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Picketers Write Ultimatum to Chinese

Picketers Write Ultimatum to ChineseAntigua St John's - The Lone Wolf group picketing the Chinese Embassy for the past several weeks has given the Chinese an ultimatum to honour demands contained in a letter dated April 24, or face the wrath of “phase three” of the planned approach to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Chinese-funded Wadadli Power Plant in Crabbs.

Caribarena.com obtained a copy of the letter on Monday, and according to one of the protesters, Vere Bird III, the timing of the letter that explains the purpose of the protest is of no consequence when considered against the fact that the demonstrations have been ongoing since March 28.

The protesters are part of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union’s Industrial and Political Action Committee (IPAC), which has also been holding weekly village meetings, led by Sinclair Simon.

 

The picketing followed Chinese officials' presence at a government press conference to answer questions about the power plant.

“Had representatives of the People’s Republic of China not attended the press conference and interfered in our internal affairs we would not have picketed your embassy,” the letter said.

Caribarena.com asked Bird whether IPAC had considered legal avenues to force the governments of Antigua & Barbuda and China, and possibly the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), to release the documents governing the multimillion-dollar loan that covered the cost of the power plant engines.

Bird said he had not discussed any possible motions or subpoenas that would compel them to produce the necessary documents. He said nothing had been considered besides the marches, pickets, and meetings, but the possibility exists.

“We have just chosen as the Lone Wolf picketers to take this (demonstration) route,” Bird said.

He added that the group only opted to submit the letter, addressed to Ambassador Liu Hanming, and copied to the governor general, the prime minister, the leader of the opposition, and Ambassador David Shoul – after a month had passed with no acknowledgement from the Chinese of their toils in the sun.

“Why we wrote the letter is because people maybe think we are just a bunch of crazy people walking around in the hot sun," Bird said. "At the end of the day, we believe there is a procedure that should have been followed with these loans… We are going to hold them accountable - anyone who was involved in the agreement, including the Chinese."

The letter gives the Chinese an ultimatum to respond within 14 days, or face "intensified” protest actions “in a peaceful manner until goals are achieved”.

Caribarena.com questioned Bird about the tone of the document, as well as the seemingly strong language used against the nation’s leader and the country’s relationship with the Chinese.

Bird said neither he nor the rest of the group saw any issues with the language, and they were comfortable with the manner in which the concerns were presented.

The Chinese were chastised in the letter for not retaining legal counsel locally to ensure that the Antiguan government was following the laws governing foreign loans, even though there was no documentation to support that China or any other lending country was subjected to such a requirement prior to the existing controversy.

To this, Bird said the pressure group would not determine whether such a practice had been employed before, but rather, it was up to the Chinese to make sure they were operating under the authority of the law, and their representatives should have been familiar with these laws before going forward, especially since China had been in relations with Antigua for over two decades.

In the letter, the group cited the laws of Antigua, enacted under the current government, regarding the procurement of loans, which state, “No money shall be raised on the credit of the government except under the authority of an Act of Parliament or a resolution of the House.”

The correspondence also went on to rebuke the Chinese for not ensuring that Antigua’s public accounts were audited, up-to-date, and in the right order before granting the country a loan.

“In our opinion it is bad policy and contrary to the maintenance of good diplomatic relations with Antigua and Barbuda for the People’s Republic of China to grant a loan without we the people being informed by audited public accounts for the years 2005 to present; letting us know the country’s financial position and whether Antigua and Barbuda can repay this multimillion-dollar loan when it becomes due,” the letter said.

 

Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer was called a “liar” and “lawbreaker” in the letter for failing to uphold the constitution he swore to protect.

The picketers believe the electorate of Antigua & Barbuda will hold the prime minister and his government liable for breaking the law. But for now, they want to compel the Chinese to provide all documentation supporting the procurement of the generators and auxiliaries for the Wadadli Power Plant, from the initial loan request to Exim Bank in 2006 to completion.

The full letter is printed below:

 

24th April, 2012

H.E. Ambassador Liu Hanming

Chinese Embassy

Marble Hill

St. John's, Antigua

 

Dear Sir:

 

We write to you as law abiding patriots of our beloved Antigua & Barbuda and are collectively known as the Lone Wolf Protesters who have been picketing your embassy concerning The People's Republic of China's fmancial assistance to secure the loan for the Antigua & Barbuda government's purchase of the generators for the Wadadli Power Plant.

