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CM Says London Visit Won Vows of New Aid

At a press conference held at Government Headquarters on Tuesday, January 21, the Honourable Chief Minster John Osborne reported that his January 13-17 visit to London was a success. There he and his two-man delegation, Member of Parliament Claude Hogan and Public Works engineer Deon Weeks, met with members of the British Government, particularly Secretary of State Clare Short.

In a prepared statement Mr. Osborne said the two Governments reached an agreement on two main issues; more monetary aid for the island and money for the Geralds Airport project.

“I have been advised by the Secretary of State for International Development, Miss Clare Short, that she is in the process of revising the aid framework for Montserrat for the next three years,” Mr. Osborne said.

He further stated that he expects this money to be in the region of an additional EC$20 million per year for the next three years.

“In the interim, she has already allocated an additional EC$3million up to the end of this month. A further EC$7 million will also become available to carry us through to the end of the UK financial year ending March 31, 2003, which will allow the Government to consider options for land tax relief as of this new financial year,” he said.

Regarding the implementation schedule for building the Geralds airport, Mr. Osborne said, “The Airport Project will be at a full cost of EC$42.6 million; the advanced contract for the terminal building will be awarded for commencement on January 22 this year and the other components of the project, including a fire station, refurbishment works for the airport office complex and a fire tender.”

He noted that the Airport Project represents the largest financial output from the declining aid framework, which was given to Montserrat for the period 2001 to 2006.

Mr. Osborne explained that much of the money that should have been spent before 2001 was not spent, because of a combination of issues, including a lack of confidence in the previous administration.

“All these bottlenecks have now been resolved by my intervention and the confidence that the donor community has placed in my leadership, this is the leadership that has reversed the trend of a declining aid framework.”

Promise of Openness

“The full details of how we intend to spend the new annual allocations will be made available in a fully open process to the people of Montserrat within the coming weeks,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Osborne boasted success in his appeal made to Miss Short, for greater investment in the national infrastructure that could assist the return to productive investment opportunities to sustain the life of the people of Montserrat, listing the proposed seaport and airport facility as two projects, which he said, “will enhance our tourism product and provide reliable, safe, efficient and reasonable air transportation that could encourage businesses to come to Montserrat.”

He emphasised that he and his team proved to Minister Short and her advisers that they knew the way, “but didn’t have the means to return Montserrat to full productivity and as a result, she has pledged her support,” he said.

Pic in new Folder: CM Osborne and Claude Hogan at Press Conference Jan 21, 1 or 2 (Caption: Chief Minister, the Honorable John Osborne and MP Mr. Claude Hogan at the Press Conference of January 21).

EC$1,000 Fine Levied In Exclusion Zone Case

In late news yesterday it was reported that Brian Cavanagh was fined $1,000 (US$370.00) in the Magistrate’s Court. He and his family were arrested by officers of the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) on 23^rd December, 2002, charged with “unauthorized presence in the Exclusion Zone.

Attorney David Brandt had argued that the Declaration Order by the Governor was bad,0 having not specified a time for evacuation and procedure; that the map attached to the order did not specify Old Towne; and that unlike other roads marked off with signs saying “No entry,” the road to the Cavanagh’s property had no such sign.”

Details of the magistrate’s decision were not available up to press time, but Mr. Cavanagh’s attorney said he has expressed his intention to appeal.

Mr. Brandt said that the magistrate in his decision took into consideration evidence that was not tendered in the case and he will rely on that among several other grounds to succeed in his appeal.

The Cavanaghs had left the island early this year at the end of their two-week stay, having rented other accommodation following their bail.

Brandt Under Attack from Osborne and Hogan

The Honorable Chief Minster Mr. John Osborne and MP the Honorable Claude Hogan launched a scathing attack on former Chief Minister, lawyer Mr. David Brandt at their Press conference held on Tuesday, January 21.

Theconference began with Mr. John Osborne addressing his fellow Mont-serratians and reporting about his numerous successes on his visit to London but for the most part following that the attack on Brandt which we later learnt was all planned, continued even at the protest of some press members

Mr. Osborne and MP Hogan both digressed from the content of their trip and spent an considerable amount of time showing how ‘lawyer/politician David Brandt’ was such a failure, why the British Government refused to give Montserrat aid money and that he, Mr. David Brandt is trying to destabilize the Government.

“They (British politicians and officials) made no bones about it, that if certain people were in authority, and Claude would confirm this, (yes they said, if David Brandt was in authority), this money would not be forthcoming,” said the CM.

I have achieved more in a year and six months than the previous government achieved in four years,” he said.

“Clare Short did not hesitate to say that that she froze the development aid during the last period of the last administration. She said so to me and Claude.”

The CM sought (as he did repeatedly) confirmation from the MP who answered in the affirmative.

“I am the man who has changed all that, she has said that, you know she is a tough person who doesn’t mince words nor mix matters,” he said.

Mr. Osborne said that since his Government came into power, a year and a half ago, he has done far more good than the former Chief Minister and it is because of his success rate, he has been able to get large sums of money from the British Government, more than his predecessor did.

Mr. Hogan who initiated the Brandt onslaught accused Brandt of trying to destabilize the Government. “A lot of the times in Montserrat, we see people who are posturing for power and you have to understand that there are lots of things going on behind the scenes that maybe Cabinet Ministers by collective responsibility do not wish to speak about it, but information gets around in Montserrat and this Government has been trying to untie a lot of knots which were left in place trying to free up the situation for people to live freer and why that is happening (he begs the CM’s forgiveness), we have politicians/lawyers who are writing to insist that the Government is under a state of emergency and therefore they can approach singularly the Governor as a separate authority outside the Government to do what they want to do and when they want to do it, he said.

 So Hogan continued: “When the CM tries to insist that some of these things cannot happen, we are faced with this process for destabilization, the people must understand that behind the scenes, people are really trying to destabilize the country.”

Mr. Hogan offered to substantiate his claim: “We have letters on file from the firm of David Brandt and Associates in respect of whether this country is going to be run by the people and GoM or whether he has left enough state of emergency powers in place to be able to heave some kind of legal authority over what the Government has.”

Threats of Calling Election

Mr. Osborne said if provoked he would call a new election, “maybe in election time, when I am provoked, I will say further if they provoke me. Let them watch me- if they continue to annoy me, I will call a new election and let the people decide if they want me again or some other people. I am not afraid to go to election again. I told Claude, if they continue to annoy me, I will ask the Governor to dissolve Parliament and go back to the polls again”.

New Tax Hike Just 10 Percent Over Last Year

“We’re going to begin with 10 percent on what we paid last year, therefore somebody who paid EC$100 who think they have to pay EC$300 will only have to pay EC$10. I think that is good news for everybody who owns property on Montserrat.”

Those were the words of the Honourable Chief Minister John Osborne in response to a follow-up question at the press conference held in his Office on Tuesday, January 21. He had been asked how the process of aid will be delivered to avoid delays so that it “…will allow the Government to consider options for land tax relief as of this new financial year.”

