Early in the New Year Bennette Roach from the Reporter sat with Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne in an exclusive interview about his seven weeks in office, his plans for the country and an update of current matters relating to the volcano as well as other current matters.
"Certainly these seven weeks have been a trying time and an interesting period as well. We've been faced with different challenges already. Actually our first job was to get to government and become embedded in this system and the work that has to be done at this level. And in trying to prepare our plans and our programs. Unfortunately we have been interrupted so to speak with further activity by the volcano and this little set back created another challenge and created a few more problems than we had anticipated for the first period in office.
"However, the period is coming as we are getting into government at this stage, and from here on we will be able to concentrate on managing the economy, in providing what is necessary for our people at this time, which is primarily housing and better conditions in shelters and more accommodation for the people who have been relocated; that is our main objective at this time. In addition to that of course there are the ongoing infra structural development projects like the extension to the schools the primary schools in Salem and Brades, the extension to the Secondary school at Salem which will start very soon, the renovations to our hospital in St. Johns', the road program, resurfacing of roads in the north and other infra structural projects which should come on stream very shortly. "
He was asked - what was his main thrust for the improving the economy at this time.
"As a government we have to look seriously at providing further incentives for investments in Montserrat. We also hope to work very soon and very hard on the development of our off-shore financial sector and try to attract as many off-shore businesses as possible.
"We also hope to provide incentives in industry, incentives so that we can rebuild our industrial sector. Already an application has been put to DTRS for the purchase of land and for the construction of factory shells in the north so that industrial plants can be established to create many more jobs for our people."
The British Government 25 million pounds - where is the physical evidence of it, made available since August last year.
"In addition to the schools the jetty has started - we are now awaiting word which we should have very soon for the road program we are also awaiting word for the renovation of the hospital, St. John's school, the major renovations: included in that 25 million pounds is the prison, the British government has assured us that the money is available and pending projects, the factory shell projects, the purchase of lands will be part of that, the money is definitely available to be spent on projects that they naturally will have to approve. But that is a certainty, there is no doubt that the 25 million pounds will be spent. In addition to that there is the half million pounds 2 million EC$ which we are going to use primarily for housing and to improve shelters. And we also have been made aware that further assistance in this regard will be available when this initial stage is completed."
Was anything included for housing in the 25 million?
"I'm not sure - the Volcano Observatory is included in the 25 million."
The question of the off shore development - how is the policy letter from the British Government affecting this?
"First of all. Probably I should not comment too much on that policy of the British government towards the dependent territories, because at a meeting of the Legislative Council it was decided that the house as a whole in committee will sit early next week to consider the announcement by the British government and come up with an appropriate response.
"However my initial feelings is that it should not affect any thrust that we should make in the off-shore financial sector. The reason why I say that, is because the new legislation that is being put in place for that sector is going to be very good legislation, that will provide the opportunity for a very good and very well run financial sector. Primarily what the British government I think is saying in their new policy statement, is that provided things like that are run well, there should be no interference by them."
Are you saying you do not see any threat as to how it would affect the running of local government?
"As I said I do not want to say too much. What we should understand is that there is no immediate effort or there is no imminent decision to give the governor any more powers. The statement has not said that there is going to be any immediate increase in powers to the governor."
You personally voted in favor of the section 46 in 1989 which they eventually removed - How do you comment now this is back again even stronger, how will you deal with it?
"Perhaps the best way, is to state what my position was at the time and that is: the legislation proposed did not in fact give the British Government or the governor any more powers that they already had.
"I think we have to remember that we are a dependent territory of Britain and that the British government still has overriding authority over this administration, this territory, and they are at liberty to do almost whatever they would like to do in London. They could make rules and regulations, they could pass legislation, they could impose different circumstances on the government of Montserrat from London.
"As I said at the time what the British government is trying to do was to give those some of those powers to the Governor and while doing so it, make it necessary for the Governor to consult local government on any changes he would like to make. Again that legislation would have made it necessary or mandatory for the Governor to consult the local legislative council on any changes he would like to make. But as I said the British government didn't have to do that. They didn't. They could have done it at the time, and they can still do it today, impose any of those powers or other legislation on us even today, without consulting us. The new legislation then would have made it mandatory for the British governor to consult local government.
Montserrat had advanced beyond that - Are they not seeking to increased their position of authority?
"Look at it again read it again and when you do read it again, you will find that it is implicitly stated throughout the document that there will be continuous discussion with local government, and certainly discussions before any new legislation or any new powers are entrusted to the governor.
"That is clear throughout that document so please publish it. Study it and you will be able to answer that question as to whether the governor will have to consult the local government or not."
What role is the local government playing in the management of the volcanic crisis now that the Governor has most of the departments under his wings?
"Disaster preparedness has always been under the Governor. But apparently prior to that change the accounts and the system operated from the Chief Minister's office. What the Governor did is to bring everything under his port folio and his administration, but if he is in charge of it it seems only right that he should also be in charge of the administration of it and how it is operated
"As far as that is concerned however, the Governor keeps in constant consultation with myself and other ministers of government. All ministers of government are allowed to sit in at briefings with the scientists, as CM I am consulted regularly and do have a say in the decision with regard to the management of the crisis. So we are being kept fully informed, we are kept fully briefed and we do have an input into the decisions."
