.

It's More than Three Months; When Will We Get it Right?

Soufriere Hills Volcano - 1 hour after sirens sounded on Thursday

Yesterday, Thursday at about mid-day, the sirens sounded with the message “Evacuate, Evacuate, Evacuate the area now.”

It was a natural reaction when my staff and I went looking up towards the Soufriere Hills volcano. I immediately went to my vantage point to look at the huge mountain which houses this huge volcanic dome and observed that there was still a huge plume of ash descending towards Plymouth and more ash clouds rising in the back (southeastern end of the dome. The massive slope down the northeastern/northern end of the dome was very clear, with the usual steaming vents in sight. This is evidenced by the MVO report issued today at mid-day: “A pulse of activity occurred at midday on the 30 January, during which pyroclastic flows occurred simultaneously on several flanks of the dome in the Tar River Valley, Whites Ghaut, Tuitt's Ghaut and to the west in Fort Ghaut.”

So what was the problem? A large crowd quickly gathered at the Salem Centre. A call to our office said: “It is almost a carnival up here, with people laughing and confused as to what exactly the siren message meant. There is no sign of anything happening down this side.”

Shortly after the siren ended, a message similar to the siren message was sounded on Radio Montserrat, following which the announcer, getting it right, suggested that people in the Exclusion Zone should leave the area now, as there is heightened volcanic activity.

Recently a Media Committee of which I am a part recommended that instead of waiting for the scientist's advice to make the rounds before an announcement is made on ZJB (Radio Montserrat), the message should “be sounded from the MVO,” to cut out the time it takes to activate the system. We were advised that this was being put in place.

Then following a ‘newsflash’ to get everyone’s attention, the scientists would relate a scientific message (update) as to the current situation re volcanic activity. The idea of this is to avoid panic and prevent bad or wrong information from going outside.

What we had on Thursday, January 30, 2003, was a similar announcement to the siren, which said “Evacuate…the area now, due to heightened volcanic activity.” The message to Montserrat and the world was for us to "evacuate" but with no specific area described. It may be simplistic for me to say that they simply should have added “the Exclusion Zone,” to the message.

Apart from looking up to the hills and not seeing anything flowing towards the Belham River valley area, no one really understood that this message was only for people in the Exclusion Zone, where the gates had been opened at 9 a.m.-- not for the entire area, or nearest the volcano, or Salem etc., or even Montserrat.

Officials yesterday explained that the siren system is not programmable. It was acquired with the words it now says built in, so that whenever it is sounded it is intended only for persons in the exclusion zone. It is also expected that the system will be reviewed in an effort to get it meaningful and right.

Exclusion Zone Entry

All of this happened just moments after we received a report from an irate W. Ryan, who said after acquiring the appropriate pass at the Salem Police Station to go to the Osborne’s property to carry out some work, he was ‘harassed’ by police at the gate when it became his turn to go through.

Mr. Ryan reported that he was questioned: “When did you get this pass? Where did you get the pass, who gave it you?”

Mr. Ryan said he was irate over the questioning but told the officers he got the pass just a while ago, where else, but at the police station. He said he was told to wait and some time following the departure of one of the officers and a conversation on their mobile radio, he was allowed in.

The officer in charge at Salem Police station responded to the complaint that they are missing passes and that some people have not returned them, as they are supposed to do, and the system is being abused. Sgt. Brade at the Salem Police station reported that he was present when Mr. Ryan arrived at the gate and that Mr. Ryan’s response to their questions was that he didn’t know he was supposed to return the pass. He disagreed that there was any undue delay in Mr. Ryan’s entry.

Mr. Ryan also complained that the pass was taken from him at the gate and not returned to him, causing him some worry that if some other officer had enquired of him later about the pass he would not have had his pass with him.

Frustration

Since the beginning of this now three-month-old evacuation from the extended exclusion zone, there has been growing concern over the questioning of the credibility of the authority for the evacuation orders. The authorities are questioning why residents from the general area seem to be distrusting the information being given regarding the continued exclusion from the flanks of the Belham Valley, Isles Bay and Old Towne in particular.

The letter to the Editor below is a sample of the expression of frustration that these evacuated residents experience.

Residents who are planning to seek remedial action complain that there are inconsistencies in the actions and reporting by the MVO scientists, and by extension the authority of the management of the volcanic activity. They claim that the gates have been closed for four weekends in succession on Saturday, Sunday and sometimes Monday, with the reason given being ‘increased volcanic activity’ always starting on a Friday night.

Dear Editor,

Thursday, 30 January, ZJB played Aspin's public service announcements which stated : all those on the North side of the Belham drop everything at the sound of the siren and EVACUATE.  Do not take the time to secure your home since the MVO will notify us to return and lock up.  Those on the South side are to go to the top of Garibaldi Hill.  Sgt. Brade also passed out a sheet giving basically the same instructions.

 Well, surprise!!  At just before noon, the sirens blew (many thought it a drill to see how fast we could/would evacuate , since the flows went into Tarr River & Fort Ghaut).  Everyone did as instructed and departed as quickly as possible without securing their homes & in the case of one resident, not even taking the time to lock off his computer.  Over one hour later, Dunkley went on the air with ZJB (again) and during his questioning by Kafu Cabey, he stated that the mountain had returned to "Background Levels".  I went to the gate & reported this to Sgt. Brade and he said he would go to the station to call the MVO to see if we could return.  A few minutes later we were allowed back to secure our homes.

 Why is it more important to give an interview/update on ZJB, than to call the police to allow residents to return & secure their homes?  Why was it necessary to keep us out for over 1 1/2 hours when by his own admission the activity stopped in about 30 minutes?  When will the MVO show some compassion for the working people who lose work from these false alarms?  Of course, when you are being paid 80,000 pounds , why worry about the hourly worker? 

Paul Breuer

EDITORIAL

"Decisions Made for People of Montserrat Must No Longer Come as Total Surprises"

Listeners to ZJB on Tuesday night just over two weeks ago to the program on the Montserrat’s future, leadership and the economy would have been left with the realization that far too many decisions are being made and often not even publicized without the main stakeholders, the people of this country, being involved.

Listeners' reaction to the program, moderated by Bennette Roach with panelists Dr. Lowell Lewis, Hylroy Bramble and Chedmund Browne, show they found it frank and very useful, and they needed more such discussions.

It would be wrong to say that there has been no consultation with the people on any matter. But few though they may be, where there has been consultation, another problem develops, one of never hearing anything further. No discussion of the final report, either before it is submitted or when it is returned to the island.

There is also a problem which often negates the work put into the consultation. Often it is months before the final report is publicized (returned to the Island). When it does appear there is often a notable theme, which runs sometimes contrary to what was discussed during the consultation. When the question is asked why this is so the response is usually, “someone wanted it that way.”

That someone is never the people and Government of Montserrat, even though there may be collusion on the part of some.

Take the first Sustainable Development Plan (SDP): It was spelled out to us that a very notable theme, which already spelt failure for the plan, was insisted upon by DFID. And what was the result of that plan? It is as though it never existed. The failures of that plan are being manifested now and are part of the reason why the British Government may have little choice but to back-track on their plan of severe reduction in budget-aid.

This week the Development Unit embarked on consultations to put together another SDP for 2003-05. For some reason they still miss the mark in getting full publicity and participation in crafting this plan. It is not enough to put an ad on radio that leaflets are located in this and that area, when missing the most guaranteed way of getting the leaflet into the hands of people. Need we mention also that this is a document that should be available to the majority of our people who are overseas. Do we need their input also?

Nevertheless we will encourage all individuals, organizations, departments and NGO’s to get involved. We suspect that the Unit will be using methods from the “lessons learnt to develop a people-centered approach in Montserrat” which comes as a “follow on to the Participatory Poverty Assessment of Montserrat,” the PPA which was undertaken in 2000.

This approach demands that there should be follow-up after the consultations and the reports, to negate what in the past seems to be inevitable, where little that was discussed and planned is every heard about again, much more put in place.

What we have experienced recently is just more of the same: Lots of lies are told, lots of devious schemes are hatched, all from campaigns, manifestos, presented with bigger and greater impressions.

The misrepresentations, the unrealistic expectations, (standing on our own two feet without proper thought and planning); disappointments and despondency are being followed with more outlandish statements and inactions. Be careful that this does not drive us to a seriously tragic sense of non-participation.

Our circumstances are unique and demand that we cut away from ‘business as usual. Yes, the time is here for us to promote a change from what seems to be the norm, where we think of politics (the final decision process) as attracting the dishonest, the slick-elicks, the pretenders, the uninitiating, and the flatterers

One Grenadian shared this view for themselves, but it is so accurate in our case: We need to stop the head-spinning from all this and satisfy the need for definition, clarity, truth, oneness, peace, stability – an equilibrium of and the proper chanelling of our forces.

We need to avert further chaos, anarchy and the slide backwards (we go backwards if we stand still).

We need to be able to see through the self-stroking of egos that is becoming so ever more evident like halos on all our heads.

We need to look carefully that what some people call progress is only unto themselves but no one else; in fact that should make us think carefully about the old local saying, “Wha a fun fu daag a death for crapaud .”

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

Holy Love –Read Isaiah 6:1-8

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts...Woe is me, for I am undone! –Isaiah 6:3-5

Many followers of Jesus Christ today are preoccupied with the love and goodness of God, but not many think about His holiness. And even fewer quake in fear of it! Why?

