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**JP Farnsworth** » 2012-07-23 14:01

So one person makes up a story about a company with a silly name like immobile (It na move) then everyone turns it into a political whipping post.
Then another turns it into something to do with African decent? I'm not sure how that works in a free market economy. Another guy tries to French everyone with some voylence by tearing people limb from limb, blaming Arabs and everyone else that gets in his racist ways.
It's just a cell phone service not a national treasure.
What a bunch of haters.

**Freedom of Speech** » 2012-07-19 11:26

UPP = destruction :-?

United? - NO!
Progressive? - Hell NO!!!!!
Party? - Yes, with taxpayers money

**red** » 2012-07-18 22:51

surprise surprise upp again

**Maco** » 2012-07-18 20:34

Just when I think that it cant any worst it does, and now I am afraid that it might even get worst unless we move UPP now

**Daughter of Klaas** » 2012-07-18 20:19

John, you have really hit the nail on the head, this time. By placing this latest evidence of the UPP agenda in a historical context, perhaps many of the 95% will begin to see and understand the tragedy that has become our way of life. To have Mansoor (again!) take us on this self-destructiv e journey, designed to enrich a foreign company to the detriment of OUR OWN we are indeed dotishly giving away our patrimony to Arab, Jewish, white, Chinese, Hispanic interlopers. The reintroduction of slavery of the dotish, desperate 95% is not as far-fetched as many believe.

**Che** » 2012-07-18 19:27

Ok he wants to get technical. Firstly the technology used is hspa+, it is indeed a 3G network, but it all started with the US networks calling it 4G for commercial reasons and as always everyone else followed and started to label it 4G, including the networks here in the Caribbean. That is why I placed the 4G in quotation marks. By the way before you try and give someone else lessons you should get your facts straight. EDGE is concidered 2.75G. I really do not like to use wikipidia as a reference but it is the easiest to find.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2G

**I told U already** » 2012-07-18 19:06

My fellow bloggers and bloggettes...I told you in blogging's past, to watch out for the actions of the Minister and this telecom's song and dance unfolds. There are more in how the dealings with Digicel came to Antigua and WHO got what and How ....but the Actions od some NON elected Ministaes and the NON actions of a few others, you can deduce the xxxxxgs of such 'xxxxgs'. However, there is MORE to come as the Saga unfolds... Another 'foreign' New Zealand cable company (Yes, the cable company is NOT from St. Vincent) who has also gotten some sweetheart deal from the former APUA board will be making some announcements. Remember, this 'foreign' cable company is NOT paying APUA for electricity... since all Antigua's Taxpayers seems to be happy picking up the extravagant bill on a monthly basis... and the Minister is readying them for a fight.

Watch out for an Irish and a New Zealand attack on your little state of Antigua..hehe...

There is MORE to cum!

Man, Antiguans chupit a R**S.

**Mr Sabruski** » 2012-07-18 18:43

Just asking, is LIME and DIGICEL up to speed on their invoices from APUA?
Is the government, the betrayers, up to speed?
If I was in your position I know what I would do.
Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

**Spartacus R** » 2012-07-18 18:09

"APUA "4G" network is already installed and they have been testing for a few months now. Don't believe me ? Use any quad band 3G phone and search for new network."
Get your facts straight. Is it 3G or 4G. As i said in a recent post, you either do not know what you are talking about or your are trying to mislead ANU people. By the way, a little lesson for you here, since EDGE is enabled on both Digicel and LIME networks, these can be classified as 2.5G networks.

**Observer** » 2012-07-18 18:04

Will these gentlemen who insist on bringing back slavery through the back door please demit office before people turn crazy on them. Our state owned telecom is just like that given away. And one just have to wonder about kick-backs. We cannot be that stupid.