From press statements and various comments made by government officials prior to the pictures that were posted on Caribarena.com of the Wadadli Power Plant in late 2011 it was our belief that the Antigua & Barbuda government had purchased "new" generators initially at a cost of US$4 7 ,000,000.00.

Our definition of new means that the generators were not used prior to purchase. In addition, that the cost Antigua & Barbuda would be incurring for the generators made us believe our government in our best interest would logically have purchased state of the art generators to maximize their productivity and efficiency throughout the period of their use.

At the press conference held on the 6th February, 2012 you, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer and Ambassador David Shoul kept repeating that the generators were "new". However, we are not convinced that the generators are new or even provide value for money after all that was said for two and a half hours at the press conference as no documentation has been provided in entirety to validate your claims. Reporters from various media houses have also asked for documentation concerning the purchase of the generators and have been denied full disclosure.

Our group is concerned with the way the procurement of the generators and auxiliaries for the power plant was transacted by the government of Antigua and Barbuda and The People's Republic of China without transparency and accountability and in breach of the Constitution and other laws of Antigua and Barbuda, in particular:-

(1) The loan agreement for the Wadadli Power Plant which your government helped to finance was never brought before the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda as is required by law. Section 47 Finance and Administration Act, 2006 states:

"No money shall be raised on the credit of the government except under the authority of an act of parliament or of a resolution of the house." This breach of the law is a fact that was acknowledged by Prime Minister Winston Baldwin Spencer at the press conference. The law was enacted in 2006 whilst Mr. Spencer was a legislator in Parliament, the Prime Minister, and self appointed "Chief Servant" of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Breaking the law of Antigua and Barbuda appears to be of no great importance to Prime Minister Spencer, Ambassador Shoul or the People's Republic of China and we hold that China has knowingly interfered in the internal affairs of Antigua and Barbuda by allowing Exim Bank to grant a loan to the government of Antigua and Barbuda that is not "under the authority of an act of parliament or of a resolution of the house".

(2) Antigua and Barbuda has not had an audit of its public accounts since 2004 as required by our Constitution(S97 The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981). In our opinion it is bad policy and contrary to the maintenance of good diplomatic relations with the Antigua and Barbuda people for The People's Republic of China to grant a loan to the government of Antigua & Barbuda without We The People being informed by audited public accounts for the years 2005 to present; letting us know our country's financial position and whether Antigua and Barbuda can repay this multimillion dollar loan when it becomes due.

(3) On the 13th March, 2009 Mr. Spencer swore the Oath of Office in order to become Prime Minster of Antigua and Barbuda(Schedule 3 The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981). Prime Minster Spencer swore that he will " ... honour, uphold and preserve the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda and the law ... ". Prime Minster Spencer admitted that the generator loan was not presented to Parliament at the press conference on the 6th February, 2012 when he said "It has been put out there that the loan agreement was not presented to Parliament and that is a fact it was not presented to Parliament ... ". We therefore hold that Prime Minster Spencer has broken his Oath of Office and is a liar and law breaker by failing to uphold the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda and the law as aforementioned above.

Antigua and Barbuda is a nation ruled by law and not by the whims of men. The People's Republic of China's policy of not requiring our laws sited above to be adhered to as a precursor to the signing of the loan agreement in March, 2008 has allowed Prime Minister Spencer and Ambassador Shoul to saddle the people of Antigua and Barbuda with a debt the terms of which We The People who they serve know nothing about and whether we are in a financial position to repay the loan as they have succeeded in taking the requirement by law that the loan be presented to Parliament away from the people.

We the Loan Wolf Protesters think that your attendance at the Government Press Conference was a blatant meddling in the internal political affairs of Antigua and Barbuda as a Government organized press conference can never substitute for the loan agreement being presented to our Parliament for proper scrutinization and authorization by elected members of the lower house; neither can the one or two questions that were allowed to the journalists in attendance substitute for questions posed by elected parliamentarians.

The question whether the generators are old or new and whether we received value for money were to be asked by law of Mr. Spencer and other Ministers involved in the negotiations with China in our Parliament and not at a press conference organized and managed by the Prime Minister's office staff.

Mr. Ambassador, your presence at the press conference gave Prime Minister Spencer and Ambassador Shoul support in the illegal manner the loan agreement was signed and gave the impression that The People's Republic of China answers only to Baldwin Spencer and David Shoul, and not to the people of Antigua and Barbuda through their Parliament based on the laws aforementioned.

