Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697628982731.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY COMMITTEE HELD ON THURSDAY 18TH JUNE 2020 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE The meeting was called to order at 3:18 p.m.

PRESENT Hon.

Gaston Browne Hon.

Daryll Matthew Hon.

Asot Michael H.E.

Daven Joseph Dr. L. Errol Cort Mr. Vernon Jeffers Mr. Michael Spencer Ms. Sherrie-Ann Brazier Mr. David Massiah Mr. Ralph Potter Mr. Martin Cave Rev.
William Dorsett Mr. Victor Michael Mr. Kevin Silston Mr. Konata Lee ABSENT Prime Minister and Chairman Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts Coordinator - Economic Recovery Committee Development Commissioner Former Minister of Finance Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association Antigua and Barbuda Bankers Association Antigua and Barbuda Employers Federation Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce Antigua and Barbuda Ecclesiastical Commission Antigua and Barbuda Food Distributors Medical Benefits Scheme Secretary to the Cabinet Ms. Joan Peters Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association PRAYERS Prayers were offered by Mr. Ralph Potter, representative of the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union.
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS The Chairman welcomed all present and indicated that the subcommittee with responsibility for national festivals, Carnival and sports is scheduled to make a presentation to the Economic Recovery Committee (ERC) at today’s meeting.

In addition, Development Ambassador, His Excellence Daven Joseph will also give a synopsis of the Blue Economy, one of the areas that is possesses untapped potential that could significantly contribute to economic development.
The intention is that this synopsis will serve as a springboard for Hon.

Dean Jonas, Minister of the Blue Economy, to expound when he makes a presentation within the coming weeks.

The Chairman also indicated that it is the intention to complete the subcommittee submissions within the next two weeks, so that the information coming from those submissions can guide the hosting of an investor forum, slated for the end of July.
This investor forum will serve as a sort of incubator from which definite projects are identified for immediate development.

The Cabinet Secretariat is tasked with the responsibility of synthesising the information from the subcommittees’ reports so that Page 1 of 9 a final version can be produced for distribution to the public.

Thereafter, meetings of the ERC will be scheduled on a quarterly basis.
Strong commendations were expressed to the members of the ERC, particularly those members from the private sector, who have answered the call to serve the nation at a time when it is most needed.

The ERC was informed that the economy continues to perform below the level that is required for the government to meet it various obligations.

This is taken within the context that Antigua and Barbuda, being a small island developing nation, is particularly vulnerable to external shock.
Nevertheless, the government remains hopeful and is determined to do all within its power to get the nation out of this crisis.

The unique situation created by COVID-19 is one for which there is no template and so it will take creativity, hard work, and entrepreneurship to get the economy to a place of stability again.

Within the challenges, there has been a steady reopening of the economy and already there is a noticeable trickle of tourists back to our shores.
This is projected to increase in the upcoming month as additional airlines are scheduled to resume scheduled service to the nation.

The government had anticipated that it would need to borrow between $100 and $150 million in the near future in order to meet its obligations.

If occupancy levels in July returns to about 50%, the government would need to borrow the lower amount.
However, if that does not happen, the government may have no choice but to borrow the higher amount in order to supplement the shortfall in government revenue.

The Chairman emphasised that it is important that any borrowing has to be done at the correct time in order for the country to receive maximum benefit as borrowing too early might not help to achieve the kinds of economic and fiscal benefits that are helpful at this time.
Combined with the social programmes, both public and private, that are in place it is aim of the government that no citizen nor resident should go hungry.

As a direct result of the incremental reopening of the economy the level of unemployment that existed in April and May has been reduced and with the reopening of the hotel sector it is projected that employment will continue to rise.
The Chairman informed the ERC that he was present at a meeting of the OECS Commission earlier today, and as outgoing Chair of the Commission he observed the protocols being established by OECS member states for the reopening of their economies.

It is heartening to note that for the most part their protocols, although diluted in many cases, are based on those of Antigua and Barbuda, the first economy in the sub-region to reopen.
While acknowledging that the protocols established by Antigua and Barbuda are superior to those of other OECS member states, the Chairman reiterated that these protocols can never be perfect.

