Independent
Study Finds Geralds Site Unfit to be Airport
By Merrick Andrews
An Aerial view of Geralds
A draft
independent assessment of potential airport sites on Montserrat has revealed
that Geralds is unsuitable for airport development.
The study was done by the United Kingdom-based Leading Edge Aviation Planning
Professionals and commissioned by the Committee for the Redevelopment of
Montserrat (CRM), a non-governmental, non-political organisation established in
November 1999.
The CRM presented the study during a press conference on Tuesday to be aired on
ZJB radio. “We are trying to protect the Montserrat government,” said Ray
Tyson, a member of the technical committee of the CRM. “The CRM is not against
the Montserrat government or an airport. We want a future and we want a safe
airport. And the problem is being pushed upon us to accept something that we
honestly believe is unsafe.”
The CRM’s presentation came less than a week after British consultant firm
Halcrow and Montserrat government officials told a public meeting that
preliminary studies for the construction of an airport at Geralds are
satisfactory.
Halcrow had said that all studies conducted on Geralds, including wind and
geo-technical assessments, were found to be favourable, which allows them to
proceed to the design stage and construction of a 500-metre runway.
The study released by CRM, however, does not support this. “The 500-metre
airstrip that is proposed is not long enough to take the type of aircraft that
would contribute to any meaningful short-, medium- or long-term development,”
said CRM Chairman Jim Bass.
“What we are saying is that a [19-seater de Havilland DHC6] Twin Otter
aircraft on a 500-metre strip with more allowance for emergency stop is
dangerous. We have discussed already the fact that it requires at least between
695 to 700 metres,” Mr. Bass said, based on assessments from the Leading Edge
study.
Mr. Tyson said the “most dangerous aspect of flying is taking off and the
terms of reference were for a fully-loaded Twin-Otter and they didn’t answer
the question as to what would happen if they lost an engine or a wheel or a
tire”.
He added: “When one is planning an airport you take the worst scenario if you
are in the airport planning business, which is zero wind, the highest
temperature and the altitude of the sea level.”
The Leading Edge draft study drew conclusions from a review of previous studies,
discussions with persons knowledgeable of the aviation situation and possible
airport sites on the island, from analysis of technical materials made available
to the consultant, and from a site visit.
The previous studies done are the Montserrat Replacement Airport Study by Mott
Macdonald; New Airstrip Feasibility Study for Montserrat by Gibb in 1998, and
Review of Airport Options in Montserrat SEA Aeroporti di Milano in 2001.
The study pointed to Blake’s Estate as suitable for an airport site.
A section of the study on Options for Airport Development read: “Based on the
assessment and evaluation of alternative sites, there is a clear preference for
development of the Blake’s Estate site, and this is viewed as superior to any
other. The two sites in the north of the island, while ranked second and third,
are less suitable for a long-term airport development, and may have difficulties
in meeting licensing requirements due to nearby terrain obstacles.”
The study said there is a need for a firm strategy to be adopted by the
Government of Montserrat towards provision of an airport that accommodate the
long-term air transport needs of the island.
CRM members L to R Hylroy Bramble, Jim Bass, Ray Tyson, and Julian Romeo with The Reporter's Bennette Roach
Hylroy
Bramble, secretary treasurer of CRM, said: “What amazes most people is that
CRM took it on themselves and conducted an independent study, and after
listening to that meeting at the church on Wednesday last, it’s clear that the
majority of Montserratians do not support the government on an airport in
Geralds.”
Chairman Bass said: “The government represents the people of Montserrat. An
airport is a public infrastructure and whatever we do, they have to be involved,
they have to take on board hopefully what our concerns and we would expect them
to respond in a positive way.
“There are things that only the government can do and so the best way forward
is cooperation because we are looking at the lives and the livelihoods of
Montserratians as we try to recover from this disaster.”
The budget for the Gerald’s airport is $41.6 million, split into $18 million
from the EU and $23 million from HMG and GoM.
Read the full text of the Independent Airport Study by Leading Edge Aviation Planning Professionals.
Domestic Violence Blends Pain, Fear of Retaliation
By Merrick Andrews
Most
of her scars are hidden by a broad smile, a wave of the hand, makeup and the
clothes she wears.
Purplish, black, thick, mazy, straight and curved. A brutal artist created the
patterns on her thighs, upper arms and face just one month ago.
“It hurts me bad. Sometimes I dream that he is hitting me when he doesn’t
even live with me,” said Mae (not her real name), a 28-year-old Montserratian
victim of domestic violence.
Her boyfriend beats her as often as they have squabbles.
“He hits me with anything he can find around the house,” said the mother of
two children. “He uses his shoes, his belt…just about anything he can find.
He calls me names like ‘dirty gal’, ‘whore’ and ‘lesbian’ and
squeezes my neck and hit me all over.”
And what is
she planning to do?
“I am confused,” she answered with gloom. “People tell me to report him to
the police, but I am afraid that he might kill me. But I must do something about
it, I must tell someone. You have to be careful who you tell your problems. They
might turn out to be the best friend of your enemy.”
Mae is just one of many victims of domestic violence on Montserrat who are
afraid to report their ordeal.
However, the police have revealed that reports of domestic violence on
Montserrat have increased.
Superintendent of Police Paul Morris said 137 cases of domestic violence were
reported in 2000, compared to 12 the previous year.
Supt. Morris said 70 cases of domestic violence
have been reported since the start of the year, which represents about 250
reports for the year.
He said the increases in reports are prompted by more “basic educational
programmes [on domestic violence] and the training of officers to be more
receptive to domestic violence.
Supt. Morris was speaking to The Montserrat Reporter after the official opening
of the Cudjoe Head Family Centre, which will cater to victims of domestic
violence.
Acting Commissioner of Police Simon Morson said people are more confident in
reporting domestic violence, but the “increase in figures doesn’t
necessarily mean that there is an increase in domestic violence now against six
years ago”.
He said the purpose of the new Family Centre is to “provide an environment,
which is conducive to people coming and making these [domestic violence]
reports.”
The Family Centre, whose building was formerly used for the Cudjoe Head police
station, is described as “family-oriented” by Mr. Morson.
Inspector of Beat and Patrol M. Lee said in her remarks: “This building which
we are calling the Family Centre is opened to offer a warmer and more
comfortable environment in which to provide the service victims clearly need.”