We therefore enclose copies of s47 Finance and Administration Act, 2006, Section 97 and Schedule 3 The Antigua and Barbuda Constitution Order 1981 for your ease of reference as ignorance of our laws is a poor excuse for you attendance at the press conference.

It is hoped that in the future The People's Republic of China retains independent legal counsel to advise on the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda when giving the government loans.

We ask that you provide us with all documentation supporting the procurement of the generators and auxiliaries for the Wadadli Power Plant from the initial loan request to Exim Bank in 2006 to completion in order to avoid any suspicion that China is assisting Prime Minister Spencer and Ambassador Shoul in breaking the law of Antigua and Barbuda that would allow the loan agreement to be scrutinized.

It would be greatly appreciated in the future that The People's Republic of China disassociate itself from Prime Minster Baldwin Spencer's admitted failure at the press conference to present the loan agreement to Parliament whilst you were regrettably in attendance. Parliament is where the peoples' business is conducted and not at a press conference designed to fend off political pressure by labelling pertinent question that would have nonetheless been raised in Parliament as

unpatriotic when the laws of Antigua and Barbuda had already been broken by Prime Minster Spencer and his administration. Had representatives of The People's Republic of China not attended the press conference and interfered in our internal affairs we would not have picketed your embassy. We ask that The People's Republic of China show respect for the laws of Antigua and Barbuda in the future when assisting our government to get a loan. China should insist that future loans be presented before the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament to inform the citizenry of the matter. In addition China should insist that all public accounts be audited before any more loans are granted in the future as this would avoid any' debts being surreptitiously placed on the shoulders of Antiguans and Barbudans with6Cifiheir knowledge, or consent through the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament.

In closing we await a response to this letter within fourteen(l4) days from receipt and hope that our demands, concerns and recommendations are given full consideration and adopted as policy as an amicable solution to thi s situation is desired by us; failing which we will have no other alternative but to intensi fy our protests in a peaceful manner until our goals are achieved knowing full well that the rule of law is greater than Baldwin Spencer, David Shoul and The People's Republic of China combined.

 Your truly,

 Loan Wolf Protesters

See related stories:

UPP’s Tack-tition

Things Fall Apart - Can the Gov’t Survive Waldadli

 

Daniel’s Letter – The Fallout

ALP Transparent-See

Lone Wolf Group Accuses Spencer

Confident of No-Confidence

UPP’s Accountability and Transparency

Derrick Doubts Caribarena Photos

Lovell Roasted on Talk Show

Taking the Mickey Out of Spencer

Joseph Attacks Govt 'Dictatorship'

Cabinet Rejects Call for Inquiry

With Eyes Pressed Shut

More Support for MP Daniel

Bird Demands Answers About Power Plant Deal

No Voice Derrick - Serpent Charmed

MP Supports Daniel's Call

Daniel in the Lions Den

Daniel Demands Investigation into Chinese Power Plant

Shame and Outrage over Edwards' Commentary

Wrong Made Right

Money Talks - Power Plant Walks

Anti-Power Plant Pickets held in St John's

MP Joseph Exposes Critical APUA Reports

PM Blasts Molwyn Over Power Plant

Power Plant Issue Goes To Parliament

An Inside Look at APC

Power Plant Companies Relationship Explained

Govt Promises Chinese Power Plant Answers

Another Unsettling Discovery at Power Plant

Bird To Seek Outside Advice on Power Plant

MP Joseph Accuses Government of Breaking Laws

Antigua Power Plant - No Straight Answers

Chinese Power Plant or Antigua's White Elephant‬

Power Plant Production Costs Explained

PM Says ALP Distorted Power Plant Info

No Plan Behind the Power Plant

Yearwood Presents Figures on Chinese Power Plant

 

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36 Comments In This Article   

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RE: Picketers Write Ultimatum to Chinese

#36 taxnomore » 2012-05-02 20:02

I live in Canada, have many friends who visit your beautiful island, one thing to be sure if you give the chinese an inch they will take everything without any regard for native peoples or enviroment, here in Canada they are doing the same kind of thing gradually and insidiously. Just look no further than your lobster fishing industry. Do not protest the Chinese they will rape and pillage your island. Your politicians are the ones to blame, people of Antigua react now together or you and your grandchildren will be very destitute in the near future. :sad: :cry:
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taxnomore