He explained that this new tax percentage is being created mainly because people are still suffering as a result of the volcano, and new taxes were based on the fact that they didn’t have a re-evaluation over 14 years ago.

He said that in his meetings with the Secretary of State for International Development Clare Short, he explained to her that, “if we have to introduce a formula to collect any money, it should be very easy and acceptable. The most we should do is probably 10 percent per year on the last tax that the people paid.”

On the question of whether the re-evaluation still stand, he responded, "I think the exercise was worthy and we will not be reintroducing the taxes based on that exercise. That exercise was just for the records.”

In support of the CM’s response, MP the honourable Claude Hogan emphasised that if Montserrat is to readjust its situation and truly rebuild the country, “we need to take all this re-evaluation exercise fully on board; notwithstanding the fact that we needed to revalue and promulgate this re-evaluation as legally acceptable, the Government will therefore provide basically a rebate on the tax liability, but the evaluations will still stand.”

EDITORIAL

"Praise in British High Places Turns Some Heads; Others Recall the Past"

Last week we reminded: “We had warned, “the ferry rates will go up, the helicopter rates will go up, maybe substantially; taxes, direct and indirect, (including property taxes), licenses, rates and fees of all description will go up; electricity, water, and anything imaginable will go up. The result is that everything will be increased, the cost of living will go up.”

Last year the general theme of the budget presented by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Chief Minister John Osborne very much suggested that there would have been no increases in taxes. But we warned then that there would be other methods to increase the ‘cost of living’ in Montserrat. We made reference to increases in electricity, water, transportation rates…

There was the knowledge that this year, following a property tax review, we could expect that property tax rates would go up and the whole community began planning protests. Having listened to the worthwhile portions of the Chief Minister’s last press conference, where he reported a successful visit to London, it was obvious that there was hope that the dreaded increase in property taxes was to assist in replacing the loss in budgetary aid from Britain.

Whether or not a property valuation review was an unconscionable move by government, in our current circumstances, even though the last one was done 14 years ago, the landscape in the northern half of Montserrat has changed considerably, with the southern half of the island completely destroyed.

But now that the British Government has recanted its position to considerably reduce budgetary aid to Montserrat, isn’t the Chief Minister making a bad mistake to merely give a 10-percent increase on the old property taxes paid? This means that persons who made improvements to their lands, as well as those properties that have been significantly improved, will all pay much less than those whose homes have carried the same value.

So it will be mmore misery averted for some and increased hard times for others with the CM’s actions on the issue. This is seriously riddled with inequity. The Minister of Finance could now save this situation by using "fair" property values and give relief this time round, then move gradually each year to a desired and beneficial position for the country, matching the growth of the economy

During his recent press interview, considered to be little more than a political fiasco, the Chief Minister said of his trip to the UK that Secretary of State Clare Short gave him clear course to spend the additional aid moneys as he “sees fit,” because they have such great confidence in him. In his great effort to show how much better he is than every other chief minister of Montserrat, he is giving his political opponents and detractors (if there are any) ammunition.

Firstly, by now Montserratians know that the British government would not give Montserrat a penny that had not been verified for approved projects. The Director of the Development Unit cleared the air on that when she told the press that the breakthrough on the recanted aid came from their efforts since April last year. The CM must know that even if he did not open his mouth once, that as long as his staff put up the right proposals and information, the credit must still be his.

In his effort to deprecate his predecessor he brings back information he claims is given to him by the Secretary of State and other officials in Britain. The CM knows better than anyone else that if what he claims is true, it is an age-old game played on us by the British and their representatives, creating constant upheaval in our society, never allowing us the chance to stabilize. The CM should remember 1989, when the British government stripped him of some of his responsibilities; Montserratians stood up and argued against it.

There is no way that he should boast and gloat over any statements which say that aid was withheld because of any particular individual, when it is not the individual who would suffer, but every single Montserratian, and especially at a time when we needed the aid most. That really is shameful. In the early '90s, the Reuben Meade government received aid which was reportedly withheld from Montserrat for a whole decade under this CM’s leadership; but that was a different time and no one smiled about that. Many were left angry.    

The following was taken from the Telegraph newspaper in England and dated 25 August 1997: “…Miss Short acknowledged that she had not helped by accusing island leaders of 'sheer irresponsibility' and claiming 'they will be wanting golden elephants next'."

Her remarks in a Sunday newspaper interview were branded "rude and arrogant" by Bernie Grant, Labour MP and chairman of the all-party Caribbean group, who is demanding a parliamentary inquiry into the crisis. "She sounds like a mouthpiece for an old 19th-century colonial and Conservative government," said Mr. Grant.

The Tories demanded an apology for her "insensitive and insulting" remarks. Alistair Goodlad, shadow international development spokesman, said: "At a time when the islanders desperately need help, all the Labour Government can do is be rude about them."

It is against this background that Montserrat has had to operate. There is much more to be gleaned from many articles that were written in the newspapers in England denouncing the treatment that had been meted out to Montserrat. One wonders how much of this the CM and MP Hogan really know about, or whether they are the kind of political animals who wish to operate and benefit now from the dislike and alleged "hate" that developed because some people dared to protest.  

Except for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers.  Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles.  All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are welcome.  Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org or monrep@candw.ag.  Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope.  The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Jus Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430 or e-mail.

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Outside the Family Circle- Read John 19:25-30 

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.- Romans 12:15 

When Jesus saw His mother from the cross, His heart went out to her. He knew that her hurt was deeper than that of anyone else there, and He gave her special attention.

The pain of parents when they see a son or daughter suffer and die is almost beyond description. I have seen this time and time again when ministering to grieving parents. I suffer with them, but all the while I know my hurt doesn’t compare with what I would be feeling if the suffering and dying person were my son, daughter and grandchild.

This sometimes troubles me. Although I want to be a genuinely caring person, and I want to “weep with those who weep”, I also realize that I can’t grieve as deeply as the family members do. But just because I’m outside the family doesn’t give me an excuse to be uncaring.

God wants us to share in the sorrows of others (Romans 12:15). Instead of ignoring their pain, we should be sharing in it by earnest prayer, kind words and loving deeds.

Thank God for family ties. It’s natural to have a deep sense of loss when someone close to us dies. But we should also look for ways to enter into the sorrows of others who are grieving. – HVL

Lord, give me sensitivity

To people in their grief and pain,

To weep with them and show Your love

In ways mere words cannot attain. –Sper

Sympathy is two hearts tugging at one load.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Canadian Reader Likes Reminders of Island

Dear Editor,

Thanks for the local news.  I appreciate keeping in touch with the island and its memories through your site.  Having spent two years help with the CIDA water development in the '70s, I feel a strong association with the island and the many friends I made. 

The sketch of the proposed airport terminal building looks exactly like the old one! Why not try a new design?

Montserratian Long Away Feels at Home on Website

Dear Editor,

It is amazing that one can be away from home for so long yet feel like he has never left.  That is what it feels like as I navigate my way through your website.  Unfortunately for me, I have not returned to Montserrat since I left in 1991. Needless to say, I can't wait to return to the country of my birth.  There is really no place like home.