Does this curtail your negotiations of projects? And how are the projects handled and funded and who is in charge of them?
"The British policy is that they make allocation for a project and each project has to be ratified by the Secretariat which is now based in Barbados or go back to the London for approval. What we have learnt to do is speed up the process as much as possible. In addition to that there are funds from EMAD which is handled locally by representative very quickly. And the person on the spot has the authority in emergency setting to decide on the project within that emergency situation."
It that separate and apart from the 25 million pounds?.
"A lot of money that was spent over the last 18 months have been spent from that source."
Over the holidays, I made a tour of the shelters and I am appalled at what I find: it seems to me that there a many little things that can be dealt with to bring a little more dignity and comfort to the occupants.
"We recognize that there are some problems in the shelters even though they may be small we are very concerned about the problems and we have asked the teams to look at the problems to try and rectify them as much as possible.
"There is one problem at Gerald's Park that is a little bigger than small, a big one and I have discussions with the people there Minister Meade is right now looking at that situation very seriously. Executive council has discussed the matter and that matter is being urgently reviewed."
Is there a list that voluntary and private organizations can look at to see what help they can give and what are some of the things that one can ask people from overseas who wish to help in the crisis.
"The idea of the list you suggest is a good one and certainly there are lots of ways that these private and other voluntary organizations can assist. We need assistance most in housing and cash donations are ideal since we can spend the money on items we really need, construction materials is useful. The program for children to be provided with books, uniforms, they would need cash to assist. There is need for the elderly, donations of pampers and things necessary for elderly. Similarly for children, and for things they do not have money to purchase."
I understand that there are some problems with the food vouchers, but what is the norm, who qualifies? There is for example a woman with an infant who was refused vouchers for her infant.
"It is a matter of time for the child to get on the list and that's an administration problem. Food vouchers have been given to those people who are relocated and to those who are in real need. We have complaints in many areas I think efforts are being made to handle the situation and satisfy as many persons as possible, but unfortunately there are always many persons who are never quite happy and satisfied about the way how things are done, but we do have complaints there and as a government we are trying to investigations and inquire into any complaints and to see how best we can reduce those complaints."
Are economic and social considerations given in making decisions relative to the volcanic activity?
"As I have said in the past and continue to say and will continue to say is that first and foremost any decisions that we take is the safety of the people who live on Montserrat at this time.
"Certainly, economic and social circumstances are important. Certainly we understand the effects the decisions will have on the social and economic circumstances of the community, the economy and of the individuals, but we have to be careful that we do not allow that to create a situation where people's lives maybe at stake. And we certainly appreciate workers, like the utility workers, Monlec, Water Authority, Cable and Wireless, the police, defense force, some of whom have to work in that area; also the technicians of Radio Montserrat who just recently repaired the AM transmitter to allow us to get better coverage of what's happening here.
'So we appreciate the risk or the bravery of those people who have gone in to allow our economy to function but at the same time when we do ask people to leave their homes and areas which are considered unsafe, naturally we understand what the repercussions would be but safety is prime in every circumstance."
There are many issues that demand our attention as we try to settle into the year 1997. It would seem so far that we are settling into how we handle things as far as accepting the fact that this Soufriere Hills volcano will be acting the way it has for some time to come.
Since the beginning of the year it seems as if Plymouth and surrounding areas have had more ash dumped on it than before. And while we may feel sad about the properties which in due course may be buried under it, we must be truly thankful that the wind has been favorable and not blow in our direction in the nearby safe areas.
Now we need to concentrate on other things such as building up some base for a profitable existence for the rest of us still living and existing on Montserrat and to encourage those who are willing to return to do so.
But as if we did not have enough problems the Secretary of State from the British government is suggesting that we may not be capable, or are not managing things to their satisfactory. The suggestion is that the Governor in collaboration with them will know what is best for Montserrat.
We have heard Governor Savage say that he knows Montserratians well and their needs, but although it seems that the Chief Minister is willing to accept any position that Britain is willing to hand down to us, we must resist any attempt to roll back the hands of time.
It means then that every single one of us must seek to understand the implications of our times and to do what we can to ensure that we handle our own affairs. Never mind that economically we are worst off than we ever have been and that Britain is footing the bill it is their obligation.
When a child having come of age and begins to contribute to his own welfare, then falls sick or breaks a leg, his parents do not turn around and treat him as an infant or a child again. They have the obligation to assist and see to his welfare.
We must not therefore ever feel that we are being done a favor, but instead insist that we be taken care of in our most trying time of need and assistance. If they feel we should write off Montserrat because it is more than they can handle or has become too unimportant, they must be up front with us like they never had before. On the other hand we must appear and more than that, demonstrate that we can handle our own business of running this island and doing the things that are important to us.
Dear Mr. Editor,
I'm not sure if you'll allow space in your newspaper for my thoughts but I have become consistently dismayed over your publication and have decided that with all the goodwill and "pulling together" that I have been seeing during this Christmas season that it is a shame that the Montserrat Reporter, our only regular newspaper, creates such an atmosphere of animosity.
