Reading the above summises one thing Fat Caribbean PM Squandering poor peoples money. The fo*l really thinks hes an International statesman or sum ting, well have i got news for you ! Your poor peole can read and the internet will bring you to heal.
I just phoned The Wald*f Astoria and they hang up when i asked for our PM ! Dont stop the Cranival Guys.

Where would we expect the Prime Minister to stay, Holiday Inn? Was any research done on the security requirements of the city before this was published? Was this a choice or a strong recommendation? National Geographic recently had a show on the logistics and challenges of having large numbers oh heads of state in NYC. was this hotel one of a few on a recommended security zone not only for our Prime Minister but other heads of state? Was this hotel the meeting place for establishing diplomatic relations with other governments? Before publishing inciting articles like this, facts should be checked. The Waldorf Astoria prices range from US759 to 1159, less expenisve than some hotels here in Antigua. "living in luxury" I am pretty sure he hardly had anytime to enjoy it based on the rigorous schedule of a UN session. It is obvious that the writers has no experience in these types of sessions.

We Antiguans are a bunch of jokers....HAHAH A..!!....Baldwi n along with Ali Baba (shoul) and the rest of the UPP (thieves) have taken the people of A&B to the cleaners....and like fools we voted for them a second time, now we will have to pay them a salary till they dead....what a sweet deal they got from us the voters...what a bunch of scamps...they dont even have proper table manners...some of them only know how to suck two chicken foot and spit the bone on the ground, burp loud and suck their teeth....i cant believe that a man that use to make sweet drinks and drove a old bruk up car is now rolling in money and have bout 7 fancy car outside his house...and have you seen his apartments down in Piccadilly .....my my my what a disgrace...they have no shame...they think that it belongs to them....tax payers money that is......

I am no professional but I keep my ears to the ground and think for myself as Malcolm X advised.
Wrong I an't that guy... by the way look again if you want to find him
I saw I comment written by him on this article. At this time Mac must be grinning from ear to ear for not only the reason. He seldom posts but his post given several thumbs up.
Now since this is just Rum Shop and I an't that guy, as is normally done here in the Rum Shop state your case. Give you a clue were I to be Mac, I would hope this "where in the world is Mac"? dies quickly.

Are you Mac Emanuel? just asking! You dont have to answer!!!!!! Somethings become obviously OBVIOUS!

Maybe you should have suggested turn on the de-fogger and get a cup of coffee for its cold and foggy where I am right now. Soon time to be a snow bird.
Boy do I love the Antiguan Rum Shop state of mind: When I posted the following that was uploaded at 9:13 am yesterday did you consider it to be complementary to the UPP?
The article suggested that Antigua tax payers was footing the Waldorf Astoria bill. I posted:
Get the "gitting" while its Good
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/un_diplos_gone_wild_in_nyc_RTRbSHxyi3mtFxLoUAhYEM?utm_campaign=Post10&utm_source=Post10Alph**

Better yet maybe you should stay confused since it appears sewing confusion to be one of the objectives of the author of this article "keep them dazed and confused"
Word of advise the Freedom of Information Office is in the Francis Trading Building. Most of the information of which you are so confused should be available to the public through that Office.
Truth be told that Office never worked and the media/press is silent about that travesty.

Just like I wrote on Everton Barnes. "Do your homework", last time I looked we live in a world where just because you think its a fact don't make it a fact.
I am not your researcher, but I'll give you a clue about how you get the facts Get in touch with Antigua UN Mission, find out what UN Committees does Antigua sits on; and what committees do Antigua Chair. Then get in contact with the UN and find out what are the expenses that the committees are covering for this session. Get it in writing for you are entailed to it, other wise its your word against mine

Does anyone remember the ground breaking ceremony before last election for a Waldorf Astoria in Antigua? Prime Minister Spenceer is a genious,he just know how to fool Antigua people.

I also don't get the other ambassador that is attending, since there is one in the USA along with an assistant ambassador(one of those exist in NY you know).

Daniel and the Dr. I do understand, I can only summize that Daniel stayed with his kids while in the US, but he is an elected official and should be treated better than the others.

If you are annoyed at what I said about Hurst, then you will have to eat craw, since I will say it again. None of the ambassadors can compete with this man and his people skills and how he thought of the country. If speaking well of this man and what he was like makes me a birdite, then da..m..n I accept it, since he deserves his kudoos.

countryman, go to the fridge and drink some cold water. that'll cool down the UPP supporter in you.

