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Dome Threat to Bramble Rocks New Aviation Plans

W H Bramble Airport was inundated by pyroclastic flows and mud flows in 1997

Many persons in Montserrat are viewing the new dome growth at Soufriere Hills volcano as "God working in mysterious ways."

<--- New dome growing since Nov 1999 (Go Here for the Latest Press release)

As the new dome continues to grow and is likely to impact the remaining airport facilities, residents who oppose a full-scale rehabilitation of the W H Bramble airport are pleased and even relieved that this will deter the British from carrying out their threats to bring their own workers to work at the airport. One prominent businessman said: "They will have no alternative but to consider constructing an airport elsewhere, never mind they are not really interested in our economic development."

That, however, is apparently creating a further problem for the island, since the British Government is yet to recant on their position regarding the construction of an airport at Thatch Valley. Last year Chief Minister David Brandt told the island in a radio broadcast: "… the case that Thatch Valley is in fact the best site for an airport in Montserrat has been presented from all angles, and from all points of view. At every turn the response by the British has been an unqualified NO."

(Read the text of the CM's April 24, 1999 speech here)

Aerial view of proposed site at Thatch Valley

Now midway in the construction of a new heliport, which was expected to provide the island with aviation certification to officially operate commercial helicopter flights from Montserrat, it develops that the infrastructure is insufficient for the current helicopter operations.

construction of new Heliport and control tower at Geralds

Officials within the Ministry of Communications and Works, confirmed by Minister Rupert Weekes, are saying that they are now studying the new situation, which they claim does not necessitate scrapping plans for the sports complex and a community college at Geralds. Complicating further the issue is the report from Ministry sources that Ms.. Clare Short, HMG's Secretary of State for International Development, has denied funding for the proposed sports complex, saying that this should be a Montserrat community effort.

As Minister Weekes says, "The island's development require some kind of proper air transportation facility."

Air traffic officials involved in trying to find a workable solution for the problem appear convinced that a larger helicopter, which would receive aviation certification to operate commercially from the newly constructed heliport, could be feasible, since one way or the other connection to and from Montserrat would have to be subsidised for a while at least.

The plan for the Geralds development included an emergency grass strip which would bar use of the grounds for most sporting activities once it was utilized. But with the W.H. Bramble rehabilitation now out of the question, for some time at least, the powers are mandating a full fixed-wing strip at Geralds.

The ferry operations must fall into any discussion of transportation for Montserrat, since there are days when the service is well under-utilised. This encourages the thought that a service should be sought that will operate only on certain days, along with a commercially operated helicopter service.

As the year widely referred to as the "millennium year" but more accurately called the year 2000 dawned upon us, Montserrat was faced with the discomforting news of a shortage of petrol.

What contributed to this, according to the petrol managers on the island, was insufficient storage capacity. Added to this was the increased use of vehicles over the festival Christmas season and the lack of anticipation of this occurrence.

Basil Lee at the pumping facility

Mr. Basil Lee, who manages the bulk facilities at Carrs Bay, said to the Reporter: "Unfortunately we only have storage facilities of only 20,000 gallons each for gasoline and diesel, and at any given time this could pose a problem."

Inquiries reveal that those storage figures compare most unfavourably with the nearly 1,000,000 gallon facilities that existed in Plymouth between Texaco and Delta prior to the onset of the volcanic crisis.

The present storage is said to be incapable of lasting more than 14-15 days. Add to that the possibility of not being able to find shipping to bring the petrol to the island, unless that storage problem is improved, the problem will develop over and over.

Today Mr. Horatio Tuitt revealed the good news that the shipping problems have been solved for the time being at least with another barge in service that can deliver petrol using the pipe lines that have been laid at Carrs Bay. "This'" he said "can operate at any time and would not depend on favourable sees at the Little Bay port in order to off-load petrol for the island," as would be the case with other type of vessels.

Mr. Tuitt further revealed that DFID had approved the project to install the LPG tanks that were brought out of Plymouth and that "the Trinidad company Damos would will return to the island very shortly to carry out the necessary works.

Mr. Tuitt said further that the fuel shortage should now be relieved since a more regular delivery would keep the inadequate tanks filled. He pointed out that part of the problem that cause the shortage of fuel is the panic among vehicle owners when it is believed that supplies are low. He feels that if people who have gas that can serve them for few days in the circumstances would allow those who are on empty to get petrol, there would hardly be a problem.

On January 10, 2000, Government House issued a very brief press release which in its last paragraph stated: "Montserratians will be pleased to note that the trend in budgetary aid payments is on a downward path for the first time since the volcano began to erupt in 1995 thus reflecting the beginnings of a turnaround in the fortunes of the Montserrat economy."

Anyone just a little familiar with the Montserrat situation today and who is not a British hypocrite must ask for whom the observations was intended. If this statement bears any accuracy, it is in spite of Ms. Clare Short and her Department for International Development (DFID) workers, including her Governor for Montserrat, who reportedly is so disgusted by comments like these that he deems them -- if not the entire newspaper -- to be rubbish.

Other than the monies made available through the National Development Foundation to assist businesses to keep going, there is complete reluctance on their part to assist in any serious way the speedy development of Montserrat.

Even though it is widely felt that privileged civil servants, along with our elected representatives, do not always put our best arguments forward, almost all government officials were very quick to point out that the whole DFID release was misleading.

Among these, it was very quickly pointed out that to make it appear as though these arrangements were agreed to by local officials was firstly misleading. The requirements put forward by our government was about $8million more than the approximately $52 million being offered. The total budgeted recurrent expenditure for last year was $56,839,640 while the revised estimate for 1998 was $62,418,500; with the actual budget for 1997 being $63,516,801.

We note that these new funds are all part of the previously allocated £75 million., another clear indication that we have in fact little or no say in when and how that money is being spent. What was important to note also is some of the areas in which Ms. Short refused to allow expenditure -- areas of culture and sports, education and others of a developmental nature.

If this doesn't help make the case that there is a subtle form of punishment being meted out to those who chose to weather the storm of the volcanic crisis in Montserrat, note that those who left because they were forced or otherwise, and are now located -- especially in England -- have little to worry about, particularly in the area of education, social welfare and housing. Many others are in territories where they may be able to earn a living, still without the comforts of their pre-volcano home but with the satisfaction of spending their take-home pay as they see fit.

Six years ago, our recurrent budget was $40.4 million. Of course the actual figures are not yet available for this year's budget, but it does show the farce our Minister of Finance must face again in presenting a budget which does not meet the requirements or the plans of his government but forces him to do as he is told.

Then what constitutes the "existing taxation measures"? These come primarily from personal income tax, ($6.4 million); Customs Service tax ($3.6m); Import Duties ($2.2m) and consumption tax ($3.5m). All these figures are from the 1999 estimate. These represent 68.9 percent of the total revenue anticipated in 1999. The biggest total of the remaining sources of revenue expected is from stamp duty and licenses, totaling just under $2 million.

The biggest single item of revenue is income tax of $6.4 million, but when one realises that about 63 percent of this is paid back by civil servants, coming out of their salaries, isn't it time for some different measures to be taken? That from total emoluments (1999) of just over $20.4 million, they should be crying foul even though, unlike the rest of the community, they do not have to think whether there is enough for a pay check each month.

Re-introducing exit tax certificates must bring a very bad taste and feeling to residents in Montserrat. This must be seen as an attempt to put increased pressure on an already financially burdened community while more than 60 percent of the taxes outstanding are owed by people no longer resident in Montserrat. A community still waiting for subsidies is forced to use whatever savings they may have to purchase lands and build their homes. Others have already done so and are now expected to dig in an already empty pot to meet liabilities, while others are getting away scot-free and with support on top.

