the family business namesake is the 7th of 9 children of Glasford (Big Daddy) and Pauline Francis (Mommy Gen). Starting at an early age, we all had a part to play in the family owned business. "Whether it was after school hours, weekends; there was always work to be done and forget vacations! Not at our house." Despite this, our parents did not make us feel compelled to work for the company but instead provided opportunities for us to learn by involving all the children in the every-day running of the business. Not only did they instill the lesson of hard work but a sense of pride in being part of something that is 100% Antiguan. To think this all started as a Tavern in Liberta. The first official position I held in the company was that of cashier. Over the years, I served in many other capacities now holding the post of HR Officer. However, there was always a deep rooted passion for boxing. I recall speaking to my late mother about an opportunity to become a certified coach. She always believed in self-empowerment; and that one should take their academic studies or skill to a higher level. She encouraged me to pursue the course in Budapest, Hungary and I became a Certified Boxing Coach. Incidentally, my interest in amateur boxing has served our sports bars well. Mommy Gen, often reminded me that my first word was “up” and used to add that I must get up there and stay up there. I will remember her words and continue to elevate myself as a decent and productive citizen of the land, as well as strive to maintain the high standards of our company. I am also reminded of Mommy Gen’s unfailing love and moral support for all of her children, and hope to be as good a parent to my children as she was to me. Kennedy's has been the fiber that keeps the family together. Yet the cycle continues. I was pleased when my daughter, Keanna, had interest in getting involved in the family business. She is still in school but works with the company during school vacations. Apparently, it is the natural order of things with the Francis' children. The dynasty lives on. •

P R E PA R I N G T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N F O R L E A D E R S H I P One of Glasford’s and Pauline’s enforced disciplines was to ensure that all their children were involved in the day to day operation of the company from an early age. They trained them to function in every aspect after school. The exposure to the business allowed them to grow within, thus, ensuring that the name: “Kennedy’s” remained in operation in Antigua & Barbuda for the generations to follow. Indeed, the children have grown to appreciate the discipline and have now passed on the knowledge to all the grandchildren of Mommy Gen and Daddy. It can now be seen that some of the grandchildren are presently doing their part in various departments of the company while others are pursuing their studies in universities.

DIONNE FRANCIS

KEVIN FRANCIS

KEVARI FRANCIS

ROLE: Executive Assistant

ROLE: Sous Chef (Isand B-Hive)

ROLE: Executive Assistant

TAQIYYAH FRANCIS

KAMALIE FRANCIS

JAHMOZA FRANCIS

ROLE: Trade Marketing Coordinator

ROLE: Operations Assistant

ROLE: Store Assistant BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

A TRADITION OF MENTORING AND CARING

A few years into my employment with Kennedy’s – my youngest child, eight years old at the time, had to undergo an investigative surgical procedure. I recall sitting alone outside the operating theatre, with head hanging low, wallowing in self-pity, when I sensed a presence. I looked up. It was Mommy Gen! I knew for a fact that she had interrupted her usual busy schedule just to be there. Yet, she sat and waited with me until the ordeal was over. That was truly Mommy Gen. My recollection of that occasion often makes my eyes spring and my throat tight. It is an occasion I will remember with thanks and gratitude.

“I met Mommy Gen almost 17 years ago. She radiated the warmth and love that permeated around Kennedy’s Head Office, at Cassada Gardens, as I was introduced to her back in November 2001; the new secretary joining the company. Before long, I discovered that Mommy Gen hardly, if ever, accepted “no” for an answer. She saw “possible” where others saw “unattainable,” a trait I highly admired. She was a source of inspiration. “It may be impossible, but do it anyway,” she said.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

I must state that my personal and social interaction with Mommy Gen, over the years, is the source that altered my outlook, in a very positive way, on many aspects of life. Mommy Gen made working within the Kennedy’s Group of Companies a pleasant experience; the workplace one looks forward to going to. There have been many times when I had left my home in a despondent mood, only to have my spirit lifted, immediately upon reaching work, by the affable atmosphere, which Mommy Gen, no doubt, cultivated. She was a role model for me. She certainly had an impact on my life.” – Joan Alexander – Supervisor at Island B-Hive, Heritage Quay

“Mommy Gen was much more than my employer as one of the co-founders of Kennedy’s Club Limited; she was my source of inspiration. Family is the most important thing on Earth; always strive to be the best by putting God first in everything you do – was one of her lessons that I will never forget. Those hugs with the infectious smile will always remind me that in my quest to be successful in life one must always remember to lend that helping hand to others. We were all created for caring and sharing.” – Cindy Grant – Executive Assistant

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; prudent are those who live by his precepts.” — Psalm 111:10 NIV This piece of scripture captures the essence of the person Mommy Gen was, and how she will continue to be remembered and celebrated through all time. Mother, Spiritual Advisor, Mentor and Cheerleader are just a few of the titles that one can use to describe Mommy Gen’s relationship with me. God fearing woman and wise indeed with her wealth of experience both in personal and professional life; which she generously shared with all who have been graced with her presence. I’ve had the privilege of being mentored by Mommy Gen and these are some of the principles that she has instilled and that have influenced my professional tenure as an employee of Kennedy’s Club Ltd. over the years: For starters, it is important to note that Kennedy’s Club Ltd. is an indigenous Antiguan, and family owned company at which all employees are treated as just that, family! Mommy Gen’s welcoming spirit captured in her loving embraces reflected that familial affection and in turn signaled to me as an employee to embrace my colleagues the same way, as we are all a part of all that this company encompasses. Additionally, just as we operate as family likewise she instilled taking ownership as well as the importance of supporting your own. It is with this in mind that I approach my daily responsibilities.

“Mommy Gen was an extremely bright, personable, and disciplined individual with high standards, who committed herself beyond expectations and did so with a genuine attitude not only in the workplace but with individuals. For me, she was the "star" within Kennedy's. She is still my personal role model to this day as her legacy of knowledge lives on within me. I certainly cannot walk in her shoes but I try to follow the footsteps she left behind. Mommy Gen’s constructive alignments and profound personality did, and will continue to, impact my day to day living.” – Cicely Gomes – Manager of Island B Hive, Heritage Quay

Another aspect of Mommy Gen’s character is that she was a motivator and inspired self-confidence. She introduced me to this concept, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway!” If I had to perform a task or make a presentation and nerves got the best of me and/or my confidence needed a boost, she reminded me to “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway!” She even went as far as demonstrating an upright, chest out posture, and told me to think this “Ah Me Dis, Ah Me Name [Insert Name Here]!” (LOL as I recall these moments.)

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

Mommy Gen fostered the notion of having respect for authority, practicing obedience. Simply put, when correcting anyone who was not cooperating; she would advise them saying “Learn to follow instructions because one day you may have to give them and you will want them to be followed.” This is a simple, but such a profound statement that continues to guide my conduct when performing assigned duties. Meticulous! Anything Mommy Gen was responsible for doing was done thoroughly. She left no stone unturned and expressed that she only had her name and quoted Proverbs 22:1 “A good name is better than great wealth… ”. Likewise she encouraged one to exhibit this same quality in whatever one found him or herself involved in. Often, she would emphasize the importance of doing your best; also encouraging growth and elevation in her words of “Higher Heights!” These are some qualities I strive to emulate in both my personal and professional life. She personified transcending boundaries. There was no limit to what she could do; as a matter of fact you couldn’t confine Mommy Gen to any one category. The idea of a glass ceiling in business didn’t exist for Mommy Gen because she broke it, blazed her own trail and her legacy continues to inspire me to aim for “Higher Heights!” and Dare to Transcend Boundaries! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Love Always!!! (Our daily end of day parting words.) – Reina Mason – Senior Human Resource Officer

The journey started over eleven years ago, coming out of the gaming industry and vouching never to work again for any company that would pack up and leave overnight. I decided that I would only work for a company that is firmly rooted and cultivated in Antigua. This is where I formally met Pauline “Mommy Gen” Francis, a tall elegant lady that I had met a few times before as I graduated High School with her twin daughters Donna and Denise.

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Oct /Dec

From the first time I met Mommy Gen at work it was like I had known her forever. Our paths crossed very often. I marveled at her work ethic in being here very early in the morning and being one of the last to leave in the evening. Whenever I visited her office, I was greeted with a big hug as she enquired about my well-being. It was never obvious that Mommy Gen was one of the owners of the company as she acted like an ordinary staff never indicating that she was boss. She was always ready to advise and teach if she recognized that’s what was needed. Whenever Mommy Gen greeted me, she would call me “Mr. Kennedy”. This greeting always came with that big overpowering hug. This was administered no matter who was around, even Big Daddy. It took me years to figure out what she meant as she greeted me “It meant you are one of us, “FAMILY”. We spoke about many things over the years, things that she wished was possible and other things she would love to see happen. When she got ill and went overseas for treatment she was truly missed. Through her ordeal she still enquired about my well-being. I too always took the opportunity to ask how she was doing. She returned after being away for months looking frail but she was still her bubbly self, walking around greeting everyone and referring to me, still, as Mr. Kennedy. I had the opportunity to see and talk to Mommy Gen before her death, though unresponsive I knew she was wishing me well. These eleven years has been a good journey. Mommy Gen was a big part of this journey at Kennedys Club Ltd., I have long thought that being humble is an essential part of being a good person and a good person she was indeed. I will never forget her warm welcoming embrace symbolizing “family”. She was loved, she was light, she was strength, a phenomenal woman. Rest in Peace “Mommy Gen”. – Herald Rolland – Purchasing Supervisor

I knew of Mommy Gen, almost three years before I actually met her. This was because everywhere I went around Antigua, I heard people calling her Mommy Gen. I said to myself, this lady, Mommy Gen, had to be a good woman. When I eventually met her, my initial instinct was right. In 2002, I met Mommy Gen officially; having joined the Kennedy’s Group of Companies that year. I felt an instant chemistry with her, and ran with this thought for about a week, until I realize she had that warmth for everyone. However, I was still made to feel special and over the years, we developed a closeness and rapport very much like sisters. Mommy Gen was my consultant, counselor, teacher, lawyer and, most important of all, my mentor. She was indeed a leader and I was privileged to follow her good leadership within the company, and benefited from her good guidance both personally and professionally. She has shown me alternative ways to deal with personal situations, which would have been disastrous done my way. She had guided me in every aspect of my job, which enabled me to become the trusted employee I am today. She was never too busy to listen to someone, even when it was easy to ignore something that seemed unimportant, but Mommy Gen made it seem important. I know this for a fact. She was never too busy to take time out to listen to me. I miss her, but will continue to be guided by her thorough advice. Thank you, Mommy Gen, for being there for me these past 15 years, for the impact you had on my life; and embracing my family and I as your own family. Thanks for the Doxology you and Reina shared with me, ”Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! Love always!” – Vernadine Joseph – Senior Accounts Assistant

As a Senior Storeroom Officer at Kennedy’s Wholesale over the years, I have been on the receiving end of Mommy Gen’s kind-heartedness, good advice, and generosity up until her passing. Behind her motherly nature was a tower of strength. She wasn’t afraid of hard work. I can see her now in the early years working side by side with the warehouse crew packing crates with hundreds of cases. When I had gotten a deep cut on my finger from a Vita Malt bottle, and had to go to the hospital for stitches, after I was attended to, Mommy Gen said to me “What kind of soft man are you”. I remember smiling at her, because I saw the twinkle in her eyes and behind those words, I heard these words “I am happy that you are alright” Sometime after, Mommy Gen asked “James, where are you going?” I told her that I was heading back to the hospital to remove the stitches from my finger. Mommy took me to her office and removed all of the stitches one by one. She was known to stitch up her own wounds, without even numbing the spot. She was unbelievable! One time I was down on my luck and arranged to see Mommy Gen for a loan, even though my staff account was way up high. When I entered her office, she was sitting behind her desk with a serious look on her face, and I flashed her my best smile, and she started to laugh. She told me that she was all set to turn me down, but my smile saved me. Mommy Gen was the one with the winning smile. Mommy Gen was a great lady, and I will miss her good counsel and guidance. I will never forget her telling me that I was the twin brother of her third son, Dion, all because we were born in the same year. I love the way she treated all workers like family, and I felt I was treated like a son. – James Anatole – Senior Storeroom Officer

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

P E O P L E AT T H E C E N T E R OF OUR GROWTH C O M PA N Y S T R U C T U R E / D I R E C T O R S

GLASFORD (BIG DADDY) FRANCIS

NOVELLE FRANCIS

ROLE: Founder of Kennedy’s Club Ltd.

ROLE: Director (Retired)

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Now retired and is a hobbyist in the field of Horticulture / Topiary, spending time with his grandchildren.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Gardening, horse racing and walking.

DION FRANCIS

DONNA FRANCIS, OH

ROLE: Managing Director

ROLE: Chief Financial Officer

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Former executive member of the Rotary Club, athletics, sports cars and music.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: JCI senator and the first Antiguan to be elected as JCI Vice President. She holds a National Honor Award (OH the Most Precious Order of Princely Heritage); and she’s also a Certified Motivational Trainer; Director of Antigua Brewery and State Insurance.

DENISE FRANCIS SHEPPARD

KEVINIA FRANCIS

ROLE: Human Resources Manager

ROLE: Restaurant and Bar Manager at B-Hive #2 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium-Party Stand

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Co-Founder: Kreative Dreamz “Discover the Greatness Within U”-Motivational training program targeting youths; Martial Arts and JCI Antigua.

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Oct /Dec

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Certified international personal trainer; manages a gym called Kreative Fitness Gym; recipient in 2016 for cycling.

DON FRANCIS

CICELY GOMES

ROLE: Manager of Ken’s Club

ROLE: Restaurant and Bar Manager of Island B Hive #1, Heritage Quay

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Shihan / Head Instructor for over 30 years of the Antigua ‘Purple Dragon Karate School’; Softball Cricket, Football and Drag Racing.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Secretary of the Central Board of Health.

MOODY (JUNIE) SHEPPARD

GLENTIS GOODWIN

ROLE: Operations Manager; Captain Kennedy’s Club Ltd. football team (championship winners for the years 2012 and 2016); Coach of Kennedy’s Club Ltd. basketball team (championship winners for the years 2014,2015, 2016); Won coach of the year 4 times: 2013 - 2016.

ROLE: Senior Executive OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Board Director of Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC); Former national chess player; Former Treasurer of Antigua Barbuda Workers Union.

IRVING EDWARDS

KEVIN FRANCIS

ROLE: Managing Director at Kennedy's Enterprises Ltd.

ROLE: Manager at Kennedy's Classic

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Golfer and Walking.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Technical Engineering, Domino, and Drag Racing.

CAROLYN PHILLIP

JOHN BENJAMIN

ROLE: Senior Manager of Finance

ROLE: Finance Manager

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Poetry Writer, Singing, Writing Devotions and Swimming.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Landscaping, Singing (Catholic Choir Member) and Table Tennis.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

DAVE FRANCIS

KENNEDY FRANCIS

ROLE: Accounts Acquisition Officer

ROLE: Human Resource Officer

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Health and Wellness Advocate; reading and driving instructor.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: 1993 Panama Games medal holder – Boxing; Antigua attendee at ICC training in Budapest; Appointed team manager for Antigua Barbuda at 2017 OECS Games; He is Managing Director of "Wadadli Golden Gloves" boxing club.

KERRI FRANCIS

VIVIAN GONSALVES

ROLE: Accounts and Sales Analyst

ROLE: Administrative Officer DKD Enterprises Ltd. / MoneyGram

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Co-Founder: Kreative Dreamz “Discover the Greatness Within U”; Past VP of NonProfit for Beta Alpha Psi; Research Technologist for Wisconsin's Midwest Respiratory Virus Program.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Sports, Volunteering for Charity and Music.

JONATHAN MURPHY

OMARI CLARKE

ROLE: Wines Manager

ROLE: Technical Officer

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Chef by Trade, Gymnastics Coach and Entrepreneur Mindset.

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Sports and Formula-1 Racing.

HERALD ROLLAND

ROXANNE CHRISTOPHER

ROLE: Senior Purchasing Officer with responsibilities for shipping and brokerage

ROLE: Operations Officer

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: President of Local Chapter of Rotary ClubSundown.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

JOAN ALEXANDER

CINDY GRANT

ROLE: Supervisor – Island B-Hive (Heritag Quay)

ROLE: Executive Assistant

WALCOTT MATTHEW

DALE EDWARDS

ROLE: Supervisor Kennedy's Liquor World

ROLE: Manager at Kennedy's Enterprises Ltd.

VERNADINE JOSEPH ROLE: Senior Accounts Assistant

JOYCELYN AIRALL ROLE: Accounts Acquisition Officer

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Q & A WITH DION FRANCIS G E N E R A L M A N A G E R O F K E N N E D Y ’ S C L U B LT D.

Another important factor - is to recruit good workers and treat them well. This has proven to improve morale among staff and boost productivity. Contented workers always contribute positively to the success of a business. BF: For the aspiring entrepreneur that may be reading this, what are the key factors one must take into consideration in wanting to start their own business? DF: It is never an easy undertaking to start one’s own business. First, it takes dedication and planning. It also takes personal sacrifice of time and commitment. Additionally , it is important to conduct a feasibility study and ensure that the business venture would be a lucrative one. One would have to contend with cost of living, the product(s) slated for sale, or the service being offered, and the competition. The business concept must be sound and the start-up capital must be in place. Never try to start the business on less capital than what is required to operate it, or else the business will fail before it begins. Finally, a team of good workers would be essential for its success.

BF: You’ve been in business for 55 years, how did you do it – what has been the “formula” to sustaining a successful business? DF: To be successful in business is to have a keen interest and a genuine love for what the business is all about. In Kennedy’s case, there are several keys to our success these past 55 years: Our parents instilled discipline, by initiating their children’s interest in the business, understanding every aspect of the business, studying and canvassing the market to ascertain its demands, and not to remain stagnant, but to be aggressive, and change with the changing times.

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BF: With a track record such as yours, being the Managing Director of a very successful, home-grown business, what are the pillars business owners should stand on if their goal is to be in business 30, 40, or even 50 years from now? DF: In our globally connected world today, with modern technologies, it is not difficult to acquire partnership with the international brands we represent. This has cemented our association with reputable suppliers. We are not only distributors, but, in essence, business partners. We are kept abreast of new products to enhance our line. We are invited to attend their conferences annually. We, in turn, invite their personnel to our company on familiarization trips. This is trying to stay on the cutting edge, and being in the right position to grasp any opportunity to take the business to the next level.

