Montserratians - Well Informed!
Says Governor Abbott
by Bennette Roach
In a private interview His Excellency Governor Tony Abbott,
told the Reporter that he spent much of his new year holiday
visit with his family at Government offices discussing and
pushing the Montserrat cause. 
Back in Britain the Governor said, he had to give assurances repeatedly that residents remaining in Montserrat were all fully aware of the risks involved in being here. He said: "And coming through some of those meetings was the perception that maybe myself and the Government of Montserrat weren't insuring that everyone on the island knew precisely what the scientists were saying and what the risks to their health were. I gave very strong assurances that that was not the case; that my belief was that the people on Montserrat are extremely well informed about the volcanic activity and the risks and hazards to health posed by ash and silicosis."
Although that seemed to have fired the British feeling of hesitancy, the Governor repeated his firm belief in the British Government's commitment to developing the north, but opined:
"I understand that people on Montserrat know very well where the dangers lie. They know how to behave when they're in ashy conditions. But I did not want anybody anywhere in the world to believe that we have not fulfilled our responsibilities by insuring that every single person on the island knew the risks posed by the volcano.
"As a result of that, we've been working on a system whereby we really can be confident that everybody knows. Now I know that 3,500 people are not going to read or fully understand everything that is contained in these reports (those reported on earlier). We therefore put together in London a leaflet, which is about to be published and printed and I hope to have it on island.
"...the Foreign Office, the Department for International Development, the chief scientific adviser and the chief medical officer have now had a hand in amending it. The Government of Montserrat also had an opportunity for input. We have now an agreed leaflet."
The Governor indicated that this leaflet is being printed and that one will be available to every person in Montserrat, through the post office, stores, churches, schools, shelters and every possible outlet.
And what is the purpose again for this? "The reason why I am so keen, and everybody in the British Government is so keen, for everybody to have all the information, is that they can make an informed choice of what they want to do, and can't say 20 years from now 'we didn't know'. They must have as much information as possible to make their own individual choices and they may make their own decisions. I believe people do know this all very well and I believe they've made a conscious decision to stay in spite of the hazards," the Governor declared.
The Governor seemed to share the opinion that there was indeed a strong push for total off-island evacuation, quoting Bernie Grant, a West Indian British MP who admitted to being, "an ardent off-island-evacuation proponent before he visited".
The Governor now believes that this well behind us and sees the British Governments action of commitment as evidence of this.
The Governor was asked to explain the British Government hesitancy's and his confidence in the British re-affirmation of commitment to the island. In this regard he said: "You're always commenting on that every time I talk about commitment I always add the rider, 'as long as it's safe to do so.' And you're right, and I will always continue to do that, for a very good reason. And the good reason is that whilst we believe, and the scientists believe, that the north of the island is safe, No one is prepared to put a guarantee on it. They always say there is nevertheless an element of risk. Now if there's an element of risk, that implies one day it just might change. Now if that's true, I want us to be prepared for that. So as long as the scientists are saying the north of the island is safe- and we've just had it reaffirmed that it s safe but not without risk - (the Governor sees no change) to me the status quo did not change for the north of the island with all this information."
On the side of the commitment, he said, I'm totally confident. I think we will see very, very soon some action on such projects as the scheme that will help make progress on housing.."
He explained his understanding of the scientists' presentation of the 20 percent chance of a decline in activity and the same for an increase. it's 60 percent chance that activity will be maintained on the same as we've experienced over the last six months. In other words you've got an 80 percent chance that it is going to continue at the same level or get worse. And only a 20 percent chance that it will get better."
He further spoke on the progress of development: "We're almost now getting into the Sustainable Development Plan, - a very good draft has been produced, I'm very impressed with it, and I think we have to now work our way toward those aspects of the Sustainable Development Plan that deserve priority."
Commenting on his tour of duty so far on Montserrat, the Governor said: "I'd never been a governor, I'd been a diplomat. I think I am much perceived on the island as being a politician. I'm not a politician. I'm involved with the people and the Government of Montserrat and pretty much as a partner of the British Government. That's how I see my role here."