If Ms. Clare Short and her associates can see an upturn or a turnaround in the fortunes of the Montserrat economy on the basis of existing taxation measures, and we see where the revenue comes from, why not allow us to do those things which will really triple fire-up our economy? When a ministry could complain that what they pay out of the £75 million to one British employee could hire four regional or local persons, or that for every pound that is allocated to Montserrat more than 60 percent of that either goes back to or remains in Britain, the next set of politicians better 'come good.' When a Montserratian returns home, when one visitor or one expat homeowner puts foot upon this land, every cent spent is added to and works in the economy.

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. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope. The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Ridiculous

Dear Editor,

Recently we had another petrol shortage on Island. Prior to the Festival season, CM Brandt assured us , via ZJB radio, that there was an adequate supply for the holidays. Wha' happen? Is there no one in government or the emergency department that can figure out that if we have 40,000 gal. of petrol in early December, and the Island uses 40,000 gal. under normal circumstances in a month; that when you have over 400 visitors to the Island using almost every rental car available, we are going to need more than the normal amount of petrol? Add to that the fact that during the Festival season, there were numerous events at both ends of the occupied zone (many unlisted in the calendar) with persons needing transport to attend.

After almost a week without petrol, the ship finally came in and lo' and behold 3 days later, the ONLY gas station on Island was without gas again for half a day. This time due apparently to the fact that another shipment of petrol had come in and the delivery truck could not divert one load to the gas station to keep them pumping, no , all the truck could do is run back & forth to the storage tanks. Utterly ridiculous! Why do we have an emergency department? Just to create more emergencies? I think the volcano has done enough of that and it is not necessary for man to create more. Or is this just one more thing being tried to break the will of the people to stay on Montserrat?

THANK YOU

Dear Editor;

Since I haven't seen thank you's in the paper to this time, I would like to send hearty congratulations to the Festival Committee for an excellent job. There are a few things that needed fine tuning, but all in all a great job. At the same time I would like to say thank you to the many groups who put on performances such as Chadd & Adzika; Voices; Emerald Community Singers; Randy Greenaway & troup; Masqueraders; Calypsonians; Marching troops; and so many more that I can't remember (my apologies to any I left out). I would also like to thank the groups that came over from Antiqua for the St. John's Day parade; their presence was a wonderful addition & my greatest admiration to the stilt walkers - FANTASTIC!!

All in all, just a wonderful Festival and let's hope the year coming will be even better.

And as my finale, the fireworks to close Festival '99 were just wonderful. Just hearing the OOH's and AHH's from people who had never seen live fireworks made my evening.

THANK YOU , THANK YOU , THANK YOU

Paul Breuer

Dear Editor,

I hope you will join me in congratulating Sabrina and Auralie Maloney in graduating with distinction at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas, on December 18, l999. Present were myself and Mr. & Mrs. Tony Maloney, and a few parents from other Caribbean Islands.

Sabrina Maloney graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology receiving the magnum cum laude honours.

She received the Presidential Award for educational excellence. This award goes to students who earn the highest grade point average among those students receiving the baccalureate degree, who must have completed at least 60 semester hours at Midwestern State University. She is the second Montserratian to receive that distinction.

Sabrina also passed the State Board examination which qualifies her life membership in the national association of medical technologists in the USA.

Sylvanne Auralee graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration receiving the summa cum laude honours. She double majored in accounts and finance.

Both girls are graduates of the Montserrat Secondary school receiving their earlier primary school education at St. Augustine Primary school. Sylvanne was MSS student of the year and champion Leeward Islands debater in 1994. At MSU she was vice president of the Caribbean Student Association appearing on the Dean's honor list no less than five times.

Please join me in congratulating these two outstanding ladies in your paper.

It was a privilege and a proud moment for me to see our folks continually shine, wherever they pursue an education.

Melvin O. Cassell

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s (MVO) information and outreach activities for the year 2000 have begun with schoolchildren being its first target.

Materials produced by the volcano over the past four and a half years can be easily taken for granted and the MVO staff was at Old Road Bay on Friday January 5^th, explaining to children of Montserrat Secondary and Primary schools how the new rock and pumice has been formed over a very short period in comparison to most rock formations which have evolved over millions of years.

Along with this, the children took part in a highly unusual treasure hunt for volcanic artifacts that have been washed down from the volcano onto the beach. Once the artifacts were found, the students were set the task of identifying various types of rocks as well as burnt remains of trees.

The volcanic items collected by the students will be shipped out shortly to the UK for inclusion into what is called a "Montserrat Volcano Resource Box." The items that are plentiful on the island are treasures for students in countries that have not had first-hand experience of the ravages of a volcanic eruption.

The artifacts, along with a range of educational charts and maps produced by the MVO and a specially commissioned film, will be included in the "Montserrat Volcano Resource Box" which will be offered on sale in the UK. A great deal of interest in the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been shown by British schoolchildren and, in fact, the island’s volcano has been used as a basis for examination questions. The MVO is optimistic that the same enthusiasm shown by the British students will be matched when the "Montserrat Volcano Resource Box" becomes available in neighbouring islands.

MAC89, the UK-based charity founded in 1989 to assist Montserratians after Hurricane Hugo, initiated the idea of the "Montserrat Volcano Resource Box" as part of a fund-raising project to provide the children on the island with a much needed "bookmobile." In October 1999 some 5,000 sachets of ash were sent to all the secondary schools in the United Kingdom, asking them to participate in this "bookmobile" fund-raising exercise. A drawing for all participating schools, irrespective of the size of their donation, will be held in February, with three GCSE pupils being given the opportunity to visit Montserrat and observe the volcano first hand.

The Last Lap parade and stage appearance of costume troupes and masquerades took place on January 3, with the parade starting at Moose's Bitter End Bar at Little Bay Port, and ending up at the nearby Festival Village for stage appearances.

The parade was led by the winner of the recent Miss Unity Pageant, Miss Jodene Meade, together with the runners up, riding in the stylish evening gowns they wore at the Pageant. The other Miss Unity contestants followed, playing 'mas' in their brightly coloured skirts, striped in the colours of the various country flags they represented.

St. Augustine School featured "Mystical, Magical Millennium Masquerades." The first section, with the bright red and yellow costumes, represented the Rhythm Rebels, lost band of masquerades - youths who have forgotten the old masquerade steps. The king of the band in this section represented Rhythm, with his bright costume incorporating red and silver drums and fife.

The second half of this troupe, in sparkling white and silver, led by the Queen of Masquerade, represented masquerade "ghosts" from days gone by, who had come to teach the Rhythm Rebels the old masquerade steps. John Bull and four small Miss Goosey's were also included in the masquerades from the past. This troupe was conceived and designed by Chadd Cumberbatch, with input from teachers and parents.

Brades Primary School, with their colourful troupe entitled "Empire," featured imaginative green, yellow and purple costumes, designed by Chadd Cumberbatch and made by Marilyn Tuitt and Josianne Martin. The troupe was coordinated by Sylvester Browne with help from teachers and parents.

There were two cheerleaders' groups this year. The Rainbow Cheerleaders in their neat yellow blouses and red multi-coloured plaid skirts were trained by Mrs. Heather Lawrence and coordinated by outgoing calypso king "Cupid" Francis; while the Energetic Cheerleaders, in their crisp blue and yellow, were trained by Miss Unity first runner up, Miss Dalia Dew. Both groups gave lively performances on the stage.

The Pacesetters joined in the fun with their "Festival of Colours," with the little ones in colourful blue, turquoise and silver outfits, and the adults in red and other colours. Tropical Productions, with costumes by Jeweline Roberts Riley, featured children as "Masked Majorettes" in turquoise, white and purple, while the adults as "Ladies of the Amazon" wore black or brown tights with leopard skin effect wraps.

