Concerns Regarding Expenditure on Cordless Kiosks Initiative
The Editor; Antigua Newsroom.
Dear Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent announcement made by Tourism Minister Max Fernandez regarding the installation of cordless kiosks in Antigua, as reported in your publication.
While I appreciate the government’s commitment to enhancing the tourism experience, the disclosed sum of 4 million US dollars for this venture raises questions that merit careful consideration.
In his statement, Minister Fernandez emphasized the importance of expedited installation, citing the expected surge in visitors for 2024, including events such as the SIDS conference and the World Cup cricket.
While I acknowledge the potential benefits of the cordless kiosks in streamlining entry processes and reducing wait times, the substantial financial investment demands a thorough examination.
These kiosks are literally ipad’s on stands. A quick google search tells me that they can be bought and installed for as low as $1500 to as high as $5000.
Exactly how many of these kiosks does Antigua intend to purchase?
Who are the suppliers? How did the government find this supplier? Was the order put out to ender and advertised locally regionally and internationally?
What is the cost of the hardware? What is the cost for the software? Does the cost include maintenance?
In an era where fiscal responsibility is paramount, the allocation of such a significant amount of public funds for a single initiative requires transparent justification.
It is essential for the government to provide a detailed breakdown of the projected costs and a comprehensive analysis of the expected return on investment.
Additionally, clarity on the selection process for the contractor and the technology involved would contribute to public confidence in the decision-making process.
Given the economic challenges faced globally, it is crucial for our government to prioritize expenditures judiciously and ensure that every dollar spent contributes substantially to the well-being and prosperity of the nation.
As taxpayers, we have a vested interest in understanding the necessity and cost-effectiveness of projects such as the cordless kiosks initiative.
I respectfully urge the government to offer more transparency on the financial aspects of this venture to alleviate concerns and foster a sense of trust among the citizens.
A detailed explanation of how this initiative aligns with broader economic and tourism strategies would go a long way in reassuring the public about the prudence of this significant financial commitment.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to continued coverage of the developments surrounding this initiative.
Sincerely,
Never Travelled
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“These kiosks are literally ipad’s on stands. A quick google search tells me that they can be bought and installed for as low as $1500 to as high as $5000.”
The writer is absolutely wrong on this. Kiosks are NOT iPads on stands. This is where it is dangerous to make assumptions and then base costs on those assumptions. Firstly, you do not purchase a single kiosk, as they are sold as an integrated solution that is customized for an airport’s specific needs. So the size, layout, and number of travellers are some of the factors that will determine the kind of kiosk solution that is appropriate. In addition, these kiosks have to be integrated into each airline’s check-in portal. This raises security concerns and the integration is costly. Do remember that it is people’s confidential information that these kiosks will be taking.
Writer, please try to understand some of the basics before making assumptions that lead to the spread of inaccurate information.
This letter is just dumb, to do a google search and the cost is 500-1500 is misleading and far from the truth, any sensible individual knows that the configuration to a country’s needs and security features are extremely expensive. To suggest that simpling buy a kiosk off the internet and installing it is all it takes is just DUMB!
He is asking questions….whether dumb or not, we need to ask questions…search clarification.
That’s why our government past and present behave the way they do….beyond accountability !
Never Travelled, you have raised some very good questions. The responder who added information concerning purchase and installation and everything that goes along with that also gave some good information. However, I agree with the writer of the article that more information should be given to justify the use of $4 million to purchase and install these machines. The lack of information by the government while just throwing around figures is very exhausting.
I have the same concerns when it comes to these kiosks. I really don’t think Max thinks we’re all DoDo Birds. Why can’t they not be unscrupulous for once? I think alp thinks they are too powerful and can’t be audited with serious consequences. Stupid machines $4mil usd? Give me a break
These are good questions. We know there is absolutely nothing transparent about this corrupt Gaston Browne led government and that they do nothing without kickbacks. The $405,000 palm tree waste comes to mind.
As concerned citizens, we must ask questions because this government has wasted over 11 billion dollars in taxes and billions in loans plus we get no audit reports of the monies collected from our statuary boards.
Again, these are just good questions.
Couldn’t our government have put this $4 million to better usage(s)?
I can think of a raft of other worthwhile things to help fellow country men and women, and not something that looks like more of a benefit to the tourism industry.
The fact that Charles ‘Max’ Fernández is involved, seems to prove my point.
Useless palm-trees and now this?
ABLP know how to waste our taxes on pointless things – can I get a rebate or at least a return on half my taxes?
#worthatryatleast
This is a very valid questions especially when you consider the eBooks scandal. To this day we still don’t have a proper explanation about the contractural agreement and the costs. In light of the new taxes, the people deserve to know this $4 million will be spent. Too much damn waste and corruption in this country.
Bwoy, mi forget ’bout the government eBooks scandalous behaviour!!!
You see how easily it is to LOSE track of the ABLP’S past – and current – financial shenanigans?
Lord please help “cover” and protect Antigua & Barbuda from thieves 🙏🏽
And the sad part is they probably won’t even work and even if they do, who is going to fix them when they break down. Don’t trust these alp politicians one iota. All they do is overcharge the government and pocket the money. How do you think they are rich?
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