Economic Diversification is at the cornerstone of the Democratic National Alliance’s policy initiatives for Antigua and Barbuda.
It is only through well thought out and purposefully developed policies and legislation that we will cultivate and advance a long-term, strategic, sustainable social and economic national redevelopment plan for Antigua and Barbuda.
Given the recent attention and focus on the cannabis industry, DNA spokesperson on the issue, Louis Rivera, views the current cannabis regulations as restrictive and will impede entry to the industry for locals who may be interested in investing in the sector to capitalize on opportunities.
Rivera stated, “If the government is serious about diversifying the economy, it is duty-bound to devise ways to empower locals first.” Rivera added, “sustainable growth and meaningful benefits will be realized from the value-added products to include, pharmaceuticals, oils, body care items, shampoos, etc”.
The DNA urges the government to review the current situation and proposes that the existing licensing fees be reflected in EC Dollars and not US Dollars and further, that these fees be reduced by fifty percent (50%) to be more affordable to locals.
It is paramount that all opportunities for economic empowerment are extended to citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda and that government actively facilitates the inclusion of our people above and beyond the consultation process to ensure that are able to invest seamlessly in projects and guarantee Prosperity for All.
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When will the Antiguan government actually work for the people?
I saw some fees from Barbados and Antigua fees are very competitive. For example just for cultivation phase the fees in Bim are from 27 000 BDS to 99 000 per acre. For processing, fees were as high as 990 000 BDS. more than a million EC.
DNA need to do their research. This is not one industry you want to have many small unaffiliated producers. The issue of praedial larcenacy alone and all its implications would be impossible to manage.
This is not an issue for emotions, it is one for common sense.
The operation is for serious business persons. It is not for everyone in Antigua to have a license so it can’t be too cheap. DNA need to step back and do some research before coming to the media. Issuing a license for too cheap would risk our local food producing security. If is not 20 small farmers to down their tools and apply for 20 license. We need local corporations forming to get into this business. Not any one man show. locals need to get past this and develop well structure corporations in Antigua. While steep for a one man show; A corporative could easily afford the fee. DNA, you need to publish an article telling citizens to come together, form a corporation then lobby the government to have foreign growers to do their business via contracting through local corporations. Look at developed nations and you see how a single large corporation employed thousands of employees and stay in business for 100 years in some cases. It is because of these large corporation with good paying jobs why small business flourished.
This lil spanish boy still alive? Where did he pop up from all of a sudden? Can we get an update from Bruce Goodwin regarding the DNA’s position on the death penalty?
In my humble opinion, the fee should be doubled.
Agreed, the fee should be double.
Agreed!
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