The reason for this: When we catch a glimpse of our Lord’s greatness and glory, we see more clearly our own sinfulness. And that’s humbling!

We see an illustration of this truth in the Gospel of Luke. After witnessing a miracle, Peter fell down before Jesus and cried out, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (5:8).

If we were to see God in all His splendor and holiness, we would respond as Isaiah did and admit to our sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5). That’s a healthy response, but it’s only half the picture.

God is not out to destroy us by His holiness. His purpose is to take away our sin (v7). He longs for us to experience His forgiveness and enjoy a close relationship with Him.

This truth is very close to my own heart. In one shattering moment a few years ago, I saw more clearly than ever the awfulness of my sin. I was crushed, broken, terrified- until I also saw the unfathomable love of God, and His power to forgive and purify me (1 John 1:9).

God reveals His holiness not to destroy us but to expose and remove our sin. Ask Him to cleanse you today.-DCE

Dear Lord, reveal to me my sin,

Show me the filth that dwells within;

Cleanse me and take my guilt away,

That I may do Your work this day.- Fitzhugh

God has both an all-seeing eye and an all-forgiving heart. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 

Youth Columnist Wins Praise from a Teacher

Dear Editor

I wish to congratulate Ms. Jeffery on her article on ‘Youth Vibes’. Too many of us older folks fail to change our views in keeping with the changing times. Too many of us fail to recognize that the youth of today are not the same as the youth of yesterday. Too many of us continue to live in the past. Like most human beings, we are reluctant to let go of the past and to change with the times. (I am afraid that I too have been guilty of this).

We must come to the realization that young people today are more assertive, and adopt adult roles at an earlier age than we did or than we were allowed to. Adolescents are more forceful in demanding their independence in thought, values and aspirations than those of yesteryear. Most times their values and aspirations are so different from the ones we hold dear that we are unable to understand them.

Our jobs as adults and parents are not to command and direct but to guide. The lives are theirs and while we guide them, we must also allow them to chose their own paths, to make their own mistakes and hopefully to learn from them.

But allow me to remind Ms Jeffery that communication is a two-way street. While we struggle to understand them and struggle with our reluctance to change, the adolescents too must struggle to understand us and to understand the fears we feel, (as difficult as this may be). They too must struggle to understand that some of our actions which may seem odious are made out of love. They too have a part to play to generate a more harmonious relationship, both at home and at school. Of course being adults, we have a special responsibility, but this does not absolve the young people of all blame when adult/adolescent relationships fail.

I congratulate Ms Jeffery for starting on the road towards that understanding. I am proud of her (having taught her) and wish her well.

CM is a Self-centered Censor, not a Leader

Dear Editor,

Sad to say, but your Chief Minister is a downright embarrassment to your beautiful country. Luckily, I am not a resident Montserratian nor a resident alien; therefore, I have the liberty of expressing my views without fear of reprisal.

Mr. Osborne, a self-absorbed narcissist, seems to have a penchant for exercising censorial control, and for punishing anyone who dares to question his poor leadership. He is definitely not interested in the welfare of his people. Ingratiating himself to the British is far more important to him. After all, if he does not do this, how would he going to get his rent paid? Even worse, it is appalling to read about this which reminds me of a band of spineless flunkies who, like Satan, would rather sell their souls  than stand up for what is right and just. Clearly, if John Osborne was truly doing a good job, he would not be so personally bruised by Mr. John Wilson's seemingly objective comments. Mr. Reuben Meade's comments about his childishness were most appropriate. Indeed, if John Osborne genuinely wanted to know how he was doing, he would surely seek the opinion of the man in the street. This will never happen; therefore, Montserratians are well advised to ponder their future.

Moreover, I truly empathize with the hardship the people of Montserrat are currently facing and I feel very strongly that it is the government's responsibility to improve the state of affairs. Why would does Montserrat need a leader who is so adamant that he does not want to ruffle the feathers of the British? A true and caring leader disregards his self interest and puts the welfare of his people before his. John. Osborne, if he really needs guidance, should consult the book of James in the Bible. It offers free counsel for someone like him.

I urge all Montserratians to continue to voice their opinions loudly, fairly, and fearlessly. Only by doing so would meaningful change come about. Montserrat deserves far better than John Osborne. He is a throw back to the past - a man mired in the colonialist mentality, whose ego will always stand in the way of progress, and one who shudders at the thought of relinquishing the power that Montserratians so naively bestowed upon him. Thankfully, we live in an age of technology -- there is only so much that John Osborne could censor or suppress. Go for it guys, keep up the pressure! Keep on writing Mr. Editor. You are doing a great job of keeping us informed!

Sincerely

LOCAL NEWS

MSS Principal Jolts Parents At PTA Election Meeting

The Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) met Wednesday at the school to elect a new Executive, but Principal Kathleen Greenaway shocked parents in attendance when she said all their children are increasingly undisciplined.

Making up the new Executive are Bertram Lee, President; Alfred Ryan, Vice President; Mrs. Olivia Daley, Treasurer; Staff Teacher Angela Allen, Secretary, and Floor Members Miss Yvette Fenton, Edris Wade and Steve Ryan.

Miss Greenaway firmly explained to the surprised parents that they could not fairly claim that their children are not involved;. “I was shocked," Miss Greenaway said, "and couldn’t say a word for a minute or two when I realized who the students were. Students I never expected this from.”

She said the students use indecent language anywhere, at anytime on the school’s premises and “do not care who is present.”

A suggestion to refer those caught in the act to the police was well received. In support of this suggestion, Miss Greenaway explained that while the school uses disciplinary measures such as suspension and expulsion, she was uncertain whether the actions were teaching the lessons they were meant to.

She said she believes the suspended or expelled student would love nothing better than “to stay home, drink everything in the fridge and watch TV all day, but we have to do something.”

Mr. Riley, form teacher for 3A2, told parents with some embarrassment how concerned he was about the students, particularly the girls who with nonchalance allow the boys “to touch very private parts of their bodies.”

He said he has had opportunities to talk with some of the girls about self-esteem, pride and worth, and is now beseeching parents to “talk to your girls.”

In response to parents who complained that the boys should be told, “Don’t touch,” Mr. Riley agreed, but noted that the onus is on the girls to put a stop to it.

“If your girls do not respect themselves” he said, “they won’t respect you or the teachers or anyone else.”

In an effort to understand what could be the contributing factor in such disruptive behavior in the students, the Montserrat Reporter sought the expertise of Resident Psychologist Mr. Rickford Archer, who was unavailable.

The paper was able to speak, however, with visiting Education Researcher Graham D. Fisher, who specializes in Post-Compulsory Education (PCE). Mr. Fisher said that with no post education to look forward to on the island, students may lack the necessary motivation to apply themselves to their studies.

C&W Gives Computer To Shiloh Pentecostal

The Shiloh Pentecostal Church in Salem has been given a Dell PC and Internet access by  Cable & Wireless.

Customer Services Executive Joseph Ogarro said because Internet and computer skills are part of today’s world, Cable & Wireless “is happy to play its part.”

Cable & Wireless, he said, is a responsible, corporate citizen, so the numerous requests for donations that it receives are carefully screened due to prevailing finances, but that it endeavours to satisfy most deserving requests.

The request from the Shiloh Pentecostal Church, he said, went to the top of the list because of the intended use for the computer.

Among areas of use are: Exposing the children, men and women of the church to the technology, and research for the various departments in the church, including The Men’s Ministry, Youth and Sunday School.

Mrs. Sarita Francis, Permanent Secretary in the office of the Chief Minister and also a member of the church’s board and Sunday School Superintendent, accepted the computer on behalf of the church.

Senior OT Police Officers Finish 4-day Course Here

Visiting Senior Police officers from the Overseas British Territories of Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda left Montserrat last Friday after participating in the four-day management course hosted by the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF).

The course, entitled "Critical Incident Training for Senior Managers; Deployment and Management of Authorised Firearms, sought to make the officers better equipped to deal with incidents that may occur in the line of duty, or when they are in command of a their unit or task force.

Carlton Adams, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bermuda Police Service (BPS), said of the training sessions, that, “the course was well run and addressed significant issues, which can relate to management of critical incidence, particularly firearms.”

Assistant Commissioner Allan Carty of Anguilla said that the course was "a cumulative experience to deal with live incidents which might occur.”

One major component of the course was "Press Involvement," in which Bennette Roach, Publisher and Editor of The Montserrat Reporter, and Herman Sargeant, Acting Station Manager of Radio Montserrat (ZJB), discussed with the officers the importance of a having a sound relationship between the Police and the Press.

Local Commissioner of Police John Douglas said that training session, “gave officers a wider perspective on how to deal with critical incidents of any nature,” and added that they were able to pool their intellectual resources and experiences to improve their management skills.

“Participants left with a better understanding and knowledge of critical training, so when they return to their respective Forces, they can develop policies and guidelines,” he said.

On the issue of Press Involvement, Commissioner Douglas said the local press plays a very important role in the Force’s Public Relations. “We must always endeavor to work with the Press, hence forming a better relationship,” he said.

Commissioner Douglas noted that since his Force takes on a Community Policing approach, as a result of the "Press Involvement" session, he foresees a more forthright relationship with the local Press.