MVO
Officer Cries Foul After Cannabis Charge
By Merrick Andrews
Karen
Allen, outreach officer of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), who was
charged Saturday with the possession of Cannabis, has said Rastafarians are
discriminated against by the local police force.
Police said Ms. Allen, 31, was arrested and charged with the possession of
Cannabis after they searched her home on Saturday and reportedly found 0.9 grams
of the illegal drug in her bedroom.
Ms. Allen, who has been a Rastafarian for the past three years, denied
possessing Cannabis and said the quantity the police claimed they found is
“fabrication.”
“Personally, I feel that the Rastafarians are
discriminated against on a regular basis… If a Rastafarian goes into a
government office they are not treated the same way, they are not spoken to in
the same way and chances are they will be given the run-around,” she told The
Montserrat Reporter.
Ms. Allen pleaded not guilty when she appeared in court on Monday. She is
scheduled to return to court on May 23.
She also claimed that the police were inept in searching her house.
In response to her complaint, Acting Commissioner of Police Simon Morson said:
“I wasn’t there but victims of police search always complain. Miss Allen
must realize that the police have a job to do.”
In addition, she was suspended by the MVO on half-pay until her court hearing.
Ms. Allen, who has been working at the MVO since October 2001, said she called
in at work sick Monday after attending court. On returning to work on Tuesday,
Ms. Allen said she received a letter of suspension. “They told me to hand over
the keys (to the MVO building) and take my personal possessions and leave,”
said Ms. Allen, a mother of three children.
The MVO declined to comment on the situation when contacted by telephone on
Wednesday. “The position of the MVO is that it’s an internal matter and we
have no comment for the press,” said business manager Simone Labord.
The MVO’s letter of suspension, signed by Acting Director Richard Herd, and
dated April 23, read: “Following discussions with Dr. [David] Dunkley and
members of the MVO Board of Operations, and also on the advice of the
Administration Department, it has been decided to suspend you from duties at the
Montserrat Volcano Observatory, pending the outcome of legal proceedings in
connection with charges brought against you by the Royal Montserrat Police
Force.”
The letter added: “The period of suspension is initially 30 days (that is 23
April 2002 to 22 May 2002 inclusive). During that time you will be retained at
half the salary agreed in your letter accepting the appointment, dated 3 October
2001. Whether you resume duties will be decided following your court appearance
scheduled for 23 May 2002.”
Ms. Allen was born in Montserrat on September 8, 1970. She was taken to St.
Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands at three months old.
In 1989 at age 18, she joined the U.S. Army where she stayed until 1998.
She later took up a job as a legal secretary at Morrison and Foerster LLP, an
international law firm in Washington DC.
She returned to Montserrat on April 25, 2000 “to bring her resources to
benefit the country and to help”.
“If a Rastafarian goes into a store they are treated and spoken to harshly as
if they steal things. When a Rastafarian goes to customs they receive pressure
by the custom officers as if they are the only persons that deal with drugs,”
said Ms. Allen, who said she is planning to pursue a career in herbal medicine.
EDITORIAL
"Successful
Private Sector Development Means Gain for the Many, Not Just a Few"
Echoing many of the opinions all of us have
heard, we suggested in a previous editorial that even with the building projects
currently underway, the economy will not feel much impact from the funds
generated. This is because as shown then only about 4 percent, a very small
percentage of those funds, would find their way into the general economy of the
island.
Already those who are directly affected by these
projects, those in the construction industry, can be heard wondering, “What is
going to happen when these current undertakings jolt to an end?” It is in fact
this reality that impacts so heavily on our political leadership's agreeing that
they have no choice but to go ahead with the construction of Geralds airport.
The belief is that it would be better to have money filtering down from
something rather than nothing, making sure that the economy will not get worse
than it is and fall right through the bottom. Of course the question again to be
considered is how much of that will be left in Montserrat after the project
managers and Halcrow have taken out their sizeable fees.
The question is being asked both at home and
abroad, time and time again, will Montserrat ever be viable again? It is no
longer uncommon to hear some very key people expressing doubt and fear that we
are heading backwards fast. But even while it is felt that HMG has little
interest in our survival, there is this DFID-sponsored project well into its
second year. This is Private Sector Development Project where the developers are
charged with the implementation responsibility and to ensure the success of any
of their undertakings.
This is supposed to demonstrate HMG’s interest
in our future development,, and if nothing else it may well show that there is a
fair amount of ineptitude on the part of business movers and shakers of the
island.
How the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce,
businessmen and professionals respond will mark the progress of the project.
That someone will benefit is unquestionable, but whether it will be Montserrat
depends largely on this response.
A first phase report speaks to a strategy for
private sector development over the next two years to the end of 2003. It
provides details of the developers’ “strategy to support indigenous business
and a strategy to support target sectors and come with recommendations for
institutional strengthening and for improving the enabling environment for
business.”
The call is for the leaders of our business
community to show that they are on-board with the suggestions and efforts to
establish a base for the success of this project. Inactivity on their part will
aid any intentions and/or expectations for our demise.
There must be evidence that this project is not merely for the very small
(select) few. Those who share the responsibility must ensure that every single
entity or individual who can impact on the progress of this project be brought
on-board.
They must agree to the key factors described in
the project report which says that the priorities for any country’s
development include: unlocking potential, improving the environment for
business, improving access to business finance, widening the entrepreneurial
base, encouraging business start-ups in key sectors and increasing the number of
growing businesses.
Even after the Chief Minister’s outburst last
week against the opinions of this medium that his government had little to show
for their first year in office, he was publicly admitting within hours that most
of the projects they had undertaken had been in the pipeline before their time,
but had merely lacked the finances. It is now history that the reasons he gave
were vehemently challenged by the former chief minister.
But to this government’s credit, they are very
much behind the project for the private sector development which highlights
three of the key priorities as the immediate way forward – improving the
environment for business, improving access to business finance and increasing
the number of growing businesses. As the report highlights there needs to be a
public-private sector partnership in which there is genuine
co-operation.
This means there must be an understanding from
the public sector of the role they must play to facilitate, and the private
sector availing itself of the facility. This cannot happen by itself and it is
in this area that the private sector leaders must shake off the stench of
selfishness and move together to develop a national wealth-creating strategy.
Except
for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily
those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers.
Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles.