What is important is for the country to have a robust mechanism to manage any cases of COVID-19 that may occur.

The Chairman informed the ERC that at the last patient who contracted COVID-19 has now fully recovered and has tested negative for the disease.
The country is however still operating within a risky framework by accepting returning nationals and tourists to our shores.

Again, the emphasis has to be on management of any potential outbreak and the minimising of the spread of the disease within and among the domestic population.

Several projects that should have commenced or are scheduled to continue have been affected by the global restrictions on travel.
In several instances, the investors have mobilised technical staff, but are unable to have them travel to Antigua and Barbuda because of the closure of international airports, especially those in the USA and Europe.

Inter alia, the Chairman indicated that the Mariott Courtyard at the V.C.

Bird International Airport, Calaloo Cay at Morris Bay, The Mill Reef Club, and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines project at Fort James are all poised to start by the first quarter of next year.
The upcoming year is poised to be one of strong growth for the nation, barring any significant new break of COVID-19.

Within the context of the challenges posed by COVID-19, the only option for the country is to continuously grow the economy as a way to recover losses; borrowing is not the answer.

Page 2 of 9 ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA The Agenda was accepted without amendment.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Economic Recovery Committee held on Thursday 11th June 2020 were confirmed with the following corrections: Page 1 Mr. Michael Spencer of the Antigua and Barbuda Bankers Association was corrected as “Absent”.

Mr. Victor Michael, Entrepreneur, was corrected a being “Excused”.

Page 3 Paragraph 6.i “EC$1,305,000.00” was corrected to “EC$1,306,800.00”.
figure EC$5,872,500.00 was corrected the to “EC$5,917,408.00” and Page 4 Paragraph 6.iii was corrected to read “nationals buying land were required to pay $6 or $7 per square foot when the infrastructure is in place.” Paragraph 7 was corrected to read “The Chairman asked the members of the ERC if they thought there was a conflict of interest or collusion if a Member of Parliament were permitted to purchase land at concessionary rates.” Paragraph 7.iii was corrected to read “Mr.
Martin Cave indicated that within the context of the investment, he does not believe that anyone should be given an unfair advantage over others.” Page 5 Paragraph 7.v was corrected to read “Ambassador Joseph intoned that he would have to recuse himself since he does have an interest in Willoughby Bay.” Page 8 Paragraph 11.iii - The following was inserted at the end of the paragraph.

“Mr.
“Mr.

Cave asked the question of whether Barbuda would be a suitable place to grow pineapples, considering its vast amount of vacant land.

The Director of Agriculture responded that it is indeed a feasible option, once the ph of the soil is not too acidic.” Page 10 Paragraph 12.viii was corrected to read “Ms.
Brazier recommended that perhaps the Ministry could offer courses to educate and train small backyard farmers.” MATTERS ARISING Price of Land at Willoughby Bay The Chairman informed the ERC that the Cabinet has decided to reduce the price for the land at the Willoughby Bay development from US $5.00 to US $3.00 per square foot, with a possible further Page 3 of 9 reduction for the investor provided that the investor performs.
It was the thinking of the Cabinet that it did not want to make the price too cheap and thus attractive to speculators, but at the same time it did not want to set a price that would deter prospective investors.

As an example, the Chairman informed the ERC that about thirty years ago an Antiguan group of investors purchased twenty-nine acres of land at Willoughby Bay to construct a small hotel resort.
The property was never developed and the same group is now offering to sell the land to the government for US $10 million, having purchased it for just $14,000.00 per acre.

The Committee also engaged in a discussion on ways that the take-up on the Willoughby Bay project can be increased.

The concern was raised about the mechanisms that were in place to valorise the project.
The Chairman informed that it was his view that the project has gotten wide circulation within the media, both traditional electronic and print media and social media.

The investor forum will present another opportunity for the sharing of information about the proposed development.

The Chairman opined that many persons tend to be risk averse because of historical reasons.
Update on the Investor Forum Re: Willoughby Bay and Agro-Industrial Park at Gaynor’s The Chairman informed the at present there are at least four entities who have taken up the offer to invest in the Willoughby Bay project.

These include the Ministry of Works, Mr. Patrice Luke, Hon.

