Subject: Prioritizing Critical Needs in National Spending
Dear Editor,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I write to bring attention to the pressing issues facing our beloved Antigua and Barbuda and to advocate for a thoughtful allocation of resources in the best interest of our citizens.
In recent times, our nation has grappled with a water crisis, pending sales tax increases, unpaid backpay and overtime, deteriorating infrastructure, and delayed payments to government suppliers.
These challenges demand a strategic and responsible allocation of our resources, particularly considering the current economic climate.
While events like free concerts may bring joy to the community, it is crucial that we prioritize and address the more immediate concerns that impact the daily lives of our citizens.
Here are five areas where I believe the government could redirect funds for the betterment of our nation:
- Water Infrastructure Improvement: In light of the water crisis, it is imperative that a substantial portion of available funds be allocated towards upgrading and maintaining our water infrastructure. This will ensure a stable and reliable water supply for all residents.
- Road Maintenance and Infrastructure Repair: Our roads and infrastructure are essential for the smooth functioning of our economy and the safety of our citizens. Allocating resources to address these issues will contribute to long-term economic growth and improved quality of life.
- Payment of Outstanding Debts to Suppliers: Timely payments to government suppliers are crucial to maintaining a reliable supply chain of goods and services. Resolving outstanding payments promptly will strengthen relationships with suppliers and prevent disruptions in essential services.
- Employee Compensation (Backpay and Overtime): The dedication of our government employees is commendable, and it is only fair that we prioritize the settlement of unpaid backpay and overtime. This will not only boost morale but also ensure a fair and just work environment.
- Community Development Programs: Investing in community development initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and job training, will contribute to the long-term well-being of our citizens. These programs lay the foundation for a prosperous and resilient society.
I implore our government to consider the urgent needs of our nation and allocate resources in a manner that reflects the priorities of the people. By addressing these pressing issues, we can build a stronger and more sustainable future for Antigua and Barbuda.
Sincerely,
Mr Fete
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
The nation concert is necessary…..
Our nation is too polarized…. We need to come together as one people socializing under the same flag in spite of our political persuasions.
However, a nominal fee of $10.00 should be charged as an entrance fee so that the monies collected at the gates could go towards offsetting some of the gov’t expenses.
Bluddy Bloke, is this the way Gaston empowers his constituents in Pointe and Villa? Give them a free wine up and when they go home can’t wash them skin.
Antiguan fete from January to December. No need for a government fete.
How much more winking up you want so?
In terms of the government investment in One nation, we are talking some 370K (says PM Browne see One Nation Concert Defended by PM Browne
November 26, 202). Most if not all shows during Carnival, cost the govenrment more than one nation. However when doiing an accessment one must also look at benefits. More persons attend the one nation concert than any other show on this island. For those new to how A&B government makes revenue, its mainly through consumtion taxes. Those attending the show will tend to spend money, hence increasing econic activity (clothing for the show, hair cuts, styling, moneys patrons spend on drinks and food, transporation) and hence more tax revenue (600k says PM Browne) for the government. The some 200K net can be used, though small, to help in some of the areas listed by the writer. The other benefit beyond money is the show aims to unify all residents. Helps to remind them the melting pot A&B i
@tenman…. It’s useless for you to explain these things to the folks who generally use this and other news portals as they choose not to understand simple economics. These are the same folks who defended Harold Lovell when he wasted millions on Romantic Rhythms.
This letter lists five things that can be done with $370K, all of which bring back very little money in return, and the writer believes those are “ways the money can be better spent”. It is a clear example of a person who does not understand how the economy of Antigua works and what makes money for the government. The saddest part is that arrogance and pride would not allow these folks to admit that they are wrong.
And then collect the taxes. Your incompetent corrupt government can’t even do this. Most of us know how the economy works and what should make money for the government. But your government not making any because you owe everybody and nobody sending you the taxes collected. They want their money owed.