In the past I have heard many negative comments about your articles but I have chosen to ignore them on the grounds of unimportance. This week the comments were far too many for me to ignore!
Due to the fact that I sell your newspapers for you and that in this particular issue I have placed an ad costing $525.00 to publish our thanks to "all our residents and overseas visitors" I was particularly distressed at the amount of criticism of this week's issue expressed by both Montserratians and visitors alike. I decided to read this week's Christmas issue more carefully.
Firstly, I am not entirely sure who I am writing to. I searched the paper for an editors name or contributing writers or even staff names. I couldn't find any although I have learned that the Montserrat is now on the Internet.
With the exception of three Christmas messages from notables and Peter White's, "The Functioning of the Legislature", not one of the other biased and openly slanted articles were signed or credited. Often quotations were even used but not attributed to anyone!
In the regard of the volcano, doesn't the editor realize that neither Montserrat nor the West Indies can provide the comprehensive 24 hour monitoring needed to evaluate the activity? Even if scientists from the University of the West Indies overextend themselves by staffing the Montserrat Volcano Observatory who will monitor the other potentially dangerous sites in the Caribbean?
How often have we heard that volcanology is a new science and that it is not an exact science but based on past experiences, predictions and possibilities. And the seemingly unnecessary evacuation of certain areas when seismic activity escalates. I pray you never have to apologize for that criticism due to loss of lives.
I could mention many more areas of contention but one topic highlighted in the article written by "The Independent Thinker"' whomever he or she maybe, is especially pertinent to me. I found the insinuation that our children were "hauled off to foreign lands" as an unforgivable insult to our kind Caribbean neighbors who opened their homes to our children for this holiday. As a Youth Moderator for a group of 30 young persons aged 1217 years I have listened to the conversation between those six members who were included in the holiday trip and the rest of the group who were not. Those traveling were all excited about the trip. Other members expressed their desire to go also. We decided that we would plan a group trip for either Easter or July to another Caribbean Island so no one would be disappointed. Why did "The Independent Thinker" make it appear that our children are being wrenched from their families because of some devious scheme?
I'm not going to continue due the constraints of space but I want the Montserrat Reporter to realize that it is doing Montserrat and Montserratians a great injustice by sowing deeds of distrust, prejudice and malice. Montserratians are more resilient to natural disasters than to the negative opinions your newspaper has been expressing. I'm "Jus Wonderin" if we knew the author's name would he o she still say such slanderous things.
Carol A. Osborne
Manager, Vue Pointe Hotel
Very often we receive letters for Feedback and letters to the Editor which are unsigned or signed by fictitious names. Quite often too, the content and material in these letters or articles are considered to be good. Sometimes these letters are critical of the newspaper itself or the editor and others.
We welcome these and once again wish to encourage readers to send in their letters or articles for publication, but must also repeat that while names will be withheld from publication upon request, the authors must be identifiable. That people do not reveal their identity when submitting articles or letters. It is for the very problem these words portray. "an unforgivable insult". Montserrat is a small place and if people are going to be unforgiving when opinions expressed are misunderstood or taken otherwise, then we are happy to protect our writers from such wrath when they so desire.
Bennette Roach
Dear Mr. Editor,
Please allow me a space in your paper just to tell of my grievance. I am a concerned Salemite. The name 'Salem' means peace. Well this place has now lost its significance. There is no respect for the aged, the sick and suffering ones. The blatant music night and day is unbearable. I could well remember from a child growing up, at a funeral procession, respect was shown. Sad to see it is no longer so.
The late Nicholas Edwards of Happy Hill died and was buried at the Salem Methodist Church on Saturday, December 21, 1996. It was made known publicly on Z.J.B. Radio that he was a exservice man. he served in the army for some time. The Defense Force representatives were present along with other exservicemen. Now there is a den at Salem that plays its music all the time and the crowd gather by the roadside. It never cease it's noise, not even during the blowing of the bugle. Sometimes at nights, the noise at the Salem Primary School is unbearable and at other places too.
It was bad enough on New Year's Day with the street jam which was daytime, but during the night the kind of music was deplorable and then it seems to be on every night affair when some residents have to be drugged just to get some sleep. I do hope that this will be looked into and that help will come.
Thank you very much for this space. I want to thank Miss R. West also for that beautiful song 'O Montserrat'. It is a song of cheer and hope. May we all have a blessed and peaceful future. Thanks again.
A concerned Montserratian
The large crowd that turned out for the Calypso Monarch Competition at Arrow's Car Park in Salem, was treated to high quality performances that defied the logic of an inadequate stage and the absence of several key calypsonians.
The ten finalists all performed creditably and though persistent Bingo games upset the smooth flow of the event, the high standard that is expected of Montserrat's Calypso Finals was quite evident. The newly formed Calypso Development Committee worked feverishly all week to get the venue into a state of readiness, and the musical set was augmented with the type of equipment that made the clarity of the sound the best heard on stage for several years.
In the end, Patriot, one of the group of singers to come from Long Ground in recent years, edged out Cupid and crowd favorite, Technical, to take the crown left vacant by Kenzie who opted out of the competition earlier after citing a number of reasons.