Asot Michael, and one other investor.

In addition, the committee responsible for putting the investor forum together is also preparing a promotion document for the marketing of that project.
This will be made available to the ERC shortly.

It was suggested that a section within the promotion document presents an analysis of the kinds of returns investors are expected to realise.

This would be a good way to spur national to become more entrepreneurial.

One of the issues that has been identified with the land at Willoughby Bay is that some entities are claiming interest in the land.
Research has revealed that the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) has issues one-year leases to some entities and those leases have already come to an end.

There is an entity that has built two properties at Gaynor’s and has fenced over 100 acres.

This entity will be served a notice to quit since the leases have expired and in some instances they have not paid the required lease amount.
As part of the design phase for the area, it is the intention to create a master plan of land use within the development.

The entire area should first be mapped as this will allow the project to be broken down into phases.

Groups and entities who already own land in the area can be invited to become a part of the project, particularly those with large amounts of capital.
The ERC engaged in a discussion on whether it would be desirable to consolidate the projects at Willoughby Bay and Gaynor’s at a single site, namely Willoughby Bay.

The rationale for this is that the area has sufficient land to accommodate both.

Additionally, the land at Willoughby Bay is suitable for both physical development as well as agricultural usage because of the high levels of siltation that makes the soil among the most fertile within the country.
Moreover, the Cabinet recently decided that a three-million-gallons per day reverse osmosis plant is to be constructed in Bethesda and this will be able to satisfy the water demands of such a development.

In addition, the area is suitable for the construction of water catchments that can supplement the Pot Works Dam.

The Chairman agreed to take the proposal back to the Cabinet and provide a report to the ERC at its next meeting.

REPORTS FROM SUBCOMMITTEES Hon.


Daryll Matthew - Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts Page 4 of 9 The Chairman invited the Hon.

Daryll Matthew to a report from the subcommittee responsible for Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts.

The Hon.

Minister began by thanking the members of the ERC for willingly giving of their time to serve on this important steering committee.
Minister Matthew informed the ERC that he is reporting on the premise that members were able to peruse the subcommittee’s report since it was circulated prior to today’s meeting.

The ERC was informed that subcommittee was established a few weeks ago and included stakeholders from within the Sports, Culture, and entertainment departments of the ministry.
The subcommittee considered several proposals and agreed that only cost effective and realistic recommendations that can be implemented in short order would be passed on to the ERC for consideration.

The report therefore does not represent an exhaustive list of plans, but only those that can be carried out in such a way as to return tangible benefits without high costs.

One of the major ways that sports can make a significant impact to the economy is through increased traffic to the destination.
A first sport that was considered is cricket, given that the country has some of the best infrastructure in the Caribbean in both the Sir Vivian Cricket Ground and the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The subcommittee has engaged the assistance of Cricket West Indies in negotiating with international cricket boards with the aim of hosting a major cricket event in Antigua.

A specific area identified is the niche of women’s cricket, a major void on the international scene.
In addition, Antigua and Barbuda was identified as one of the countries with the largest turnout during the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2017.

It is the intent of the subcommittee to position Antigua and Barbuda as a centre of excellence for women’s cricket.

Conversations have already started with cricket boards of teams from the Indian sub-continent and these countries have expressed tremendous interest in travelling to the Caribbean to participate in a tournament in which there is a huge cash prize.
Discussions have also started with international broadcast partners for the sale of broadcast rights, while one international parter was approached to become a flagship sponsor of the event.

The Asian cricket boards were considered because that region has the largest cricket audience in the world.

Therefore, through the sale of television rights and strong marketing the country can become a major hub for women’s cricket while boosting the tourism sector.
This event is being planned for the end of October so that it coincides with the Independence celebrations.

Since the infrastructure is already in place, most of the support needed would be in the area of funding for marketing and logistical purposes, the details of which will be provided.

Cricket West Indies has indicated that over the last few years, Antigua and Barbuda has received more cricket matches than any territory in the Caribbean.
A major drawback that has been identified is the need for at least one additional internationally approved cricket ground that can help to support the number of matches.

