News

Island's Dilemma: Added Funds Exist, Not Getting Enough

By Helena Durand

Mrs. Angela Greenaway, Director of the Development Unit and Chief Minister John Osborne

The Government of Montserrat is to explore the possibilities of securing additional finance from sources other than the British Government, Chief Minister John Osborne said at a press conference on Tuesday when he met to discuss the recently held Country Policy Plan talks.

That exploration, he said, is barely off the ground because, “as we are in Grant-in-Aid, we need to work with Her Majesty’s Government to carefully examine all the implications.”

Mrs. Angela Greenaway, Director of the Development Unit, who was part of the conference, said, “The major sources that are under consideration would be through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) [and] the European Investment Bank (EIB).”

She said, however, that because of the island’s Grant-in-Aid status, "We are prevented from accepting loans from these sources.” That notwithstanding, she said, “There is also additional financing that should be made available through the European Union, which would come into effect in 2002.”

The Chief Minister emphasized Mrs Greenaway's point by stating, “The truth of it is that the Government of Montserrat cannot borrow money without the permission of the British Government.”

Nevertheless, Mrs Greenaway said, “We’ve never been prevented from accessing grants or other finance that is available worldwide. In 2001, for example, we received financing from the Irish Government. We’ve always received support from CIDA. There is grant financing available through CDB under the Basic Trust Fund Programme. We have financing from the European Union. There are a variety of sources, all limited because of the quantum. The largest sources remain the British Government and the European Union. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have access to smaller sources.”

Although Mr Osborne’s Government is grateful for British aid, he said, “We went at length to point out that the Government of Montserrat was faced with a number of constraints as it pursued its redevelopment thrust. Chief among these are a small private sector and a limited market. This in itself restricts the pace at which the country can generate economic activity in light of reducing DFID support.”

The significant point, Mrs. Greenaway said, is that even with the access to financing from both the British Government and the European Union, “It still would not cover the full need to really assist in the development of this country.”

Mr. Osborne said, “I've argued that they [decided] that in five years time we should become self-sufficient, and my argument is that if that is the case, £72 million would not be enough because we don’t have the infrastructure that would support an economy to make us self-sufficient. I told them as late as two weeks ago in London that I hope that figure is not written in stone…. I believe that they got the message.”

When asked how long it would be before Montserrat is able to stand on its feet again, Mr. Osborne responded, “I don’t think anybody could predict that. It all depends on how soon the infrastructure is put in place, and we have to advertise Montserrat. It’s not a short-term thing. I feel that the term used to say that we should be self-sufficient in five years' time is unrealistic, seeing that it’s going to take at least two years for us to have the airport … and it will take a while for us to let the world know that [they] can get to Montserrat comfortably, so that people can start coming back and we can benefit from tourism as we did before the volcanic crisis.”

He said it is clear that “our island has more need than the funds that are available through the current British Aid Framework.”

“The sea port and a proper airport alone, in my opinion," he said, "would be worth more than £72 million to do it properly… if the figures are realistic. Even then, it is going to take time for it to pay off in terms of dividends.”

Christmas Bonus Hailed, Questioned

By Helena Durand

Herman Francis and Hylroy Bramble

President of the Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT) Herman Francis has expressed concern that people might be misled by the double pay promised to civil servants this month.

He told the Montserrat Reporter that while civil servants “deserve a bonus because they work hard, I want to caution that they should not be deceived by one-off payment as a substitute for salary increase.”

He also said he hoped, “The salary increase promised next year will come through, and early.”

Chief Minister John Osborne announced double salaries in December at the last sitting of Parliament. He said then, that civil servants would receive a second month's salary tax-free “in lieu of back-pay.”

He said at a press conference Tuesday, “This will apply as well to all pensioners. We are also exploring the possibility of recipients of Welfare support receiving a one-off payment for the month of December.”

General Secretary of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU) Hylroy Bramble sees the promised extra salary as a welcome venture, but has reservations, saying, "Workers will always welcome extra money. But in my opinion, this bonus will not benefit workers on the lower salary scale who are below the tax bracket.”

“That money should have been worked out at a percentage figure if it would benefit everyone," he said. "The bonus is good, yes, but in the long run, the benefits will not be.”

Mr Bramble said that while the economic depression on island would not allow for the private sector to absorb salary bonuses, “the least which could be done is that private sector employees get their December salary tax-free. They work just as hard. They should be made to feel appreciated as well.”

He is concerned, however, that civil servants may be fooled into believing that the welcome bonus, is something great. “The bonus” he said, “increases nothing. It is time that the Government do a proper evaluation of jobs, categorize workers properly.”

Due to a lack of proper assessment of jobs, he said, “A chief Cook at the Hospital, is placed in the same bracket as an Air Traffic Controller. Some temporary, not formally trained Government workers end up in the same bracket as the hospital Pharmacist. That is not fair. This gives no incentive to excel, and must be looked at very seriously.”

Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Police Constable Charles Thompson said the bonus, “Is something we are happy for and looking forward to. You will appreciate that in these hard times, any extra is welcomed. We only wish that something more could be done on this point. For the private sector, we hope that they get some sort of bonus for December.”

Up until press time, efforts to reach the President of the Civil Service Association were unsuccessful. So too were efforts to reach the President of the Nurses Association.

EDITORIAL

"Don't Let Pride Our 'Greater Autonomy' Blind You to the Heavy Lifting to Come"

Something drastic seems to have changed since March of this year. We hear our Chief Minister, who understands how to win elections, having done so consecutively three times from 1978, and again in April this year, now claiming that there isn't much chance for Montserrat to be out of budgetary aid within the next five years.

Following the Country Policy Plan (CPP) talks here between November 18-23, from which the public was completely excluded, the Montserrat Reporter's request for some information about them was finally granted by what we were told would be a Chief Minister's press conference on Tuesday of this week.

Having received reports from other than government sources about the agreements and achievements by both the Government of Montserrat (GoM) and the joint Department for International Development and Foreign Commonwealth Office (DFID/FCO) team referred to as "the Mission," it is difficult to understand why it was decided that this information should be delivered through a statement followed by an immediate period of questions from the local media.

Some time prior to the CPP talks a joint DFID and Government House (FCO) release boasted of efforts "towards realizing the twin goals of more self-determination by Montserrat and less direct management by DFID."

Mr. Clive Warren, Head of DFID's Overseas Territories Department, who seems to have very quickly gained love and respect in Montserrat, and who has admitted still needing some very important information, said in his opening address (the only one provided to us) at the CPP talks that "literature available from Government's office in London describes Montserrat as a 'spectacularly different experience'!" In that address, he also confirmed that this "principle of maximum self-determination and earliest possible full self-sufficiency," was a "fundamental principle underpinning the CPP discussions."

Mr. Warren had warned then also, "We may not always agree on everything, but I believe that we can be sure of an open and frank dialogue… essential to any successful relationship."

When one digests the "Aide Memoire" emanating out of the CPP talks, it would be easy to conclude that we care less, take too much for granted, or underestimate those with whom these discussions are held. We have observed before that HMG has touted transparency in its government and this is fairly obvious in most reports that they give. It is up to those affected to take up the issues as they affect them and have them dealt with.

The present NPLM party was powerfully chosen on their promise and hope to take Montserrat out of Grant-in-Aid. It was little different from the pledge of the NPP party to provide the capacity to deal with the issues to take us into the future.

Former Chief Minister David Brandt became unpopular when he displeased many by telling HMG that the systems involved and the monies being offered were never enough to meet Montserrat's needs to progress. Today we hear CM John Osborne, eight months later, saying £72 million on top of £132 million "would not be enough'" for us to become self-sufficient in five years," and so he hopes that "the figure is not written in stone."

Now he says, "no one can predict that," when asked that will become a reality, "it all depends on how soon the infrastructure is put in place."

But he boasts that "The British Government has decided to grant more autonomy and progressive control of our own financial affaires to the local Government." Let us then examine a few issues. The CM says HMG has agreed to an "Increase in the annual Remedial Works Budget now called Minor Works Budget from $1 million to $1.5 million;" We could not receive an adequate response from the Chief Minister to explain of this, but the Aide Memore explains:

"The scheme gives GoM delegated authority to approve minor infrastructure works, essentially of a maintenance nature, within its annual recurrent budget… It will be renamed as the "Minor Works" scheme (to reflect more accurately the evolving nature of its use.) The present requirement for referral to DFID(M) of all activities in excess of $50,000 will be discontinued with immediate effect." That is the more autonomy we boast of, and maybe rightfully so.

Then there is a new scheme, which suggests more autonomy. It will operate from Fiscal Year 2002 with an initial budget of EC$2 million and is to cover "small development activities within the overall framework of the GoM Medium Term Sustainable Development Plan." But the document further explains: "a set of guidelines and reporting requirements for the scheme will be agreed with DFID by 31^st December 2001."

Interestingly, the two parties agreed that the present arrangements, which require "GoM to surrender any surplus against the annual recurrent budget, to offset the level of budgetary aid for the following financial year," acts as a disincentive to tight budgetary control and to achieving financial self-sufficiency as early as possible."

Well, that is just great, it is improvement for sure, but the CM took pleasure in announcing what DFID/FCO referred to as "innovative financing arrangements" to explore possibilities of securing additional finance. This was explained by Mrs. Angela Greenaway, the Director of Development Unit, as efforts to secure loans from outside sources.

But DFID did not see the disincentive in reminding that they will look "carefully at ideas in this area," while 'sticking it' to GoM that "these would need to be consistent with rules on borrowing by Overseas Territories receiving budgetary Aid." This reminder must surely knock the winds out of the GoM's sails, and again how is this compatible with changing some rules, when really what is changing is very little?

The agreement to look at the ideas, which we understand is all in keeping with the promise that "GoM will be the catalyst to restore economic development," would have stood without this severe reminder. We will remember that there is nothing but unpleasantness and difficulty with the age-old system of restrictiveness experienced while in Grant-In-Aid. Why would GoM allow a statement like that to stand?

This pattern was prevalent in the various agreements and strategies that are supposed to give us more autonomy. All it was more pressure on the people remaining in Montserrat. The document states that "under present arrangements, the external (helicopter and ferry) Transport Subsidies are carried on the GoM Development Budget through direct funding by DFID." This was considered inappropriate as neither being "legitimate development projects nor an appropriate charge to the development budget," and supposedly "hinders effective decision making and ordering of Recurrent Budget priorities."

So "with effect from budget year 2002, both subsidies and the responsibility for the helicopter and ferry contracts will transfer from DFID to GoM . . . to be reflected in the GoM recurrent budget."

It is possible that we were the ones who asked for this, without seeing the additional strain it would bring. But our Government seemingly recognizes nothing wrong with this, so DFID quickly reminds that they "stand ready to continue to provide GoM with technical assistance or advice as necessary on the nogotiation and/or implementation of the transport contracts."

The point here is that we are now being handed the responsibility and the burden to make do with the wastes, mistakes and the ensuing burdens of £200 million over 10 years, during the worst crisis any island, territory or community could face at the beginning of the 21^st century. Once again we somehow have to convince that the approaches taken by HMG during this crisis, as agreed over and over, have been much too onerous to continue as if all had gone well. Continuing to treat Montserrat less well than or the same as any other Overseas Territory, making us believe we are being given autonomy when all we are getting are transferred burdens, while reminding us of the restrictions that prevail in budgetary aid will not in any foreseeable future bring self-sustenance or self-determination.

In the meantime, we have to throw away all the politics and personal agendas and stop making statements such as, "We definitely have to work with our officials to prioritize projects within the available local and external resources."

That is not what we were told by any of the politicians during the most recent election campaign. The message and promise was one of inclusiveness of key stakeholders outside of GoM and the servants there. It is the only way it will work. We can no longer be taken backwards so much that we cannot see when we are being led down a primrose path.

This mania of always explaining why some innovative idea cannot work, for heaven-knows reasons that are only lazy and selfish, must be corrected. The island is already at an extreme and will soon have no one left to represent on this "still nice paradise."

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 letters or 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 emailed or be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430

SCRIPTURE THIS WEEK

DREAMS TO PURSUE

Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises.

- Hebrews 10:35-36 (TEV)

To go or not to go? I had been granted a two-year scholarship by the church to pursue graduate study in the United States.

In four months, I was to leave my seven-year daughter and my husband in Taiwan.

But my mother-in-law voiced objection to my studying abroad. It is against Chinese tradition for a woman to leave home and family to fulfill a dream.

In my confusion, I prayed to God desperately for guidance. That Sunday morning when the pastor read aloud the above scripture, I knew what to do.

It has been 11 years since I faced that dilemma. In spite of some objection, I went to the U.S. for study. I received my master’s degree in a shorter time than planned and returned to Taiwan to resume my work as an administrator at my school. My marriage continues even stronger, and my family has become closer in spite of our separation.

When we have dreams or goals we pray for God’s guidance, then move ahead as God guides.

If a dream is of God, God will help us on our way.

Prayer: Faithful God, help us to be courageous enough to pursue our dreams for the sake of doing your will.

Amen.

Thought for the Day: Dream. Pray. Listen. Act.

Prayer Focus: Those In School Far From Home

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

CM Boasts Access Shows HMG Trust

Chief Minister John Osborne announced to the media on Tuesday that based on the performance of his NPLM Government, “The British Government has decided to grant more autonomy and progressive control of our own financial affaires to the local Government.”

He said evidence of this could be seen in the fact that the funding of two schemes will be met “by financing that were previously unavailable to the Government of Montserrat,” which, he said, is “an indication of the confidence that Her Majesty’s Government places in this present administration.”

The schemes are the annual Remedial Works Budget, now called Minor Works Budget, for which only $1 million had been allocated. That amount has been increased by half a million dollars.

The other is the introduction of a Locally Funded Project Scheme, which is to fund small-scale projects from the year 2002 with an annual budget of $2 million.

These are not new or additional funds for the Government of Montserrat but are included in the previously allocated £72 million.

Director of the Development Unit Mrs. Angela Greenaway clarifying and answering some questions posed to the Chief Minister, explained that the approval of these funds simply means that the locally elected Government now has more access to funds.

Delinquent Income Taxes Increase Official Concern

Officials of the Income Tax Department here are considering strict enforcement measures to combat the reported failure of many employers to submit to the government the income taxes they have withheld regularly from their employees' pay.

Haycene Ryan, Comptroller of Inland Revenue, told the Montserrat Reporter that the payment of income tax is the civic duty of every working individual. He defined income tax as “a compulsory contribution levied on persons, property or business for financing Government projects and programmes. In other words, when working individuals pay income tax they assist the Government in meeting expenditure on roads, hospitals, and other infrastructural and social services.”

He said there are quite a few delinquent employers who just refuse to pay their income tax for themselves, their business and their employees. The numbers of delinquents and the estimated amounts of tax money involved have not been detailed.

“An employer who doesn’t pay over his employees’ income tax after he/she has deducted it, is stealing twice,” Mr. Ryan said, “first from the employee, and then from the Government.”

He also pointed out that such employees could be prevented from traveling if they cannot prove that their income tax is being deducted for payment on their behalf.

“Employers” he noted, “are legally bound to issue pay slips to employees, so they have proof that the monies are being deducted.”

Delinquent employers have been given until December 31 to clean their slate or face legal action.

Mr. Ryan said that employees could be held accountable for non-payment of income tax even when it has been deducted from their salaries, unless they can show proof that the monies have been deducted.

Bruce Farara, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said, “It is totally illegal for employers to deduct PAYE from their employees and not pay them over to the Government. The same goes for Social Security.”

Corporate taxes, he said, are a different matter. “If things are slow and you are not making a profit, you don’t have to worry. Corporate tax is based on profit. The problem with taxes, I believe, is that if you make a profit and you do not pay, and allow it to accumulate, with the penalties that are applied, then it becomes a burden.”

Mr Farara said if anything, he would like to recommend that the penalties be less stringent.

Government Tax Advisor Colin Usherwood said on a ZJB newscast that the success of any tax system is dependent on “a high level of voluntary compliance from tax payers.” He said the Department is therefore embarking on an education programme, which will include the publishing of an employers’ guide, and hosting of seminars.

“We’ve just drafted what we call an Employers’ Guide and it is basically a booklet that really spells out exactly what employers' responsibilities are. So really it’s just an information guide for employers to help them to comply with the law,” Mr. Usherwood said.

Given the economic situation here, many wonder whether an income tax amnesty will be forthcoming to make it easier for persons to comply with the law.

Dr. Perkins Warns, Take AIDS Seriously

By Helena Durand

Dr Franklin Perkins of Montserrat, whose office is situated at Cudjoe Head, is concerned that while there may not be any reported AIDS cases on Montserrat, there is growing fear that this won’t be the case for long.

He told the Montserrat Reporter, “I believe they [Montserratians] are not taking it as seriously as they should, and as a result, some of them get involved in risky behaviors, not taking preventative measures.”

His concerns come on the heels of World AIDS Day, which was celebrated last Saturday.

Dr. Perkins said that taking the threat of AIDS seriously is not just a civic duty, but a self- preserving action, particularly as “we are part of the area with the second highest incident rate of the disease.”

He said Montserratians are more at risk of contracting and spreading the disease than they ever were before the volcanic crisis, as a direct result of mass migration, traveling to and from the Caribbean countries and to other parts of the world.

“We do not want any here," he said. "It is a very expensive disease.” He said the costs include treatment, lack of production of those ailing, pain and fear experienced by loved ones and friends, and discrimination against the AIDS victim.

"Montserrat is not immune to it,” he said.

In several Caribbean countries HIV/AIDS has become a leading cause of death, and the victims appear to be getting younger as young people become sexually active at an earlier age.

Hepatitis B also concerns Dr. Perkins. “There are a number of individuals here on Montserrat who have tested positive for Hepatitis B," he said. "Fortunately for us, they are only carriers. Unfortunately for us, that means they can spread it about.”

He said while he takes comfort from the fact that no one on Montserrat has been stricken with the actual disease of Hepatitis B, it is inevitable that “a small percentage will come down with it.”

Football Association To Present Trophies

The Montserrat Football Association (MFA) will award trophies after the closing game of the Second Round of the Football League 2001 at the Salem Park on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

The two scheduled matches for Sunday are Tremors vs Trendsetters and Police vs Ideal.

Trophies to be presented to players are League Winners, Most Improved Player, Most Improved Team, Most Disciplined Team, and Fair Play Award.

This presentation is said to mark the permanent return of League Football to the sporting calendar of Montserrat.

Montserrat Teachers Host Regional Meeting

The Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT) are hosting the Caribbean Union of Teachers Quarterly Executive Meeting today and tomorrow at the Koinawa Craft Centre in Cavalla Hill.

MUT President Herman Francis said about 35 teachers from around the Caribbean region are attending the meeting, where they will review activities of individual units and make future plans.

Rotary Club Turns Over Gift Of Huffy Basketball Equipment

The Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association held a ceremony at the Lookout Basketball Court on November 30^th to commemorate the donation of basketball equipment to the island’s sports program arranged by the Rotary Club of Montserrat.

The ceremony opened with a prayer offered by Mr. Easton Taylor and speeches by Association Chairperson Reginald Martin, Sports Officer Fitzroy Buffonge, and spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office, Ms. Sarita Francis.

Lookout Tennis and Basketball facility while under construction

Rotary President James Hixon outlined the background for the gift.

The donation was the idea of visiting Rotarian, Mr. Jim Brumbaugh, a Montserrat homeowner. While attending a Rotary meeting here, Mr. Brumbaugh heard the Rotary Club’s discussion of an idea to donate replacement rims for the Salem courts. Mr. Brumbaugh suggested he could approach the Huffy Corporation, makers of basketball equipment for all levels of play, including the National Basketball Association, and perhaps convince them to provide a more complete package of what the island needed. Through ongoing discussions with the Basketball Association and the Sports Department, The Rotary Club determined that a complete basketball set could be used in association with the island’s planned resurfacing of the Brades courts. Mr. Brumbaugh approached Mr. Tony Huffman, former Isles Bay resident, and a board member of the Huffy Corporation, and Huffy agreed to provide equipment at cost.

Mr. Brumbaugh generously offered to fund the donation and The Association and the Sports Department agreed to pay for most of the cost of shipping. The Rotary Club handled shipping arrangements and facilitated the delivery and processing once on island.

The equipment includes a complete set of poles, backboards, rims and nets intended for the Brades courts and an additional set of rims and nets slated for the Salem courts. Also included is a backup set of rims for Brades and multiple backup nets for use both at Brades and Salem. The equipment was chosen by the Huffy Corporation to be their top of the line quality product designed for the heavy outdoor use associated with schoolyard play.

Canada Requires Visas Of Dominicans, Grenadians

Grenada, CMC - A Canadian official in the Caribbean has been explaining the rationale behind her country's imposition of visa requirements for nationals of two Eastern Caribbean states.
Ottawa announced on Tuesday that nationals from Dominica and Grenada who wish to visit Canada must now first obtain a visitor's visa from its High Commission in Trinidad.
At issue are economic citizenship programmes run by St. George's and Roseau, under which their passports are sold to non-nationals for anything from US$20,000 to $75,000.
The immigration counsellor at the Port of Spain High Commission, Susan Burrows, says that criminals used these passports to enter Canada.
"These programmes tend to attract the kind of people that Canada does not want -- mainly people that sometimes are involved in organised crime, sometimes trying to avoid the tax regulations of their home country," she said.
In July of this year, Canadian officials explained to Grenada's Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, that "we were very concerned that citizenship had been granted to a number of people that we had some concerns with and ... from a security point of view and that we would hope that the programme would be ended," she said.

The Prime Minister indicated that Grenada was going to be reviewing its economic citizenship programme. "There was no mention of terminating it," she asserted.
She said Dominica did suspend one aspect of its controversial citizenship programme but in the following six month issued as many as 86 visas.
"The other problem we have is that Dominica had a very large number of economic citizenship passports that had been issued prior to that period and they could not come up with a complete list of people to whom those passports had been issued," she added.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Dr. Mitchell expressed shock at the decision, saying Grenada had done all it could to cooperate with Ottawa.
But Ms Burrows says there's a little more to the story than that.
In Dominica's case, the problem appeared to be a re-engineered programme introduced by the former United Workers Party government.
Ms Burrows says it was virtually impossible to determine how many passports were issued under that programme.
Canada's argument was strengthened after a dozen Chinese nationals, believed to be part of a smuggling network, attempted to enter Toronto with valid Dominican passports.

(While this visa imposition by Canada bears no relevance for Montserrat, Labour officials here have reportedly expressed concern that some non-Montserratians residing on the island who have gone to Canada under the Montserrat quota to work in the orchards have not returned.

(Similar concerns have prompted changes in entry requirement by Antigua.

(Even recently, Montserratians traveling to Antigua could enter merely by showing their driver’s license or Social Security card. Immigration officials explain that foreign nationals, who have overstayed in Antigua, would come across to Montserrat, get a driver’s license, and return to Antigua, to be treated as Montserratians.)

Danish Chef Found Dead In Antigua's Harbour

Antigua, CMC - The body of a Danish chef who worked aboard a barge dredging the St. John's Harbour, was removed from the water not far from where the operation is being carried out, police confirmed Wednesday.
Stein Jacobsen, 53, arrived on the island last Saturday to replace the injured cook, police said.
His body was found near the shoreline between some rocks, still fully dressed and sporting sun glasses, a watch, ring. His wallet was in his pocket.
Police are still investigating..

Trinidad Poll Shows Ruling Party in Lead

Trinidad, CMC - A poll published Thursday has the ruling United National Congress (UNC) leading the opposition People's National Movement (PNM) by seven points in the race towards the December 10 general elections.
The survey, conducted by the Ansa McAl Psychological Research Centre at the University of the West Indies (UWI) here and published in the Trinidad Guardian, said a vast number of people questioned remained unsure about which party they would vote for.
It found that 36 percent of respondents would support the UNC while 29 percent firmly supported the PNM.
However, 32 percent of interviewees said they did not know which party they would vote for.
Team Unity, a breakaway of the UNC led by dismissed Attorney General Ramesh Maharaj, picked up 2 percent of the popular vote, and the minority opposition, the National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), drew less than 1 percent.
Respondents came from a representative random sample of 503 households; 36 percent were Afro-Trinidadians, 40 percent Indo-Trinidadians, 22 percent mixed, and 2 percent "others".
Forty-nine per cent were male.

Jamaican Executive Elected Head of PSOJ

Jamaica, CMC - Media mogul and business executive Oliver Clarke is the new president of the powerful Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ).
Mr. Clarke, 57, the chairman and managing director of the Gleaner Company, replaces banker Peter Moses who did not seek re-election after serving as PSOJ president for three years. The election took place Wednesday night.
The PSOJ is regarded as the most powerful of all the private sector groupings in Jamaica and is the primary watchdog body of matters affecting the functioning of non-government organisations.
Mr. Clarke, a former chairman of the then Caribbean News Agency, recently relinquished the chairmanship of Jamaica's largest financial institution, the National Commercial Bank, to pave the way for his elevation to the PSOJ post.
Among the other high-profile private sector leaders on the Executive are Senator Douglas Orane, chief executive officer of the Grace, Kennedy group of companies; former Chamber of Commerce President Desmond Blades, and banker Peter Melhado, all vice presidents.

St. Lucia PM Anthony Sworn in for New Term

St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony, was sworn into office Thursday for a second five-year term, three days after his party scored a landslide victory in the general elections.
Dr. Anthony took the Oath of Office during a brief ceremony at Government House, which started just after 10:30 a.m.
A government statement said Wednesday that Dr. Anthony had already begun consultations with party officials and winning candidates on the appointment of a new Cabinet, which is expected to be announced by weekend.
The St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was returned to power after capturing 14 of the 17 parliamentary seats. Its main rival, the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP), took the other three.

Haitian Journalist Dies in Street Clash

Haiti -- A Haitian journalist was the latest victim on Monday in a swirl of political violence that continues to wrack this troubled French and Creole-speaking Caribbean nation.
The journalist, Brignol Lindor, was killed with a machete during a street clash in the town of Petit Goave on the southern coast of the country, between supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's Lavalas Family party and the political opposition bloc Democratic Convergence.
No arrests had been made in connection with the killing, which happened about 50 miles (80 km) southwest of the capital. Mr. Lindor was News Director of Radio Echo 2000.
This latest battle between political opponents since the disputed elections in May 2000 prompted other nations to suspend $500 million in desperately needed international aid and loans to Haiti.
The opposition alleges that the election was rigged to give Lavalas a bigger majority in parliament than it actually won, and has called for civil disobedience in protest.

The Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) joined the Haitian media community in expressing shock and condemnation following the killing.

"We believe there is strong reason to connect his murder to recent death threats received by him from persons opposed to his choice of radio talk show guests.
"We call on the Haitian authorities to take strong action to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice in an expeditious fashion," the ACM said in a statement.
The group urged that special attention be paid to the safety and security of all media workers in view of a recent upsurge in violence against journalists, especially in the cities of Port au Prince, St.. Marc and Les Cayes, and in Petit Goave where Mr. Lindor worked.
ACM recalled the assassination of Jean Leopold Dominique last year and expressed the hope that with Mr. Lindor's death and other reports of reprisals against journalists, "we are not witnessing an unfolding pattern of violence targeting journalists and other media workers".

Cable & Wireless Again A Trade Show Sponsor

Cable & Wireless West Indies Limited once again was a sponsor of the annual Caribbean Latin America Action Conference and Trade Show, held this week in Miami.

This three-day event, now in its 25^th year, brings together government representatives, businesses and potential investors in the region for consultations and showcasing of products and services deemed vital for stimulating economic growth and development of the region.

This year’s CLAA Conference took on greater significance as the economies of the region endeavour to overcome the negative impact of the September terrorist attacks on the United States.

Cable & Wireless, which has business interests in 15 English-speaking Caribbean islands and Panama, has been associated with the CLAA for a number of years. The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Pat Bynoe-Clarke, says involvement this year was "particularly significant because it represents a test of the region’s mettle. Yes, things are not as good as they may be but we must not surrender or choose to ‘wait and see’. With careful planning and resolve the current setback will be overcome."

He said Cable & Wireless's message to CLAA is that "the Caribbean remains one of the globe’s best places to invest -- certainly from a telecommunications point of view."

The company is particularly keen to show-off the Caribbean as an excellent location for the hosting of eBusiness and Internet Protocol-based services, given its own extensive and continuing investment in leading edge, world-class facilities in the region. The Caribbean’s proximity to the United States and the interconnection of the islands’ with the global network of the Cable & Wireless Group was also trumpeted in efforts to stimulate renewed investor interest in the region.

Volcanic Activity Slows off Grenada

Grenada, CMC - Seismic research officials in Trinidad said yesterday activity had toned down at the undersea volcano Kick 'em Jenny, though the alert status for affected islands remained at orange.

Kick 'em Jenny is nine kilometers north of Grenada and described as the most frequently active volcano in the eastern Caribbean.
The Seismic Research Unit of the University of the West Indies has sent one of its officers to Grenada to monitor the volcano. It also announced plans to station one of its officials on the island permanently if the need arises, volcanologist Jan Lindsay said late Wednesday.
In a statement issued yesterday, the SRU said that activity now consists of only occasional small earthquakes.

"Although eruptive activity seems to have stopped, we are maintaining the alert level at orange for at least another 24 hours," the SRU said in a statement on its Internet website.
"The main reason for this is that the premonitory earthquake swarms were more severe than any previously observed at Kick 'em Jenny but the size of the eruption as judged from the intensity of the T-phase recorded has been very small so far," it added.
The SRU expressed concern, however, about the pleasure craft that were spotted over the vent of the volcano just after 11 a.m. on Thursday.
"People on these craft should be aware that they could be killed at any moment and that they are almost certainly completely uninsured," it warned.
There had been reports of increased activity in the vicinity of the volcano for five days, and seismic monitors have recorded unusual patterns from December 1.
Experts say that if Kick 'em Jenny erupts, it might throw hot rocks into the air above the surface of the sea. They consider the most dangerous potential hazard to be a tsunami, large waves caused by underwater disturbances such as a volcanic eruption.
A major tsunami caused by the volcano could affect the eastern Caribbean.

Jamaican Executive Elected Head of PSOJ

Bahamas Summit Mapping Regional Tourism's Future

The overall state of the Caribbean tourism product comes under scrutiny at the second Caribbean Tourism Summit Conference in the Bahamas tomorrow to Sunday, says a press release from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

The release states that CTO officials and Ministers of Tourism from CTO member countries are expected to gather with private sector representatives in the regional tourism industry, other regional organizations and Caribbean Community Heads of Government to discuss the fundamental flaws facing the industry and devise solutions.

Matters to be considered include product quality, accommodation and infrastructure, attractions and amenities, human resource development, safety and security, marketing, airlift, research and information management, community issues, environmental and health issues and cruise tourism.

Antigua Medical Scheme Likened to a 'Cash Cow'

Antigua -The Antigua and Barbuda Medical Benefits Scheme, the subject of a Commission of Inquiry, has been characterized as a "cash cow" by Barbadian lawyer Dr. Richard Cheltenham, who is acting as counsel to the commission.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Cheltenham said the MBS had been carrying "the full burden of construction of several health facilities without getting any benefits of construction."
The commission counsel said the funding for the new Mount St. John Medical Centre by the MBS "represents one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by the government in the history of Antigua."
Prime Minister Lester Bird agreed to the probe of the controversial scheme in June after pressure from the umbrella group Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (CNGO).
In an earlier related development, Bernard Percival, then Health Minister, and Dr. Errol Cort, then Attorney General, had been fired for lapses in judgement in requesting and processing a payment for Dr. Cort.
A third minister, Bernard Walker, was fired after he refused the prime minister's instruction to repay part of a US$1,200 per diem that had been paid to him in error.
Dr. Cheltenham said, "The documentary and other evidence available to the Commission lead to several interesting observations about this project. It seems to have become a cash flow source, a kind of cash cow, as it were."

He said that a study of the financial architecture of Mount St. John had identified some remarkable features about the structure of the loan.
"Bank of Antigua, which is a co-lender, and syndicator, has a first call on the income of the Medical Benefits Scheme," he said.
"Apart from the MBS having to make a monthly payment of $735,000 into a bank account at the Bank of Antigua to service the loan, there must at all times be a minimum deposit of $4 million held by the MBS with the Bank in relation to this project."
"In addition, if the government is in default in relation to any of its loans for other projects, the Bank of Antigua can withhold disbursements on the Mount St. John Medical Centre to bring construction to a standstill," commission counsel said.
"This brings in question the role of US investor Allan Standford, who owns the Bank of Antigua and who is the Chairman of the Mount St. John Medical Centre Board. And is the Standford Corporation not at the same time principal lender through the Bank of Antigua?" Dr. Cheltenham asked.
"In short, is Standford lender and spender? Did the MBSA as co-borrower receive independent legal advice before Chairman (Hilroy) Willet signed the documents?
"These are but some of the questions which need to be posed in relation to the financing of the Mount St. John Medical Centre," Dr. Cheltenham said. Questions relating to the selection of the architect, the contractor, and the equipment suppliers, who also served as consultants, also need to be answered, he said..
The waiver of the competitive bidding process by the Tenders Board and the role of its Chairman B. T. Lewis will also come up for questioning.
"Evidence will be led that will establish that the sum borrowed to finance the construction never included cost overruns or the cost of equipment or of training staff," Dr. Cheltenham said.
He said Mr. Standford has been invited to "testify as to the precise role which he played in relation to the project" and although they are yet to hear from him the Commission was hoping he would make himself available.
"There is evidence he negotiated with another Chinese company to build the hospital for US$21 million. How then did Complant (a second Chinese company) enter the picture? These are among the many questions on which his testimony will be sought," Dr. Cheltenham said.

New St. Kitts/Nevis Ferry Joins Saba Day Weekend

Saba (SGIS) - Director of Tourism Glenn Holm said that the new 100-passenger ferry out of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis, The Geronimo, was scheduled to make a trip from the federation to the island this week during Saba Day weekend.

Saba Day weekend kicked off this morning with official government ceremonies.

Mr. Holm told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that the ferry Edge has resumed its normal weekly schedule out of St. Maarten from Wednesday through Sunday, and that it also would be doing a Saba Day weekend special.

"I am very pleased that everything went well with the Geronimo on its inaugural trip to Saba recently," Mr. Holm said. "The vessel is seaworthy and should give a comfortable ride. It is good for charters as well as group tours.

"We look forward to developing another hub that would service our island. St. Maarten has been a hub for many years and we look forward to the federation becoming a second hub for us. There is a lot of potential and there are several hotels under construction. These are very promising developments that bodes well with the future."

Jamaica Gets Share Of Anti-terror Fund

Jamaica Information Service

LONDON -- Jamaica and other developing countries that are members of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are to benefit from a £1-million allocation from the organisation to prevent terrorism.

The special allocation was approved during a meeting of the IMO general assembly held in London last month..

Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), Rear Admiral Peter Brady, told JIS News after the meeting that the issue of security and the safety of passengers on vessels received special attention at the assembly in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

The general assembly is the highest decision making body of the IMO. It looks at and approves the work of the council and approves the budget, recommendations and resolutions of all the committees for new rules and laws.

Jamaica Joins UN Appeal For New Humanitarian Aid

Jamaica Information Service

NEW YORK -- Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Patricia Durrant, joined UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in appealing last week for US$2.5 billion to sustain the lives of more than 33 million people caught in war zones around the world.

Early last week, Mr. Annan launched the UN’s Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals for 2002, asking the international donor community to provide assistance for some 18 humanitarian crises globally.

Ambassador Durrant, who was President of the Security Council for the month of November, said the Fund would assist a vast number of people living in conditions of “unspeakable despair” in parts of Africa, Asia and Europe.

The theme adopted by the UN for the launch, was “Reaching the Vulnerable,” an issue that has been high on the Security Council’s agenda.

Ongoing wars in several countries have created millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, who have lost whatever access they had to education, health care, food, water, shelter and basic essentials. In some areas, the war-affected have faced the additional burden of natural disasters such as prolonged drought or flooding.

The international humanitarian community, mainly through UN agencies and some non-governmental organisations, has responded to their plight but needs the constant flow of resources to sustain the effort.

Grenada Aims $536 million At Its Struggling Economy

Grenada, CMC - Grenada's Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain Monday presented a near EC$536-million (US$198.3 million) budget, which he said should help stimulate the sputtering economy.
The fiscal presentation came against the backdrop of tough economic times facing the country following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Mr. Boatswain described the country's economic environment as turbulent, contrasting it with robust growth Grenada experienced in the last five years.
He allocated EC$12.5 million (US$4.6 million) for the development of the tourism sector, with EC$10 million (US$3.7 million) going to the Grenada Board of Tourism for marketing and promotion.
The government's other priority, education, gets EC$22.5 million (US$8.3 million), an increase of over 13.5 percent from 2001.
The budget makes provision for recurrent expenditure of over EC$292 million, just under EC$200 million (US$74 million) in capital expenditure and liquidation of about EC$43.5 million (US$16 million).

Ruling Party Retained By St. Lucia's Voters

St. Lucia, CMC - St. Lucians voted their support for the ruling Labour Party (SLP) in general elections on Monday, even though it appeared they had rejected Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony's policies of keeping afloat the ailing banana industry.
Preliminary results indicated that Dr. Anthony's SLP won 14 seats in the 17-seat Parliament, two fewer than it did in 1997 when the party romped home with a 16-1 majority.
But the voters rejected both incumbent Minister of Agriculture Cassius Elias and his junior, Anthony Terrence, who represented constituencies dominated by banana farmers.
The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) improved upon its dismal showing five years ago by retaining Micoud North, the other seat in the so-called "banana-belt".
Dr. Anthony said in an acceptance speech he was pleased with the "clear and decisive margin" given to his party and pledged to lead a Government "that would make a difference in our lives."
Among the prominent casualties of the polls were the UWP leader, Dr. Morella Joseph, the first woman to lead the party since its formation in 1964 and the first woman to lead a political party into a general election.
Supporters of the ruling party took to the streets in a celebratory mood, honking horns and dancing to music, as the SLP recorded its first ever back-to-back victory in national elections here for more than three decades.
The election results are likely to signal the end of the political careers of George Odlum and Peter Josie, whose entry into politics in the 1970's had helped transform the political landscape.
The SLP named 17 candidates for the latest election, and the UWP 16, while the National Alliance had nine, the STAFF Party five and the small St. Lucia Freedom Party just two.
The STAFF Party, the small St. Lucia Freedom Party and the two independent candidates were losers in the election.

Both Trinidad Parties Vow Free Textbooks

Trinidad, CMC - Trinidad and Tobago's students will be major beneficiaries, regardless of which party wins next Monday's general election.
Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, leading the United National Congress' political campaign, on Sunday promised free textbooks for all 170,000 primary school students from next year and a TT$1,000 dollar grant a term to each secondary school student, beginning next September.
The main opposition Peoples National Movement says the proposal is very similar to one it announced at a public meeting last week, when it promised to take free education to a next level with the introduction of a free textbook scheme, if it wins the election.
PNM leader Patrick Manning told a campaign meeting Friday night that free education made no sense if school children did not have the basic needs. He said as early as 2002 his party would start a pilot project as extensive as the country's finances will allow, with a view to providing schoolbooks for children by the beginning of the 2003/2004 school year.

Hospital Patient Slain By Trinidad Gunmen

Trinidad, CMC - A 33-year-old Trinidadian man recovering from gun shot wounds was gunned down in his hospital bed last Saturday night by armed men who eluded security.
Police said they have a good lead on the men who killed Ronald Isaac while he lay in the Intensive Care Unit at the Port of Spain General hospital.
He was shot in his neck, left ear and left shoulder. Mr. Isaac was recovering from five gunshot wounds, which he sustained three weeks ago.
According to a police report, three men eluded security, entered the hospital and went to the fifth floor to a ward where 17 patients were recovering from various illnesses.
One of the armed men held a nurse at gunpoint outside the ward.
The other men walked up to Mr. Isaac's bed and shot him at point blank range.
Mr. Isaac was shot a few weeks ago on a street at Malick on the eastern outskirts of the capital. His relatives said they had been pleading to the police for security for the man while at the hospital.

Grenada Aims $536 million At Its Struggling Economy

SPORTS

QUESTIONABLE COMMITMENT

By Peter Adrien

One man can seldom make a difference in a team sport. Even the great Michael Jordan learnt that lesson the hard way. Until he was able to inspire the rest of the team to assume their supporting role, the Chicago Bulls failed miserably. And MJ is now teaching this invaluable lesson to the Washington Wizards. The West Indian army (team) perished in Sri Lanka for want of support soldiers. They were humbled for lack of a match-winner in their bowling attack; and brownwashed for being uncompetitive.

Despite Brian Lara’s brilliance, the West Indies team was humbled. The team suffered three successive defeats, and gave Sri Lanka her first ever series whitewash in her 19-year Test cricketing history. The relatively new team in international cricket made history on December 3, 2001, to add another accolade to the 1996 World Cup championship.

Brian Lara, arguably the best batsman in the modern game, performed with astonishing consistency throughout the three-Test series, scoring 688 runs, the second highest aggregate ever in a three-Test series after Graham Gooch's 752 against India in 1990/1. And although he scored a double century and a single century in the final Test, the West Indies lost by 10 wickets. It is surprising that Lara’s critics who always blame him for the failure of the West Indies team are uncharacteristically silent at his renewed commitment and contributions. But that kind of hypocrisy is part of the Caribbean social life.

While we must confess that that our bowling attack is our weakest link, the batting performances, except for those of Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan, were below par. In the final analysis, the outcome of the tour was determined by the batting failure. As was the case under Jimmy Adams’ leadership, the team, which had registered three totals below 200 (amassing totals of 144, 191, 190), failed to bat for one full day’s play – the team failed to occupy the crease for 90 overs on the final day of the last battle. Apart from the remarkable performance of batsmen Brain Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan, who averaged 114.0 and 53.0 respectively, there is nothing to report on the other batsmen. In the last Test match, they were undermined by the skilful swing bowling of Chaminda Vass, who collected 7 wickets for 71 runs.

Just when the West Indian cricketing public was beginning to entertain the thought that we had finally struck gold, we discovered how bankrupt we were. Even if the cricketing public knew that the fight against Sri Lanka would be determined by the tourists ability to withstand or counterattack the mystery off-spinner, we relished the thought that the rejuvenated Carl Hooper; the purposeful craftsmen, could, with all psychological things equal, mount a challenge to the master spinner. That was not to be. After the 69 in the first Test at Galle, he never came near to his form in then Caribbean. Hooper’s failure with scores of 69, 6, 23, 4, 56 and 9 were more reflective of the pre-advent Hooper than the post-advent Hooper.

The degree of resilience of the team is the major cause for concern. This is one of the most important ingredients of a competitive team. It is that resilience, which makes players give of themselves over and beyond the call of duty; it is that resilience which reflects the commitment of the athletes to the collective aspirations and hope of the people that they represent. That is why altruistic athletes endure excruciating pain in order to salvage national pride. This resilience was evident in Garry Sobers, who, though poorly remunerated, played series after series, as an all-rounder – bowling long spells of seam and spin – with a shoulder injury; in Courtney Walsh, who did the work of the workhorse even when he was not entirely fit; in Malcolm Marshall, who defied the doctor’s orders, and bowling with a bandaged arm, bowled like a one-armed bandit to whitewash England in 1984.

Being fully aware of the integrity and the national (Caribbean nationality) interest at stake, the athletes were expected to give themselves unto death rather than giving an inch. Yes, being cognisant of the fact that the batting performance on the fifth and final day of the third Test match at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka, on December 3, meant another "brownwash" (having been whitewashed by Australia and New Zealand, blackwashed by South Africa and brownwashed by Pakistan), the highly paid West Indian batters, would have batted for their life, for the pride of the millions of people in the Caribbean and the diaspora. Unfortunately, they lost sight of their mission, resisted for only 37 overs, literally surrendering after Brian Lara was out for 130.

The West Indian batsmen’s approach to batting on the final day of the third Test match seemed to reflect the mindset of players untouched by infirmities of their people; insensitive to the conditions of the millions of near-hopeless young people who are being battered and bruised by the effects of economic hardships and social deprivation. They seemed unconcerned about the thousands of young adults, who, already frustrated by the blackout of the games, longed for some rearguard action to inspire hope in them.

Caribbean people would hope that that collapse of major proportions is not prophetic of the adjustment response to the New International Economic Order (NIEO). They would hope that when the market is liberalised, that they would not see our established firms fail to survive in the competitive environment. We sincerely hope that that surrender was not a forecast of our domestic market being dominated by multinational corporations at the pauperisation of our people.

These developments call for immediate action. Next week, we discuss what is to be done.

Peter Adrien is an author, a syndicated sports analyst and freelance photographer. He can be contacted via telephone (869) 465-4813 or E-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com or website:www.adriensenterprises.com

PHOTO CAPTION: Brian Lara, a West Indian crusader and master craftsman (Photo: Peter Adrien)

FEATURES

MR. SPEAKER, IT IS POLITICALLY INCORRECT!!

By Progressive at Heart

Mr. Speaker, it is politically incorrect! Mr. Chief Minister, it is politically unethical! Mr. Minister, it is inequitable! Mr. Parliamentarian, it is just downright wrong!

Listen. Listen to your people. It is the very same people who you promise oodles of emotion and finance, okay then, plenty love and money, who now saying, “A wha ya tall?” Them can't see how you supposedly astute politicians could make such a blatantly political blunder. Them can’t understand how you could be so openly partisan.

Nobody, but nobody, understand how politicians equipped with degrees in all the relevant disciplines could make such politically suicidal and morally bankrupt decisions and slip it in under the guise of doing the right thing. But is the man himself who say 'study-ation beat education.'

Okay, so you made all the required declarations. You want us all to believe that it is all above board. But it isn’t. Yes!! Yes some of us know the declaration should have been made, before the job was applied for. Intent to do the thing is what should have been declared first. Not finish the thing and then declare the thing.

Now folks, get serious here with me for a while. Is it possible for a sitting member of Parliament to be objective and conduct the tasks at hand on behalf of the people? Well it may be a difficult thing to do in normal circumstances, but when you add the old political story about party politics and loyalty and standing up for and standing by you leader, well you done know is one for all and everyone for party. The point is no amount of talk going make any one believe or feel comfortable that things going to get done impartially and in the best interest of the people of the country.

And when you add the other rumor about how people say that they going be acting as the “ear and the mouthpiece of the Government of Montserrat in this job” you know how dog dead wid we poor Montserratians. We poopen!!

And if you think that not bad enough then I hope you listened to the last press conference. No matter what we do in this country, is foreigners who don’t have no honest allegiance and no interest in this country who running a-we things. When is not DFID is all kinda CARICOM nationals in high places. Is CARICOM nationals who help answer questions for the Chief Minister in press conference? It is the same nationals who is the conduit to the other foreigners with the money. So when Brother Cheddie saying how the AG and the FS have too much power, he don’t see power yet. He don’t even begin to understand that is them other nationals who have even more power than them two and the Chief Minister put together. If you ask me is the CARICOM nationals who have more power than the Governor, the Chief Minister, the FS and the AG all roll up in one. Is they who put projects below the red line; who say to build the Fire Station and the Police Station. It is them who say build the airport and don’t give money to the Sea Port; don’t give money to the private sector and who want to throw the people out of the Factory Shell.

They say don’t give duty-free concessions to the hard-working businessman and is CARICOM nationals who showing how to chase up the business and them for tax.

And if that ain't bad enough, it is more CARICOM nationals who getting all the construction work and sending the money to other CARICOM nationals in other CARICOM countries. And is even more CARICOM Nationals who leaving Montserratian men destitute and broke every Monday morning while they take more than $8,000 a man (or is it woman?) to other CARICOM countries. You see is CARICOM nationals who taking the child support money from we children. Of course is we own Montserrat men who helping them do this.

And even as Montserratians can't stand the sight and smell of what some CARICOM nationals doing to this country, nobody want to shake Napoleon from off she pedestal. Nobody want to knock the wind out of she sails. But I say is time. It is time we take we country back. Is time we chase that Family. Is time like the calypsonian say, for all awe “to rage war”. That system is really bad. Is time to put down we Prayer Book and deal with the pain. Is time. Now is the time.

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

That Isles Bay Gate

A portal that's meant to retard;

Is neither control nor a guard;

When they find the gate locked

The sand miners blocked

Just drive across somebody's yard.

Financial Control

Since Britain decided to share it,

John Osborne was quick to declare it;

The CM maintains

They've loosened the reins

As HMG's signal of merit.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin who the Japanese slapped for being referred to as a Chinese.

Jus wonderin when the traffic department will put up the necessary road signs.

Jus wonderin if driving 20.5 miles per hour is over the speed limit.

Jus wonderin when C&W will shorten the message that “this call will cost 50 cents per minute.”

Jus wonderin who is really the Deputy CM.

Jus wonderin if the Manshop will sponsor the Pappy show suit this year.

Jus wonderin if “heavy” means it will take longer to burst.

Jus wonderin if all is well now why de officer no visit jus wonderin any more.

Jus wonderin if he will give time for Christmas.

Jus wonderin what is it about this Christmas that makes some of us want to cry.

Jus wonderin if the merry makers will put the Christ first this Christmas.

Jus wonderin why life is so hard on this rock, and getting even harder.

Jus wonderin where professionalism has gone.

Jus wonderin why some people feel that they have to watch their tongue in their mouth.

Jus wonderin if there is a heavy bunch of keys for one of the female calypsonians.

Jus wonderin if there will be a free trip.

Jus wonderin if the last year contestants and the one before them will get all their prizes and trips to boot.

Jus wonderin how many of the double salaries will be spent in Antigua.

Jus wonderin why if you only worked 6 months you won't get a full month salary.

Jus wonderin if they think that will still help the man at lower end of the scale to feel any better.

Jus wonderin if the CM really meant that to be his press conference.

Jus wonderin if he meant the first part of his statement about avoiding some additional details.

Jus wonderin if things so bad that the mp project manager need to stick-up or what the plan is.

Jus wonderin if wha dem say bout who a run tings really true.

Jus wonderin who is the deputy Chief Minister now.

Jus wonderin who made the presentations and who were the spokes persons at the CPP.

Jus wonderin why some children whether Eskimos or not skip class so much.

Jus wonderin why appearances can be so deceptive.

Jus wonderin if our Christmas will be ashy.

Jus wonderin how many shoes will lose their soles this Christmas.

Jus wonderin if there is power struggle in Montserrat with the former politician or politicians.

Jus wonderin why if some politicians need medicine for LOPS (Loss Of Power Syndrome.)

Jus wonderin if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, where is ugliness.

Jus wonderin if beauty is skin deep what is blood.

Jus wonderin what we should really wage war against.

Jus wonderin if drugs, sex, scandal, crime are all included.

Jus wonderin if the politicians can see the meaning or any writing on the wall through that song.

Jus wonderin if everybody realize that this song reflects the true situation and struggles in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin how many homes will have Xmas lights this year.

Jus wonderin what kicking Kick ‘Em Jenny.

Jus wonderin if absence makes the heart grow fonder, what does being there does.

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