I have one question -- What were the people thinking when they re-elected John Osborne?

Thanks for all you do and I wish you much success.  I will continue to visit your website.

Test GoM's Confidence: Will You Take 1^st Flight?

Dear Editor,

After reading last week's Reporter, I got to thinking of another question I'd like to see answered by Montserrat's government ministers:

Are each of you willing to be a guinea pig on that inaugural flight from Antigua to Montserrat, along with 18 others and their baggage?

Oh, and by the way, at the time the plane is scheduled to land, it happens to be raining at Geralds and the winds are 10-12 mph.

Do you feel comfortable and confident, not the least bit worried that the plane you're on is going to land safely, without problem, without a concern in your mind, on that 540-metre runway?

If there's as much as a moment of hesitation in answering with a resounding "yes," you will get their true answer.

While I'm at it, I'll re-print a question I recently posed on the EE that hasn't received a response from any members of government thus far:

What is the maximum weight capacity for a 19-seat Twin Otter to safely take off and land from the proposed airport site at Geralds?

If you have 19 passengers, each weighing an average of 175 lbs. and traveling with an average 30 lbs. of luggage (WinAir allows up to 44 lbs. per passenger), add one stewardess and a pilot, I figure you're over 4,300 lbs.  That's not even a high-end estimate, and I still think that's pushing it by any safety standards.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

LOCAL NEWS

St. Patricks Credit Union To Rise on Site at Brades

Mrs. Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, Executive Director of the St. Patricks Credit Union, Joseph Cassell President of the Credit Union, and Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe, Minister of Agriculture, turned the sod in Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Credit Union headquarters in Brades.

Many credit union members, school children and Government officials, including His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg,  attended the groundbreaking.

Mr. Cassell told the crowd that the Credit Union saw the need to develop a more functional asset which could provide for the administration, strategic and developmental needs of the people, especially since the office had to be moved a total of three times since the volcanic crisis started in 1995.

He said that though the union membership has decreased by 50 percent since the onset of the crisis, “The Credit Union has been able to increase their loan portfolio to the extent that in 2002, we have generated a profit of just under EC$1 million.”

This he said, is, “A testimony of the faith the people have in the St. Patricks Credit Union and the credit union movement as a whole.”

He thanked the Government for waiving the fees associated with land holding taxes for the property and the Cayman Islands League for financing the building.

The three-story building will house the administrative offices of the Union, a conference room and other offices.

Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) Martin Guevera, from St. Kitts, congratulated the local union for its 45 years of existence. He also highlighted some of the areas in which the St. Patrick’s Co-op and other regional credit unions have contributed, including; education, medical expenses, land acquisition, debt consolidation, purchase of motor vehicles, home improvement and construction, purchase of other consumer durables, small business loans and financed travel.

Mr. Guevera said the ceremony of the new headquarters, demonstrated the Credit Union’s “tremendous act of faith in Montserrat.”

 “As a mobilizer of savings from the common folk," he said, "the St. Patricks Credit Union is about to invest in the further development of Montserrat’s economy. The message is clear, sink or float, we staying on the boat."

Minister of Agriculture Dyer-Howe, summarized the history of the St. Patricks Credit Union. which started around 1957 as a Roman Catholic Church-based Credit Union, and in 1985 opened its doors to all Montserratians.

“In 1985 the membership was 250 persons and increased to over 3,000 in 2002, and the savings from the members grew from EC$321,000 in 1985 to EC$9 million in 2002, and loans to members increased from EC$282,000 in 1985 to EC$8million,”she said.

The Honourable Chief Minister John Osborne, who was openly critical of the Credit Union during his election campaign just under two years ago, said he was proud of the achievements of the Credit Union. He called the groundbreaking for the new headquarters, a clear message to the world that the people of Montserrat are prepared to rebuild the country in spite of the volcanic activity. “We are not sitting back, but working towards building back Montserrat to what it used to be," he said.

Pic in New folder: Schematic drawing of St. Patrick’s Credit Unit Building.

Pic in New folder: Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Annie Dyer-Howe and Joseph Cassell turning sod at new HQ. (Caption: Chairperson Mrs. Roselyn Cassell Sealy, Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Annie Dyer-Howe and President of the St. Patrick’s Credit Union, Mr. Joseph Cassell turns the sod for the new Credit Union Headquarters, while Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Annie Dyer-Howe looks on.)

Fire, Police Week Aids 3 Worthy Organizations

The Police and Fire Department handed over a total of EC$6,000 to "Meals on Wheels," the local branch of the Red Cross and the Special Olympics School in a simple ceremony last Friday.

Commissioner John Douglas said, “In keeping with their slogan, ‘Participate, Integrate and Celebrate’, the Force decided to give a substantial amount of money, from their fund raising activities held, during their Fire and Police Week last year.”

He said they intended for the week to build better police-community relations. He added that he was quite pleased with the support from the public, and looks forward to their continuing support this year.

Commissioner Douglas presented a cheque valued at EC$3,000 to Chairman of the Meals on Wheels, Kenneth Scotland.

Mr. Scotland said he was extremely thankful for the donation, as it will go a long way in providing hot nutritious meals for the needy.

Since the current Meals on Wheels program started on 25^th June 2001, Mr. Scotland said, more than 6,000 meals have been served. “This in itself is an achievement for the people of Montserrat,” he said.

Inspector Ezra Greer presented a cheque worth EC$2,000 to Red Cross President Mrs. Camilla Watts.

Mrs. Watts said she was very grateful for the donation and pledged  continued support. She pointed out that the Red Cross assists the Police in certain aspects of their community work, in areas such as counseling, which she said she believes prevents some people from getting into trouble with the law.

Chief Fire Officer Leslie Sweeney, presented a cheque valued at EC$1,000 to Head of the Special Olympics School, Mrs. Heather Daley.

Mrs. Daley said she was grateful for the cheque and especially for the help of officers who volunteered at the first-ever Special Olympics Sports Day last November.

“The money received helped to buy special equipment for the school, and the remainder, will go towards carrying the children and adults of the Special Olympics School off-island,” she said.

Police and Fire Week is celebrated every year with the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) hosting a number of fund-raising activities, the majority of the monies going toward charitable organizations.

OT Senior Police Officers Take 4-day Training Here

Senior police officers from Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda joined senior police officers from the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) on Monday for a four-day management course entitled "Critical Incident Training For Senior Managers; Deployment and Management of Authorised Firearm Officers.".

In an opening ceremony, Superintendent Paul Morris said that training gives value and benefits to the work place and pointed out that every day, senior officers are confronted with new and challenging problems that require new solutions.

“As senior police officers we are charged with many responsibilities on behalf of the communities we serve. We owe it to those communities to carry out our duties with professionalism and integrity and from a position of experience and knowledge,” he said.

Commissioner of Police  John Douglas said that the training of his staff “has been pivotal in providing the skills to provide a quality of service to our public in a modern, transparent and effective manner.”