RE: Picketers Write Ultimatum to Chinese

#35 UNITED STATES » 2012-05-02 18:29

Headlines on your site:Robin warns Chinese.Now it is Lone Wolf gives Chinese ultimatum.It is amazing that you the people in Antigua cannot tell your governments,upp and alp what to do.However,you will want to tell the Chinese what to do.In my opinion you should learn to clean your house before you tell others how to clean theirs.Give ultimatums to your politicians and if they do not live up to expectations,ki ck them out.One of the good things that came out of that power plant in Antigua,no more long outages.I know what I am talking about,I have visited Antigua every year.
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UNITED STATES

Lets get real

#34 Power Plant Cost » 2012-05-02 03:57

Jeb that is the wanton misrepresentati on of the W.P.P. that keeps fuelling this thing.
Ask anyone that works at APC who is willing to talk honestly about the amount of steel and the size of the structural members that were put into the buildings. They must have seen as they drive by day by day. I am sure that the buildings did not go up overnight
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Power Plant Cost

@power plant cost??

#33 jeb » 2012-05-01 23:20

So you think an increase in building costs would inflate the cost by US$20 plus million? I would suggest you go and take a good hard look at the WPP from the outside because it is highly unlikely that entry to see inside would be granted (it is fenced and guarded). You will see very crappy looking ugly green buildings that have cracks all over…I had to wonder about steel quantity and quality/stabili ty of foundation. Listen to the noise and take note of the black smoke and note the dark mess/spillage outside. Seeing that disgrace of a building, housing engines clearly shown in the photos as rusty and old, was a get real eye opener to blatant rip-off moment for this Antiguan...whil e at Crabbs check APC's building and cleanliness for comparison.
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jeb

RE: Picketers Write Ultimatum to Chinese

#32 SlyThatGuy » 2012-05-01 23:17

Since the prime minister has pledged to bring the matter to parliament soon,my strong advise to my fellow countrymen -and I understand you're exercising your rights to determine your future -is to exercise patience by ending the protest until that time comes.At that time,we might hopefully get him to reveal all of the facts surrounding this case.
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SlyThatGuy

@ The Godfather

#31 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 22:53

Haul the man over coals? I have never met the guy. I give him the same chance I give you. In fact I hope he runs as an independant. Lets be real all that IHI stuff is getting old,hell, lock them up already. Talk, talk, and more talk, Brother man I am independant on Antigua side. I don't want to see either side hurt, I have friends of all sides, BUT: He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Skyewill

Lets get real

#30 Power Plant Cost » 2012-05-01 20:57

A power plant is largely made of concrete and steel. The activities that are involved in putting together a power plant are driven by oil. Steel prices tripled between 2006 and 2008/9. Oil price triples also, while cement price doubled. I just cannot for the life of me understand how any right thinking person would expect that a power plant contracted in 2008 would cost the same as a power plant contracted in 2006. It is just not possible.
All the studies I have seen show a steep rise in construction cost between 2006 and 2008. Power plant cost no exception. We need to get real in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Power Plant Cost

KEEP SILENT!

#29 The Godfather » 2012-05-01 19:57

Skyewill, don't chat foolishness, because his name is Bird he cannrot the hauled over the coals. This is the only issue he wraps himself around, what about other issues, he is not consistent, and there is no truth surrounding his actions. What about IHI, where is his ultimatum to Lester Bird, Sir xxx, Asot! So the issue of WPP takes token headlines over all others, answer me, fair is that. When the Lone Wolf and his Bngade, start holding up placards start demanding accountability for all the past wrongs, then I will change my views
about him. For now I will keep asking bout IHI, so if you are hurt by constant agitation, keep silent!
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The Godfather

NO BIAS OR POLITICAL VIEWS

#28 RAWLSTON POMPEY » 2012-05-01 19:43

GODFATHER,
You would appreciate that my comments have always been limited to that which seek to "...edify, enlighten, inform and/or educate." Thus, have always avoided political views; ...they breed contempt.

But do believe in healthy and respectful discussions, no matter how sensitive were the issues or contrasting the views. Most commentators seemed guided by these principles. If you felt singled out, perhaps, you too may wish to take counsel from "...Proverbs 12 :1."

Do hold you in high esteem, equally as much as your comments are respected. Best wishes Godfather.