All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are
welcome. Send your contributions to
The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org
or monrep@candw.ag. Manuscripts
will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope.
The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.
Jus
Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430
SCRIPTURE
VERSE THIS WEEK
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Read: Psalm 88
The peace of God. will
guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 43-46
The 18th-century
author Samuel Johnson was noted for his wit, sensitivity, and cyclopedia
knowledge. He found solitude depressing so he often tool in the poor and home
less so that he could be surrounded by people. He also confessed that he had a
deep fear of dying.
An Encyclopedia
Britannica article, however, speaks of Johnson's "zest for living." It
characterizes him as a "Christian moralist" with a strong conviction
of the reality of sin and of the redemption provided through faith in Jesus
Christ. It also says that 'his faith prevailed," for when he knew he was
dying "he refused to take opiates because he had prayed that he might
render his soul to God unclouded."
The article concludes,
"Few men have left finer examples of the art of living than Samuel
Johnson."
I have known many
believers with a disposition like that. Most of them went through repeated
cycles of joy and gloom. And when they were down, merely quoting Bible verses
helped little because they were already aware of them. But they kept living for
God and praying, and their faith prevailed. The "peace of God" filled
their hearts (Philippians 4:7). That's good news for all of us, especially for
those who go through times of doubt and despair.
-HVL
Whenever darkness grips
your soul
And you are tempted to
despair,
Remember Christ's
unfailing love,
And trust His faithful,
tender care. -Sper
WHEN LIFE IS FILLED WITH SHADOWS,
FACE THE SUNSHINE OF GOD'S LOVE.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
EU
Share for an Airport Leaves Reader Puzzled
Dear
Editor,
Why
is the European Union footing over 43 percent of the budget for an airport in
Montserrat, a British overseas territory?
Considering
that EU/Britain has earmarked $41.6 million for an airport in Montserrat, why
don't they WANT to spend the money necessary to build one permanent airport?
Do
they still fear a catastrophic event from the volcano could require a complete
evacuation of the island, and therefore render any financial investment wasted?
Is
an eventual return to Bramble the only plan truly under consideration by
Britain/EU for a permanent airport facility?
If
the recent independent study had considered Bramble as one of the
"proposed" sites, would the island's former airport be the clear top
choice if the site were deemed safe?
The
following is from the VIIIth European Development Fund; the Framework of
Cooperation between the European Community and the Overseas Territory of
Montserrat:
"In
November 1999 volcanic activity recommenced with the buildup of a new volcanic
dome that culminated in the collapse of 32 million cubic metres in March, 2000
with resultant pyroclastic flows. The
buildup of a new dome is ongoing and that removes the possibility of any
resettlement or repairs in the southern areas of
the island, including repairs to Bramble Airport, for at least five
years. Fortunately, the volcano is
not currently considered to be a threat to the northern areas of the
island."
Have
there been any scientific revisions since this report was published?
What
would a scientific assessment assign as the probability of Bramble being safe to
renovate/operate by 2006?
When
is the last time a pyroclastic flow reached Bramble airport?
I
have five major questions:
1.)
Is the EU/British government willing to put in writing that if there is a
real demonstrated need (demand outweighing supply), then funding WILL be
available for a permanent airport capable of handling Dash-8's ?
2.)
The governor stated, "It was up to (GOM) that if they can find the
money elsewhere, that they could build an airport elsewhere.
That's their decision." If that's, in fact, true, then why hasn't
GOM solicited CARICOM, the United States, and Canada for assistance in financing
the differential needed to build the desired permanent airport facility?
3.)
With Montserrat promoted as a daytrip destination for visitors to
Antigua, would it be in the Antiguan government's best interests to help in the
financing of facilitating travel to and from Montserrat?
4.)
How much more is the projected budget of an airport at the proposed
Blakes Estate site than the $41.6-million budget for Geralds?
5.)
Why hasn't EU/Britain offered to put the $41.6 million, budgeted for an
airport at Geralds, into an "airport fund," thereby entitling GOM to
opt either to wait for additional financing or until, as Governor Longrigg says,
"a real need for a larger facility has been demonstrated"?
Sincerely,
Aron
Goldman
Miami
Beach/Foxes Bay
aronscott@the-beach.net
PS.
Has there been any progress as yet towards the restoration of water to the Foxes
Bay area?
To
Whom It May Concern
Donoghue
Explains her case
May
I express my gratitude for the government funds, which were used for surgical
intervention I received on 13th February 2002, which have relieve some physical
pain and some of the stress I endure following injuries received on the job.
Thanks to the Minister of Health for making this operation possible. Also Dr.
Meade who did the investigations, which was not done previously.
However the humiliating
and unnecessary words used towards me have placed further stress on me in order
to receive assistance for this surgery. I do understand there are procedures to
follow, but I object to words as “you have the government in court “ I never
put the government in court, I merely ask Lawyer Kelsick to retrieve over
$5,000.00 which were used for medical intervention as the lady went ahead
without receiving my medical bills and offered me $5,000.00. My aim was to have
the money reimbursed in order to meet further medical cost, which I had acquired
to that date and which have exceeded to date.
This money was part of
an investment for my retirement years. I have supported my self all my life, I
spent 22 years in England and never once received welfare, I have put in 12
years honest hard labor in Montserrat and my plans, both educational and
financial, were disrupted due to this violent attack.
I was forced to lay off
my part time workman on my project due to repayment of the Government loan for
my medical expenses. I have had to have paid help in order to safe guard my
long-term goal.
The inefficiency of the
work force continues to cause me a great deal of stress. Having asked to pay the
airfare two weeks prior to my departure which I choose the date in order to
accumulate the money; only to be told on FRIDAY 1ST approximately 3
p.m. that I must pay for transportation to and from doctors appointments and
meals at the guest house, my departure date was Sunday 3RD February.
Having repeating told
these people I could not meet these expenses. I told them to check the bankbook
that was in my husband’s possession as he was in the office as they spoke to
me on the phone about these additional expenses.
Having left Montserrat
with $250 US dollars on Sunday 3RD February sat on a bench all day in
discomfort outside Antigua airport until my departure 4.45 p.m. I fell in the
airport while checking immigration.
ON registering in the
CMM office on Monday 4TH I was told to sign a form agreeing to meet
expenses. ($350 US for 10 days $140 US for transportation) the office staff
called Montserrat regarding expenses, I was told why did I go out there if I
knew I had no money and they could have cancelled the trip if I had said I did
not have money. (Reflect on conversation on Friday 1ST February
Approx.3 p.m.
