WHY I CANNOT TRUST THE ANTIGUA LABOUR PARTY [ALP]

[bombshell]

WHY I CANNOT TRUST THE ANTIGUA LABOUR PARTY [ ALP ]


Part I

William Faulkner says, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past."
This statement embodies why I cannot trust the ALP in its current
configuration either to lead the country again or to serve as the
government in waiting.

I have chosen to share my personal story in two parts. Part I
highlights the history behind my business development and life
challenges. Part II emphasizes various political strategies of
disempowerment that the ALP used to destroy our business.


Our Beginning:

Our business, The Cigar Shop, was operational from 1990 and
transformed into Cuba's premier cigar franchise - La Casa Del Habano
effective Saturday, November 1, 1997. But, ALP's government political
bias, fraudulent rent, and deceitful practices, ultimately led to our
business cessation in 2002. We were victims of the ALP's agenda to
disempower black local entrepreneurs.

Prior to our advent into the cigar business at Heritage Quay Duty Free
Shopping, our market evaluation and analysis identified a demand for
premium Cuban cigars. Also, our research detailed high import duty and
taxes as negatives.

Therefore, to be competitive and offer a demanding product at
competing price, a shop inside Heritage Quay duty free was essential,
so as to avoid the adverse impact of higher taxes. Our progress would
be prohibitive otherwise; also our nearest competitor - St. Maarten,
would have had a competitive advantage.

We decided that the most cost effective approach was to pursue a
contractual agreement with Mr. Ewart Williams to sublet 50 percent of
his shops space at #45 Heritage Quay. The final arrangement for our
business model was sanctioned by Mr. Winston James, Executive Director
of St. John's Development Corporation [SJDC] at that time.

A year later, the lease for #45 was assigned to the Cigar Shop, and in
that same year, we were second in retail sales in the Caribbean. As we
progressed, we received awards and commendations but our creativity
was challenged by Habanos. This revelation was encouraging and we
began to aim for a franchise option with Cuba. When we submitted our
proposal to Habanos on December 07th 1994; and signed the franchise
contract for the establishments of La Casa Del Habano Antigua on March
17th 1995 in Cuba, there were other challenges. Our economic
liabilities had to be settled, before the franchise could become
reality.

The Franchise Development and Challenges:

There were accounts receivable, we were indebted to Treviso Trading,
Havana Cuba for EC$148,016.64. The company dispatched a shipment of
cigars but never received any monies for the goods. The U.S. Office of
Foreign Assets Control [OFAC] in Washington D.C. blocked the micro-
cash transfer sent on April 06th 1994. The funds borrowed from Swiss
American National Bank [SANB], had become a source of great concern,
since SANB refused to accept responsibility.

Presently, the funds are still blocked; and according to the OFAC
nothing can be done as long as the economic blockade against Cuba
remains. I think that the U.S. is obsessed with an archaic law-
Trading with the Enemy Act [TWEA] that should definitely be revoked if
the US is planning on developing a new partnership with the Caribbean
and Latin America.

Eighteen months later, Antigua and Barbuda was facing a major dilemma-
Hurricane Luis on September 05th 1995. Consequently, the ALP
government constantly pontificated about six [6] hurricanes
[1995-2000] even though there were only 4, and the most ferocious was
Hurricane Luis. Hurricane Luis impacted Antigua on September 5th 1995,
a category 4 with 140mph winds, and our adversity was simply one of
many, leaving our store water logged, the roof leaking, and
authorities unable to respond.

We contracted a local mason, and with suitable material, repaired the
area of the roof that was punctured by the windstorm. The SJDC
condemned and questioned our repaired work. In contradiction, SJDC
later employed an Italian contractor, to complete other affected areas
of Heritage Quay, which had the effect of further marginalizing local
empowerment. This episode as many other chapters in Antigua under the
ALP government was humiliating and dreadfully displeasing. It was an
eye opener!

