About 15 years ago I started hearing the name Allen Stanford cropping up all over the island. From what I could garner from the talk was he was a gazillionaire Texan making his mark on the island. He was in banking, real estate and investment. Later he went on to build up massive real estate on islands completely ravamping the airport building two restaurants, his bank of course and a gorgeous cricket field. He became a citizen of the island and was knighted. He had a newspaper and later this year became a cricket promoter causing an uproar in the sporting community. The purse prize for the 20/20 games was beyond belief. Oh by the way, he has property in St. Croix where he spends a lot of time. I am summarizing a rather lengthy 20 year relationship with the island but it came to a head in the last few days. Sir Allen is in deep doo doo. Some say he is a scam artist. Others say he has done nothing wrong. He is being investigated by the US government. Investors in banks related to Stanford have their accounts frozen. Even the once famous Red Sox now Yankee ball player Johnny Damon is feeling the wrath of Stanford. Poor Johnny allegedly could not pay his personal trainer this week. Meanwhile locals in Antigua stood in lines at the bank for up to 8 hours pulling out their money. Simliar bank runs occured in Venezuela and reportedly in Columbia. Where is Sir Allen? Some say in Virginia. Who is he?? He is an enigma and it’s all catching up to him now……whatever it all really is.
Archive for February, 2009
Where is Allen Stanford? Who is Allen Stanford
February 20, 2009Test Match Cricket Abandoned Today
February 13, 2009Test Cricket with England against the Windies was postponed today at the nearly new Sir Vivian Richard Stadium. The reason was poor ground conditions for the players. Reports stated the sand based outfield was not safe so games today were abandoned. There is talk of moving the games to the old Antigua Recreation Ground. I wonder how the grounds are since no play has been seen in over 3 years. A better option might be the private grounds owned by Sir Allen Stanford over at the 20 / 20 field. There is even talk in the news about moving the venue off island and doing back to backs in Barbados. It’s really a pity as so many have paid dearly to travel and see the test matches in Antigua. The blame is being passed around but who cares who’s at fault. The fans and players are deeply disappointed. Let’s hope for the best.
Here is a photo of a match at the Antigua Recreation Grounds a few years back courtesy of Eli Fuller.
Best Beach On Antigua…
February 4, 2009Everyone has their favorite beach. With a choice of 365 options it’s a pleasure discovering your private little escape. For years I had heard whispers about a secret little bay accessible by foot, sturdy 4 wheel drive or boat. My friend Stuart Griffith who owns Choke on a Bone took me one sunny day south to see Rendezvous. Due to rough seas I was too nervous to get off the boat but looked at what was one of the loveliest most unspoiled beaches on Antigua. Someday I will return.
My colleague Eli Fuller, born and bred in Wadadli (Antigua) operates Adventure Antigua ( www.adventureantigua.com). He can wisk you away to this escape. Take a look at one of Antigua’s 365 beaches. What is your vote for Antigua’s best beach?
Cheap Air
February 3, 2009As a travel agent I have learned the most current ways to scour the internet for the best possible deals for my clients. I no longer handle ticketing but do steer my clients in several directions to assist them in finding air to Antigua.
My favorite search engine is www.yapta.com. You may download the software free and enter in your flights for as many trips as needed. Yapta will automatically notify you if the fare drops. I have see AA flights fluctuate hundreds of dollars in one day. Yapta has saved my clients and I thousands of dollars.
Kayak is a great site. You have to know how to fine tune your searches but their daily or weekly email alerts are great. I was just notified of a great fare of 491.00 USD from Boston to Antigua early March.
It pays to know your search engines and to use them. I recommend Kayak and Yapta for my Caribbean bound clients.