I agreed to pay for the
transportation and stay without food. Later that day the office staff told me
the transportation will be met so use the money for food, however in spite of
the reduce rate offered the money I had ran out, as departure tax, $40 US to
change the Flight, and other expenses, light snacks instead of proper meals and
went without some days. I attempt to sell my wedding ring to meet expenses.
However in spite of my
appointment with the surgeon on Monday 18, the surgeon was ask to see me on
Friday at 1p.m and I was put on a flight at 7.45 p.m. which was cancelled, I was
put up by BWIA in Trinidad Airport.
Left for Montserrat on
Saturday 16TH February, 2002 at 4.45 p.m. with $50 EC could not
contact the people I know in Antigua, My next step was to sleep on the bench out
side Antigua Airport, following third day post operative “Surgery” (On
crutches with sutures in my knee) however my husband spoke with Mrs. Watts who
made contact with Dr O’Garro and Beachcomber hotel to rescue me for the night.
May I express sincere thanks to these ladies.
I left a message for CMO
on Tuesday and finally spoke to him on Wednesday. I was told by staff I did not
have manners to say I am back, I honestly believe that the inefficiency and hard
words by staff since the onset of my injury and to date has cause me
embarrassment and added stress, yes I am begging for welfare in order to improve
my health so I can continue to provide a service for the community and be
financially stable, these injuries were inflicted in the line of duty, which
caused me financial, educational set back and added stress.
Also in response to Mr.
Skerritt’s standard procedure; I was only asked to return to Community
Services Department, after I went on the street to sell my possessions following
Mr. Skerritt’s statement, “ he had over spent his budget and my surgery was
the most expensive.” I accepted that and venture to sell what I own. Also the
humiliating experience in order to receive the surgery and after the surgery
were the issues. I hand delivered a copy to you and CS D
Re. Insurance
Insurance forms are
signed when the Doctor receive Payment, therefore you can have the forms in
order to forward with payment. Be reminded this insurance object my previous
claim as I was injured on the job.
Please see this
statement as a method of improving your services by treating clients humanely
and not causing further stress to clients who may be trying to cope with
physical impairment or other problems.
May God bless you all.
Madge Donoghue
RETIRED NURSE
What’s on your
mind?
Letters, contributions, stories and commentaries
We wish to remind our readers, we welcome letters and commentaries.
Each submission must
include the author’s name, address and daytime phone number to enable
verification.
All submissions will be
edited for libel, brevity, clarity, grammar and propriety. Commentary and other
articles should be written at a maximum 750 words and letters to the editor at a
maximum 250 words.
All submissions become
the property of The Montserrat Reporter and each author should limit his or her
submissions to one letter per topic.
Send your contributions
to The Editor, The Montserrat Reporter, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat; or
e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org
or monrep@candw.ag.
Fax: (664) 491-2430. Tel. (664) 491-4715.
LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS
14 Islands Attending St.
Martin Trade Show
Maho Beach Resort, St. Martin -- Reported as the
first-ever St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Trade Show, SMART, kicked off
at the Maho Beach Resort & Casino yesterday, April 25 with some 14 island
destinations expected to participate. The three-day affair brought together
about 150 professionals of the tourism and travel industry consisting of
hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, meeting planners, airline executives
and others.
Organizers say they are looking forward to a very
successful trade show that will showcase the best the island has to offer and
create a lasting impression that will be beneficial to its tourism economy.
Participating countries include Anguilla,
Antigua, Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Nevis, Saba, St.
Eustatius, St. Barths, St. Kitts, and of course St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Following months of careful preparations and
planning went into SMART, a joint venture between the hotel and trade
associations of both halves of the island, to become a regular feature of the
island’s tourism promotion efforts. The success of this endeavour will also
determine its recognition by the Caribbean Hotel Association, CHA.
Chairperson of the organizing committee, Leisa
Euton-Marinaro, said, “It is an important event for the island and we all hope
that it will grow in attendance year after year.” Attending the show from
Montserrat are members of the Tourist Board, Carol Osborne of the Vue Pointe
Hotel, Florence Griffith of Montserrat Moments, Tropical Mansion Suites, David
Lea, who has put together a tourist promotion video which will be used
throughout the trade show as part of the Montserrat promotion and TransWorld
International.
The trade show will end tomorrow.
3 MSS Students Make Honors Roll 5th Time
Three Montserrat Secondary School’s (MSS)
students appeared on the school’s Honors Roll List for the fifth consecutive
term.
They are Denise Gordon (fifth form), Kimmora Ward (fourth form) and Kristen
Taylor (second form).
Denise Gordon was a member of Montserrat’s team that placed second in the
Leeward Islands Debating competition on April 4-7 in Antigua, while Kimmora Ward
placed third in the first Caribbean Public Speaking Championship on March 22
also in Antigua.
The aim of the Honor Roll is to recognize and celebrate the all-term academic
performance of students, said MSS Vice Principal Glen Francis, adding that it is
also a motivation for students to always strive for excellence and maintain good
academic standards.
Students have to get at least a 9.5 grade average (equivalent to A-minus) in
order to be on the Honors Roll. Sixth form students are not eligible for the
Honors Roll.
The students on Honors Roll Term 2, 2002
list are: Luke Edgecombe, Nickesha Hixon, Jonette Silcott, Kristen Taylor,
Colin Headley, Devon Gordon, Rachel Jean, Sherasmust Harris, Kenya Lee,
Antoinette Silcott, Kimmora Ward, Camara Irish, Linda Irish and Denise Gordon.
Sixth formers are not eligible for the Honors Roll.
Term 1, 2001: Luke Edgecombe, Jonette
Silcott, Nickesha Hixon, Logan O’Brien, Renee Valechha, Charlon Riley, Kristen
Taylor, Kimmora Ward, Kenya Lee, Antoinette Silcott, Calvin Lewis, Lovetta
Silcott, Achlen Browne, Melvin Lindsey, Thandie Williams, Camara Irish,
Treviesha Lynch, Denise Gordon and Sharra Greenaway.