Actually I am over educated, I can also think on my feet. My problem is not Spencer staying at the Waldorf, I don't have a problem with that given what he is in the USA for and I am sure it is a lot easier for the US secret service to manage their security if most of the dignateries are in the same place. His being there is understandable.

I don't understand Shoul since Antigua was not one of the Caricom countries that approved of Palestine's request for statehood in advance. Is he there as a translator? assuming that he speaks the language or representing Antigua during some comunnication with China since he is the ambassador to that country.

kind of confused from your comment. First of all, which UN committee would be so generous to donate money so only three representatives of a country can have a nice hotel? Why isn't the entire group getting accommodation? Also, please send me a link. Maybe the UN would like to give me free nights in one of the top hotels in New York too. At any rate, I wouldn't be angry at anyone (including other media houses) for reporting facts. After all, they are just facts.

@Everton,
Both you and the Editor of Caribarena should be ashamed of yourselves. Just a little home work would have informed you that Antigua chairs several UN Committees and that the Committee cover the costs of the Waldof Astoria. Whose Ox are you attempting to gore or is just laziness and political ax grinding.
If a Country Man like me can find that out, why can't you unless you have an ulterior motive?

Even worse than been blind,is having sight but no vision( author unknown)This is the UPP Govt and its loyal associates,i really cannot believe i am reading some of the things i am.@YA,FYI,the PM may be privileged according to you,but certainly not privileged enough to do what he pleases with our money.Hope when the party is over,the public servants who live from payday- payday will be paid pronto,or maybe he will bring back some crumbs from the Waldorf Astoria and satisfy persons like you.

Avid Reader you are obviously uneducated-you probably spent too much time being tutored by ALP, I suppose you are one of the unread of whom the former PM so pridefully referred. You are probably one of the lost decendants. So sorry that you can't go back to the days of free-laoding. Don't worry when the new generation takes the reins of power we will put you to raise hogs- worthless Birdism Apologist!

Antiguans need to stop **ing. Where do they expect the PM to stay? Why should he take the subway or rent a vehicle when he is privileged and entiltled to be chauffeured around Manhattan? When Lester was PM did any one comment about the things he did whenever he visited different countries? Please give me a break people!!!

Years ago the mission had someone from Antigua at the mission who would drive the ambassador when it was necessary. That same person would pick up the prime minister at the airport when he arrived, when did we get that big that a newly created position for a council general merited a town car and a driver.

I have met quite a few of the other Caribbean islands reps and they take the train, drive themselves etc. Your council general should never have had that luxury in the first place, please don't tout his love of the people.

He gets less than 50% of the ambassador's salary- WOA, I can assure you his salary with everything thrown in is not less than $80,000US a year - for the condition of the country, he is overpaid even if he is getting a dollar.

Shoul is one of the richest men on the island . Should this poor island pay his hotel bill? Why should the nation put him and his kin at the waldofe and the peoples rep Danile sent to a cheaper hotel?
Where was shoul when Daniel was in the trenches fighting for the Upp?

When Baldwin Spencer was a simple opposition leader from the ghetto David Shoul and John Ashe would not associate with him. All of a sudden the Antigua and Barbuda people elect him Prime Minister and these turncoats are his best friend-the PM is a naive.

The question i have for the writer of this piece is what really is your motive? What did you hope to gain from this article? An article based on no facts at all but pure conjecture means that you have a motive. What's your reason for comparing where Minister Daniel is located and where the Shoul man is are just too suspicious. I gained absolutely nothing from this article but the usual gossip from the comments that it has generated. You are obviously on a "see how many hits and comments I can get" trip Everton.

The Consulate gave up its driver two years ago and the Richards and Richards Report shows that the Consulate office receives 75% less in financial support than the UN Mission. The report also shows the Consul General making 50% less in than the ambassador-fact s! I am convinced that at some point in the near future there will a public inquiry into our Foreign Affairs and there will be jail time handed down.