“It is my intention to have the Press come in and speak to the Force, so we can develop a good relationship.”

This is the first time the Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF) hosted such a session.

Little Bay Ferry Mishap Dumps Bags Overboard

Mr. Karam exhibits his sneakers (sample goods) drying in the sun

On Monday evening, about 12 to 15 suitcases belonging to passengers scheduled to travel on the MV Opale Express to Antigua fell overboard at the ferry port Little Bay.

According to eyewitnesses at the Port, the accident occurred when the straps securing the carts with the luggage slipped out of place, causing the suitcases to go overboard.

One eyewitness said, “the men who toss the ropes for the ferry, immediately dove into the water to retrieve the luggage.”

The Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS), which is responsible for the handling of baggage, has so far been silent on the issue and up to last night did not have a statement regarding the accident.

Manager of the MAS Miss Sarah Silcott, said, “The Company was awaiting confirmation from their lawyer, before issuing any statements regarding the accident.”

Some of the affected passengers were Messrs. Clifford Allen, Davendra Karam and Victor James Jr.

As a result of the accident, they are demanding that MAS management take responsibility for the accident and in the case of Mr. Karam is seeking some form of compensation.

Mr. Allen said in a telephone interview with The Montserrat Reporter that in addition to his distress at having his luggage damaged, he was further infuriated when he requested to speak to the management of the MAS after having to buy a new ticket to travel on another date He said he was told, “there was no point in them coming to the Port.”

Mr. Karam, a traveling salesman, was even more furious than Mr. Allen since, he said, all three of his suitcases were damaged.

He said though accidents happen from time to time, his problem is “that no authority from MAS gave any explanation, no mention of any compensation or anything of the sort.”

When the Montserrat Reporter visited the house in which Mr. Karam was staying, he was hanging out his damaged clothes to dry, sunning out the sneakers and air-drying his suitcases.

Mr. Karam said he intends to sue MAS for damages and has retained the services of lawyer David S. Brandt.

MWA Announces Further 5-percent Water Rate Hike

Water rates have been increased by a further 5 percent this year, according to Manager of the Montserrat Water Authority (MWA) Emile Duberry.

Mr. Duberry said, “ Since the Government has been subsidizing the MWA, they made a decision to increase the water rates over a four-year period, by a total of 43 percent.”

In 2001, the rate was 25 percent, after which it increased by a further 8 percent in 2002 and 5 percent this year. A final 5 percent will be added in 2004..

Mr. Duberry said that since the rates being charged do not reflect production costs, Government decided to introduce the measures to allow the MWA to break even, since they are not profitable.

He said that if after 2004  there are no unforeseen circumstances, such as evacuations of areas that negatively impact the MWA’s revenue, they would look at restructuring the current rates.

'Unsponsored' Non-nationals Face Work Permit Crackdown

Labour Commissioner Elijah ‘King’ Silcott has warned all persons applying for work permits for non-nationals under false pretenses that they are breaking the law and will be prosecuted.

In an interview with the Montserrat Reporter, Mr. Silcott said that the Labour Department recently discovered a trend, which he calls ‘fronting’.

This trend, the Commissioner said, “is one whereby locals are applying for work permits for non-nationals, who they (the locals) have no jobs to give the people who are seeking employment.”

He said this is commonly seen in the areas of construction and home care.

“Persons applying for work permits for non-nationals, when they are requested to come to the Labour Office to produce the required documents, many times, they don’t or can’t remember the names of the persons they are applying for. Sometimes they even admit that they never had a job for the person in the first place,” Mr. Silcott said.

“Persons found guilty of committing this offense will be fined EC$1,000 or face six months imprisonment,” he said.

Mr. Silcott said this has been going on for a while but only came to light in the latter half of last year.

“It wasn’t recognized before, mainly because there was employment across the board, during the rebuilding years of 1998-2001),” he said.

He added that 2002 reflected a serious decline in economic activity, and he is concerned about the equation of population growth and its relationship with economic growth. “If we continue to allow people to come in, and there’s no economic activity for them," he said, "the balance that we have could be disrupted and a serious strain would be placed on the social, educational and health services.”

Mr. Silcott said that prior to 1998 there was a strict policy regarding work permits for persons wishing to work here, but during the height of the volcanic crisis the rules were relaxed. “Presently the Department is in the process of re-introducing some of those measures,” he said.

With the re-enforcement of the rules, he said, employers would have to outline the rationale for employing a non-national, prove to the Department that the vacant position was advertised extensively and after these criteria have been fulfilled, the case study would be reviewed and temporary permission would be granted.

“The Ministry of Labour has the legal authority to grant temporary permission of up to 60 days during which time application would be sent to the Executive Council for full approval,” Mr. Silcott said.

On the question of the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) and the Free Movement of People, Skills and Labour, from CARICOM and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Mr. Silcott said that though Montserrat has agreed to permit the free movement of people, the present condition as it relates to entering the country, as stipulated by the current legislation states, “You are not entitled to work without a valid work permit.”

He added that the work permit regulations are enshrined in the Immigration Act and as such, his Department would be working closely with the Immigration Department to ensure that the rules are being adhered to.

Agriculture is Studying Casava as Export Crop

The Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken a new project aimed at increasing the production of cassava and its by-products locally for the export market.

In an effort to increase this production level, Minister of Agriculture,

Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe said, “The Government of Montserrat has given the Caribbean Agricultural Research Development Institute (CARDI), about EC$40,000 to carry out a feasibility study on the diversification of the cassava plant.”

She explained that the study would determine the feasibility of processing  by-products of the cassava including cassava flour, bread, cake, rice, biscuits, wine, noodles, stuffing, starch, cassareep and farine (fermented cassava drink), all of which would be exported.

Mrs. Dyer-Howe said, “The Ministry is presently carrying out a local survey to gauge the interests and level of involvement of persons who have been producing cassava bread, and also the possibilities that exist for farmers to plant more cassava.”

She noted that this aspect of planting cassava is important, “especially since more farmers prefer to plant vegetable and other cash crops, rather than cassava, the reason being, cassava takes a much longer time to mature, as long as 12 months, whereas the vegetables and other cash crops take a much shorter time to grow.”

She explained that because of the time involved in growing cassava, many farmers find it difficult to strictly concentrate on cassava, “since they would have to find other means of supplementing their income.”

Minister Dyer-Howe said that CARDI has developed some varieties of the cassava that take less time to mature.

She said that when analysis of the project is complete, “depending on the results, i.e. whether it is economically viable for the farmers to plant more cassava, would determine whether they continue producing cassava bread on a seasonal basis, or just look at exporting the cassava bread.”

She noted that cassava production is now relatively small as compared to other root crops. “It is about 10-15 percent and is usually grown as a backyard venture,” she said.

The project is expected to be completed by March of this year.

Pic in new Folder: Minister of Agriculture- Annie Dyer-Howe 

Local Ministers at Biennial Leaders Conclave in Antigua

By Nerissa Golden

Three local ministers of the Church of God of Prophecy left the island yesterday for the bi-annual leadership conference in Antigua.

According to Melroy Meade, Pastor of the St. John’s Church of God of Prophecy, the conference will be especially significant this year as the international body celebrates its 100th anniversary. He said this event will also mark the first time that the General Overseer of the Church, Fred Fisher, visits the churches in the North Eastern Caribbean. This will be the first time since the inception of the church that any General Overseer visits the membership in this region.

The conference, which is being held at the Jumbie Bay Resort, is expected to be attended by pastors and senior leaders from the congregations around the Caribbean. Pastor Meade said, “I have not been privy to the specific agenda for the four-day event but sessions would centre around doctrinal issues such as divorce and remarriage.”

At present the church, considers remarriage after divorce a sin.

Pastor Meade also said that the event will help to highlight the diversity of the Caribbean church to its highest leaders and allow for new avenues of dialogue to benefit the entire body.

The conference is expected to conclude on Sunday afternoon.

Information Technology Classes available for men

The Montserrat Labour Department will launch its second computer literate programme. It is due to commence on Monday February 3^rd, 2003 at the Salem Primary School Computer Business Center, in which it will open its doors to fifty-seven men. 

Classes will be held on Mondays and Thursdays.

Mrs. Daphne Cassell, Chief Training Officer, Ms. Zelma Tuitt, Education Officer and Mrs. Chrverlyn Williams, Information Technology teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School, are the preceptors for the class.

Mr. Elijah ‘King’ Silcott, Labour commissioner and organizer of the computer literate programme stated, “The programme was initiated by the Labour Department, following a request coming out from Contractor Management workshop, and an observation, in which some men were willing to purchase computers, but were not able to use them.

He went on to say, “The previous year they organized a Computer literate class for woman, in which there were 28 attendees.  The class had a successful outcome,” he boasted, “now we are focusing on the men.”

He claimed, “The women of Montserrat are more computer literate than the men, and the programme aims at introducing a basic knowledge of information technology to men and getting them to appreciate the computer.”

The programme offers knowledge in, Microsoft Word, Excel Spread Sheet and how to access the Internet

Mr. Silcott also pointed out some of the other advantages of the programme. "It can be used to setup business accounts, to send and receive e-mail, extract information off the Internet and for research purposes no typing skill is required, only their willingness to learn," he said.

In conclusion, he mentioned, “ More fathers will also be able to assist their children in school work and research projects.”

