ALP Backtracks on Vision for Telecommunications Sector

The Antigua Labour Party (ALP) yesterday withdrew a statement that spelt out its vision for the operations of the telecommunications sector in Antigua and Barbuda.

Within weeks of gaining power, the original statement revealed, the ALP planned to take steps to amalgamate the nation’s telecommunications entities into a single joint venture company.

The statement said that discussions with Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Digicel and Cable and Wireless/LIME would be a prompt measure towards Antigua and Barbuda achieving “the most modern broadband Internet coverage with fibre optic cable, capable of delivering the fastest and most comprehensive data and voice facilities.”

“We know that no one telecommunications company can make this investment in Antigua and Barbuda. This is why the ALP government will fashion a joint venture with government investment and private sector know-how to accomplish this ambition for the benefit of the people," the ALP statement said.

While Antigua and Barbuda’s place within the ALP's vision for the regional growth of information technology is not diverse from that upon which the United Progressive Party has embarked, the parties diverge on the monopolistic context within which the ALP vision would be realised. It was over this point that the statement was retracted.

Yesterday, when approached for a comment, political leader of the ALP Lester Bird told the Antigua Sun that in a meeting, party officials were of the view that the statement was erroneous and that the comment was made prematurely. He was unwilling to make a further comment at the time.

Recently at the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organisations (CANTO) annual general meeting, which took place in Antigua, APUA manager Curtis McKay spoke of APUA’s commitment to full liberalisation.

Executive Vice President Cable and Wireless/LIME Leeward, Davidson Charles offered the comment that for growth and development of existing regional telecommunications markets liberalisation, though essentially an issue for government and policy makers, is vital.

Country manager for Digicel Darren Derrick commented, “Our stance is that competition is the greatest benefit to consumers.” He added that he thought a joint venture would be a retrograde rather than progressive step.

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