His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg declared the sessions open and commended the local police for hosting the training sessions.

Sergeant Kath White, an operational firearms instructor from the London Metropolitan Police Force, conducted the sessions on firearm training, officer safety and welfare and post incident procedures.

Attorney General, Mrs. Esco- Henry Greer, dealt with Legislation and Human Rights issues, whilst former Commissioner of the RMPF, David Crowther, and Kenneth Lee and Miss Sonja Smith, representatives of the Montserrat Police and Community Consultative Group, participated in the sessions.

Bennette Roach, publisher and editor of The Montserrat Reporter, and Herman Sergeant, acting manager of Radio Montserrat ( ZJB), led the discussion on "Press Involvement," whilst Sergeant Dave King and Constable Ian Spooner from the Metropolitan Police Public Order, Scotland Yard, conducted the session on firearms training and safety skills.

The senior officers were expected to complete their training session today.

The course was part of a month-long program of training for the 62 officers of the RMPF.

Photos in new folder: Visiting Senior officers from BOT’s (Caption: participating Senior Police officers from the other British Overseas Territories, from left to right: Asst.Com of Police of Bermuda, Mr. Carlton Adams Asst. Com of the RMPF, Mr. Simon Morson, Asst. Supt. Mr. Alboin Williams of Turks and Caicos, Det. Insp Mr. James Howard of Bermuda and Insp. Allan Carty of Anguilla.

Public Works Sees Road Works Improved by New Heavy Grader

The Public Works Department (PWD) recently acquired a new motor grader worth  £174,000 (EC$696,000), which was commissioned. Monday by Minister of Public Works Dr. Lowell Lewis at the PWD workshop in Brades.

He said that the grader would help grade more lands to expand the present road network, including such areas as Drummonds, Little Bay and Silver Hills, to create access roads and to keep the existing roads in good shape.

The PWD acquired the grader from Komatsu Inc. of  Latin America, through funds provided by the Department for International Development (DFID).

Glasford James, supervisor of the workshop, said the new grader will be used to cut more roads in steep areas, “This grader is heavier than the one we presently have and because it is an all-wheel drive, getting into steep areas will be less difficult, thus making the job easier.”

The grader has a 1,000-hour and one-year warranty from the company, which pledges regular checks on its working condition and necessary service.

Photo in new folder: Jose Luis signs document 1 (Caption: Service Engineer, Jose Luis Specht signs document while PWD workshop supervisor, Mr. Glasford James, Minister of Communication and Works, Dr. Lowell Lewis and Civil Engineer, Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn and worker look on)

Photo in new folder: PWD engineer Geoffrey Vaughn signs document as Min and Komatsu Rep look on 1 (Caption: PWD engineer Mr. Geoffrey Vaughn signs document as Minister of Communication and Works, Dr. Lowell Lewis look on.)

Photo in new folder : new grader 2

REGIONAL NEWS

OECS Countries Alerted Of Customs Concessions

Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Sir Alister McIntyre, Chairman of the Tax Reform and Administration Commission, and other representatives from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) met with Governments, members of the Opposition, the Private Sector and other stakeholders last Friday to discuss physical reform of taxes and fiscal administration in the OECS member states.

Sir Alister stressed the need for OECS countries to prepare for new economic changes expected in the near future, especially now that most of them have been experiencing slow economic growth, after good performances in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

He said the changes deal mainly with the way the OECS engages in international trade with organizations such as the European Union (EU), the Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

These changes would have to be concessions with respect to the duties charged for goods coming into their countries, he said. “Over the next five years, the OECS must consciously plan for this reduction in Government revenue from customs duties to find other means of raising the required revenues, and to do so in a way that will promote economic development.”

He said that although Montserrat has had a traumatic experience, like all other OECS countries it will “have to assess what you can do in the future to increase the production of goods and services and how the taxation system can promote and benefit these developments.”

With regard to the abolition of the import custom tariff in Europe, Sir Alister said that the OECS would also have to “make a specific commitment to reduce and sometimes altogether abolish duties in an agreement that will come into effect not later than 2007/2008.”

He said a similar agreement has to be made with the United States, since they will be abolishing their import custom tariff in January 2005.

On the question of replacing the import customs tariff, Sir Alister said that the OECS can introduce either consumption, sales or value added taxes (VAT) to compensate for the revenue to be lost.

ECCB Workshop Focuses On Securities Certification

St. Kitts -- Twenty participants from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Trinidad and Tobago attended a four-day Securities Market Certification Workshop at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Headquarters in St. Kitts.

This workshop, the fourth of its kind, began on Monday, January 20, according to the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC).

Mr. Errol Allen, Deputy Chairman of the ECSRC and Deputy Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), told participants at the opening of the Workshop that since the Region’s financial infrastructure is deepening, countries in the Region now have the opportunity to become more closely integrated with the international financial systems. That would allow them to“carve out new growth opportunities geared towards maintaining sound macroeconomic policies and adequate regulatory structures.”

The theme of the workshop was "Fundamentals of Operating in the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM)," and was geared to provide participants with a sound working knowledge of the main principles of securities markets.

Lack of Quality Threatens St. Lucia's UK Banana Share

CASTRIES, ST. Lucia, CMC -The Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting Company (WIBDECO) has repeated calls for production of top quality fruit if the islands are to maintain their presence on the British market.
Paul Hilaire, WIBDECO's chief operating officer, has warned that if inconsistent and bad practices of some farmers are not curtailed the Windward Islands could lose their banana market in the UK.
Mr. Hilaire's concerns follow the inability of farmers to meet a 10,000-pound weekly contract to Wait Rose Supermarket in the United Kingdom last week.
"As a result we have now being placed on a gag for this week and next week that if we cannot get it right, then that's it, they would be left with no option but to opt for a more reliable market," Mr.Hilaire said.
The WIBDECO official said that the future of the industry demanded that farmers adhere to the need for improved quality fruit for shipment to the European market.
"But it is clear that as long as we cannot achieve this then we stand to lose our market," Hilaire said, adding that, "we are very inconsistent suppliers and what we require now is more production planning".

Senior Jamaican Judge: Faults the Privy Council

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - A senior Jamaican judge has expressed concern over recent decisions handed down by the London-based Privy Council, stating that while the English Speaking Caribbean's highest court had served the region well in the past, in recent years it has not been consistent in its judgments.
"There is no doubt that the Privy Council has served the region well. Notwithstanding that fact, in recent years, so far as capital punishment is concerned, the Privy Council, in my view, has appeared to be continually shifting the goalpost," said Court of Appeal Judge Seymour Panton.
"I say this, not in criticism or condemnation, but more to explain the fact that sometimes the impression is created that the Appeal Court in Jamaica has done something wrong in upholding convictions for this offence," he added.
Justice Panton was delivering the main address at an awards dinner hosted by the Cornwall Bar Association earlier this week to honour three Jamaican judges for long and meritorious service.
The Appeal Court Judge said the actions of the Privy Council had caused a lot of unfair criticisms to be levied at Jamaican judges.
But the Judge said that he did not wish his arguments to be interpreted as being in support of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), noting however, that the time has come for Jamaica to move to a different and higher level.