Car in BBC Parking Lot Vaults Wall, Strikes Road

Car accident by BBC (28^th Jan,03)

The driver of car M1151 was attempting to park the vehicle in the parking lot of BBC Radio and TV about 3:15 Tuesday afternoon and apparently lost control. The vehicle went over the edge of the concrete wall and struck the Brades public road, damaging the front of the car.

The driver refused to comment on how the accident occurred.

MSS Honors Students Who Shone Last Term

Students of the MSS display their awards, from left to right, back to front row:Calvin Lewis, Kenya Lee, Kimmora Ward, Antoinette Silcott, Shirmme White, Kristen Taylor, Zara Lee, Kadian Cole, Viona Alexander, Kathrina Piper, Nadia Duberry, Karyssa Duberry, Jonette Silcott, Luke Edgecomb, Renee Valechha, Sheramust Harris and Myranise Germain.

The Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) awarded prizes on Monday to those students who performed at Grade A level and above during the last school term (September –December 2002).

The St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union also presented awards and share certificates to students.

Students presented with MSS certificates were: Karyssa Duberry and Zara Lee from Form 1 A; Luke Edgecombe and Jonette Silcott from Form 2A; Kristen Taylor and Renee Valechha from Form 3A; Sheramust Harris from Form 4A; Viona Alexander from Form 4S; Nadia Duberry, Calvin Lewis, Kenya Lee, Antoinette Silcott and Kimmoria Wade from Form 5A.

Ms. Kathleen L. Greenaway, principal at MSS, presented the certificates, congratulated the awardees and encouraged the boys to be challenged in working to achieve excellency.

Mrs. Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, Executive Director of the St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union, presented award certificates to those children who are members of the St. Patrick’s Thrift Society.

Three students received the awards and share certificates.

Myranise Germaine was given an award for having the highest savings account, Shirmme White for being the most consistent saver, and Kathrina Piper for being the most reliable, dedicated, committed and responsible student in the Thrift Club Committee.

Nadia Duberry, one of the students chosen for the Principal's term Honor Role and top student for 2002.

Also an active saver, she was given a certificate and a share certificate by the St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union.

The presentations were witnessed by parents and teachers.

MSS Credit Union Awardees 2 (Caption: Students who received awards from the St. Partick’s Thrift Society from left to right; Shirmee White, Kathrina Piper, Nadia Duberry, Myranise Germain).

REGIONAL NEWS

Fifth Political Party Launched in Antigua

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - The Organisation for National Development (OND) has become the fifth political grouping to be formed in Antigua and Barbuda, after its official launch on Thursday.
The OND is still to name a political leader but an interim committee is making plans for a convention in June, paving the way for the party to contest the next polls constitutionally due here by 2004.
It now joins the ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP), the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP), the one-year-old National Movement for Change (NMC) and the recently formed First Christian Democratic Movement (FCDM) on the political landscape.
In a prepared speech, interim chairman Glentis Goodwin said the party's vision was "to develop an organisation that is designed to harness and develop the material and human resource potential and to create a productive and profitable enterprise that will enable the continuous cultural, social, spiritual, economic development of its many citizens.".
Goodwin, a former campaign manager for the UPP, also outlined the OND's mission, saying the party wants to position itself as "a capable, credible and trustworthy alternative to the (ruling Antigua Labour Party) and as such be considered as the political organisation of first choice in the upcoming elections".
It is pledging transparent, accountable and tolerant governance.
Goodwin, a sales and marketing executive with a leading Antiguan beverage company, said the people are calling for an alternative to the ALP and the UPP.
"The popular view is, however, is that on the one hand there is need to remove the ALP from office due to the fact that its leadership has brought the country to brink of bankruptcy and to the bottom of moral decadence brought on by years of prolonged tolerance by the population, corruption, scandals and disrepute," he said.
"On the other hand the prospect of the UPP with its current leadership supposedly poised as a capable and credible alternative has become more and more questionable day by day.
"It leaves the electorate snugly between two hard places ever so threateningly moving towards each other," he said.
The interim executive comprises persons from business and professional backgrounds.
Goodwin is joined by Melford Nicholas, who also fell out with the UPP after his nomination to become a candidate for the next general elections was challenged by the party executive and the matter was taken to court.
Lawyer Ralph Francis, who represented Nicholas in his court case, and Eustace Cochrane, an ex-Cabinet minister in the ALP government minister between 1984 and 1994, are also part of the team. 

Antigua opposition leader remains confident of victory

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer believes the people of Antigua and Barbuda only have two viable options to choose from for leadership of the country, despite Thursday's launch of a fifth political grouping here involving defectors from his United Progressive Party (UPP) and the ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP).
"It is unfortunate they have chosen to go that route (of forming new parties) but I really doubt that these groups will have an impact," Spencer told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Friday.
He also expressed serious doubt that any of the new entities would be able to have a significant impact on the electorate.
 "I think the people are looking for clear and workable choices and they have only two, in my view - the Antigua Labour Party and the United Progressive Party," he said.
The launch of the Organisation for National Development (OND) follows closely the formation of First Christian Democratic Movement (FCDM) and the National Movement for Change (NMC), ahead of elections constitutionally due by 2004.
The party's interim chairman Glentis Goodwin is a former campaign manager for Spencer's UPP.
He is joined by Melford Nicholas, who also fell out with the UPP after his nomination to become a candidate for the next general elections was challenged by the party executive and the matter was taken to court.
Lawyer Ralph Francis, who represented Nicholas in his court case, and Eustace ochrane, an ex-Cabinet minister in the ALP government between 1984 and 1994, are also part of the team.
But Spencer believes the fight is a straight one between the UPP and the ALP.  He also remains confident that his party, which recently announced its full slate of candidates, will be able seal victory from the ALP by "a comfortable majority".
"I think we stand a very good chance of winning," he told CMC, adding that the election was an important one for him personally as well.
 "Clearly it is time for me to reverse roles", said Spencer, who has been leader of the Opposition since 1989.
"I believe the time has come for that to happen. I recognise that I have a very, very important role to play in ensuring that victory is achieved this time and clearly if it does not then my political future will certainly have to be examined," he told CMC.

Trinidad/Tobago Government Eyes Criminal Action against Journalist

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC - The Trinidad and Tobago government is considering legal action against a journalist who over the last weekend wrote an article detailing the existence of a laboratory allegedly being used by local Muslim radicals to produce chemical and biological weapons, Prime Minister Patrick Manning has announced.
Speaking at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon, Mr. Manning said that Attorney General Glenda Morean had been asked to seek legal advice on whether criminal charges could be brought against the journalist or anyone found culpable.
Over last weekend the Express newspaper published the story entitled "Terror Threat" in which the journalist, Darryl Heeralal, along with a photographer said they had been taken blindfolded to the laboratory.
The paper alleged that the unnamed Muslim group said the weapons would be used against British and United States interest in the country should the United States attack Iraq.
Local Muslim organisations here, including the radical Jamaat-al-Muslimeen that in 1990 staged an unsuccessful coup, have distanced themselves from the report, saying that the full weight of the law should be brought to bear on those persons engaged in such activities.
National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee was critical of the report and in a nationwide address earlier this week blamed some "politicians" of being behind a plot to destabilise the country.
Police on Wednesday questioned the journalists, but made it clear that they were not suspects.
The Express newspaper reported on Thursday that Police Special Branch officers were searching South Trinidad seeking to unearth the laboratory where the chemicals are allegedly being manufactured.
But Mr. Manning told reporters that the report, coming on the heels of a British Government travel advisory against Trinidad and Tobago, was doing untold damage to the country.
"That report has done significant damage to the name of Trinidad and Tobago. It is not the kind of thing the Government can take lightly. If the reporter  involved feels that this is a joke, it is not a joke to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. It is not a joke."
Noting that the police had already questioned the journalist, Mr. Manning refused to answer questions posed by Mr. Heeralal duraing Thursday's press briefing.
"Please, I have no questions to answer on that issue, especially coming from
the source from which it is coming. The source involved in this matter has been questioned by the Police and therefore it is not a matter to be discussed in the public domain," Mr.Manning said in response to a question by
Mr. Heeralal.
Mr. Manning said that the State was ready to deal with any security threat, adding, "we are in a constant state of readiness to protect the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago".
Asked if he was in fact threatening the media, Mr. Manning replied "no" adding, "it is a threat to those who are involved in that kind of activity, it
certainly is".

St Lucia UWP Fires Leader of Opposition

 St. Lucia (CMC) - The United Workers Party (UWP) on Monday
announced a party decision to sack Marius Wilson as leader of the three-member Opposition in the Parliament, following a weekend meeting of the UWP's Central Executive.
In a statement, UWP Political Leader Dr. Vaughn Lewis said the two other UWP
Parliamentarians had already indicated to Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, their support for retired school principal Arsen James, representative for Micoud South, as the new Opposition Leader in the House.
Mr. Wilson's removal has not come as a big surprise, since his 1½-year tenure as Opposition Leader was characterized by controversy and several allegations of improper conduct.
The meeting of the UWP executive was called specifically to deal with these concerns. Mr. Wilson declined to attend when it became evident that he did not enjoy the support of the other two opposition MPs, whose support is required under the party's constitution to remove him as leader.
The ruling SLP government currently holds the remaining 14 seats in the House.