Unfortunately, in Antigua and Barbuda, local business usually suffers
from the government's political attitude. Most businesses reason that
economic self- interest must accord with political realism! But this
was never my view. I always felt that justice and fair treatment is a
better moral standing than political expediency.

In 1997 adjoining shop #47 became vacant, and two months deposit was
requested. A down payment of EC$7566 on January 07th 1997 was later
paid; and a reasonable loan was advanced by Antigua Commercial Bank
[ACB] to further our progress. The handing over of shop #47 was
considerably delayed; but in the meantime Mr. Ron Martin - Executive
Managing Director of SJDC was up-to-date as to our franchise project.

Mr. Martin assured us of SJDC intention to assist small businesses and
that our investment would be "...regularized in accordance with the
cost involved, so you can proceed with your plan" Therefore his
authorization provided impetus for us to continue with our business
project.

Mr. Ron Martin’s gentleman’s agreement was accepted as justification
of procedure. Our franchise was fully active on Saturday, November 1,
1997, and our cost of refurbishing shop #47 was approximately EC
$120,000. In addition there, were other related costs: humidifier
$67,000, franchise fee $135,000, central air conditioner $19,000. Our
overall investment for 45/47 total EC$450,000.

The Advent of our Problem:

With all of our investment, there was concern that the development
cost for #47 EC$120, 000, and refusal of SJDC to honor its gentleman’s
agreement could be detrimental to our business. However, that
guarantee, was craftily given the thumbs down by the ALP government,
clearing the way for SJDC fallacious rent.

There was no advance notice, the rent invoice #4333 August 16, 1999
arrived 26 days after my critical article of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird
funeral in the Daily Observer dated July 21, 1999: "Life is as such
and such is life," was published.

My article diametrically opposed the ALP's selective discriminatory
behavior that gave preference to a social clique and ethnic moneyed
class as opposed to recognizing Grathel Richards, mother of our living
legend, Sir Viv Richards.

In addition, James Drew, a key activist on the frontlines of social
change in the late 1940s was also disregarded. Neither was in the
dignitary section, that was assigned to the affluent ethnic group. My
tough but truthful criticism was one too many that irked the political
directorate.

My criticism of the government’s tendency to disrespect and dismiss
locals was cited as offensive by the economic elite, so Asot 'Penguin'
Michael, a political aspirant of that ethnic association told me in
threatening retaliation: "You better stop writing or suffer the
consequences," but my relentless pursuit of truth and freedom was
unwavering!
The intention of the earlier bill was a loophole, equipped to
persecute our enterprise; and silence our resistance.

We were victims of ALP's government inconsiderate and unjustifiable
invoice and totalitarianism practice. No thought was given to our
portfolio, to the powers that be that was marginal! However, closer
examination revealed their wicked agenda.

It was obvious that ALP's strategy was merciless and just another
political torment. Therefore, a practical plan was necessary to
counter their devious conspiracy. A hand delivered letter opposing the
vicious rent was immediate; and at the same time pinpointed what we
were obligated to pay.

Also, in reality, since the tourist season was fast approaching, and
we had already purchased a large consignment of cigars valued over EC
$189,000, a creative delayed response was essential. We wanted to
avoid additional spiteful reactions designed to destroy our franchise.
But we had already figured out that the ALP was gunning for us and
that there would be no turning back!

Several months later, on a cool Sunday morning at Tim Hector's
residence some fiery news broke, Tim told me: "Bombshell, they [the
government] are going to destroy you"
Although the paradox of ALP's action was adverse, we were equally
prepared to confront that injustice; and argued against the
politically concocted rental fees that the SJDC rental invoice
contained.

Billing Clarity:

We gathered relevant data and discovered the following: Our document
search revealed conspicuous clarity as per SJDC rent for La Casa Del
Habano. SJDC has consistently billed #47 for electricity, #45 for
electricity and #45 for rent all separately. There was never any rent
bill dispatched to our store for #47 prior to invoice #4333 August 16,
1999.