Patriot used a combination of strong lyrics and catchy melodies in both songs to move sections of a partisan crowd that seemed to have him as King all the way. Cupid's 'Take the Road' was the best composed song of the competition but it was not enough to give him the crown he has missed by narrow margins on many occasions. Technical's 'The Argument' drew the most applause and his portrayal of topic was the best for the evening.
The calypsonians received payments that were at least as generous as the 1995 Festival and several gifts in kind were added by business houses.
Another positive note to come from the show was the call by several prominent Monterratians for a review of Festival and culture in general on the island. The 1997 Festival could see a return of the major shows at a more secure venue as the island continues to adapt to the area that remains habitable.
Results: 1. Patriot 2. Cupid 3. Technical 4. Killamanjaro 5. Cutter 6. Lord Meade 7. Rackamiah 8. Astronaut 9. De Iss 10. Kong
Reports say that a group of American Geology students will arrive in Montserrat today accompanied by one Professor Bob Carson.
The group of students is traveling to the island mainly because of the volcanic activity which will help with their studies. They will make stops at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), conduct hikes in Center Hills and also observe volcanic features of the island. While here they will also accompany scientists on some of their monitoring trips at Soufriere Hills. They are expected to leave on Tuesday next week, when they will visit another volcanic island to study features there.
Last week Government House announced the following award in the New Year's Honors list:
MBE: Mrs. Mary Matilda Cooper, BEM
Nurse Cooper has dedicated her life in Montserrat to caring for her fellow citizens. After a long and distinguished career in nursing, Mary Cooper has now dedicated her retirement to community work where her prodigious breadth of humanity and energy have brought comfort and relief to hundreds of Montserratians.
As President of the Old People's Welfare Association in which she is both one Administrator and outreach agent, she broadens and deepens her humanitarian work among the senior citizens island wide. A practicing Christian and Officer in the Women's Auxiliary of her Church, she brings a spiritual dimension to her caring. Mrs. Cooper's latest venture is as cohost of an interactive radio program geared to bring cheer to the aged and booster their morale and selfesteem.
The People of Montserrat have received a wonderful Christmas gift from organizations and friends in Barbados and St.Maarten. The Bible Society of the Eastern Caribbean with offices in Barbados were able to raise enough funds, through various churches there, to donate 350 hard cover Bibles to David Lea, their representative in Montserrat. These were to be distributed to those people in the shelters who did not have a Bible.
There was also another gift given through the president of the St. Maarten Camp of The Gideons International, Mr. Bill Rankin. Arrangements were put in place by Mr. Mike Emmanuel of Woodlands and just before Christmas, Capt. Paul Wahlen and the schooner Avontuur, arrived with a shipment of 4,950 more Testaments as a gift to the people of Montserrat.
With a common goal, Mike, David, their families, and a group of young Christian men joined forces and began their distribution on Christmas Eve. By the end of Christmas day they had not only visited every shelter, but had also made presentation to Warden James and the men of H.M Prison, Inspectors Douglas and Telesford, for distribution to the men of the Police and fire departments, Capt. Buffonge for the defense force, Nurse Harley for the hospital staff, and last but not least, the geriatrics and old peoples homes.
Arrangements are now being made for the distribution of testaments to every young person in Montserrat, when they return to school in January. So, many thanks to all those who helped to make this Christmas Gift become a reality! This is truly a gift to Montserrat, that will, "keep on giving" for years to come.
Members of the local parliament are against the new British Policy toward several of its dependent territories including Montserrat.
Following a meeting held by the local branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) on Tuesday, when the group discussed the letter published in this current media a source close to the group says that they viewed the proposal with some disfavor, saying that an extension of the powers for the local governor at the expense of the legislature is a backward step.
The recently announced policy affects Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, Tortola.
In the meantime a house committee of the Legislature which includes, Speaker of the House, Dr. Howard Fergus, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Housing, Member for Windward David Brandt and nominated member P. Austin Bramble, has been set up to consider the next step in response to the new policy.
But the Honorable Chief Minister Bertrand B. Osborne expressing his reserved reaction to the letter said, "I think we have to remember that we are a dependent territory of Britain and that the British Government still has overriding authority over this administration, this territory and they are at liberty to do almost whatever they would like to do in London."
One member of the opposition Windward legislator David Brandt, says: "the British Government wants to introduce an undemocratic system of government in Montserrat. Ion any democracy the executive, the legislative and the judiciary should be separate, and by giving the governor the power to pass laws without consultation, they are taking us back to the time when the governor acted according to his whims and fancies."
Brandt is also calling on every Montserratian at home and abroad to resist it.
The Montserrat Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne has said it is no longer a priority to purchase and new State car even though the money has been approved in the last budget. The plan takes into consideration the hardships now facing the island as a result of the volcanic activity.
A release from the Government Information Service suggests that there will be some beneficiaries as a result of the move. These will include the Red Cross, Christian Council, and the Old Peoples Welfare Association as well as those behind a Home for the elderly in the safe zone.
Rotarian Santa Claus made his annual holiday visit to Montserrat on Sunday, Dec. 22, to the delight of children and the pleasure of many parents throughout the safe zone.