Trinidad government distances itself from BWIA sackings

Trinidad, CMC - The Trinidad and Tobago Government has distanced itself from the decision of the national carrier, BWIA, to dismiss over 600 workers in an effort to become more competitive.

"It is not for the government to be comfortable or uncomfortable about retrenchment there, once it is done in accordance with the law," Prime Minister Patrick Manning told reporters on Thursday afternoon, following the weekly cabinet meeting here.
The airline this week unveiled a new business model it says will make the airline more competitive, but at the same time announced it would be sending home 617 employees by the end of this month.
It said the new business model entails streamlining the company along the lines of the new low cost carriers.
BWIA's Chief Executive Officer Conrad Aleong said the company had no choice but to lay off the employees, as the airline seeks to turnaround a net loss of US28.9 million dollars last year.
But the trade unions representing BWIA various categories of workers accuse the airline's management of deception, saying that the workers were the only casualties of the new plan.
Manning told reporters that the airline was a private company and was free to make decisions to keep its operations viable.
Junior Finance Minister Conrad Enhill confirmed that the Government would be providing a letter of comfort to BWIA to borrow US7.7 million dollars as part of the Government's financial assistance package of US 13 million dollars to the airline.
The Trinidad and Tobago Government owns 33.5 per cent shares in BWIA, but it has made it clear it has no intention of nationalising the airline that was semi-privatised in 1995.
Manning said he was also concerned over the "wild-cat strikes" occurring in various sectors of the economy, saying "the time has come for the Government to make it clear that it is going to begin to invoke the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act".
In recent weeks there have been strikes by medical doctors, employees of the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Telecommunication Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT).
Manning said that his Government had a general concern about employment in the country and Cabinet had spent a "considerable part" of this week's meeting and thinking about how it could create full employment in Trinidad and Tobago within a two year period.

Published 'Terror Threat' Continues to Rock Trinidad

Compiled from dispatches

Trinidad, CMC - Aftershocks of a Sunday Express newspaper report of a "Terror Threat" by an unnamed local Muslim group aimed at British and U.S. interests here continued to rock the country this week.

The Trinidad and Tobago Government accused "sinister politicians' of prompting British and Australian Governments to issue travel advisories against the twin island republic.
Police moved on Tuesday to question Darryl Heeralal, the journalist who reported that an unknown Muslim group was planning terrorist activities on the island.
National Security Minister Howard Chin Lee loudly condemned Mr. Heeralal, whom he accused of publishing a "tremendous amount of misinformation, and our fear is that there may even be a deliberate attempt at disinformation.".
"Ladies and gentlemen, your Government has no problem with a vigorous, enterprising media. This Government has never, and will never, confuse the message with the messenger, or rail against reporters doing their job."
But, he said, Mr. Heeralal had not even provided the information about the so-called terrorist plot to the authorities so that the journalist and indeed the wider society could be saved from such a threat.
In Parliament, Planning and Development Minister Dr. Keith Rowley slammed the weekend newspaper article, adding, "never have I seen more irresponsibility."
Dr. Rowley said that most of the chemicals shown in the newspaper could be obtained in any school laboratory "so anyone could come and say I have all these things to blow up the country."
Mr. Heeralal on radio Tuesday denied he was part of any conspiracy to terrorise the country.
"I am a journalist," he insisted, saying that he had been following the story "for months".
Sunity Maharaj, Editor in Chief of the Express newspapers, said that the response from the authorities to the newspaper article had been anticipated and that the paper would cooperate "within the boundaries of professional journalism".
But the paper on Tuesday carried another front page story in which it quoted a spokesman for the unnamed Muslim group as saying that it had only decided to go public with its intention to attack British and United States interests here because it would be against the religion "if it attacked without giving warning first."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Patrick Manning, addressing members of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce on Monday night, said, "the Government will proceed in the battle against crime with or without the support of the Opposition, especially as prudence dictates that the Government should be extremely wary of a group of politicians whose singular consistency has been their inability to honour any agreement and to about-face on their word."

In an editorial, "Shooting the messenger," The Express newspaper said in response to the Government's charges that it had no intention of being conceived as "just another arm of the Government protective services," despite the National Security Minister's criticisms that they had an obligation to inform the protective services about the threat.
Meantime The Islamic community here has sought to distance itself from a reported threat of terrorist activities against British and U.S. interest in Trinidad and Tobago, should Washington decide to wage war with Iraq.
Head of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) Nobel Khan told a news conference on Tuesday,  "Islam is a religion of peace. Acts of violence and terrorism are not parts of the Islamic faith. People who have problems and hate in their hearts must solve them through prayer, not through violence," he said. 

75-Foot Section of Seawall on Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier Collapses into the Sea

 THE BOTTOM, Saba (SGIS) – On Thursday afternoon after 1.00pm, a 75-foot section of the seawall on the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier collapsed into the sea.  The damaged area has been cordoned off out of public safety.  The Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) was informed by an eyewitness that a number of divers preparing to go on a dive were sitting on the seawall minutes before it collapsed into the sea.

 Head of the Planning Bureau Robert Zagers and Public Works officials were at the harbor on Thursday afternoon assessing the situation and determining what measures to take.  Commissioner responsible for Harbor Affairs Will Johnson, also visited the harbor later that afternoon to get a firsthand look at the situation.

 Zagers told the SGIS that recommendations would be made to the Executive Council of building a temporary plywood wall to prevent sea swells from going over the other end.

 This would allow cargo vessels to be able to continue to make use of the harbor concerning the offloading of goods and produce without the aforementioned being damaged from the sea spray.

 The restoration of the lighting system was also looked at.  Some cargo vessels start to offload their goods during the evening hours and it was essential that those vessels would still be able to do so.

 Zagers told SGIS that the collapse of the seawall after a preliminary assessment is probably due to over three-years of erosion and wear and tear.  The Fort Bay harbor was severely damaged by Hurricane Lenny in November 1999.

 Just this week five contractors submitted bids for the rebuilding of part of the harbor under a phase 1 project to be financed by the Dutch Government.  Two bids were thrown out while the others are being evaluated.

A collapsed 75-foot section of the Seawall on the Capt. L.A.I. Chance Pier now in the sea.  Photo by Roddy Heyliger 

Saba Says St. Maarten Should Push Ahead with Separate Status

 THE BOTTOM, Saba (SGIS) – Leader of Government and Commissioner responsible for Constitutional Affairs Will Johnson, says that St. Maarten should change its approach and move forward post haste without the other islands to obtain its separate status.

 “A change in approach is needed now.  The constitutional process for change is being bogged down.  The Island Council of St. Maarten needs to come together and pass a motion stating it will deal directly with Holland regarding the people’s quest for a separate status.

 “In the motion it should also be included that the Island would opt for independence if the initiative is ignored.  Aruba had to do it in order to be taken serious and to get out of the Antilles.  The United Nations Decolonisation Committee should also be brought in,” the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS). 

 The Executive Council was briefed on Thursday morning by Saba’s representatives sitting on various committees on the Federal Government level regarding constitutional affairs.

 Saba’ Coordinator on Steering Committee at the Federal level for Constitutional Affairs Xavier Blackman, told SGIS, on Thursday after the meeting, that the coordinating committee is proposing a new approach to be taken by the various committees.  He was informed of this after attending a meeting last week Friday in Curacao.

 The Federal Government established three committees to work on developing discussion papers regarding the Social Security Bank (SVB), the Netherlands Antilles Pension Fund (APNA), and the Central Bank.  Each committee has a representative from one of the five islands.

 It has been proposed that each committee member from each island would present one discussion paper.  Instead of developing three discussion papers in the original approach, the proposal would lead to the compilation of 15 discussion papers in total by the three committees.

 Blackman added that it was decided on Thursday that the Executive Council would be forwarding a letter to the Antillean Minister of Constitutional & Interior Affairs Russell Voges stating that Saba does not agree to the new approach being proposed.

 The letter will also outline the various motions that have been passed by the Island Council of Saba concerning Saba’s own quest to become a Crown Dependency within the Dutch Kingdom, having a similar relationship like the United Kingdom has with Anguilla.

 Blackman added that Saba is willing to cooperate with St. Maarten based on the Windward Islands Economic Union (WIEU) document.  Commissioner Johnson told SGIS that Saba was one of the first islands to respond to proposals by St. Maarten early January concerning equality and cooperation regarding the SVB, APNA and the Central Bank.

PHOTO CUTLINE:
Left to right: Amelia Nicholson, Xavier Blackman, Commissioner Will Johnson, Roy Smith, Police Major Winston Victoria and Lt. Governor Antoine Solagnier.
Photo by Roddy Heyliger 

Eastern Caribbean Regulators Air C&W's Rate Change Bid

Grenada, CMC - The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) responded Wednesday to proposals by Cable & Wireless to impose new tariffs on telecommunication services in the sub-region.
In a statement the regulatory body said it had been brought to the attention of the Ministers of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines - which comprise ECTEL member states - that C&W will be publishing new proposed tariffs, effective March 1st, 2003.
However, ECTEL has warned that the former monopoly provider's application for a rate change would be subject to regulatory approval by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of the five countries.
"Cable & Wireless will be making this application under the May 20th, 2002, Agreement between the OECS Heads of Government and Cable & Wireless to ensure that they have an application before the NTRC within the required 30-day time frame prior to the expiration of the interim nine-month Agreement," the statement noted.
The agreement covers outstanding issues between the participating governments and Cable & Wireless in respect of the new licenses and removes the limited restrictions placed on new operators in an earlier agreement of the 7th of April, 2001.
The initial accord stipulated that there be a transition period of from 12 to 18 months to full competition. It also identified two phases in the transition process.

