The Bolivarian Alliance: Partnership for Social Improvement

The relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela have experienced unprecedented growth during the past four years. The primary platform for the increased collaboration was the PetroCaribe Initiative.

On June 29th, 2005 Deputy Prime Minister Wilmoth Daniel joined Venezuela and twelve other Caribbean Countries in signing the PetroCaribe Energy Cooperation Agreement. This paved the way for Antiguans and Barbudans to benefit from a number of social and infrastructure development programmes which included:

• $3 million donated to the Public Library project
• $6.7 million per year allocated for the Senior Citizens Utility Subsidy which provides eligible seniors with $100 per month to offset electricity, water or telephone land line bills
• Access to 10 megawatts generating capacity for APUA
• $5.5 million for the construction of the Grays Green Community Complex
• $27 million loan for the North Sound Housing Project
• $52,000 grant to the GARD Centre to purchase agro solar dryers – a project which to date has benefitted some 30 small business owners
• $21.6 million grant for a major water infrastructure improvement and expansion project
• $20.25 million grant to refurbish the VC Bird International Airport in preparation for Cricket World Cup
• $5 million allocated for the People’s Benefit Programme – a $200 per month subsidy provided to disabled persons and qualified economically disadvantaged persons

Even as the UPP provided these benefits, provisions were made to settle the financed portion of the fuel purchased under the PetroCaribe Initiative. In so doing, the People First government has ensured that future generations will not be saddled with the debt associated with the purchase of fuel. The UPP’s prudent and responsible approach to the management of our nation’s business contrasts sharply with that of the failed ALP regime, which left to every man, woman and child in Antigua and Barbuda an individual debt of over $40,000.

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