Term 2, 2001: Dorian Cooper, Glenroy
Foster, Nadia Duberry, Antoinette Silcott, Kimmora Ward, Ian Galloway, Francis
Detouche, Shaurene Farrell, Denise Gordon, Sharra Greenaway, Deane Archer, Maria
Silcott, Alison Skerritt, Siobhon Tuitt, Jose White, Sherasmust Harris, Kristen
Taylor, Renee Valechha and Crystal Archer.
Term 3, 2001: Kristen Taylor, Mamta
Valechha, Renee Valechha, Annesta Fergus, Alphege Browne, Janesther Daway, Devon
Gordon, Colin Headley, Rachael Jean, Linda Dias, Shaurene Farrell, Denise
Gordon, Sharra Farrell, Siobhan Tuitt, Achlen Browne, Dorian Cooper, Glenroy
Forster, Nadia Duberry and Kimmora Ward.
Term 1, 2000: Charlon Riley, Kristen
Taylor, Renee Valechha, Devon Gordon, Francis Destouche, Linda Dias, Shaurene
Farrell, Dejoie French, Sharra Greenaway, Jasmine Hixon, Maria Silcott, Alison
Skerritt, Siobhan Tuitt, Jose White, Sheba Destouche, Hyacinth Dyett, Kenyatta
Tuitt, Ian Galloway, Sherasmust Harris, Achlen Browne, Dorian Cooper, Glenroy
Foster, Nadia Duberry, Denise Gordon, Antoinette Silcott and Kimmora Ward.
Three Montserratians Honored at Investiture
Three Montserratians collected royal and national
honors at an investiture ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.
Leading the way with the highest honour was Sarah Allen, who was awarded the MBE
in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. She was recognized for 36 years of
contribution to education.
The others were Gerodine Mason and Pastor Abraham Riley, who both received the
Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour. Ms. Mason was honored for nearly 50
years of service to the Girl Guide Association (GGA). Pastor Riley was singled
out for his contributions to the island as a minister of religion for 36 years.
An award ceremony will be held later this year for Eileen Edwards, recipient of
the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour.
Ms. Edwards who was off the island at the time of the investiture ceremony,
already holds an MBE. She is recognized for her contribution to education,
having served as the Principal of St. Augustine Primary school for 11 years
after her retirement from the Civil Service.
Free Cricket Tickets Go to MSS Students
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Cable
& Wireless (C&W), through the local sports office, recently donated
tickets to students of the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) to attend a Test
match in Antigua on May 10.
C&W donated 20 tickets while the WICB contributed 18, according to sports
officer Fitzroy Buffonge.
Mr. Buffonge said the idea emanated from a lecture with sixth form MSS students
about sports tourism.
Prominent umpire Basil Morgan, who handed over the WICB donation, thanked the
cricket board for sponsoring the tickets and added: “I am happy to be
associated with the West Indies Cricket Board in this venture. This year is my
40th anniversary of involvement in cricket and this came in beautiful
as part of my contribution. I hope the kids will enjoy the day’s play in
Antigua.”
MSS Caribbean Studies teacher Emiliana Miller, who invited Mr. Buffonge to the
lecture, welcomed the initiative. “I am excited about it because I am a great
cricket fan. I am really looking forward to them being there.”
The students will spend about four hours at the Test match in Antigua and return
home the same day. Lunches are sponsored by Ziggy’s Restaurant.
Montserrat
National Trust Points to Signs of Progress
The Montserrat National Trust has announced the
two latest signs of its progress.
The first is development of the Botanic Garden
Nursery, thanks to the donation in August of 2001 through the DFID Small Grant
Scheme facilitated by the Governor’s Office.
The second, attributed to the generosity of the
Chief Minister’s Office and engineering advice and equipment from the Public
Works Department, is a new entranceway designed to improve access for private
cars and tourist traffic. All cab drivers are now asked to use the new entranceway
opposite the Secondary School and exit through the old entrance, thus avoiding
the previous traffic jams.
Philemon Murraine, otherwise known as Mappie, has
prepared the Botanic Garden site with the help of Ingrid Rupuano, Jermaine
Jackson, Victor Brown, David Hixon and the Botanic Garden Committee.
The general public can now receive specific instructions on propagation,
composting, soils, and even purchase a wide variety of plants (thousands
available on site).
Mappie and his team have identified and
labelled the existing flora. Mr.
John Beattie and Alfred Dyett Associates mapped the existing gardens for
transformation into an educationally-based Botanic Garden.
The nursery will supply the new plants needed in the Botanic Garden.
Construction of the new drive-through was aided by the volunteer efforts of Bob Burbank, Don O’Duggan and Jack Hicks.
West Nile Virus Spread Bodes
More Mosquito-borne Disease
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.
— West Nile virus is spreading rapidly across the United States and poses
a significant threat to human health, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
West Nile virus now has been identified in every
state east of the Mississippi River except South Carolina and West Virginia.
Scientists expect it to reach the Rocky Mountains this year and perhaps even the
West Coast.
West Nile virus burst on the scene in 1999, when
West Nile encephalitis killed seven people in the New York area. CDC statistics
show that, as of the end of 2001, there have been 149 human cases of West Nile
virus illness reported and confirmed, including 18 fatalities.
Humans can contract the disease when bitten by
mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus. Mosquitoes contract the virus when
they feed on infected birds, which may circulate the virus in their blood for
several days.
Migratory birds appear to be the most
common factor in the spread of West Nile virus.
Nonmigratory birds, like crows and blue jays, are often killed by the
infection, but infected migratory species often survive.
West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda in
1937. Exactly how it reached North America is unknown. Among diseases
transmitted by mosquitoes in the United States, West Nile joins St. Louis
encephalitis and Eastern equine encephalitis.
To tackle the annoying pests and control West
Nile virus at the source, some communities spray for adult mosquitoes. Many
critics, however, say that’s too late. They suggest using larvicides, which
kill mosquitoes in the larval stage.
Larviciding can lower overall pesticide usage in
a control program by reducing or eliminating the need for ground or aerial
applications to kill adult mosquitoes.
Antigua
'Earthquake' Puts Emergency Services to Test
ST.
JOHN'S, Antigua -- Regional military and emergency personnel converged on the
streets of this Capital as the simulation of an earthquake which
resulted in a petrol station explosion and fire was played out Wednesday morning
in the continuation of the annual military exercises, "Tradewinds."
The
annual event brings together the Military, Police and Civilian emergency
organizations from all over the Caribbean for training in security and disaster
operations.