Region's Hoteliers Hail Tourist Marketing Plan

NEW YORK – Allen Chastanet, chairman of the Caribbean Hotel Association’s Marketing Committee, is encouraged with the Caribbean’s efforts to market the region as a single destination, but wants to see industry stakeholders quickly reach agreement on a sustainable funding formula for the critically important program.

He told reporters in New York this month that the Caribbean Hotel Association Charitable Trust (CHACT) is extremely pleased that the level of cooperation between regional governments and the private sector has enabled the first phase of television commercials and the launch of a user-friendly and dynamic website – www.gocaribbean.com . The second TV phase begins this week.

Mr. Chastenet, Air Jamaica Vice President of Marketing and Sales, explained that the next hurdle for the regional marketing campaign is developing sustainable funding. formula.

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. A regional fund has enabled the launch of a television campaign dubbed "Life Needs the Caribbean".

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 United States Virgin Islands.

Caribbean Government Regulators To Meet Offshore Industry Executives

Top level management and offshore business executives, will meet with Caribbean offshore industry regulators in Dominica at The Caribbean Offshore Business  Conference and Internet Gaming Summit March 5-6, 2003, at the Fort Young Hotel. The event is organized by the Caribbean Public Relations and Marketing Group (CPRMG) who’s headquarters are located in Antigua.
Topics at the Summit will include: The United States  Position on Internet Gaming and Offshore Business; New Gaming Laws and Regulations in the Caribbean; the Impact of Antigua’s New Offshore Gaming Tax Structure; International Image Building; the  Impact of Offshore Gaming on Small Jurisdictions and the Question of Money Laundering in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Offshore Business Conference and Internet Gaming Summit will focus on regulations and the future of the Offshore Business Industry in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Banana Producers Tackle Low Quality Problem

Dominica (CMC) -- The Windward Island Banana Development and Export Company (WIBDECO) says it is working with companies in four banana-producing islands to address the problem of low quality fruit being exported to Britain.
Dr. Errol Reid, WIBDECO's Operations Manager, told a news conference that the company still had issues with the quality of bananas from the islands and was working with each island to try to find a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.
Earlier this month, WIBDECO, which sells fruit on behalf of Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, announced concerns over the deteriorating quality of fruit. The company warned that if the situation persisted, it would no longer be able to pay the contracted prices to banana farmers.
Dr. Reid told reporters that WIBDECO was devising new strategies to enable the Windward Islands to compete on an open market and to minimise the risk to the region's fruit.

2 Grenadians to Attend ACP Culture Meetings

Grenada -- Minister of Culture Brenda Hood and Acting Chief Cultural Officer Thomas Mathew will represent Grenada at the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Ministers of Culture and Experts meetings, which will be held in Dakar, Senegal in March 2003.
The experts meeting will be held prior to the ministers meeting, which will seek to formulate a clear ACP Cultural Policy for development. The policy formulated will be suitably adapted to each region.
The policy will then be completed through commitments outlined in the Liberville, Santo/Domingo and Nadi Declaration and Decisions of the ACP Ministers of Cultural meeting. Additionally, the promotion of cultural industries as the engine for development and its accessibility as a resource base for ACP states will also be addressed.

PM Warns Barbadians Of Challenges Ahead

Barbados, CMC - Prime Minister Owen Arthur has warned nationals to brace for tremendous challenges that lie ahead, as Barbados seeks to find its way in the new global economy.
"As I speak to you, there is a Caribbean Single Market and Single Economy Unit located at the Central Bank of Barbados to convert the 15 Caribbean economies that were separate economies for 500 years into one Caribbean economy," he told party supporters  Sunday at a nomination event.

He noted that the region was also involved in negotiations that will change its relationship with Europe and the United States, as well as the rest of the world. In addition, he said, Barbados faces many more tests, including closer scrutiny from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organisation, as well as audits of its money laundering and financial intelligence systems.
Confident of victory in the upcoming polls, Mr. Arthur is urging the BLP to gird itself up to lead the country during the most complex and challenging five years ahead, telling party supporters that plans were being drawn to make our world "a more dangerous place within which to live."
With elections constitutionally due here by next year, the BLP is seeking a third straight mandate to lead the country but faces a challenge from the opposition Democratic Labour Party, which currently holds two of the 28 seats in parliament.

Cable & Wireless (West Indies) Added to 3G Americas' Board

WASHINGTON (CMC) -- 3G Americas announced Tuesday that Cable & Wireless (West Indies) has been elected to its Board of Governors, effective January 2003.
The election of Cable & Wireless follows closely on the recent expansion of the board of the Washington-based organisation to include Telcel (Mexico) and Research In Motion (RIM).
3G Americas unites wireless operators and vendors in the Americas to form a single voice representing GSM, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, and UMTS technologies.
"Cable & Wireless, with TDMA networks in 13 island nations, will be deploying GSM/GPRS across the Caribbean, beginning in April in its key markets of Jamaica, Barbados and the Cayman Islands," said Chris Pearson, Executive Vice President of 3G Americas.  "As such, Cable & Wireless is a strategic member of our Board as it joins the growing number of TDMA operators who have announced the addition of GSM to their mobile operations."
There are nearly 4.5 million cellular subscribers today in the Caribbean and 38 percent of those subscribers are TDMA subscribers with another 34 percent using GSM technology.

BWIA to Terminate 600 More Workers This Month

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) - Financially-strapped BWIA has unveiled a new business model it says will make the airline more competitive, but at the same time announced it would be sending home more than 600 employees by the end of this month.
"The new business model 2003 at BWIA entails streamlining the business along the lines of the new low cost carriers. This means simplifying the fleet and sizing the operations and costs to fit the environment realities," BWIA's Chief Executive Officer Conrad Aleong announced during a televised statement on Tuesday night.
Mr. Aleong said that BWIA would terminate the employment of 617 employees by the end of January, as the airline seeks to turn around a net loss of US$28.9 million last year.
On Tuesday the airline sent home an estimated 446 employees and said that US$10 million had been set aside for a separation package for the dismissed employees. "We had no choice, we had to save the airline," Mr. Aleong said.
But trade unions representing BWIA workers accused the airline's management of deception, saying that the workers were the only causalities of the new plan.
"The developmental aspect of people has not really been factored in. You outsource everything in order to record a profit at the expense of trained qualified people," said Jagroop Jagdeo, President of the Communications Transport and General Workers Union.
Christopher Abraham, President of the Allied Communications Aviation Workers Union (ACAWU), told reporters that the airline had planned to cut staff as early as last year, adding "this plan is just a bunch of figures, what they did was in the making for a long time".
BWIA Chairman Lawrence Duprey, who also participated in the televised programme, said that the global airline industry had lost an estimated US$31 billion during 2001 and 2002 and that BWIA was not immune to the financial problems.

New AIDS Treatment Drug Has Trinidad Doctors Wary

Trinidad (CMC) - Local doctors have expressed reservation over a drug developed by the Nation of Islam religious group for the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.
However, the organisation has announced that at least 20 persons in Trinidad and Tobago have already accepted its offer of free medication over a five-month period.
The doctors met with the Nation of Islam's Minister of Health, Dr. Alim Mohammed, to discuss the new drug on Sunday, but many felt that they were not satisfied with research information given on the drug, which is yet to be approved by any medical authority or institution worldwide.
One local doctor, Neil Singh, said that statements made about the drug "Alpha Inter-feron" were not supported and not proven during the meeting, while others said that even though they were in favour of new drugs to deal with the deadly virus they were opposed to "jumping into bush medicine."
Another medical practitioner, Dr. Sonia Roach, said the organisation should first get the drug registered before it is administered to patients.
But Dr. Mohammed told the doctors that while his organisation was not saying it had the final solution to the epidemic, the low dose, low cost medication was worth consideration.
Trinidad and Tobago has recorded some 17,000 cases of persons infected with the HIV virus, but health officials say that the number could be much higher.

Caymanians Muster MP's To Support Euro Fax Fight

LONDON -- London-based “Friends of Cayman” and members of the Cayman Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group of MP’s have solidly backed the Cayman Islands Government in its fight against the EU Tax Directive and for a continued independent Cayman judiciary.

Mrs. Jennifer Dilbert, Cayman Islands Government Representative in London, hosted a lunch on 21 January to introduce MP’s and Lords to the Friends. At the well-attended meeting, Michael Hobson, Chairman of the Friends of Cayman, said that UK business “recognised the quality and transparency of Cayman financial services and supported the fight against the imposition of unfair regulatory regimes.” In response Lord Davies of Coity, Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group, said that all Parliamentarians in the Group “would work to help protect the future of Cayman.”

Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group have tabled Parliamentary Questions to the Foreign Secretary asking for a statement on various issues, including the UK’s relations with Cayman, and Bermuda’s exemption from the EU tax package. A reply is expected within the next few days.

Conservative MP Nick Hawkins said “ this will be a long fight and we must work together and maintain the pressure."