A ground such as the Factory Cricket Ground can become an international with the construction of changing rooms, locker and bathroom facilities with minimal investment.
A second sporting area that was explored by the subcommittee is that of motor sports for the staging of the Antigua Motor Sports Week, in a similar way that Sailing Week is conducted.

The country is home to two car racing tracks, namely the North Sound Raceway and the Crabbs Raceway, both of which are in line for international certification.
In the case of the North Sound Raceway, the concrete safety barriers around the edges need to be constructed and the Minister of Works has given a comment to have this done shortly.

Once this is done, international certification would be almost immediate.

The subcommittee considered several other sporting disciplines, but it was felt that they level of investment that is needed to realise the kinds of return might be better suited for long-term pursuit.
Those sporting disciplines were not included in this report, but would be presented in a later report to the ERC.

Page 5 of 9 In terms of cultural and entertainment events, the subcommittee excluded Carnival site it is already a major event on the country’s calendar.

To add more variety to the entertainment industry, it was believed that an international steel pan festival to capitalise on the growing influence of steel pan can reap significant dividends.
Most of the investment would be in the areas of marketing and international reach.

A final activity that the subcommittee considered is the hosting of a Christmas market, commencing this year.

Two reasons motivate this decision: firstly, it provides the country with a platform to do a test run for Carifesta; and secondly, it can act as a way to rekindle the Christmas spirit in Antigua and Barbuda.
Such an activity with a strong cultural component can be used to woo vacationers from the hotel properties to a centralised area, namely the Multipurpose Centre.

Discussion on the Report Presented by Minister Matthew Committee members commended the Hon.

Minister on the report presented and engaged in discussions on several aspects.
With regard to the hosting a cricket tournament, it was expressed that two issues have to be taken into account: firstly, the international cricket schedule; and secondly, scheduling in such as manner that the tournament does not coincide with the nation’s rainy season.

Additionally, it was expressed that India has the kind of population and finances to make a women’s cricket tournament viable therefore the subcommittee should engage with that cricket board as a possible partner.
Minister Matthew clarified that discussions with international cricket boards have started and that the timeframe mooted for the tournament was in fact suggested by India as one of the nest times.

It was also expressed if consideration was given to hosting an event that included the beach as an important feature, since the country is known for its beaches.
Secondly, the question of whether consideration was given to using Antigua as a sports training country, especially for international teams who may have a desire to train in a warmer climate when it is not possible to do so in their own country.

The Hon.

Minister explained that the second point in particular was considered, especially with regard to international football teams.
One of the problems encountered is that the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association does not have a purpose built facility that can accommodate such teams.

The Minister also reported that in the area of basketball the country has received requests for that kind of programme to be put in place.

Again, there is no facility on island that meets the required standard and it will take a multi-million dollar investment to have it done.
This is one of the projects that will be included in the subcommittee’s final report so that it can be considered for the medium to long term.

A suggestion was made for consideration to be given to purchasing a parcel of land adjacent to the JSC Sports Complex and to use it for expansion.

Minister Matthew explained that attempts have been made to do so but that the selling price of $1.3 million was prohibitive.
Another idea raised by the ERC is whether an indoor facility that can attract international teams can be created as part of the Willoughby Bay project.

The Hon.

Minister explained that while the idea itself was a good one, facilities of that nature tended to do better in areas of high population density, especially in and around urban areas.

Chairman commended Minister Matthew for a brilliant presentation and reiterated his government’s intention to use sports and the creative arts as export services.
The Chairman indicated that the government continued to build infrastructure in these areas.

For example, the government has injected about $4000,000.00 in the North Sound Racetrack.

The acquisition of the Deluxe Cinema facility Page 6 of 9 promises to see the creation of a creative arts centre.

Government also intends to invest in musicians through the creation of a music laboratory in order to harness the creative abilities of our peoples.
His Excellency Daven Joseph - Development Commissioner Opportunities within the Blue Economy Ambassador Daven Joseph indicated that the Blue Economy represents on of the areas of greatest potential for exponential economic growth.

Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime boundaries far exceed our physical landmass in size, and this holds great promise for the potentialities of the country’s Blue Economy.
Areas of expansion within the Blue economy include the tourism sector, particularly in the area of hotels development and the yachting sector.