**Che** » 2012-07-18 17:22

APUA "4G" network is already installed and they have been testing for a few months now. Don't believe me ? Use any quad band 3G phone and search for new network.
You will see:
Digicel 2G
APUA PCS 3G
APUA PCS 2G
Cable & Wireless 2G

-patria o muerte-

**tenman** » 2012-07-18 17:22

John French II, our cost of living being beyond the reach of most, happened before "liberalization ". I recall one of the promises of the current government was that it would work on reducing the high cost of living in Antigua & Barbuda which it mostly placed on being caused by excessive taxation. Another example used by the PM (then opposition leader) was the high fuel variation charge, which he then argued when his party was empowered, he would remove. APUA in its current form is an added tax on the people of this country. There are ways to change this while still keeping ownership local. Why is it more important for statutory bodies, eg SS, to invest in government bonds or Clico and not an organizations like APUA? Wouldn't this method ensure that the average man gain more benefits? Have government hold about 20% (non voting shares), SS at least 31% and float the remainder on the Eastern Caribbean Exchange. Use ECERA for electricity and ECTEL for telecom. I see no need to do our own thing when these bodies exist.
..

**OO7** » 2012-07-18 16:58

UNTIL THE YEAR 2014 I AM ASKING THE LORD TO HELP PROTECT ANTIGUA FROM THOSE WE ERRONEOUSLY ELECTED IN 2004.

**Egg Shells** » 2012-07-18 16:43

wait! Is so Esworth looking these days? Maybe because it's a side shot. But I certainly do remember this man. I was fresh out of State College looking for a job at APUA. I still remember the way he dealt with me (as if APUA was his own private company and I was asking him a favour). My how times have changed. Wouldn't it be ironic if one day I were to fill his current position or something higher. (To everything there is a season)

**tenman** » 2012-07-18 16:26

Egg Shells, the one holding his nose, is the APUA GM, Esworth Martin. His actions via this picture may show his attitude being able to stay is all winds

..

**John French II** » 2012-07-18 16:18

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. The Die has been cast. The Rubicon has been crossed. The SOE will die a thousand deaths. Say your farewells and move on.
Here is Sir Thomas Herbert, A relation of some yeares travaile begunne anno 1626, into Afrique and the greater Asia, 1634: Quote:

"Aiijb, Is the die cast, must At this one throw all thou hast gaind be lost?"

To those who relish in Privatization, to the Victor go the Spoils. Beware of what you wish for It may come true.
Rather than debate Private vs SOE's Take a cursory look at the socio-economic & technology landscape. Tourism - FDI with the 95% in a service role. Yachting - FDI with the 95% in a service role. Construction: Arrivistes Nouveau Riche with 95% in a service role. Agriculture, Fishery 2% of GDP 95% in a service role. You take the rest of the "perp walk". Duh U C enny ting fi smyl fah?
A&B is an Independent SIDS. Decent Housing is now out of the reach of the majority 95%.
In Zimbabwe, they say "A careful hyena lives a long time". In Antigua and Barbuda is it the Endangered Antigua Racer Snake found only on Great Bird Island or the Carnivorous Mongoose on Antigua?

**Maskitta Bite Me** » 2012-07-18 14:49

We are really facing perilous times in this country. Everyday I read about another "rape and ravish" conducted against Antigua by those who are supposed to be its guardians. Antigua is a battered and bruised woman. How many more blows and black eyes and "advantage" will she take? :-|

**Anu** » 2012-07-18 14:47

This situation is all too familiar. It wasn't too long ago that APC experienced simular circumstances after purchasing a U$30 million dollar power plant which was suppose to be a boot project between govt, APUA & APC. They were kicked to the curb for Chinese U$52.5 million dollar rubbish. Now its APUA's turn to feel the weight of UPP's boot. The only way i can describe this senario: APUA is placed in the middle of a shark infested ocean, in a boat riddled with holes.