Antigua Court Injunction Halts Suspension Appeal

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC - The Police Service Commission (PSC) has obtained a court injunction restraining the Public Service Board of Appeal (PSBA) from hearing an appeal brought by Commissioner of Police Truehart Smith against his suspension from duty last year.
The PSC is also seeking a number of declarations from the High Court.
Included among the declarations are that the PSBA has no jurisdiction to hear any appeal from an administrative decision of the PSC to suspend with pay the Commissioner of Police prior to or pending an investigation into certain allegations made against the Commissioner of Police.
They are also asking the court to agree that the purported appeal of the Commissioner of Police dated December 23, 2002, and presently partially heard by the PSBA is a nullity.
The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing in the High Court on February 27.

IMF Lends Grenada US$4 million In Emergency Aid for Lili's Havoc

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CMC) -The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved US$4 million in emergency assistance for Grenada to support the government's efforts to deal with the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Lili, which struck the island on September 24 last year.
The emergency loan, which is being made available immediately, currently carries a charge of 2.51 percent. It will be repaid in eight equal quarterly installments over three to five years from the disbursement date.
"The authorities are to be commended for their speedy response to the effects of Tropical Storm Lili, which caused extensive damage – equivalent to nearly 2 percent of GDP -to infrastructure and the nutmeg crop, Grenada's main agricultural export," said Shigemitsu Sugisaki, the deputy managing director and acting chairman, at Monday's conclusion of the Executive Board's discussion on Grenada.
He noted that essential infrastructure was repaired and emergency assistance provided to the affected population.
He also noted that the Keith Mitchell administration has allocated funds in the 2003 budget, approved by Parliament in November, for infrastructure rehabilitation and for strengthening its disaster management and emergency relief operations.

Britain Publishes Sex Laws Shake-up

BBC New World Edition

Government Ministers are worried about the risks of chatrooms

Adults befriending children with the intention of abusing them face five years in jail as part of the first radical overhaul of sex laws for 50 years.

The new offence of sexual "grooming" of children will allow police officers to intervene and arrest a suspect before any sexual activity takes place.

But Home Office minister Hilary Benn said that while he did not "underestimate the difficulties" of bringing such a prosecution, it was the government's view a new offence was needed to protect children.

Among other measures in the Sex Offences Bill published on Wednesday, couples who have sex in an outdoor public place could face six months imprisonment

Sex offenders from overseas will now have to register when they come to the UK.

UK sex offenders will have to re-register annually, instead of every five years, or face five years in jail.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said sexual crime, especially against children, "can tear apart the very fabric of society".

"Protection of children and the most vulnerable is a priority for the government," he said.

"This is now the first time for 50 years a government has had the courage to take on the difficult and sensitive task of reforming sex offences legislation."

The new offence of "sexual grooming" comes in two parts, dealing with the intention of a would-be paedophile and the moment a meeting with a child takes place.

Penny Dean, of the Children's Society, welcomed the stance taken on child abusers.

But John Wadham, director of the civil rights group Liberty, said: "Provisions like those on grooming risk feeding fear and mistrust in ways that distract from the serious business of child protection - which is about openness, education and talking frankly with our children."

Dr. Denzil Douglas Begins Constitutional Lecture Series

St. Kitts -- The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, has begun a series of lectures on Constitutional Reform organised by the University of the West Indies School  of Continuing Studies.

Dr. Douglas was invited to address the issue of HIV/AIDS on the impact/potential impact of this pandemic on our small developing nation and the countries of the Caribbean at the UWI Centre, the Gardens.

 “We consider this to be of high critical importance, for in our time and place health issues must be central to any dialogue on Constitutional Reform, since such issues are fundamental to the meaningful growth, sustainable development, and indeed the survival of any people,” said Montserratian-born Resident Tutor and Head of the University Center, Mrs. Olivia Edgecombe-Howell.

Mrs. Edgecombe-Howell said Prime Minister Douglas is in the best position to make this important connection for “our people as we seek to shape a constitution that will be compatible with our highest hopes and aspirations.”

The Public Education Programme has been orgainsed by the School of the Continuing Studies in St. Kitts and Nevis in its effort to revitalize and redouble its contribution to public education on the Constitutional questions in the twin-island Federation.

It will take the form of a Public Lecture Series, a Training Seminar for Teachers and a Symposium. 

Broadcasting Dispute Resolved in Grenada

Grenada (CMC) – A last-minute agreement ended two weeks of protest action at the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN), led by workers aligned to the militant Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU).
Under the agreement announced last Friday, as the dispute headed to the Office of the Prime Minister, the Company agreed to withdraw all letters of termination issued to the protesting workers, to make way for a full resumption of duties this past Monday, January 27.
However, 10 workers, whose planned retrenchment by the media company triggered a work stoppage at GBN on January 7 that later escalated into a full blown strike, will not be required to show up for work until March 31, 2003.
They will be paid their full monthly salaries from January 2003 and for the period they are off-duty they are entitled to travel overseas or to engage in any form of employment up to that period.
“Within a period of fourteen (14) days from the execution hereof, the parties shall recommence discussions about the proposed retrenchment by the Company, which said discussions began on Thursday 7th January 2003,” the agreement further states.
It said discussions shall be terminated at the end of March, unless otherwise mutually agreed between the parties for termination at an earlier date.
However, it was made clear that the final decision on retrenchment rests with the Company.
GBN is 60 percent owned by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Communications Network (CCN) and 40 percent owned by the Grenada government. 

St. Kitts/Nevis Labour Party Delivers Promised Hospital

St. Kitts -- The opening of the new multi-million-dollar Joseph N. France General Hospital yesterday fulfilled the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party's campaign promise in the run up to the 1995 General Elections to provide better healthcare for the people of the twin-island Federation.

The Labour Party said then that the incumbent PAM Government had failed dismally in its health policies, pointing out that under previous Labour Party Administrations the health system in St. Kitts and Nevis “was the envy of the Caribbean” and was “used as a model for developing countries.” 

“The new Labour Government will construct a new general hospital,” said the Labour Party in the Manifesto going into the 1995 General Election under the leadership of Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

Since becoming Prime Minister in July 1995, Dr. Douglas and Health Minister. Earl Asim Martin began the task of constructing a hospital as a center of excellence. 

Construction of the new Sir Joseph N. France General Hospital began in 1999 and comprises the Psychiatric Ward, funded by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis at a cost of EC$1,648,000; the Medical and Surgical Wards, funded by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association IBRD/IDA (World Bank) at a cost of EC$5.6 million; the Private Ward, funded by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis at a cost of EC$3.2 million, and the Pediatrics Ward, funded at a cost of EC$2.7 million by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and administered by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

Funds for the retrofitting of the Ophthalmic Ward were secured through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Disaster Relief Fund, while the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis funded the expansion of the building at a cost of EC$420,693. The Rams Group of Companies and Government provided the funding for the equipment. The Accident and Emergency Department was funded by the European Union at a cost of EC$12.9 million. 

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) funded the new Obstetrics Ward and Delivery Ward at a cost of EC$5.1 million.

Governor General His Excellency, Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, a former Medical Superintendent of the Joseph N. France General Hospital cut the ribbon to officially declare the facility open. 

Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority

It has been brought to the attention of the Ministers of ECTEL Member States: Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis  and St. Vincent and the Grenadines that Cable and Wireless will be  publishing new proposed tariffs, effective March 1, 2003.
Cable and Wireless will be making this application under the May 20th, 2002 Agreement between the OECS Heads of Government and Cable and Wireless to ensure that they have an application before the NTRC (National Telecommunications Regulatory  Commission) within the required thirty-day time frame prior to the expiration of the interim nine-month Agreement.
ECTEL Ministers wish to advise that work is ongoing on a Price Cap Regime that will determine Prices of Telecommunications services. There has been a delay in the completion of the Price Cap Regime largely due to the failure on the part of Cable and Wireless to supply the Commission with the required information.
Cable and Wireless' application for a rate change will be subject to regulatory approval by the NTRC.
Ministers will act to ensure that the interests of the consumers are protected within the provisions of the Agreement and the regulations.

Regional Task Force on crime and security to meet in Trinidad

 Trinidad, CMC  - The threat of terrorism, the proliferation of illegal guns and the issue of criminal deportees will be high on agenda of a special two day meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Regional Task Force which opens here on Thursday.
"Firearms are a high priority. We really have to try and find a way of getting the guns off the streets of the region," said Task Force Chairman, Lancelot Selman, while pointing to a disturbing trend in crime in Trinidad and Guyana.
Selman acknowledged that lawlessness was escalating, lamenting that the region had ignored the problem for a long time.
He said the cause and manifestation of crime must be addressed.
"We must address what is leading to crime and increased violence. We have to look at the education system, the influence of television, family values," he said.
Selman also believes the region is at risk of terrorist activity and he revealed that the Task Force will examine proposals to deal with the threat.
"We are proposing that enhanced border control measures be implemented to prevent the entry of terrorists. That will also address the issue of illegal firearms and drugs, which are major issues. We still see drugs as a major threat because that is the crime that spawns other things like illegal possession of firearms, corruption," he said.
On the issue of deportees, Selman said a Regional Research Project into the problem has already been commissioned.
The meeting at the Trinidad Hilton comes against the backdrop of a spiralling crime situation in parts of the Caribbean - the situation in Guyana, which recorded over 150 murders last year, in Trinidad, where there were 172 killings, as well as in Jamaica, which recorded over 1,000 murders in 2002, are among the most troubling.
The regional task force has been set up by CARICOM governments to offer solutions to the problem. 

Youth Vibration

Presented By Tomeika Jeffrey

Why is sex such a big issue these days?

Sex seems to be the talk these days; it’s on the television, radio, magazines, newspapers, and even on the streets, but why?

It existed since the beginning of man, so why is it such an issue these days, or is it?

Sex is important for the continued production of the human race and it has always been so.

But now we find people acting as if sex is wrong. But the truth is man has always been known to make excuses for their problems.

People tend to view sexual intercourse as negative, because of the diseases associated with it and the personal problems that may result.

Many, for moneymaking purposes, commercialize sex and in doing so are either abusing themselves or others, not forgetting to mention the negative impression that is being passed on to young people.

Some individuals become sexually active, just for a moment’s pleasure, with no appreciation or consideration of the importance of it.

Many teens become sexually active at the age of 11 or 12 years old.

Anya Alvarez, a 13-year-old girl from Tulsa, Okla., USA, agreed to record a video for TV's 20/20. In it, she described her transition from childhood to adolescence. "When I was 5," Anya said, "it was like, “Should I give him a toy or not? Now, it's should I smoke weed? Should I have sex? Should I lie to my parents?

In the interview Anya talked about her introduction to adolescence, the problems she faced and decisions she made;

She said, “The pressure they feel to become sexually active, is because guys don't need girls' approval, but girls need guys' approval."

The girls complained that when they give in they get labeled. When people find out, "you're a slut," 16-year-old Josslyn Kolb told us.

But Anya recently learned that giving in doesn't necessarily win the guy's approval.

Anya said, “She had "an incident with a guy and it wasn't a very good one" last summer.

She's not comfortable saying exactly what happened, but it shocked her.

"He didn't care about me. It felt, I just felt dirty, I guess. … After that I realized, you know, I wasn't important to him," Anya said.

She said, "Guys don't get labeled if they have sex with girls."

Although Anya lives in the United States the problems she faces are no different from those faced in the Caribbean.

In the Caribbean, sex and procreation are seen as natural, healthy activities which if suppressed will cause men and women to be unwell.

The Common Law Union is one of the most popular family type in the Caribbean.

This family type was influenced by slavery.

During slavery in most parts of the Caribbean, slaves were not allowed to marry, and so this family type has since been the practice by the Caribbean people.

More and more young women, and to a small extent young men, are being pressured to reproduce in fear of losing their mates, at the same time without considering the chance of being infected with a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

More and more teens are having unprotected sex, and Montserrat is no exception; HIV/Aids is as real as you and me.

Teenage pregnancy and STDs are major problems in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean rates second highest in the world with HIV/AIDS cases; Africa ranks first.

Our promiscuous sexual behavior is also influenced by the way we dance and the music we listen to.

In Montserrat, the school system should participate in educating teens about sex; by adding sex education as a subject.

If teens are taught the meaning and learn to appreciate that sexual intercourse has more to it than pleasure, our problems could be cut by half.

We need to stop ignoring the fact that our youth will have sex, so the youths need to be educated, or they will go researching on their own. Sexual intercourse is an act our youth will experience some time or the other.

Change and its effects on Youth

There is a Generation Gap between parent and children, in which the youth of today view life differently, compared to the youths of past years.

The generation gap between parents and teens in most cases lead to the break down in communication barriers.

Many parents find it very uncomfortable to talk to their teens about sex and their life styles, and many times find it difficult to form a conversation in fear that the topics would come up.

This is mostly due to the age and interest differences of both parent and teen. According to a recent survey, the majority of both parent and teens find it easier to discuss these topics with fellow peers.

Teens claim that the present is different from the time parents grew up in.

In earlier years, males were seen as the breadwinners of the home and the female's role was to take care of the children, cook and clean and play the role of bedroom companion to her  husband.

Now times have changed, the world is more modernized, and the roles of males and females have changed considerably compared to past years.

Since the women's rights movement, more and more women are releasing their potential, educating themselves, and occupying jobs that were considered male domains.

The question is, are these changes for the better or the worse?

We must agree, most of these changes brought betterment for the present generation, but like every other good thing invented, fought for or established, there is always a group of people abusing it's original purpose.

Marriage is now seen as a mutual agreement between two people in whom the responsibility is shared equally, but in most cases one parent is left with the responsibility of taking care of the child or children; this outcome is mostly due to the high cost of living.

With the progress the world has made, with new inventions and advancement of civilization, cost of living is very high in today’s society, resulting in both parents having more than one job or working longer hours, which resulted in parents spending less time with their youth. Most times the changes resulted in family breakdown.

Many parents spend less time with their teens because of work, or are too busy pursuing personal goals.

Some teens facing neglect find themselves looking for somewhere to belong. This can result in their getting involved in negative groups.

In this present time some teens are left with the responsibility of most adults, with no parental guidance or support.

In conclusion, some changes are for the better and some for the worst, but despite the changes we should never let them come between family relationships.

Photo needed:  

FEATURES

Tourism Highlights

CTO Invites Applications For 2003 Scholarships, Grants

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), through its scholarship programme, the CTO Foundation, his year is providing scholarship and study grants to Caribbean nationals wishing to pursue tourism and hospitality studies or language training.
The scholarships are for a period of 1 year and 18 months, beginning in August/September 2003. The deadline for application is April 17, 2003
In addition, study grants ranging from US$500-US$2,500 are available for persons pursuing post secondary studies in the tourism sector at certificate, diploma or degree level from June onwards.
Language training grants are also being offered to persons who are currently working in the tourism/hospitality sector for whom having a second language would be an important asset, said Bonita Morgan, CTO's director of human resources development.
Persons wishing to apply for either the scholarships or the study grants can obtain application forms and related information from the Ministry of Tourism, the Board of Tourism or the Ministry of Education in their respective countries. Application forms are also available at all CTO offices and online at CTO's website address www.onecaribbean.org. 

DOVE

1.1.2003 

What ill wind or good flew this dove in

on express wing from some alien shore

skirting crosswinds of contention

over the Geralds port to land

uncannily outside my chamber door

with a baritone moan on new year’s morn?

If it presages peace then it is worth

two in the bush and more in the gulf.

The nerve: to invade my family space.

Go chirp your hieroglyph to presidents

and hawkish spouse or to the house

next door.  Go scratch a fertile ground

to plant your word and water it with tears.

Make sure it’s heard in the red of soufriere

anger.  Let it paliate intestine

gripes in politics and perhaps, in my life?

Howard A. Fergus 

COMMENTARY

Shadow Boxing With The British

by Montserratian at Heart

Everything that has happened on the media landscape in Montserrat over the past two weeks has been so very incredible and outrageous.  It seems like we are living in some kind of dreamland. It is not possible to believe that any man of reason can act in so extreme a manner.

My head reels every time I think of the recent press conference and the response of aggrieved parties. What on earth is happening here? Tell me who is a shadow of himself? And pray tell who is this skillful, eminent, capable and fine upstanding leader who stands head and shoulders above the rest of the dowdy feeble-minded chief ministers of the Overseas Territories? It is impossible to believe that any God-fearing human being, no matter how distant a shadow of his former self, could go into such nauseating and repulsive self congratulation and self praise? This level of self trumpet-blowing has never been exercised by anyone in their right mind in any country at any time. Least of all by a leader whose performance is clearly so dismal and appallingly dreadful that a country has retrogressed by 20 years in two short years.

It is true to say that the three past Chief Ministers have contributed to the rehabilitation of Montserrat in ways that the present Chief Minister obviously cannot comprehend. This must be the reason why this stomach-churning self–hype is on going and never ending. Why else would any testosterone-filled male resort to being a toady of the British Empire? Why parade this kind of demented behavior not only across the local media but as far as ZJB can be heard?

Who will ever take us seriously? Imagine yourself sitting in a cold dismal flat in a cold dismal country counting up the last shillings of your miserable pittance of a dole and contemplating returning to good ole Montserrat. Suppose you happened to hear the kind of insane trumpet-blowing drivel dribbling from the lips of a mere “shadow”? What would you do? Would you hustle back home? Would you at last be happy that you were never allowed the opportunity to vote in the last election? 

For the first time many people are recognizing that every body may have a vote and may even choose to use it, but everybody’s vote does not count. For the first time people are truly taking stock of what they have inflicted upon their homeland and themselves. It is bad enough having to treat with the public servants of the British Empire over which we have no jurisdiction or electoral impact. But having given an overwhelming mandate to such insanity can drive a Christian man to drink.

The situation becomes even more abysmal when one absorbs the level of disingenuousness that is being exhibited on the matter of leadership. If you never believed it before, believe now that it is very dangerous to be powerful. Even if it is in a little backwater fish pond like Montserrat. Power leads to arrogance and arrogance to a fault. Well, in fact many faults. Power, you see, spoils the full use of reason. The thought of being in a position of power over a long haul has turned the head of many a politician. And of course access to a salary in four figures a month does contribute to mendaciousness when one is forced to go public on the issue of leadership. Especially when one is not accustomed to that level of remuneration.

It is clear that at this time Montserrat does not need political warfare but we do need constructive intellectual engagement. What Montserrat needs is the enlargement of the table and the inclusion of many more partners at the national decision-making table. If we allow overly ambitious individuals to ov