Avid Reader the Consul General voluntarily gave up his driver two years ago-he drives himself.The Consulate has no driver! Get your facts right. His compensation is 50% less than your beloved Ambassador makes. Why don't you ask Joan Underwood for a copy of the consultants' report on foreign officers' compensation. Or better yet ask the Accountant General? You will find out who are really bleeding the system. Also when Balwin was a ghetto opposition

What is the surprise? When will you all get it through your skulls that the Government,incl uding the g** roots man that drank pond water, dont give a rats rear end whether we swim,sink,or float.Want more advantage than the gas hike at the pumps and the 65cts decrease that Lovell said was to ease the squeeze. If you get a donkey to ride,you take the ride.they realize that we are contented with whatever they do to us,so they will continue,accord ing to a post ,WE LOVE IT SO.

Did Everton Barnes and bloggers see Caribarena piece about the UN Health Summit that took place this week??? That explains Daniel and Sealy Thomas being at the UN with the PM!! It was a follow up tomA Caricom Summit on CNCD's...chroni c non communicable diseases.....fo r Heads of states..the PM lead the delegation. And readers are upset about that??? Ah wah a go on?? The health of this nation is not important??? Lets find out what the Ambassadors are doing?.. Everton ah me ah do your job? To obvious man to obvious....just declare your intention to run for Labour and come clean. Gaston will support you if you give up Lester! What a ting!,!!,

I used to ask that question years ago, why doesn't the government have someone whose responsibility it is to book these people into hotels instead of handing them a pile of money and then they go and stay with family and friends and just pocket the money.

Antiguan representatives overseas have absolutely no consideration for the country or the people, it is a lucrative job for them. The only exception to that was Max Hurst(put aside his politics, he was the only one of these bleeders who thought about the people first)when he held that office it was always about the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

These people know absolutely nothing about the country, it is amazing when you call the NY office or refer someone to them to answer a question and what they tell they people. We have people who collect a paycheck but don't even take the time to know anything about the country. It is so embar**ing.

The tourism reps are always in Antigua, with the way tourism is going, the question is can't the people in Antigua relay the info so that they can reduce the expense to the people.

Back to our Council General's office the first time I heard the deputy deliver a speech, I did one of those whoa jobs, she actually get a salary. Antiguans need to stop the political bantering and have both of the parties answer for this, it has been going on for too long.

Years ago they used to give $5000US when ministers were traveling, that is why they were going all over the place so often. Just think with inflation how much it cost we the people now.

For those ambassadorships that you see they throw out like hotcakes, there is a salary associated with it. Now, do you think that it is time for the government to close some of these offices, we certainly don't need them when they are draining the coffers.

Highlighting this trip is one of the reasons why Antiguans need to put politics aside and start looking at the concept 'we elected these people to serve us' not the other way around.

Working in the offices overseas is lucrative

New York
The Council General's office was created under the UPP it never existed before, the head has his own driver and car.

They get a h..ell of a lot of money to run that office - only they can tell us what they do for it.

The Ambassador has his chauffered car to and none of these two chauffers are Antiguans - 'they think ahwee talk too much'.

Not only do they get a salary, but they get house allowance, clothes allowance and travel allowance, this is all in US dollars and that goes for the office staff. So do they make more than the Prime Minister, do the math.

You should see the area and houses these people live in and Antiguans at home are struggling while they live high on the hog.

I agree with you.

Everton Barnes........w hat a complete travesty...the PM of this nation attends the UN General Assembly andnallnyouncan find to report is this trash? Are you aware ofnthe agenda ? Did you ask? This is just typical of the trash that p** for journalism on Caribarena!!!! Just trash!

Last time I looked Shoul and Mansoor have Middle East heritage. The issue that is sucking all of the air out of the UN session is the Isreali/Palesti nian conflict. Palestine is engage in the optics of requesting Statehood recognition on Friday.
Logic says that the two Middle Easterners so to speak are playing some role given the PM made reference to the Palestinians as among his reasons for being in NYC
Don't get me wrong. I have stated some are getting the" gitting" while its Good. I posted the NY Post link to show how wide spread is this behavior. We just may want to look behind the curtain sometimes, for the last time I looked. our UN Delegate John Ashe has brought home a ton of Scholarships.

mymy also needs to get out his/her calculator and work out the costs for the huge entourage. The STARTING rates at the Waldorf are in the region of US$700.00 with continental breakfast and we all know that they are not going to be satisfied with just a donut and a cup of coffee!! It is also doubtful that any of them will personally pay for anything on this ridiculous trip that will achieve nothing, zip, nada for “we the people” who are struggling to survive in an island where there is as yet NO visible light at the end of the economic tunnel. How anyone in their right mind can be content to pay our exorbitant taxes to support this abuse/crap and similar on a regular basis, without taking any action (protest) to stop it, is really beyond my comprehension.