This
year's event is being hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)
sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) with the support of the
Regional Security System (RSS). The exercise runs for the month of
April in Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts.
Just
under 1,000 military and law enforcement officers from Antigua &
Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic,
Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the
Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States
are participating, along with officials from, the National Office of Disaster
Services (NODS), the International Red Cross and the Disaster Assistant Response
Team out of Canada.
The
exercise's land and maritime components are coordinated by a Joint Task Force
working hand in hand with the civilian authorities.
According
to the second in Command of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Lt. Col.
Edward Croft, earthquake simulation was intended to test the response
capability of the disaster services.
Exercises
have already taken place in St. Kitts and Barbuda.
Photos:
1. A fireman assists in removing an injured man from the partially collapse
building.
2. Smoke fills High Street during the the Petrol Station fire.
3. Fireman Bernard Rodney turns on the water tender during the petrol station
fire.
Digital photo by Norman "Gus"
Thomas
Sandals to Host Regional Tourism Session in Nassau
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The second Caribbean Media
Exchange on Sustainable Tourism (CMEx),
slated for the Bahamas next month, will be held May 16-20 at Sandals Royal
Bahamian Resort & Spa, located on Nassau's Cable Beach.
"We are thrilled to be working once again with Mr. Gordon "Butch"
Stewart, a highly respected Caribbean man who has made an incredible
contribution to the region's tourism industry," said Lelei LeLaulu,
President of Counterpart International, a conference organizer. Mr. Stewart is
the chairman and chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts. Last October's
event was held at Mr. Stewart's Beaches Grande Sport in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
More than 80 journalists, hoteliers, travel representatives and other
specialists are confirmed to attend CMEx to discuss the business aspects of
sustainable tourism. A major goal of CMEx is to strengthen awareness of the
importance of sustainable tourism within the national economies and communities
of the region.
Public
Meetings Complete On New BVI Labour Code
VIRGIN GORDA -- Public consultations on the draft
BVI Labour Code Bill ended Tuesday with the final meeting on the pending
legislation in a packed Ashford Waters Community Centre, in Virgin Gorda. At
that meeting Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Hon Julian Fraser,
seized the opportunity to restate his stance on the main areas of contention and
to allay people’s fears.
Topping his list of thorny subjects were the
provisions for a five-year term limit on work permits, and the setting-up of a
disputes tribunal. The Minister stated clearly that the provisions for term
limits do not concern persons who are already here on work permits, but only
those who enter the BVI after the law becomes effective.
He called media reports to the contrary
misleading.
One of the most consequential developments from
the meeting was an assertion by Minister Fraser that he hopes to have the new
Labour Code enacted before the next general elections. He said a committee has
been set up to study the feedback gathered at the public meetings and to suggest
changes that should be made to the draft legislation.
With local general elections imminent, he said,
all efforts must be made to get the Labour Code out of the way, as there won’t
be any time for it when the election campaigning begins.
The reaction by most persons at the meeting was
positive and the Virgin Gorda community appeared to have endorsed the new labour
code.
Health
Scheme Inquiry Fells Antigua Minister
ST.
JOHN'S, Antigua -- Prime Minister Lester Bird told the people of Antigua and
Barbuda on Saturday night that he had received and accepted the resignation of
former Health Minister Hilroy Humphreys, who was the main focus last week of the
ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS)
Until
the time of his resignation, Mr. Humphreys was the Minister with responsibility
for Trade Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Last
year, Prime Minister Bird relieved three other Ministers of their posts.
Mr.
Bird said in his address, "I know that the people of Antigua and Barbuda -
all of you inside and outside the Labour Party - are very displeased with the
misjudgements of Mr. Humphreys and the disregard of the due care and procedure
as was pointed out yesterday during the Commission of Inquiry. Just recently, I
made it clear that I expect a certain standard of conduct by Ministers, and I
will act when these standards are breached. It is our commitment to open
government, and to the safeguarding of democratic principles that allows us to
examine our weaknesses and fragilities critically, and in doing so, enhance our
nation as a whole."
In
his letter of resignation, Mr. Humphreys told the Prime Minister, "
On reflection I may have acted hastily and without due care and attention to
procedure as was pointed out, but at all times it was for the benefit of my
constituents and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
I acted in good faith and felt I was on solid ground."
He then added, " I think that until the
commission determines that I was misguided or acted otherwise, I should not
continue to be a Minister of Government in your administration."
The
Commission of Inquiry follows a Forensic Audit, which was ordered by the
Government after allegations of wrongdoing at the MBS. The four-man Commission
is made up of Sir Allister McIntyre, Justice Dr. John Roberts, Legal Counsel to
the Commission Dr. Richard "Johnny" Cheltenham and Mr. Oscar Fedricks.
Photo:
Former Trade Minister, Hilroy Humphreys.
A GIS file photo
SPORTS
"Rebels Still Aim To Extinguish Fire"
As
round one of the Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association (MABA) ends this
weekend, another team will make an attempt to extinguish Fire.
Rebels
will match skills against the unbeaten Fire team in the feature encounter at
Brades court, starting at 7:00 this evening.
But will the Rebels get burnt?
“I am confident that we could beat them as long as the players do what they
are supposed to do,” said Rebels coach Gregory Willock.
Willock said his team was in favour of beating Pitbulls – the League’s
second-rated team – on April 19 but eventually “flopped,” losing 82-80 in
overtime after a 70-70 tie at the end of regulation time. Rebels were losing
their first match then.
However, Willock knows the strength of Fire. “Their strength is rebounding.
They have a better running game. We are basically prepared. We should be able to
hold them.”
Fire’s captain and forward Elbert Aaron does not fear the Rebels. “We beat
them in the Knockout and they were defeated by Pitbulls, so we don’t fear
them,” Aaron said.
In the second game at 9:00, Pitbulls will face hungry Taz Westsiders, who
haven’t won a match in three games.
This should be an easy game for Pitbulls, who suffered their only defeat (37-29)
by the raging and unbeaten Fire.
Last week’s results: April 19 games
Game 1: Fire def. MSS Warriors 29-24 after a 16-12 half-time lead.
Top-scorers: Fire – Nichon Weekes 14; MSS Warriors – Jenzil Skerritt 8.
Game
2: Pitbulls def. Rebels 82-80 in overtime after trailing 34-35 at half-time
(Regulation time score: 70-70).