**tenman** » 2012-07-18 14:29

Anu, the added strangeness is that APUA knew the monopoly would have been ended. In fact there were talks about having it ended as early as 2005. In the meantime APUA has now waited until the monopoly has ended for us to now be hearing that its not been able to get an alternative revenue source in place. The entire board and management of APUA needs to be fired. Showing APUA's ability to brazenly lie to the public, a Feb/march 2012 issue of Business Focus on page 66 content.yudu.com/Library/A1vvgk/BusinessFocusAntigua/resources/56.htm, the Telecom Manager,Curtis Mckay, stated:
Quote:

The expiration of LIME's monopoly on International services will find us ready to meet the growing demands of the Antiguan people. Our imoble unit freshly relaunched in July 2011 will make strides in customized packages, network and data coverage and further positioning of the Android operation system as supreme. Inet will offer new and faster data packages, all while remaining the most affordable and reliable service on island

There was no mention of 4G anywhere in that article. Why is this so if its as important to APUA as the GM's letter allege?
..

**fnpsr** » 2012-07-18 14:07

With all due respect, I do not feel sorry for APUA. However, I must say that I feel deeply for the good people of Antigua, who will have pay for the mistakes of a few.
APUA is getting what it deserves. They stood there at the press conference about the WPP and towed the line. They have failed to release information that would settle the controversy once and for all. Now they come crying to the good people of Antigua, looking for sympathy.
How is it that the powers that be at APUA can procure $15 M of equipment without getting assurances in writing that they are part of the plan?
How is it that you could have a major infrastructure change without a public hearing?
The Board of APUA and the management team should tender their resignation immediately.
While I do not feel sorry for APUA, it seems to me that APUA could have a cause of action for, at a minimum, detrimental reliance, violation of the antitrust laws, if they exist, and unfair competition.

“Let’s fix the little things with RWE before we attempt to fix the big things.”

**Egg Shells** » 2012-07-18 13:59

I recognize the other 2 dim wits, but who is the first man on the left in the photo?

**Morris** » 2012-07-18 13:48

How can the Telecommunicati ons Minister be employed for the gov't, yet seems to be working openly behind the scenes to kill a statutory body that the very gov't depends on? Is this hypocricy or treason? Truth be told, there is a whole lot more to this allocation process than meets the eye. It would be in ANU's best interest if the ministers are left out of the decision making process in the market place(s) and stick to policy making.

John French II, you are firing on all cylinders today. Well said!

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-07-18 13:05

Thumbs me down all you all want,i will say again. WE CANNOT CONTINUE WITH THE UPP GOVT FOR ANOTHER 2YRS.

**Anu** » 2012-07-18 13:00

If this information is the unvarnished truth, this is absolute MADNESS! When the C&W monopoly ended APUA lost aprox 55% on every oversees calls made from Antigua. APUA being a statutory arm of govt began to upgrade its telecomunicatio n network so it can have its fair share of the telecom market. I guess they didn't see this one coming. We have a govt that cares nothing about anything Antiguan. APUA also faces a U$52.5 million dollar debt for the WPP at the end of the chinese moratorium. With increasing expenditures and limited income, APUA will have tough decisions ahead. These will include retrenchment of workers & increase of public utilities. Who suffers in this ordeal? WE ANTIGUANS & BARBUDANS!! However APUA shouldn't be let off the hook so easy. They have been somewhat silent with all the scandals that surrounds the statutory corporation. After doing UPP govts bidding, they are now being kicked to the curb for another outsider. The PM who is the substantive minister for APUA, should be blamed for this madness not Mansoor alone. The PM has the final say in these decisions. Antiguans have been lead down to the dust bin of history, not V C Bird Sr alone. UPP NUH LUB AR WE!

**Dig It** » 2012-07-18 12:45

John French II, I have to agree with other bloggers, well said!
One day the people of this country will wake up and
find themselves living a "strange" land! We have been "disenfranchise " for too. Under the "unpatriotic" and "sell-out" politicians! They have not only "wasted" the peoples "money," they have allowed the country to be "trampled" under the foot of Dr. Mongoose and their "Great Negotiator!"
They have no "shame" and, despite, what they said to the nation in that "press-conferen ce," they "conscience" can never be "cleared!" And, as those Loyal "institutions" that stood by and allowed this country to go up in "smoke," you have really let the people of this country down, in looking out for their "interests!" Say what you want, there is no "rest" in these lands, as the Founding Fathers must be "mad" in the grave! A&B wake up, we are not "building a true nation brave and free!"

