ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

The Baldwin Spencer administration is pushing ahead with plans to rename Antigua's highest peak - Boggy Peak - after United States President Barack Obama.

The August 4 renaming ceremony coincides with Obama's 48th birthday, as well as annual carnival celebrations.

Spencer told reporters that the Mount Obama would be developed and managed as a national landmark to symbolise the historical achievement of the American president and what it means for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

'Mount Obama Monument/ National Park Development Project is intended to create a unique place of pride and dignity for the people of Antigua and Barbuda and to give visitors an understanding of the similarities in our histories and cultures and an appreciation of the importance of caring for that legacy," the prime minister said.

Political guidepost

'Mount Obama will become a prolific political guidepost, a triumph of the human spirit and a beacon of hope for all people, particularly minority groups who may have been economically disadvantaged.

'This will include people in underdeveloped countries and single parents who can readily relate to President Obama's journey and accomplishments," he added.

The eco-themed park, located in the south of the island, will feature hiking trails, a museum and interpretation centre and will incorporate agricultural stations at neighbouring Cades Bay and Christian Valley.

However, before the government completes the project, it will need to host discussions with landowners and operators in the area in an effort to resolve any boundary, ownership or public-access issues.

"I am of the view that things can be worked out with these owners. The matter will be the subject of meaningful discussions. It could very well be that the government decides, 'Look, we can do some trading here; give you lands elsewhere for what you'll be giving up, there're various options, so we will look at all the options available'," Spencer said.

He said existing properties could also be incorporated into the overall design.

Spencer announced plans for the renaming of Boggy Peak on November 5, following Obama's win at the polls to become the first African-American to be elected to lead the world superpower.

The decision, however, has not been welcomed by all, including some who felt the move was premature.

But the prime minister defended his decision, saying Obama's achievement should be recognised, regardless of the fact that he was only recently elected.

"It is not a question of whether or not Barack Obama's presidency will be successful. I have no doubt that it will but the issue doesn't turn on that.

"What it turns on is the fact that he was elected president of the United States of America as a man of colour and it sends a powerful signal worldwide not only among people of colour, but other races and ethnic groups throughout the world," Spencer said.

"It is something we can capture and put to effective use in terms of what it can do for Antigua and Barbuda in terms of the developments that we have in mind and to send the kind of signal that I wanted it to send," he added.