Top-scorers: Pitbulls – Randolph Lewis 28, Rudolph Lee 17, Kwasi Ryan and
Germaine John 10 each; Rebels – George Green 28, Crenston Buffonge 19, Percy
Roach 11.
April 20 games
Game
1: Rebels def. MSS Warriors 74-59 after a 40-36 half-time lead.
Top-scorers: Rebels – Crenston Buffonge 20, Daryl Cabey 12, David Silcott 11,
George Green and A. Hixon 10 each; MSS Warriors – Darren O’Garro 19, Thomas
Tuitt 15, Jenzil Skerritt 12.
Game 2: Fire def. Taz Westsiders 58-46 after a 37-30 half-time lead (Final score
after rain interrupted play. Referees called off game and awarded Fire winners).
Top-scorers:
Fire – Nichon Weekes 25, Elbert Aaron 15, Vachkel Murraine 14; Westsiders –
H. Bobb 25, Vince Wilkins 7.
Hopes to Revive Softball Still Alive in Montserrat
When Marjorie Lindsey placed a notice on radio
calling for females interested in softball, she thought her effort would’ve
been futile.
“I really wasn’t sure,” said Ms. Lindsey.
But just after one week at least 15 people signed up, and her hopes were
revived.
So far, 32 people have signed after about two weeks, and she plans to run the
notice for another week. “[I was] just hoping people would show interest,
which they did,” said Ms. Lindsey, a 35-year-old executive officer of the
Development Unit.
Ms. Lindsey said she had doubts because most of the softball players migrated
due to the volcanic crisis. Of the 32 people, about a dozen have played the
sport.
Ms. Lindsey, who represented Galloway’s Construction Northern Force softball
team, has teamed with 32-year-old Carol Howe, a clerical officer at Treasury, to
redevelop the sport. “It was very, very popular [before the volcanic crisis].
Almost every village had a team. We use to get strong support from the
public,” she said. “We want to meet and get everybody’s input.”
With cricket and football creating all the stir and fanfare, Ms. Howe encourages
people on Montserrat to help rekindle softball. “It’s a very interesting
sport, and there’s a lot to learn from it,” said Ms. Lindsey, also a former
player.
And men and softball: “It wouldn’t be bad if we throw out the challenges to
the men,” said Ms. Lindsey, who once played for a combined men’s and
women’s softball team.
IMPROVED BUT STILL LIMITED
By Peter
Adrien
They improved but remain limited. There is no
doubt that the West Indies team has improved in all departments but it is their
limitations that cost them the second test against the touring Indians at the
Queen’s Park Oval. Carl Hooper and his players lacked the temperament, the
endurance and application on a wicket they know intimately.
Tuesday April 23, 2002, was indeed another day of
nail-biting cricket at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad, but
India emerged triumphant with a 37-run win over the West Indies in the second
Test match. The seam bowlers, Javagal Srinath, Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan all
bowled with purpose, control and fire to dismiss the West Indies for 275, after
they started the day with their two world-class batsmen – Brian Lara and Carl
Hooper – in the wicket.
But make no mistake about the excitement of the day. Whether you were an India
fan or a West Indies supporter, the day's play left you satisfied. It was
another historic match, a tough fight between bat and ball, but at the end the
target of 313 proved to be a bit too much for the West Indies. Even with 182 to
chase with eight wickets in hand, the West Indies had an uphill fight to pull it
off.
Captain Carl Hooper and his men should have taken
advantage of their superior knowledge of the pace, bounce, of the Queen’s Park
wicket but they failed to exhibit the requisite patience, doggedness, and
application on a wicket that demanded caressing, curdling and responsive foot
movement rather than extravagant stroke play. Instead they failed to bring the
required self control even after they had been in the crease for some time. Some
were too often anchored in the crease; and some others, who even after
displaying excellent patience and self control, gave it away, electing to be
extravagant rather than accumulating.
West Indies lost the match because the batters
lack the enduring mettle required in the test match. While the batters exhibited
marked improvements in temperament, they are still unfit for the long haul.
Ramnaresh Sarwan played enough strokes around the Park for people to confirm his
class but failed to transform his 40s into 100s and to make that transition.
After batting sensibly to get to 41 (109 balls, five fours), he played a drifter
from Harbhajan Singh tentatively to Dravid at first slip
Chris Gayle came back to the middle after
retiring with cramps; played superbly; made full use of very loose delivery; but
at after batting beautifully for 52 (176 balls 8 fours), he committed a serious
blunder, driving the first ball of a new Zaheer Khan spell straight to Harbhajan
Singh at point. The two youngsters, Gayle and Sarwan, are still the kind of
cricketers to whom you don't want to entrust too serious a task.
But the weakest link in the batting order was the
crucial seventh position. The West Indies was found wanting in both innings when
wicket-keeper/batsman Junior Murray failed to assume the critical role of a
number seven in a team with a long tail. His run-out in the second innings, when
the team needed him most, would possibly enter the records as the most comical
in cricketing history. After working one ball away to fine leg for a single,
Murray committed suicide, taking off for a single without looking to Chanderpaul
for confirmation.
Given the long West Indian tail, Junior Murray,
who scored four hundreds in the domestic competition, failed to deliver the
goods with the bat with scores of 0, 0 and 1. Junior looked out of place in the
crease with bat, and appeared to have lost confidence at the highest level. This
critical position must be adequately filled. And the position is wide open for
the return of Ridley Jacobs.
When Junior Murray took off like a confused and
frightened child to his destruction, he would have most likely made his exist
from test cricket. How sad!
Stuart Williams (13) stumbled, before fending one
ball from Srinath to Rahul Dravid at slip, completing a dismal comeback to the
West Indian team. But unlike Junior Murray, he would hope that the selectors
would be sensitive to his classy 43 in the first innings and his near-unplayable
ball in the second. His concern will be the performances of the two competing
young openers (Devon Smith and Daren Ganga) who will be on trial in the Busta
Cup/India game at the BCG (Bonsejour Cricket Ground) in St Lucia.
But Shivnarine Chanderpaul was our victory! The
batsman whom I advocated be dropped from the team at the beginning of the series
has matured. His arrival is reflected in his consistency, his high level of
confidence and dominant stroke-play.