Caribarena may wish to look closely at comments clearly suggestive of "...PERSONAL ATTACKS----rude and offensive , insulting and degrading" and be guided accordingly.
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RAWLSTON POMPEY

@ Pompey

#27 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 19:24

this is a natiional critical issue. Not quarreling is a waste of time but instead fighting will yield more fruits. if martin Kinf had just sit down at take the abuse for much longer America woould have exploded. President wanted to free the slaves because he knew if he did not what would happen. In case you dont know nobody turns the other cheek forever. did jesus not wipped the Pharacies out of the temple? Yes a good ass wooping is sometimes deserved
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Skyewill

@ The Godfather

#26 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 19:14

I believe Vere is a man on his own. his last name have nothing to do with anything. let that man's action speak for itself. tell me something he did but please stop showing your ignoramious's's sS
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Skyewill

@ Lone Wolf from Afar

#25 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 19:09

Sir, MSgt Williams Reports. i still have not addressed the plant. I am addressing the loan. I understand loans. please don't think I am sleeping. I was at Ground Zero just a few weeks ago. You did get me to laugh when you mentioned the PM. I do hope he release the information with full disclosure because it is public information. I see the potential for major embarrasment for the Chinese internationally , they really blew it. Lone wolf group got them by the sesticle something I don't believe even supers ever had. It is a new form of warfare, instead of a traditional war this new approach will be most effective. The Power Plant issue is a very sad one no need for me to focus on that you guys got that covered. No SURRENDER, NO RETREAT
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Skyewill

BIRD IS NOUGHT!

#24 The Godfather » 2012-05-01 18:27

Pompey, I find your reasoning bias, I made two comment, the latter was the last, so why was I single out. Is it because hs name is Bird? You appease Vere Bird 111 so called sane thinking, but condemn my rational reasoning.

You have posted previous comments chastising other bloggers diametrically opposed to your opinion, so what is your argument! I maintain my point of view, send the ultimatum to Lester Bird, and never again we want anymore Bird in politics. I guess that's what ruffled your feathers. Forward Ever, Backward Never, no more Bird's will dominate us! Nuff said.
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The Godfather

Current Issues and National Amnesia

#23 marco polo » 2012-05-01 18:05

An interesting mix.... Cant wait to see how this one turns out....
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marco polo

The Provocative GODFATHER

#22 RAWLSTON POMPEY » 2012-05-01 17:40

Vere Bird III,

There will always be comments that may appear far removed from current critical national issues. They may be vexatious to the spirit. These may not be allowed to distort sane thinking to the extent of getting into useless quarrels.

Therefore, you may wish to take guidance from Proverbs 20:3 [NLT] that says "...Avoiding a fight is an honour; ...Only fools insist on quarreling."

The GODFATHER appeared just as impish and provocative as his comments. Good Day Godfather. Thouhgt you were on a sojourn overseas.
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RAWLSTON POMPEY

Dunce element

#21 The Godfather » 2012-05-01 17:10

Vere Bird 111 you expect to dictate to me after 28 years of exile, you are really a Dunce element! We do no need anymore Bird's dominance.
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The Godfather

@The Godfather

#20 Vere C. Bird III » 2012-05-01 16:35

People like you and your stupid comments are why people like me will continue to speak out against the U.P.P. and the dunce Baldwin Spencer. Keep commenting!!!
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Vere C. Bird III

I am on board with this

#19 Wadadli Blogger » 2012-05-01 16:29

I am on record (in Caribarena) saying that the Lone Wolf protesters should of written a letter to the Chinese ambassador and cc one to their counterparts in China before we picket them and their embassy. Having seen that this letter has been writen I am anxiously waiting a response from the Chinese. We will no if they are intentionally meddling in our internal politics from their reaction. If they fail to satisfy my mind by either demanding APUA and the PM release all neccessary documents related to the power plant then I will be joining the Lone Wolf picketers. But the people got to take it further and Unite (Lone Wolf, ALP, Media, NGO's and the caring public) this issue is gonna seriously affect all of us in the future. And while the Chinese will be getting their Electricity from Natural resources and living good we in Antigua will be struggling to buy oil for a 20 century power plant in the 21st century that is not even in good working condition from the start!!!