OUR FOUR PILLARS OF SUCCESS: Family: The early years of struggles and sacrifices that led the company to its present position; the continued drive and enthusiasm to ensure and secure Kennedy’s Club Limited future position and safeguarding of the “family atmosphere” that is traditionally and uniquely “Kennedy’s”. Relationship: Forming the right associations, alliances and connecting with the right people backed by shrewd suppliers and loyal valued customers in a spirit of friendship and business. Brands: Providing superior quality trademarks and brands in goods and services at affordable prices while remaining mindful of our responsibility of corporate governance and best practices. Community: Gratified by involvement in nation building and ensuring the well-being of others as a good corporate citizen. BF: When a company has an impressive legacy, the question often considered is, “What’s next?” So, what’s next for Kennedy’s? DF: Kennedy’s has a mindset for expansion. If a company doesn’t expand, it wouldn’t grow. We started out in the beverage business, but in with an effort to consolidate, we opened the two sports bars: Island B-Hive #1 and #2, Heritage Quay and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, respectively. Additionally, we did major renovations on the original Bar & Games Arcade, on Prince Klass Street, and converted it into an upscale Sports Bar & Restaurant now known as “Classic”. It operates early and late hours for the public’s convenience daily. We have diversified into international money transfer services. We are the super-agent for MoneyGram, and have outlets at M&M and Percival Gas Stations, Ken’s Club, and Kennedy’s Liquor World. Our next move is to consolidate these expanding businesses that we have decided to establish. Kennedy’s is a household name. We are involved in almost every facet of society – christenings, confirmations, graduations, and weddings, even wakes, we are there represented by our brands We are very much intertwined into the Antiguan society. As we continue to move forward, our aim is to further solidify the relationships we have built over the years; with our valued customers and the people behind the brands we carry. •

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FEATURE

Human Resources and Service Department

Accounts and Purchasing Department

Technical Department Sales and Marketing Department

THE KENNEDY'S

FA M I LY O F EMPLOYEES

Operations Department

Ken's Club / MJ's Restaurant

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Oct /Dec

Kennedy's Liquor World Ltd.

Global Explorers / Johnnie Walker Bar V. C. Bird International Airport

Island B-Hive Sports Bar, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Party Stand)

Island B-Hive Sports Bar, Heritage Quay

Kennedy's Classic

Kennedy's Enterprises Ltd. / Kennedy's Hardware Express

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

LINKING WITH TOURISM A KEY NICHE FOR GROWTH: B I RT H O F B - H I V E 1 & 2

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Heritage Quay is the major port of entry for thousands of tourists disembarking from the many cruise ships that visit Antigua annually. It’s where one can find a variety of international and local shops and vendors. Yet, something was missing. The vicinity was crying out for lively activity and entertainment. Then it happened! Under the clock tower was beautifully transformed to the amazement of critics. It sits majestically on a modest platform with its nonagon (nine-sided) shape and sturdy columns decorated with honeybees, painted in burnt orange and gold, and the conical roof is painted royal blue on the inside. It exhibits a stunning combination of colours; with main entrance from the cobblestone courtyard in charming Heritage Quay Duty Free Shopping Mall. In June 2006, Island B-Hive – a sports bar and restaurant, welcomed its first patrons, which was the US Navy Fleet that was touring the Caribbean at the time. This restaurant and sports bar has a unique ambiance unmatched by any other in the area. It is located at a strategic spot to attract the visiting tourist from the cruise ship, which docks at the nearby pier. The visitors, as well as locals, are intrigued by its colourful décor and open-air concept, making it a favourite spot to get a refreshing drink or a delicious meal. B-Hive thrives on repeat patrons’ business, both local and from overseas. Its selection of tantalizing dishes, whether local or international cuisine, are known island wide. The demand was so great that the Island B-Hive Party Stand was born. The sports bar located at the Vivian Richards Stadium surpassed expectations, being a prime hub for many events including ceremonies, wakes, sports, parties and fetes. Come out and Sip the honey, Bite the comb, Feel the buzz and Bee at home! • BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

FEATURE

A VISION FOR SUCCESS LINKED T O C O M M U N I T Y, O P P O RT U N I T Y, AND PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

Learning for Life is a skills-based adult education program designed to inspire and transform the lives of people throughout the Americas.

today: an innovative and one-of-a-kind program that is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and creating change for the better across the Americas.

Created by Diageo in 2008, the program provides skills training to young adults in four main areas: hospitality, retail, enterprise and bartending. The company believes that “change begets change”, and by providing opportunities in the lives of 1, 10 or 100 people through vocational and life-skills training, a ripple effect would be unleashed creating a positive impact on thousands of individuals, families, communities and societies throughout the Americas.

“I believe that Learning For Life has truly created opportunities for our young, less fortunate yet ambitious citizens. It has given them a fair chance to empower themselves, enrich their lives and lead to their financial independence. The programme has been a catalyst in the alleviation of poverty and has opened doors of useful opportunities for the youngsters who are eager and focused on self-development,” says Dion Francis, Managing Director of Kennedy’s Club Limited.

Since the program’s launch in 2008, Learning for Life has graduated more than 60,000 students, thereby impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands across the region.

The top-graduating students who participated in the first Learning for Life programme here in Antigua were: Kara Wilson (bartending), Danielle Marsh (housekeeping), and Shem Alexander (retail sales). Since the completion of the programme, the individuals have since gained employment opportunities in the areas

In Antigua, Learning for Life has impacted more than 100 individuals. The success of Learning for Life is a result of the collaborative effort of all its stakeholders -including the students and their families, Diageo employees, training agencies, government, media, NGOs, strategic partners and businesses; one such strategic partner has been Kennedy’s Club Limited. It is this collective effort that has made Learning for Life into what it is

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Being socially responsible and investing in the communities in which a company operates is at the heart of what it means for DIAGEO to be a good corporate citizen. It is for that reason that DIAGEO partnered with Kennedy’s Club Limited in 2012 to bring the Learning for Life programme to Antigua. For years, the Kennedy’s

DEE’S 24HR SERVICE STATION

AND FOOD MART OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

brand has been synonymous with giving back to various communities throughout the nation of Antigua & Barbuda. In 2011, Learning for Life received the Corporate Citizen of the Americas (CCA) Award from the OAS Trust of the Americas. Learning for Life works with local and multinational partners who provide employment opportunities to many students after graduation. Some of the learning initiatives include: PROJECT BARTENDER Project Bartender prepares individuals to enter a career in bartending or related fields with the skills and knowledge needed to responsibly serve customers and provide excellent experiences. The program currently operates in Aruba, Antigua, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela. PROJECT RETAILER

Dee’s would like to congratulate Kennedy’s on 55 years in business WE OFFER: Tyre Repair, Tyre Sales and Automotive Batteries Sir George Walter Highway & Old Parham Rd

T: 268.562.3652

Project Retailer provides young people with customer service and customer relations skills, cash management training and professional appearance guidance so they can develop a career in the retail industry. It also helps students develop fundamental business skills such as accounting principles that are essential to their future success. The program currently operates in Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. PROJECT HOSPITALITY Project Hospitality aims to strengthen knowledge and commitment to the hospitality industry by helping people become valued assets of their local economy. The program seeks to interact with communities and empower their hospitality potential, inspiring them to identify their strengths and develop local and natural resources, as well as cultural assets. The program currently operates in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, the United States and Venezuela. PROJECT ENTREPRENEUR Project Entrepreneur provides individuals with knowledge and practical tools to start their own small businesses in order to become productive and self-sustaining in the future. It gives people with limited resources the opportunity to launch a new business venture and become active and resourceful citizens of their local communities. While financial contributions are important, active involvement can often achieve much more for the community, whether through the time and skills of employees, surplus products, and other ‘in-kind’ resources. For our people who get involved in the community, there is very often a real sense of being ‘proud of what we do.’ From a business perspective, by demonstrating our commitment, being active and caring about the communities where we operate, we demonstrate to employees that Diageo is responsive to the issues they care about. •

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FEATURE

C O M M U N I T Y, S P O RT S & C U LT U R E AT T H E H E A RT O F K E N N E D Y ’ S

Kennedy’s Group of Companies' track record and history will show that this company has a legacy of mentoring and caring for the community through sports and culture.

Kennedy’s also sponsor Guinness Annual Street Football Event – which is growing in popularity, Vita Malt Sports Men & Women of the Year Award, Coca-Cola Inter-School Sports Championship.

The Kennedy’s Liberta Sports Complex was erected as a way of giving back to that community – a landmark of sorts, as appreciation for the people of Liberta and in recognition of the very first bar – Kennedy’s Club, which received its start from the community in 1962. The Sports Complex upkeep and maintenance continues to be carried out by the Kennedy’s Group. The Liberta community do benefit from this gesture, as evidenced by the great sports men and women it has produced in recent times.

“Kennedy’s” is definitely a household word that has become embedded into the Antiguan culture. Kennedy’s Club Ltd., Antigua’s major wholesale distributor, is synonymous with the name “Wadadli” Antigua’s lager beer, the top best-selling beer on island. Wadadli Beer, in turn, is associated significantly with meaningful events in Antigua. To begin with, Antigua’s Annual Summer Festival – the Wadadli Calypso Monarch Show, which is one of the main featured shows during Antigua’s Annual Summer Festival. The company lends its brands representation to many other highlighted events and institutions.

Kennedy’s Blue Diamond Football and Basketball Team are a force to be reckoned with; having won out both the Business League Football and Basketball Competition for many years. The young men who make up the team are recruited from staff members and individuals from the surrounding community. Members of the aforementioned teams show undaunted enthusiasm for the relevant sport.

“ Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” It is important for young people – especially young men to have a medium by which to channel their energy in a positive manner; bearing in mind the negative influences in our societies today. Sporting activities have provided such a channel and Kennedy’s Group is acutely cognizant of this concern.

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Kennedy’s Club Ltd. over the years has been supporting the annual Carnival celebrations because of our commitment to being a major player in the development of our country’s Arts and Culture. Our participation has awarded us outstanding recognition resulting in us being dubbed “The Most Organized Band on the road” for Antigua’s Carnival over the years. Like no other troupe, the Wadadli Brewmasters’ emphasis is safety first while having total enjoyment on the road at J’ouvert morning. Our setup includes live bands featuring all the leading soca artistes and DJs, tight security along the entire route with food and drinks. We believe there is strength in unity and we pride ourselves as being a J’ouvert troupe catering for the young and energetic & old and spirited. The Wadadli Brewmasters promises ‘a reveler’s experience you won’t forget’. There is hardly an event taking place in Antigua that Kennedy’s does not play an integral part in; branding and supplying goods and/or sponsorships. The company also supplies branded tents if required, setting up bars, product displays and provides other

services. The company offers a wide variety of high demand international brands to general consumers, event promoters both locally and regionally. Kennedy’s Group of Companies is also affiliated with the church. This is a legacy handed down by the matriarch, Mommy Gen. It is customary each year for the company to invite its management and staff to give thanks to the Almighty God on its anniversary. A different denomination is chosen every year to worship and a monetary gift is presented to the church. Everyone looks forward to this thanksgiving event as it brings all staff together and fosters relationships with members of the church. In other words, new bonds are formed and new friendship made…the makings for a better and caring community. “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence…” This is the legacy by which Kennedy’s stands. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

MONEY MATTERS

A Glimpse of 9th Annual AML/CFT, Anti-Fraud & Financial Crimes Conference 2017 hosted by KAW A G L I MServices P S E Ltd. OF Management

9TH ANNUAL AML/ C F T, A N T I - F R A U D & FINANCIAL CRIMES CONFERENCE 2017 H O S T E D B Y K AW MANAGEMENT S E R V I C E S LT D. KAW’s 9th Annual AML/CFT Anti-Fraud and Financial Crimes Conference 2017 was a great success based on the responses from attendees, sponsors, exhibitors and speakers. The Conference was held at its customary location, the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort. This year’s theme was “Leading the Way to Strategic and Effective Compliance Amidst Challenges and Uncertainties”. KAW’s meticulous event planning offered participants an exceptional environment to share experiences, learn from high-calibre experts from the private and public sectors and gain access to a constant flow of knowledge through network connections.

Attendance was a significant factor in contributing to the success of the Conference. Despite the economic difficulties that many companies are facing, the Conference has been able to steadily maintain its numbers. Participants represented a diverse mixture of industry sectors, professional backgrounds and countries. The perspectives from the diverse group of professionals in the audience added valuable substance to the superb sessions and networking events. There was a broad representation of industry sectors from large to small firms, including Banks, Credit Unions, Broker Dealers, Investment Advisers, Insurance Companies, Corporate Service Providers, Money Service Businesses, Lending Organizations, Law Enforcement, Regulators, Hotel and Service Industries, Auditors, Accountants, Attorneys, and Consultants among others. Many of the individual participants also had experience working in various capacities in the financial and regulated services industry. All participants leveraged their past expertise to make prized contributions to the Event. Presenters were also diverse and included local speakers such as Kem Warner, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of KAW Management Services Ltd, Ralph Warner, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Brenda Sheppard, Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), Jasmine Wade, Legal Counsel for the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) and Kebra Gardiner, Manager of the Financial Analysis Unit of the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP). These were joined by regional and international speakers such as Alison Jimenez, Lauren Kohr, Tyrone Fitzgerald, Mara Wesseling, Erin Oloughlin, Glenna Smith, Dennis Lormel, Sara Beth Whetzel, Karen O’Brien, Garry Clement, Brian Stoeckert and Scott Dueweke. All speakers divulged a plethora of knowledge and provided the avenue for lively question and answer segments. Presentations were dynamic, informative, and eye opening to say the least. Presentations focused on industry-tailored sessions attracting a broad audience. This is the uniqueness and trend of our Conference and is crucial because it fosters an environment of cooperation and understanding amongst sometimes isolated sectors. KAW is cognizant that an audience that mirrors the financial industry landscape produces a comprehensive and more dynamic dialogue.

Some of the members of the Opening Panel – L to R: Laura Goldzung (Moderator), Brenda Sheppard (CEO, Financial Services Regulatory Commission), Kem Warner (CEO, KAW Management Services Limited) Speakers

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Overall, the Conference was well planned in regards to the relevance of topics, the diversity of presenters and their expertise, the content development and the guidance of the moderator, Laura Goldzung. Each presentation’s closing remarks became a consistent send-off message to take action. The following represented the key topics highlighted in multiple sessions at the Conference: � Money Laundering and Other Financial Crimes and their Impact on Smaller Institutions � The Common Reporting Standards (CRS) – “Uncommon Practices for Corporate Compliance and Reporting”

Some of KAW Management Staff

� How Predicate Offences such as Corruption and Fraud can Lead to Money Laundering and Terrorism Charges, Fines, Sanctions and Imprisonment � Anti-Money Laundering/International Initiatives, New Risks, New Challenges and Our Obligations Technology was another important theme at the Conference as a topic of interest and as a tool to facilitate compliance functions. The complexity and continued developments in technology are critical factors influencing all topics previously listed as part of the Conference takeaway. Several sessions repeatedly highlighted the use of data mining to manage risk, identify trends and take action. It was clear that the surge of advanced analytics was present across the private and public sectors. Technology is at the core of all financial institutions’ risk management infrastructure.

Presentation by Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) Representative, Garry Clement, to a Conference Attendee

This year more than ever, speakers and participants were extremely passionate in regards to the issues being faced within the region in relation to Correspondent Banks. Our region is currently experiencing the loss of these very important links with overseas banks and this can be very detrimental to the financial services industry. The Post Conference Workshops were also successful as the participants received an excellent send off from critical and thought provoking information offered by the two speakers. Mr. Tyrone Fitzgerald, a Compliance Consultant presented on the topic “Ready Aim Fire” Effective Ways to Bullet Proof Your Compliance and Risk Management Program and Mr. Dennis Lormel, a retired FBI Agent, presented from his wealth of experience on the topic “Getting inside the Mind of a Fraudster” What Turns Good People into Fraudsters. Both presenters got raving reviews from the audience.

Charles Weaver – SILO (Conference Bronze Sponsor)

The intensity of the topics and discussions, the interaction between audience and presenters and the sheer number of participants generated an energy to charge ahead. KAW will continue to offer this top quality event for the benefit of our jurisdiction and that of the entire region. Our upcoming Conference next year will mark its tenth year and the organizing Committee has already started its planning of what is expected to be a dynamic and memorable event. •

Conference Attendees

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

MONEY MATTERS

Making Your Credit Card work for You Part II

M A K I N G YO U R C R E D I T C A R D W O R K F O R YO U PA R T I I The last article looked at maximising the benefits of using a credit card from a consumer point of view. Since then persons have approached me saying that they do not use their credit card because Merchants offer less favourable terms for use of credit card versus check or cash. Recently I myself had this experience where a Merchant indicated use of my Credit Card comes with a 5% charge. Apparently they were trying to recoup the commission charged by the bank. Other Merchants will reduce or deny a discount offered if one is using their credit card. Well I did my research and learnt that I could have reported that merchant to their bank. When a Merchant obtains a Credit Card Account with a financial institution they sign a contract to offer terms no less favourable than cash or check. Such a report would result in them losing the facility for breach of contract. I consider that attitude is one of ignorance, as the Merchant does not see the benefit to them

with each check issuer to replace the check. These persons may insist on doing a stop order, the cost of which will be borne by the Merchant and allowing a reasonable time to pass to ensure that the original check does not clear the bank. Accepting payments by Credit Card puts this responsibility on the bank. You swipe, the bank checks collects your funds and places it in your account, minus a service charge of course. Making Deposits – Payments by check and cash involves employing a staff to count, organise, write up a deposit slip and carry the deposit to the bank. Some companies actually employ security staff to do this. Accepting payments by credit card, the deposit is in your account same day. Cost – I mentioned above that some companies hire security personnel and staff to make the deposits. Some companies also have money in transit insurance. The Commission charged by the bank is akin to that insurance.

WHAT IS IN IT FOR ME - WIIIFM?

A HIRE PURCHASE PLAN

Peace of Mind – Accepting payments by checks come with the risk of it being rejected by the bank for Not Sufficient Funds, Words and Figures differ, stale dated, post-dated, unsigned and a host of other reasons.

Allowing the customer to use their credit card is a way of getting the sale or additional sale. I may not have the cash to purchase an item. However I can use my credit card to purchase it now and pay later. But I will not use the credit card if the price to be charged is higher or the discount lower than what is being offered to cash customers.

Many business places post signs warning of large punitive penalties for a returned check. I have seen penalties as high as $200 posted. However how enforceable is this? Consider whether you can even find the person. The cell number they gave you is no longer in service. The last known work place has no forwarding address. Consider the effort, time, and frustration of your staff. Accepting payment by Cash also comes with the risk of counterfeit, theft by employees or burglars. The danger of theft by burglars also applies to checks. Although the risk of the burglar being able to cash them is low, it will involve the merchant getting in touch

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By accepting credit cards, the Merchant gets the selling price in full and the payment plan is between the customer and their banks. If the Merchant offers credit terms to the customer the business is straddled with the additional cost of calls to remind the customer when payment is due. Legal cost associated with paper work which can stand up in a court of law should the customer default. Cost associated with calculating interest on the account, late payment fees etc.

CASH FLOW A Merchant may take several days to make a deposit, waiting for sufficient funds to make the trip to the bank worthwhile. A financial institution may place a hold on checks for up to three days. The funds from the credit card are available same day. Notification of returned checks may be done by mail thereby creating a delay in getting in touch with the customer. Additionally the bank will charge you a fee for each returned check. I do not need to repeat the issues which may come into play trying to get a customer to make good on a returned check. FRAUD A check book could be stolen and the signature does not match the signature on record at the bank. In that case the bank will not honour it. The Merchant will not have any knowledge that the check is stolen until informed by the bank. The Account holder will not be responsible for making good on that check. If a credit card is stolen, once the cardholder informs the bank, the card is blocked thereby eliminating the possibility of delivering goods not paid for. Additionally the cardholder signs the back of the card. The signature on the back of the card can be compared with the signature on the receipt. COMPETITION If there are two businesses offering the same product or service for the same price and I can use my credit card and obtain all the benefits of travel miles or cash back at one on the same terms as if I was paying by check or cash, where do you think I will go?