Santa brought neither sleigh nor reindeer with him, perhaps because of exaggerated reports abroad about the dangers of our volcano. He rode, instead, in the back of an open truck, easily visible to young and old alike.
The redsuited Santa stood for the entire fourhour tour from Cork Hill to Judy Piece, then back to Olveston. Toys and sweets were the popular items to come from his bag.
Those gifts to Montserrat's children came through the generosity of Rotarians in the Caribbean and farther abroad. The candies were acquired thanks to individual Rotarians in Antigua and to a portion of a gift of 250 pounds from the Rotary Club of PollgateWillingdon, England.
That sum was presented to the Rotary Club of Montserrat last Nov. 13 by visiting Rotarian Geoffrey Brewer of Olveston, who is a member of the PollgateWillingdon club. At the time of the donation Mr. Brewer said it was the wish of his club that the funds be used in ways to benefit children on the island.
During his Sunday afternoon ride, Santa pulled from his bag toys worth U.S. $1,000. They were put there by the Rotary Club of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Christmas spirit of that club toward the children of Montserrat went even further. Not only did St. Croix Rotarians purchase the toys, but also they delivered them by plane.
A twinengine private aircraft carrying the toys touched down at Bramble Airport on the morning of Dec. 15. Aboard the plane to deliver the toys were George Straschnov, director of International Service for the Rotary Club of St. Croix, and Ramon Santiago, a member of that club's board of directors.
The plane was flown by its owner, Dmitris Doliotis, a St. Croix businessman who is not a Rotarian but who was persuaded by his friend Ramon Santiago to donate his services.
A delegation from the Rotary Club of Montserrat greeted the visitors and accepted the toys. The group included immediate Past President Gerald Handley, earlier Past President George Piper, Midge Kocen, director of Community Service, and Donald Brandt, director of Club Service.
By The Independent Thinker
New Year Resolutions. We have all made them. Perhaps we kept some. But, mostly we forget them by February.
This year our resolutions would be more meaningful if we were to make them not for ourselves but for our elected leaders on our own behalf. It would seem that we must offer up a list of resolutions because if last year is any example, it is clear that our Government is unaware of what our needs are.
First and foremost we want our elected officials to resolve to hustle and start the development process before the work ethics and selfrespect of Montserratians are eroded under the crushing weight of Her Majesty's free housing, free food, free utilities and food vouchers.
We want our elected Government to cease and desist from any and all instances of "oneupmanship". It is clear to us all that the wheel can not be reinvented. So whenever past negotiations of past administrations are tried to be undone it is sick Montserratians who will find that instead of having one quarter of a hospital in a converted school we may still have no hospital in 1998 while renegotiations continue. In fact we may find instead of a mini port in the "safe zone" we may have no port at all in the event of a cataclysmic eruption, while some of our elected officials
argue that something blue is green to get "their own back."
We want our elected officials to resolve to do the greatest good for the greatest numbers. So all narrow efforts to palliate "my constituents" must cease immediately.
All relocated persons are citizens of Montserrat and have the same needs. All relocated persons have the same great need for privacy, jobs and comfort.
We want our Government to resolve to get focused and at least let us in on their plans to "get this country moving." We have been waiting since November of last year to hear our Chief Minister articulate what he hopes to do about the mortgages we paying for houses we can not live in, about how he hopes to assist the private sector with low cost funds to ensure that existing business is going to manage the crisis in a better and different way to the past administration, about how he is going to house Montserratians in the interim, about how he is going to ease the burden of private persons importing small items who have to go all the way to the airport and deal with unhelpful customs officers for small parcels and still come back without them, about how he is going to improve the lot of Civil Servants now that Her Majesty's Constable has gone on the air to let us all know that he intends to see to it that the lot of other constables are improved, about how himself and the Minister of Communications are going to fix the roads before the only asset we have of any value gets shaken into oblivion by potholes.
We want our Chief Minister to resolve, now that he has declared to the nation and the region that he has no beef with Her Majesty's Representative, that he will ensure that information out of Her Majesty's Volcano Observatory is more responsible and people friendly. We want her "safe areas" have to be relocated that it will take immediate step to ensure that people relocated actually have some place to be relocated to. In fact we want our Government to resolve that in the event that further relocation is necessary that it is the voice of our Chief Minister who will so inform.
We want our Chief Minister along with the Minister responsible for Health to resolve individuals who have had to use those facilities are tested for diseases caused by fecal matter. We want our Minister of Health to further resolve that alternative and sanitary facilities are built within the month of January.
We also want our Minister of Health to further resolve that garbage bins be placed in Manjack for the relocated residents there and that garbage pick up occurs more often so that long time residents of Manjack can continue to enjoy the serene and sanitary surroundings which they originally purchased.
But the resolutions we wish on behalf of our selves through others include some from the private sector as well. We want Cable and Wireless to resolve to place telephone booths in Brades and Gerald's Park to ease the plight of evacuees. We want of Cable TV to resolve not only to provide Cable TV services for the shelterees in Gerald's Park but also to improve the reception of HBO, PBS and FOX because after all are we not paying for this really shoddy service? We want Taxi and Bus Drivers to resolve to provide some kind of service to shelterees in Gerald's Park as not only is it an economical thing to do but also a kind, humane gesture.