I also think Vere and the Lone Wolves should of required the Chinese to make sure the new airport deal and all other deals on the table with China COME TO PARLIAMENT BEFORE IT IS STARTED!!!
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Wadadli Blogger

Uncle Lester Ultimatum

#18 The Godfather » 2012-05-01 13:16

I can recall Stanford's ultimatum to your Uncle Lester, now is a Bird, absent for more than 28 years giving ultimatum to the PRC. Firstly, you are jumping ahead of other cases, give your Uncle Lester that same ultimatum regarding IHI, Royal Antiguan, Vesco, Arms to South Africa etc. Have you researched how many laws were broken by your family members?

No other Bird will ever be elected to political office, they have left us with nought!
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The Godfather

A number of Ministers say they don't know

#17 Judge Dredd » 2012-05-01 13:08

I have heard a number of UPP Ministers on Observer Radio say that they cannot say if the Wadadlie Power plant is new. Namba, Winston Williams and John Maginley.
We know about Wilmouth's letter calling for an Enquiry and Harold duck the issue and run laying all responsibility on the APUA engineer.
Does this sound like a ringing endorsement? This is 5 Ministers that will not make a definitive statement. They all fraid jail.
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Judge Dredd

@ JP Farnsworth

#16 Legghornn » 2012-05-01 13:01

I wander about you! I promised myself that I would have just ignored all the bias ignorance you keep blogging. I admit, you have moved me off my crease. How can you just keep defending UPP and there misgivings so boldy, when even at least one minister within the UPP govt has called on his leader, PM BS, to initiate an inquiry into the generator fiasco. Other ministers within the UPP govt have claimed they do no know whether the engines are new or not. Yet, you are claiming that they came new because they arrived wrapped in plastic, how silly! Anyway, let me kool off. SMH.
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Legghornn

@Tobi

#15 Dig It » 2012-05-01 12:32

Tobi, you are quick to attack the Lone Wolf and their "constitutional " rights but not the "laws" broken by the PM, in getting "parliament approval" of any further debt to this nation! Again, where is the "accoutability" and "transperancy" to do what's "right?" The PM, the "Great Negotiator," and members of his cabinet can't tell us or verified the WPP is old or new! Does that look "pleasing" to you or the tax payers? Why the "secrecy" to come "clean" and justify 52 million dollars on WPP? And, what do you think about the "guarded" construction jobs at the new airport terminal by mostly skilled workers in the PM's constituency? Doesn't other constituency skilled workers deserve to be getting a "equal" share of the pie? Is this what the PM calls in his "manifesto" when he said local contractors will work with "foreign" contractors? How can we ever see "change" in this country if we would a total "break-down" in a system that avoids accountability? Tobi, you are entitled to your opinion but at this point I find that you are one "out of order!"
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Dig It

The Plant is new I know

#14 JP Farnsworth » 2012-05-01 12:04

I saw the pictures of the generators when they arrived they were wrapped in plastic just like when new cars arrive at Hadeed so they must be new. We would have left the plastic on the seats but they would melt.
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JP Farnsworth

Out of order

#13 Tobi » 2012-05-01 11:27

Lone Wolf is barking up the wrong tree. It is a fatal error for any party or fanatic group therein to attack the investor. Common sense should enlighten any fool of that pearl of wisdom. I hope when the ALP will assume power again that they are prepared to deal with the fall-out from this misplaced treatment of the Chinese.
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Tobi

Skywill has a voice WOW!

#12 Lone Wolf from Afar » 2012-05-01 10:29

Sky I wondered when you would take your head from the clouds and finally have somethng to say about the power plant and the wanton spending of our monies. You finally have a voice.
What took you so long? Did you need your cronie Baldwin to admit to you that the plant was old before you had an opinion and a voice?
I am happy that Vere is doing something about this and is not going to back down from the task at hand. I am still baffled that many Antiguans are still sitting back on their laurels and not joining the march. Just know Vere, I am supporting you 100%. NO REATREAT NO SURRENDER!!
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Lone Wolf from Afar

A Reason for not going to Parliment.

#11 Mark 1 » 2012-05-01 09:29

PM could not exposes the details if any on the Chinese Power deal for his own side might have rejected it when asked to present the technical spects
and local engineering oversite.
The cost of 1.6 per mwh vs 1 m at APC would have been exposed and questioned! Remember his own Cabinet appoved the APC Turnkey project for 50.1 mw at 49 m including sub-stations,fu el tanks buildings ,warrenty ect.
Keep up the GOOD Work VereIII you are on to something BIG>>
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Mark 1

Face

#10 Flat » 2012-05-01 08:57

ok VERE.... Keep the struggle up. You have my support.
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Flat

leave the fly rice people alone.