The Governor was asked if the crisis caused some deviation from his role as Governor. His reply: "I am well acquainted with the responsibilities of governor, the triple role of representing the monarchy, the people and the government," admitting further that there is sometimes conflict and, "At the end of the day I have to represent the best interests of Montserrat."
About his impressions now of the volcano he said it shook him up a bit on December 26, 1997: "I've got to say that Dec. 26 event had a massive impact on me. It brought home to me very, very clearly the actual power of this volcano, the energy it contains."
As to his future hopes he said: "It was very nice that it stayed in the south, southwest, but I think 2« years' experience has shown there are obviously a number of outlets at the top of the crater and when one gets plugged it can go almost anywhere. That's a possibility and that's what we have to be wary of and conscious of, and plan for."
In keeping with the chief scientific advisor's recommendation, the governor then said, "We have to plan for the worst."
In a wrap up discussion with the Governor, he shared Mr. Black's view that there aren't any other countries queuing up with offers of aid for Montserrat. But he agreed that because of the relationship between Montserrat and Britain, any request for, or offers of aid to Montserrat, will be with consultation with the British Government.
Montserrat Will Again See Day Turn to Night
by Staff Reporter
Montserrat will be one of the few places in the world that will experience one of nature's rarest and most impressive sights.
The momentuous occasion is expected to take place on February 26, Montserratians will be able to see a total eclipse to the sun, called a solar eclipse, an event that is said to only occur in the same place once every 360 years. It will be the last solar eclipse until the year 2358, the previous one occuring in Montserrat on February 3, 1916.
Under title "Montserrat Eclipse" by Dr. Roy Bishop, a retired professor of physics of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, he writes:
The Moon's shadow will engulf Montserrat, turning daytime into a deep twilight.
At any one locality, a total solar eclipse is a rare event. The last total solar eclipse visible from Montserrat took place in 1916. After the 1998 eclipse, the next one visible from Montserrat will not occur until the year 2212.
On Thursday, February 26 the Moon's umbral shadow first touches Earth at sunrise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Over the next three hours, the 140 km-wide dark shadow sweeps eastward at more that 2000 kilometres per hour, crossing some of the Galapagos Islands, northern Colombia, Montserrat, Guadeloupe and Antigua, before leaving the Earth at sunset on the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Africa (see maps). Southeastern North America and the northern half of South America will experience a partial eclipse, but only those people within the narrow path of totality will witness the spectacular total phase. Montserrat are among the favoured few.
As seen from Montserrat, the Moon will begin to cover the Sun at 1:04 p.m. This partial phase will last until the total eclipse begins at 2:30 p.m. The Sun will be totally covered for a few brief minutes, until nearly 2:33 p.m. After this the bright surface of the Sun will reappear, becoming completely uncovered by 3:49 p.m. when the eclipse ends.
Most people will not notice the early partial stage of the eclipse. However, by ten minutes or so before totality (about 2:20 p.m. in Montserrat), the dimming of the sunlight, its strange brownish colour, and the sharpening of the shadows of trees and houses will become obvious. By 2:28p.m. a large, expanding, dark, storm-like area will appear over the ocean in the southwest as the Moon's shadow rushes toward Montserrat at over 3000 kilometres per hour. Birds will think night is approaching and go to roost. Two minutes later darkness descends, the Sun will vanish from the sky, and its ghostly outer atmosphere, the solar corona, will suddenly appear as a pure white, rayed halo surrounding the inky, black silhouette of the Moon. This fantastic apparition will stay in view for almost three minutes, until just before 2:33 p.m. when a brilliant burst of light will announce the end of totality as the Moon begins to uncover the Sun.
During the three minutes of totality you will likely notice two star-like objects near the totally eclipsed Sun. The one below the Sun is the planet Jupiter; the other, above and to the left of the Sun, is the planet Mercury. Another sight to notice during totality is the horizon; light filtering in from beyond the Moon's shadow will produce a sunset effect all around the horizon.