**City Girl** » 2012-07-18 12:12

if Mr. Martin fails to publicly defend the interest of the majority, whose taxes and resources are making sure he eats, then that Weak Manager deserves to be fired.

Fire Martin and the Chairman of the APUA Board. Get rid of Mansoor immediately.

**Dr. Dredd** » 2012-07-18 12:12

In a comment last week, I asked Caribarena to investigate what is very evident a Government plan to destroy Inet and immobile. Any staff member of APUA will tell you about Minister Mansoor's campaign. It is no secret. Both PM Dr. Dr. BS and Clarvis Joseph are afraid of Mansoor. And he does what he wants to do. Come on caribarena. Forget about Martin and Clarvis. They are afraid to talk, but many others will.

**KWAME NKOSI ROMEO** » 2012-07-18 11:17

The article 'Liberalization Will Kill APUA' 15/16th October 2010 is today's reality.

In principle, the collective political and public disgust regarding government minister, particularly non-elected persons from the merchant class. The non-elected utilise their never-ending power to pauperise public ownership for nebulous economic benefit of privatisation. This is cause for a revolt.

The lack of transparency is evident, the minister broke his 'solemn committment' illustrating the coincidence of self-interest, conflicting with collective interest.

Antigua and Barbuda will suffer from this damaging impact, and the minister questionable administration is now under scrutiny.

**Galileo** » 2012-07-18 11:12

"He who stands for nothing will fall for anything" These idiots dont get it,everything is falling apart since they cant get even the simple things right. This is like trying to land on the moon and you dont even understand the basic laws of physics,health care in Antigua is a nightmare,UPP cant even build a library yet they want 4G.
"whatever the cost of our libraries,the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation' .Walker Cronkite

**Behindthe** » 2012-07-18 11:11

Does anyone know who Mario assaad? I think he is the chief technology officer for digicel.

HC » 2012-07-18 11:07

Apua is the Govt,do you know who is the Minister of apua?? As A,guan woman say they will charge us,they must make money to keep afloat and meet pay roll. We are doomed.UPP time is up,they really killing us off slowly.

**Galileo** » 2012-07-18 10:57

APUA has been sleeping with DR DR BS on the WPP mess,what else do they expect,to reap apples when they planted fig trees?This is definitely the end result of LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE ABSENCE OF A TRUE LEADER when every mad man is calling shots and some greedy ones are benefitting from every deal struck in town causing scandals after scandals...Roya l antiguan,public works,stadium,o ld buildings,fenci ng,wpp,4G ...the list keeps going on,new airport next?

**no sex b4 marriage** » 2012-07-18 10:39

Mansoor is a HAZARD to this country and does not need to hold any public office. He has done enough damage to Antigua. How much more can the country take from his hands? I look forward to the day when Edmond Mansoor will leave Antigua the hell alone! He makes me sick :-x

He is on a high horse that needs to be kicked. Time will tell . . . .

**Hawke** » 2012-07-18 10:14

...APUA should now begin to bill the government for all the free sevices they provide to them.....

**Inquiring Mind** » 2012-07-18 10:02

Is the monopoly really over or have we just changed the players? It is quite obvious that the dear Minister's aim is to kill APUA. With this new marriage with Digicel I am very much afraid that it is going to carry up the cost of our water and local telephone which were heavily subsidized by APUA. That is why I will always be a faithful INET and Imobile customer.

**ANTIGUAN WOMAN** » 2012-07-18 09:45

When APUA tele communication sector is wiped out,Antigua will pay a hugh price for the loss.The tele communication ,more so the land line was a crutch for other departments that could not maintain itself,with the already high cost of electricity,the y will force the cost even higher,by using the Fuel variation as a revenue earner.It will be hell to pay then.It is just about time we rise up and force the Govt to call elections N-O-W,we cannot continue like this for another 2yrs.