HOURS: 6:00AM - 11:00PM PERRY BAY, ST. JOHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S, ANTIGUA. P.O. BOX 1273

T: 481 4492

Your competitive edge may be eroded by that attitude of charging a fee or reducing or taking back the discount for use of credit card. THE WAY OF THE WORLD An article in the New York Post, March 2016, states a cashless society would cut crime. It went on to report that the Bank of Korea is planning a cashless society by 2020. The trend of the world is to go paperless. Employers are now preferring direct deposit of payroll over the cash which is fraught with risk of theft and injury during the theft, check which means employees take time off to go to the bank to cash. With direct deposit employees can access the funds through the ATM, anytime or online. Online banking is now cheaper than going into the bank. Some banks offer the ability to order drafts and wire transfers online as well as other instructions. THE MERCHANT CAN ALSO BE A CUSTOMER The Merchant can also maximise on the benefits of having a credit card same as a customer. That card can be used to pay suppliers, pay taxes at some government institutions. Cash back or miles can greatly assist with trips to suppliers or trade shows. Get with the program, talk to your banker today and instead of denying the credit card holder the same benefits offered to cash and check customers, see not the cost but the benefits to both of you. â&#x20AC;˘

FRESHNESS, QUALITY PRODUCTS, IMPECCABLE, CUSTOMER SERVICE BULK PURCHASES BANK SERVICES (SCOTIA AND ABIB) MONEY TRANSFER SERVICE WESTERN UNION

SA VI

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Oct /Dec

MONEY MATTERS

Building Wealth Requires Budgeting

B U I L D I N G W E A LT H REQUIRES BUDGETING Few people have found wealth without actively budgeting. Those that have, find that wealth can be fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it arrives. In order to build lasting wealth you need to learn how to budget. Budgeting is a monthly process of understanding your expenses, controlling the size of those expenses and consistently spending less than you make. In the past, budgeting was terrible. It involved a mountain of receipts, a check balancing book, copious amounts of wine and infinite patience. Thankfully we've come a long way from the torture our parents had to go through. There are amazing tools out there that automate much of the work (just search budget app in Google Play or the App Store and you’d be amazed at how many are available) making budgeting incredibly easy and accessible. Budgeting is about affording the lifestyle you want, not what others say you should have. The concepts work the same if you love to travel, have an addiction to shoes or want to save every penny possible. It's up to you to decide what to budget for. The first thing you'll need to do is quantify your monthly lifestyle and understand its trade-offs. It's about understanding where your money is going and prioritizing your spending. What's more important, a new TV or lunch for your child for the upcoming week? Once you figure out how much money you can really live on you can start adding in the perks.

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But wait, before you go running off to buy that high priced item you’ve had your eye on, understand that just because you can afford the perks, doesn't mean you need to indulge. A big part of budgeting is balancing your priorities of today with your priorities of tomorrow. If you love travel but can't keep yourself from spending $200 a month on shoes – you'll never make your way to Spain. Are you comfortable with your progress towards retirement or do you need to cut back on fancy lunches at work? Budgeting is often hard for some people because there's no right answer - you need to decide your priorities. If you let anyone else try to do it for you, it won’t work because it's not what you want. Deciding is important but the real challenge is in breaking your bad habits, and a big part of that process is in setting a routine and making the good decisions automatic. After giving it some practice you’ll soon realize that budgeting isn’t as intimidating as it seemed. You’d even find yourself in a position where you’re able to identify your “financial leaks” (those areas or items that you spend money on that you really don’t have to), and with that knowledge, you’re able to better control your spending in those areas or on those items, or, cut the spending completely. Don’t continue to let your impulses, or the fear of living within your means, continue to control you. If the goal is to acquire wealth, budgeting isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. •

HEALTHY CHOICE FM, 94.9

“ R E F R E S H I N G , R E L I A B LY I N F O R M AT I V E , EMPOWERING” Despite the current, saturated state of the market, HEALTHY CHOICE FM, 94.9 is determined in its commitment to differentiate itself as the only dedicated Health and Wellness radio station in Antigua and Barbuda. And thankfully, by many accounts, it is creating pleasing impressions across the local air-scape. The brainchild and longtime dream of Dr. Lester Simon, Pathologist and accomplished musician, the station is family owned and operated. Its raison d’etre is to forge workable synergies with its ‘sister’ company, Medpath Laboratory in the delivery of reliable auxiliary health care. With Medpath operating from a clinical platform, Healthy Choice FM’s mandate is to promote and nurture (in its listeners) a proactive, preventative approach to personal health care, wellness and wellbeing, employing a reliable, dynamic information platform. Advice and information on mental, emotional and physical health are disseminated in easily ‘digestible’ short length ‘Nutrition Bites’, podcasts, ‘Conversations on Health’, and motivational sessions dubbed ‘Chew on This’. Listeners are also encouraged to grow what they eat on the ‘Home Food Grow Adventure’ and to care for the environment by incorporating practical tips into their daily living routines. ‘Documentaries on the Caribbean’ and ‘Caribbean Medley’ respectively, deliver poignant, engaging insights into our history and celebrate the uniqueness of our regional cultures; while ‘Science Matters’ and ‘Great Authors’ aim to expand our world views on science and literature. HCFM 94.9 is also keen on taking the fear out of Maths by attempting to ‘make it real’ with ‘Concepts in Mathematics’. These and other programs like ‘Talking Music’, and ‘Interesting Medicine, Interesting Music’ (IMIM) are embedded and delivered in a core of easy-listening Jazz with punctuations of Classical and other genres, all targeting the mature, inquisitive, appreciative ear. The noble intention here is to use music “to help the medicine go down”. The aim at Healthy Choice FM is to deliver (in an entertaining, relaxing format) reliable information that will engage, educate and enable listeners to engineer their own preventative health maintenance strategies, to live longer, happier, more productive and self-fulfilling lives HEALTHY CHOICE FM, 94.9, working for the good of your body, mind and soul, is a work of love in progress. Please tune in and grow with us. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

MONEY MATTERS

Negotiating Your Salary

N E G O T I AT I N G YO U R S A L A R Y Not many of us are so good at our jobs that we can walk into the boss’s office with a list of demands, throw them down on the desk, and expect them to be met without another word. You need to understand what you’re asking for and be able to justify why you deserve it. It is imperative that you show the monetary value of the things you have done that had not been anticipated when your current salary was determined. Some people think being in a job for a long time is reason enough for a salary increase. But if you’re still doing exactly what you did when you were hired and not much more, why should you get more money? List the things you’re doing now and the value of those things that weren’t anticipated at the outset of your employment. Also, do your research. Be able to show the monetary value of what you do within your industry, in the region of the country you live in and within your company. You don’t ask for a random number. You have a specific number in mind, and you can back it up. COLLABORATION, NOT A CONFRONTATION The thing that many people forget about when they’re negotiating is that it’s not a win/lose scenario. In a negotiation, both parties should walk away at least satisfied if not downright happy. Sure, you can follow the “when you have them by the balls, their hearts and minds (and wallets) will follow” school of thought and perhaps get what you want. If you are very hard to replace, you may walk out the door with what you asked for. But remember, both sides should be satisfied. Your boss is likely to feel more like they’ve been extorted rather than negotiated with and you still have to work together; they are still your boss. And even if you have some leverage over your boss, they can still make your life pretty miserable.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

No matter how non-confrontational you are, asking for a raise feels like a confrontation. You’ve got someone cornered, you ask for something they have not offered you; they feel pressure to give you a response (they might not, but it feels that way in your own head). And most of us prefer to avoid confrontation. You have to change your thinking. A business is in the business of making money, as much as they can. But they would not be making as much money as they are if not for your hard work and effort. (At least that should be the case, remember, you have to justify what you’re about to ask for). You have every right to ask that some of the money you bring to that business be distributed to you. GIVE A HEAD’S UP You don’t have to corner your boss when he or she is on their way out the door on Friday afternoon. That does make it feel confrontational for both of you. You should give them some notice that you would like to discuss your salary during your next briefing. This gives them time to find out how much you’re currently making. Depending on that number, there are two likely outcomes: “Yes, you can have a raise.” Great, this is obviously the dream scenario and requires no more action on your part. “We agree you deserve a raise but we can’t right now.” Okay, not the exact answer we were hoping for but better than a no and something we can work with. Ask what you need to do to get this money and what the timeline for it to be available is. You want to pin them down on this. If you walk away now and don’t revisit it, getting that money is not going to happen. You have to follow

up. If you aren’t getting any cooperation, you can either go over your direct boss’s head and ask their boss, or you may have to consider moving on. There may just not be any money there. “No, we don’t have the money.” If you get a hard no, you have to weigh any other perks of your job against the fact that you are not getting a raise. Money shouldn’t be the only deciding factor in any decision, not even when the decision is completely about money. Maybe you have a flexible schedule, lots of vacation time, a great insurance plan, or some other perks that might make leaving for more money, not the wisest decision. IT AIN’T BRAGGING IF YOU REALLY DONE IT If you’re really good at your job, your boss might not know it. They’re busy putting out fires set by other people and might miss that you never start any fires that they have to deal with. It’s important to show your monetary value, but it’s just as important to show how you bring value to the company and your direct boss in other ways. Did you finish the project a co-worker dropped the ball on? Always volunteer to cover if someone is out sick or on vacation? Those things are valuable too, especially if they would be your boss’s problem if you hadn’t stepped up to handle them. MARKET RESEARCH There are two things you want to cover when you’re doing the research that will allow you to justify the number you’re asking for: The first is industry research. You want to find out what other people in your industry are making. You can speak to counterparts you meet at networking events and even your own colleagues. Salary is a taboo subject so you can get around this by phrasing the question in the hypothetical. “What would someone in your position expect to make upon hiring?” The second is within your company. This may be the hardest data to come by. We mentioned how discussing salary is taboo, but some people might feel it’s not allowed due to company policy. In all but a few situations, it is legal to discuss salary and illegal to be fired for doing so. It can be awkward to discuss salary with colleagues but be honest about why you’re doing it. It is not because you’re trying to pry into their finances but because it will help you and them to negotiate for a raise. KNOW YOUR NUMBER If you’re negotiating a raise with your current employer, you do want to give them a specific number that you’ve come to based on your research. Unless you’ve fudged the numbers in your research (you should not, they can do the same research), you came up with that number based on the information your research provided. You used that research to justify a number, so this is not the scenario where you want 10 so you ask for 20, and they give you 15. When you’re changing companies, you should not offer up the first number. You should have a range of numbers in your head. You have no idea what their starting number is, and if you give them one, you may have left a lot of money on the table.

In this scenario, the way you justify your number is to be so impressive in the interviews that they will want to hire you and for the number you want. You want them to go from thinking, “What is the least we can pay to fill this job?” to thinking, “What do we have to do to make sure this person interviewing accepts our offer?” One of the big reasons we’re fearful to negotiate when we’re offered a new job is that we think if we do, the company will say, “Our offer wasn’t good enough? Well, forget it then. We’ll just hire the next person on the list.” That’s not really how it works. If you’ve gotten to the point in the process where you’ve been given an offer, the company has invested a lot of time and resources in getting to this point. They want you for the job. They aren’t going to revoke the offer because you dared have the audacity to ask for more. The two parties will negotiate until an agreement has been reached. Remember, you both walk away satisfied.

"If you’re really good at your job, your boss might not know it." If you are looking for a job because you’re currently unemployed, negotiating can feel even more intimidating. If you really need a job, can you still negotiate or should you just be grateful for any offer? You can still negotiate. Remember, if you’re at the point where they offer you a job, they want you. That has nothing to do with whether or not you are currently employed. If you have more than one offer can you play them against each other? Drill down on each offer, and you can probably eliminate some of them. When you have your short list, you should negotiate each one individually. When you get an offer, you can let the other companies know that. There are some steps that could be eliminated from the hiring process to push things along. Letting a company know you have an offer can speed things up so you can get down to negotiating. When you do get the offers, if one is better than another but not with the company you would prefer to work for, remember, there are things you can get that are just as valuable as and sometimes more valuable than money. If they don’t meet your number, ask for things like an extra week of paid vacation or the option to work from home on Fridays. It’s hard to muster up the courage to ask for a raise so if you decide to do it, you want to do it from a position of strength. Have the numbers to back up what you’re asking for. You don’t want the opportunity to negotiate to go to waste. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

MONEY MATTERS

Why Cryptocurrency Could Soon Become Big News in the Caribbean

W H Y C RY P TO C U R R E N C Y COULD SOON BECOME BIG NEWS IN THE CARIBBEAN Dealing with currencies when you travel between islands has always been complicated in the Caribbean. With 7,000 islands comprising 12 dependent territories and 13 sovereign island nations, we have a lot of currencies floating around and, to aid with tourism, many businesses on a lot of islands also accept payment in currencies from other countries, especially the US dollar. This can make trading between islands and travel quite complex in terms of having the right money or making conversions when paying by card. This is why Barbados based financial technology startup Bitt has identified a need for something quite ambitious – a connected cross settlement payment network to cover the whole of the Caribbean. BLOCKCHAIN AND CRYPTOCURRENCY You may already be familiar with the concepts of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, if you are aware of well-known cryptocurrency Bitcoin and how it works. Cryptocurrencies are real money you can spend and receive, and manage your account with, but they exist as a purely digital currency that isn’t tied to one country. This also means they are not as affected by socio-political and macroeconomic events as conventional currencies, which makes them an appealing prospect for some investors. Blockchain technology means there is no central bank and so it makes a currency more democratic than one where banks are involved, and also cuts out the overheads involved. As you might imagine, introducing something that uses blockchain and can be used to trade with all different countries without currency conversions would be a great improvement in the Caribbean for people who want to make payments on different islands. BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

HOW MUCH OF A CHALLENGE IS WHAT BITT WANTS TO DO? While Bitt, especially since partnering with other blockchain businesses like Californian company Netki, may well be able to create the technology to realize their vision of a crossCaribbean blockchain-based payment network, there are other challenges they will have to overcome, not least the legal challenges of implementing this in such a huge number of countries and ensuring everything is compliant with local banking and trading laws. It is an ambitious project, but one that could really pay off both for the business themselves and for those of us who have been long lamenting the difficulties of cross-settlement payment where different currencies and economies are involved. BARBADOS FIRST TO GET DIGITAL CURRENCY While the full network across all the islands may be a while off, Bitt did announce in 2016 that Barbados would have its own digital currency using their blockchain technology, developed in partnership with another blockchain startup called Colu. This would be pegged to the existing Barbados dollar, but would offer more options and all of the benefits of blockchain to Barbadian residents. If you live in the Caribbean, it may well be worth learning more about cryptocurrency, for instance how to trade Bitcoin, as with any luck this kind of technology will soon become important in this part of the world. •

What are the Benefits of Managing Finances Intelligently?

W H AT A R E T H E B E N E F I T S O F M A N A G I N G F I N A N C E S I N T E L L I G E N T LY ? It’s not responsible or intelligent to manage your household finances without a budget plan in place. If you and your partner have aspirations for the future or just general money issues, it’s up to you to make a positive change. Do not allow another day to go by where you and your partner struggle with your money and don’t know where you’re headed financially. Recognize the benefits of managing your finances intelligently and change the way you think when it comes to your money. BUILDS WEALTH FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER When you manage your money irresponsibly and don't keep track of your income and outgo, you could end up spending more money than you save each month. However, when you make the conscious decision to manage your finances intelligently, it allows you to start building wealth for you and your small family. Once you establish a budget and get an idea of how much money you and your partner have to work with at the end of each month, you can start saving and investing it toward your future. IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE When you manage your household finances intelligently, it gives you peace of mind. You know that you're doing the right thing by you and your loved ones. When you take the time to plan where your money goes and how much you need to make to reach your goals, you may

worry less about your financial future. It's freeing to know that you've got everything under control and you're headed in the right direction. PAY OFF DEBT Accumulating debt that you can't manage is a sign that you're not managing your finances intelligently. Debt payments eat up your disposable income and can even prevent you from reaching your goals in life (for instance, starting a business). But if you commit to managing your finances more responsibly you can set up a personal payoff plan to get rid of the debt in a reasonable amount of time. When you manage your debt load in an intelligent way, you can estimate the date in the future when you'll finally be debt-free. It gives you something to look forward to — you and your partner can finally start making realistic plans to live comfortably and accomplish your goals down the line. STOP LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK When you start managing your finances intelligently, you can finally stop living "paycheck to paycheck." You may find that the problem isn't that you don't make enough money. Instead, the problem may be that you simply don't use the money that you make resourcefully. Tracking your spending patterns, analyzing your bills and establishing a budget plan could be all you need to stop running out of money in between paychecks. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

Protecting your Tangible and Intangible Property

P R O T E C T I N G YO U R TA N G I B L E A N D I N TA N G I B L E PROPERTY By: Latoya Letlow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Attorney-at-Law

REGISTERING A BUSINESS: HOW DOES IT WORK? The complexities often associated with running a business does not compare (or pales in comparison) to the simplicity of getting the business registered. In Antigua and Barbuda, registering a business comes with only a few simple steps, the first of which is selecting a business name and the services connected to the business. After you have figured out what will be the name of your business and the services you wish to provide under that business name, the other formal steps are as follows: 1. Filling out the Business Name Registration Form To get started, the business name registration form must be filled out at the Intellectual Property and Commerce Office. This requires picture identification and the payment of a registration and processing fee. 2. Obtaining your Business Name Registration Certificate After the registration form has been submitted and processed, a Business Name Registration Certificate and a Statement of Particulars of the business, will then be ready for collection within 5 to 7 business days at the Intellectual Property and Commerce Office. 3. Registering your Business for tax deductions The integrity of your business hinges upon its payment of taxes. Once you have registered your business and have obtained your Business Name Registration Certificate and Statement of Particulars, the final step is to register with the Inland Revenue Department, Social Security, Medical Benefit and the Board of Education.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS? 1. One of the benefits associated with obtaining a Business Name Registration Certificate is securing the name of your Business. A business name will only be registered if it is clear and free from previous registration by someone else. As long as your business name has been registered, it is yours and cannot be duplicated. 2. Registering your business not only gives you physical evidence of ownership, but also borrowing power. When applying for a business loan, financial institutions usually require tangible proof of the existence of your business, in addition to a business plan. The Business Name Registration Certificate and Statement of Particulars are evidence of the existence and ownership of the business. 3. Concessions are another benefits attached to registering a business. A business owner has the privilege of applying to the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) for concessionary benefits such as: exemption from or reduction of payment of duty under the Customs Duty Act on the importation or purchase of products such as raw materials, building materials, appliances and the like; the importation of vehicles for the use in the operation of the business; a reduction in property tax for property used in the operation of the business; exemption or reduction of payment of income tax and stamp duty.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

2. Must not be contrary to public order or morality.

WHAT IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY?

3. Must not mislead the public or trade circles, as it concerns the geographical origins of the goods or services concerned or their names or characteristics.

According to the Black's Law Dictionary, intellectually property is "a category of intangible rights protecting commercially valuable products of the human intellect. The category comprises primarily trademark, copyright, and patent rights, but also includes trade secret rights, publicity rights, moral rights, and rights against unfair competition." Simply put, intellectual properties are creations of the human mind, which are usually expressed into a physical form of ownership. Intellectual property law affords us the opportunity to put our stamp of ownership on the creative outputs of our mind and the physical manifestation of those creations. WHAT ARE TRADEMARKS?