#9 lethal. » 2012-05-01 08:30

why are you bothering the poor won ping people. :P they are not the ones to blame. if you get a golden opportunity, wouldn't you grab it. antigua people need to go after xalxwxn and his scampish cronies, money gluts. they are the ones thats selling antigua to get rich, and leave you people broke and sorry. don't let the innocent suffer for the guilty. what are you afraid of. baldwin don't know voodoo, or he would be smarter. :D
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lethal.

@ Flat

#8 Vere C. Bird III » 2012-05-01 08:26

So just call me Vere then :lol:
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Vere C. Bird III

What I have learned

#7 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 07:54

In every loan closing process there is a statement of disbursment or Settlement Statement. It will/SHOULD tell you where all the money went and how it was distributed. In another story: I strongly disagree with the Chinese participating in that meeting, I don't believe that was a directive from China, that was very amaturesque! Spinning out of control, Recall. David is about to kick Goliath's ass. I'm a news Junkie and a student of Psychology, the study of how people think, in persuite of the ability to predict. This could be one of the biggest news stories of this decade with international implications and David is going to win agan!
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Skyewill

Oh Boy

#6 Skyewill » 2012-05-01 07:33

Yep, in underwriting a loan to a country it is automatic and well withing the guidelines that the lender vet also the rules of the country borrowing. Someone have to authorize the BORROWING also and that someone is PARLIMENT. The people who signed and approved this loan may very well be the new owners of the Power Plant. If you guys go back many blogs. You will see my warning on loans. "EVERYTIME A LOAN IS PERFECTED IT GIVES A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO ADD "JUNK FEES " paid to people to stuff their pockets. This is where most loan officers that were locked up and convicted made their mistake. Because Antigua have NO LAW for its oligarchs they never thought us dumb niggers would see what is really going on, being Black and stupid we would never understand. So just like slavery days we have our WANT-TO-BE'S, who would sell his brother to the Egyptian. Yes, True, true. If Public Accounts are not Audited then there is no way to know if the country can pay such a loan back. You can't borrow and the lender can't lend. The loan is a bigger issue than the Power Plant.
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Skyewill

Power!!

#5 Victim! » 2012-05-01 07:30

The Chinese, I believe, have the power to compel PM BS and his sidekick Shoul to come clean and be transparent on the power plant deal - so why aren't they doing it?

I heard Winston Williams say on radio yesterday that he didn't know if the generators were old or new - he said those answers were above his pay grade! You would think PM BS would have at least come clean with Members of his Government? If hasn't come clean with them how can he be expected to come clean with the voters? In any other country the media would have jumped all over this statement (Sunday on ZDK)!

No one in the Government has come out and said the engines are new! Even Ambassador Shoul is now accused of telling a senior UPP Minister that the engines are old! China should try and keep its name clean by releasing all documents in its possession!
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Victim!

We should all be Lone Wolf!

#4 Dig It » 2012-05-01 06:56

Amazing that we have "laws" broken in this country with the Chinese "loans" in WPP, public accounts NOT up to date (leapfrogging.. .ribbit), a "slap-on-the-ri sk" fencing and sundry scandal investigation, and the GG and the PM don't see a problem with that! We have a right to see to it that our "negotiators" and "Great Negotiator" negotiate in "good-faith" with the Chinese. It is time we make the "wrongs, right" by upholding our laws governing the land with full\total "accountability " and "transperacy," and, not, let the "color" of a party affects our judgment to redress all "unfair-play" against the people and its sovereign!
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Dig It

no retreat

#3 baldhead » 2012-05-01 06:55

Good Luck Vear.I hope you can soon have a WOLF PACK Following.
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baldhead

Face

#2 Flat » 2012-05-01 06:54

Lonewolf, I do not like your last name, But I support your efforts. These sundrels MUST GO!
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Flat

PLEASE REMEMBER

#1 PEACE » 2012-05-01 06:04

While you are at it,PLEASE REMEMBER,the Gov't of Antigua Barbuda was ORDERED to SUBMIT AUDITED ACCOUNT to the PARLIAMENT,by the COURT. Try and get the COURT to have them CHARGE with CONTEMPT
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PEACE

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