This was the second appearance of the costume troupes, who had already come out in St. John's for Boxing Day. That parade had been marred by an extremely late start, lack of music and lack of direction, which was very disappointing for troupe members, leaders and the public. A great pity in light of the trouble and creativity poured into the making of costumes and dressing the children, and even more so as several troupes had come over from Antigua by ferry especially for the occasion. However, much of this was redeemed by the following successful Last Lap parade.

Part of the troupe from Antigua

While on the Boxing Day parade, though, I must mention some of the troupes making the trip from Antigua for that event, although sadly they were unable to return for the Last Lap. They included the skillful Vitus Mas stilt walkers, a production of the Antigua Catholic Youth Community; the Flex Cheerleaders, and the Revellers troupe, all of whom were a most welcome addition to the Festival. Antigua's Point and Villa Iron Band, with their cheerful percussion, played at both parades.

Montserrat's National Masquerades performed on both occasions, as they have at several of the other shows this season. This new group, which was only formed last August, features masquerade veterans and tutors Reggie and Titus, as well as keen younger members such as 'Pops' Morris, Basil Chambers and others. This group is doing a great job helping to keep masquerade alive on Montserrat and preserve the old steps and movements.

Montserrat Masquerade troupe

As darkness was falling at the end of the Last Lap stage appearances, the Lynium 2K band performed, and newly crowned Calypso King Cepeke sang his winning song. Later in the evening, after a rather long, tiresome and unstructured wait, we were treated to a spectacular exciting fireworks display, with colourful and dramatic starburst fireworks lighting up the night sky - a first for Montserrat, I think. This was worth waiting for, but unfortunately, by that time several people, including some of the children in the troupes, had already left. However, there was still a large crowd present, and the fireworks were also visible from surrounding areas.

This season the usual order of Festival was reversed, since the costume troupes traditionally make their first appearance on stage on Festival Day, December 31, and return to the street for the New Year's Day Parade on January 1. This arrangement, I think, would have been very feasible and appropriate for the new Millennium. (In fact, strangely, Festival Day had no major Festival activities this year).

However, it has been a delight to have so many Festival activities taking place. It's the first full-scale Festival since the volcanic crisis began, a great boost for locals and visitors alike, and I would like to congratulate all those organizing and taking part in the various events. The Last Lap parade, show and fireworks made a fitting end to the Festival and start for the new Millennium.

The UK is fast running out of telephone numbers. OFTEL, the government department that regulates telecommunications in the UK, has therefore devised a scheme which will generate hundreds of millions of new numbers. Six locations have been identified as requiring major changes; these are London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Coventry, Cardiff and Northern Ireland. There will be a parallel working during which time both old and new codes and numbers will be valid.

Customers calling the UK can dial the new codes and numbers from now. After 22 April 2000, customers must use the new codes and numbers.

Sky-watchers Witness A Total Lunar Eclipse

If you were outside or able to see the moon last night at 12.05 a.m., the Earth's shadow did paint the moon red and other strange hues. Unfortunately bad weather in the north-eastern USA threatened to spoil the show in some regions.

The first total lunar eclipse in 2000 should have been widely visible in the Western Hemisphere.

Astronomers in the U.S. said that the same processes that make a sunset red would likely make the face of the moon look reddish-orange during the eclipse.

When the sun, Earth and moon fall in a straight line, and the moon is caught in the Earth's shadow, a total lunar eclipse can occur.

Over Montserrat there were clear skies and the moon did dim to a dull charcoal or ruddy red and was very clearly visible. It is said that with a telescope or binoculars, hints of blue, green or other colors might have been visible.

Weather permitting, Americans were able to see it start shortly before 10 p.m. EST. The total eclipse occurred at 12:05 a.m. and lasted as predicted for over an hour.

Unfortunately for viewers in the U.S., snow ruined the spectacle across much of the Northeast and Northwest. It was reportedly chilly for sky-watching -- temperatures were expected to be in the single digits or lower in the Northeast and Midwest

Earlier reports had stated: "There's no need for satellites or telescopes to view this lunar event. All viewers need are clear skies and their own eyes."

Again as predicted, watchers saw the first signs of darkening as the Earth's shadow advanced from the moon's left side.

According to a CNN report, Joe Rao, an astronomy lecturer at Hayden Planetarium in New York, said: "Of course, if there is bad weather, we'll just have to wait until next time,"

Meanwhile it was reported that the next total eclipse will be best visible from the West Coast on July 16.

Last night the eclipse (weather permitting) should have been visible throughout the Americas.

Antigua:-

Attorney General, Dr. Errol Cort has announced that five condemned prisoners will go to the gallows before the end of next week.

Three of the five will be hang on Thursday of next week while the remaining two on Friday.

Among the five are: Mellanson Harris and Marvin Joseph who were convicted in February 1996 for the Computa Challenger murders of Kathleen Cleaver, William Cleaver, Thomas Williams and Ian Cridland.

Also to hang are Lorriston Cornwall for the murder of Patricia Farrell and Confessor Valdez Franco for killing Ishmael Zorella.

Micheal Mason will also go to the gallows for the murder of Wendy Newbiggin.

Of the five however, Mason is the only one who has exhausted his appeals.

Dr. Cort says the Advisory Committee will consider the cases of other condemned prisoners in due course.

This new airline Caribbean Star Airlines is apparently the name of LIAT's latest worry.

The airline, owned privately by Allen Stanford, is about to get off the ground.

Reports state that Caribbean Star Airlines will be based in Antigua with a hub in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The goal is to have the new airline operating within 60 - 90 days and

Mr. stanford in an exclusive interview with ABS News Wednesday afternoon says the airline will serve the various routes which LIAT now flies.

He acknowledges that there is a need to maintain the Caribbean route should LIAT's operations fail.

The managing company, he says, is now in the process of hiring individuals.

The Private Investor says he will in no way be associated with LIAT.

MVO PRESS RELEASE - 21/04/2000

Even though residents of Montserrat would have noted a period of relative
quiescence at the volcano over the past few weeks, scientists at the
Montserrat Volcano Observatory's (MVO) continue to monitor the growth of the
new dome at the Soufriere Hills Volcano.  The dome, which was first sighted
in mid-November, now has a volume of approximately 15 million cubic meters.
The dome growth rate of some 2 to 3 cubic meters per second is at the lower
end of the range seen during the 1995 to 1998 dome growth episode at the
volcano.  The level and style of seismic activity is in keeping with
moderate dome growth.  Other monitoring information gives no indication of
significant changes to the volcanic system at this time.

The moderate growth rate, the fact that seismic and other monitoring
information is not showing any significant changes, and the position of the
new dome in the eastern part of the crater all mean that there is no
immediate threat to either the Day-Time Entry Zone or inhabited areas of
Montserrat.

MVO scientists continue to consider that, in the near future, rockfalls,
small pyroclastic flows and associated ash falls can be expected.  Rockfalls
and pyroclastic flows resulting from dome collapses are likely to affect
only the Tar River valley and nearby areas until the dome is substantially
larger or until other changes occur at the volcano.  Although ash falls can
affect the entire island, it is most likely that ash will dominantly blow
over the Plymouth area.  The MVO considers that an eruption large enough to
significantly affect the northern part of the island is highly unlikely.

Unless there is an escalation in volcanic activity, the MVO will continue to
issue a weekly report to local and international media.  If there were a
significant volcanic event which warrants alerting the public, scientists
and the Observatory's Information & Press Officer will do so without delay.
Residents of Montserrat should note that at this time the mode of operation
at the MVO remains unchanged.  The MVO's staff continues to remain vigilant
in its efforts to provide early warning of potentially damaging volcanic
events and to provide timely, accurate and complete information to the
public and authorities alike.