Finally, we ask Her Majesty's Government to resolve not to try to turn back the hands of time. It would be impossible to enslave a people who have already tasted the fruits of freedom, even if this freedom was always compromised.
telephone booths in Brades and Gerald's Park to ease the plight of evacuees. We want of Cable TV to resolve not only to provide Cable TV services for the shelterees in Gerald's Park but also to improve the reception of HBO, PBS and FOX because after all are we not paying for this really shoddy service? We want Taxi and Bus Drivers to resolve to provide some kind of service to shelterees in Gerald's Park as not only is it an economical thing to do but also a kind, humane gesture.
Finally, we ask Her Majesty's Government to resolve not to try to turn back the hands of time. It would be impossible to enslave a people who have already tasted the fruits of freedom, even if this freedom was always compromised.
A recent letter to the editor expressed my displeasure at what appeared to be a disproportionate effort at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to maximize the threats posed by the island's volcano.
Then, as if to substantiate that suspicion, there came the clipping from The Sunday Telegraph of Nov. 24 allegedly acquainting readers in the United Kingdom with the situation in Montserrat _ at least as it applies to expatriates. Testifying to our apparently desperate plight were quotes attributed to the chief scientist at the MVO and Her Majesty's governor. If either has repudiated the quotations, this writer has not read or heard of it. If they were accurately quoted, we in Montserrat, island-born and expatriates alike, are better able to understand why we have been treated recently like mentally deficient children in the care of an overprotective nanny.
Dr. Simon Young, the reporters wrote, said Montserrat's volcano is the most dangerous in the world. How devastating for us, but how reassuring for the rest of the world. Reassuring, that is, if the assessment is based on more thorough understanding of volcanoes elsewhere in the world than Dr. Young and his associates seem to have of ours. They apparently visualize a worst-case scenario sufficiently horrendous to dissuade even Dr. Geoffrey Wadge from living among us.
For nearly a year and a half, the potential destructiveness of the Montserrat volcano was interpreted on the basis of the zones of increasing danger set down in the Wade-Isaacs report. On the original map, the worst-case scenario put Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay and Isles Bay at risk only of potential isolation in the event of pyroclastic flow down the Belham River to the sea.
The irrational response to the vertical explosion of Sept. 17 was to scapegoat the scientists for not being able to anticipate the event or the possibility of it. If the resident crew at the MVO had not been put so totally on the defensive, perhaps someone might have made a more reasoned assessment. It might have occurred to a dispassionate observer that the types of destruction caused by the Sept. 17 eruption, and the areas in which those effects were concentrated, established even stronger credence for the research that went into the Wade-Isaacs report.
After the Sept. 17 eruption, when our crisis-inspired bureaucracy codified and mapped the graduated zones of hazard, A through F, even that reasonably reflected the research embodied in the Wadge-Isaacs report. Richmond Hill was in Zone D, while Foxes Bay and Isles Bay, along with their immediate neighbors, were in Zone E.
Then in one fell swoop, amid nervous suggestions from the MVO of tsunamis, lateral explosions and pyroclastic surges, a "temporary revision" of the hazard map appeared. It is a testament to the triumph of panic over reason. Zones A and B were combined to represent the no-go zone of ultimate danger. And Zone A/B was expanded to swallow up both Richmond Hill and Foxes Bay.
All this was necessitated, we were told, by the possibility of a tremendous lateral explosion in any direction. On Radio ZJB, Dr. Young said, "What we are fearful off _ we don't think it will happen, but we are fearful that it might _ is that we get a lateral blast with far more energy and these surges will be far more energetic and they will be able to overtop Richmond Hill and enter into the Foxes Bay area."
And what, he was asked by the government's Richard Aspin, about W.H. Bramble Airport. "We do believe the airport is still safe, "Dr. Young replied. "It is a considerable distance from the volcano. There is only so much energy that these possible surges might have, so when they do lose their energy, they do tend to get focused a bit closer to their source. So we do feel that the airport is still safe."
Reference to the official map of Montserrat will reveal to anyone taking the trouble to measure it to scale that Foxes Bay, allegedly in jeopardy from those energetic surges, is half a mile farther from the volcano than W.H. Bramble Airport, whose "considerable distance" from the volcano protects it from surges that "get focused a bit closer to their source."
And how about Spanish Point, just three-tenths of a mile from the end of the Bramble runway? Dr. Young told Mr. Aspin: "We are fearful that part of that part of the dome could fall off and release a lateral blast in an northerly or northeasterly direction, and places like Spanish Point are in a direct firing line for such surge clouds."
Is the government serious in wondering why LIAT is unwilling to fly into Bramble Airport? Disinformation is not necessary when LIAT has assessed this information. Is anyone surprised that most of us who live in Foxes Bay -- and many in Richmond Hill -- remain in their homes, despite what amount to arbitrary threats of house arrest?
Finally, that item in The Sunday Telegraph reported that Governor Frank Savage said "a jetty is being built in the north of the island in case the need arises for sudden evacuation. 'We just can't take any chances,' he said."