4. Must not be identical with, an imitation to or contain as an element, an armorial bearing, flag and other emblem, a name or abbreviation or initials of the name of, or official sign or hallmark adopted by, any State, intergovernmental organization or organization created by an international convention, unless authorized by the competent authority of that state or organization. Therefore, for example, in order to trademark a name that included the name “Antigua and Barbuda”, permission must first be sought and obtained from the Prime Minister.

A trademark is any word, name or symbol or any combination of a word, name and symbol, used for business purposes to identify and distinguish the goods or products of one person from those of someone else.

5. Must not be identical with, confusingly similar to or amount to an interpretation of a mark or trade name that is well known in Antigua and Barbuda for identical or similar goods or services of another business or company.

WHY ARE TRADEMARKS IMPORTANT?

6. Must not be identical to a mark belonging to a different owner and already registered in respect of the same goods or services or closely related goods or services, or if it so nearly resembles such a mark, as to be likely to deceive or cause confusion.

A trademark gives the owner of the mark exclusive rights to use the registered mark as he/she wishes. Registration of a trademark gives the owner tangible/physical evidence ownership of the particular mark. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRADEMARKING? Trademarking confers upon the owner of a mark the exclusive right to use the mark to the restriction of anyone else. If anyone other than the owner of a mark seeks to use the particular mark in question, the permission of the owner must first be obtained. Moreover, the owner of a registered mark has the right to institute court proceedings against any person who infringes the mark by using it without the owner's permission, or anyone who performs acts which make it likely that infringement will occur. A registered mark remains in existence for a period of ten (10) years from the date on which the application for the registration of the mark was filed. However, a registered mark can be renewed for a consecutive (additional) period of ten (10) years, upon request to the Registrar of Intellectual Property and Commerce, and filling of the necessary forms and fees. The application for renewal of a registered trademark can be made six (6) months before the date of expiration of the mark. Additionally, a grace period of six (6) months is also allowed for renewal of a registered mark, after the date of expiry of the mark has passed, upon payment of an additional fee. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR TRADEMARKING? In order for a mark to be registered, it must meet certain qualifications as outlined under the Trade Marks Act, 2003 of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda. A mark will not be registered otherwise. To be validly registered, a mark: 1. Must be capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of another.

HOW CAN A NAME, LOGO OR SIGN BE TRADEMARKED? A name or logo can be trademarked by filing a registration application at the Intellectual Property and Commerce Office and paying the required registration fees. The amount of fees depends on the nature of the services to be provided under the particular name or logo. Moreover, each mark is registered according to the class of services that the owner is seeking to provide. Therefore, the fees payable upon registering a mark will vary and is dependent upon whether the services provided under a trademark falls under more than one class. The first step towards trademarking your business name, logo or sign is to contact a local attorney-at-law or an agent who has been admitted to represent clients at the Intellectual Property Office. Moreover, according to the Trade Marks Regulations, 2006, an agent who is not a local attorney-at-law, is required to apply to the Registrar of Intellectual Property and Commerce to be a registered agent admitted to represent clients at the Intellectual Property Office. Individuals may choose to either register a mark themselves or seek out the assistance of an attorney-at-law or a registered agent. The documents which are usually submitted to the Intellectual Property Office for the registration of a trademark are: Form 1 – Application for Registration of a Mark, Form 2 – Appointment of Agent and a Declaration accompanied by a cover letter, addressed to the Registrar of Intellectual Property and Commerce with the prescribed fees enclosed. The fees associated with the registration of a trademark are separate and apart from the legal fees.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

After a trademark has been registered, a registration certificate is then issued by the Intellectual Property Office to the owner of the mark. This Certificate stands as proof of ownership of the registered trademark. Protection of any trademark can be enforced through civil proceedings. WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? Copyright is a form of protection to the author of works such as books, poetry and music. According to the Copyright Act, 2003, of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda, copyright is a property right which may be contained in work such as original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works; sound recording, films, broadcasts or cable programs; typographical arrangements of published editions. WHY IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTION IMPORTANT? Copyright protection bears certain benefits, such as preventing others from using the work without the permission of the author or owner. The owner of the Copyright in a work has the exclusive right to do or to authorize other persons to do certain things in relation to the particular piece of work, such as: copy the work, issue copies of the work to the public by sale, perform the work in public and broadcast or include the work in a cable program service. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR COPYRIGHT PROTECTION? A piece of literary work is eligible for copyright protection if it is the original work of the author. An original piece of literature, dramatic or musical work, including a collection of expressions of folklore will only be eligible for copyright protection if it is recorded in writing or otherwise. However, there is no copyright protection for a sound recording, broadcast, cable programme or typographical arrangement of a published work, which has been previously recorded, broadcasted or published. Further, copyright protection does not apply to an idea, concept, method of operation, process, principle, procedure, system or discovery or mere data, even if it is expressed, described, explained, illustrated or embodied in a work. Therefore, in order to be considered for copyright protection, the intellectual works of the author must be manifested into some physical form. WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR COPYRIGHT PROTECTION? A work qualifies for copyright protection if the author was a qualified person at the material time, that is, the time of publishing of the work by issuing copies to the public by sale or through an electronic retrieval system. A qualified person is someone who is a citizen of, or whose habitual residence is in Antigua and Barbuda or a country specified by the Minister responsible for copyright in Antigua and Barbuda.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Architecture in the form of a building, or an artistic work incorporated in a building is considered published upon construction of the building, while a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work, a sound recording or film, or the typographical arrangement of a published edition, qualifies for copyright protection if it is first published in Antigua and Barbuda or a country specified by the Minster. Moreover, a broadcast qualifies for copyright protection if it is made from a place in Antigua and Barbuda or any country specified by the Minister, by a broadcasting organization in possession of a valid license granted to it under any law in Antigua and Barbuda or a country specified by the Minister, which regulates broadcasting. Further, a cable programme qualifies for copyright protection if it is sent from a place in Antigua and Barbuda or in a country specified by the Minster, in accordance with the law in force regulating transmission by cable. WHAT IS THE DURATION OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION? The lifespan of a copyright depends on the nature of the particular work of art, whether it be literature, music, commercial broadcasts, films or architecture. Therefore, copyright in any literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work expires at the end of the period of fifty years from the end of the year in which the author of that work dies. On the other hand, copyright in sound recordings or films expires at the end of the period of fifty years from the end of the year in which the sound recording or film was made or if it was made available to the public or published before the end of the year, it will expire at the end of fifty years from the end of the year in which it was made available to the public or published, whichever date is latest. The copyright protection in a broadcast or cable programme expires at the end of the period of fifty years from the end of the year in which the broadcast was made or the programme included in a cable programme service. HOW CAN A PERSON PROTECT THEIR WORK BY COPYRIGHT? Apart from local legislation, such as the Copyright Act, 2003, which governs copyright protection in Antigua and Barbuda, there is international legislation, which also governs copyright protection in Antigua and Barbuda. The Berne Convention is one such international legislation. Under this Convention copyright protection in Antigua and Barbuda is obtained automatically, without the need for registration or other formalities. This protection applies both to nationals and nonnationals of Antigua and Barbuda. Copyright protection in Antigua and Barbuda is therefore not dependent upon any formal registration, but is done automatically upon publication of the particular piece of work for which protection is being claimed. According to the

Copyright Act, 2003, publication of a work means that copies of the work has been distributed to the public (by sale or otherwise) and in relation to literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work, the making available of copies to the public by means of an electronic retrieval system. However, while a person need not formally register for copyright protection, if the original work of art comes into dispute or has been infringed in anyway, for example, through unauthorized use, the owner of the original work must have some physical proof of ownership in order to dispute the infringement of his or her copyright protection. It is therefore advised that the owner of an original piece of work ensure that he or she has a physical copy of the work, as well as their name and the date on which the work was created. Therefore, it is usually advised that, if you are the owner of an original piece of work, you should mail a physical copy of that work to yourself, with the date and year in which the work was first published enclosed. When the mail is received, it should be kept unopened and if any court proceedings arise in relation to the copyright of the work, the mail should then be taken to an attorney-at-law, who would then render advice as to how to proceed. â&#x20AC;˘

Latoya A. Letlow - LLB, LEC Latoya Letlow is an Attorney-at-Law practicing in the State of Antigua and Barbuda and graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School. She is also an entrepreneur and owner of HANDMAID Luke 1:38 | Ephesians 2:10.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

The report addresses the relationship between China and Latin America and the Caribbean starting from 1990, the decade during which it intensified and became more dynamic, and over time recorded “an increasing complexity which requires analysis, reflection and recommendations”, according to the two researchers who conducted this report, Enrique Dussel Peters and Ariel Armony.

Trade, investment and projects from China generate 1.8 million jobs in T R A D ELatin , I NAmerica V E S Tand M EtheNCaribbean T AND

PROJECTS FROM CHINA G E N E R AT E 1 . 8 M I L L I O N J O B S I N L AT I N A M E R I C A AND THE CARIBBEAN

The report separately analyzes the impacts of trade, overseas foreign direct investment and infrastructure projects of China in Latin America and the Caribbean. The document outlines that until 1992 China represented less than one percent of trade in Latin America and the Caribbean. Then the situation began to change and at present has become the second most important trade partner of the region. Inversely, this region is the fourth largest most important trade partner of China. Nevertheless, this process “has not been without contradictions”. A high trade deficit, which puts the region at a disadvantage, and a big gap with regard to the value added and technological content of trade with China, characterizes this relationship. From 2007/08 Chinese foreign direct investment makes its appearance, with flows currently estimated at 10,000 million dollars annually, focusing significantly on minerals, oil, gas and other raw materials. Infrastructure projects emerge on the scene from 2013 onwards.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) presented the first study on the effects of economic relations between China and Latin America and the Caribbean on jobs in this region, indicating that from 1990 to 2016 at least 1.8 million net employment opportunities were generated as a result of trade, investment and infrastructure activities.

The authors indicate that for the net impact of trade on jobs, they worked with available data from four countries, while in the case of overseas foreign direct investment and infrastructure projects available information from the entire region was considered.

This amounts to almost 4% of the jobs created in the region over this period, and could possibly be an underestimation, affirms the study.

The report highlights the following:

“This is an orphan theme; there is a big gap in knowledge. The objective of this first study, which is a pioneering breakthrough, is to begin to fill this gap,” said the ILO regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, José Manuel Salazar, as he presented in the Mexican capital the technical report “Effects of China on the quantity and quality of jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean”. This initial evaluation of the ILO regarding the impact of these economic relations on the world of work in the region includes a review of available statistics, as well as methodological recommendations for gathering more in-depth knowledge in this field. “From the ILO perspective, we consider it important to have a proper understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges not only on economic matters but also in terms of labour-related matters,” said Salazar. He emphasized the need to “put into perspective the realities of a relationship which, for various countries of the region, represents the main trade partner or primary source of overseas foreign direct investment or financing, especially because everything indicates that the presence and activities of China in the region are going to increase over the coming years”.

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Of the 1.8 million new jobs created, almost two thirds correspond to job opportunities generated from commercial exchange. � During the period 1995-2011 trade generated 1.15 million net jobs (including those which were lost and gained) in four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico. � Between 2003 and 2016 Chinese foreign direct investment in the region had generated 260,000 jobs in 271 transactions. � Between 2005 and 2016, 60 infrastructure projects generated approximately 350,000 jobs in the region. The information available is incomplete and merits further exploration, the authors insist. One of the aspects that they found necessary to consider in future studies was to determine the quality of the jobs created through this bilateral relationship with China, an aspect for which there is no comparative data available. In some cases there is evidence of preference for Chinese nationals in mid-level and senior management positions; high costs of labour force training; learning difficulties; difficulties in adapting to local customs or labour regulations by some Chinese companies. “The importance of China in the region and the increasing complexity of relationships make it essential to better understand the effects on the labour market in order to better determine its future,” cautioned Dussel Peters and Armony. •

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

On Building Regulations

O N B U I L D I N G R E G U L AT I O N S By: Cedric Holder of OBM Limited Antigua (OBMI)

We all live within a set of rules and regulations that help us govern our lives in a manner in which we can live amongst a larger group, in our case on beautiful islands! From laws regarding crime to building restrictions, the most important regulations are intended to help mitigate risks and prevent tragedy. As architects, engineers and designers, an important aspect of our work is to design buildings that meet the requirements of building codes and safety regulations. We are trusted to design these protocols into buildings. Although some requirements are obvious, other regulations are not immediately recognisable or understood which may result in unnecessary risks to the building's users. Things such as the travel distance to the nearest exit, the capacity of an exit and its components (corridors, doors and stairs), the required fire ratings, the specifications for fire rated and emergency hardware, and identification of exits and safety zones are essential for proper risk reduction. In addition, the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set back from the street, distance from neighbouring structures and appropriate use of cladding materials, ensure that a structure is code compliant upon completion. They are all intended to provide for safe and quick emergency egress from a building whenever required and under all circumstances. However, in spite of code compliant planning and construction, it is not unusual to observe instances of noncompliant use by tenants and users. Observations have been made where emergency exit

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

corridors and emergency staircases are used as storage spaces, emergency exit doors have bolts and locks, and adequate fire/ smoke detection systems are missing or in ill-repair. Also, all too frequently ground level exits leading into the street are locked down. Instead, these exits should have an emergency exit device installed at the gate allowing emergency escape. Although these safety codes and regulations are considered throughout every step of the design process, from initial concept to construction in order to be effective, they must be adhered to throughout the structureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. It is important that the general public becomes aware of the codes and regulations governing building construction and use. It could be the difference between being trapped in a disaster or escaping that disaster in a safe and orderly manner. â&#x20AC;˘

OBMI is a global master planning, architecture and design firm with an experienced team of professionals who are passionate about creating timeless spaces that transform the dreams of our clients into reality. We design luxury resorts and hotels, high-end private residences, and engaging urban areas that reflect the utmost respect for the land, people, and cultures they will impact. Architectural planning and design is in our DNA, but we are more than our day job. We are travelers, sculptors, photographers and mountain climbers, and our work inside the office reflects our adventurous, creative approach to life outside of it. For more than 80 years, clients have embraced OBMI as trusted advisors for our tireless dedication to them and our commitment to exceptional, beautiful design.

Ayre will advise the Government on the effective implementation of new technological developments in cryptocurrency and Bitcoin which have been adopted by leading companies in the United States, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. He has already invested heavily in Bitcoin blockchain core technology and his e-Com technology processes more Bitcoin transactions than any other platform in the world today. As it did in offshore banking and Internet Gaming in the 1990s, the government of Antigua and Barbuda anticipates becoming an early leader in the Caribbean to compete in the international community in the provision of a legal platform for world-wide private sector activity utilizing blockchain technology. In addition to the work that his companies have done in research and development of blockchain technology and Bitcoin, Mr. Ayre has a wealth of knowledge in the internet gaming sector having pioneered the development of software support for online gaming, and subsequently establishing his own gaming operations under the popular Bodog brand.

Calvin Ayre appointed as Economic Envoy for Technology Development

C A LV I N AY R E A P P O I N T E D A S E C O N O M I C E N V OY FOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

His efforts are expected to re-invigorate the Internet Gaming industry in Antigua and Barbuda, which, in 1999, provided more than US$100 million to the economy and employed over 2,000 people. Today, the online gaming business is worth in excess of US$37.9 Billion annually with markets throughout Asia and Europe. As it continues to diversify the economy and create new and high paying jobs for its people, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to the contribution of Mr. Ayre’s technological companies. •

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ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS

Venezuela Donates US $1Million to Hurricane Relief Efforts in Barbuda

V E N E Z U E L A D O N AT E S U S $1MILLION TO HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS IN BARBUDA Foreign affairs minister of Venezuela, Jorge Arreaza Montserrat, handed over to Prime Minister Gaston Browne a contribution of US$1 million to the Barbuda Hurricane Relief fund.

given of two military aircraft, which aided in evacuating the people of Barbuda. If it was not for the aircraft we would not have evacuated the people on time with a storm pending,” Browne noted.

“The profit from the West Indies Oil Company partnership, that is doing very well, we are pleased to make our share available for the redevelopment of Barbuda. Kindly accept the best regards from President Nicholas Maduro, who was very eager for me to travel to Antigua and Barbuda,” Montserrat remarked when presenting the cheque.

“The first call of any leader came from President Nicholas Maduro. For that I am eternally grateful and he expressed solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda. We are eternally grateful for this demonstration of friendship and solidarity. The first set of relief supplies also came from Venezuela. Antigua and Barbuda will never forget this act of gratitude. We will remain close allies of Venezuela forever. It is times like these you know whom your true friends are,” he added.

He said that Maduro wanted him to travel to Antigua to get first-hand information of what had occurred in Barbuda and what will be needed to rebuild the island. “In our revolution training of solidarity, we are taught to be the first to assist and to show solidarity. Prime Minister Browne, you are a leader who has demonstrated dedication and made preventative actions to save people’s lives. You can count on Venezuela in any situation – good or bad. We are brothers and sisters – stronger than friends,” the Venezuelan foreign minister said. Browne praised the Venezuelan government for being Antigua and Barbuda’s closest ally during a time of crisis. He noted that Maduro was in contact with him even before Hurricane Irma made landfall. “Venezuela was in full support of Antigua and Barbuda and the president advised us that whatever was needed, Venezuela was ready to provide. A commitment was

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Oct /Dec

The contribution of $1 million represents the dividends from West Indies Oil Company for 2016 that is due to the government of Venezuela, which is in partnership with the government of Antigua and Barbuda. “This is a significant contribution. There are many countries globally that have not made one tenth of this contribution to date. This we hope will serve as an impetus for other countries, wealthier countries, to assist Antigua and Barbuda, particularly Barbuda in this time of crisis,” Browne said. The government of Venezuela has also pledged a further US$2 million towards the Barbuda relief effort, making that country the largest single contributor to the fund to date. •

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MUST READS Volume 23

By: Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA,CMA

The Road to Exemplary Leadership

THE ROAD TO EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP

The authors bemoan the dearth of leadership development for young leaders, noting that that the average age of persons on their first leadership development course is 43, and most persons are in leadership roles long before they are exposed to any kind of leadership training. Thus, they implore leaders to take charge of their own leadership development. Kouzes and Posner identify five fundamentals to becoming an exemplary leader: 1. Believe You Can 2. Aspire To Excel 3. Challenge Yourself 4. Engage Support

“ GREATNESS IS NOT THE EXCLUSIVE DOMAIN OF THE TALENTED. GREATNESS IS THE RESULT OF VISIONARIES WHO PERSEVERE, FOCUS, BELIEVE, AND PREPARE. IT IS A HABIT, NOT A BIRTHRIGHT.”

5. Practice Deliberately

– Lewis Howes, former professional football player

According to the authors: “To both do your best and develop as a leader, you have to challenge yourself and face challenges head-on. You have to step outside your comfort zone. You have to seek new experiences, make some mistakes, and keep ascending that learning curve. You’re not growing until you feel you’re pushing the edges.”

Books on leadership abound but most are unremarkable. Many are characterised by unsupported opinions, untested maxims and celebrity adulation. Finding the diamonds in the rough is not easy. One such recent gem, however, is Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader (Wiley, 2016) by professors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader James Kouzes and Barry Posner are both renowned researchers, award-winning writers and thought leaders in the field of leadership. Both authors are based at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business where James Kouzes currently holds the position of the Dean’s Executive Fellow of Leadership, while Posner is the Accolti Professor of Leadership.