@Keep on talking- Yet Pringle’s biz with government continues and I recentlty learnt he bought new equipment to grow his booming biz. Lets not forget R. Lewis who continues to get moneys from BOE for his text. Most suppliers will tell you, government money may be slow, but its sure
@tenman…what the fuck, what Richard Lewis, Pringle or any other individual, or entity outside of the Government, the sponsor and promoter of this One Nation Show has to do, with the profits and lost, of this risk taking venture?
Always with the personal attacks, as a deflection from the Real, True issue, at hand. Stick to the fucking topic at hand.
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De ‘ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
@ tenman
You mean just like how Gaston grew his rental business during UPP’s tenure?
@Wash an’ Basin…to both you, and Tenman; yes, there will be revenue generated from these Shows through taxes collected from the various businesses involved in
A…the buying/selling of clothes
B…hairdressers/barbers
C…liquor and food
D…transportation
E…Accomodations
It’s a fact revenue(s) will be generated and possibly collected by the government. I say “possibly,” because not all of the private businesses are gonna report and pay all of the taxes, the next day or next week, some might even take years to pay, and some may not pay at all. Some speculation is involved here, but this comes with any risk taking.
Now, let’s look at the expenditures for putting on any Show, because it’s a Show, and any simple ‘profit and loss’ statement, balance sheet or spreadsheet, documents which are kept hidden from the public and guarded like Fort Knox MUST have EXPENDITURES.
EXPENDITURES in general to host a Show…
A…Artist/performers cost
B…Secutity
C…Transportation
D…Accommodations, if foreign artists are contracted. Some of the local acts usually stay together, as a unit, therefore, some accommodations can be included in their fees.
E…Stage Crews
F…Garbage Collection
To put on a Show of this size has to cost more than $350K. Unless many of those involved are working for FREE or HIGHLY reduced rates.
Therefore, my question to either one of you, Tenman or even From The Sideline with his Racon Red Herring, dragging behind him, claiming, “it won’t cost the government a dime,” but we know that cannot be the case, so again, unless the government has partnered with private promoters, the REAL EXPENDITURE, to put on a Show of this magnitude, in this day and age, cannot be just $350K.
Since, the GATE/Ticket Sales, possibly, the largest revenue intake, will not generate any revenue it’s FREE. So, how will the Spreadsheet show a PROFIT, when this is audited, at the end?
These ONE NATION CONCERTS put on, and by any Ruling Arm of the Government, from Romantic Rhythms to One Nation Fete is used as a Political Campaign Rally.
And, to Tenman with the Carnival Comparison, and yours, the past promotions by the UPP are useless.
Please deal with #the_now! Put the entire Spreadsheet before Us, so that, it can make sense, to many of US, why is the tax payers monies are used, to put on a POLITICAL RALLY!
Ras Smood aka Jumbee Picknee
De ‘ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
@Vere yes it involves a private sector partnership. The VIP section in 2020, entrance fee was 250 EC. There are also sponsors.
@tenman…aka Mr. Chameleon, that’s the easy part, as in “Vere yes it involves a private sector partnership!”
Now, here comes the hard part, as in #ACCOUNTABILY_MATTERS!
Again, the issue here is not promoting or sponsoring a Show. The issue is, #WHO’RE all of the players involved, who has a vested interest in this Show from the Husker to the Headline Performers.
The Ruling Arm is investing the People’s monies, and the People have every right(s), to question the nature of taking this risk, regardless, of #who’re the ones(UPP or ABLP) sitting in the drivers seat making these decisions.
The system of governance is in need of a purge, #yes_indeed, to keep it fluid and moving away from stagnation. Accountability tops the list, when it comes to PURGING the public sector.
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknee
De ‘ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
Yea yea yea NOBODY ADKED YOUR RARSE NOTHING
WE DNT CARE
ONE NATION IT IS
The PM is using a tactic that has worked for hundreds of years…bread and circus tactic. Give fools some entertainment and free ham and have them forget the real issues in society. The ones attending this concert are exactly the kind of citizens he wants in his country…mindless persons who only care about a few hours of pleasure then back to the same problems of no water etc the next day.