Is it the official goal of the aid-providing British government and the government of Montserrat to create a risk-free environment on this bewitching island? Good luck! Everyone in Montserrat who climbs daily into a motor vehicle is at greater risk of injury or death than are most of us to that potentially posed by our active volcano.
Gov. Savage urged us in his Christmas message not to be angry with the scientists for giving us advice that we don't want to hear. The appeal is misdirected. This author, and many like him aren't angry as they are disappointed. The disappointment arises from the significant recent changes in Montserrat's approach to living with its live volcano. Those changes strongly suggest that Her Majesty's governor at long last is getting the sort of advice with which he is most comfortable, and that science has little, if anything, to do with it.
One hopes that "We just can't take any chances" will not be the snippet that memorializes Gov. Savage in those anthologies of quotations uttered by statesmen during times of crisis. In any event, such memorable quotations usually are listed alphabetically. So if it were used, it should be far enough from the Winston Churchill selections that perhaps no one would notice the difference.
Note:
The foregoing was presented for publication two weeks before the following Release from the Government of Montserrat Information Service.
Jan. 7, 1997 (2 pm)
Scientists continue to review the hazards as they affect residents in all area of Montserrat Volcanic activity changes from time to time and therefore the risks to residents will also change accordingly.
In assessing the situation since the red alert was declared on December 19 last year, scientists are satisfied that at the moment the level of risk to residents of Foxes Bay is now significantly less than it was because rapid growth of the dome has been reestablished on the eastern side of the October 1st dome, thus decreasing the dangers of a lateral blast.
Therefore, the civilian authorities have decided that full occupation of Foxes Bay is acceptable at this time. Residents are reminded however, that all persons living in the Greater Cork Hill area which includes Foxes Bay must pay close attention to the alert stages as rapid changes are possible. Everyone is urged to stay tuned to ZJB for upto date information on the volcano.
Dear Mr. Osborne,
I am writing to you for two reasons. The first is to let you know, without delay, that in response to a question about HMG's policy towards the Caribbean Dependent Territories, the following Written Answer was given by Sir Nicholas Bonsor today in the House of Commons:
"In the light of recent experience HMG has examined actual or potential problems in the five Caribbean Dependent Territories. Considerable improvements are being made in the administration of the territories and their good government. However, it has become clear that some extension of those powers which may be exercised by HMG may be needed. We will take this into account in our continuing discussions with each of the five governments concerned and make any changes if and when necessary. We attach importance to our continuing friendship and close cooperation with the territories in the interests of their well-being and future prosperity."
The second purpose of this letter is to give you and Ministers - and thereafter, other members of the Legislature and the general public - a more detailed account of HMG's policy in this area and to propose a basis for discussions should these prove to be necessary.
Firstly, let me emphasize that the for those territories for which independence is an option HMG's position remains that is for the people of the Dependent Territories to decide whether to become independent or to remain constitutionally dependent. The only change is that in future continued dependence may, in some cases, require that there should be an extension of those reserve powers which may, if necessary be exercised by the Governor with my approval. This is because experience has shown that over the years constitutional advance, particularly in Anguilla, BVI and Montserrat, has meant that as Secretary of State, responsible to the UK Parliament for the good government of a Dependent Territory, I no longer have the necessary powers to ensure that I am able to fulfill my undoubted obligations to Parliament. At the same time, HMG's international obligations in respect of a Dependent Territory have increased considerably, eg in respect of the observance of international conventions, the adoption of measures to combat drug trafficking and money laundering and the containment of contingent liabilities which may arise.
Whether extended reserve powers prove to be necessary or not will depend on the acceptability or otherwise of the future conduct of public affairs in the territory concerned. I am confident that it is your aim, as well as HMG's, to provide good government. Only if standards of government and the conduct of public affairs fall below acceptable standards would it be necessary to hold discussions with the governments concerned about action needed. This would include the possibility of restoring to the Governor the power, with my approval, to reject the advice of the Executive Council if he considers it would not be expedient in the interest of public order, public faith or good government to accept such advice; and the power, also with my approval refuses to do legislation is necessary in the interests of public order, public faith or good government.
I would like to emphasize that these powers are no more or less than those to be found in the
Constitutions of the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands and are considerably less than those in the Constitutions of the Falkland Islands and St. Helena. They may only be exercised with my specific approval - and will never need to be exercised provided the advice of the Executive Council and the decisions of the Legislature are in the interest of public order, public faith or good government. As I have already observed, I am confident that it is also the aim of each territory's government and Legislature to provide a standard of conduct and government which is acceptable not only to HMG but, as importantly, to the people of the territory.
Lastly, as regards the Constitutions of Anguilla and Montserrat only, I may also wish to seek agreement to the abolition of the posts of Nominated Members and their replacement by additional elected members of the Legislature on the grounds that democratic government would be better served thereby.
As the answer to the PQ makes clear, the possible extension of reserve powers would only apply to the five Caribbean Dependent Territories (and the constitutional changes presently envisaged would not be required in either the Cayman Islands or the Turks and Caicos Islands). That it does not apply to territories outside the Caribbean is solely due to the different circumstances of each of them, viz, the powers in question have never existed in Bermuda; sufficient powers already exist in the Falkland Islands and St. Helena' and the future of both Hong Kong and Gibraltar is circumscribed by specific international obligations.