The authors stress the importance of having the right mindset, understanding that leadership is a set of skills that anyone can learn and master. Self-awareness is critical to becoming a better leader. The importance of reflection and keeping a leadership journal is an important aspect of building one’s self-awareness.

Kouzes and Posner dispel the myth of leadership as a one man show. They emphasise the importance of co-opting others in your leadership development plan, for example seeking continual feedback and forming a personal board of directors Learning Leadership is divided into 20 bite-sized chapters. At the end of each chapter are self-coaching exercises in which the reader is challenged to engage in a specific actions that will allow the reader to embark on their own development path right away. Thus this text doubles as a workbook. While it is an easy read, the book is hard work - which is exactly the point. There is no book that you can read, no course or seminar that you can attend, that will in and of itself make you a better leader. There is no instant fix - one must be willing to undertake a long term commitment. The strength of the book is that it brings across this point better than most others on leadership, and it guides you on starting your path to leadership growth. I heartily recommend this book particularly to young aspiring leaders •

The duo have written extensively, collaborated and lectured throughout the world on the subject of leadership for over 30 years, and have each received numerous accolades. Through years of research, they have conducted thousands of interviews and written surveys in order to develop an understanding of what it takes to become an exemplary leader. In 1982, they highlighted the results of their research in “The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations”, which became a worldwide best seller, earning several awards and being translated into 20 languages. Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader builds on the concepts outlined in the authors’ previous book. Kouzes and Posner’s central tenet is encapsulated in the Lewis Howes quote at the start of this article. Leadership is not some mysterious talent; anyone can learn to be a better leader but they must be willing to work hard at it. In fact, they must work at it daily. One will not become an exemplary leader overnight – it will take time and tremendous dedication and effort. BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and business executive, who has served in a range of leadership roles across the Caribbean. He is currently employed as the General Manager of Automotive Art (St Lucia) Ltd. Mr Halliday also lectures Leadership & Operations Management for the Australia Institute of Business MBA programme at the National Research and Development Foundation.

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Oct /Dec

IN THE KNOW

Speaking Frankly - Understanding the design process

S P E A K I N G F R A N K LY —

UNDERSTANDING THE DESIGN PROCESS By: Melissa Sebastien

It has been a long-standing perception that the work of a graphic artist is “easy.” Those who often seek our services tend to approach us with the preconceived notion that our work takes little to no effort or time – and that anyone can sit behind a computer and simply pull together an Ad campaign, conceptualize an Ad, or layout a magazine. There are layers to what we do. Often times, the simpler the concept, the more layers there are in creating something a client loves. Quite the twist there, right? DISARMING COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS � Despite common belief, we do not sit at a desk and draw all day. Although designing and illustrating sometimes work hand in hand, they are not the same. Not all designers are illustrators and not all illustrators are designers.

or organization offers, but who is their demographic? What message are they trying to convey to their demographic? What is the desired outcome of the design job? What is their inspiration for the project? Have other attempts been made (what is their design history)? What work has the competition done? Do they have a brand established? What are the cornerstone principles and guidelines of their brand? How would they like their brand represented in the project being undertaken? What is their timeline like? These are just some of the questions we’d asked when interacting with our clients. The next step is to understand how the answer to each of these questions will impact the design solution.

� Design is not simply making things “look pretty”. The discipline entails much more than that. � Does applying a band-aid to your child’s knee make you a doctor? No. Similarly, dropping some text onto a blank page and adding an image does not make you a designer. � As with any other job, our work is not easy. It can be mentally taxing and time-consuming. � Designers are creatives, yes, but that does not mean our creativity occurs on demand. That is to say, ideas don't always appear at the snap of a finger or at the push of a button. We sometimes wish it were that easy. “So what exactly does the design process involve?” CUSTOMER RESEARCH Whether or not we have ideas floating around for that logo, company branding, ad campaign or editorial layout, research MUST be done. We research our clients in order to get to know them better. They establish what product their business

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Oct /Dec

For Melissa Sebastien Graphic Design is more than just a profession. It is also her passion — one she wants to share with others. After having spent several years in the design classroom and industry, her desire is to share what she has learned in the hopes that others will have a better understanding of what takes place "behind the scenes."

DESIGN RESEARCH

ADDITIONAL TASKS ON A DESIGNER'S PLATE INCLUDE:

After answering each of the above questions (branding, advertising and editorial design projects will differ where design research and outcomes are concerned), we begin our design research. If a brand is being developed, we will need to take culture, demographic, geographic location, the company's goals and objectives and the desired outcome into consideration when research begins. We take a closer look at the demographic in their locality, colour theory, visual concepts, and existing logos for similar companies. Duplicates are not acceptable as they lend to very poor branding and could possibly lead to a lawsuit or two... No pressure, right? Once every proverbial stone has been unturned and we've scraped the moss off their undersides and taken them back to our design labs for further scrutiny, concept and layout development begins.

� Project Management and Coordination – ensuring that deadlines are being kept, managing tasks and keeping clients updated. If we are involved in larger projects it may be necessary to liaise with departments outside of design. We may have the obligation of mediating between the client, printers and web designers. � Timekeeping and Professional Multitasking – we often have to juggle more than one project at a time. Understanding roles and defining expectations can go a long way toward helping all parties reach mutually beneficial outcomes. Now that we have a better overview of the design process, I trust that we can all appreciate the time, energy, creativity and electricity that goes into designing for all of our customers’ needs. •

DEVELOPING DESIGN SOLUTIONS All of your research should form the foundation for your design approach. Designing with no consideration for the research you gathered is like spending hours collecting flowers for a bouquet and then throwing them all away. The drafting process can be quite painstaking as dozens of iterations are sketched, and many of them (approximately 97% by my estimation) never see the light of day. The two or three design iterations that make the final cut before being presented count it a privilege to have made it thus far. After presenting these concepts to the client for gentle critique or a harsh bashing – depending on how the wind blows – and revisions are made, we move on to the next step. DIGITAL DRAFTS The client may request that all concepts presented be drafted digitally OR that you move forward with one preferred design. The complexity of the design(s) will determine just how much time needs to be dedicated to this part of the project. Either way, special attention to detail is of paramount importance as this influences the quality and visual integrity of the final product. At this stage, we really get to experiment with colour theory and colour application. That one preferred draft might end up being presented in several different colour combinations to the client for further scrutiny. A client may request that the preferred digital draft be edited to be used in different applications – different publications, for different seasons, for different media. This will potentially involve additional sessions of digital drafting and client critiques. After the final approvals are made we export the files in their appropriate formats, then organise and send them to the client. At this point we call up a few friends, catch a movie, have some pizza, catch up on several hours of lost sleep, take a deep breath and dive right back in.

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How Can You Develop Yourself Without Training? Coaching!

H O W C A N YO U D E V E L O P YO U R S E L F WITHOUT TRAINING? COACHING!

Coaching is defined as “a form of development in which a person called a coach supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance. The learner is sometimes called a coachee. Occasionally, coaching may mean an informal relationship between two people, of whom one has more experience and expertise than the other and offers advice and guidance as the latter learns; but coaching differs from mentoring in focusing on specific tasks or objectives, as opposed to more general goals or overall development.”

� It looks ahead not backwards � It advances rather than imposes � It reflects rather than directs � Acts as a change facilitator in that it enables people, rather than trains them � It is reactive and flexible as it allows for personal transition on an individual basis

It is a great definition, but a key aspect of coaching is that the coach does not provide the answers (that’s consulting), but rather helps the coachee extract their own answers to problems by adept questioning techniques. They don’t seek to find answers or solutions from your past (that’s therapy). A Google search will show a plethora of companies and persons that operate as coaches and they come in all shapes, sizes and disciplines of life: spiritual, health & wellness, financial, career, executive, relationship coaches, and the list goes on. Whilst they operate in different niches they all have one common denominator and that is, they all help clients shift their perspectives and thereby discover different approaches to achieving their personal goals. This isn’t a new craze as coaching is something that has been around for years but under the guise of personal development. Coaching is like a professional friendship where you get help in achieving your dreams and desires. If all your life you have been told that life is not about what you want then your life coach is there to change that thought and teach you to want, and use your wants as a guide. Life coaching is not for everyone, however, as it’s best suited to those that want to achieve something and are able look forward. In essence, coaching: � Is an opportunity to lure out a person's internal potential rather than putting in external aims and knowledge

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Oct /Dec

Janice Sutherland is Chief Executive Officer of telecommunications organization – Digicel Antigua & Barbuda and Montserrat. She is the first woman to hold the Chief Executive role in her markets and one of a handful of CEO’s to successfully lead two markets simultaneously. She is a practicing Life and Executive Coach and Director of Caribbean Coaching Academy, a Business consultancy specialising in maximising organisational performance. To work with Janice contact info@janicesutherland.com

� Coaching makes no assumptions – it is not judgmental, nor is it prescriptive or instructional as every person’s needs and abilities are different � Empathy is central to the coaching process � Good personal coaching seeks to help the other person's understanding of himself or herself � It is the concierge of personal development as it is tailored to your development Coaching works as it gives you the ability to view things from the outside looking in and therefore enables you to shed new light on difficult situations. The Coach has no vested interest other than helping you through tough decisions, helping sharpen your skills and motivating you to an outcome that’s positive in the way you’ve defined it. Coaching often takes place over an extended period of time, which means that during the process you will be constantly challenged and encouraged to work on issues that need improvement. Therefore by persistently doing better you practice good habits and the more you practice the more natural it becomes to automatically change and improve your behaviours. THE BENEFITS OF COACHING For individuals:

2. Industry experience – Is it important that they have knowledge of your industry if wanting career or executive coaching? Remember, a good coach will close their knowledge-gap quickly through research and good lines of questioning. 3. Chemistry between both parties – Do you connect? Whilst important, it must be the right chemistry given that you’re focused on achieving your coaching objectives. If you choose a coach most likely matching yourself, as you feel they’ll understand you better, you may not achieve the desired results. Focus on choosing a coach on a close enough wavelength so that comfortable rapport and mutual trust and respect are established, but not so similar or agreeable that you are hiring a personal supporter or new lifelong friend. 4. Professionalism – The coach should adhere to ICF (International Coaching Federation) guidelines in that you’ll have an agreed contract and terms for working together as well as total confidentiality throughout the process. It is the coach’s job to facilitate the relationship with you in order to come to a point where you can trust each other completely during the coaching program. Once fortified, with all the aforementioned attributes ticked, the coaching experience will become a true partnership that can continue beyond the completion of the coaching program. The result? A phenomenally rewarding partnership for both you and your coach. •

� You discover what you really want from life and how to achieve it � The ability to set priorities and focus on what matters to you � Improvement in your personal performance, specific skills or behaviour � Overcoming self-defeating habits and insecurities � Develop effective ways to keep on improving � Greater ownership and responsibility � The ability to explore and evaluate all the possibilities so that you can be sure the path you choose is the best one for you For organisations: An organisation that utilizes coaches reaps the benefits of the improved employee countenance as it: � Allows fuller use of an individual’s talents and potential � Demonstrates commitment to an individual and their development � Increases organisational performance and productivity � Motivates employees � Facilitates the adoption of a cultural change or management style WHICH COACH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Choosing a coach is like employing someone in that you look for certain characteristics. Here’s what you should consider: 1. Expertise - What areas do you require coaching support, career, life, relationship etc.? A coach may have a preferred niche but would be experienced enough to address all areas presented.

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Oct /Dec

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The year 2017 marks a significant milestone for the dedicated members of the Optimist Club of St. John’s. As volunteers, we are committed to the movement we know as Optimism. As Optimists, we achieved our many goals through collaborative efforts by bringing out the best in children, our communities and ourselves. As a club, we continue to work with young boys and girls throughout Antigua and Barbuda to keep optimism alive. We achieve this goal by conducting service projects and other activities. For the past seven (7) years, we have been recognizing approximately fifty-five (55) young men between ages of 13 and 19 years at our Annual Distinguished Gentlemen Awards Ceremony. These young men are recognised for their achievements in Academic Excellence, Sports, Perseverance, Fine Arts and Service.

Optimist Club of St. John’s — 25 years and counting

O P T I M I S T C L U B O F S T. J O H N ’ S

25 YEARS AND COUNTING

During the month of December, we spread love at Christmas. We hosted parties for the students at the Visual and Hearing Impaired Schools and also the Boy’s Training School. The Club has been hosting these parties since its inception. Our Optimist Petit Show was produced for the 25th time this year, under the theme “The World Is My Home” with special emphasis placed on migration. We worked with girls and boys between the ages of 9 to 11 years old, building their self confidence and talent over a three-month period. This is the Club’s major fund raising activity and for the 4th consecutive year, we secured title sponsorship from the ABI Insurance Company Ltd. We are indeed grateful for their support and the contributions of the other businesses whose contributions have made our show a resounding success over the years. The Optimist Clubs of St. John’s through a joint venture with the Spirited Optimist Club of Wadadli hosted an Oratorical Competition on Saturday 25th March, 2017. The male winner, Mr. Reon King from the Antigua Grammar School and the female winner Ms. Adia Wynter from St. Anthony’s Secondary School represented the Clubs from Antigua at the Caribbean District contest in Jamaica. Good news! They represented us so well that they both walked away with the male and female winner plaques along with a scholarship for USD$2,500 each. Ms. Adia Wynter who was adjudged overall winner, went on to represent the Caribbean District in St. Louis, Missouri, and ranked second (2nd) in the world Optimist Oratorical Contest! She received scholarship awards totaling USD$17,500. I wish to encourage students to participate in these programmes when they present themselves. As President, of the Optimist Club of St. John’s I can honestly say it was an exciting year. We are saddened by the onslaught of Hurricane Irma that devastated our Sister Island, but from the Club’s prospective we were able to assist in the relief efforts by donating and distributing care packages. Many thanks to the members of the Club who came out and offered their support, it meant a lot. Other service projects & fund-raising activities conducted by the Optimist Club of St. John’s include:

Some of the current Optimist members

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Oct /Dec

Adorable Baby Contest

ABC - Always Buckle Children in back seat

Childhood Cancer Walk

Drug Awareness

Respect of Law

Youth Appreciation Projects

Internet Safety

Essay Competition

Kids Speak Out

Safety on Wheels

Oratorical Competition

Coordinated hurricane relief drive for Grenada after Hurricane Ivan (2004) – The Club received the Optimist International overall winner for this project.

Painted classrooms in Barbuda after Hurricane Luis

Painted the library and donated books at The Adele School

Virtual tea parties

Independence Breakfast

2nd Annual Virtual Tea Party

Through the various activities that we undertook in this Optimist Year and the past years; it is clear that optimism and volunteerism are still alive. Optimism is here to stay in Antigua and Barbuda and we believe that we are all better as a result. Meetings are held each month, every 2ndand 4th Wednesday at 6:30 pm at Redcliffe Quay Holdings Conference Room on Redcliffe Street. Interested persons can contact the Optimist Club of St. John’s at ocsjanu@gmail.com or President Alison V. Charles @ (268) 720-3304. • Cheque presentation by ABI Company Ltd.

ABI Insurance Optimist Petit winner

Round-a-bout maintenance, All Saints Road

25th Anniversary Church Service

Optimist International Caribbean District Oratorical Winners

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Oct /Dec

IN THE KNOW

New Antigua Toastmasters Executive Sworn In

NEW ANTIGUA TOASTMASTERS EXECUTIVE SWORN IN

Cassandra P. Simon - President (2017-18)

Members first! So says the incoming executive of the Antigua Toastmasters Club. The 7 member Executive team took office on July 1st and acknowledged that they have big shoes to fill since the previous executive was able to achieve 22 educational awards to become 1st in District 81 and tied 24th internationally. Incoming President, Cassandra P Simon, says while she realizes that it is important to have the Club, and by extension the District and Toastmasters International achieve their goals and awards, she believes that allowing members to achieve their personal goals goes hand in hand with that objective. After all, Toastmasters is a learning experience and as she is fond of saying, “Life is a school which never ends.” Other Executive Members are Elka Price, Vice President of Education (VPE); Mark Young, Vice President Membership (VPM); Jason Edmund, Vice President Public Relations (VPPR); Farida Isaac-Carr, Secretary, Julie Young, Treasurer; and Tamera Valerie, Sergeant at Arms. The Antigua Toastmaster Club is a community speaking club, being formed on November 14th 2012. It is the only community club of the four clubs within Antigua and Barbuda. The other three are corporate clubs. All clubs allow members to develop their public speaking and leadership skills in a friendly supportive environment with constructive evaluation. Since the program started in Antigua, many persons have achieved the designation of Competent Communicator (CC) and Competent Leader (CL). We have represented Antigua at the Area and District Levels in International Speaking, Table Topics, Evaluation, and Humorous Speaking Contests, in St. Lucia, Curacao, Jamaica, and Internationally in Malaysia. We have participated in the Antigua State College, Optimist, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Rotaract and Antigua Red Cross missions to expose their members to Public Speaking principles.

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Oct /Dec

2017 - 2018 Antigua Toastmasters Club Executive (Seated) Tamera Valerie, Sergeant at Arms; Elka Price, Vice President of Education, (VPE); Julie Young, Treasurer; and Farida Isaac-Carr, Secretary. (Standing) Jason Edmund, Vice President Public Relations (VPPR); André Sharpe, Immediate Past President and current Area 33 Director; Mark Young, Vice President Membership (VPM); Cassandra P. Simon, President.

Plans for the new executive include Speechcraft®, a 6-8 week intensive course in public speaking. There are also plans for Youth Leadership®, a program geared towards teenagers. Toastmasters International Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., the organization's membership exceeds 345,000 in more than 15,900 clubs in 142 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators and leaders. For more information the Antigua Toastmasters Club, kindly visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ antiguatoastmasters, our twitter @anutoastmasters, or on Instagram at antiguatoastmasters. You are welcome to attend any of our weekly Thursday meetings that start at 6pm at the ECAB conference room on Redcliffe Street, St John’s, Antigua. •

Caribbean Telecommunications Union seeks Strategic Partnership for Caribbean Video Assistance Service

CARIBBEAN T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S U N I O N S E E K S S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P F O R CARIBBEAN VIDEO A S S I S TA N C E S E RV I C E The Caribbean Telecommunications Union has approached a number of organizations to collaborate on the implementation of the Caribbean Video Assistance Service (CVAS). The features of CVAS will enable the deaf to communicate directly, via the free Personal Universal Communicator (PUC) App, with both hearing, and other deaf persons. CVAS will also provide sight assistance to the visually impaired. The technological development for the hearing and visually impaired is a collaboration between the Caribbean Telecommunications Union and VTCSecure- a global company that provides secure, on-demand, video, voice, text, and call center services. VTCSecure uses a technological platform to facilitate communication, without expensive equipment, via an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart phone, computer, or wireless device, from virtually anywhere. The Caribbean Telecommunications Union has engaged in discussions with Mr. Phil Edwards, CEO of the Tobago Information Technology Limited (TITL), and his team, to explore the use of their call center services to support the Caribbean Visual Assistance Service. TITL currently operates the 211 Contact Center that has been set up within the Information Technology Centre, Division of Finance and the Economy in the Tobago House of Assembly. It provides information on government services in Trinidad and Tobago and 24-hour access to emergency services in Tobago. TITL is also a significant player in Tobago in times of disaster. â&#x20AC;˘

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Oct /Dec

IN THE KNOW

Promoting Organizational Health

PROMOTING O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L H E A LT H

A good working environment is essential to the wellbeing of an individual and their respective families. It contributes to improved chances of health, and financial and social advantages of life. A negative working environment on the other hand, it is equally significant. Whether people are healthy or not is determined by their environment and circumstances. Factors such as genetics, income, educational level and relationships with friends and family can affect oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Therefore, a refined number of tests are usually needed to determine personal overall health.

the same approach is taken towards prevention, diagnosis and remedy, just as one would do with their personal health. There are organizational equivalents to checking your heart, temperature, and vision. When this assessment is done, it is usually purposeful to take stock of both the internal and external factors. Internally, one would categorize this, as the organizational culture and externally, one would call this the enabling environment. The highest levels of engagement of all parts are witness to employee engagement and providing increased quality service for greater customer value.

Similarly, organizations should also be tested to determine their comprehensive health so that one could measure their ability to perform. One can surmise that personal health is inextricably tied to organizational health; they are interdependent and can mutually sustain each other. How healthy are you? How healthy is your organizational environment? After all, for many, the work place takes up a significant amount of your time, but is it healthy and productive?

A healthy organizational culture will incorporate core values within its vision, mission and strategic goals. It is the personality of an organization embodied with assumptions, values, norms and behaviours. Consequently, the organization thrives because of its ability to inspire and support its people, thereby increasing the organizations health.

The context of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life determines the outcome of their health, and as a result many persons cannot directly control the determinants of their own. Similarly, in assessing the health of an organization,

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Oct /Dec

Nevertheless, it would be very hard to accomplish optimal health with low levels of trust. In a brief survey, a group of respondents in Antigua and Barbuda were asked to provide feedback regarding their working environment. The results indicated that where there are low levels of trust and little autonomy, 70% of the responses indicated

feelings of bitterness, lack of motivation, disrespect and strong feelings to leave. The other 20% expressed that they had no concern with levels of trust so long as they were productive and fulfilled their job requirements. The last group, 10% of the respondents, queried the position of persons who had low levels of trust, such as a director or colleague with similar ranking. They outlined that their response would be contingent on the position of the person exhibiting low levels of trust. All the respondents agreed that the obvious choice is to choose an organization that provided a supportive culture rather than a stressful and divisive one. Additionally, 50% expressed that they didn’t feel like they had the luxury of a choice of employment with limited companies to choose from in a small society. So in spite of, hostile or uncomfortable behaviours, many choose to stick out their work environment because jobs provide ideal remuneration, professional growth or there are no other alternatives. They also admitted that, in some instances, they do lose sight of their personal health. A tense situation is one factor that can contribute to the outcome of one’s personal health, after all work may occupy 1/3 of your day. Therefore, the relationship between personal and organizational health is can be symbiotic.

SO HOW DOES ONE ALIGN ONE’S ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH? � Leaders of organizations should have team meetings to know how their team is functioning. Acknowledge underlying mindsets, behaviours and factors that impact or have limited optimal performance. � Make a plan to address each identified issue or concern. Do what is necessary to bring healing for example intervention programs and therapy to improve one’s health. � Reinforce behaviours and actions that will produce the desired result. Take the medication or stick to one’s health plan consistently. � Reassess one’s health periodically to track progress and performance. � Draw on the best solutions for personal and organizational health by drawing on expertise and the experience of others. •

The company that places value on its people creates a vibrant climate, and resonant culture and power is used well for the good of the people. DIMENSIONS OF ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH

Julianne Jarvis is an Organizational Development & Change Management professional and Program Manager with over ten (10) years experience working in the areas of: Sustainable Energy, Anti-Money Laundering-Compliance, International Business, Leadership Development, Community Development Finance, Small Business Development, Government, Technology and Corporate Strategy. Julianne has a fervor for human growth and development and as such, she is a member of the Rotary Club of Antigua – Sundown.

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Oct /Dec

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Later in the evening, Athill, who hails from the village of Liberta, was nominated for the overall Pharmacist of the Year honor but in a two way race for the title, he was beaten to the line by his Jamaican counterpart, Dr. Andrea Daley. Speaking about his achievements, Athill said that he was not even aware that he was in the running or contention for any prize but was pleased nonetheless with his accomplishments.

Local Pharmacist receives Major Award

LOCAL PHARMACIST RECEIVES MAJOR AWA R D

Local pharmacist, Alfred Athill, was showered with accolades during the 37th Annual Caribbean Association of Pharmacists Conference in Belize over the weekend. Athill, who is Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Pharmaceutical Services collected the Regulatory Affairs Award for High Standards, Excellent Services and Dedication during the prestigious event and for his efforts, he was given a Crystal Touchstone Plaque.

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“There were, I think in total awards for nineteen different sections as it relates to pharmacy work and professional practice throughout the year. Fortunately and to my surprise, I was awarded for my work in regulatory affairs in Antigua and Barbuda and also throughout the Caribbean. Again, to my surprise, I was nominated for the Pharmacist of the Year Award. There were two nominees, myself and a lady from Jamaica who eventually won the award,” said Athill. The 37th annual CAP Conference ran from August 6th to the 13th and apart from Athill, the Antiguan Delegation was comprised of Vernon Benjamin, Shemeka Spencer and Dwight Hudson. Athill added that his success was possible, not of his own accord, but rather with the help and support of his friends, family and colleagues in the pharmaceutical services. “The awards I achieved would never have been realized without the work, assistance and encouragement of family, friends and also my colleagues in the pharmacy profession. Without their support. I don’t think that I would have accomplished what I did in Belize,” he declared. •

Jamaican Scientist’s Marijuana-based Anti-cancer Drug Approved by FDA

JAMAICAN SCIENTIST’S MARIJUANA-BASED ANTI-CANCER DRUG A P P ROV E D B Y F DA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted orphan drug approval for Chrysoeriol, a cannabis-based drug used to treat acute myeloid leukemia, which was developed by Jamaican scientist Dr. Henry Lowe. Lowe founded Medicanja Ltd -- described as “Jamaica's first medical cannabis company” -- in 2013. Its distinguished board of directors includes two former prime ministers and a former governor general. The US Orphan Drug Act gives special status to a drug or biological product to treat a rare disease or condition upon the request of a sponsor. Under the act, Lowe will qualify for some development incentives, including tax credits for some clinical testing.

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After presenting his research findings at the 2017 Global Health Catalyst Summit at Harvard Medical School in April 2017, Lowe made the announcement at a July 12 press conference at his wellness resort in Kingston, which both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and science and technology minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley attended. The prime minister congratulated Lowe, while injecting a note of caution when he promised that the government will ensure compliance with international standards, “because cannabis and the (medication) that could potentially come from it are still not recognised in many countries, and some countries still consider it illegal”. Chrysoeriol was developed by Lowe's Maryland-based company, Flavocure Biotech LLC; he insists that he will not allow “big pharma” to purchase the drug, which he says would “park” it, despite the US$15 million to $50 million such a sale would potentially earn him. Rather, he is hoping to make enough money – US$3.5 million to be exact – to continue his research and ready the drug for the retail market in about two to three years’ time. While he is hoping to raise the necessary funding locally, Jamaican banks have not been as supportive as he would have hoped. Wheatley supported Lowe's stance, reiterating that it is important for Jamaicans to “own the rights to our research… and not become second-hand users or owners of the products”. •

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Oct /Dec

HEALTH & WELLNESS

COMMON TYPES O F PA I N Common Types of Pain

By: Dr. Marlene Joseph M.B.B.S.

" Pain management is very important during recovery after surgery." Many interactive factors produce pain of different intensities at different sites in the body. For example, if you accidentally strike your toe against a desk, a message is immediately sent to your brain via certain nerve fibres. An interpretation is made by the brain and further responses are initiated. These include swelling and inflammation at the injured site In medical practice, every speciality has to deal with pain management. Accurate diagnosis through presentation of symptoms, identification of signs and appropriate tests would lead to the cause and treatment which would result in reduction of the painful condition. Pain may be acute (temporary) or chronic (lasting several months). In the case of chronic pain, inability to work could impact on the productivity of the workforce.

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Oct /Dec

Some of the more common causes of pain seen in medical practice are reviewed here: HEADACHE Pain in the head can be acute or chronic. There are numerous causes of acute pain. Some include: eye strain, stress, irregular eating habits, lack of sleep, muscle tension, hypertension, post-operative pain and infections or inflammatory conditions in the body. Pains are relieved if the causes are identified and treated. Chronic pain includes migraines, cluster headaches, cerebral tumour and late cancer. Migraines can be quite severe occurring over several days with very limited response to medications. Cluster headaches are also severe. BACKACHE Pain in the back is a very common complaint and may occur in children as well as adults. There are many causes of back pain and this is understandable if the anatomy of the back is reviewed. Messages going from any part of the body to the brain for interpretation get a swift response. These messages travel in nerve fibres which coalesce in the center of the back to form the spinal cord which extends from the neck to the pelvis.

The individual vertebrae are held in position by ligaments and are prevented from rubbing against each other by the presence of a cushion of fibrous tissue with a gel-like center known as the intervertebral disc.

A strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon, the tissue connecting muscle to bone. Back strain is very common and is usually due to lifting a heavy load.

It is clear therefore that pain may originate from the backbone, spinal cord, nerves at all levels, muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs.

This syndrome involves the compression of the median nerve on the palmer surface of the wrist. The nerve and the tendons of the muscles which flex the thumb and fingers, pass through the carpal tunnel under the transverse carpal ligament. Characteristic symptoms are intense pain, numbness and tingling in the index and third fingers.

Some examples of back pain are herniated or prolapsed intervertebral disc (causing very severe pain), muscle strain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In severe cases surgery may be an option if conservative treatment fails, however, there are well recognised preventative measures which can be utilized. Physical exercise to maintain muscle tone, lifting weighted objects properly, stress management, proper posture standing or sitting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially while using the computer, and also good sleeping positions. In the sports arena, warm-up exercises are important for preparing muscles for intense physical activity. KNEE PAIN Pains in the knee are another very common complaint. The main causes are osteoarthritis and sports-related injuries. The knee is a hinge joint mainly allowing movement forwards (extension) and backwards (flexion). It is an important weight-bearing joint and depends on its functions from the integrity of ligaments within and outside the joint. It also depends on two C-shaped cartilage structures within the joint which have the function of shock absorbers, preventing the bones from rubbing against each other and also restraining certain movements. The knee cap or patella also provides protection for the forefront of the knee joint. The painful knee is frequently seen in medical practice as a result of Osteoarthritis, the natural degeneration of aging joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout can also cause knee pain. Sports injuries often affect the knee causing varying degrees of pain. Torn ligaments, torn intra-articular cartilage, inflamed tendons (tendinitis), sprains and strains. Injuries to the knee cap cause significant pain and limitation of movement. SPRAINS AND STRAINS A sprain is a tearing of a ligament, the tissue which connects two bones. The sprained ankle is the result of a partial tear between the bones which comprise the ankle joint. This is a common injury caused by a sudden twist of the foot.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

HEEL PAIN Inflammation of the plantar fascia is an irritating and painful condition. The fascia is a firm tissue which stretches from the heel bone to the toes on the sole of the foot. If the condition persists, the stress of the fascia on the heel produces a heel spur. Conservative treatment is helpful but the condition may recur if preventive measures are not utilized. SORE THROATS & TONSILLITIS Infections of the mouth and throat are very common and occur in children and adults of all ages. Pain is usually accompanied by fever, hoarseness, and in the case of Tonsillitis, the tonsils are swollen with difficulty on swallowing. EARACHE Earache is very common in children and can also be quite intense in adults. Some of the causes are infections in the external ear canal, the middle ear, foreign objects in the ear, barotrauma and rupture of the eardrum. CHEST PAIN Chest pain is caused by many illnesses and is a frequent complaint. It may be caused by heart conditions, lung diseases, stomach disorders, trauma- for example, rib fractures and muscle disorders. Pain is relieved by treatment of the underlying condition. POST-OPERATIVE PAIN Pain management is very important during recovery after surgery. It has been shown to assist with quick recovery, permit early mobility, and shorten hospital stay. These conditions are just a brief summary of some of the common types of pain seen in the healthcare system. It is important to identify the underlying causes of these painful symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. It is also important to apply preventative measures where necessary. â&#x20AC;˘

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Oct /Dec

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Five Health Benefits of Going Vegan, according to Science

F I V E H E A LT H B E N E F I T S O F G O I N G VEGAN, ACCORDING TO SCIENCE A plant-based diet is increasingly becoming recognized as a healthier alternative to a diet laden with meat. In recent years, veganism has become one of the most popular diets, endorsed by many celebrities and members of the medical community. Going vegan has many benefits for us and our environment. Here are 5 health benefits of going vegan: 1. VEGANS LIVE LONGER Scientists have been talking for years about the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on our atmosphere and planet. Now, more than ever, the need to find solutions for these problems has become urgent. One of the ways in which we can help is by switching to a plant based diet. A study conducted by Oxford Martin School concluded that by switching to diets that rely on vegetables rather than meat, up to eight million lives could be saved by 2050, and greenhouse gas emission could be reduced by two thirds. To assess the health and environmental impacts of imbalanced diets, researchers modeled four different dietary scenarios for the year 2050. These included a scenario based on the way we eat today; another scenario based on global dietary guidelines which include minimum amounts of fruit and vegetables and limits the amount of red meat, sugar and calories; and a vegan and vegetarian scenario conforming to dietary guidelines. They found that adopting a vegan diet could reduce the number of annual deaths by 8.1 million per year by 2050.

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Oct /Dec

This was greater than a vegetarian diet, which reduced the number of deaths by 7.3 million, and the global dietary guidelines which reduced deaths by 5.1 million annually. A vegan diet doesn’t only benefit individuals; it also benefits the planet. The study projects that by 2050, following vegan diet guidelines could reduce food related greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. Bottom Line: A vegan diet helps you live longer and benefits the planet too. 2. IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS LEVELS Many athletes; from tennis players to body builders are now following a vegan diet to improve their performance. Amongst them is Barnabas du Plessis, world-renowned body builder and former Mr. Universe, who insists that his vegan diet has given him more energy, fewer aches and better health. In her book, “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition”, Julieanna Hever notes that athletes following a plant based diet recover faster and are able to maximize their training to improve their performance. These results are borne out by research conducted in amongst Sri Lankan athletes. The study concluded that male and female vegetarian young adults appeared to have higher levels of physical fitness than that of non-vegetarians when assessing endurance and musculoskeletal flexibility. Bottom Line: A vegan diet contributed to improved fitness levels, energy and endurance.

Osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become fragile and brittle, affects a significant percentage of the population over age 50. Worldwide, osteoporosis is estimated to affect 75 million people in Europe, USA and Japan, causing more than 8.9 million fractures annually.

Low-fat and vegetarian diets have already been proven effective in weight loss. However, a two year study which compared a low fat vegan weight loss plan with one that followed the National Education Control Program (NECP) resulted in a significantly greater weight loss for the vegan group. This was true both at one year and two years.

Many people believe that increasing their intake of dairy products will boost calcium and increase bone strength, but that is not correct. In fact, osteoporosis appears to be more prevalent in developed countries where dairy products are easily available.

Another six-month study conducted in 2013 also proved that a plant based diet led to greater weight loss than omnivorous groups, with vegans showing a greater decrease in fat and saturated fat than the pescovegetarian, semi-vegetarian, and omnivorous groups.

Animal protein causes calcium to be leached from bones. This is because animal proteins contain amino acids which are high in sulfur. The body converts these amino acids into sulfate, which acidifies the blood and, in the process of neutralizing this acid, bone gets dissolved into the bloodstream.

Bottom line: a vegan diet is low in fat and helps promote weight loss.

3. A VEGAN DIET CAN PROTECT AGAINST OSTEOPOROSIS

Since meat and eggs contain two to five times more of these amino acids than plant based foods, their effect on bone density can be quite significant. Instead of increasing one’s strength, animal proteins can actually cause an increase in fracture rates. According to a 1994 report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, when animal proteins were eliminated from the diet, calcium losses were cut in half. One of the arguments people make is that vegans can’t get enough calcium in their diets if they don’t eat dairy products, but this is not true. The calcium absorption from milk is about 32 percent. For vegetables such as kale, brussel sprouts, mustard greens and turnip greens, that figure is between 40-64 percent. Replacing animal products with plant foods reduces the amount of calcium lost, which may explain why people who live in countries with more plant based diets have lower rates of osteoporosis, even when their calcium intake is lower than dairy-consuming countries. A vegan diet therefore provides an easy way to maintain bone health, because it allows for easy absorption of calcium in low fat foods that are good for the body. Bottom Line: Vegan diets improve bone strength and lead to a reduction in the risk of osteoporosis. 4. VEGAN DIETS PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS Obesity is a growing problem and worldwide obesity numbers have doubled since 1980. A vegetarian diet tends to be lower in total fat, and vegetarians tend to eat proportionally more polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with nonvegetarians. (Animal products are the major sources of dietary saturated fat).

5. VEGANISM PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER In 2016, the UK Cancer Society released figures showing a 45 percent rise in the number of cases of cancer caused by excess weight in the past two decades. Since obesity is now a growing worldwide problem, the same is the case in many other countries. A 2012 analysis of five country studies (UK, Japan, USA, Netherlands and Germany) examining vegetarian diets and their effects on cancer concluded that vegetarians have substantially lower cancer risks. Similarly, a European study that examined 500,000 men and women in ten different countries, concluded that for vegetarians the incidence of all cancers combined is lower than for non-vegetarians. For women, in particular, following a vegan diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer. A study out of Loma University in the USA, funded by the National Cancer Institute, reported that vegans have lower rates of cancer than both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Vegan women, for example, had 34 percent lower rates of female-specific cancers such as breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. This rate was is even more significant when you take into account that it was in comparison to a group of healthy omnivores who ate less meat than the general population. So why do vegans have such a lowered cancer risk? It all has to do with a growth hormone called IGF-1. This hormone causes cancer cells in the body to grow more rapidly. Animal products increase IGF-1 levels in the body, while a plant based diet reduces the levels of IGF-1 enough so that the growth of cancer cells is slowed. In a series of experiments where men and women followed a plant based diet for two weeks, blood tests using cancer cells in petri dishes showed positive results for both sexes. Women were found to have a reduction in the growth of three different types of breast cancer and men had a similar result with prostate cancer cells. Bottom Line: Several forms of cancer can be prevented or treated by a vegan diet. •

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Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

2017 Recipients of the Louis H. Lockhart Scholarship and the 2 0Bursary 1 7 R Award ECIPIENTS OF

Kyla Christian — 2017 recipient of the Antigua Commercial Bank Louis H. Lockhart Scholarship

THE LOUIS H. LOCKHART SCHOLARSHIP AND THE B U R S A R Y A WA R D

Kyla Christian is the 2017 recipient of the Antigua Commercial Bank Louis H. Lockhart Scholarship, and Thalia Haywood is the recipient of the Bursary Award. When asked what she believed set her apart from the other applicants Christian said that she credits her devotion to academics and extracurricular activities for her latest achievement. “I’m involved in the Antigua & Barbuda Students association at UWI, and I’m also an executive in another group,” said Christian. “I think it was my general involvement and general love for education.” She admitted that before receiving the scholarship, she was unsure about how she would get through her final year of University. She went on to say that a great weight has been lifted off her shoulders as she prepares to graduate. Haywood credits her positivity during the interview process for her selection as the recipient of the Bank’s Bursary Award. “I didn’t feel as nervous. I felt very happy and joyful,” said Haywood. “I think they liked my energy and spirit and that’s what stood out.” Since its evolution in 1993, the scholarship programme has been affording students entering their final year of University an opportunity to complete their degrees. The Antigua

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Oct /Dec

Thalia Haywood — 2017 recipient of the Bursary Award (right)

Commercial Bank Louis H. Lockhart Scholarship is valued at EC $50,000, while the Bursary Award is EC $10,000. The Scholarship criteria is reviewed annually by the members of the Scholarship Screening Committee to ensure that the areas of study covered remain relevant. The deadline for the receipt of applications annually, is by the end of May. The applicants are then shortlisted for interview and the winners are chosen based on academic performance, financial need and extracurricular involvement. “Our awardee this year has an excellent track record and we always look for the best,” said ACB Director Reginald Peterson, Chairman of the Scholarship Screening Committee. “She has all the characteristics of someone who not only has a desire to (complete her) first degree, but has a career path planned, and I think that was very important.” •

Introducing – ONCEPTS INTRODU C I N G Prodigii P R O DConcepts IGII C W H EWhere R E I N Tintelligence E L L I G E N C E meets M E E T Screativity C R E AT I V I T Y

September 2017 saw the launch of ProdiGii Concepts by 18 year old Rogierre “Gigi” Emanuel. According to Ms. Emanuel, Prodigii caters to persons of all ages, gender, characteristics and status. The business centres on the three primary services; graphic design, fashion and art. Personally designed business cards, brand identities and logos, menus, photo manipulation and fliers are all available at Prodigii Concepts. On the fashion side of the business, customers are able to have garments and accessories made including costumes and gowns for any occasion. Within the third aspect of the business, Ms. Emanuel creates sketches, paintings, decorative and abstract art and wall paintings as well as signs and collages.