In addition, diving expeditions and explorations is another area that can be explored for future development.

The nation is home to some of the most interesting underwater wreckage and beautiful reef formations.

The Blue Economy also holds great promise to support the nation’s energy needs in wind power generation, hydroelectricity, and possibly geothermal power.
Aquatic sports is another area that the Blue Economy can support.

The Ambassador suggested that the country can develop an aquatic sports day that includes kite surfing, jet skiing, and other related sports.

The calm waters around the country is conducive to the aforementioned sporting activities, especially since jet skiing is now an emerging sport internationally.

Fisheries is another area that the pantry can develop as part of the Blue Economy.
While it is true that the country engages in limited export of some seafood, is was explained that an area that remains lacking is that of canning and packaging even though there are government facilities that possess the capabilities to do so.

A fifth area that can be developed within the Blue Economy is that of ship registration coupled with marine insurance.

The country already maintains a ship register that can be used to encourage owners to insure with insurance companies that operate locally.
Moreover, ship construction, repair, storage present potential areas of development.

Sand mining and the mining of minerals.

While initially it appears far-fetched, the ocean provides abundant resources that if properly identified and harnessed can create economic benefits to the nation.

Discussion on Presentation by Ambassador Daven Joseph The Chairman thanked Ambassador Joseph for a very good synopsis of the opportunities available for the country as part of the Blue Economy.
The government has 40% share in Meridian Construction, a company that does sand mining.

In addition, the company acquired an excavator to aid offshore sand mining that will help to satisfy both local demand and export markets.

Moreover, to give added support to fishermen, the government is contracting a facility between the old Food City supermarket and the Antigua Distillery Company in the Point.
It is the intention to create a boatyard in the area as well that can create an industry for the repair and maintenance of boats.

The Blue Economy promises to be an important sector from a food security standpoint.

It was the consensus of the ERC that if the areas highlighted for development as part of the Blue Economy begin to bear fruit, the country stands to benefit tremendously.
An area is concern is the perception that the nation’s acts as a “flag of convenience,” a derogatory term coined by international Page 7 of 9 countries in an attempt to disparage the nation’s success in the area.

The aim is therefore to change that the perception and market Antigua and Barbuda’s ship registry as one that is credible and trustworthy.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS LIAT The Chairman, en passant, indicated that the subject of LIAT will have to be brought to the ERC since the airline will not be the same after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, considering that the worldwide airline industry is restructuring to cope with the challenges of the global pandemic.

An aspect of the ERC’s remit, therefore, will be to consider ways in which LIAT could meet the present challenges.
Visits to the Country by Large Groups Such as Sports Teams The ERC considered the question of when large groups for events such as sports and other large festivals might be able to visit the country.

Realistically, the plans for those kinds of activities would have to target 2021, provided that a vaccine or another successful form of treatment to combat the spread of COVID-19 is developed and made accessible.

The ERC was further informed that two British Universities, viz.
the University of London and Oxford University, are the two leading universities tracking the development of treatments for the COVID-19 virus.

It might be a good idea for the country to engage in dialogue these universities before a vaccine is actually developed so that when it happens we can be considered.

The Chairman responded that preliminary research has shown that these universities are being funded by the US and British governments and that their initial production will go to their funders.
The ADOMS Building An enquiry was made as to when the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Maritime Services (ADOMS) building on Factory Road would be ready for occupancy since potential occupants have expressed interest.

The Chairman explained that there were some legal issues that were being resolved and so the building should become available in about four weeks.

The Minister of Works had previously reported to the Cabinet that finishing work is taking place at this present time.
Protocols for the Minutes of the ERC Responding to a question about the protocol governing the minutes of the ERC, the Chairman reminded Members that the minutes are intended only for persons who are members of the ERC.

They are therefore not to be distributed within the various organisations that members represent.

However, the Chairman informed members that it is acceptable to have discussion with their organisations on issues that are raised in the minutes.
Page 8 of 9 ADJOURNMENT The Chairman thanked members for the robust discussions at today’s meeting and for being so steadfast in their commitment to nation building.

The date and time for the next meeting of the ERC is Thursday 25th June, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:57 p.m.

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