St. John’s, Antigua, WI (September 11, 2017). As life in Antigua returns to normal
following hurricane Irma, the country’s relief effort to rebuild the sister island of
Barbuda has shifted into high gear with all hands on deck.
In the first meeting of Parliament post Hurricane Irma, Prime Minister Gaston
Browne gave a detailed assessment of the damage inflicted on the sister island
and made a commitment that the Government has set a target to raise EC$50M
for the Barbuda relief effort during the next 90 days. The country requires a
focused response and strong leadership to ensure that relief funds are raised as
quickly as possible so that the rebuilding can commence in earnest.
In his address to Parliament today, Minister of Tourism Hon Asot A. Michael gave
the nation a report on the recent damage assessment to the country’s tourism
plant, which remained largely intact, and also used the opportunity to set an
example that charity begins at home. The Tourism Minster along with his mother
Ambassador Josette Michael then graciously made a donation of US$200,000 to
the Barbuda Relief effort.
The Minister indicated that this was driven by his abiding love for the people of
Barbuda, who along with the people of Antigua have supported his own family in
their own hour of need. He recalled when his great grandparents arrived as poor
immigrant farmers 136 years ago from the tiny village of Bahzoun in Lebanon the
indigenous people of Antigua and Barbuda accepted them with open arms. The
Minister recounted that it was those ordinary indigenous people of Antigua and
Barbuda who for four generations had supported his family’s business and
helped to create wealth for Antigua and Barbuda.
In his charge to the nation to come together in unity to support the Barbuda relief
effort, the country’s tourism Minister challenged the other local business leaders
who have been successful in their own business due to the patronage of the
people of Antigua and Barbuda to “do likewise”. He appealed to them to not just
talk about the challenges facing Barbuda but to act in a meaningful way by
contributing to the relief fund. “We must all do everything in our power to ensure
that Barbuda rises again to its former glory and beauty as a jewel in our Tourism
crown” said Minister Michael.
In order to assist this effort anyone wishing to immediately contribute to the relief
effort can do so by sending donations to special accounts set up by the
Government exclusively for the disaster relief.
Deposits locally and international bank wire transfers can be made to:
ANTIGUA COMMERCIAL BANK
Local deposits can be made to The Antigua Commercial Bank:
Barbuda Relief and Rebuilding Fund: Account No. 100004717
Alternatively contributions can also be made to:
CARIBBEAN UNION BANK
Local deposits can also be made to The Caribbean Union Bank Barbuda Relief &
Rebuilding Fund, Account No. 10001372
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ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua & Barbuda comprises 108-square miles. The 365 white and pink sand beaches, one for every day of the year, are just the beginning of the treasures that await visitors. Antigua’s rich history and spectacular topography provide a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort commissioned by the British in 1755, is perhaps the most renowned landmark.
Betty’s Hope, built in 1674, is the site of one of the first full-scale sugar plantations on Antigua, and offers a chance to step back into time by visiting the restored mills. Another unique attraction is Devil’s Bridge, located at the eastern tip of the island in Indian Town National Park, where Atlantic breakers have carved out a natural limestone arch. Antigua boasts a varied tourism calendar including events such as the World Class Antigua Sailing Week, Classic Yacht Regatta,
Antigua Sports Fishing and also the annual Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest
Summer Festival. Island accommodation ranges from luxury, boutique resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller more intimate boutique guesthouses and cottages. For information about Antigua & Barbuda visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.us and follow us on
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda
Facebook: www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda;
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda