.

Manning CM Of Trinidad; UNC Rebels

Compiled from dispatches

Basdeo Panday and Patrick Manning

Trinidad, CMC - The bipartisan post-election agreement hammered out by leaders of the United National Congress (UNC) and the People’s National Movement (PNM) in the wake of Trinidad and Tobago’s December 10 election deadlock quickly began to unravel this week.

With 18 seats each in the 36-seat parliament, incumbent Prime Minister Basdeo Panday of the UNC and Patrick Manning of the PNM had worked out a ten-point deal that would have allowed both parties to co-exist peacefully in the parliament. Both also agreed to accept President Arthur Robinson’s decision as to which of them would be prime minister.

On Monday evening, President Robinson announced his choice of Patrick Manning, 56, who was promptly sworn in as the new leader.

Mr. Manning quickly named former senator Glenda Morean as his Attorney General, then surprised the nation by announcing that his wife, Hazel Manning, would be Education Minister, the first wife of a prime minister in the cabinet in the twin-island republic’s history.

Prime Minister Manning was surprised in turn when the 18 elected UNC members said Wednesday that the deal with the PNM was off and that fresh elections should be called. They also slammed President Robinson for appointing Manning as prime minister, describing his actions as bias.

Mr. Manning reacted cautiously, saying that he wanted to meet with Mr. Panday to discuss the matter. “It is significant so far that we have not heard from the leader of the UNC, Mr. Panday, and I really would like to hear from him before I comment too much on this matter,” Mr. Manning said.

”I would rather suspect that we should hear from him pretty soon (but) speaking for the People’s National Movement, I am still very optimistic that the agreement can still be put into force, that we can agree on the convening of parliament and its smooth operation.”

That optimism confronted the strong denunciation of the UNC.

”The Manning administration is illegitimate. The collective view of the members of parliament of the UNC is that the president shredded the constitution and effectively scuttled the bi-partisan accord,” said UNC Chairman Wade Mark.

”There has been a call for an immediate return to the electorate. The President showed a clear personal bias.”
Mr. Manning told reporters that the deal which included collaboration at the parliamentary level was negotiated in good faith.
”It is regrettable the UNC parliamentarians have taken the position they have taken...but I’m still very optimistic that we can arrive at some arrangement that will facilitate the smooth conduct of the country’s parliament,” he said.

Before the threatened collapse of the bipartisan accord, it was assumed that President Robinson’s decision meant that Mr. Panday’s UNC would form the opposition. Both party leaders had agreed to collaborate in Parliament and reduce the acrimony between them.

President Robinson had met with both men Panday and Manning earlier Monday.
Before announcing his decision, which he said was not an easy one and for which he had to call upon Almighty God for guidance.

He said he also found guidance in the Constitution and also in the oath that is taken by ministers to serve Trinidad and Tobago.

”But when a decision has to be made in the national interest, it has to be made, and when that responsibility falls upon my shoulders, I cannot shirk that responsibility, however burdensome that responsibility appears to be, I cannot shirk that responsibility.

”I have not done so in the past, I have not done so at the risk of my own life and I did not think I should do so now, I have a responsibility to discharge and however burdensome that responsibility may have been, I had to discharge that responsibility,” said the 75-year old president.

LegCo Colleagues Leave CM 'Amazed'

by Bennette Roach

Chief Minister and Minister of Finance John Osborne said on Monday, in the last Legislative Council meeting for the year, that he was disappointed in his colleagues and members of the house generally.

His reason was their expressions of uneasiness regarding the savings that enabled the government to meet the one-off in lieu of “back-pay” Christmas bonus to Civil Servants, also described as in lieu of any salary increase for the year 2001.

The Supplementary Appropriation Act 2001, the main item on the agenda for the scheduled meeting, was debated. It was noted that in the end there were objections to the bill, which generally was to satisfy the salary payment described above to Civil Servants, non-established workers and pensioners. The Chief Minister said: “I am amazed at the things I have heard…what it tells me is that my colleagues just do not understand the situation we are in or they fail to recognize the authority that we have.”

Chedmund Browne, an outspoken government backbencher, criticized the system that allowed the “savings” which made it possible for the payments to be realized. He said that it only showed that it is “the Financial Secretary, the head of Development Unit, and the Permanent Secretaries who practically all run and control this country; and all we have, with the exception of one minister sitting up front here, a bunch of people who just rubber stamp whatever they want to do.”  

Chedmond Browne and Claude Hogan

John Wilson and Roselyn Cassell Sealy

The only opposition member present in the house, Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, lamented that the Government was able to assist the Civil Servants with Christmas bonus, but unable to help the private sector as well. She said she hoped that the Social Welfare recipients would be able to benefit from the savings as well and that the new spending authority that the Government had would allow them to put monies where it can aid the private sector in its development. Another back bencher, John Wilson, said he hoped the savings were not made at the expense of not allowing monies into the economy but only from efficiency of the civil service.

Mr. Browne said the records he had been provided showed that the savings were from the same departments and ministries over previous years; savings of $620,000 in the Ministry of Education, Health and Social Services; $590,000 in the Ministry of Agriculture; $385,000 in the Development Unit, and $185,000 in the Ministry of Finance. He said  that a technical report of July 9, 2001, to the Government of Montserrat had allowed for immediate salary increases up to 9 percent, to be back-dated to January 1, 2001, but which had never done. Mr. Browne also recalled that the Civil Servants had received a salary increase under the Brandt administration in 1999.

Chief Minister John Osborne announced in a Carribean Media Corporation (CMC) report that an increase in Civil Servant salary will become evident by March 2002. In his presentation on the Supplementary Appropriation debate on Monday he said he had told officials of the Department for International Development (DFID) in London that they could expect the Civil Servants to strike (not against him but them) if he was not allowed to pay them a salary increase, upon which they agreed with him. He continued to insist that it was only upon DFID’s agreement that he was able to pay the salary increase. He said in the house that his instructions was not to make it “more than 10 percent.”

There appeared to be some contradiction to this insistence, however, with the Aide Memoire put together after the recently held Montserrat Country Policy Plan and Budgetary Aid discussions between the Government of Montserrat, DFID and the FCO (November 18-23 2001). In that, DFID reports that the “Government of Montserrat explained that it was considering an increase in public service salaries to take effect from 2002, but with a one-off payment in December 2001 in lieu of backdate pay. . . . The Mission (DFID/FCO team) noted that decisions on the pay award were Government of Montserrat’s responsibility, in line with the principle of Government of Montserrat self-determination.”

According to official sources the salary increase was to be an extra month’s salary pro rata of employment during 2001 and paid from the Consolidation Fund. It was not clear if weekly non-established workers would only receive one week’s additional pay.

Backbencher Claude Hogan in his presentation reminded that the country was “not getting, but already broke.” While supporting Chedmund Browne’s position, Mr. Hogan said the government was trying to keep its commitment to every man in the country. He touched on the interesting position of the recently touted autonomy: “…when the British tell us that we are now in charge, we have to be careful.” “In charge of what?” he asked. “We are not in charge of anything yet…in the next years with a declining aid framework, they are asking us to pick up the slack.”

He noted that right up to 2004 the country is going to be under pressure for money, discounting, perhaps, the Chief Minister’s earlier excitement in predicting that the island will see a whopping 15-percent growth next year.

The Chief Minister, in contradiction of himself throughout his presentation, seemed to be saying that there was no actual savings. He said that the Civil Servants were better off since they were able to make the savings.

All the ministers, as well as the Financial Secretary, spoke in supporting the need for the bill, which received its three readings and finally passed unopposed. 

Baroness Amos Pays A Hit-and-Run Visit

by Bennette Roach

Officials in Montserrat have referred to the recent first visit to Montserrat of Baroness Valarie Amos, Minister of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a ‘whirlwind visit’ apparently hurriedly put together.

The Guyana-born Baroness reportedly left Guyana at the age of 9 and moved on to the UK, where she eventually entered politics. Her recent four-island trip was said to be ill-timed, hence the reason she could only visit Montserrat for little over four hours on Saturday, last weekend.

Although hurried it is reported that she made much of the brief stopover in Montserrat, which was compared unfavorably to her nearly 24-hour stay in Antigua. There it was reported she held discussions with Antigua’s Prime Minister Lester Bird, listening to his plans for tourism development.  

Antigua’s Prime Minister Lester Bird and Baroness Valarie Amos

Upon visiting Montserratm, Baroness Amos enjoyed a helicopter flight over the volcano-ravaged southern half of the island, following which she viewed the Lookout housing, nursery school and sheltered housing projects. Her guides were Annie Dyer-Howe, Minister for Agriculture, Land, Housing and the Environment, and Ian Young of the Department for International Development.

Baroness Amos also looked over the Little Bay ‘new-town site’ and the temporary airport site at Geralds, the shelters at Brades and, after lunch, the MVO site at Flemings.

Lunch was at Government House with Executive Council, as well as Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, opposition member of Legislative Council. This was the Baroness’s only contact with members of Government where she conversed with them.

As her visit fell behind schedule she was able to afford the local news media no more than five minutes before boarding the helicopter on her return to Antigua to make a LIAT connection before returning to the UK. 

EDITORIAL

2001 Briefs - Excerpts

February 9, 2001

Montserratians are being called upon to be more discerning than ever before. For the next 50 days at least, they will have to keep their ears cocked and their eyes and minds open

This will be one election campaign in which, because of the Voting At Large (VAL) electoral system, they can expect few or no smears and character assassinations. With the short time left there will be little opportunity for fun and frolic, to which some have grown far too accustomed.

As we wind down to election day we must all remember that April 1 is celebrated world-over as “All Fools Day.” It will fall on a Sunday and will be the last day of the campaign. It will be the day when candidates make their final pitch. Let us hope that it will give voters the encouragement and the certainty they will need to choose the nine who will meaningfully take Montserrat into a progressive and prosperous future. 

March 2, 2001

Candidates are therefore reminded that they will not be able to be watery and expect to get away with it. The catch phrases, the insults, the ‘ignorance’, the flattery, will not be as successful as they used to be. And voters will not be allowed to get careless; we will try to remind them. It should be obvious also that their choices must be not the most popular candidates, but those who really can do more than use nice words, make nice plans and promises.

It must be those who have the know-how and the skills to represent and produce results that will make a difference to a people who are still struggling; those who will not just pick up the few pieces that are left, but find the necessary means to build for today’s existence and for our old age and our children’s future. 

March 30, 2001

The leaders should possess credibility. What they say or promise must be believable and achievable. Those who tell lies should be discarded or rejected. Those who will stop at nothing to get elected must be rejected. For some of us it is not just us any more, it is our brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren, and many of them are not here.

July 27, 2001

We have contended long enough that a big part of the problem with the delays and consequent waste of funds, by themselves and on themselves have always been because there is a deep-down feeling that the scientists may not know what they are saying and somehow not too long from now, they may still get us all to leave the island...

This idea that they are spending large sums of money, when little of it really impacts is a definite lack of understanding of economics. Spend it slowly, provide jobs for themselves, waste it even, and it cannot leave a mark, certainly not when it might be lost if the volcano blows us to smatterings, simple as that. Sustain us, squeeze us into submission and five years, ten years even is nothing as long as the plan succeeds...

Whatever, Kavanagh’s attempts at damage control now, it is too late for cover-up. Britain, through its respected representative, whom it listens to for any decision-making regarding Montserrat, has spoken. Britain may well be seeing Montserrat as a “huge white elephant” on whom developmental aid would be a waste of time. Could that be why Britain is now attempting to make British citizens out of us?

That may not be a bad thing, and what some will and must obviously need, even when taking into consideration attempts by some of them to make us half-cast citizens...

Maybe they hope, that will keep us quiet. After all, to their mind, why would we complain when we can call ourselves British citizens, with access to Europe and the world, to work, play and reside? 

September 28, 2001

The Montserrat Building Society is ‘catching itself. With the failure of the soft-mortgage scheme and in spite of the efforts of the Credit Union, mortgage housing financing is a big part of the economy restructure of this island. There is the call for the Bank of Montserrat to step forward and put the necessary funds and investment in the Montserrat Building Society, even if it means a newly structured organization to get that once very successful building industry moving again.

It is well known how the British government refused to assist, but their purposes were twofold and we must make them fail, just like they gave us a failing mortgage scheme. Failure to do this will be failure to get the economy and Montserrat from the swamps. The Credit Union, which is the other institution assisting in this area, also needs some quick injections to continue contributing its bit; it is now known that had it not been for its efforts in this area, we would be humming a different kind of tune.

The government and HMG have failed in being the engine for economic recovery, but that is probably because of the two-timing nature of some of their plans. In spite of that there was a spill-off of the funds provided and full use must be made of that which we unavoidably received.

There needs to be a coming together of the minds to help in the rebuilding efforts. Too much of the thinking and doing is left to one crew, which by their nature is not so-inclined, no disrespect whatsoever. It is a time for the call for “all hands on deck” to be heeded.

Never mind the chief minister; maybe his intentions were good. Let us all pool our “resources” and make good on the reason we stayed behind in the first place - to rebuild Montserrat!

Let’s get the building business going again; we need the houses. It was our #1 priority at one point, but we didn’t seem to know how to really get it going. Let’s get the quarry going, let’s get busy at Old Quaw; the golf course, the airport/airstrip also at Old Quaw. Work fast on the financial services, give it some priority.  Let us change the helicopter arrangement, let us discourage and stop the “leakages” and make use of the funding; let us find through Caricom and OECS some of the funds that are available. Fund those who are willing to work.

Let us revisit this editorial in, say, five years and hold up our heads. Do we have to wait till 2008? That was someone else’s plan. Let’s put ours to work. 

Today:

The government must stop trying to fool us, they have not yet achieved anything that was not already in the pipelines. They better wake-up and get real. People do listen even when it is unbearable and they will not stay stifled too long. They know the difference between a bright and a bleak future - they feel it.

Cassell-Sealy. Lewis, Hogan, Cheddy, Wilson and who deserve mention, take heed. 

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

'It Is I. Do Not Be Afraid'

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, "It is I.  Do not be afraid." John 6:19-20

How we long to hear these words, each day, every day. But every day the risen Lord does speak these words to you, if only you listen from the heart of your faith. "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you worry about loved ones, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you get bad news, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid." When you worry about what the future may bring, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

When you are sick, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid." When you are sick and tired, he says: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

Regardless of your worry, grief, or anguish, the risen Lord says to you: "It is I. Do not be afraid."

Lord Jesus, risen Christ, help me to listen to your words from the heart of my faith.       

Mitch Finley

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Past Excerpts

Inconsistencies Mar Maritime Exclusion Zone

In a recent meeting with the Police Commissioner and Dr. Peter Dunkley from the MVO, the fishermen came together to have the marine exclusion zone explained to them. As Montserrat’s only dive operator I took part in that meeting. I must say that after the meeting I have even more doubts that the current Maritime Exclusion Zone is sensible...

Dr. Dunkley showed us pictures of pyroclastic surges that went into the sea at the mouth of Tar River. These flows spread as fast as 50 to 60 miles per hour over the surface of the sea...

Had a fisherman been at the border of the two-mile zone at the time, he might have been cooked. He would have been only 4 kilometers away from the center of the volcano. Yet, he would not have been inside the Maritime Exclusion Zone...

On the other hand, a person standing on the pier in Plymouth would be five kilometers away from the center of the volcano. But this person would stand just at the beginning of the Maritime Exclusion Zone.

West of Montserrat, the Maritime Exclusion Zone extends two miles into the sea from Garibaldi Hill, which is inhabited, and which is about seven kilometers away from the volcano. The Maritime Exclusion Zone in this region reaches to a distance of 10 kilometers  from the volcano. Rendezvous Bluff is the same distance away from the volcano. A fisherman who safely could operates in the nearshore waters of Foxes Bay and Bransby Point is forced by the regulations to operate two miles out in the rough sea, risking limb and life. It is definitely much more dangerous for us in open fishing vessels to stay two miles offshore west of Montserrat than it is in the nearshore waters, the volcanic risk included. 

I suggest that the current Maritime Exclusion Zone should be abolished. It should be replaced by a regulation that declares the following regions as high risk areas: a circular region of three miles in diameter around the mouth of the Tar River; a circular region of two miles around the mouth of the White River, and a circular region of one mile around the pier in Plymouth.

Wolf Krebs, Sea Wolf Diving School. 

What if They All Have Tickets But the Helicopter Doesn’t Fly?

Dear Editor,

My wife and I do not travel to Antigua frequently, because we have no desire to deprive Montserrat’s struggling economy of money it desperately needs.

But when we do go for specific medical reasons, we take the opportunity to shop for those items that one can rarely if ever find in one of Montserrat’s markets. . . .We plan such trips only when we can secure prepaid round-trip tickets on the helicopter, since its speed and convenience limit the time and discomfort we have to endure in transit. Tuesday . . . was such an occasion. After filling mutual medical appointments, we . . . came away with three generously packed carriers of goods . . . and took a taxi to V.C. Bird International Airport.

On our arrival, we were promptly and efficiently checked in at the Carib Aviation desk for our return helicopter flight, went through Antigua Immigration and relaxed in the departure lounge awaiting our 4:30 p.m. boarding call.

At 4:25 p.m. those of us expecting to return shortly to Montserrat were called back to the Carib Aviation desk, where we were told only that the helicopter would not be flying. At that time of day, of course, the ferry was already almost halfway to Montserrat. It was also obvious that we were stuck for the night in Antigua and we were reminded that . . Wednesday . . . the helicopter does not fly. . . .

All of this was very distressing and in our case resulted in an unanticipated outlay of US$150 for meals and lodging. . . .It was even more distressing to learn on Wednesday . . . at the MAS office in Nixons that they were aware at 3:30 p.m. that the helicopter was unable to fly. That cast everything in a new light.

At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Opale Express was still at the dock in Heritage Quay. Had we been called back to the desk at Carib Aviation at that time . . .we might have been able to catch the ferry before its departure...

I do not suggest that any of us should be unwilling to deal with and understand delays or cancellations caused by mechanical failures. But I insist that a few sensible judgments, exercised promptly during such an emergency, could prevent turning a simple trip to Antigua into the day trip from hell.

J. Donald Brandt,

Old Towne 

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

Christmas Gifts For Children

The children of Davy Hill, Look Out and Brades were the guests of honour at the presentation of gifts, which took place at the Church of God of Prophesy in St. John last Sunday.

Pastor of the church Pastor Melroy Meade, who chaired the affair, said the gifts were from a cross section of persons both here and abroad.

Mr Ashton Daley was thanked on behalf of the New York Progressive Society for sending boxes of toys to the children.  So too was the management of Arrows Manshop, Johnny Mecca Fashions, and Joseph 'Bull' Allen.

Before receiving the gifts, the children participated in a mini concert.  They sang choruses and several did solo rendition accompanied by the church band.

After receiving their gifts, they were then treated to snacks.

A brief Review of the main news earlier in the year

Festival 2000 Closes Amid Prizes, Praise

The main speaker, chairman of the festival committee Salas Hamilton expressed  satisfaction with the members of the committee and also praised the public.

He singled out for special mention the first Female Calypso Monarch, Kandi and Estelle Furlonge Ms. Unity. He saluted all the cheerleaders, troupes, masquerades, calypsonians and Ms. Unity Contestants “for taking time out in the national interest.”

“It seems such a long time ago,” he said, “when a few persons decided to take up the responsibility to form a Festival Committee.”

He told the small audience he was proud to have chaired a hard-working first National Festival Committee since 1994 and asked a show of appreciation for the work of Clifton Riley, Johnny Wyke, Shauna Harley, Icilma Fenton, Charles Kirnon, Cecil Cassell, Chad Cumberbatch and Katrina Lee.

“We have argued and disagreed,” Mr. Hamilton said, “but as a group our existence is historical in the annals of Montserrat for it certainly indicates an island returning to normal after a natural crisis.

Critical Ministers’ Covert Resignations Undo Government  

Friday, the second day of February, 2001 may well be the date longest remembered in Montserrat’s history of this new century, all of course coming against the backdrop of the Soufriere Hills volcanic crisis.

Montserratians awoke and workers walked into their places of business Friday morning with the news of another crisis when the Radio Montserrat’s morning host announcer told his listeners that he was told to let the public know that the Chief Minister had asked the Governor to revoke the ministerial appointment of Mrs. Adelina Tuitt to the Ministry of Health, Education and Community Services.

That was followed a little later by the news that Mr. Rupert Weekes, Minister of Communications and Public Works, had resigned his office, almost automatically plunging the island into a general political crisis, requiring new elections within 90 days, except in very special circumstances

New Electoral Process Goes to Vote April 2

Montserratians and other qualified residents of Montserrat are being asked to turn out to vote April 2, 2001, with a possibility of returning for a run-off a week later on April 9.

They will be voting for the first time under a new electoral system brought about primarily as a result of the volcanic crisis, which forced more than half the population to abandon the island.

General elections were not constitutionally due before mid November this year, but last Thursday’s sudden resignation of two ministers triggered the fall of the government headed by outspoken lawyer David Brandt. His outspokenness was a trait cited by resigned ministers Mrs. Adelina Tuitt and Rupert Weekes as one of the reasons they were uncomfortable with his leadership style, the main cause of the their complaints.

The Brandt-led government was Montserrat’s first coalition government, although in a press conference Mr. Brandt expressed the view that most of our former governments were nothing more than coalitions.

In the meantime the campaign action gets underway as political leaders scramble to put parties in place.

The other former chief minister who has plans to contest the elections is John Osborne of the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA), who lost his seat and power in 1991 after winning three successive elections. He has spent most of the last five years away from Montserrat.

Of the recent members of government, Chief Minister Brandt has said that if enough persons indicate that he is needed, he will contest. Mrs. Tuitt has already set up office in Cudjoe Head, while Mr. Weekes said he will await the outcome of his medical reports to be conducted in Guadeloupe this week.

Spirits Undampened By Rain as Ceremony Begins Cultural Centre

It was a historic day as a fair-sized crowd braved light morning showers Tuesday at Little Bay to witness the ground-breaking for construction of the very first purpose-built national cultural facility (400 seats) for the island.

Leading poet and historian Dr. Howard Fergus, who spoke last at the symbolic ceremony, said the building makes a statement that the arts and artists matter in our society.

The CM pointed out that “by culture, I mean more than music, painting and theatre. I include our history, our sports and other modes of recreation, our folkways and our means of making a living. So this structure will be a cultural center in a very broad sense.”

Sir George Martin: “The Chief Minister has been very kind in his words about my wife and myself, but I would like to emphasise that this is a team effort, and it only happens because of the generosity of spirit of many of my friends in the music business. I am merely a conduit for their effort. A large number of people both on Montserrat and in other countries have been working hard to raise funds, getting firms to donate equipment, organizing concerts and raffles, always making the outside world aware of Montserrat’s needs.”

Sir George thanked all, especially the Governor and his wife, the Chief Minister and Government, and the Foreign Office who “donated £100,000 to the fund,” whose total goal is $1 million.

He expressed the hope that the centre would be completed some time during 2002: “I can tell you I am looking forward enormously to the first inaugural concert, and I hope to see you all there then,” he said ending his address.

Visitng FCO Team Here for Talks on White Paper

The team from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office continued its series of discussions with various groups on the now two year-old White Paper this week.

The officials, led by Barrister Gillian Dare, were expected, according a release from Government House last week to meet with a “wide range of individuals including all members of the Legislative Council.” The release was dated February 2.

The team met with the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt following meetings with the Christian Council and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

AIDS Awareness Project Launched by Red Cross

The Montserrat Red Cross has embarked on a project to raise the awareness of working adults to the dangers of HIV/AIDS. The deadly disease is on the rise in the Caribbean and in the world, so the time seems right to remind folks about the devastation it can cause to individuals, families and the community if it is not checked.

Some of the topics covered are AIDS in the Caribbean, what is HIV/AIDS, how it is passed from person to person, preventing HIV infection, symptoms of AIDS, the HIV test, and how it can affect the workplace and community. Other sexually transmitted diseases are also dealt with, since these often go along with HIV.

Fishermen Still Missing After Heavy Weather

Only one of three fishermen who left Old Road Bay in a small fishing boat Monday in blustery weather with high gusting winds and heavy rain squalls has returned safely to the island.

Leon Allen, the lone survivor to press time, reported to police late Monday that he swam for 1½ miles from just off Bramsby Point to Plymouth after he left the boat and the two other men to summon help.

CM Brandt Ends Suspense, Says He Will Not Run

The long awaited day came Wednesday when Chief Minister David Brandt gave the ‘all clear’ signal to those persons who may have been anxious about whether he would contest the April 2nd, 2001, general elections. He will not.                                          

His decision not to seek re-election, he said, was not made hastily. He explained that he had prayed about it, spoken to persons very close to him, and knew he was doing the right thing.  He is, therefore, confident, that notwithstanding his departure from government, “the country will still be in competent hands.”

The Chief Minister encouraged a little spoken of question that comes up every now and then. Some people have gone as far as question whether candidates in the election should not confirm their health worthy to stand for election. The CM cited also his lingering sports injury to his knee which he said, had him “bedridden for weeks,” also as a reason which aided his decision, along with the little voice which says to ‘take it easy.’

Ceremony Opens New Air Terminal at Geralds

The new air terminal building at Gerald’s was officially opened last Friday in a ceremony attended by His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott, Chief Minister David Brandt, Minister Idabelle Meade, heads of departments and DFID officials.

Governor Abbott said the opening of the terminal and the recent improvements to the terminal at the heliport will improve working conditions for the customs and immigration staff, along with MAS, and contribute to improving Montserrat’s image.

There seemed to be some delay in opening the building which had been completed some time ago. This no doubt prompted the Governor to praise the heliport personnel for their patience for working in less than ideal conditions.

Commenting at the ceremony, airport manager Norman Cassell said the opening of the new air terminal building was the culmination of a lot of hard work.

Meantime, for the past few weeks the new helicopter put into operation by Bajan Helicopters, has been making the runs between Antigua and Montserrat and carrying out the monitoring services for the MVO. It had been using the new helipad for some time now.

The new helicopter, which Bajan Helicopter owners boasted was similar to the old one, is air-conditioned and has 11 seats. However, Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS) manager confirmed that only eight seats are available to the traveling public, with the same rules in place that only six seats can be confirmed prior to 24 hours before time of departure, the other two to be held available to that time for DFID and government officials.

There is a grave disadvantage to the new helicopter and its unused added seats; one of the helicopter pilots confirms that it restricts the baggage capacity of the craft. MAS office now sports a sign that advises only carry-on bag sizes will be accepted on the helicopter.

The reaction to this is that the service has become poorer instead of improved, causing the general feeling that it is just another way of forcing the issue of acceptance of an airstrip at Geralds.

Speaker Steps Down After 25-Year Tenure

Dr. Howard Fergus, resident tutor of the University of the West Indies, poet and author, returned from an official trip to Trinidad this week and formally announced his retirement after 25 years as Speaker of Montserrat’s Legislative Council.

Citing a passage from Shakespeare, “There is a divinity that shape our ends, Rough-hew them how we will,” Dr. Fergus acknowledged the hand of God in the direction of his life. He thanked the UWI for its willing support, the governors under whom he served, and a host of Montserratians, as well, beginning with P. Austin Bramble, who, Dr. Fergus said, “out of the blue, while

 was yet a novice on parliamentary matters, invited me to be Speaker from outside the membership of the Council. I am eternally grateful to him.”

John Osborne Back as CM In a Landslide

It was a breezy and, until February 1, 2001, somewhat unexpected general election that resulted in victory for former Chief Minister John Osborne’s New People’s Liberation Movement (NPLM), which scored a landslide victory. History was created as the election results evolved and the new government was sworn in two days later.

The victory meant a loss for another former and more recent Chief Minister, Reuben T. Meade, and his National Progressive Party (NPP). He can feel cheated since he was almost a lone voice in challenging the conduct of a coalition government that eventually threw him into top gear to reorganise his party, which itself saw several new faces to contest the general elections.

NPLM scored a landslide victory in Monday’s general election, taking seven of the nine Legislative Council seats, with NPP taking the other two, leaving the eight independents, some of whom grouped together on the campaign trail, scoreless. The independents included recent minister Mrs. Adelina Tuitt.

Players, Officials Applaud Island Comeback

Montserrat took center stage as it heralded its return as a venue for regional first-class cricket since the eruption of its Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995, when it hosted the one-day West Indies vs South Africa cricket match at Salem Park last Thursday.

More than 2,000 Montserratians plus visitors witnessed the history-making event as Montserrat did damage control to the bad publicity it has received because of the volcano. 

Already, there are positive signs that Montserrat may be in line to host the 2007 World Cup. This event undoubtedly would be a gigantic boost for the island’s tourism industry as hundreds of cricket lovers will disembark here on the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean to view history in the making, again...

South African captain Shaun Pollock relayed his team’s pleasure in the participation of such a landmark venture, which gained worldwide focus...

Sir Howard Fergus in Week Of Honours

Professor Sir Howard Fergus has joined the ranks of those who have defied the proverb, “a prophet is never honored in his own country.”

A week of activities in his honor has placed “The Little Black Boy from Long Ground,” as he is often recalled, firmly on center stage as his many achievements and contributions to the island are relayed by his peers, students, and the man on the street.

Among activities planned this week honoring Sir Howard were an appreciation service; an exhibition of his literary works, at the National Trust and the Public Library; the launching of his most recent book, “Montserrat in the Twentieth Century - Trials and Triumphs”; a local Common-wealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) reception and award; cultural celebrations and, last night, radio panel discussions. The panel comprised Mr. DRV Edwards, Professor George Irish, Dr. Ermina Oshoba, resident tutor of Antigua and Mr. C.T. John, with Keith ‘Stone’ Greaves as the moderator.

Tomorrow evening at 7:30 there will be an Awards Banquet in Sir Howard’s honor at the Vue Pointe Hotel to culminate the week of activities.

Described as a prolific writer, a humble and soft-spoken gentleman, Sir Howard has only recently voluntarily left the Speaker’s Chair of the Legislative Council, where he served for 26 years.

On Monday October 15, he was officially knighted by His Royal Highness Prince Charles with the traditional sword.

One of ten knights and dames, and one of 120 persons who were award recipients at the investiture, Sir Howard was accompanied to Buckingham Palace by his wife Lady Eudora Fergus, his sister Ann Murrain, and his nephew Denville Murrain of Birmingham. 

British Citizenship Temporarily on Hold

His Excellency the Governor Anthony Longrigg said this week that the Overseas Territories Bill, which would grant full British citizenship to Montserratians and nationals of other overseas territories, may not be passed until some time next year.

He said although the Bill has been passed in the House of Lords, it has yet to pass through the House of Commons, and with the attention now focused on the September 11 terrorist attack on the United States, Royal assent may not may be given until early next year.

In a ZJB interview he countered complaints being heard that Montserratians have had no input into the Bill. He cited recent consultations, and emphasized the fact that the process has been fair and transparent.

 “Before this Bill was introduced there was a long period of consultations after publication of the White Paper on Overseas Territories,” he said. “There was a lot of gathering of opinion from the various Overseas Territories as to what they would like. The Bill is based on taking the views of the Overseas Territories, how they would best like to tackle this question of nationality.”

He said since the Bill was drafted, and while it has been passing through the House of Lords, “there have of course been various consultative groups here. There was a team here in March just before I came who talked to a lot of people about the Bill, and its possible effects, and got Montserratians’ views. There was also a visit of a Senior Home Office Official in June, …and just last week the Overseas Territories Consultative Council.”

He said although he does not yet have the result of the consultative session in London, he believes the visiting Chief Ministers from the various Overseas Territories had a good session. Adding, “All the Chief Ministers there had a clear discussion with the Minister, to let her know their views about the Bill and its implications and how it will affect them.” 

Consultants: ‘Obtain New Ferry, Hike Copter Fares’

Consultants from Roughton International, who are on island reviewing the ferry and helicopter services here at the request of the Department for International Development (DFID), say Montserrat is spending too much of British aid funds on these services.

At a public discussion Team Leader Kenneth Grundey may have confused the public with the complexity of subsidies and deficits. He said annual figures show that spending on the ferry totals EC$8,171,147 and on the helicopter amounts to EC$4.6 million. Despite ferry revenues of EC$2,184,389, the ferry is left with a deficit of EC$5 million. For the helicopter, despite passenger revenues, there is still an annual deficit of EC$2.9 million.

The consultants then suggested possible alternatives for each service.

For the ferry, they presented five:

1.         Maintain current use of the ferry and keep losing almost $6 million annually;

2.         Stop use of the ferry altogether, which would inconvenience travelers but would allow $6 million to be put to other uses;

3.         Negotiate reduced charges, and save about EC$2 million annually;

4.         Government purchase a (the) ferry, an option the consultants considered as a last resort;

Charter a new ship that is most likely to give best value for money.  

“End Airport Discussions Quickly” Says Governor

His Excellency the Governor Anthony Longrigg sees further discussions on the airport project as unnecessary  because “I mean there’s been years of discussion about this airport as I understand it,” the governor said in a radio interview with ZJB.

He said building an airport is crucial to improving life for Montserratians, and that there should be no more delays. “I don’t think it’s necessary in arguing between the Montserrat Government and the British Government,” he said.

Before his tenure as governor of Montserrat is over, Governor Longrigg said there are many things which he hopes to see accomplished.  “My main wish is that by the time I leave, the island will be a far more normal, healthy place; there will be far more job satisfaction, far more employment, far more better quality of life, I think is the best way of putting it.”

On the matter of the construction of an airport and discussions relating to it, Acting Chief Minister Mrs. Dyer-Howe told the Montserrat Reporter, “the Government of Montserrat’s position is that, we are awaiting the study from the Italians before making a decision.”

Minister for Communications and Works Dr. Lowell Lewis, who advocates discussions where the airport project is concerned, particularly the proposed site at Gerald’s is currently out of state and could not be reached for comment.

Parliamentarian Chedmon Browne has voiced concern over the fact that His Excellency the governor Anthony Longrigg is “suggesting to the listening public that the Government of the day is split on the airport issue.”

He said contrary to that suggestion, “It is not the government of Montserrat that is speaking about the issue of the airport at Geralds, it is the voice of the people who have already spoken on the issue. Now for the governor to suggest that there is an argument within the government of Montserrat over the airport issue, well, this is news to me, and I do believe that I am a member of the New PLM Party. And I am not aware of any split or argument over the issue.  We’ve been firm on the issue OK. Our position has always been firm on the issue. If there is a split, like I said, it’s a new thing to me because we have stated over and over again that we would want DFID and the British officials to look at other alternatives we have suggested, to compare those alternatives, let us arrive at a decision. Last word spoken on it by the Chief Minister of Montserrat was that he is quite willing to wait until this latest consultancy report, which is about the fifth consultancy on the issue, comes out, before again even begin to discuss the issue.”

The Man From Baker Hill, John Allen, told the Montserrat Reporter he is fully supportive of Governor Longrigg’s stance on the airport issue. “I am grateful that somebody has forcefully put the cards on the table. The ball is in Montserrat’s court. No more discussions before the report, after the report, action!” Mr. Allen said.

DFID Speaks Out Against Criticism

In a recent BBC broadcast, Chief Minister of Montserrat Mr. John Osborne said that although Britain have given “a considerable amount of money” in aid to Montserrat, “I think we could have a lot more for the amount of money they gave us, if the money was well spent.”

Head of DFID’s office in Montserrat, Mr. Barry Kavanagh told the Montserrat Reporter this week that when Mr. Osborne attempted to see officials of DFID in...

Mr. Kavanagh said, the British taxpayers expect DFID to look after their money which is spent overseas, “So we need checks and balances. That’s why we don’t just hand over millions of pounds to government, say well, you need to rehab-ilitate the north; here’s £100 million, let us know when you spend it and what you spend it on. Those British taxpayers won’t stand for that.”

He said Chief Minister Osborne is in no position to say what money has been spent and whether or not it was spent properly because “ he’s only been in government for two months, so he is presumably speaking of the past, because he doesn’t know, he hasn’t been here.”

Mr. Kavanagh admits that there may have been some delays on certain projects, but not mismanagement of funds.  

Regional News

Grenada Ministers Face 10% Pay Cut

GEORGETOWN, Grenada, CMC - Government ministers in Grenada will have a 10-percent pay cut beginning next month as part of a seven-point plan adopted by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mithell's administration to deal with the economic downturn in the country.
As the nation moved back to offices and factories Thursday, following two days of Christmas celebrations, the economic challenges were uppermost in the minds of government leaders, the private sector and trade unionists.
With regard to the pay-cut for ministers, the general feeling is that with their additional perks, the ministers will hardly feel the impact of the 10-percent deduction.
As in other countries in the region, Grenada's economy is in the doldrums, aggravated by the terrorist attacks on the United States last September.
And it could prove an challenging year on the labour front as trade unions negotiate with employers for new and improved wages contracts. Recently, one union re-negotiated an agreement with a local hotel, putting on hold certain aspects of a package that was arrived at earlier in the year.
That hotel, one of the biggest on the island, has experienced a decline in occupancy rates, brought on in great measure by the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.
Caribbean Prime Ministers who analyzed the region's economic position during emergency talks on October had looked at a freeze in wages and drastic cuts in spending as strategies which may be necessary to stabilize their economies.
Some trade unions have already hinted that they would be taking a level-headed approach to negotiations, cognizant of the fact that there have been major changes on the economic front.

Dominica Speaker Names Alleged Verbal Assailant
 Dominica, CMC - Speaker of the Dominica House of Assembly, Alix Boyd-Knight, on Thursday named opposition parliamentarian Earl Williams as the person who allegedly verbally assaulted her over a week ago.
Ms. Boyd-Knight revealed in parliament last week that she was verbally assaulted on the premises on the Parliament building but refused to disclose his identity on the grounds that she wanted to give him a chance to apologise for his actions.
When the House resumed on Thursday after a break for the Christmas holidays, Ms.Boyd-Knight said that she was yet to receive an apology from the parliamentarian.
"I wish to name the member now, and his name is the Member of Salisbury, Earl Williams, and I am letting the House know that in light of his attitude thereafter I have to reconsider whatever benevolent feeling that the season of goodwill had bestowed upon me," she told parliament.
She said she would leave it to the House to do what it considers necessary but that she was considering her own way to respond. Ms. Boyd-Knight had told parliament she was verbally assaulted and threatened by an opposition parliamentarian while she was still in her chambers.
She accused him of hurling a "barrage of epithets" at her and subjecting her to a "tirade of verbal abuse and threats" On Thursday she voiced concern about what she described as "inaccurate reportage" by certain members of the House in the media.
She chastised the media and accused Opposition Leader Edison James of making remarks about the House which were "not as accurate as they ought to be".
"I need to let members of the House, members of the public and the media know, that they have a responsibility that carries certain sanctions with that responsibility to accurately report matters in the House," she said.  

St. Lucia Might Not Meet Free Movement Deadline
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - An official of the locally based Secretariat of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) said Thursday that St. Lucia is not expected to meet the January 2 deadline for the free movement of people in the sub-region.
Acting OECS Secretary General George Goodwin told the CMC that he was hopeful, however, that St. Lucia would be part of the process sooner rather than later.
Free movement was not a campaign issue in the recent December 3 general elections won by the incumbent St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) led by Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.
"I can only go on the fact that the prime minister of St. Lucia was a party to the decision. So therefore, one would assume that as a party to this decision, the government of St. Lucia would have carried out its obligations," Mr. Goodwin said.
"On a more practical level, however, is the fact that since elections were held, a new parliament has to be convened so it may be a little difficult for St. Lucia to meet the January 1 deadline, but that is purely speculation on my part."

One of the nine protocols amending the Treaty of Chaguaramas commits the 15 participating states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to extend the right of free movement of people's throughout the region as an important part of the eventual single market and economy.

Dominican Republic Looks For Haitian in Coup Attempt

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- The man believed to be the mastermind behind last week's attempted coup in Haiti is being sought by Dominican Republic authorities.
Former Haitian Police Chief Guy Philippe reportedly entered the Dominican Republic on Tuesday after being denied entry to the Republic of Ecuador.
Officials here say they are searching throughout the country for Mr. Philippe.
The former police chief has denied any involvement in the assault on the Presidential Palace in Port au Prince that left at least 13 people dead, including two policemen.
Haitian authorities have insisted that Mr. Philippe led the plot involving former members of the country's disbanded army.  

Media body condemns attack on radio station
Guyana, CMC - The Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) has joined other media organisations and condemned the recent violent attacks on 96.1 FM and its Programme
Director, Paul Richards.
Richards was kidnapped and threatened with death on November 28 and his station fired upon by unknown assailants on December 24.
"We urge media colleagues everywhere to express their concern. In that respect, the ACM has contacted partner media institutions everywhere in an attempt to broaden international awareness of and
interest in these incidents.
"We note an alarming trend in which journalists and other media workers in several Caribbean countries are being threatened and even physically attacked by persons and organisations opposed to their
free and independent operations," the ACM said in a statement here.
This year alone, there has been one killing in Haiti and a number of physical attacks against media workers in Guyana, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Of the 24 journalists who have been killed in the line of duty or because of their work, four have been assassinated in Association of Caribbean States (ACS) member countries.
Another seven killings in Colombia, one in Guatemala and one in Mexico are yet to be confirmed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) as being directly related to journalistic activities.
"We believe these situations call for increased vigilance from media institutions, civil society and the state to ensure that death and destruction are not the price to be paid for a free press," the ACM Vice President Bert Wilkinson said.
The ACM, together with our regional and international partners, will be monitoring the situation in Trinidad to determine the intensity of official attempts to get to the bottom of these attacks on 96.1 FM  

PM seeks meeting with opposition after pull-out
 Trinidad, CMC - Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister, Patrick Manning, on Thursday said he wanted to meet with Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday over reports that his party had pulled out of an important agreement with the ruling party.
The Opposition United National Congress (UNC) and Manning's People's National Movement (PNM) had worked out a ten-point deal that would have allowed both parties to co-exist peacefully in the parliament.
The deal was brokered following the deadlock in the December 10 general election when both parties took 18 seats for the 36-seat parliament.
"It is significant so far that we have not heard from the leader of the UNC Mr Panday and I really would like to hear from him before I comment too much on this matter," Manning, who was appointed as prime minister Monday over Panday who was the incumbent, told reporters.
"I would rather suspect that we should hear from him pretty soon (but) speaking for the People's National Movement, I am still very optimistic that the agreement can still be put into force, that we can agree on the convening of parliament and its smooth operation," Manning said.
The 18 elected UNC members said Wednesday that the deal with the PNM was now off and that fresh elections should be called. They also slammed President Arthur Robinson for appointing Manning as prime
minister, describing his actions as being bias.
"The Manning administration is illegitimate. The collective view of the members of parliament of the UNC is that the president shredded the constitution and effectively scuttled the bi-partisan accord," said UNC Chairman Wade Mark.
"There has been a call for an immediate return to the electorate. The President showed a clear personal bias."
Manning told reporters that the deal which included collaboration at the parliamentary level was negotiated in good faith.
"It is regrettable the UNC parliamentarians have taken the position they have taken...but I'm still very optimistic that we can arrive at some arrangement that will facilitate the smooth conduct of the country's parliament," Manning said.

Manning names wife as Education Minister
 Trinidad,  CMC - Trinidad and Tobago's new Prime Minister Patrick Manning surprised the nation late Wednesday by naming his wife, Hazel, as the country's next Education Minister.
This is the first time in the political history of the twin-island republic that the wife of a prime minister will serve in cabinet.
Manning made the announcement as his 18-member Cabinet was being sworn in. The prime minister is expected to name other members of his executive on Thursday.
The new prime minister told the CMC his first cabinet meeting is expected to be held next Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the United National Congress (UNC) which is now the opposition party, has pulled out of an agreement it reached with Manning's People's National Movement following the December 10 inconclusive elections.
It is claiming that the Manning administration is illegal and is advocating a return to the polls.
The party, which formed the previous government under Prime Minister Basdeo Panday said that President ANR Robinson shredded the constitution and the accord between the two parties by not acting in
accordance with the constitution.
While the Constitution instructs the president in choosing a prime minister who has the support of the majority in the House of Representatives, nowhere does it specify the procedure to be followed in the case of a deadlock.
In an earlier speech, Manning has called for national healing and said that there must now be calm in the country.
Acknowledging the unprecedented tie in the elections, Manning said it showed that the "winner take all" system cannot continue and there was a need for consensus-building to which the PNM was
committed.
One of Manning's first appointments, Attorney General Glenda Morean is expected to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate a number of contracts and projects that were initiated under two previous administrations.  

St. Kitts/Nevis PM Focuses on Children
 St. Kitts, CMC - St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil L. Douglas called for special attention to be paid to the needs of children in his traditional Christmas message Tuesday.
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader also urged the people of the twin-island Federation to give thanks for what they have instead of complaining about what they do not have.
Dr. Douglas said that children have more than a little to teach adults about joy, wonder and trust. "Let us encourage the children this Christmas," he said.
"Let us pay special attention to the needs of children, wherever they are; not only our own children, but those who may be neglected, who may be in institutions, who may be in the unfortunate position of having lost parents, or whose circumstances might be so desperate, that Christmas for them is just a day like any other, with no gifts, no toys, no new clothes, and no food to eat."
The Prime Minister said, "I trust that as many of us as possible will make the effort this Christmas Season to reach out and touch at least one child."
Dr. Douglas said the Federation was still one of the best places in the world to live.
He said that "there was once in this country a beautiful tradition of Christmas sharing. Neighbour shared with neighbour. Children were made welcome everywhere, and parents made it a point to look out for any child in the neighbourhood who might be temporarily in need. That was one of the things that made Christmas so special in those days."  

Barbados PM Confident Of Greater Commitment
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC - Prime Minister Owen Arthur told Barbados in his Christmas message on Tuesday that there is a greater resilience and a stronger
commitment to nation over self from every section in the community.
"These are the very attributes that we need to take with us into the New Year, to ensure that our beloved nation rises above the challenges it will face in these difficult and dangerous," Mr. Arthur said in his radio and television address.
The prime minister told Barbadians that he had the greatest confidence that the country would make it.
He thanked Barbadians for their display of public spiritedness during 2001 and urged them to "look to brighter and better things in the year ahead of us."
He noted 2001 would live on in history as one associated with death and destruction, and man's inhumanity to man, because of the events of that day of infamy in September.
"When we recall the optimism with which the new century was greeted we can only now reflect on how far we have gone, in so short a time, from the promise of the brighter future which the start of a new millennium was supposed to connote. And yet, we must all move on," Prime Minister Arthur said.

Trinidad Group Deplores Growing Juvenile Crime
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - The leader of a non-governmental organisation in Trinidad and Tobago has singled out juvenile crime and violence as very serious problems facing the society.
Harrack Balramsingh, President of Citizens For A Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), told the group's annual Christmas service, "Too many of our youth have gone astray and far away from God."
He pointed out that many of the perpetrators of murder were friends and acquaintances of their victims. "No-one is absolutely safe if he or she is living with a drug addict who is a relative or friend," adding that "people will do anything to support their expensive drug habit."
He said society must find ways to deter young people from committing crimes, and at the same time find swift and effective ways of punishing those who do.
"We have to enact laws to hold parents responsible for their young child's crime," he said. "We also have to organise prevention and early intervention programmes, as well as probably allow the most violent youth to be tried in adult court."
He said crime discourages too many people from venturing outside their homes and many businesses have closed because owners find it difficult, if not impossible, to operate in a climate of violence and intimidation.
Mr. Balramsingh renewed his call for parents to be exemplars in their homes since families are essential for teaching morals. He pleaded with citizens of all religions to continue praying on a daily basis for racial acceptance and religious tolerance among all the people, and also for their leaders, so that God would grant them the wisdom to run the affairs of the country without fear and favour.  

PM Lester Bird Promises Heavy Tourism Spending

Antigua -- Prime Minister Lester Bird, who is also Finance Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, said Tuesday his government will invest heavily in the Tourism Sector because the year 2002 promises to be a very challenging one for the nation.

In the Christmas Day Edition of the ABS Television Evening News, Mr. Bird  underscored the need for a high marketing drive to attract more visitors to the islands and promote the country as a premier  tourism destination.

"As we all know, following the events of September 11th the Tourism Industry was struck very hard," he said. "We have to be spending a lot of money, there is no doubt.  We are going to spend almost £1 million in the United Kingdom in an effort to bring tourists to Antigua and Barbuda, because without them the hotels will not be there and there will be no employment. We will also be spending another half a million dollars in the United States in order to attract more tourists from there. We have to co-promote US Airways (which began a once weekly flight out of Philadelphia some two weeks ago) along with all the new airlines flying into Antigua and Barbuda. To get our tourism going to the level which we want it, we are going to have to spend a lot of money and this is going to be tough.".

Mr. Bird said his government is working to rectify the fiscal problem which the country is experiencing, but he expressed optimism that the construction industry and others will create employment which will help to move the economy forward.  

PNM leader Patrick Manning new Prime Minister: By Linda Hutchinson-Jafar
 Trinidad, CMC - Patrick Augustus Manning, 56, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on Monday evening by President Arthur Robinson, exactly two weeks after voters rendered an indecisive 18-18 verdict in the December 10 elections.
President Robinson made the announcement in a 15-minute address to the nation and promptly after he conducted the swearing-in of Manning, a former prime minister between 1991 and 1995.
Manning, a petroleum geologist who spent most of his adult life in politics named lawyer and former senator Glenda Morean as his Attorney General who will be sworn in "at the earliest opportunity."
The leader of the People's National Movement said the rest of the Cabinet will be in place by Wednesday and Thursday while he will move swiftly to resume sittings of parliament.
Manning was chosen as prime minister over Basdeo Panday, the leader of the United National Congress (UNC) which formed the last administration prior to the last elections.
Prior to making the announcement, President Robinson met with Panday and Manning earlier Monday.
In arriving at his decision, President Robinson said it was not an easy one and he had to call upon the Almighty God for guidance.
He said he also found guidance in the Constitution and also in the oath that is taken by ministers to serve Trinidad and Tobago.
"But when a decision has to be made in the national interest, it has to be made, and when that responsibility falls upon my shoulders, I cannot shirk that responsibility, however burdensome that responsibility appears to be, I cannot shirk that responsibility.
"I have not done so in the past, I have not done so at the risk of my own life and I did not think I should do so now, I have a responsibility to discharge and however burdensome that responsibility may have been, I had to discharge that responsibility," said the 75-year old president.
"So having said that, my decision is that the mantle should now be handed over to Mr Patrick Manning and I have appointed him as prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago."
Acknowledging that there will be some disappointment by supporters of the UNC, Manning said no one has anything to fear by him being appointed prime minister.
"We propose to be equitable as we can in the conduct of our public affairs and we are not in the business of running down individuals but that we propose to provide stability to the country ...," Manning told reporters minutes after being sworn into office.
Just over a week ago, Manning and Panday agreed to allow the president to appoint a new prime minister.
This was contained in a ten-point agreement reached by the two parties in order to provide stability to the country in the deadlock situation. They have also agreed to collaborate in the Parliament and reduce political tension.
Manning said the agreement stands and that there is a commitment on both sides to ensure that it works.
The decision by President Robinson came after a second recount
in the disputed Tunapuna constituency -- previously held by ex-foreign minister Mervyn Assam -- was declared for the PNM candidate Eddie Hart.
Trinidad and Tobago had been in a state of political limbo following last week's general elections.
The leaders of the two parties subsequently agreed to allow the President a free hand in choosing a new prime minister.
The decision Monday night means that Panday's UNC will form the opposition. But both party leaders also agreed to collaborate in Parliament and reduce the acrimony between them.

New prime minister a survivor
 Trinidad, CMC - Some political analysts may have written him off as a politician, but the decision Monday evening by President Arthur Robinson to appoint him as prime minister has confirmed Patrick Manning as a survivor.
It was suggested during the campaign in the lead-up to the December 10 general elections that Manning was not only fighting hard for his People's National Movement (PNM) to win, but battling for his own political survival.
The 56-year old former geologist had promised to "walk" if the PNM did not win the December 2000 general elections.
The party not only lost but saw its position in the elected Parliament reduced by one.
Manning may have only been saved because of allegations by the Opposition that fraud had taken place in the elections which returned the Basdeo Panday administration into power and election writs filed in the courts against two members of the ruling party.
The issue of the party leadership was temporarily shelved although waiting in the wings was Dr. Keith Rowley who was once again making a bid for the helm of the party.
This time round - in the snap elections called by Panday when three former ministers withdrew their support from him - Manning left nothing to chance as winning the elections has become a crucial and critical issue for him.
He announced an elaborate 100-day plan for the country including giving public servants a month's salary in advance and more money for the senior citizens. He has promised reduction in corporate and
personal taxation.
He announced a trial free books programme to primary school children but when the ruling party stated in their manifesto that free books will be guaranteed to all students and a monetary grant to secondary students, Manning said he would do the same since the incumbent government had indicated there was money for such programmes.
So when the result became clear that his PNM had won the same amount of seats as the incumbent UNC -- 18 apiece -- Manning gained a new lease on life.
He had led the assault on the ruling party with the persistent emphasis on corruption in the Government and the venality of its members -- a blight that once marked former PNM administrations.
Manning and his party used mass media to the hilt to get their messages across to the 850,000 potential voters.
Patrick Augustus Mervyn Manning was born August 17, 1946. He is married to Hazel and has two children. A geologist by training from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Manning entered Parliament
as the representative for the San Fernando constituency in 1971 and was given the portfolio of Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines.
Two years later he moved into the office of late Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams as a Parliamentary Secretary. Later he held portfolios in the Ministries of Industry and Commerce, Planning and Development and Communications, Works and Transport.
When the PNM lost a general election for the first time in 1986 - breaking a 30 year continuous rule - Manning was among three PNM candidates to retain their seats.
He was appointed Opposition Leader from then until he guided the party back into power in 1991 for one term.
As the results became known on December 10, 2001 Manning insisted that the prime minister had to be from the PNM, and shrugged off notions of a government of national unity proferred by incumbent Basdeo Panday.
Manning has now exorcised the ill-fortune that his PNM faced in the 1995 and 2000 general elections.
But all is not plain sailing for the veteran politician, for he knows only too well that a return to the electorate sooner rather than later is a distinct possibility.  

Islanders review appointment
 Trinidad, CMC - Politicians, political analysts and ordinary Trinidadians and Tobagonians on Christmas Day were mulling over the appointment of a new Prime Minister.
Patrick Augustus Manning, a 56-year-old geologist, was sworn in as Prime Minister Monday evening by President Arthur Robinson, and for the first time in the nation's history a party which did not win
the general election prepared to govern.
The ceremony came exactly two weeks after the islands' two major political parties ended the general election deadlocked on 18 seats each.
President Robinson named the new leader of the twin-island republic in a 15-minute address to the nation and promptly conducted the swearing-in of Manning, who was Prime Minister between 1991 and
1995.
Manning, leader of the People's National Movement (PNM), named lawyer and former senator Glenda Morean as his Attorney General and said the rest of the Cabinet will be in place by Wednesday and
Thursday.
Manning was chosen as prime minister over Basdeo Panday, the leader of the United National Congress (UNC) and the last head of government.
"While the UNC's strategy team mulled over the appointment of the PNM's Patrick Manning as Prime Minister - and appeared to accept it - PNMites were getting ready to celebrate at Balisier House last night," the Guardian newspaper said.
On the President's decision, the paper quoted the UNC's St Joseph MP, Carlos John, as saying: "We respect and abide by the President's decision. This was part of the recent accord between the two leaders. As a party, we do that. Our word continues to be our bond.
"We left it in the hands of the President and in accordance with the Constitution and in God's hands. When you're in politics, you have those who win and those who lose. There's no draw."
In arriving at his decision, President Robinson said he had to call upon the Almighty God for guidance. He said he also found guidance in the Constitution and in the oath that is taken by ministers to serve Trinidad and Tobago.
The President's basis for the appointment was questioned by Chaguanas MP Manohar Ramsaran, who said: "I feel very, disturbed that in his address the President mentioned 'moral and spiritual values'. I feel offended because I've lived with high moral standards and I'm a very spiritual person. I feel I was tried,
convicted and executed without evidence or a trial."
The Guardian reported some UNC members as saying they expected Panday may meet with his team again over the next 24 hours before delivering a full statement.
However, PNM MPs and supporters were jubilant Monday night.
"It's wonderful! Fabulous! Praise God! Our work has now begun. We await Mr Manning's Cabinet and are eager to get to work," said Port of Spain North MP John Rahael.
Tunapuna MP Eddie Hart said: "I'm extremely pleased our leader has again been chosen to carry the mantle of PM. We know expectations are high out there and we're looking forward to the task ahead." 

Some disappointment with President

Trinidad, CMC - The Trinidad Guardian newspaper and a leading West Indian intellectual have reacted with both a warning and an expression of disappointment over President
A.N.R. Robinson's position in the appointment of Patrick Manning as the new Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Guardian, in an editorial, praised President Robinson for his "frank assessment of the constitutional dilemma that confronted him".
But the paper said by emphasising that the basis of his selection of Manning was the constitutional imperative that "freedom is founded on moral and spiritual values and the rule of law",
Robinson "has set the stage for a controversy he might have avoided".
The implication here, as argued by the Guardian, is that in the President's view "Mr Manning is more likely to adhere to these tenets than Mr Panday..."
The paper said that against this backdrop there is "the likelihood that the President will not escape unscathed".
Best, the Trinidad-born West Indian intellectual and a columnist of the Trinidad Express, said he was "not optimistic" about the choice of Manning as Prime Minister.
He said it was "the wrong procedure (followed by Robinson)" in having to decide between the then incumbent Prime Minister Basdeo Panday and Manning, leader of the People's National Movement".
Best thinks that Robinson "should have put it (the unprecedented choice) in a hat". Indicating that he would go into details later, Best said: "In my view, the considerations he (Robinson) urges have no place whatsoever in the scheme of his decision. I am not optimistic."
Also expressing disappointment in Robinson's failure to provide the specific reasons for his choice of Manning, was Trevor Sudama, the former Food Production Minister of Panday's United National Congress and one of the three dissident cabinet ministers who unsuccessfully contested the December 10 election as candidates of Team Unity.
Sudama, defeated candidate for the Oropouche constituency, was reported in Tuesday's Express newspaper as saying: "I would have liked to hear the reasons for Manning's appointment as Prime
Minister.
"I believe," he said, "it was because there was a need for change, however short that might be, and would bring about a new perspective and deal with the question of corruption."
In Barbados, the 'Daily Nation' splashed across its front page the news of Manning as Robinson's choice as new Prime Minister and illustrated the news article with a carton of a relaxing President, clothed like Santa Claus, fondly holding a smiling Manning on his lap, and uttering" "You have been a good boy - season's greetings".
In the background, portrayed in a pensive mood is ex-Prime Minister Panday who had earlier extended congratulations to Manning as the head of a new administration currently being put in place in Port-of-Spain. 

New Prime Minister Calls For Healing

Trinidad,  CMC - Trinidad and Tobago's newly-appointed prime minister Patrick Manning called for a healing of the twin-republic following the recent elections, based on ethnic
voting.
Describing the campaign for the December 10 general elections as being brutal, Manning who was chosen as prime minister over Basdeo Panday said there must now be calm in the country.
"The election was hard fought, but the time has come for healing and it must begin tonight," he said on Monday night, hours after being sworn into office to head a new government by President Arthur Robinson.
President Robinson said he was guided by the Constitution to decide on which leader should be appointed prime minister after the two parties -- the People's National Movement (PNM) and the United
National Congress (UNC) led by Manning and Panday respectively -- tied in the elections with 18 seats each for control of the 36-seat parliament.
While the Constitution instructs the president in choosing a prime minister who has the support of the majority in the House of Representatives, nowhere does it specify the procedure to be followed in the case of a deadlock.
In the end, it came down to a personal decision and 56-year old Manning who led the country between 1991-1995 was appointed to succeed Panday.
Manning told jubilant supporters that the UNC was the most difficult opponent the PNM had ever faced.
He said that former Prime Minister Panday should be praised.
"We may not have agreed with all he has done, but Basdeo Panday has been a leader to his people."
Acknowledging the unprecedented tie in the elections, Manning said it showed that the "winner take all" system cannot continue and there was a need for consensus-building to which the PNM was committed.
Just over a week ago, Manning and Panday agreed to allow the president to appoint a new prime minister.
This was contained in a ten-point agreement reached by the two parties in order to provide stability to the country in the deadlock situation.
They have also agreed to collaborate in the Parliament and reduce political tension.
Manning said the agreement stands and that there is a commitment on both sides to ensure that it works. 

SPORTS

A HOPEFUL NEW YEAR!

By Peter Adrien

I am hopeful! I am hopeful that the Caribbean economy will ignite; I have hope that West Indies cricket will rise again. Without hope, we are like a ship without a sail.  Caribbean people have always remained hopeful in the face of hardship. 

Developments in the global economy signal that 2002 will be even more challenging for developing countries and small-island states. The wealthiest countries of the world that form the OECD group seemed bent on protecting their economies and fighting anyone who dares to threaten that interest, whether they are poor and powerless countries like Caribbean countries. And the U.S. global anti-terrorist mission, as well as the recent developments in the governance structure in the Caribbean, are likely to make life for us more difficult in societies that are already being marginalized through globalisation and liberalisation.

As I have argued, developments in sports and recreation is informed by developments in the political economy, and results in the leisure industry are largely influenced by the heartbeat of the real sector. It is only when the infrastructural base has been developed and matured that the sports and leisure industry act as a healing balm when the productive sector declines. This was the case in the 1970s, when a West Indian Cricket Dynasty was established which gave hope to the hopeless during the oil and food crises; the economic revolutions in Grenada, Jamaica and Guyana; and the political crises in St. Lucia and Dominica.

I crave your indulgence to highlight the centrality of the OECD initiatives in determining the Caribbean fortunes in 2002. From the issues raised in the OECD Harmful Tax Competition Initiative, OECD Non-Co-operating Harmful Offshore Jurisdictions Initiative, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Financial Stability Forum’s Regulatory Standards Harmonization Initiative, the conventional wisdom in the region is that the OECD is unhappy with the present legislative and administrative arrangements governing the offshore sector. The sector could easily be taken over by criminal elements to launder their ill-gotten gains.

A body of economic literature argues that the underlying cause of the action is the pursuit of economic hegemony. Money laundering is not the central concern of the OECD countries. These dominant world economies which control the global weightless economy are concerned with "unfair tax competition' which could undermine their global monopoly through tax income loss.

In pursuit of economic hegemony, the OECD countries are seeking to reduce the loss of capital (mainly in the form of tax revenue) to tax havens under the guise of unfair tax competition in emerging jurisdictions that pose systemic risk.  The three broad principles of transparency, non-discrimination and effective exchange of information are designed to facilitate that thrust.

There is a major realignment of the world economy whereby the sources of wealth and income are moving away from material things (or weighted commodities) towards “weightless commodities.” That is a movement from an “old economy” to the “weightless economy.”

Should the OECD threat deepen, the economies of the Caribbean could further weaken, fiscal budgets could deteriorate further; economic activity could decline further and; investment on sports and leisure could fall further. And these are developments that we could ill-afford.

What we need most in order to resuscitate West Indies cricket is increased investment in sporting infrastructural development. That is to say, the development of academy and academy without walls; the application of agronomic science in the preparation of cricket pitches; the revitalization of community clubs and schools programmes depend on the buoyancy of the economy.  And all these projects demand massive injections of capital, which are supplied by the public and private sectors.

Our hope, therefore, for the second millennial year is a turn-around of the world economy and a consequent upturn in the domestic economy; increase in the household disposable income and; increased gate receipts at cricket games, soccer matches, athletics meets, golf tournaments, and basket ball competitions.

Moreover, we hope for a sense of security to prevail in the airline industry, for without airlifts, the sporting industry, which is an important ancillary tourism activity, would suffer massive losses, even if much of its revenue is generated from sales of rights. But who wants to subscribe to a television network which pictures cricket or soccer being played in large empty stadiums?

Yes, for the year 2002, just as we resolve to support, facilitate and promote the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), we resolve to support the West Indies Cricket Team in good times and bad times until death do us part.

We hope for a winning team, an end to the OECD threat and world conflict, and the realization of the elusive “One Love,” as prophet Bob Marley would say.

Peter Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a freelance photographer. He may be contacted Peter at www.adreinsenterprise.com or at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com

PHOTO CAPTION: The Spirit of the West Indies team is one of hope (Photo: Peter Adrien)  

FEATURES

Financial Services Promise $100-million Boon to BVI

Island Sun Newspaper by Angella Burns-Piper - Dec. 21, 2001
ROADTOWN, Tortola -- For the first time ever, the financial services industry is expected o bring in over $100 million to the British Virgin Islands as it moves towards 2002, the Anguilla Sun reported this week.
Financial services, one of the twin pillars of the economy, are the major revenue generator for the BVI.
In reviewing the sector's performance in 2001, Chief Minister and Minister for Finance Ralph T. O'Neal recalled his prediction that the year would be one of consolidation, re-engineering and development.

The BVI Leader said preliminary indicators suggest that as a result of the initiatives and the general down turn in the economies of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, the 2001 performance will not be as robust as that of 2000 in terms of new business. But he said this is in keeping with results from major competitors.
"Direct revenue from the sector in terms of licence fees, registration fees and post licensing services will surpass the $100 million milestone for the first time," he announced. "Significant revenue growth has been recorded in all sections of the industry and the financial services industry continues to be the cornerstone of the government's budget."
Chief Minister O'Neal said major corporations worldwide continue to be pressured into
improving profitability and will continue to seek offshore jurisdictions which offer the best opportunity. "As long as the need is there, we here in the BVI should work to provide the right business environment for the services of these corporations," he said,  "because by so doing, we safeguard the best economic interests of the Virgin Islands and its people."
He noted that the BVI is continually updating its laws in order to remain competitive as an international finance centre. Referring to the initiatives focused on the activities of offshore financial centres, Mr. O'Neal said the territory's strategic policy objective has always been to do whatever is necessary to ensure that the BVI does not appear on any negative list.

The BVI government has engaged in dialogue with the OECD and according to the Chief
Minister now has a much better appreciation of the level playing field case being made
by targeted jurisdictions. He said the revised OECD Harmful Tax Competition Initiative as outlined in the recently released OECD 2001 Report is not perfect, but is a move in the right direction.
"It signals that for the first time, the OECD publicly conceding not only the flared nature of the initiative, but more so that it is not the source of infinite wisdom," Mr. O'Neal declared.
He suggested that solutions to the problem might very well lie outside the OECD and within the targeted jurisdictions including the BVI.
Meantime the comprehensive Financial Services Legislative agenda for 2002 includes a new Money Services Bill aimed at policing the perimeter of regulated activities.
Protected Cell Legislation would be enacted to embrace both insurance companies and mutual funds; a new investment business legislation aimed at regulating investment intermediaries will become a reality; the long awaited Insolvency Bill will be enacted and an amendment Bill will be tabled in respect of all current financial services-related legislation to update and modernize current practices. 

Man From Baker Hill - 2001 Excerpts

Year of the Truth

...Wow, I am back on the roll again; and I am more committed to seek out the truth, to understand the truth and to share my understanding of the truth with compassion and good nature.

Montserratians, as difficult as it might be, let us make this year a year for truthfulness. Yes, even this election year, we can declare it the year of truth. The year to cut back on confusing statements and misinformation.

We can begin by examining our values, our expectations and our perceived hurts.

------------------------------

The Reporter in its editorial of December 4, 1999, intimated that the subject of taxation should be a priority for politicians during the year 2000 and thereafter until the next elections...

For a moment, just imagine that in a couple of years our C.M.will receive a pension income of over $100,000 - he will not have to pay taxes on that income, along with other ministers for perhaps lesser amounts.

And consider that a significant faction of our income earners pay no taxes on their income; Plus there are many persons who owe significant arrears of income tax.

This is a sorry state of Montserrat tax affairs. It is therefore imperative that the issues of non-payment of tax on income and tax arrears be addressed; but they can only be properly addressed if the political players understand the relationship between Governments revenue and the population.

That is, to know and understand who pays taxes on consumption, who pays taxes on earned income and wealth or who buys goods and services that Government provides.

This is just a mouthful to chew on.

In future issues of the Reporter I intend to present more sophisticated articles on taxation.

In the meantime however, consider the following:

Should Government abolish taxes on income?

Should Government abolish taxes (Customs duty) on consumption?

Should Government increase the cost of its goods and services?

And lastly should we have a for