Jamaica Senator Calls for Waiver of UK Visa Rules

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC - Government Senator Naval Clarke called last Friday for a waiver of new visa requirements imposed by the United Kingdom government against
Jamaica, in the interest of nationals who once lived and worked in Britain.
He told the Upper House that he had made representation to the British High Commission in Kingston on the matter and had received a favourable response.
"They are taking the matter to their government because they think it has merit," Mr. Clarke said.
He explained that Jamaicans who previously resided in the UK and were seeking to visit that country wanted to be spared the embarrassment of being refused entry into the UK and sent back home, if they failed the new immigration interview.
Mr. Clarke, who once lived in the UK, said he resented the "broad brush" approach taken by the British immigration authorities on the issue, adding that the contribution of Jamaicans to the development of the British society was being ignored.
The recent announcement by the United Kingdom of restrictions on Jamaican nationals seeking to enter Britain coincided with the release of figures by the Home Office
showing that during the months January to June 2002, more than 1,000 Jamaicans absconded after being granted temporary admission to the country.
It said, in the six weeks leading up to 17 December 2002, 1,233 Jamaicans were denied entry into the country at the 12 busiest gateways, including the Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester.
Additionally, the Home Office revealed that during 2002, British Airways reported the arrival of 1,202 unaccompanied minors at Gatwick on its Kingston flights. The records reportedly show that only 592 of these children subsequently departed.
Winston Lalor, who is Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Bermuda, said authorities there were also concerned that too many Jamaicans who arrived on the island as visitors were involved in criminal and immigration offences.
Following Bermuda's announcement last Wednesday of new visa requirements for Jamaicans, there were also concerns that other British administered territories may also follow the UK lead. But to date those fears have not been substantiated.
However, in supporting Mr. Clarke, Opposition Senator Dorothy Lightbourne suggested that at least British pensioners living here should be given multiple entry visas.

Castro Predicts Flood of Visitors If U.S. Lifts 30-year Travel Ban

HAVANA, Cuba, CMC - President Fidel Castro is predicting a mass influx of U.S. visitors should the White House ease the travel ban on citizens travelling to the Havana.
Speaking at the opening of the 944-room Playa Pesquero Hotel -- the largest in Cuba --Mr. Castro noted that currently the United States was not included among the countries sending tourists to the Cuban eastern zone of Holguin.
" It will be necessary to wait until the White House respects its citizens' rights to travel to Cuba," he said, indicating that tourists were coming from Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and France.
Canada provided the bulk of the visitor arrivals here with 36 percent, followed by Germany with 24 percent and Britain 11 percent.
The United States has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba for more than three decades and has indicated it had no intention of lifting the embargo until there was democratic rule in the country.

Trinidad-Tobago to Get New Head of State Feb. 14

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) -- The Trinidad and Tobago Electoral College
will elect a new Head of State on February 14, Prime Minister Patrick Manning revealed at the weekend during debate on the Constitution (Election of President) Bill 2003.
Attorney General Glenda Morean Phillips told legislators that the new bill became necessary after it had been impossible to use the prescribed procedure to elect a new President after the current holder's term of office expired last March.
She said this was because no Speaker was in place to summon the Electoral College, as the 18-18 deadlock occasioned by the December 2001 general election had stymied the election of a Speaker.
Outgoing Head of State Arthur N.R. Robinson, who has already indicated that he does not want to be considered for the post, had agreed to remain in office for one year. He was elected head of state on February 14, 1997.
With speculation rife over who will replace Mr. Robinson, Mr. Manning told reporters on Sunday that he planned to meet with Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday to reach a consensus on a candidate. He said bipartisan support for any candidate is important "because you want to de-politicize the Office of President."

St. Maarten Drafts Bids For Antillean Teamwork

PHILLIPSBURG, St. Maarten (GIS) – Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams says that any cooperation between the islands making up the Netherlands Antilles should be on an equal basis and voluntary.

Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Wescott-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Tuesday, that she welcomes the support of Saba concerning proposals put forward by St. Maarten to the four islands early this month. Those regard the future structures of the Central Bank, the Pension Fund (APNA) and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB).

“The relevant papers from the four Federal Government Work Groups are now in possession of the islands for their approval or rejection before the second Inter-Island Conference session,” Ms. Wescott-Williams said.

The St. Maarten proposals envision new organizational structures with representation from each individual island based on equality.

St. Maarten outlines how the Supervisory Board for the Central Bank should be set-up.  Besides the Central Bank, each island would have their own National Bank to set policies similar to such institutions as the East Caribbean Central Bank or the European Central Bank model.

Trinidad Offers to Help Grenada Carnival 2003

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada -- Trinidad and Tobago, the premiere Carnival Centre in the Caribbean, has offered to provide technical support to Grenada in preparation for its 2003 Carnival celebrations.

In light of attracting this assistance, Grenada will analyze its needs.

Currently, the stakeholders and representative associations are in early preparation for the event.

Last year, the representative Associations for Mas, Steel band and Calypso, received thousands of dollars in subvention from Government and have been asked to give account for the money spent.

Culture Minister Brenda Hood has stated that no further disbursements will be made until the reports are submitted.

The representative bodies have expressed the need to properly put structures in place so that the governing body, the NCCDC, can conduct its work without hitches.

In establishing Carnival as a unique part of Grenadian culture, Minister Hood called for a business-like approach to the way things are done.

It is her view that Culture must now be seen as a profession for which training should be offered, including scholarships, and that professionals should also be brought in to train cultural exponents to develop their area of expertise.

Carnival this year will be August 11-12.

Social Security Donation Pleases St. Kitts Ministers

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (News line) -- Dr. Earl Asim Martin, Minister responsible for Health, embraced the Social Security Board last week as a “good brother” when considering the contributions that they have made to health over the past 10 years.

In a short opening ceremony at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, Dr. Martin thanked Social Security for its contribution of medical equipment in the value of EC$270,000. He said the equipment would be given to surgical, medical, maternity wards and accident and emergency.

He said that the new equipment could not ensure quality health care on its own, but would have to be complemented by quality service by professionals properly trained in the operation of the equipment.
 Sam Condor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Social Security, handed over the donation to Dr. Martin and noted how the Board has matured over the years, making it one of the most developed in the Federation. 

He said Social Security comes to the aid of individuals in times of distress providing a sense of security and stability.