If only he could find a partner to stand with
him, he probably would have batted his team to victory. His performance was that
of a world-class batsman. At last, he has arrived! Bravo!
In spite of the fact that the West Indies
selectors should have played the genuine spinner, not having any genuine
fearsome fast men in the team, the seamers did give a good account of
themselves. The debutante Adam Sanford, the Carib Indian, was a revelation! With
the fitness of Mahendra Nagamootoo, the leg spinner, the bowling department,
with discipline, could do the job against India.
But India is in front and they are not going to
give an inch.
Peter Adrien is a
Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a freelance
photographer. He may be contacted Peter at e-mail: Adriens@caribsurf.com
or visit his website www.adriensenterprises.com
PHOTO
CAPTION: Shivnarine Chanderpaul came of age (Photo: Peter Adrien)
FEATURES
Tourism
Corner
Ms Desiree Edwards, who is a Consultant appointed
as a Human Resource Officer by the Organization of East Caribbean States (OECS),
is charged with working closely with the Hotel Associations in the OECS islands.
Ms Desiree Edwards visited Montserrat on Tuesday April 23 where she had
an informational meeting with the accommodation sector to introduce several
programs being offered through the Caribbean Tourism Credentialing Program (CTCP),
and to gain feedback from the sector with regards to the programs being offered.
What is the CTCP?
The Caribbean Tourism Credentialing Program (CTCP)
is a three-year regional project, jointly funded by the Multilateral Investment
Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Hotel
Association (CHA). Its overall objective is to increase the international
competitiveness of the hospitality and tourism workforce in the Caribbean by
developing a regional credentialing system.
Credentialing and what it means
The act of certifying the achievement of specific
learning objectives of the mastery of designated skills.
As a first step Ms Edwards introduced the three
major components of the CTCP as follows:
Following this initial visit, Ms Edwards will
return to Montserrat in June to begin the Train the Trainer program with the
accommodation sector.
PM Tony Blair Salutes Queen's
Golden Jubilee
(In the House of Commons)
"Mr Speaker, Sir, I beg to move that a
humble address be presented to Her Majesty
to congratulate Her Majesty on the occasion of the 50th
anniversary of her accession to the throne. . . . Her
Majesty accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh has graciously agreed to
come to Westminster Hall on Tuesday
30 April to receive addresses from both Houses
of Parliament. Typically Her Majesty has said that the Golden Jubilee is
an occasion for her and Prince Philip to acknowledge with gratitude the loyalty
and support they have received from so many people
since her accession. But it also provides us, the people of this
country, and those in the Commonwealth, to celebrate the 50 years of absolutely
dedicated service by Her Majesty and Prince Philip.
"The start of this Jubilee year was overshadowed by the deaths of Princess
Margaret and Her Majesty the Queen Mother, when the nation came together
in sadness of the death and gratitude of the life of Her Majesty the
Queen Mother. We demonstrated
not just the honour we felt had inspired us for over a century, we also saw the
respect and loyalty which the Monarch retains
in the heart of our nation. I know that throughout the Jubilee
celebrations we shall see the same public support and commitment to Her
Majesty and Prince Philip. The weekend of national celebrations
from 1-4 June will culminate with a national thanksgiving service in St Paul's
Cathedral after a ceremonial procession from Buckingham Palace.
"It was on a tour of Africa when she was 21
that Princess Elizabeth, as she
then was, vowed and I quote: 'I declare before you all that my whole life,
whether it be long or short should be dedicated to your service, that I shall not have
the strength to carry out this
resolution unless you join in it with me as I now invite
you to do.'
"That vow she has kept. During the past 50 years Her Majesty's
commitment and public service has
been tireless. . . . Throughout all her work she has been guided by deep
seated values and she spelt them out clearly in her
Christmas address in 1999 in these words:
" 'Fairness and compassion, justice and tolerance. These are the
landmarks from the past which can guide us through the years ahead.' . . .
.
"In the many meetings I have had with Her Majesty since 1997 I have time
and again, as my predecessors had reason to be, (been) grateful to her for her
wisdom, good sense and experience that she always brings to the issues of
the day. Nationally and internationally the world has of course
changed more than anyone could have
imagined from that day 50 years ago when the
young Queen took on the awesome responsibility of the Monarchy following
the tragic death of her father. Yet through all the change and
through all the insecurities and uncertainties that change brings and which all
countries have experienced in the last half century, our country has had the
inevitable benefit of that symbol of principal unity and continuity so perfectly
embodied in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"With a matchless sense of duty she has served the country, with pride we
celebrate her jubilee."
VOLCANO
LIMERICKS
Eco-tourists' Bonus
Welcome to this special land,
We've two kinds of ruin at hand;
There's nature's grim path
From volcanic wrath,
And beaches that man rapes for sand.
You Get What You Pay For
Consultants say data we've got
Show Geralds to be the right spot,
But for CRM's money,
New consultants say, funny,
The data we have say that's rot.
JUS WONDERIN
Jus wonderin if the family centre will cater for the wealthy who are being abuse undercover
Jus wonderin why you have to pay so much for doctor and get so little information
Jus wonderin if the leaders are really in charge
Jus wonderin when the garage girls go out on Saturday night why they can’t make it for church on Sunday
Jus wonderin if Business people take so much advantage
Jus wonderin if Montserrat will ever have de last laugh
Jus wonderin if de abuser will be punish enough
Jus wonderin if it have to take a family centre to stop the abuse
Jus wonderin when those who working for Government and Private Sector will get the 10% increase
Jus wonderin why Montserratians don’t like to support different activities on the Island
Jus wonderin how Brades is going to look after the development
Jus wonderin if people a still travel on the ferry like before
Jus wonderin if them na see how impress the UK Attorney general was over redevelopment so them should stop quarreling every time some one a build
Jus wonderin if the really need such big fire station
Jus wonderin if it could be de police should be de first one to be punish for the abusing on the Island
Jus wonderin who really should be face with disciplinary charges
Jus wonderin if it’s difficult to choose some for the scholarship that why it’s being extended
Jus wonderin why Rasta are not being treated equally
Jus wonderin why people like to judge each other by their looks
Jus wonderin if them don’t know it’s not what they see on de outside, it’s what on de inside that counts
Jus wonderin if man think their God when they’re judging others
Jus wonderin if them a know them time coming to be judge
Jus wonderin if students were awarded enough for getting second runner-up in the debate competition.
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