In the wake of the sudden death of OBSERVER Publications Ltd Chairman Winston Derrick, condolences and tributes have come pouring in from many segments of society, including several dignitaries.

Government is banking on cash from the Citizenship by Investment programme (CIP) along with increased economic activity in 2013 to finance its $786 million budget next year.

Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is negotiating with local banks for a loan to restructure the nearly $37 million in debt, owed to the Antigua Power Company (APC).

People could enjoy a duty-free shopping experience in Antigua at a mega-complex if the Mulberry Center Group’s (MCP) troubled EC $300 million investment comes to fruition.

The group proposing a mega commercial centre said it would not give in, despite a competing company being allowed to build on land earmarked as vital for their project.

The Inland Revenue Department failed to take a firm stance on employers who have jumped the gun on making deductions from employees’ allowances and benefits, although consultations on the way forward are yet to conclude.

Minister of Finance Harold Lovell yesterday said government is not in a position to pay the US $23 million it offered to pay Half Moon Bay Holdings as compensation after compulsorily acquiring the property several years ago.

There was chastisement for parliamentarians and support for Minister of Finance Harold Lovell, yesterday, when Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer made his contribution to the 2012 Budget Debate.

Deputy Speaker of the House Chester Hughes was forced to adjourn debate on the 2012 Budget, as there were fewer than six members in the 18-member House yesterday.

Leader of the Opposition Antigua Labour Party (ALP) Lester Bird is charging government with concealing the true unemployment figures in the country.