Rogierre “Gigi” Emanuel

Ms. Emanuel credits the launch of her business to a mixture of determination, great teachers, supportive family and faith. She recalls the way in which a last minute return to the Arts in her final year of the Antigua Girls’ High School set the foundation for her newly established business. Like any business she had her initial setback, but has described the unsuccessful attempt at officially establishing her company because of her young age as a learning process. Ms. Emanuel remained optimistic and is convinced that now is the right time, as during her waiting period, she took the time to improve her skills, increase her knowledge, support base and general experience. An all-encompassing company, Prodigii is described by its young owner as a company that caters to both small businesses and large corporations. Describing her logo, Ms. Emanuel says that she wanted it to “slightly display the meaning of a prodigy and also who I am and what I like. I also wanted a ‘fun’ look, but not a childish one that may mislead prospective customers”. The main colour of magenta was chosen because it remained true to the business concept signifying “youth, innovation, creativity, royalty, liveliness, harmony, kindness, beauty, cooperation and compassion”. •

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Oct /Dec

ECONOMY & TRADE FOCUS YOUTH FOCUS

Joseph successfully passed 15 subjects, and secured 13 grade ones and two grade twos. “I’m not going to lie, CXC was very tough, but I just had to keep on studying,” Joseph said. “I studied a lot … have a good memory and understand things easily.” In revealing his approach to preparing for the exams, Joseph said that he focused more on the subjects that he struggled with and never hesitated to ask his teachers for clarification.

Eric Emmanuel Joseph Jr. Named Top CSEC Student for 2017

ERIC EMMANUEL JOSEPH JR. NAMED TOP CSEC STUDENT FOR 2017

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Oct /Dec

Joseph’s father also spoke to his son’s independence, which aided him in his achievements. “I remember talking with him about getting his School Based Assessments (SBAs) finished because he was running behind,” Eric Sr said. “I offered to help him with his SBAs and he said, no, he doesn’t want me or anyone to help him and he was prepared to go to 3 am and he did it.” Joseph Jr added, “I don’t want anybody to give anything to me, I want to earn it myself.” Joseph Jr is currently finishing high school at Heritage Christian School in Florida, and he maintains aspirations to pursue studies leading to a career in engineering. •

dislikes and desires of Baby Boomers (fall semester teams) and Generation Xers (spring semester teams).

MARKETING EDGE A N N O U N2017 CES 2017 ANNOUNCES COLLEGIATE C O L L E G IECHO AT E WINNERS ECHO

WINNERS

Among the undergraduate teams, Marketing EDGE awarded a total of $3,500 to students at Temple University and Eastern Michigan University; the former sweeping both first and second place, the latter, third place. For the first time in the history of the Collegiate ECHO Marketing Challenge an international team took first place among graduate teams, reflecting the international nature of the sponsor and of the Challenge itself. A total of $3,500 was awarded to graduate students. The winners of the 2017 Collegiate ECHO Marketing Challenge are: UNDERGRADUATE: GOLD: TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Antigua & Barbuda’s Allison Doumith was among the team of Temple University students who won the gold award in the Collegiate Echo Marketing Challenge.

Team Members: Ioanna Dinoulis, Allison Doumith, Robin Goffman, Jonathan Neikam, Toni Sichel

Marketing EDGE, a national education non-profit committed to shaping the marketing industry as diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled, announced the winners for its 2016-2017 Collegiate ECHO Marketing competition.

GRADUATE:

Collette, an international guided travel company, provided the content of this competition for college students worldwide. Altogether, six student teams – three from undergraduate programs and three from graduate programmes – were honoured for undertaking research to determine the likes,

Faculty Advisor: Alison Ebbecke (preceded by Chuck McLeester) GOLD: DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY Team Members: Conor Beglan, Claire Crumlish, Alison Morgan, Michael O'Dwyer, Niamh O'Shea Faculty Advisor: Laura Berry Over its 32-year history, Collegiate ECHO sponsors have included such prestigious companies as Facebook, DIRECTV, Domino’s Pizza, dELiA*s, and Microsoft Bing. •

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

‘MAKE THE SWITCH AND AVOID THE RISK’ FIRST STAGE OF STYROFOAM BAN NOW IN EFFECT

‘MAKE THE SWITCH A N D AV O I D T H E R I S K ’ F I R S T S TA G E O F STYROFOAM BAN NOW IN EFFECT

“Make the Switch and Avoid the Risk” is one of the many tag lines promoted under the Ministry of Health and the Environment. Following on the heels of the elimination of the use of t-shirt plastic bags by the major supermarkets in the country, the current Styrofoam Ban Initiative is another step in providing a cleaner, safer and healthier environment in Antigua and Barbuda. Social media over the past few months has been bombarded with marketing promotions along with educational paraphilia concerning the Expanded Polystyrene “Styrofoam” ban. As a Nation the meaning of the ban relates to food containers including bowls, plates, hot and cold beverages cups and cup lids, clamshell, hinge lids and all other containers made of polystyrene for food services, utensils, straws, meat, vegetable, and fruit trays, egg cartons, coolers, and any other products made of Styrofoam used for selling or providing food for consumption on or off the premises. Expanded polystyrene is known to have negative environmental, marine and human health impacts. For example, the National Institutes of Health 12th Report on Carcinogens identified styrene as a ‘reasonably anticipated’ carcinogen in humans. The leaching of Styrene when heated is of major concern due to the fact that toxin are entering our foods, drinks, and bodies in small amounts over a period of time. In addition, it has become a growing problem for landfill worldwide since decomposition takes hundreds of years and Marine life is constantly affected due to broken pieces that are mistaken for food, resulting in toxic EPS being ingested. Antigua and Barbuda in the year 2016 imported a total of approximately 292,830 kilograms. This amounts to over a Six thousand pounds of Styrofoam used on an island of 108 square miles.

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Oct /Dec

As of July 1st, 2017, the first stage of the Styrofoam Ban rolled into effect with a six month phasing out period until December 31st, 2017. All importation after the above mentioned date will be confiscated. This stage of the ban covers the importation of Styrofoam food service containers such as clamshell, hinge lids, hot dog containers, bowls, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, lids and caps. Stage two commences from January 1st, 2018 to June 30th, 2018 with a six month phasing out period. The restriction covers the importation of utensils (plastic spoons, forks, knives and straws), fruit trays, meat trays, vegetable trays and egg cartons are also included. Stage Three commences from July 1st, 2018 to January 1st, 2019 with a six month phasing out period. During this stage, the restriction covers ‘naked’ Styrofoam coolers. The list of government approved biodegradable alternative products includes Bagasse (Sugar cane), PLA Cornstarch (NON GMO), Bamboo, Wheat Straw, Cardboard/Paper, Areca Palm and Potato Starch, all of which are tax free (Revenue Recovery Charge, Duties, Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax and Levy). Additionally Airline Carriers, Private Airline Charters and Passenger Cruise Vessels shall be exempted until further notice. Moreover regulations and legislation pertaining to the Styrofoam Ban and approved alternatives shall be finalized by January 2018. The legislation will also speak to prohibition and penalties for offenders. As citizens it is important to note that the Styrofoam Ban extends to ALL businesses within the food service industry in Antigua and Barbuda, including the catering industry, food vendors, large and small supermarkets and grocery stores. The Ministry ensured proper Consultation was held with major stakeholders who were in agreement with the initiative before development was carried out. Many of these alternatives would be flooding the shelves of supermarkets and wholesale businesses by August 2017 while product preview were displayed to the public at the Ministry’s consultation at The Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre on June 7th 2017 and the Open House/ Showcase at 39’ers Square, in front of the Ministry’s Headquarters on June 30th 2017. At the recent public consultation and open house, the Health and Environment Minister thanked the business community for its cooperation and urged the entire nation to support the Styrofoam Ban Initiative. “The spirit of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda is healthy and rich in terms of looking after our environment. All of you should appreciate that you as a nation are taking a leading role in the Caribbean on this matter and I anticipate that by the end of 2019, all of you will be able to take credit that Antigua and Barbuda has eliminated the use of polystyrene from the food service industry in Antigua. The Ministry of Health & the Environment continues its public education campaign, sensitizing the nation to the new reality and calling upon all to ‘Make the Switch and Avoid the Risk.’ www.healthwatchantiguaandbarbuda.com www.facebook.com/investingforwellness •

CARICOM Closer to Developing Regulations to Improve Energy Performance in Buildings

CARICOM CLOSER TO DEVELOPING R E G U L AT I O N S T O I M P ROV E E N E R G Y PERFORMANCE IN BUILDINGS A team of regional experts working to develop a building code that is energy efficient has reached consensus on a Draft Caribbean Application Document (CAD). The team has also endorsed a programme of work for the effective, efficient and timely completion of the code. The steps were taken at the second meeting of the Regional Project Team (RPT) held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The RPT comprises energy efficiency and standards development experts that were nominated by National Bureaus of Standards from across the Region. Its mandate is to review and determine an optimal approach for adapting and developing an appropriate code for consideration as the Energy Efficiency Building Code (EEBC) for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The EEBC, which will address all aspects of energy use in buildings, is expected to reduce the dependency on imported fossil fuels within the Region by reducing buildings’ energy consumption. Furthermore, it can substantially contribute to compliance with domestic targets for sustainable energy use and global commitments for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. At its first meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, in March 2017, the RPT approved the use of the International Energy Conservation Code 2018 (IECC 2018) as the reference code for the Regional EEBC. Since then, the Draft CAD was developed, through cooperation between the CARICOM Secretariat and the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). The Draft CAD was reviewed by Committees established within the Member States that engaged key stakeholders. The revised draft of the CAD will now be open to the general public in Member States for validation.

TECHNICAL OPTIONS AND NATIONAL REALITIES Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, attended one of the technical sessions of the second RPT meeting, he provided critical insight into a number of key issues, especially the legal requirements and socioeconomic considerations at national levels, of which the RPT should be mindful. He indicated that the inclusive approach that was being pursued, with regards to the EEBC development, could contribute to a balancing of the technical options, which were being considered by the experts, with the national realities, and provide an easier path to country adoption. Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ms. Sandy Peters-Phillips, said that energy conservation and implementation of an EEBC were critical to mitigate the impacts of climate change which posed great risks to Caribbean countries. Dr. Devon Gardner, Programme Manager, Energy at the CARICOM Secretariat, signaled the “collective intent of CARICOM to act in a collaborative and cohesive manner to give life an Energy Efficiency Building Code for the region”. The development of the CARICOM EEBC is being supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, through the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance (REETA) Programme, as well as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the Energy for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Caribbean Buildings Project. •

BusinessFocus

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Climate Change in the Caribbean - Why We Should Make it Our Business

C L I M AT E C H A N G E I N T H E CARIBBEAN — WHY WE SHOULD MAKE IT OUR BUSINESS

Climate change is happening world wide – no region on earth has escaped it. But its effects on the Caribbean are already serious and it has the potential to become more severe than in many other parts of the world. In low-lying areas, more intense storms, floods, droughts, rising sea levels, high temperatures, and ocean acidification are already posing severe threats to people and the marine and coastal ecosystems that support our lifestyles and livelihoods.

OUR DEPENDENCE ON OUR COASTS AND SEAS

Caribbean states are especially vulnerable to these impacts because of:

Caribbean states rely heavily on trade and passenger transport routes (air and sea) that are typically around the coast.

OUR WAY OF LIFE Caribbean people’s lives and cultures are centered around the sea – we depend more on our coastal and marine environment than do many other regions on Earth. WHERE WE LIVE Most Caribbean people’s home and key institutions, from hospitals to hotels, are located on the coastal fringe. Most people are highly exposed to risks from natural hazards, such as hurricanes, which have severe immediate impacts and take a long time to recover from, especially when storms strike in quick succession. WE ARE ISLAND SYSTEMS Island landmasses are relatively small, which often means there is little distance between inland, coastal and marine environments. Our island systems need an integrated management approach.

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The Caribbean is particularly dependent on tourism, which like fishing, depends on the complex web of life in our marine and coastal ecosystems –from mangroves to beaches and reefs, to seas and oceans. Other major economic activities such as farming are typically located in low-lying areas. OUR COASTAL ECONOMY

Given the fact that the Caribbean is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is essential that everyone knows – even those of us in Antigua – what impacts are already being felt in the region and what could happen in the future. We also need to know what needs to be done to either reduce the impact, adapt to change, or be better able to recover from the toughest shocks of climate change. While some efforts are already underway to help build a more resilient environment and society, according to the 2017 Caribbean Marine Climate change Report Card; much more work is needed to prepare the Caribbean for climate change. There is a cost of not adapting to climate change; a cost that is expected to grow over time as damage rises substantially.

WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE Here’s what can be done in Antigua and other small island states to fight against climate change: ·U se climate change and risk information to help plan development of our coasts and seas. For example, examine our vulnerability to extreme sea level and storm surges, as well as increased hurricane intensity across the region. Knowing more about changing extreme events, sea level rise and precipitation patterns across the region would help provide credible statescale information for improving building standards for infrastructure, particularly transport networks (e.g. roads and drainage). · Prepare more extensive risk management and disaster preparation plans for hurricanes, storms, droughts and floods. · Manage responses to climate change to focus more on reducing local human stressors, including solutions to reduce degradation of water quality. · More research on the present and projected impacts of ocean acidification. This would help planners develop adaptive strategies depending on each island’s environmental, socioeconomic, and political settings.

· With a broader marine monitoring network, the Caribbean could develop an effective early warning indicator for biodiversity impacts such as bleaching events on the Mesoamerican reef system, or to help with long term marine planning. · Develop a regional network of marine protected areas designed to future-proof marine biodiversity against climate change. · Work to stabilize our shorelines and preserve natural barriers such as mangroves, salt marshes, and coral reefs. As a Caribbean state that is already feeling the impacts of climate change, the mindset should not be “let’s wait and see how worse it gets.” Instead, we should seek to educate ourselves on the effects of climate change – how it impacts our economy, and our way of life – and begin to put measures in place to cushion the blow of an already hard-hitting phenomenon. As mentioned earlier, the cost of doing nothing, could very well cost us everything. •

Every employer, employed and

self-employed person in Antigua & Barbuda must register with the Medical Benefits Scheme!

Medical Benefits Scheme

Qualified individuals receive their MBS Smartcard which offers the following benefits: A basket of services at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre Access to pharmaceuticals from the Medical Benefits Scheme for 11 diseases Reimbursements for laboratory and diagnostic tests

Your Smart card is required every time you access benefits from the Medical Benefits Scheme! BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

EVENTS 2017

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

THE LJM MARITIME ACADEMY (LJMMA) NEW PROVIDENCE, BAHAMAS – OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2017 LJMMA is a tertiary-level centre for training and education in the maritime field. Through its training programmes, it is supporting the growth, development and sustainability of the maritime sector in The Bahamas and globally.

NEW ENERGY EVENTS MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2017 CREF was launched in 2009 to gather governments, utilities, multilaterals and investors to explore opportunities to ramp up investment in clean energy across the Caribbean.

MEXICO'S MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES (SEMARNAT), AND JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY WBG, OLADE, IETA, UNEP DTU PARTNERSHIP, IADB, UNFCCC, UNDP AND CAF HILTON REFORMA HOTEL, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 18 - 20, 2017 The Latin American and Caribbean Carbon Forum (LACCF 2017) is a leading regional conference & exhibition for climate action related to markets and economic instruments. The LACCF is the preeminent regional ‘Pulse Taking’ and 'Business to Business' platform.

MONA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT (MSBM), UWI-MONA MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – NOVEMBER 8 - 10, 2017 The 2017 renewal of the MSBM Conference on Business and Management is the third in a series that aims to frame scholars and practitioners as partners in the task of rigorously interrogating the theory and practice of business and management with a particular focus on the challenges faced by businesses in small island developing states.

HVS BAHAMAS HAMILTON PRINCESS, BERMUDA – NOVEMBER 9 - 10, 2017 The Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit has proven itself as the premier hospitality conference in the region. In its 7th year, this event brings together more than 300 regional and international investors and operators as well as the region’s leading decision makers.

CARIBBEAN ASSOCIATION OF BANKS: 44TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE HAMILTON PRINCESS, BERMUDA – NOVEMBER 15 - 18, 2017 CAB's Annual General Meeting and Conference is usually held during the third week of November each year. Through sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, the Conference represents your best opportunity to network with financial services professionals from throughout the Caribbean.

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EVENTS 2017

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

CARIBBEAN REGIONAL COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATION (CRCA) GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS – NOVEMBER 16 - 17, 2017 CRCA 2017 will gather industry experts, senior compliance professionals and best in class speakers to examine what’s relevant in the sector. What are best practices for managing an organization's overall anti-money laundering programme? How will compliance professionals tackle emerging compliance threats in the region? What is top of mind with outsourcing, risk assessment, corruption and corporate social responsibility?

CARIBBEAN ACTUARIAL ASSOCIATION (CAA) ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1, 2017 This year's conference will provide a blend of actuarial and related financial topics which would be of interest to actuaries and non-actuaries alike.

CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA) MELIÁ NASSAU BEACH, NASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 4 - 9, 2017 At CDM10, you will be exposed to new knowledge, products and skills from best practices in CDM implementation. Utilising the checkpoint approach to monitoring the progress of the 2014-2024 CDM Strategy, participants will be presented with the Caribbean Assessment Report which will provide information related to progress, gaps and lessons learnt towards the achievement of CDM.