For further information, contact the MVO's Director/Chief Scientist or
Information/Press Officer at the telephone number below.

LOOK TO THE FUTURE!
By Peter Adrien

The future looks bright! The future of West Indies Cricket seems encouraging even if the youngsters were edged out in a close encounter by the young Australians in their first Super Eight match, who defeated them by four wickets in the penultimate over at the SSC Ground in Colombo. The young West Indian sportsmen have looked and played like true West Indian cricketers.
Australia may have won the limited over match (the format for the 2000 Youth World Cup tournament) but the Australian youths did not outclass the West Indian youths. From the beginning it promised to be a close match.
Opting to bat first, West Indies were off to a fine start with openers B. Parchment (25) and Zaheer Ali (29) putting on 71 runs from 24.3 overs. But the openers fell in successive overs. However, Marlon Samuels (53) and skipper Ryan Hinds (33) got the innings going again with a third wicket partnership of 88 runs off 16 overs.

Samuels faced 58 balls and hit six fours and a six. The batsmen who followed could not add much but the West Indians were still able to post a challenging target of 200 in 50 overs.
The Australians, in contrast, made a mediocre start and were four down for 84 before a fifth wicket partnership of 83 runs off 15 overs between S. Watson (62) and N. Hauritz (38) saw them back in the game. But they bounced back to take a narrow victory.
The young West Indian cricketers have so far represented the West Indian people very admirably. They have fought their opponents in the same manner that the ex-slaves and indentured Indians fought the plantation owners, and with the same spirit that the maroons, the peasants and the working class fought the planter class and the oppressive colonial state.
Captain Ryan Hinds and his boys outplayed Zimbabwe, and made it into the Super Eight with flying colours, by delivering a stunning blow to the defending champions England in their group match at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place on January 14.
After been restricted to a modest total of 196 runs West Indies came back strongly and bowled out the Englishmen for just 98 runs. The West Indies electing to bat first after winning the toss were in real trouble at one stage, with half of their side back in the pavilion for just 133 runs.
But Narsingh Deonarine (the run-machine from the under-15 and under-19 tournaments) turned the game around in West Indies' favour with a fighting knock of 69, which included one six and seven boundaries. He was well supported by Ryan Hinds and Callistos Lopez, who made some useful contributions during the latter stages of the innings.
Their purposeful cricket has been very noticeable throughout the tournament. Sports reporters noted that they seemed very clinical with the ball, very resolute but offensive with the bat and very orchestrated on the field. Against the arch-rival, England, they put up the most splendid performance on the field and accounted for three run outs.
Many critics have been asking why are they so business-like in their approach to the game? Why our Caribbean children seem so determined to outperform their opponents or their adversaries?

Well, it was apparent on the eve of the tournament that the West Indies, under the guidance of high-performing coach, former internationally unparalleled short-leg fielder, Trinidadian Gus Logie, had come with his boys into the global tournament to prove a point. In his interview, Logie pointed out that they want to show that Caribbean cricket is not dead, and that the woeful results of their senior side do not signal the end of the road.

They also want to atone for the "shambolic" handling of their participation in the last Under-19 World Cup, when West Indies Cricket Board was humiliated before they had even hit a ball in anger. The West Indies board managed somehow to misinterpret the age limit restrictions and sent seven players who were over-age.
The under-19s showed against the English that there is undeniably talent in the West Indies. The batting was patchy but the fast bowling and the fielding were of the highest class. This is a song that I have been singing for along time. While there is an apparent absence of pedigree mature batsmen, there is a stock of youthful talents that is not properly and efficiently harnessed, nurtured and trained. In a subsequent article I will discuss my plan for developing the stock of talents.
Although it is much too early to make any prediction or to sing their praises, the youngsters and their adult leadership and mentor have demonstrated that they understand the significance of their performance to the national pride of the six million Caribbean people; they appreciate the importance of salvaging national pride after the dismal performance of the senior team in New Zealand, which has been part of a prolonged decline of West Indies cricket at the senior level since the departure of the greats in the early 1990s; and they recognize the immediate demand to salvage some pride for the administrative blunders of the WICB with respect to the arithmetic of the players ages during the last youth international tournament.
No matter what happens from here on, the resilience of promising batsmen - Ryan Hinds Marlon Samuels, Narsingh Deonarine, Brendon Parchment and Sewnarine Chattergoon - following their impressive performances in the 1999 Nortel tournament, signal that there is more than a glimmer of hope for the future.

These "kids" as Viv would refer to them, give us hope for the future, and these developments hold tremendous prospects for making an established middle order for the senior team.
The bowlers have also continued to perform very well. Andrew Richardson, the tall opening bowler whose run-up borrows something from Courtney Walsh and his action something from Curtly Ambrose, has bowled magnificently, with hostility and has shown his ability to move and cut with maturity.
Callistos Lopez, who is shorter than Richardson and more like a Kenny Benjamin or an Eldine Baptiste in style, has bowled many an unplayable ball and kept good line and length. This is good news for our present seam attack, which is lacking steam.
Now, let the reader be the judge. Do these developments point simply to a glimmer of hope or are the developments, taken together, a glimpse of the future? Regardless of the position you assume, the WICB's development programmes seem to be paying dividends.
Now we must continue to nurture the children in our care and express confidence in them. We need to enroll them in the school of Desmond Haynes, Gordon Greenidge, Garfield Sobers and Viv Richards, the masters at the art.
Until then keep the faith.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

(Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is an information service produced and prepared in the office of the Chief Minister and published as a paid for service.)

It has been reported in government circles that an investigation has been launched into the 1999/2000 festival.

Top government officials are tight-lipped about the investigation but sources say it is focusing on the management of public funds in connection with the festival, which was spearheaded by the Cultural Department.

According to reports an independent investigation will also be launched into "personnel and financial issues."

When contacted by ZJB News, His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott declined to give details on the matter.

His only comment is that the investigation is an internal public service matter.

Social Welfare System Legally in Place

The new social welfare system is now legally in place. The Social Welfare Act came into force on Monday, January 17th, and has paved the way for the establishment of a Board and an Assessment Panel to examine the eligibility of applicants.

The maximum payment to qualified households will be EC$300 per month for the head of the household, plus $200 for a dependent elderly person, adult or child over the age of 12 years. $100 will also be given for each child under 12 years.

Successful applicants whose monthly income is less than the amount paid by the scheme, will receive the difference between their income/pension and the full benefit. The act also makes provision for households whose assets include savings under EC$4,000, who may be eligible for benefits. Land and property in the Exclusion Zone are exempted from this ceiling.

Meanwhile, the Department of Community Services is encouraging persons on the public assistance programme to apply for the new social welfare system. According to the department, the only persons applying so far are former recipients under the Volcanic Monetary Assistance Programme.

Under the new system, the Volcanic Monetary Assistance Programme and the Public Assistance scheme have been merged, and it is important that the existing recipients of both systems apply.

Police Constable Dalia Dew will represent Montserrat in the Miss Leeward Islands 2000 Queen Show. The show takes place in Anguilla on January 22nd. Miss Dew, who placed second in the Miss Unity Pageant here in December, will represent the Royal Montserrat Police Force.

The contest has four sections: introductory speech, performing talent, eveningwear and question and answer. During this segment contestants will be required to answer questions about the Caribbean. Miss Dew will be accompanied to Anguilla by chaperones Inspector Margaret Lee, Gwenneth White and Veronica Yearwood.

The Montserrat Christian Council is once again moving to deepen the spiritual well being of the community. The MCC has organized a Family Focus Week to run from February 6th to 10th 2000 at the Brades Pentecostal Church.