Dominican Opposition Rails at St. Kitts Minister

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC - The opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has written to St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas expressing strong dissatisfaction over recent comments made by a member of his cabinet.
In delivering the feature address to the ruling Dominica Labour Party's delegates' conference last week,  St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Minister Dr. Timothy Harris launched a stinging attack on the UWP, blaming it for the current state of the local economy.
Dr. Harris also called on government to pursue investigations into allegations of corruption made against the Edison James-led, former UWP administration, stating that the probe was in the interest of the people.
But the UWP has strongly condemned the statements, while charging that the Foreign Affairs portfolio of St. Kitts and Nevis was in dangerous hands. The party also accused Dr. Harris of meddling in Dominica's domestic affairs.
In the letter to Dr. Douglas, the opposition party said it was concerned as to whether Dr. Harris's statements represented the views of the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The party claims it was unfortunate that Dr. Harris spoke without informing himself of the facts.
"His claim that our political leader, Edison James does not want an inquiry into allegations of corruption against our party is profoundly contrary to the truth.  Indeed it is a matter of public record that we have, since February of 2000, been urging the government to set up such an inquiry."
The UWP’s General Secretary Brian Linton signed the letter.

Grenada Puts Stress on Information Technology

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada --  Grenada is moving to maximize the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to spur economic growth and development in this decade, according to Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.

Addressing a recent regional Public Sector Management Workshop on E-Government and Information Technology, Dr. Mitchell said that the objective is for Grenadians to qualify in the field at every level.

He noted that it is very essential at this time for people to utilize the opportunities that are becoming available in the local, regional and international ICT markets.

The Ministry of Education, the T.A. Marryshow Community College and the Department of Human Resources are coordinating efforts to continue ICT literacy training in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

In addition, an extensive public sector training program is being instituted and national computer literacy programs have been expanded to reach rural areas.

Caribbean TV Campaign Resumes In U.S. Markets

MIAMI, Florida - The television component of the Caribbean's new $16-million tourism advertising campaign resumes in the United States at month's end.
Following a successful launch from August to November last year, the Caribbean Hotel Association Charitable Trust (CHACT) will resume the airing of television spots for three weeks under the theme "Life Needs the Caribbean," at a cost of more than US$2 million.
Advertisements will air in several U.S. markets, including New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The overall intent of the TV campaign is to brand the region and compete with other regions of the world that have been attracting increasing Caribbean market share of the U.S. outbound travel for nine consecutive years.

The television schedule is expected to strengthen awareness of the Caribbean's tourism product and convert sales through the online booking engine www.gocaribbean.com and the toll free service 1-888-CARIBBEAN.

In December 2002, CHACT opened up the program to all Caribbean Hotel Association-member hotels. Both CHA and CHACT membership options are available at www.gocaribbean.com (click on "about CHACT").

Given the precarious start to the winter season, the television ads also will stimulate response to region-wide sales launched by airlines serving the Caribbean.

CHACT is a public/private sector conglomeration of major hotel chains, airlines and credit card companies which have joined forces with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, CARICOM and non-CARICOM nations to market and promote the Caribbean as a single destination.
Eighteen destinations are participating in the campaign. They are Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Kitts Works to Better Fairness for Consumers

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (GIS) -- Consumers will be given the tools to responsibly assert their rights in the marketplace, according to Perry Peets, Assistant Director of the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, who was addressing the 2003 objectives of his ministry.

Mr. Peets also said that his department is working on the enactment of three major pieces of legislation promoting fairness in the marketplace, yet he emphasised that in the final analysis it is the onus and assertiveness of consumers that will stimulate change.

Chief among the Ministry’s activities for this year is a public awareness campaign designed to educate residents on consumer rights and responsibilities.  Mr. Peets explained that the campaign will emphasise the function of the business tribunal and the business and occupational licensing system around which many of the consumer service issues will revolve.
The three pieces of legislation which will provide the legal framework for consumers to assert their rights are the Consumer Affairs Act 2002, which has to have two more readings before it is passed into law, as well as the Consumer Credit Act and the Fair Trading Act 2003.

In addition to collaboration with other ministries and the private sector, Mr. Peets also mentioned that his ministry is presently working on a project with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture.  This venture is the establishment of a National Food Safety system to be formulated and operated by a National Food Safety Committee. The objective of the system is to promote a high standard of overall food preparation akin to international food standards for the benefit of residents and tourists.

Clinton Stresses Region, U.S. are Interdependent

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has been stressing the interdependency that exists between the United States and its Caribbean neighbours.

"We have a responsibility to share the benefits of the future with you and do more to promote the economic growth of poor countries," Mr. Clinton told a packed audience of local and regional public and private sector officials here last weekend.
Mr. Clinton, who has established an HIV/AIDS Foundation, also assured the region of continued U.S. support in combating problems such as HIV/AIDS. He said that major strides had already been made in making healthcare more affordable for persons living with the disease.
"In the Bahamas, for instance, we have already been able to negotiate an 80-percent reduction in the price they were paying for medication that will help keep people alive." The focus of his 30-minute presentation, however, was on interdependency and relations between the Caribbean and the United States.
"We know we are neighbours, we know generally we like each other, we have had friendly relations, but we have undervalued the extent to which we are completely dependent on each other in going forward," he said.
If the Caribbean does well, he said, the U.S. also prospers. He said that while the tendency was to categorize increasing world trade and investment as evidence of globalization, he preferred to describe the world as interdependent, even though he believes nations need to go even farther in establishing an integrated community, with shared benefits, responsibilities and values.
He identified two major obstacles, however.
One, he said, was represented by terrorists and the other, which is less obvious, by the many people who were doing well in the world just the way it is.
The large audience included the Governor General of St. Lucia, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir Frederick Ballantyne as well as the Prime Ministers of St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Large turnout registered in Cuba elections

HAVANA, Cuba, CMC - Cuba said Monday that more than 95 per cent of eligible voters turned out for Sunday's general elections in which all 609 candidates were unchallenged for their places in Parliament.
One hour before the polls closed on Sunday, a total of 7,947,941 citizens or 95.65 per cent of the 8.31 million registered voters had exercised their right to vote, the National Electoral Commission said.
Citizens began arriving early to the 38,000 polling stations that opened at 7 AM all over the island to vote for the 609 congressional and 1,199 provincial delegates.
As is traditional, people in hospitals, with physical impediments and young people boarding at schools in rural areas, among others voted with absentee ballots.
No incidents were reported in the entire territory during the elections and authorities commended the discipline shown.
While many dissidents have labelled the process a farce and refused to participate, Cuban President Fidel Castro pointed out the transparency and seriousness of the general elections.
After casting his vote in eastern Santiago de Cuba province, 540 miles southeast of Havana, the President compared the Cuban election with other such processes in the world, saying Cuban elections were wholesome and distinguished by their humane quality and the high cultural level of the candidates.
Among the prominent candidates was Juan Miguel Gonzalez, father of Elian, the Cuban boy at the heart of the international child custody battle in 2000; track star Ana Fidelia Quirot, who won a bronze Olympic medal in 1992; and folk singer Silvio Rodriguez.

SPORTS

Youth Vibration

Presented by Tomeika Jeffery

Who is to blame for youths' behavior?

Some teens, who asked not to be named, claim parent and teachers are to be blamed  for “youths' behavior.”

The Family is the first stage of socialization. The individual first years of life begin with the family. Basic mores, norms and culture are imparted to the individual during this stage.

It is said that the learning stage of a child begins at one year; whatever is taught to that child at that age remains with him or her for the rest of their lives.

Parents are the foundation of teens' future. Their contribution to the individual’s well being is very important in the development and behavior pattern of the child.

As the child enters the teenage stage, the communication between parent and teen deteriorates in most family relationship between them is formal. Some parents are laissez faire, neglect their responsibility as parents, leaving the teens on their own.

Other parents are autocratic, possessive and controlling, making decisions for their teenagers, not allowing them to have a say, leading to rebellious behaviors and loss of communication between the teenager and parent.

Teenagers are not to be controlled by parent or teacher, but instead, guided, listen to and loved.

But at the same time, parents need to set limitations, which would help to guide teens in decision making.

Parents and teachers of today need to recognize that this generation of teens is different from past generations, meaning a different approach is needed in terms of communication.

Parents tend to say things like, “Life was like this for us, and we survived, then you too.”

But this time is a different time, teens need to have a say in decision making that would affect their future, they need to be heard and nurtured, for we are the future.

The school is the second training ground for the individual.

It is in the interest of the education system to ensure that the individual is provided with a well-rounded education.

Each individual was born with the ability to excel in various areas of education; no two people are alike.

Teachers need to identify the strengths and weakness of the child. Teachers should not see themselves as the average person being paid to transfer information to a child, but as a second parent. You need to understand that you are responsible for that child’s future as much as the parents are responsible.

Even though parents and teachers are partly responsible for teen’s behavior, each individual is responsible for his or her own actions, which can be influenced by various source, but it’s up to us, the youths, to decide for ourselves which road to take.

Youth Link

Lets’ Talk

Welcome to “Youth Link”, a new write in programme specifically designed for youths with problems or who just simply need advice. 

You can write to:

FEATURES

Tourism Highlights

COMMENTARY

A Symbol of Courage and Hope

By Catherine Rodrigues

Many Montserratians living abroad returned home after many years last month to join family and friends in the island’s 40^th Anniversary Festival Celebrations.

Some have not been home since the first volcanic eruption of 1995, having left these shores since 1986 for Britain, Canada, the United States, or other islands in the region. Vernon Maynard, a.k.a. "Soka," is one of the few people who have been returning home every other year for holiday.

"Soka," former Junior Calypsonian King, made an oath to himself.

Way back in 1995, upon seeing the devastation of the land and the struggle endured by his fellow people seeing the devastation of the land and the struggle endured by his fellow people after the first major volcanic eruption, he decided to "lock" his hair and grow it as long as possible.

“I decided that since my people are going through a daily struggle, most of whom had lost their jobs, homes, all their possessions, I decided to grow my locks as long as possible.”

“A symbol to show that we as a people are strong and courageous, and with hope we’ll overcome the trials and tribulations.” 

He explained that his struggle is of a different kind; a struggle for equality, “Being a black deadlocked immigrant living in the United States and working in white corporate America is difficult, every day is a challenge,” he said.

"Soka" has been working at J.P. Morgan and Associates, a financial investment company in the United States, for 13 years.

His locks are 22½ inches long.

Pic in new Folder: Vernon Maynard –aka Soka 1 (Caption ; Soka displays his locks) 

Condolences for Grandmother ‘MaBeth’

My condolences to brother Fitzroy Buffonge (and family), on the passing of his grandmother - Louisa Buffonge (Ma Beth) last week in London. She was formerly of Harris' village, but resided in Woodgreen, London because of volcanic activity.
I had the opportunity to visit the late Ma Beth at least three times at her Wood Green home, and it is with great sadness we realise the transition we all have/had to make in dealing with the volcano. The funeral service takes place on Wednesday 22 Jan 2003 and family and friends  reflected on the life of a simple woman who especially supported Fitzroy through his cricketing years, always invoking humility in the face of hardship.
My first memory of Ma Beth was while attending the St. Georges Primary school and us kids would purchase sugar cakes at her house.
Then after my family moved back to Harris' Garden Hill we became neighbours. It was during this period some 30 years ago, that this Harris' sub community impacted on our generation as an extended family.
She lived above the primary school and worked her ground (plantation) along the flanks of Paradise mountain for many years.
This plot of land was separated from ours by a gorge, and the thrill of hearing shouted conversations echoed on damp mornings between Ma Beth and my Grandparents remain with me. Fitzroy can relate to many trips for bananas deep into what was known as Coco Garden and Mosquito Ghaut.
The volcano has plastered and smoothed all these ravines/ghauts into a sloping plain and many hear of emmissions going down Mosquito Ghaut towards the Trants Bay. Pre volcanic crises, these ghauts were the bread basket for many families and in fact along the meandering path to the sea, each section had a name, which are now cauterized by the volcano into Mosquito Ghaut. But Mosquito Ghaut slopes where the late Ma Beth worked formed the early beginings of Maggi Ghaut (this was bridged by the Paradise Estate - Mason Bridge), then the river bed moved down to Pea Ghaut,  Plum Tree Ghaut, Allen Ghaut, Farms Bridge and formed the plains of Trants village.
Many of us from Garden Hill, now scattered across the globe will remember Ma Beth for her kindness. Of course ever present was her special bond with Fitzroy and his friends were accepted without a  word. On a Sunday after church we would gather either at the village center or wander slowly as if pulled by a mission to sit at Ma Beth's house, maybe because Fitzroy, Micey and Budah Sheill lived in close proximity. But Ma Beth's presence was felt whether in cooking or giving a sly comment about the heated debates which at times got out of hand.
To Fitzroy and Family, accept my condolences.

W Salas Hamilton

"Sorry Gal, but Better You Than Me!"

The Geraldine 'Accountant General Montserrat' affair, has it gotten out of hand? Has it gone too far or has it gone on for too long?

After eight long months of waiting and wondering some of us will now be corralled onto the juror's bench to judge for guilt or innocence.

But is this affair a matter of one person’s guilt or innocence?  Is the Accountant General on Trial?

Is the accounting of and for Montserrat on trial?

Or is the "Pride" of Montserrat being prosecuted?

And have we waited too late to speak up and to speak out?

Have we been too busy to pay attention to the tribulations of Geraldine A.G. Montserrat?

Have our faces inadvertently displayed the words, " I am sorry Geraldine, but it is better you than me."

If so, do not feel badly, it seems as if part of the Montserratian's motto are the words "Sorry, but better you than me."

For my part though, I have been late on the draw.  In fact I have taken too long to speak up.  And now that I want to speak out, the matter requires greater understanding than a mere social critic like me possesses.

Yet despite my limitations, I still felt obliged to seek to understand the Geraldine Accountant General Affair, including the alleged crime.  But being only human, I was restricted to a few more simple questions.

I asked, how much guilt is in a verdict of not guilty.  I wondered how much goodness is overlooked in condemnation.  And I pondered if this is only about Geraldine, or if also the pride of Montserrat is being prosecuted.

Now you know how difficult it has been for me to understand this matter, or even to speak out about it. And mind you this had nothing to do with guilt or innocence of anyone.

However, in order to find that deeper understanding, I took up the Book.  The very Book which you and I swear to in our Courts of Justice.  And I read.

For two weeks I read the Books of Ecclesiastes and Proverbs.  I read the Sermon on the Mount.  I also read the teachings of Jesus Christ, which many claim to be the foundations for the beliefs and the behavior of Montserratians.

And now I cannot understand why we who profess to practice love, understanding, compassion and mercy allowed this matter to go so far. I cannot understand why we allowed so much pain and suffering to be inflicted on an otherwise good Montserrat family.

I cannot understand how come we forgot to shout out Mercy! Mercy! Oh Lord have Mercy!

I even wondered if the words, "Sorry, but better you than me" are etched too deeply into our subconscious.

And you know what? Even after weeks of soul searching, I still did not get absolute understanding.  But in the Book, I found some truths.  Some of them I will now share with you.

I read in Luke 17:1: "Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen".  And I realize that we will never know why people do wrong things; or why it is I and not you who always get into trouble. No, you will never know what mutations in my genes attract me to the wrong path.

I read in Ecclesiastes 7:20: "There is no man on earth who does what is right all the times and never makes a mistake" and I took note of

Proverbs 19:28, which states, "There is no justice when a witness is determined to hurt someone.”

Is there someone in this process who is determined to hurt Geraldine or Montserrat?

If that is the case, then it is worthwhile to consider the words of Proverbs 18:17; it says, "The first person who speaks in court always seems right until the accused begins to question him."  In other words the charges always seem so conclusive; the evidence seems to be there, but after cross-examination of the evidence, even accused murderers sometimes are set free.

So we should consider Proverbs 31:9, which admonishes us to "judge righteously," because as Proverbs 17:26 shows "justice is perverted when good people are punished"… too severely.

In addition, I beg you to read John 8:7 where Jesus asked, "whichever one of you has done nothing wrong in your life".  Then go on, condemn the accused.

Truly this "Geraldine Accountant General Montserrat Affair" requires more than ordinary understanding.

But I understand the pain and suffering of the accused, ... guilty or innocent.

I understand that even the guilty expects not only a fair day in court, but mercy at the end of the trial.

So Montserratians, as we approach the day when justice ought to be served, let us dig deep and bring forth compassion and show mercy, even if only for the sake of Love and Harmony.

Let us recognize that the "Geraldine Accountant General Montserrat matter" has gone on for too long.

Let us consider if the pain and suffering of an ordinary (imperfect, but trying to do their best) Montserratian family has been enough punishment. In other words, let us consider if it is necessary to pursue the "Geraldine Accountant General Montserrat" matter in court.

Could we not resolve this matter so that all of us, the good and the bad, the innocent and the guilty, the lucky and the unlucky, the free and the condemned, can go forward in harmony with a greater desire to practice goodness?

Certainly this matter has gone too far.

Please, let us show and tell the Cabey family that we are truly sorry for their mishap and for their pain and suffering... and mean it too.

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Verification, Please

CM Osborne and Claude both report

The effusive acclaim of Clare Short,

Unlike David Brandt's quest

When she wasn't impressed;
Let's hear her tell us they don't distort.

 Our Levy Playing Field

'Is it legal?' is not our concern,

So study this lesson and learn,

Whether moral or sinful,

If you're making a binful,

We'll tax it, however you earn. 

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin if the folks worried about the flimsy swimsuit at the beach also worry about the guys who take showers there stark naked even if women and children are around.

Jus wonderin if the British office pressman think a brown nose will get  him an MBE

Jus wonderin what would have happened if Dr. Panic had been here for the explosions of '97, '98,  ' 00 and '01 ?

 Jus wonderin what level Dr. Panic would put to the collapse and explosions of March '00  or February '01 ?

Jus wonderin if we should invite a record company or recording studio from the US or England to come to Montserrat to produce local records, seeing so many people got more records than the great singers like Celine Dion or Elton John.

Jus wonderin how many trumpet and saxophone players and back-up singers Montserrat got.

Jus wonderin if we should try producing helium gas and export it to the US and Russia for their space programs, seeing we got so much hot air flowing around, free of cost.

Jus wonderin if the saying about ‘birds who fly too high, fall from the sky’ is true, and how many birds we got flying too high.

Jus wonderin if we got enough air space to accommodate them.

Just wonderin who are the eagles and who are the humming birds.

Jus wonderin how many spies we got locally and where they hiding.

Jus wonderin if we got spy cells, like how the US got terrorist cells.

Just wonderin if the spy cells come under a certain name or organization.

Jus wonderin if when we find them, we should do like Russia and the US and try them for treason in the local courthouse down at Brades.

Jus wonderin if dem people truly understand or know what a press conference is really about.

Just wonderin why press conferences are sometimes turned into political campaigns.

Jus wonderin what will really happen if he lose a key and call an election.

Jus wonderin if is becarse the other one have a better ear to the ground why he was so quick to shoot down the election idea.

Jus wonderin how many lawsuits will be filed against people for libel and slander.

Jus wonderin if paranoia is a good description for some of our politicians today.

Jus wonderin all who in authority delusional or getting there slowly.

Jus wonderin if there is an internal wrangle-tangle for power and if it will heat up.

Jus wonderin what favor the secretary owe this boss, why she giving him so much money.

Jus wonderin if press freedom is on the attack subtly and otherwise or is just dying slowly but surely here.

Jus wonderin if those in authority hear what the World Bank say about press freedom and they not giving any money to those countries where there is no freedom of the press.

Jus wonderin who remember who remember Mr. Burris who gave the scathing judgment in the inquest in the 19 deaths of June 25, 1997.

Jus wonderin who remember that he was refused renewal of his contract right after that judgment.

Jus wonderin what will happen if any other magistrate contract up for renewal with important judgment pending.

Jus wonderin if more money to come, if we will see the real evidence of it, or even a little statement from the provider to make our hopes sound.

Jus wonderin if ‘Jus Wonderin’ was correct about a new election happening soon.

Jus wonderin how come some people not in the know still know when certain things going to happen.

Jus wonderin if they got a crystal ball or they got a psychic.

Jus wonderin if some of the pawns getting scared of this election talk, that’s why they patronizing their so much.

Jus wonderin if they or we all should provoke the election or other action.

Jus wonderin if all Montserratians are patriotic like some of the politician followers.

Jus wondering whether we got politicians or politricians.

Jus wonderin if everybody in Montserrat gone phone crazy.

Jus wonderin how much people know that what you pay, is what you get.

Jus wondering if the PS at works, will get a mid year promotion, since ‘Janie’ say he doing such a good job with his department.

Jus wonderin who is the bad politician, the CM talking about.

Jus wonderin if the ‘bad politician’ will defend him /her self.

Jus wonderin if the authorities understand what the Honourable Sirs saying about Montserrat being prepared for the possible abolition of the import and custom taxes next year.

Jus wonderin how soon they will take the necessary steps to combat this possible decrease in much needed income.

Jus wonderin if all those who attending all these training sessions by overseas trainers will benefit in any positive way.

Jus wonderin if we will see a change in their attitudes.

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