ANTIGUA CHARTER YACHT MEETING FALMOUTH & ENGLISH HARBOURS, ANTIGUA – DECEMBER 4 - 10, 2017 The 56th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show welcomes you to our beautiful shores for another exciting show. This year's show is extended to cover six days and will again take place at the Nelson's Dockyard Marina in English Harbour, the Falmouth Harbour Marina and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina both located in Falmouth Harbour.

INTERNATIONAL STRESS AND BEHAVIOR SOCIETY (ISBS) RODNEY BAY, GROS ISLET, ST. LUCIA – JANUARY 16 - 18, 2018 International 3-day conference focusing on translational biomedical research and education. The conference will bring together medical practitioners and administrators, biomedical scientists, health science educators and students, to discuss the up-to-date challenges and findings in the biomedical field.

THE ENERGY CHAMBER OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO HYATT REGENCY, PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD – JANUARY 22 - 24, 2018 The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference is the premier Energy Conference in the Caribbean and promotes vigorous debate and discussion among leaders of industry, Government and academia.

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MAJOR MOVES

BUSINESS FOCUS LOOKS AT CORPORATE TRANSITIONS

of Cienfuegos he joined the KPMG Eastern Caribbean’s St. Lucia office gaining practical experience working on various engagements for a variety of companies in various industries. He then joined Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Ltd as the Accountant moving on at the end of 2014 where he would pursue and complete the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exams. After a brief tenure at the premier destination management company in St. Lucia he has officially joined the Amalgamated Security Services Antigua Ltd team on July 1st as the accountant. •

MRS. JULIE REIFER-JONES OFFICIALLY APPOINTED AS LIAT'S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ANDREW CALLENDER IS THE NEW GENERAL MANAGER OF AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES

Mrs. Julie Reifer-Jones joined LIAT as Chief Financial Officer in December 2008. Mrs. ReiferJones graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BSc in Management Studies. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Barbados. Prior to joining LIAT, Mrs. Reifer-Jones has held several senior finance positions and has more than 25 years of experience in the field of banking, finance, and management. Mrs. Reifer-Jones is also an avid sports enthusiast who enjoys the sports of cricket, basketball and athletics. •

Andrew has over 17 years’ experience in the private security industry and also served for 17 years in the Jamaica Defense Force. He has coordinated security services for some major industries in Jamaica, and was a former employee of Guardsman Group Limited (Jamaica), as Regional Manager for the Northeastern and Northwestern regions.

SHAVAR MALONEY JOINS LIAT AS CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Shavar Maloney joined LIAT (1974) Ltd. as Corporate Communications Manager in January 2017. A native of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Shavar attended the University of the West Indies where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications specialising in Public Relations. He has worked as a lecturer in Communications at the Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Shavar is a Vice Chancellor Alumni Ambassador of the UWI and a member of the Lions Club Kingstown-SVG. He is also an avid blogger and photographer. •

As the General Manager of the sister company in St. Lucia – Alternative Security Services Limited – Andrew managed some of the company’s major clients including Sandals, National Insurance Corporation (similar to the Social Security Board), as well as the Victoria Hospital (St. Lucia’s major hospital). He also spearheaded the construction projects for one of St. Lucia’s largest hotels, the Royalton Hotel & Spa, and some of the leading banks on the island, mainly, RBC. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Human Resource Management, and an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration. He is an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) certified Aviation Security Instructor, and a PFSO (Port Facility Security Officer) certified instructor. •

DAMANY FADLIEN-FEVRIER JOINS THE AMALGAMATED SECURITY SERVICES TEAM THEIR ACCOUNTANT After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University

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JASON GILEAD JOINS UNICOMER (ANTIGUA & BARBUDA) LTD TA COURTS AS COUNTRY SENIOR MANAGER Jason Gilead also fairly recently joined Unicomer (Antigua & Barbuda) Ltd TA Courts in the capacity of Country Senior Manager. As country senior manager, he is responsible for Unicomer’s overall operations in Antigua including both branches, its 20,000 sq. ft. distribution center and logistics and distribution operation. Jason brings to Unicomer extensive management experience having previously served at Country Manager for FedEx/Unlimited Services Plus. He hold a BSc in Management from UWI (hons) and a Master’s in Business Administration M.B.A (finance specialization) from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, USA. Courts has long been the market leader in furniture, appliances and electronics in Antigua and the Caribbean and is a growing player in the micro finance business. Jason hopes to leverage his strengths to further grow the Unicomer brand. •

MAJOR MOVES

BUSINESS FOCUS LOOKS AT CORPORATE TRANSITIONS

Prior to this recent appointment, Charmaine served in the CIU in three prominent capacities; Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer. She was instrumental in shaping and implementing policies and procedures from the establishment of the Unit and making necessary enhancements in response to changes in the industry. Charmaine holds a BSc with first class honours from the University of the West Indies. She is also a Chartered Director and a Certified AntiMoney Laundering Specialist.

RACHEL SAMUEL APPOINTED NEW COMMERCIAL OFFICER FOR UNICOMER (ANTIGUA & BARBUDA) Rachel Samuel is new Commercial Officer for Unicomer (Antigua & Barbuda) Ltd. trading as Courts. Rachel has been with Unicomer for the past 12 years, and has served the company in a variety of departments including credit, buying and customer service. She most recently served as Commercial Officer for the Dominica Business Unit. The lateral move to Antigua was a welcomed one for Rachel having many close family ties in Antigua. As commercial officer Rachel is responsible for the overall marketing, promotions and events coordination for Courts in Antigua. •

Charmaine’s employment history includes her almost nine-year tenure at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, where she served as Bank Examiner, supervised licensed financial institutions in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, led examination teams and served the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission. She has also worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia, where she was Senior Manager of Compliance for the Eastern Caribbean Region responsible for AML/CFT and regulatory compliance for nine countries including Barbados and St. Maarten.•

DR. CAREL HODGE APPOINTED AS MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS, PUBLIC SAFETY & LABOUR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Dr. Carel Hodge has returned to Antigua having completed a doctorate of philosophy in the area of Social Policy with a focus on Inclusive Education Policy within the islands of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The provision of equitable quality education for all students in OECS schools was not only the focus of Dr. Hodge’s thesis, but continues to be an area of interest. MS. CHARMAINE QUINLAND-DONOVAN APPOINTED ANTIGUA & BARBUDA'S FIRST FEMALE CIP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ms. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan holds the distinctions of being the first national of Antigua and Barbuda and the first woman, to head the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Her appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) took effect on March 27th, 2017.

The former editor of the Business Focus Magazine, Dr. Hodge is a communication and research professional whose interests also extend to policy research and development particularly in the government sector. A former part-time instructor at the Antigua State College and the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology, Dr. Hodge has also worked in the area of behaviour change communications in relation to HIV/AIDS education specifically with members of those considered to be a part of most at risk populations. •

THOMAS ANTHONY TO LEAD EXIGER’S IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP & VISA (ICV) DUE DILIGENCE PRACTICE IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION Exiger, the global regulatory, financial crime, risk, and compliance company, has named Thomas Anthony the Deputy Head of its Immigration, Citizenship & Visa (ICV) due diligence practice and Director, Financial Crime Compliance, for the Caribbean Region. Mr. Anthony joins Exiger from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of Antigua & Barbuda, where he was Deputy Chief Executive Officer. In that role, Mr. Anthony managed the daily operations of the CIU, helping to transform it into one of the largest, most efficient, and fastest growing programs in the world. Before this, Mr. Anthony spent more than 26 years in the banking sector – in both commercial and investment banking – in Antigua, St. Lucia, and Miami. “Thomas’s expertise in banking, combined with his deep local knowledge, makes him uniquely qualified to advise the CIUs and the regional banks on how to most effectively address one of the most important issues facing the industry today: the pressure placed on global banks to comply with stringent AML regulations, causing them to ‘de-risk’ smaller, regional correspondent banking relationships,” said Michael Beber, Exiger’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Thomas to Exiger, where he will work with both our due diligence and banking experts to assist in evolving standards in the industry and ensure the sustainability of citizenship by investment programs throughout the region.” Exiger’s ICV Due Diligence Practice is a global leader in work related to citizenship by investment programs. The business is part of Exiger Diligence, which provides global public records research and investigative due diligence to global financial institutions, multinational corporations, and governmental agencies. Mr. Anthony holds a degree in banking and finance from City Banking College and a degree in business administration and management from West London College. • BusinessFocus

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Ferris holds degrees in Business Computing (Bachelors) and Business Administration (Masters) from the University of Sunderland and the University of Wales Institute Cardiff respectively and is a former employee of HSBC Bank PLC in the UK. She is currently employed as an Investment Facilitation Officer at the Antigua & Barbuda Investment Authority. A product of the Sea View Farm Community, Ferris counts it as both an honour and a humbling experience to be given the opportunity to apply her knowledge, skills and experience in service to the Credit Union. •

SHAWN MAILE, CFCCU'S YOUNGEST ELECTED MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

IAN DE SOUZA, NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT SAGICOR CAVE HILL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Shawn Maile is the youngest and newest elected member of the Board of Directors, the governing arm of the Community First Cooperative Credit Union. The announcement was made during the 36th Annual General Meeting held on June 28, 2017.

The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus has appointed Ian De Souza as Executive Director and CEO of the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management.

With over a decade of experience in banking, tourism, civil service, and small business management, Shawn Maile possesses the ability to connect with the varying backgrounds of CFCCU’s dynamic membership. Shawn holds a BSc in Psychology along with a Post Graduate Degree and Certification in Human Resource Management. He is also a product of the 2012 CFCCU Empowerment Series which educates and immerses members in the history, structure, and offerings of CFCCU. He considers himself a lifelong learner and is ready and eager to put his expertise to use while embracing the learning curve which lies ahead with fierce determination. •

De Souza comes to the position with a wealth of business knowledge and experience from a career, which spans 40 years in the financial and banking sector.

SAMANTHA MALONE — LION'S CLUB NEW PRESIDENT Samantha Malone has been a humanitarian since 1999, when she became a part of the Leo Club of Antigua, which she served as President twice. Once she became of age Samantha joined the Lions Club of Antigua in 2010. Since then she has served in several capacities to include P. R. Chair, Leo Advisor and Secretary. In 2013 Samantha was awarded Lion of the Year! Samantha is the current President of the Lions Club of Antigua; in fact she is the 3rd female president of the 49-year-old Club. Her theme is “Continuing our Legacy of Service”. •

TARIKA FERRIS APPOINTED AS A MEMBER OF CFCCU'S CREDIT COMMITTEE Tarika Ferris was appointed as a member of the Community First Cooperative Credit Union’s Credit Committee in June 2017. BusinessFocus

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He served 25 years with the Republic Bank Group, spending the last five years as Managing Director and CEO of Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited. The career banker also held management and executive positions at Bank of Montreal, Toronto, Canada, and Citibank (Trinidad and Tobago) Ltd. Driven by a service-oriented impetus and a desire to significantly enhance the Caribbean’s socio-economic fabric, De Souza has utilised his immense financial acumen to spearhead numerous banking initiatives to develop the region’s corporate community and improve conditions for the wider general public. Commenting on De Souza’s appointment, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UWI, Cave Hill campus, Professor Eudine Barriteau said: “As the Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and Management seeks to build on 25 years of tremendous achievement, I join the management and staff in warmly welcoming Mr De Souza to the Cave Hill campus community as SCHSBM’s new Executive Director and CEO. He brings immeasurable reputational capital which we keenly anticipate will enable the School to grow from strength to strength.” “We look forward to his implementation of the School’s expanded programming and the nurturing of existing relationships within this framework.” •

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105

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME Aetlia Limited

DIRECTORS

NATURE

Black Sail Limited

Full-Service Company oďŹ&#x20AC;ering Language Services in the Broadest Sence in more than 40 Languages and 500 Languages Combination Real Estate and Financial Advisory Services for Global Exporting and Importing of Goods To Operate Restaurants, Provide Catering and all kinds of Food and Beverages Services, as well as Host Social Functions Inclusive of Food and Beverage Sales and Services Pleasure Boat, Entertainment and Restaurant Services.

C. R. P. Sea Food Ltd.

Import and Export of fresh and Live Sea Food

Children Academy (Antigua) Limited

Educational Service

Coolidge Cricket Ground Inc. Crystal Eagle Ltd.

Property Holding Retail and Wholesale of Glass Product

Gaibey George Zreibi Mariafabiana Zreibi Enoch Lewis Lihong Xu,

Daniel and Cox Incorporated Dolcevita Ltd.

The Proposed Company will Provide Long Term Care and Related Services for Seniors Property Management

Jacquelyn Daniel Ronnie CoxGiorgia Gianpaolo

Eco Island Packaging Limited

Import and Distribute eco-friendly, biodegradable and sustainably manufactured good/beverage packaging. General Dentistry, Dental Surgeons, Cosmetic Dentistry. Manufacture and Production of Household Appliances.

Ronda Boertmann Akande Adedayo Akande Bernadette C. Adams

Amethyst Consultants Inc. Antrix Corporation, Beach Limerz Incorporated

F. Hadeed Dental Clinic and Associates Inc., General Supreme Appliance Manufacture Ltd., Glory Land Inc., Gore Foods Inc.

Gorgonia House Ltd. Go-Star Airlines Ltd.

Luise Pommer

Kem Warner May Knight Law Barry Edwards Gail Edwards

Glenie Hector Katja H. Geisler Lawrence Daniel

Mishie Baptiste

Engaging in Christian Activities to include Preaching, Mildred Philip Teaching conducting Seminars and Workshop to Gore Foods is a Brand and Company that Deals with Marvin Gore the Manufacturing Procurement, Wholesale, Retail, Charene Dalangin Gore Import and Export of Food and Beverage Products Locally, Regionally and Internationally. Gore Food will eventually become a Chain Store Supermarket Concept Property Rental and Property Management. Provision of Transportation of Passengers throughout the Caribbean Region, South America and the United States of America, Flight Training, Leasing of Aircrafts.

Beghia Grice-Tyson Wydie Jenson Ramsey

Green Sea's Chinese Restaurant & Bar Ltd Chinese Restaurant

Wen Jun Ca

Green Sea's Holding Company Ltd.

Investment Company

Wen Jun Cao

GroupRx Ltd. Harbour Hill Rentals Ltd.

To Provide wholesale Pharmaceutical Supplies Property Management

Kem Warner Stephen Paul Martin

Intus Credit Limited

Money Lending and Short term Credit Facilities.

ITL Global Capital Inc.

To Pool Capital Resources for Investments any Other Legal Business To Acquire real Property by Purchase and Property Rentals. Selling and distributing Pharmaceuticals and All Medical Supplies

Reijo Kirstua Ann Marie Steel-Rose-Green Rosogie Jones Dickson Prince John .M. Sampaio

J & K Reality Limited, J. Weston Inc.,

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Courtney Lewis

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY NAME

DIRECTORS

James Dublin & Associates Inc.

Legal Services

KOSCAB Distribution (Antigua and Barbuda) Limited,

Distribution of Coca-Cola Product.

Martello Developmers (Barbuda) Limited, Hoteliers and Property Developer

NATURE Joy Dublin Judith Dublin Alberto Rivera Omar Ginorio Camille Chatoor Elvis Burton Reuben Nibbs Derrick Hadeed Daniel Rogerson Andre Grey Althea Proctor

North Coast Juniors Football Club Inc.

Oﬀer youths from ages 5-17 the best environment and resources to learn the game of football.

NS Marina Funding (Antigua) Ltd.

Private Funding Company

PHL (Barbuda) Limited,

To acquire Real Property by Purchase, Lease or John B Turbidy Otherwise; to Develop Lands to Construct Villas, Apartments and condominiums, to Maintain Hotels Building, Restaurants, Casinos and other Structures, To carry on Business of A Hotel, restaurant and Cafe, To Fit up and Furnish any Property for the purpose of letting or selling the same persons, Visitors and Guests whether in Single Rooms Suites, Villas Apartment and Condominiums.

Post-Millennial Academy Ltd.

To Carry on the Business of Provision of Educational Hyacinth Higgins Services in State of Antigua and Barbuda, To engage in Marlon Higgins Investment and all lawful activities in the State of SamanthaLandfield, Curate Puna Vida Holdings Limited To act as a Holding Company Claudine Resurrection & Empowerment Ministry Inc To restore and empower women who have been Karen Harney abused, rejected and forsaken and looked down upon. Oswald Harvey Seeking to enable them to become self-sufficient Jennifer Willock through the teaching of Jesus Christ while providing them with skills in Parenting and conflict resolution in order that they may end the Cycle of Abuse. Spinal Car Rentals Ltd.

To carry on Rental Services of Car and All Lawful Activities in Antigua and Barbuda.

Starr Hug Ltd. Summerset Continental Hotel, Villas and Resorts (Antigua) Limited .

Rental of Properties Property Development and Management, Tourism, Hotel and Resort Development and Management

Yonic Dennie Benjamin Thomas Samantha Curate Darryl Richard Starr Suleiman I. Ibrahim Kivinee M.J. Knight-Edwards

Turtle Cottage Limited Ultra Reﬁt Limited

Property Holdings Sourcing, Nurturing and Development of Talent

Charles W.A. Walwyn, Michael Arthur Codrington

Vertica Ventures Ltd.

Online Advertising and Related Services.

WD Intercontinental Construction Company Ltd.

Real Estate, Property Development and Construction, To Design & Decorate Rooms and Homes.

Asbert Baptiste Lynfor Nveray Wayne W. Dance Michael John Burbidge Edson Browne

WD Intercontinental one Stop Shop Ltd . Westleigh Rentals Ltd.

Wholesale and Retail of Tools, Hardware and Oﬃce & Heavy Equipment Property Management

WW Management Services Ltd.

Property Management.

Wayne W. Dance Michael John Burbidge Edson Browne Robert John Weston Christopher Hugh Stinton Katia Fattarelli Nicole Jane Starr

BusinessFocus

Oct /Dec

107

ADVERTISERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INDEX

COMPANY COMPANY Amalgamated Security Services (Antigua) Ltd.

PAGE PAGE 73

APUA

APUA INET

Bargain Centre

Brysons GEO W Bennett & Co

Communications Network Systems Ltd.

Community First Co-operative Credit Union

Cool & Smooth

COURTS (Antigua Ltd.)

Crab Hole Liquors

CUB (Caribbean Union Bank)

Dee's Service Station

Dews Pro Builders

Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank

105

FADI

Fitzroy Rewinding

Francis Trading

Gi Gi Industries

Glenettes

Hadeed Motors Ltd.

Harney Motors

Henderson (2004)

Island Smiles Dentistry

Kennedy's Group of Companies

23 - 53

Majestic Realty

Medical Benefits Scheme

Healthy Choice Radio

National Parks Authority

OBMI

Paperclips

PIC (People's Insurance Company)

Premier Beverages

Refrigeration Services

Sagicor Life

Scotiabank

State Insurance Corporation

105

Tropical Landscaping

COVERS

BusinessFocus

APUA

IBC

RPL - Regional Publications Ltd.

IFC

Sun General Insurance

OBC

Oct /Dec

108

HERE COMES THE SUN.

SAY HELLO TO A NEW BEGINNING.

visit sungeneral.net or call 481-2715 Woods Centre, Friars Hill Road, St.John’s www.sungeneral.net

A SunGroup Member Company

ANGUILLA • ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • BARBADOS • DOMINICA GRENADA • ST. LUCIA • ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES