Thank you Mr. George Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor, Minister responsible for Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications

Mr. Denis O'Brien, Founder and Chairman of Digicel Group Mr. Kevin White, CEO of Digicel Eastern Caribbean Mr. Mark Naughton, Chief Operation Officer, Digicel Eastern Caribbean

Mr. Darren Derrick, General Manager of Digicel Antigua & Barbuda President of the WICB Kenneth Gordon & Mrs. Gordon Specially Invited Guests Ladies and Gentlemen:

I commence my brief remarks this evening with a quotation from one of America's greatest automotive pioneers, Henry Ford. In speaking about the effects of competition, he once said, and I quote: "Competition is the keen cutting edge of business, always shaving away at costs."

I am delighted to share in this moment this evening, not only because it signals the entry of another communications company into the Antigua and Barbuda market, but because of the tremendous potential to produce cost cutting results for consumers.

My Government's Agenda for change calls for "putting people first," and that was paramount in our deliberations and final decision to grant permission for the change of control of Antigua Wireless Ventures Limited from Cingular Wireless to Digicel.

Many thought that the government was procrastinating on the issue. I wish, however, to state that the perceived procrastination was nothing short of ensuring that the takeover did not mean another corporate giant swallowing another simply for profit.

Our "People First" Agenda must not only be seen in the halls of government, but also in the operations of the private sector where we have some semblance of control.

With Cable and Wireless' aggressive marketing strategy and APUA PCS resolute approach for quality service, the addition of Digicel as the fastest growing mobile telecommunications operator in the Caribbean - can only mean efficiency in service and reduction in costs to consumers in Antigua and Barbuda.

Already in today's papers we are reading phrases such as "Do you want more? Now you've got more. You'll get double minutes and double texts for your money," and "Talk more for less - more value, more coverage - sim cards only $20 a saving of some 60%." Who benefits from competition? - the consumers of course.

Ladies and gentlemen:

Since coming into office, my Government has embarked on a rigorous programme designed to transform the information technology landscape of Antigua and Barbuda - in the interest of the people.

We subscribe to the belief that effective communication is an essential component of organizational success whether it is at the interpersonal, inter-group, intra-group, organizational, or external levels.

We are, therefore, unswerving in our efforts at transforming the nation to e-government, e-commerce, e-business and an e-culture and enacting legislation that will provide avenues for bridging the digital divide, generating investment in IT and liberalizing the telecommunications sector.

The government's efforts in this regard have resulted in Antigua and Barbuda being labeled by the Commonwealth Secretariat as the "ICT City of the Caribbean."

Our programme of development, under the direction of the hardworking and capable Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Senator the Hon. Dr. Edmond Mansoor, also encompasses the modernization of the communication system for our security services.

We believe that these goals are achievable by collaborating with the providers within the telecommunications industry.

I am pleased to learn that Digicel has been demonstrating its loyalty to the Caribbean Region by building a legacy of commitment to improving the quality of life of the people in the communities where Digicel operates.

Good corporate citizenship is a fundamental element of any company doing business in today's economic environment. A partnership with government and non-governmental organizations, including sporting and cultural entities, can inspire positive energies in the business community and among our young people.

My Government has taken notice of your affiliation with the youth through the sponsorship of the Antigua and Barbuda Basketball Association league championships, the development of steelpan music on Barbuda and the selection of the lovely and talented Ms Claudette Peters as your spokesperson. We commend you for these acts of commitment to youth development.

I wish to announce this evening that Digicel has just informed me that they will be funding an annual IT scholarship at the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology ABIIT and they will also fund the construction and equipping of a mega IT lab in one of our primary schools. For this we salute Digicel.

On behalf of my Government, we congratulate you for your exciting entry into the Antigua and Barbuda market. Your impressive track record in placing the Caribbean region at the cutting edge of mobile telecommunications technology as well as being a community minded telecoms provider is well known and admired across the region.

Your presence in the market place is marking a new era of positive competition and development in the mobile telecommunications market, and we look forward to the continuous value that Digicel will add to Antigua & Barbuda.

Welcome to Antigua and Barbuda Digicel. May your efforts reap many rewards and provide enormous benefits for the people and nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda expects more and we are confident that we will get more! Thank you very much.