Renowned lecturer, Bible teacher and conference speaker, Reverend Alvin Nicholson, will be conducting the sessions. During the week-long stay on Montserrat, Reverend Nicholson will be focusing on the entire family, targeting specific groups, women, youths and couples. In addition, sessions will be held at the primary and secondary schools on the mornings of 9 and 10 February.

Along with his wife, Leana, Reverend Nicholson has conducted several family life conferences and retreats for the past 20 years, both in the Caribbean and North America. He has also been involved in marital and pre-marital and family counseling. Currently an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, Reverend Nicholson gives spiritual leadership to Agape Ministries in Toronto Canada.

Former teacher Ms .Valerie James has been appointed as the new Manager of the Montserrat Philatelic Bureau. Her duties include establishing goals and objectives for the organization, preparing yearly forecasts and budgets, and designing strategies for increasing revenue. Ms. James is also responsible for human resource development within the organization. Ms James is an experienced educator of 26 years, a former headteacher and early childhood educator.

Local musicians, singers, composers and entertainers on Montserrat will get an opportunity to learn more about the commercial release of their music. Mr. Peter Filleul of the Music for Montserrat Charity Fund will conduct sessions at McChesney estate on Monday January 31.

The main issues to be discussed surround the release of a commercial recording of Many Happy Returns Concert, which was staged here in March last year. Mr. Filleul says participants will first hear a pre-release version of the recording of the concert that has been specially mixed and completed.

Participants will then be invited to submit their ideas regarding the structure and constitution of the Montserrat Music Fund, which has been set-up as a non-profit organization to promote and develop music and music education on Montserrat.

A steering committee will be established to organize future activities, including Many Happy Returns concerts, the Montserrat Equipment Quest, and the establishment of a Montserrat Music Education Trust. Mr. Filleul says space at the workshop is limited, and persons interested in taking part should call the Montserrat Tourist Board to secure a place.

Young entrepreneurs from Montserrat seeking international exposure could soon find attachments at manufacturing firms in Florida. This is the result of a new co-operative agreement between the OECS secretariat and the American state of Florida.

The attachments would expose the sub-region's budding business people to tested production techniques, as well as the export and earning performance of some of Florida's established firms. The partnership could also provide short-term training in technical skills such as electronics and appliance repairs, for which several of the islands have a strong demand. The OECS/Florida agreement also encourages trade and investment and the promotion of educational, cultural, commercial, and tourism exchanges.

Director of Development Angela Greenaway describes the agreement as a positive development. She is hoping young businessmen and women on Montserrat will benefit.

OECS consultant Mr. Errol Thomas has recommended changes in legislation to assist in the development of the small enterprise sector here. The recommendations are the result of a review carried out by Mr. Thomas in Montserrat last year.

According to his report, the new legislation is based on the premise that there is an urgent need to rebuild Montserrat with specific emphasis on the small business enterprise sector. In that regard Mr. Thomas wrote in his report that there is need for certain administrative and legal measures to facilitate the recovery and development of the small businesses enterprise and businesses in general.

He is recommending that the island get a proper airport and seaport, which would be critical for the development of the business sector. Mr. Thomas also sees as important the education of persons in the small business sector, and appropriate amendments made to the income tax legislation to permit the rescheduling of taxes owed.

The consultant is also recommending that certain organizations, such as the National Development Foundation and the Montserrat Christian Council, be used as vehicles for the development of small enterprise. Mr. Thomas says the simplification of customs procedures would also help.

Two more Montserratians have recently achieved significant academic success.

Agatha Aspin obtained a Master of Business Administration from Leeds University, while Dion Weekes gained a Master of Science degree from London University.

During her studies, Mrs. Aspin focused on international finance and business.

She is currently an advisor on small business for the National Development Foundation. Meanwhile, Mr. Weekes, who is working for the Department of Publics in the engineering department, focused his studies on construction economics and management. His dissertation looked at housing development on Montserrat.

A four-day Health Promotion Workshop has just been completed, in a joint effort between the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Education Health and Community Services. The workshop aimed to strengthen the island's capacity to deal with health issues.

There was an effort to involve as many sectors as possible in this exercise, since it was pointed out that health involves all of us, and Health cannot do the job alone, so the input of many Government and non-government sectors is needed.

Permanent Secretary for Education Health and Community Services, Mr Alric Taylor, explains that the Caribbean Health Promotion Charter, developed in 1993, identifies six important Health Promotion Strategies.

These strategies include formulating a healthy public policy, reorienting the health services, and empowering communities; as well as creating supportive environments, developing personal health skills, and building alliances with special emphasis on the media. Mr. Taylor says developing these strategies locally would help to advance the well-being of Montserratians.

Main resource person for the Workshop was Frances Perkins, Director of the International Health Promotion Unit in Toronto. One of the goals was to involve participants in the development of healthy public policy, with special reference to two issues, youth and violence, and nutrition and diabetes..

The police are exploring the possibility of allowing persons into the Exclusion Zone to retrieve household goods. The areas that may be opened up shortly are Molyneaux, Windy Hill, Harris', Streathams, Parsons, Amersham, Webbs, Victoria Village and surrounding areas.

Persons who are interested should contact the police, who have recently organized convoys into villages in the Central corridor, which have not been destroyed by the volcano. This is a continuation of the government's policy to assist people who relocated in a hurry five years ago, leaving valuable goods and personal belongings behind.

Over 100 Montserratians relocated in Antigua have received assistance under the Department for International Development (DFID-sponsored Targeted Assistance for Montserrat Evacuees Scheme (TAMEC); 110 persons received financial assistance to acquire tools, equipment and materials to ensure their earning power.
Citizens and Friends of Montserrat, which helped in the execution, says the programme has been a big success, but attempts are being made to find funds to assist at least 50 additional persons who have applied. It says this assistance may be forthcoming shortly.
Meanwhile over 100 children received assistance at the beginning of the last school term to obtain school supplies, uniforms and in a few cases, shoes.
Funds for the programme were provided mainly by the DFID/TAMEC Programme.
CFM says it was able to augment this money with a grant of US$500 from the Montserrat Emerald Association.

No Social Welfare Prize For Calypsonians

An announcement was made at the recent Calypso Finals, that the Community Services Department were offering a cash prize for best lyrics about the Social Welfare Review. However, this prize has not been awarded.
In a statement, the Community Services Department says it wishes to thank calypsonian 'Iceman' for working lyrics about the Social Welfare Review into his Calypso "Pertinent Issues". However, as he was the only calypsonian to mention the review in their song, the judges were unable to judge the song in a competitive sense.
Therefore, the statement says, the Community Services Department wishes to present a prize of $250 for Iceman's sterling effort. Iceman will be presented with his honorarium at the Community Services Department in the near future.

Exit Certificates Are Re-introduced

The requirement for exit certificates will be re-introduced next month. The Inland Revenue Department says persons residing in Montserrat, who purchase a ticket to leave any port on Montserrat, will be required to have a valid exit certificate when leaving the island.
The requirement for exit certificates for travel purposes becomes effective on Tuesday February 1st, 2000. The certificates are issued by the Inland Revenue Department at the Government Headquarters in Brades.
A person is designated as a resident of Montserrat if their permanent place of residence is on Montserrat, or if they have lived or worked on Montserrat for a continuous period of 183 days or more during the year. Travelers are advised to obtain the necessary certificate on time in order to avoid inconvenience when leaving the island. Take your passport with you to obtain the certificate.

UWI Offers Nine Courses
The University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies will be offering nine courses via Distance Education for the 2000-2001 academic year. The courses to be offered include B.Sc. Degrees in Agribusiness Management and Management Studies, and a B.Ed. in Educational Administration.
Certificates courses will be offered in Adult Education, Education, Educational Management and Supervision, Business Administration and Public Administration. A Postgraduate diploma course will also be offered in Construction Management.
Students who are interesting in pursuing these courses should return completed application forms to the University Centre by the 18th February.

Cultural Centre Plans Discussed

A high-level meeting was held recently to discuss the way forward for the new Cultural and Commnity Centre. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott and was attended by the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt, ministers of government and Sir George and Lady Martin.
Also in attendance were senior government officials, including the Attorney General, the Accountant General, Director of Development and the head of DFID, Geoff Williams.
Sir George told the meeting that approximately US$500,000 is available through the Montserrat Foundation for the construction of the Centre. The funds are part of proceeds from the Music for Montserrat Charity concert held in London in 1997. But according to Sir George it would take approximately US$ 2 million to complete the project.
Among the fund-raising options discussed at the meeting were approaches to the United Kingdom Lottery Commission and the European Union for the additional funds. It was also suggested that a multi-organizational approach be used to raise money.
The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has given his full backing for the project. He says the Government will donate the land for the cultural centre, which will be built at Little Bay. Mr. Brandt also expressed deep appreciation to Sir George for spearheading the project up to this point.
The design is based on a building which holds approximately 400 people. According to the design, it will be a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting a variety of events including, dance, drama, concerts, lectures and social evenings. The building has been designed by local architect Ivason Galloway.

Food Safety Meeting
A meeting was held recently to discuss the status of food safety on Montserrat. The meeting was organised by the Caribbean Food Safety Initiative (CFSI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Housing, Lands and the Environment, and held at the Government Training Centre in Brades.
The CFSI is a CARICOM project being undertaken to ascertain the status of food safety in CARICOM member states, with a view to developing proposals for improvement. Permanent Secretary Anne Marie Dewar says the initiative is an important one, as it impacts on the status of human, animal and plant health. She says it is also critical for establishing the safety of food imports and exports to and from the region.
Technical resource person for the meeting was Dr. Paul Tamplin of CFSI, who was also planning to meet with individuals who are directly involved in or associated with food production and processing, handling, marketing and trade.

Domino Tournament Planned for July

Montserrat will host a regional domino tournament here in July. The tournament will be part of the Paradise Regained Millennium Pilgrimage, which is scheduled for July 8th to 23rd this year.
Chairman of the committee, Dr. Eddie Donoghue, says entries are now invited for the competition, which will be played in various locations in the north of the island. Cash prizes will be given to the top teams.
Dr. Donoghue says the competition will be played in accordance with international rules, which will be made available after completion of application forms. Forms can be collected from Gregory Willock of the Montserrat Domino Association.

Forestry Department Surveys Boundaries
Work is continuing on the Department for International Development (DFID) Watershed and Forestry Management project. Efforts are now being concentrated on establishing boundaries.
The Forestry and Environmental Division in the Ministry of Agriculture is seeking the service of petty contractors to survey the line following the boundary trace between Soldier Ghaut and Caines River. The boundary trace is approximately 4,100 feet in length.
Contractors are also needed to install approximately 18 markers along the forest boundary trace between Hope and Spring Ghaut. Interested persons should contact Tony Hill or James Boatswain at the Department of Agriculture for details of contract terms, conditions and job specifications.

Cambridge Trust Offers Scholarships
Montserratians have an opportunity to win scholarships at the University of Cambridge. The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust is offering four scholarships In collaboration with Cable and Wireless and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The scholarships, which are offered annually, enable graduates of outstanding academic merit to pursue one-year taught postgraduate courses of study in development studies, economics, economics and development, engineering, environment and development, finance, international relations, law or management studies.
The scholarships are open to citizens between 20 and 35 years of age. Candidates must already have, or expect to obtain before October 2000, a first class or high second class honours degree or its equivalent from a recognized university and at least two years post university experience.
The scholarships, tenable for one academic year, will cover the University Composition Fee at the overseas rate, approved college fees, a maintenance allowance sufficient for a single student and a contribution towards a return economy airfare by the cheapest available route.

DFID officials visited Montserrat from 7-10 December to discuss with their Ministry of Finance counterparts the budgetary aid requirements for 2000.

Following these negotiations, DFID's Secretary of State, Ms. Clare Short, has agreed to allocate £6.2 million (over EC$26 million) for this purpose. This represents about half of all of the Government of Montserrat's budget requirements for the year 2000. The balance will be met from existing taxation measures.

Montserratians will be pleased to note that the trend in budgetary aid payments is on a downward path for the first time since the volcano began to erupt in 1995 thus reflecting the beginnings of a turnaround in the fortunes of the Montserrat economy.

Montserrat Alive Magazine

by Lowell Lewis

 January 2000

The Democracy Experiment

The recommendations of the Elections Commission have been posted on the Internet for several months, yet less than 10 percent of the electorate are aware of the details of the document. These recommendations have not been challenged or amended, and they may have already been adopted into the laws of Montserrat.  (See the executive summary  here)

The executive summary does not state clearly how many candidates on the ballot paper the voter is allowed to select, and there is no indication of how the Chief Minister will be selected. One assumes that the existing arrangement will remain, in that the Chief Minister will be the individual who has the support of the majority of the elected representatives. If none of the manifest political parties gain five seats, then, similar to what happened after the last election, the nine elected will wheel and deal among themselves until the Chief, or what has become "The Minister of everything," is chosen.

Political scientists will be watching the progress of this novel system of universal suffrage in which "one man one vote" may be changed to "One man nine votes."

The voter, by giving equal support to several candidates, may end up voting out the very person he or she actually wishes to be their representative.

This experiment has already begun. Posturing, preparations, manipulations and maneuverings to ensure victory under the new system are under way. Perhaps the delay in informing voters of the details of the adopted recommendations is part of the strategy.

I reckon that at least six months' notice will be needed to give all those wishing to vote a fair chance to make arrangements to do so, and this probably means that if any of the ministers were to jump ship on a matter of principle, the current leadership may be asked to continue as care taker for a prolonged period, even if there was no majority support in Legislative Council.

Most of us simple patriots thought that politics was supposed to be the selection of a government that would represent the interests of the majority. A government that would make decisions and manage the resources of the electorate, for the betterment of all, especially those under-privileged and disadvantaged. We now know that the Caribbean interpretation is probably "the selection of the few who win the right to distribute the wealth and resources of the community, among themselves and their supporters."

This process has undermined the very principles of democracy. Instead of promoting "equity" and "justice," we see increasing differences in opportunities and assets, and a disregard for the very systems of government which are meant to preserve equity and justice. No wonder civil servants find themselves unable to do the jobs that they are trained for, and inclined to enter the race for political power. With the kind of salaries and allowances available for Ministers of Government, any professional with ambition and a conscience should have a go, and then give their service to the people of Montserrat for free.

The counting game has begun, and with it the uncertainties of the outcome. The numbers for voters and candidates. The persons who may be better choice for leadership, may not even get a look in. Those who cannot assemble a team of five won’t have a chance.

Three groups are emerging, the three M Parties: The Money Party, The Management Party, and the Moral Party. Some individuals think they would fit into all three, and some cannot fit into any.

The most exciting of the recommendations, is the proposal for a Minister responsible for "Montserratians Overseas." This will be a golden opportunity for someone, not to secure a personal fortune or use the position to secure a political future, but to make a difference in the long-term future of Montserrat. The coordination of our fit young sports men and women, who now have access to first class training opportunities, could make the Montserrat teams the best in the Caribbean; and coordination of the services of our skilled professionals could have the effect of diverting a larger proportion of project funds into further investment within Montserrat. The promotion of Montserrat’s tourism, industrial and other products should also be greatly enhanced by this change.

As usual the incumbents have an advantage -- control of the media and influence on the disbursement of state funds. The United Kingdom budgetary cuts will serve to reduce the purse available to the incumbent ministers. This may level the playing field, but this measure may in fact be to the advantage of incumbents. Cutbacks in expenditure may not only precipitate the departure of the less favoured, who must migrate to get work, but also prevent the return of the exiled who have no place to live.

A saving grace will be the slowing of the hemorrhage of British taxpayers' money into projects destined to be dead elephants.

Political analysts should find this Montserrat Democracy Experiment interesting, and should now make reservations for rooms at the luxurious Tropical Mansion Suites Hotel, so as to witness the pre-election activities.

In the last election in 1996, 58% of registered voters went to the polls and the ruling four, 2 parties and 1 independent, represented a minority vote of 32% of all registered voters. That experiment failed. Will this new experiment be any better?

FESTIVAL

Montserratians can reflect on the past festival season and feel somewhat comforted by the first real attempt to capture a festival of old. We are not, however, pleased by the standard of some presentations. But what does that say about us as a people? No it is not what you think; we have not lost it altogether; in fact we have maintained our standards and are still able to judge what is good and what is not.
There are a few winners in the presentations department, and losers too. Let's get the negatives out of the way.

The talent show put on by Millennium Productions suffered from a seemingly inexperienced production team and ill-advised (but brave) teenagers. I only hope that they bite the bullet and strive again next year.

My next selection for the bottom of the season has to be the parade on St. Johns Day.. What happened? Children dressed since 10 a.m. stood around until after 3 p.m., waiting for someone to tell them what to do; apparently not even the teachers knew what was going on. There is some ongoing debate as to who was in charge of the event. But why, I have to ask, was it put on that day to begin with? Even moreso, why hasn't anyone gone on record to say sorry to the kids?

Children waiting for the start of the parade
Even in this fiasco we have seen heroes. The time costume designers and builders took out to make sure the day was not a total waste of time was much appreciated. It was a joy to see the primary schools once again. The staff and principal of the St. Augustine Primary School (Father Larry and parents too) were out in full force to support their children. The lone teacher for Brades primary, Mr. Sylvester Brown, must be commended for again seemingly single-handedly making sure that his school was represented. I remember seeing him last year with what seemed like all the costumes in his car. This makes me ask, where was everyone else? Nevertheless, it was appreciated.
The high points were: the Calypso Show (well produced and good performances and the best sound quality in years); "Emerald Community Singers"; compelling story telling had its moments and the always-superb "Voices."
Even with members missing Ms. Dewar pulled her posse together and put on a first class show.

I must say my favorite show of the season was ASH put on by Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya. With slick production and excellent, polished performances, Ms. Simba and Mr. Cumberbatch left me in awe of their talent. I am still laughing. They also gave me food for thought and made me proud to see what Montserrat is capable of producing. If you missed it you missed something special.
This brings me to my real frustration. Why does everything in Montserrat take so long? The shows at the Vue Pointe could have even been better if they were held in a building specially designed for that purpose. With proper lighting and acoustics, our young talents could score.

Now we have been hearing for years that there is going to be a cultural center. No artist I have spoken to has any inkling what is going on but there is apparently some 'committee' looking into it. Should there not be some sort of input from the ONES THAT ARE GOING TO USE THE PLACE??? Come on!!
Sir George Martin was down here yet again talking about the center and the monies he has allotted to help us get it going. Now I don't want to seem like I'm looking a gift horse in the mouth; but does anyone know how much money was actually raised from the "Music for Montserrat" concert held in London, and how much was given, shared out, donated and to whom?

Sir George has been down here before, last year, I think. Is it out of his "good will" or are these trips funded out of the funds raised in the name of Montserrat.
I have seen a video there is some recordings, I have seen bits of the show on VH1. These are the things that generate cash. Lots of big name artist came together to help us and we have yet to see some official statement saying exactly what has happened to the funds and how much they were in the beginning.
Over a year ago it was said that let's say $50,000 (as I can't recall the exact figure) was put aside for the cultural center. Now the figure must have grown since then; I mean banks pay interest in England, don't they? Or is it in a safe some place? Maybe it's just me, but something is wrong here or, is it I have been listening too closely to the character "Cheese" from ASH?
Because it made a definite "connection" with me. And I would like to see an official audit on "our funds".

Author's name withheld upon request.

Montserrat is experiencing its share of the flu bug that is taking the world by storm.

However Dr. Gordon Avery said that although the number of cases may have been up from last year (during the flu season), "there are also more people on island."

Dr. Avery says that from all appearances there is no sign of the bad strain of the flu (Moscow) and that the one being experienced is known as a strain known as "Sydney flu".

According to medical experts, there are actually two main types of the flu virus called A and B. Each has strains. This year, 90 percent of flu sufferers have been slammed by the harsher Sydney-A strain

Also the experts say that a cold usually strikes above the neck, with runny nose, headache, sore throat — rarely a fever. The flu often strikes below the neck and is much more severe — fever, aches, terrible fatigue, a raspy cough and a sudden onset. "It basically makes you take to bed immediately," one US doctor said.

Meanwhile reports from the US say that all that time spent worrying late last year about the Y2K bug apparently distracted too many people from a more menacing one, the flu bug, at least in 35 of the United States, where the influenza virus is sending waves of sick people to doctors and hospitals.

In Phoenix, Arizona, there’s an explosion of cases; some emergency rooms had to temporarily close because of an overflow of patients. In the District of Columbia, an already busy hospital is now overwhelmed due to flu cases. And in Baltimore, one hospital had so many patients that it actually set up a war room to deal with the onslaught.

According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, each year an estimated 25 million to 50 million Americans get the flu. Most people will be in bed for days, but it can be fatal for the very young, the old or those with chronic disease.

In fact, while 20,000 deaths due to flu complications are usual in any year, this season up to 40,000 are expected, according to Dr. Greg Poland, chief of the Mayo Vaccine Research Group at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

Although flu shots remain the best method for controlling influenza, antiviral drugs can help reduce the duration and severity of its symptoms -- as well as the chance you will spread it to others.

"So far this year, the 1999-2000 flu vaccine is well matched to the viruses circulating in the United States," said a CDC report released Friday.

The best way of preventing flu is to get a flu shot. According to the CDC, this year's vaccine is a close match for strains currently in circulation, meaning that it should prevent illness 'in approximately 70 percent to 90 percent of healthy persons younger than age 65 years.' The vaccine is thought to be about 80 percent effective in preventing death from influenza among elderly nursing home residents and others at highest risk.

According to the latest CDC figures, as of January 1^st, epidemiologists have identified cases of flu in 35 states and the District of Columbia, with "widespread" numbers of cases recorded in Colorado, Iowa, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington state. The flu season also seems to be gaining in intensity -- the CDC noted that the two weeks ending January 1st were the first time this season that the number of flu-related visits to clinics and hospital topped normal levels.

The CDC experts also note that "other respiratory pathogens" such as cold viruses can cause symptoms similar to those of influenza. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether or not someone has the flu.

While you can lessen the discomfort of a cold with decongestants and other over-the-counter remedies, the flu is different.

Generally, doctors recommend trying to control the symptoms until they pass: get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take pain relievers to get the fever down. And eat. The flu is very rarely associated with stomach symptoms, so good nutrition is important..

Four new therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating the flu:

• Relenza, generically called zanamivir, is a prescription inhalant that works against both the A and B strains of the flu virus, prevents the virus from infecting new cells by inhibiting a key surface enzyme, and shortens the duration of symptoms by up to 36 hours.

• Symmetrel generically called amantadine, is a prescription pill that prevents and treats type A influenza by interfering with the replication cycle of the virus. It must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms.

• Flumadine, generically called rimantadine, is a pill-form derivative of amantadine, and works the same way to prevent and treat the influenza A virus, but is less likely to cause side effects.

• Tamiflu, generically called oseltamivir, is the first pill designed to prevent and treat both the A and B strains of the flu. Like Relenza, it inhibits a key enzyme of the virus.

According to Dr. Avery people (in Montserrat) should not expect to use antiviral drugs, confirming at the same time that the flu vaccine is unavailable in Montserrat. This the doctor suggests would have to be used with the right timing.

It flavors the candy canes you hang on the Christmas tree, puts the cool in your breath mints and makes for a darned tasty toothpaste; but peppermint is more than a yummy flavoring. It doesn't say so on your tube of Crest, but this famous herb was once believed to warm a cold liver, stir up bodily lust and heal the bite of a mad dog. And you thought you were just fighting cavities.

While peppermint is best known as a flavoring, it's also one of the most popular therapeutic herbs, used for everything from seasonal colds to stomach troubles. Here's the inside scoop on adding peppermint to your family's natural medicine chest:

Should Peppermint be in Your Medicine Chest?
What the Leaves Say:
Here are the ins and outs of using peppermint tea, courtesy of our resident tealeaf reader, Herbala. One caution: Peppermint can sometimes cause a choking reaction in very young children. So to be on the safe side, don't give it to kids under 5.

Try Peppermint if:
Your digestive system needs a jump-start. Ever see a bowl of after-dinner chocolates or butterscotches next to the door of a fancy restaurant? Herbala thinks not. There's a reason why mint candies are the digestive of choice: The menthol in peppermint soothes the lining of the digestive tract and stimulates the production of bile, an essential digestive fluid that helps your body break down the nutrients in your food. A hot cup of herbal tea is an excellent way to settle your stomach and improve digestion after a big meal.

You're all stuffed up -- and you'd rather not remove your shirt. Menthol vapors are famous for relieving nasal, sinus and chest congestion -- remember those minty-smelling ointments your mother rubbed on your chest when you were a kid with a cold? For times when you'd like to breathe easier without smearing goop all over your body -- during a business meeting, for example -- try a hot cup of peppermint tea.

You're hacking and choking like a Siamese with a hairball. Peppermint is so effective against coughing that its oil is an ingredient in many cough drops, says Varro Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University. Peppermint seems to work by increasing the production of saliva, making you swallow more frequently and suppressing the cough reflex. Drink three to four cups of cool peppermint tea throughout the day, suggests Dr. Tyler, taking a few sips every 15 to 30 minutes.

Your dental hygienist breaks into a cold sweat when you climb into her chair. If your breath is so bad that you get charged twice the usual fee for your six-month cleaning, Herbala suggests sipping lots of peppermint tea throughout the day. For extra freshening power, add a pinch of anise, caraway or cinnamon.

How to make it: Couldn't be easier, now that peppermint tea bags are available at supermarkets and health food stores. You can also use one to two teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water, steeping for 10 minutes.

Urethral Stricture commonly called Stoppage of Water is the narrowing of the lumen of the penis and loss of dispensability of the urethra caused by scar tissue formation and contraction experienced by some men.

Causes:

Urethral injury such as those caused by transurethral surgical procedures, in dwelling catheters, cystoscopic procedures, untreated gonorrheal infections, direct trauma to the urethra, pelvic fractures, congenital abnormalities and automobile accidents.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Diminish in force and size of urinary stream.
2. Urinary infections.
3. Retention – this is when a male patient has the urge to pass urine but experiences difficulty in doing so.

1. Peri-urethral abscess or pus forming around the urethra.
2. Infection and inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.
3. Chronic prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate gland.
4. Incontinence of urine or inability to control urinary flow.

1. Dilatation of the urethra with urethral sounds commonly known as bargies; this is a surgical procedure done by the surgeon.
2. Urethral dilatation surgery is done at lengthening intervals, that is a period of two weeks, one month, three months, for an indefinite period, depending on how long the structure lumen is patent.
3. Hot sitz baths and non-narcotic analgesics are given to control pain after procedure.
4. Antibiotics are given for several days, usually 5-7 days after dilatation to lessen discomfort and minimize infection reaction.
5. Surgical excision or urethroplasty may be necessary for urethral stricture.

1. Treat urethral infections promptly.
2. Avoid prolonged urethral catheter drainage.
3. Catherization should be done under strict sterile technique to prevent infection.

Finally your surgeon will discuss any further treatment and management that may be required.

PROFILE

Mrs. Stephany Bramble-Buffonge realized her lifelong dream, when she joined the Nursing Staff at the Glendon Hospital in October 1980 as a Nursing Assistant.

Recognizing that she would be able to make a more significant contribution to the Nursing Profession and the overall improvement of care and status of our people as a Professional Nurse, she obtained the required pre-requisite, then pursued and successfully completed the General Nursing Programme and was appointed as a Registered Nurse in 1993.

Throughout her general nursing career, Nurse Bramble-Buffonge has been exposed to training at local and regional levels. These include clinical attachments to the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica, for training in Gerontology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Intensive Care and Management of Chronic Diseases.

Mrs. Bramble-Buffonge loves nursing and believes in the delivery of quality patient care. She also believes that individuals have a personal responsibility for their professional growth and development. Therefore she does not limit herself to any one area in nursing, but is competent in any area that she is assigned to work.

In 1997, Nurse Bramble-Buffonge was given the opportunity to pursue the Midwifery Programme at the J.N.F School of Nursing in St. Kitts. After the successful completion of this course of study, she was appointed as a Staff Nurse Midwife in 1998.

Currently, Mrs. Bramble-Buffonge works as one of the Senior Nurses in Casualty and the Operating Theatre Department at the St. John’s Hospital. Working in this area requires further commitment, diligence, patience and updated skills and knowledge of patient condition and patient care

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin what happened to the UNITY of the judges at the MISS UNITY PAGEANT, 99.

Jus wonderin if it was just a matter of PRINCIPLE for Miss Unity.

Jus wonderin if and when the judges will decide who won the best talent at the said pageant.

Jus wonderin what was the criteria in the swimsuit section of the said The Unity Pageant.

Jus wonderin if PAY OFF was a part of The Said Unity Pageant.

Jus wonderin if festival day was a FAMILY AFFAIR .

Jus wonderin who is de YOUNG LADY who RUN E PHONE BILL in a depths and run down fan England just to be with a IMMATURE MAN.

Jus wonderin how many jus wonderin fans are out there.

Jus wonderin what happening to systems

Jus wonderin if all those who do not agree with Labour Speaks are fools.

Jus wonderin what the community’s involvement in awarding Queen's honours.

Jus wonderin what the CM gave up in MNI to get the HMG to agree to the Soft Mortgage Scheme grant subsidy.

Jus wonderin why they are killing cats and iguanas in the streets.

Jus wonderin what purpose the Governor's 'guard file' serves and why some use it and others do not.

Jus wonderin how sanitary napkins join the scarcity ranks, like chicken, flour, petrol etc.

Just wonderin if the ferry can land passengers at the same place it picked up passengers in Antigua on Tuesday afternoon.

Just wonderin if the staff for the agent that is handling the ferry in Antigua were trained for the service they offer.

Just wonderin how Labour Speaks spokes-person could be giving so many personal opinions during his program when the program should be expressing the views of MAWU.

Jus wonderin who really run tings on Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if any of the cast away chiefs had any involvement in those rumours.

Jus wonderin if tourist jus get charge who jus come in, rent car and go to Plymouth and we get arrested when we go in dey.

Jus wonderin if he come back to stay or jus come peep and go back again.

Jus wonderin why the fireworks lasted only 3 minutes to ring in the NEW MILLENIUM three days after.

Jus wonderin why the best lyrics can't win a prize.

Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org

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