In conformity with paying several installments towards invoice #4333
August 16, 1999 for $83,219.40 which was fulfilled by March 2000 - 7
months later, with an obvious additional figure of $26,478.90, a total
of $109,698.30 was paid to SJDC.

After the final payment, the shop was under one consolidated account -
#47; and the rent increased by 5% from EC$7632.00 to EC$8013.60.

The refusal to surrender, further aggravated PM Lester Bird and the
economic elite, their clandestine strategy failed, but they already
had a pre-planned offensive.

Our desire to be responsible corporate citizens as well as to engage
in social justice advocacy would prove to be just what the ALP needed
to unleash its deadly politics of conformity or full-blown punishment,
against conscientious local businesses.

To be continued…..

Kwame Nkosi Romeo
aka Bombshell


WHY I CANNOT TRUST THE ANTIGUA LABOUR PARTY [ALP]

Part II
In Part I, I discussed how the historical circumstances that
occasioned our business model. I linked that to the politics of spite
that the ALP used to destroy our business. Part II will showcase the
combination of people and tactics that the ALP employed to create fear
and to displace local black business people like myself.

Hypocrites and Traitors:

Our plight was unending; and further worsened by Saiid Greene, a
hypocrite and traitor, and one of Antigua's leading 'Black Power'
advocates of the dreaded Willie Lynch doctrine. And there are many
such cancerous traitors of that ilk that the ALP and its special-
interest group uses to enact maximum political victimization.

On any given day, Saiid usually came to La Casa Del Habano to talk
politics in his weird fake American accent ignoring any sense of
cultural identity. One particular afternoon our debates about topical
issues progress to Antigua Labour Party [ALP] government duplicity;
and all in the same afternoon Saiid journeyed to PM Lester 'Massa'
Bird office to deliver my criticism. I did not know then, that he was
one of Lester’s political huckster. But he failed to inform PM Bird,
of his scathing criticism and doom-mongering diatribe!

Our proof from credible testimony, confirmed that Saiid was part of a
larger clandestine scheme that was set up to have our enterprise
penalized for political reasons. He was never able to extricate
himself from that crisis. A few days later Saiid wanted to chit-chat,
but as an adversary and arch-betrayer he was bluntly rejected.

Ethnic Minorities Influence:

As the battle line sharpened, the need to destabilize our business for
the benefit of ethnic minority lawlessness became evident.
Specifically, Charles Shoul - proprietor of Wadadli Smoke and Booze
was selling Cuban cigars, in competition with our franchise enterprise
- La Casa Del Habano.

The economic elites did not have that right. We repeatedly objected to
SJDC about that injustice, but it was simply disregarded by Mr. David
Jardine - Executive Managing Director of SJDC. According to our
record, there were no investigations concerning Shoul’s violation.

Eventually, it was discovered that Shoul was successfully used as a
pirate to prohibit and frustrate our business development. Besides, we
are aware that Shoul's other business - The Linen Shop, was failed-
safe, as the exclusive enterprise retailing linen in Heritage Quay
Duty Free.

In fact, we discovered that there was a strong alliance between the
obese political scoundrel Asot Michael and Charles Shoul who was the
President of the Tenants Association and representative on St. John's
Development Corporation Board. Shoul's approval to sit on the SJDC’s
board, plus Asot's political clout, worked together to enable the
takeover of La Perfumeria's vacant shop.

Therefore, Shoul's agenda was to control as many vacant shops as
possible, regardless of the conflicts of interest involved. Shoul's
political appointment authorized him to flaunt his power; he continued
selling Cuban cigars with impunity. As an ALP insider and touted
financier, the ALP did nothing to stop Shoul from breaking the law.
The more we voiced our disapproval to Mr. Dave Jardine, the more he
seems helpless to do the right thing. There was a clear vendetta and
Dave Jardine was unable to act.


The Takeover and Sell-Off:

For that reason Gucci vacant space was initially taken over, kept for
several years and sold to a Pakistani businessman, for widely believed
questionable benefits. Was Shoul the culprit? No, he was not.
Apparently, only the ethnic minority must profit from our resources,
with other preferred enterprise able to sell their storefront.