Carry on then Mr. PM and mindless followers…carry on.
@hmmm – Strange you would say that since I have seen opposition key persons there. Have no doubt with Beres performing, Quinn Leandro will be in attendeance with her babe
These Go-Fer like Tenman and Sideline are supposedly grown people, so why can’t they think for themselves and stop being willing bag-men! I am yet to hear them even hesitate to ponder anything that the lunatic coughs up. I wonder if they would let him barge his way into their homes and……. .
Rovi, just hush…. Commonsense alone would have you understand how the show is beneficial to the economy IN JANUARY(when there is nothing else happening)….
Politics make some y’all act in such foolish manner
ABLP won the God dam Elections not you nor upp.
@Iman…don’t shoot yourself, in the groin and complain that you got some #dutty_skank on Popehead Street, why you’re walking like you’re sagging!
January is typically, one of the busiest months of the year, as it relates to the Tourism Industry.
The cruise ships are coming in. The winter yachting season which builds into Sailing week later is beginning to heat up, and the high end players are coming in in the private jets to enjoy their winter getaways!
Come up with better reason(s), than this.
Plain & simple, it’s a Campaign Booster!
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De ‘ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
@ Iman
ABLP did not win ANY DAM ELECTION. DEM TIEF IT.
Out of Gaston’s own mouth he admitted to transferring voters between constituencies to enable some of his colleagues to win their seats.
ABLP IS AN ILLEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT. U GUYS HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO SHAME.
Common sense advice this. As a country we have our priorities wrong. How can you spend money on a free concert when some Carnival contestants still have not received their prize monies? Also what about vendors. We get what we tolerate. This government must go. They too disrespectful!
The politics of distraction is real. Let’s continue to distract the ABLP and the rest of the country from his poor leadership.
@tenman.
Some fine day a government such as this and any one in future must learn to keep its snout out of what should be done by the private sector. People must be weaned off government involvement in every aspect of their lives. Granted it is easier said than done as this culture of government input is thoroughly embedded in the mindset of the population. Why the heck does a government on a seemingly permanent borrowing mission have to engage in concerts, carnivals and such like? Where is the entrepreneurial spirit of the local man or woman to organize an event such as this? Non existent it would seem. It’s always government this, government that and guess what! Governments of all colours just love it. Karl Marx said religion is the opiate of the masses. In Antigua it’s concerts and dancing and winding up. Meanwhile the things that really matter go unattended. No need to go into detail, they are well known. Have great fun one and all, the filthy smelly streets and all th rest that need to be fixed can stay permanently on the back burner. No need to complain, just have fun
There is a saying that comes to mind, “So many men, so many minds”. Everyone can find a different way to spend our tax dollars. But it is for this reason we hold elections and give those we elect the power of the purse. And should they not make wise financial decisions, we will let them know at the next polls. But we cannot run government on the airways or on social media. We have systems that we call offices, such as Parliament and Cabinet, and the ministries. In January I voted for the ABLP to make decisions on my behalf, and I have given them a five year mandate. Thereafter I will evaluate their performance and if I’m not please I will let them know. And if I am I will surely vote them in once again.
@From The Sidelines.
” So many men, so many minds”, how true. The problem lies where the many men and many minds do not focus on the priorities. You know quite well what the priorities are as I pointed out in my previous post. They were the tip of the iceberg but never mind, a good jump-up and a night of free music will dull the minds of the gullible and make them happy ever after. I ask again; why do governments in Antigua and Barbuda of different colours have to engage in events which should be in the province of the private sector? Government is always on the prowl for loans (unlikely to be repaid on time, if ever) yet has the time and energy to organize concerts and such like. If the people want these concerts then let an entrepreneur among them take the risk and enjoy the reward, if any, at the end of it. That’s what entrepreneurs do. But, oh no. Government jumps in and we know why: “Religion is the opiate of the masses”, but here in Antigua a good night of jump-up and festivity will do. Stay dumbed down. Have fun.
Comments are closed.