barbudaful news from 2007

Belgian company to film in Barbuda

Wednesday 30 May 2007

A film crew working for the Belgian film producers, La Parti Productions, arrived on the island today to shoot scenes for the feature film "The Spring Ritual". The crew will shoot at the River Wharf, River Road, Coco Point Road, Horse Pan, the Coconut Plantation and Two Foot Bay. They are also expected to film a supermarket scene in Burton's Depot. Seven Barbudans will have speaking roles in the film which is about a young man "finding himself" on a remote island.

"The Spring Ritual" is directed by Patrice Toye, whose previous film "Rosie" was very successful. The film will be sold internationally by Funny Balloons, who have already distributed two La Parti feature films to over 21 countries worldwide. Their initial aim is to have the film selected at the Cannes Film Festival. The Barbuda Council will receive acknowledgements in the end credits.

Louise Sandiford of Caribbean Crews in Antigua is providing production services to the Belgian company while they are here. Veronica of MovieVentures, Antigua, took the photograph.

Burglary at SMGSS

Wednesday 30 May 2007

On Wednesday morning teachers arrived at Sir McChesney George Secondary School to discover that the school had been broken into overnight. The intruder appeared to have entered through an open window in the staff bathroom. He or she forced open desk drawers and a filing cabinet in the secretary's office and the principal's office.

The intruder stole a small amount of money and a Sony Walkman. He or she used a stool to smash the locks on doors to the staff room, store room, and book room. The police investigator sent various items to Antigua to be tested for fingerprints.

Caribana

Thursday 24 to Monday 28 May 2007

Barbuda's annual carnival celebrations will run over the Whit weekend. Judith Walter, the chairperson of the Caribana committee outlined the following events.

This year Caribana City has moved to the grounds of the Holy Trinity School, next to the Day Care Centre. Construction of a new Justice Centre has recently started on the old Caribana City beside the administrative offices of the Barbuda Council.

Maverick wins national sports award

Sunday 21 May 2007

Maverick Weatherhead was honoured as the Antigua and Barbuda Young Sportsman of the Year for the 2005-2006 season. Maverick received the award from the Minister of Sport, Winston Williams, at a ceremony in the Hibiscus Room at the Jolly Beach Resort. He was chosen ahead of 11 other nominees for the Vita Malt sponsored award. Maverick received a trophy and plaque together with EC$500. Read about Barbuda's promising young athlete on our sports pages.

Police sickout continues

Friday 18 May 2007

For the second time in two months the police officers stationed in Barbuda are staging industrial action to protest unsatisfactory living and working conditions. The sickout will not end before 29 May, one day after Caribana concludes. The officers have been promised renovated accommodation by the Barbuda Council, but the repairs are incomplete. Work still has to be carried out on the flooring, leaks, and filling the land around the police station.

Attempted bank robbery

Wednesday 17 May 2007

Thieves broke into the Barbuda Agency of the Antigua Commercial Bank between 2 am and 3 am. They removed the burglar bars from the main door to force entry into the building. This triggered the alarm system and the thieves retreated without stealing anything. However, they struck at Lil Linc's where they broke two padlocks from the door and stole the cash register, which contained about EC$100 (US$40) in coins. The cash register was found outside the store.

On Sunday 14 May 2007 thieves stole EC$80 (US$32) from the Wa O'moni Restaurant.

The Beach House in financial difficulties

Tuesday 16 May 2007

The Beach House remains open for the time being, following a meeting this morning between the Barbuda Council and Charles Walwyn of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The High Court has placed the hotel in receivership with the accounting partnership to manage the accounts. Randolph Beazer, the chairman of the Barbuda Council, said that the hotel owes more than EC$700,000 (US$280,000) to the Council. PriceWaterhouseCoopers will verify the amounts owed and determine whether they can be paid.

Dorothy Symister, secretary to the Barbuda Council, explained that The Beach House is operating under the guidance of PriceWaterhouseCoopers to accumulate money to pay its creditors. Mrs Symister considered that The Beach House needed a new investor otherwise the hotel would be closed eventually.

Visit Barbuda during the ICC Cricket World Cup

27 March to 8 April 2007

The Super 8 (quarter final) matches of the ICC World Cup are being held on 27, 29, and 31 March and 2, 4, and 8 April 2007 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Why not visit Barbuda on the rest days? Even make Barbuda your base and travel to Antigua by plane on Carib Aviation or by the Barbuda Express ferry.

Stay in one of our luxury hotels, self-catering guest houses, or in a home stay with a friendly Barbudan family.

While you're waiting for the next match and wondering who will win, release the tension by exploring, diving, and fishing in Barbuda as outlined on our things to do and see page.

Knowledgeable Barbudans offer guided tours and accompanied dives, alternatively you can rent a vehicle and explore the island by yourself. Either way the relaxing atmosphere and unspoilt environment will put your team's performance in perspective. At least cricketers can't be sent off.

Barbuda Land Act 2007

Thursday 5 April 2007

Today the Barbuda Council released copies of the latest version of the Bill for the proposed Barbuda Land Act. Barbudans may collect their copies from the Council's administration office during the its working hours of 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm.

The Bill is for an Act to confirm and establish that all land in Barbuda is owned in common by Barbudans and makes clear that the law relating to land in Barbuda is different from the law relating to land in Antigua. The Act will codify in one statute all the laws applying to land on the island. The Barbuda Council will be responsible for the administration and development of land on Barbuda. The Act will establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate leases already granted here. A Land Registry, a Barbuda Planning Commission, and a National Park Authority will be established and will be responsible to the Barbuda Council.