Get real people has anyone investigated the fact that the U.N. might be paying for the government contingent? I agree and don't understand the reason why Mansoor and Shoul are there and MR Daniel should have been at the same hotel for he is an elected member of Parliament and they are not.

Dig It , well said. I am with you!!

"let's fix the little things before we attempt to fix the big things."

I will concede that you may find some other variations to what I described, but it should not be too far off.

Antigua needs to set up a set of rules and procedures that are the same for everyone.

So, there you have it!

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

At the end of the trip an expense report is submitted within a reasonable time, let’s say within 30 days. If no expense report is submitted, the amount advanced to the traveler is usually included in income and is taxable.

For high cost areas an itemized report is required detailing the cost for lodging, food and miscellaneous expenses. For low cost areas no itemization is required, but you have to submit the hotel receipts. Usually, the hotel cost will use up most of the per diem in the low cost area.

The travel department will audit the report for reasonableness and approve if everything is in order. If the expenses exceed the advance for the per diem, the traveler will be paid the difference and if the per diem advance exceed the expenses the traveler refunds the difference.

The blogger Fed UP suggest that the per diem rate is US $800 per day. I do not know if this is adequate or excessive, but I thought I would give a perspective on per diem in general.

The purpose of the per diem is to cover the business expense of the individual while on official business. It is not to enrich the individual, but rather to cover his lodging – hotel; food - breakfast, lunch and dinner and miscellaneous costs such as transportation, tips, dry cleaning and the like. The standard here is reasonable and customary. What would a prudent man do if he were spending his own money?

Furthermore, the per diem rates for each locality should be public information.

The per diem allowance would be assigned based upon the locality, i.e. high cost area versus s low cost area. The more expensive the locality the higher the per diem and the less expensive the locality the lower is the per diem. So for example the per diem in New York would not be the same as in St. Kitts.

Let there be light, to borrow a phrase. It's our money & we need to know how it is spent. Our leaders who wish to continue in their elected roles must identify with our plight, struggles, etc. (esp. in light of present economic conditions). They must lead by example and empathy not only in substance but also in appearance. This government once again is distancing itself from its people, and will pay the price of all who follow that path of arrogant deafness.

I say you right Baldwin! only take those who can cook Arabic food to the big hotels! forget the poor black people in Gray's Green! in any case after you leave office...you not going to see either Shoul or Mansoor...so i can understand you wanting to see them as much as you can now! memories are so precious! by the way i hear Axxx is there with you guys too...how nice...

The waldorf Astoria is not too good for him because he is Black, would you like to know what makes it too good for him,we the people who hired him are suffering,no jobs,some cant buy food,electricit y cutting off,cant get paid and to top it all off we were asked to tighten our belts while they continue to live the life of riley,not as if they will bring back something of benefit.For my part alone,he could stay at a Rat invested inn,he deserve no better,we got no better.

Like some of you, I would like to see the total cost of this trip, from the Hotels to all other miscellaneous expenses! We need to put measures in place, so we could keep track of all governmental travel expensese! We need to have a quarterly or annual expense reports of all MPs, Senators, Ambassadors, and other governmental officials! There is no doubt they have to travel abroad but we need to eliminate or limit certains items such as large delegations, expensive room and board, the duration of trip (unless it is critical and add value to nation-building ), and a cap on travelling expenses! We must cut out their lavish lifestyle! Let them do more conference calls, if they can! Some of the MPs wasted their time anyway on some\most trips because they get little or nil accomplished! I say we start with Tourism and work our through other ministries. Lamanex, I agree, they don't feel none of our "pains" because we continue to "pamper" them! Yet, we owe it to ourselves to make them accountable, and know what "sacrifice" and "struggling" is all about! We must, and, should let them drink from the same bitter cup!

"Dog have money,.. buy cheese" chef's grandfather use to speak these words at times and chef never really understood until now.

chef is however surprised that so many seem surprised by this level of accommodation for a PM of a broken country.. non of you knew?? really???
And you think they travel economy class like most of us ?I am sure..
look let me go an cook my cornmeal pap see.. until you see the "sunshine"

Ah man, you edited Davy Crockett. Wassup with that?

I withdraw my prior comments to Dessalines as well.....

