BUSINESSFOCUS EDITOR’S FOCUS
Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Regional Publications Ltd (RPL) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Publisher: Lokesh Singh
Editor: Carel Hodge
Graphic Designer: Deri Benjamin
Advertising Sales: Gilda Alexander Ann-Maria Marshall Evol Desouza
Cover Photography: Joseph Jones
Photography: Joseph Jones
Johnny Jno Baptiste Carel Hodge
Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012 from all of us at Regional Publications.
As 2011 comes to a close and we enter 2012, the forecast for the world economy continues to be news of job cuts and hints of a “double dip” recession. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is forecasting that the world economy is on the verge of a new “job recession”.
Labour Commissioner Hesketh Williams admits that though grim, the ILO analysis is a reality for many economies, including those of small island developing states like Antigua & Barbuda. He suggests that the only way out is by attracting foreign direct investment. However, as a people we have to invest in ourselves, supporting the call from the Ministry of Agriculture to “buy local”, is one way of doing so. The Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) has reported successes from their “Buy Jamaican…Build Jamaica” Campaign. That island recognised that establishing and maintaining a strong local market is critical to the economy of the nation.
The local tourism sector continues to show signs of a rebound despite the negative forecasts for the world economy. This season the local cruise sector reported increases in ship arrivals, while tourism stakeholders continue to successfully find creative ways to market the island. Again Antigua’s participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in November was deemed a success.
On the cover of this our December/January issue, is the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS). Prime Minister Hon. Baldwin Spencer is the direct line minister with responsibility for marine services and merchant shipping, while Dwight Gardiner is the director of ADOMS. Recently ADOMS launched its mega yacht ship registry as it continues to be an ambassador of the Antiguan flag across the world. The organisation also recognised their four longstanding employees including the director, who has been with the organisation for 30 years.
I do hope you enjoy reading this issue of the magazine. Business Focus welcomes your comments and suggestions. Feel free to write to editor@
businessfocusantigua.com. read the magazine online at
www.businessfocusantigua.com.
4 | BusinessFocus • December/January 11/12 Editorial Contributors:
Ingrid O’Marde, Daryll Matthew, Dr. James Sutton, Barbara Williams, Yves Ephraim, Dr. Brian Cooper, Michele Martin, Harold S. Dickenson Jr., Ken Shipley, Marlon Rawlins and Yvelle Charles-Jenkins.
Regional Publications Ltd
Bryson’s Office Complex, Friars Hill Road, P.O. Box 180, Suite #5A,
St.John’s, Antigua Email:
Website
Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialized fields or areas of interest.
Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright.
Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.
On the Cover:
Prime Minister Hon. Baldwin Spencer & Dwight Gardiner, Director of ADOMS
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