A case in point was Little Switzerland selling their shop to Abbott's
[a local company] for US$2.0 million. According to TROUBLED COMPANY
REPORTER [TRC] Friday, November 26, 1999 Vol.3 No.229 ".the business
was sold...for an aggregate purchase of $2.0 million of which the
company has received a $1.5 million payment. The balance of the
purchase price is to be paid in two installments in the spring of
2000"

From English Harbour to St. John’s, the former ALP government habitual
practice follows the International Monetary Fund [IMF] policy of
giving special considerations to foreign companies, over indigenous
local enterprise. So, it was pellucid, why Little Switzerland was able
to sell their assets, but there was bias towards domestic equity.


PM Lester Bird’s Draconian Tactics:

Likewise our franchise - La Casa Del Habano was overlooked for an SJDC
award, whereas stores with lesser creativity were acknowledged. But
our store - La Casa Del Habano won an International award in Paris,
along with La Casa Del Habano, Cuba and Ana Fidelia Qirot, a great
Cuban athlete.

Nevertheless, we sustained our faith and remained strong in spirit.
But the ALP's draconian tactics of political terrorism continued. Our
business and residence were searched June 1, 2000.

Two weeks earlier we were told of PM Lester Bird's plan and exposed
assertion, with grimaces of anger, slamming his fist on the table at a
classified gathering to declare: "We must humiliate Bombshell…" There
was political complicity, but the police officers sent to do PM Lester
Bird's dirty work were not the adversary, they were mere pawns,
manipulated by ALP's government nasty game.

This and subsequent pressure tactics were the ALP’s strategy of direct
intimidation, but their hostile operation was denounced! On Friday
June 16, 2000 I wrote another biting article--'The Failure of
Leadership' --- and condemned the ALP's political tyranny.

Although the SJDC debt was paid, we were now under capitalize; and
even more aware that our resources were limited and financing much
more difficult. On October 30 and 31st 2000 our agitation continued,
our shop - La Casa Del Habano , demonstrated solidarity against the 2%
tax on business earnings. Our closure was viewed as anti-government,
so it was obvious what would eventually happen. The ALP's strong-arm
tactic never slackened, it was continuous; we saw it as a crime of
gross misconduct.

Furthermore, the Monarch King Short Shirt belabored that hardship with
resounding reality. On Friday, July 20, 2001 on Observer Radio 'Have
your Say' program, Short Shirt's remark was self-evident truth: "The
government deliberately hurt me, because I am not on their side" My
support was immediate and expressed in a solidarity piece: 'The
Handwriting is on the Wall' Saturday, July 28, 2001.

The legacy of suppression cited in Papa Sammy's 'To Shoot Hard Labor'
page 159 recounts that difficulty with the new Chief Planter, the
patrimonial regime, the legacy of Birdism:

"That cause my pension to stop, the little I was getting to keep me
till the Lord ready for me was gone" And as a victim his reasoning was
emphatic: "..if you don't agree with government, you would sure get
punishment one way or the other"

As our current monthly rent payments escalated, our liability
increased, there was little or no capital to restock, our enterprise
was closed for several months, and reopened December 13, 2001 to March
2002. My wife's severance from LIAT [1974] Limited assured our
business limited survival before its expiration.

Yet, the same ALP government requested a deferral in 'Antigua
Delinquent Letter' on March 13, 2001 to Mr. Donald L Smith Jr,
Chairman of the Board, Antigua Masonry Products [AMP]; whereas our
business was terminated, ALP ignored their liability for more than 28
years! How hypocritical.

Indeed, one must never forget Lester Bird’s flawed leadership, he
turned a blind eye to the family-owned ZDK Radio Station heavily
indebtedness to Antigua Public Utilities Authority [APUA] for more
than half-a-million dollars EC [Caribbean Net News October 4, 2004].
Similar amounts were owed by other family-run businesses: CTV and Sun
Fm.