Read a summary of the bill.

Meet Coco Point's new managers

Sunday 1 April 2007

In April 2006 Martin and Caroline Price retired from Coco Point Lodge after 25 years as managers. Patrick Kelly would like to introduce the new managers, Denise and Ray Doherty (page removed).

Atlantic slave trade abolished in 1807

Monday 26 March 2007

Today is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British transatlantic slave trade in 1807. The commemoration will honour the memory of those who died and those who continue to suffer. Activities planned in Barbuda and Antigua from 26 February, include a series of public lectures with speakers from around the world, including Randell Robinson one of the campaigners for reparations. Watch this page for details of the events in Barbuda.

Barbudan Council Election Results

Friday 23 March 2007

Barbudans elected George Burton, David Shaw, and Arthur Nibbs of the Barbuda branch of the Antigua Labour Party, and Hartford John of the BPM to represent them for two years.

Barbuda Council elections

Barbudans are gearing up for elections, which are constitutionally due every two years. This time four councillors will be retiring, they are George Burton, Dave Desouza, Arthur Nibbs, and Everett Thomas, who are eligible for re-election. The BPM candidates are Dave Desouza, Hartford John, Godfrey Punter, and Devon Warner, while the Barbuda branch of the Antigua Labour Party will be represented by George Burton, Reuben James, Arthur Nibbs, and David Shaw.

The Barbuda Council is currently chaired by Randolph Beazer. The parliamentary representative for Barbuda, Trevor Walker, enjoys a seat in the Prime Minister's Cabinet and was given extra responsibility for APUA during the recent Cabinet re-shuffle. Read more about the the political structure of Antigua and Barbuda.

Dahved Levy and Team 2K7 visit Barbuda

Friday 9 February 2007

Dahved Levy of "Tempo", the Caribbean music channel on MTV, visited the island for the day. He joined delegates from the organising committee of the Cricket World Cup (Team 2K7) and the Central Board of Health to take part in a presentation ceremony in Madison Square. Dahved Levy filmed the bird sanctuary, the caves, and the pink sand beaches for his show Rocking You, Rocking You. Team 2K7 and the government's Environment Division donated 250 ornamental shade and fruit trees for a beautification programme in Barbuda. Trevor Walker planted a tree in Madison. The Central Board of Health donated 1000 garbage bags.

SMGSS students attend careers fair

Wednesday 7 February 2007

Five fifth form students of the Sir McChesney George Secondary School attended the ABIB/PCS Career Affair at the Multi-purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre in Antigua. The event aims to provide students with information about many different career fields. Sharima Deazle, Precious Frank, Justin Griffin, Jeralyn Morris, and Knacyntar Nedd, were amongst 81 students chosen for the Fast Trac programme. They learnt to write resumes, interview techniques, and how to dress in a professional manner. The students chose mentors, who they will be in contact with for one year and they are expected to submit a plan for a business by May 2007.

PM Baldwin Spencer meets the community

The Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer visited Barbuda to discuss the problems the island is experiencing. The PM toured the two schools, met with the Barbuda Council, and with the community in a public meeting at the Holy Trinity School. Discussions included travel between Barbuda and Antigua, expansion of SMGSS, the uncomfortable conditions in the police house, inadequate water supply, and the establishment of Barbuda as a point of entry to the country.

Broilers for SMGSS

Thursday 18 January 2007

The agricultural science programme at Sir McChesney George Secondary School is developing with the arrival of its third batch of 100 2-day-old broiler chicks, which were imported from Barbados by Grantly Samuels of Scotia Bank. Mrs Meride Keizer, the school's agricultural science teacher, reported that the chicks will be fed and watered by the fourth and fifth form students (pictured below) as part of their school-based-assessments for the CXC examinations. The chicks will be killed at eight weeks old and sold to staff, students, and the community for between $4 and $5 per pound. The previous batches proved very popular, with more potential customers than available birds - so don't be disappointed get your orders in early!

The chicken house (pictured above) has been put up to the west of the school buildings. The extensive grounds will allow the students to raise sheep and goats as part of the animal husbandry requirements for the CXC programme. However, the fence needs to be reinforced first to protect the animals. The school already has the necessary materials and is looking for community assistance to compete the task professionally.

State Insurance award Challenge Trophy at SMGSS

Tuesday 16 January 2007

Representatives of State Insurance visited Sir Mcchesney George Secondary School to award their Challenge Trophy to Lorenzo Taylor. The award is an annual one for the student with the highest results at the CXC examinations; Lorenzo is the first recipient. Lorenzo's mother, Mrs Leonise Taylor, accept the award on his behalf, as Lorenzo is studying agriculture in Guyana. Dornalyn Beazer, Bridget Richardson, and Yvette Jarvis-Samuel from State Insurance distributed rulers, pens, pencils, calendars, and mugs to the students and teachers.

Susan Taylor vacations in Barbuda

Tuesday 9 January 2007

Susan Taylor, the editorial director of 'Essence' magazine, decided to spend the week vacationing in Barbuda. Susan Taylor, who is of Caribbean descent, was visiting for the second time and was accompanied by her husband, Khephra Burns. Susan had recently returned from a trip to South Africa where she joined Oprah Winfrey at the official opening of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.