{"id":151395,"date":"2022-05-12T09:47:44","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T13:47:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=151395"},"modified":"2022-05-12T09:47:44","modified_gmt":"2022-05-12T13:47:44","slug":"letter-dont-be-distracted-antigua","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/letter-dont-be-distracted-antigua\/","title":{"rendered":"LETTER: Don’t be distracted Antigua!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dear Editor,<\/p>

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Antigua, like other countries, has many positive and negative stories shared by each political party as we head into elections.<\/p>\n

However, there are crucial things that shouldn’t be ignored and need continued coverage as we near closer. One troubling issue is the current status of the\u00a0Western Imperial Special Economic Zone<\/a>\u00a0(WISEZ).<\/p>

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When the story of the Zone first broke, I recall seeing\u00a0articles\u00a0and radio coverage, protests, and even the said owners being confronted on camera; several weeks later, there was silence. Based on their website, the project continues under the radar.<\/p>

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Yes, many were upset because it was unclear how WISEZ would serve our people by providing jobs and why sell so much of our land? These are vital issues. But on a bigger scale, who were the people behind the Zone, and why is nothing transparent or continuing to be shared? Did any terms change? Is it still proceeding?<\/p>\n

Plans for the Special Economic Zone were essentially to be its own state with a casino, crypto banking, hotel, medical school, no taxes, and many more perks, but the most troubling, the potential of having its own port.<\/p>

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With everything being revealed with the BVI Premier being accused of cocaine trafficking through his own country, why is this Zone being forgotten about by Antigua\u2019s general public?<\/p>\n

Is the owner,\u00a0Victor Singh,\u00a0still renting the Prime Minister’s home in Jolly Harbour? Is YIDA still suing WISEZ?\u00a0Is\u00a0Metropolitan University replacing the medical school at the Zone? There are so many questions!<\/p>

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Let us not forget that\u00a0gambling has always been a magnet for people intent on processing the proceeds of crime. Although crypto is now mainstream, its sole use was initially to move illegal profits. Add a port, and you have the perfect trifecta.\u00a0Transparency is key to avoid potentially crooked situations.<\/p>

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Yes, we must focus on the needs of the people, such as water, housing, and job opportunities.<\/p>\n

However, in the end, questionable government dealings that cannot be fully explained can be far more damaging to Antigua’s reputation and industries. Especially in a world where news travels rapidly.<\/p>\n

Can you imagine the impact on our economy and people if the same BVI news or worse occurred here?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Best,<\/p>\n

Anonymous Reader<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dear Editor, Antigua, like other countries, has many positive and negative stories shared by each political party as we head into elections. However, there are crucial things that shouldn’t be ignored and need continued coverage as we near closer. One troubling issue is the current status of the\u00a0Western Imperial Special Economic Zone\u00a0(WISEZ). 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