Avid Reader - I stand corrected. Thanks for pointing out that error...I was merely repeating elements of a conversation I'd had several years ago with a law enforcement official from NY. However, I just checked the State Department website and you are correct...it does appear all foreign leaders are offered protection from the time of entry to exit from the US.

Davy Crockett said:
"There ain't no ticks like poly-ticks. Blood** all."

Well people look at the upside. If he stays at the Astoria then there is no chance of any maid alledging anything.

I hate to disagree with you but the prime ministers even from the Caribbean do get secret service protection while on US soil. There are a few Caribbean leaders who do not like to come to the USA because they cannot go anywhere without the secret service.

WHY ARE WE SO BELITTLING OF our non-elected, government appointed LEADER grifter......
There, fixed it for you.

Again i say we like it so, notice who the a blogger reffered to An African Leader,the rest is history.When there are leaders who are Pompous, greedy,arrogant and power hungry the result is what we have in places like Africa. Seem like some of you in Antigua are prepared to sit by and allow another Africa in the C,bean.

"If the PM and his group stayed in a much cheaper inconspicuous hotel, who would they be brushing shoulders with? These events are great opportunities to get business done on behalf of the nation."

Based on your statement above I would like to ask the following:
* What have they done at these appearances to promote ANU as a business friendly nation?
* When has any of these appearances attracted businesses that were ready and willing to inject some life into the economy?

Based on all that I have seen and read, we have benefitted in some fashion from the numerous programs geared toward SIDS or the C'bean Basin (a good thing), or we have negotiated deals for loans.

Dessalines - Unless the foreign dignitary is of a high profile or has serious threats made against them, neither the US Secret Service nor the NYPD will be offering specific protection for them. There is simply not sufficient resources to protect all of these people. It is highly unlikely that our dear PM falls under either category. He and his delegation are free to travel as they please, without official protection, while they are on their visit....This is true for countless other heads of states and delegations from less developed countries around the world. Hugo Chavez falls into a different category and will most likely be offered protection..per haps. However, I can assure you the Antiguan delegation will not be creating traffic gridlock as they move around mid-town Manhattan on their shopping jaunts. When they arrive at the UN, which is considered “neutral soil”, they will all be afforded stringent security.

We already know the nature of person's who possess power; why bother to rant, rave and lament. Come election morning do your job bearing all the deeds done by both parties in mind!!!!!

Disgraceful, they can't even pay their bills here and they go swanning off living the good life. Wonder if they are claiming their US$ 800 per day per diem as well !!!!!!! The collective term for all of them is known as 'wankers' !!

We are all forgetting one thing which any journalist worth his keyboard should consider: SECURITY. The US federal and NY state and city government are ultimately repsonsible for the security of the visiting heads of state - this includes transportation. It wouldnt make logistical sense therefore to have our PM at the Motel 8 in the Bronx and Hugo Chavez at the Holiday Inn in Queens. When these dignataries travel roads are blocked off - and anyone who's been to NYC knows what a nightmare that can be.

What do you expect? During the 2008 recession here in America when the Government was bailing out Banks with tax payers money, the CEO of the banks were still heading to a very expensive and lavishly planned banquet. Obama had to give them his opinion of their actions. Follow Antiguans, your polititions are not feeling your pains so they will hurt you while they pamper themselves at your expense.

If the PM and his group stayed in a much cheaper inconspicuous hotel, who would they be brushing shoulders with? These events are great opportunities to get business done on behalf of the nation. Sadly, appearances are a real component of international negotiations. If Antiguans & Barbudans want Antigua to play in the major leagues, there are significant costs associated with the big time.

It is indeed lovely to be in Govt in Antigua,accordi ng to the comment by a blogger. Here in the hardest of times,our leaders continue to Eat the best, drive the best ,wear the best,in short they continue to live in the Lap of Luxury,while the residents/citen zens sit humbly by and wait for the crumbs from the table.The troubling thing is,we are supposed to be an educated/intell igent people.

Lost Souls!

Well, the article is showing the facts. They are not saying that only UPP is doing what they are doing, ALP might have done the same, thing, but they are not going to go and say that in every article that is written about THIS GOVERNMENT, its their time, now, if it was the ALP staying at that hotel they would have written the same about the ALP but its not. SO UPP has to deal with their doings and so all u all

Antiguan Abroad why don't you verify the Ambassador's salary and benefit by contacting the UN Mission or the Foreign Affairs Office? All public employees including the Ambassador work for the people and their salaries and benefits should be public information. Antiguans act like slaves and stooges when it comes to how their tax dollars are spent, don't you people think it's time for a public inquiry into this scandal? You are talking about millions of US dollars!

Hey, elect me and the next meeting, i will stay on my uncle chair bed in the living room in New York for free. Only love will make you do what is right for the people of the United Islands of Antigua and Barbuda.

One of the things about being able to blog is that persons get to offer varying opinions, many times without the benefit of facts.
Is it true that the Pm is staying at the W/Astoria? The above article makes an unsubstantiated point and many jump on the bandwagon of crucifixion. I would prefer to have concrete evidence that the PM and others are staying at the W/Astoria, before I jump to conclusions.
In adding a varying twist to this article, can there be a suggestion as to what hotel might be deemed reasonble, price et al, for a head of state to stay?
Let us constructively debate the issue as against relying on speculation and driven by political fanaticism.

i sincerely hope after all of this money spending (there are other hotels near to the UN centre that are cheaper with good accommodations. ...), they are able to pay all their workers full and on time, and that no excuses will be made when the time comes.

that's all i am going to say on this one!

Intellectual - where did you get that information regarding the Antigua ambassador's salary? If correct, isn’t he being paid more than even the Antiguan PM…..at least the PM's reportable income?

As for the Antiguan delegation's accommodations in NYC, they certainly should stay at a nice hotel in close proximity to the UN, since that is where they will be conducting their business. But the Waldorf is among the most expensive hotels in the entire country…the price quoted in the article is for a very basic room, which it is doubtful these Antiguan delegates would be satisfied with. There are several other hotels in NYC...many much closer to the UN, quite luxurious but significantly less expensive...

It appears that Antigua is not the only country being "ghetto fabulous”, however. Today's NY Post had an article of an African leader spending $16,000 per night on a Presidential suite at another luxury hotel in Manhattan, while the average citizen in his country received an annual income of US$1,150. Here's the link to the story: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/un_diplos_gone_wild_in_nyc_RTRbSHxyi3mtFxLoUAhYEM

Yeah, I remember the UPP newspaper in the early days too.

I wonder if the entire delegation had stayed at Holiday Inn Express if they would return to ANU any smarter.

Get the "gitting" while its Good

http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/un_diplos_gone_wild_in_nyc_RTRbSHxyi3mtFxLoUAhYEM?utm_campaign=Post10&utm_source=Post10Alpha

this is Journalism.... Thank you Caribarena, for reporting above the rest.
I've always known that Shoul and Mansoor run our government.

Time to get rid of Baldwin Gaxxxfi Spencer and his corrupted regime who brought Antigua to the lowest.

And Baldwin is expected to stay another week....for what, prey tell?
He must be working extra hard on this trip, so in our national interest maybe I should help him....Macy's and Saks hours are 9:00am till 9:00pm except Sundays and the brunch at Central Park's Boathouse Restaurant is over-rated. Hope this helps Mr. PM.
Signed,
Delusional Taxpayer.

What financial crisis? The financial crisis is only an excuse to jack up taxes and raise the cost of living, to perpetuate the dire conditions in which poor people find themselves.

Never in our history has any administration abused the per diem system like the UPP. They travel from pillar to poll simply to collect the large amounts of tax payers hard earned money to stuff into their pockets. Belt-tightening is only for poor people. The politicians continue to splurge with reckless abandon.

I know Wilmoth has a brother and children in NY. I would not be surprised if he and the others who are "staying somewhere else", are with family members, while they laugh all the way to the bank with their per diem.

Most times Caribarena reminds me of Observer Radio and Daily Observer prior to 2004.

Had he taken along one of your pseudo journalist what would your report be...

Interesting to see how the PM and his exculsive delegation enjoy all the luxuries at one of the most expensive hotels in NYC, while families and single-parents back home are left to fend for themselves, with NO future insight on the economic woes! And, I thought we are in a cash-strapped nation, at the mercy of the IMF, and the "man-eater, China! The PM asked us to sacrifice and bear with his government but it seems he and his cronies are entitled to all the milk and honey, from the backbones of the tax payers! How they could be so blatantly insincere to the people, I really wonder? As the saying goes, "Every dog must come back to their vomit!"

you so call jounalists in Antigua need to do your job in the interest of the people: all citizens should be aware of what your elected leaders are here in NY to do, to promote themselves and our over paid under-performin g UN ambassador. See below:

South-South Awards 2011: Digital Health for Digital Development

Date: 19 SEPTEMBER 2011
Venue: New York; Waldorf Astoria

Organized by South-South News, ITU, UN Economic Commission for Africa & Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda.

In 2011, the South-South Awards will honor governments, organizations, and individuals, who have succeeded in scaling-up and replicating the implementation of the health-related Millennium Development Goals and beyond at the national level. This year, the preparatory committee has recommended Digital Health 4 Digital Development as the main theme for the awards.

WHY ARE WE SO BELITTLING OF LEADER, WHY CAN'T HE STAY AT THE WALDORF ASTORIA IS THAT HOTEL TOO GOOD FOR HIM BECAUSE HE IS BLACK. WHEN ILL WE GET OVER OUR SLAVERY MENTALITY, IF YOU ARE AN ANTIGUAN SHAME ON YOU. I AM SHOCK OF THE THINGS THAT YOU WILL MENTION IN YOUR NEWS. PEOPLE OF OTHER COUNTRY MUST BE SAYING, WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE

This must be investigated and ventilated, very sad!

Whether this trip is financed or not with taxpayer’s money the appearance and perception is embar**ing and insensitive to the plight of Antiguans and Barbudans. Those of us living here in NY are appalled. Our UN Ambassador (John Ashe, the two timer holdover from ALP) is the highest paid UN AMABASSADOR in the world with a whopping US$xx0, 00 PLUS BENEFITS A YEAR, HE IS PAID MORE THAN HILLARY CLINTON, BOB GATES AND SENATORS AND MEMBERS OF THE US CONGRESS. IS IT ANY WONDER WE ARE BANKRUPT AND DESCRIBED AS THE CHIEF BEGGER NATION? Antiguans and Barbudans: You have been taken for a ride and politicians and parasites have stolen and squandered at least 400 million of the people's money in 7 years

I am not at all surprised to learn of the lavish life style of the PM and his two sidekicks. It is common place for dictators like Amin, Duvalier and a host of despotic world leaders to preside over poverty among their people while they live high on the peoples taxes.
Seems like minister Daniel is responsible leaking this story and the associated photo and I wonder if it is a result of genuine concerns over the unjustified cost or his being shunted off to lesser facilities.
I also heard that PM Spencer is headed to Mxxx xxxxxx for a xx xx after the UN meeting. Yet another clear indication that he cares nothing about the people he 'serves' who complain day in, day out about the quality of services at MSJMC. Again, I find no surprises here; just typical behavior of a dictator.

This paper must have been grasping at straws to pick a headline story that continue to show the country or the administration in a bad light. Where would you have recommended the PM stay at a bed and bread fast like Days Inn or Comfort Inn.

Unless you can provide data to indicate what precisely the room rate is for the PM then your innuendos become baseless. The fact that any business publicise the starting price for their services forinstance does not even mean that I as a existing or potential customer is being charged the advertised price.

These guys have no regard for what is going on with the common man in Antigua and Barbuda. I keep saying that they do not really care about us. Look school students have to protest because of bad roads leading to their school. They could have stayed at another cheaper hotel. Not my vote again.

baldwin me hungry......... ....i need something to eat :(

Ok comrade Barnes he should have stayed at the holiday inn or any number of budget motels like days inn, or better yet hitch a stay with any number of friends residing in the Bronx, queens or Brooklyn. Your hypocrisy is realy amasing as you are fully aware that when Lester made similar trips during his tenure he stayed in similar settings. At least he is not traveling with any concubines as use to be the case with others who held the office of priminister

You See Why Gray Green is poorer under Spencer than Labour. This Dr BS is a menace. He is super selfish and hateful of his own people. Look at Lovell or Cort.
They at least tried to upgrade their people's living and social conditions. But Spencer used the poor people of Gray Green to get power then ignore them. After being PM for almost 10 years, he has done absolutely nothing to lift the quality of life for the good people of this constituency.

It would be great to know where the others are staying to draw a better conclusion, but all I can say is that the fleecing of ANU continues. The sad thing is when it is being done by those who promised to eliminate wrong-doings. Now, I am not saying that the PM should stay at Motel 6 and not be accorded some sort of luxury, but not that much, especially when the country is experiencing such dire times.

I would stay an additional week at the hotel too, if I knew that someone else (taxpayers) were footing the bill. The PM sure has a enough wonderful experiences for a "NY Times best seller" when he leaves office.