I am sending a copy of this letter to the Governor together with a request that he should make copies available to the other members of the Executive Council and, immediately thereafter, to release it to the remaining members of the Legislature and to the general public.
Yours truly,
Malcolm Rifkind
Constituting the Office of the Governor of Montserrat and making provision for the Government thereof
Exercise of Governor's Functions
6. (1) In the exercise of his functions the Governor shall, subject to the following
provisions of this article, obtain and act in accordance with the advice of the
Executive Council.
(2) The preceding paragraph shall not apply to the exercise by the Governor of-
(a) any function conferred upon him by these presents which is expressed to be exercisable by him in his discretion or in accordance with the advice of,
or after consultation with, any person or authority other than the Executive
Council;
(b) any function conferred upon him by any other law in terms which authorise him to exercise that function without obtaining the advice of the
Executive Council.
(3) The Governor shall not be required to obtain the advice of the Executive
Council in any case in which, in his judgment, the urgency of the matter
requires him to act before the Council can be consulted or the question for
decision is too unimportant to require their advice; but in any such case of
urgency he shall as soon as is practicable, communicate to the Council the
measure that he has adopted and the reasons therefore.
(4) When the Governor has, in pursuance of this article, obtained the advice of the
Executive Council he may act otherwise than in accordance with that advice if, in his
judgment, he considers it necessary to do so-
(a) in the interest of the defence of Montserrat or any other part of her Majesty's dominions;
(b) in the interests of the regulations of relations between Montserrat and
any other country or any international organisation, including the
discharge of the obligations of Her Majesty towards any such country
or organisation;
(c) in the interest of maintaining law and order in Montserrat or any other
part of Her Majesty's dominions;
(d) in order to maintain the efficiency of the Judiciary or the Public Service
or any part thereof:
Provided that he shall not so act without first obtaining the approval of a Secretary
of State unless, in the Governor's judgment, the urgency of the matter requires him
to act before such approval could be obtained; and in any such case of urgency he
shall, as soon as practicable, report his action and the reasons therefore to a Secretary of State.
(5) Where the Governor is directed by these presents to exercise any function after
consultation with any person or authority other than the Executive Council he
shall not be obliged to exercise that function in accordance with the advice of
that person or authority.
(6) Where the Governor is directed by these presents to exercise any function in
accordance with the advice of, or after consultation with, any person or
authority, the question whether he has so exercised that function shall not be
enquired into in any court.
Jus wonderin if the public shouldn't be told the real reason why the members of the Royal Montserrat Police Force are leaving in numbers.
Jus wonderin why we did not have an official Festival program.
Jus wonderin how the program being put in place to restore public confidence in the MVO management is coming around.
Jus wonderin! who can give us an idea when our evacuees will be able to return home.
Jus wonderin if every one enjoyed a blessed and God filled Christmas.
Jus wonderin who dug up the cricket wicket on Cork Hill Park.
Jus wonderin why bank managers and other top officials are getting food vouchers when persons who really need them are on a waiting list.
Jus wonderin which politician had a thank you party for their constituency and begged for donations with drinks sold at the bar.
Jus wonderin if St. Patrick's Day celebrations 97 will be as empty as St. John's Day and the 96 festival.
Jus wonderin if we will ever be able to return the gratitude to the people of the neighboring islands that made Christmas 96 so joyful for hundreds of our children.
Jus wonderin if it had anything to do with the Governor's guests or relatives why one police constable was transferred from immigration duties at WH Bramble airport to the check points.
Jus wonderin what is the real reason why King Kenzie did not defend his crown in the calypso competition.
Jus wonderin why the Village Fair was did not take place in the newly established (Arrow car park) in Salem.
Jus wonderin if warnings were heeded by Public Works they would have lost that important piece of heavy equipment that slipped off its carrier and destroyed in the ghaut hundreds of feet below at Forgarty Hill.
The Montserrat Red Cross is inviting applications from a mature, responsible, hard working individual to fill the post of Office Administrator at the Red Cross Headquarters.
Interested persons should have good secretarial and communication skills, and be able to work with little or no supervision. English and Math's 'O' Level or CXC's will be an asset.
Application letters should be sent to
The Director The Montserrat Red Cross c/o P.O. Box 287 Plymouth Montserratno later than January 31, 1997.
Cable and wireless wishes to recruit a suitable qualified Montserratian to fill the post of :
Management Accountant
The Position
The holder will primarily be responsible for managing the preparation, compilation and presentation of accurate and timely management information to Local Managers and regional Headquarters.
Qualifications Applicants must be educated to degree standard and be a qualified accountant with either CIMA, ACCA or ACA or a comparable North American Professional Body.
The Individual
The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and be PC literate with well developed spreadsheet skills on Excel or Lotus 123. Previous supervisory experience would be an advantage.
Please send a detailed CV to:
Mr. Dave Markham Manager, Human Resources Cable and Wireless (West Indies) Limited P O Box 219 Sweeney's St John's Montserratto reach no later than Friday 24th January, 1997
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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