**tenman** » 2012-07-18 09:41

Mircowave Chef & John French well said. Lets not all think APUA is innocent in all of this. Who is APUA's telecom manager and where is he (Curtis McKay) now? Have they replaced him and/or is he still on suspension? The Wild Wild West ( no regulation) that all parties have enjoyed and APUA's lazy blunders has to stop.

..

**Steadyj** » 2012-07-18 09:35

@John French II. I called for a Public Board of Utilities in A&B some time ago; no single minister should be making telecom policy. If one is not constituted forthwith we are big trouble. However, I do disagree with you with regards to privatization. APUA has been dismal failure to deliver on its mandate to provide reliable electricity and water for donkeys’ years now with a monopoly. What make us think these knuckle heads can build, maintain a profitable cellular network?

@ JP Farnworth: The person who authorized the purchase of the 4G gear at APUA should be fired. I’m quite sure this was deficit spending as well. The GM should do honorable thing and tender his resignation. In real world cellular spectrum is auctioned off to the carriers, they are not just handed out for free. This would be great way for GOAB to collect some much needed revenue.

**Goofey** » 2012-07-18 09:34

Dear Clarvis,

If this story is true, why have you stayed so mum on it? Where is your sense of Patriotic pride? Can't you stand up and face down Mansoor and his lackey Dr Dr?

If you can "go along" quietly, then there is no hope for this country! I can forgive xxxx, he may not fully understand what is going on here - but there is no excuse for you. You are presiding over Mansoor's further destruction of APUA.

Shame on you! You had so much chat before UPP came to power...I refuse to believe that is cheese that has you quiet! I really wonder what it is Dr Dr has on you?

**Osbert R. Frederick** » 2012-07-18 09:34

Elsworth Martin, you just kicked in the rear by the Minister. He has no respect for you or anyone else. He totally disrespected the Father of the Nation and is still around so he believes he can disrespect everyone else. It is time for us to put this fellow in his place and many of us know exactly where that is. How much more corruption can this government be in. Just last Thursday, I heard MP Robin Yearwood state that he was certain that all was not well in the deal with Degicel and less than a week later, it is clear that his words did not drop a pah. What a bunch of rouges and vagabonds we have running government.

**Arab Trader** » 2012-07-18 09:28

We don't have to control the m**, we only need to control the Greedy Leaders!

The rest will be easy! That is why it is important that everything V. C. Bird Sr. fought to accomplish for the m** need to be sent to the "dustbin of history"!

Hahahahaha.......

**Osbert R. Frederick** » 2012-07-18 09:26

Now it is clear why immediately after the LIME monopoly ended the minister signed a contract with Digecel to provide tablets to school children. This xxxxxan look alike does not APUA; all he is interested in in fooling the people of this country in believing that he is doing such a wonderful job and hope the UPP can win the election so he can hold on to his job. He was never elected; never faced the electorate, yet he behaves as though he is the supremo in the government. It is time to get rid of xxn xxxxn II. He cares nothing about anything home grown. All he cares about is his self preservation.

**young analyst** » 2012-07-18 09:15

so they are saying that they purchased over 15million dollars of equiptment, this APUA (note APUA government owned) which is capable of operating on the 4G LTE platform. And just last week the government lauched the GATE program with DIGICEL for this said technology. Wait a minute what the joke yahhh tall tall cannot be. You have the company that you own already having the equipment to roll out this platform of 4G and you went with another, please tell me there is a logical explaination.

**Fire For Babywrong** » 2012-07-18 09:06

Ah boy , back to slavery. The slaver traders has struck again. History repeats itself. One of our own (DR. DR. BS - likened to an ignorant African king who would sell his people into slavery for some beads, rum and a luking glass / mirror) has worked with the Arabs once again to sell us to the Europeans (Lime - British, Digicel -Irish), once again..... IS this Deja vu?

No wonder the Jews were paid millions by Germany for a few years of misery and we black people are yet to receive a penny for centuries of the greatest atrocities done by one group of people to another.

"When you don't know your history, you are doomed to repeat"

**JP Farnsworth** » 2012-07-18 08:35

you ordered the equipment before you locked in the frequencies? Doh!
Was there an Assumption you would get what you wanted?
Try taking procurement 101.