I have problem with PM Spencer travelling on necessary official business, but I would like him to answer 3 questions:

1. Was it essential for PM Spencer,(and his two sidekicks and business parthners) Shoul and Mansoor to attend a Health Conference, when they are not directly required to do so?
2. Will PM Spencer, Shoul and Mansoor in light of the present economic hardships in the country pay their own bills at the overpriced accomodations they are presently staying at in the US?
3. Will PM Spencer, Shoul and Monsoor give this nation a full report on their stewardship while at this health meeting? In other words what special contribution they made, which could not have been made by the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer who are the official delegates to the meeting?

Mr PM, if you can't answer these questions correctly, then you and your cronies do NOT deserve to remain in office. Call the elections NOW!

I was a card carrying member of the UPP and I campaigned and voted for this government twice! I also served on the executive of my constituency branch. Having seen how the people I helped to put in office behave, I am convinced that this country need a change! My only fear is that these UPP officials and party leaders know that a change is comming, and they have started to "dig out we eyes" by grabbing wahtever they can, even going on excessive travelling just to get the oversize per diem, that the treasury can hardly afford to pay. Mr PM Spencer, Sir your days are numbered! I will never vote for bad governance and corruption! My Hungry family want to know how soon you will be voted OUT! I tell them very soon!

You said it " the Waldorf Astoria is where the US president and other heads from leading industrial nations stay when they visit New York" So you now want our Prime Minister to look small in the presence of his fellow Heads Of State.
Thats what being a Prime minister is all about and everyone of them look forward to these trips. I can now picture PM Spencer and his boy from St. Vincent Ralph.
Stop hating people it doesn't matter who you put in office, this is what you gonna get. I remember Lovell said one time they don't really pay for first class, they often get escorted to first class by the airline crew when recognize because of ministerial status. Right!
They will all tell you one thing before they get the power but once they got that power, who are you?
Do you think former PM Lester stayed in the Days Inn when he travel? i say NO.

ANYONE SEEN PM SPENCER LATELY? ARE MY EYES FOOLING ME OR IS HE GETTING BIGGER? I MUST SAY THAT HARD DIFFICULT TIMES AGREED WITH MR SPENCER BECAUSE HE IS GETTING FATTER. NO WONDER HE IS DOING HIS BEST TO MAKE LIFE HARD FOR ALL ANTIGUANS/BARBU DANS.

Would you prefer if the PM stayed in a basement in Brooklyn? What is wrong with you people? Where were you when the ALP big wigs were hamming it up at the people's expense, using taxpayers money for junkets for friends, family and concubines? Are you guys unaware of what transpired then? Girlfriends visiting Minister's homes and making overseas calls amounting to thousands of dollars; just about anyone connected having free APUA cell phones with overseas connection; medical checkups at the Mayo Clinic for Ministers and wives/concubine s; First Class travel for all and sundry.....and the list goes on.. Is it that Baldwin Spencer is not good enough to stay at a luxury hotel because he is not of the *pedigree* of Lester Bird?

And stop this nonsense about recession. If the ALP were keeping it real, Antigua would have been in an IMF program long before they were kicked out of office. Everyone knows the country was bankrupt during their tenure.

That said, I do have a big problem if Minister Daniel was afforded less salubrious accommodation to that of Messers Shoul and Mansoor, but that is another issue.

They're networking. No doubt they expect to bump into Barack Obama or some other world leader or busniess mogul in the hotel's lobby or bar. Reminds me of an American phrase I heard a few years back - "ghetto fabulous" (doing everything to live beyond one's financial means while one's life is falling apart). Only problem....it's the Antiguan people's money that's being squandered while these newly wealthy politicians live high on the hog. Must be nice to be in government in Antigua.

I guess someone should have some fun spending the last of Sir Allen's **. We all know the good times aren't going to last forever!

Once again the UPP administration headed by PM Spencer, demonstrates its total disregard and disrespect for the tax payers of this nation, by shamefully squandering scarce public financial resources, while many single parents and children have to survive the present econimic hardship, which have left some begging friend and family for money or food to make ends meet. This level of corruption extends to those parasites who depend on the UPP government for survival. Once again the people suffer at the hands of these wicked people! Call the Elections NOW!

Is the GOAB paying for the accommodations?

Or are they being paid for by someone else, at an as yet undisclosed cost to the people of Antigua?