Following Antigua and Barbuda election on March 23, 2004, conclusive
evidence shows Bird’s family businesses owed APUA more than one
million dollars EC . The massive amounts occurred during Bird’s bias
reign, it actually symbolized a major issue.

Also, prior to March 23, 2004 election, SJDC authorized Mr. Stan
Bowen to occupy La Casa Del Habano [45/47] in December 2003; but
canceled the 'lease' in March 2004.

Why the ‘lease’ was speedily rescinded and did the rent corroborate
what was previously paid by La Casa Del Habano? Why were we
disenfranchised?

SJDC knew why we were not charged rent, our concurrence with former
Executive Director - Mr. Ron Martin was not admissible. Moreover, a
senior accountant was under tremendous political pressure to execute
ALP’s politically contrived plan to charge the phantom rent.

Justice Denied:

It was the ALP's vindictive punishment that exploited our business -
La Casa Del Habano, and this was primarily responsible for the
difficulty we experienced. This is why some citizens resort to
militancy and revolutionary response against grave injustices meted
out to them by those who operate the politics of spite.

After the termination of our business in 2002, Saiid Greene's was
amply rewarded with an executive position at SJDC. He should be
ashamed of his dirty politics; and the employment that exposed his
mismanagement.

On March 23, 2004 the United Progressive Party [UPP]- the 'Sunshine'
government defeated the ALP. Now the revolution has vaporized under
sunlight, and it’s glaringly obvious, there were no position changes!
Was former PM Lester Bird a vanquished foe with broken wings?

Probably, since 2004 election, former PM Lester Bird was disoriented,
his ego-inflation was lost, he was demoralized and went into hiding
after ALP’s surrender. Several months later, he came out of hiding for
dinner with Tony Valadi at Jolly Harbor. After his feast was
completed, I confronted Lester Bird with the question: "Why did you
take away our livelihood?"

Lester Bird, after searching for his soul responded verbatim: "There
were bigger forces than me Bombshell…"

Were there bigger forces operating against ZDK Radio, Sun Fm and CTV?
I suspect not!

Notwithstanding all the evidence, we have been denied justice, because
of ALP's political leadership; and my general discontent was a tsunami
of repressed fury ready to explode. There was a deep sense of anger
and I was ready to take action against those who had ordered my
business demise. But my wife pleaded with me, and her moral voice won
the day.

I came through this horrible situation with the conviction that the
government is not trying to empower indigenous businesses. There is a
mindset that believes that only a particular ethnic group must be
allowed to survive, thrive, and endeavor in Antigua and Barbuda, and
the black man is not a part of this equation. So many politicians
prefer subservience to moneyed interests, than the empowerment of
local businesses.

Our business struggled for our independence and was denied benefits.
If we were willing to comprise with the ALP we would have had our
business project operating to date. But we were not.

Former PM Lester Bird was aware of our opposition to meet with him;
and Asot too was rebuffed. Remembering the words spoken by the
greatest Reggae icon, and Jamaica's national treasure Bob Marley:

" Don’t let a politician do you a favor, otherwise they will control
you forever"

Although, we had the essential products, and our business was
advancing, we were stymied by the former ALP government and its select
ethnic minority. But long-overdue justice is now due. Time will tell!

I hope others will speak up because as Martin Luther King Jr.,
indicates, when the issue is social justice, "In the end, we will
remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our
friends"

Given my personal story, I can not in good conscience support the
ALP’s bid for leadership to ruin the empowerment of others, only for
the enrichment of an elite few! Others have similar stories to tell.
Shall they as well, sit tight and allow the ALP to return to doing
business- as- usual? Or is the time ripe for them to speak out in the
name of country over party politics?

The time is now right to rebuild a more sustainable Antigua and follow
the precepts of its motto: 'Each Endeavouring, All Achieving' and
connect the words with revolutionary action that shows people are
boldly ready to control the commanding heights of the economy!

Semper Virens,

Kwame Nkosi Romeo