**RAWLSTON POMPEY** » 2012-07-18 08:20

People have been described in many ways- popularly "...Son-of-a b...."
John French- Rock-of-a-son!

Lest you become "...public enemy No.1, you might wish to tone it down.

**Che** » 2012-07-18 08:19

Please attach GM letter as well>>>>>>

**hmmmmmm** » 2012-07-18 08:18

Digicel is now the favored child. They have been trying from since inception to get rid of imobile. Isnt this the same Digicel that has said they will be laying off in ANTIGUA??? I guess when you are allowed to talk about throwing the Father of The NATION legacy in the dust bin of history and not be punish you have the right to continue to destroy his legacy that ANTIGUANS must OWN their own destiny. I guess its time for the people to stand up and put his family business in the dust bin of history!!!!!!!!

**Fred** » 2012-07-18 08:10

This smells like another coxxuxt UPP dirty deal. Times UP ! Time for these ** to leave office.

**Mircowave Chef** » 2012-07-18 08:01

John french very well said, I second that emotion.
However how many of us have really understood the magnitude of this here deal and how relevant it is a as a absolute tool to our future development? depending on IT for almost everything.
This here story makes the fencing scandal and all other look pale . this here is a FUTURE Crime with absolute consequence AND APUA is to Blame not even in antigua can an unelected official be given the power to give away the future unless APUA allows it so.

**Skyewill** » 2012-07-18 07:18

This is why Tranpatrancy is so important. Is someone getting paid to kill APUA? I don't know but if there is no tranparency whaet is a person to think when Antigua in the past have been loveless to its people and is know for politicians to be **ed? Like I said GATEE makes no sense when The countrt' infilstructure is not in place. Police, Hospital, and other government agancies.

**SteadyJ** » 2012-07-18 06:57

Digicel appears to have the regulators in their pockets. APUA goose is cooked.

**Informed** » 2012-07-18 06:47

Look for the hidden agendas . follow the money trail , the companies that can pay the highest xxixes will have all the privileges as usual. APUA cannot turn any kind of profit much less afford kick backs

**Hmmmm** » 2012-07-18 06:43

It has been suggested that xxxxxxx and xxxxver have shares in Digicel so its is obvious why Mansoor always seem to be pro Digicel. What I dont understand though is that the PM who is the Minister of APUA had sat and done nothing to take care of its own. APUA belongs to the people and the money made is put back into the economy. Digicel and Lime provides minimal employment although they do sponsor some local projects most of their profit is sent out of Antigua. APUA is fighting a loosing battle the Government is not paying them for services used and the little that they try to do to make money otherwise is allegedly being stiffled by Mansoor. I am a very satisfied imobile and inet customer who will always support my own

**mr. antigua** » 2012-07-18 04:57

Dr. Mansoor is of the view that the government ought not be involved in business(I know). I wonder what considerations motivate his thinking. It is obvious but I leave it to you the people to decide.

**John French II** » 2012-07-18 04:22

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. Had A&B successfully developed an Independent Public Utilities Board, this sorry state of affairs would not have befallen the 95% of the population.
How can a nation of 95% african descent permit a first generation arab interloper, unelected, with family business ties to this industry & an irish buccaneer brazenly & openly relieve the 95% A&B population of their patrimony without a whimper from the dotish members of the Blue goab & the Red members of her majesty's loyal opposition. CJ "TEK DAT!" These arab slave traders could not give a tinkers daxm about the 95% history. They confine it to the "Rubish Bin!" It is a telling commentary when natives refer to an enclave in A&B as "South Africa".
These rascals should all be torn limb from limb and mixed in with the night soil moving through St. Johns nightly. It is this slavish mentality to Privatization which will forever keep these SIDS in Bondage to the arabs, north atlantics, orientals & south asians. They could not give a rat's axss who are the goab as long as they control the thought processes and capital.
Have Mercy Pon Us as we go throuh another Gate of No Return!

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