The partial phases of the eclipse (before 2:30p.m., and after 2:33p.m.) are dangerous to watch directly because a portion of the intensely bright surface of the Sun is in view. Do not stare at the Sun at these times, or on any other clear day! To do so risk permanent damage to your vision. Children especially should be watched because on February 26 they will want to see what is happening in the sky and will not understand the danger. (See page 4)
Fortunately there is no danger at all during the spectacular three minutes of totality. At 2:30 p.m. when the last bit of the intensely bright surface of the Sun is covered by the Moon, you can look directly at the wonderful sight in the sky in complete safety with your uncovered eyes. Binoculars will give an even better view. Most likely never again will you have a chance to see this sight. But when the brilliant Sun reappears barely three minutes later, stop looking up, turn away from the Sun and watch the Moon's shadow rushing away toward the east. Then go back to watching the Sun's image formed on the white sheet behind the small hole, and treasure the memory of what you have seen.
In the next weeks leading up to this phenomenon, the Reporter will bring you more details and particulars
See our new Column: Tourism Corner:
"Any Reason for Hope"
On February 26 this year at around 2 p.m., Montserrat will experience what is described in an article shared with the Reporter by Dr. Roy Bishop as "the most awe-inspiring of all natural events."
At the Fred Espenak web site found at http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse it is written: "To witness a total eclipse of the Sun is a privilege that comes to but few people. Once seen, however, it is a phenomenon never to be forgotten.
"The black body of the Moon standing out ... in sinister relief between Sun and Earth, the sudden out-flashing glory and radiance of the pearly corona which can be seen at no other time, the scarlet prominences rising from the surface of the hidden Sun to heights of many thousand miles, the unaccustomed presence of the brighter stars and planets in the daytime, the darkness of twilight and the unusual chill in the air. There is something in it all that affects even the strongest nerves and it is almost with a sigh of relief that we hail the return of the friendly Sun."
It may be ironical that Montserrat provides one of the best viewing sites of this near-once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon, and especially from O'Garros in St. Patrick's, most recently devastated by the volcano.
We have heard some of these predictions before, such as, that on that day the volcano will be at its worst and that after that, it will begin to go back to sleep.
But, what if this ravaging volcano which many have come to refer to as the enemy does go back to sleep then or soon after and what if it continues as the scientists speculate for a minimum of 2-3 years or longer, much longer?
The most important question for the 3,500 or so people left on Montserrat is, will it encroach any further north and north-west than the upper reaches of the Belham Valley River?
Then there are the questions of how and when will Britain fulfill its commitment to developing the North, which is now described as relatively safe, compared with any other island that is open to the risks of hurricane, earthquakes and even volcanos. We can then expect that the aid and the development plans will get into full gear and we should, even though slowly, see the disappearance of the delays and stalls that have now become a way of life.
His Excellency the Governor returned from Britain recently full of confidence, "totally confident that we shall soon see progress on the projects of most immediate concern to the Government." He agrees that, "much more work needs to be done to develop the north and the work needed to achieve this will be decided within the framework of the Sustainable Development Plan."
Very well, and perhaps therein lies a lot of hope. But what part are we to play in making this more than mere hope? Certainly not the diatribe, that those of us who must listen have to endure. That is going backwards and no more need be said on that. Much is in the Chief Minister's court to do something positive. Even at the risk of being repetitive, it is too tiresome. Who is going to show us that there is some dignity in serving as our political heads.
Where and who is the enemy - if there is one?
Too often we must repeat the same thing about getting our act together. If we do not do this we are encouraging our own disasters and the feeling is strong that it will not be the volcano to blame after all or at all.
The Royal Montserrat Defence Force has announced that two of its members have been deemed worthy of promotions. They are Sergeant Albrun Semper, who has been promoted to the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant, and Lance Corporal Mcleod Roach, who has been promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Company Quarter Master Sergeant Albrun Semper and Corporal Mcleod Roach
A short promotion ceremony took place on Wednesday, 15th January, 1998, at the Royal Montserrat Defence Force Barracks at Pasture Piece.
Semper and Roach were praised by the Commanding Officer who congratulated both men on their excellent performance throughout the crisis.
All Officers and other ranks of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force take this opportunity to publicly congratulate their Brothers in Arms on their well deserved promotions.
House Rent - Problem for Evacuees
Housing and house rent are serious problems Montserrat evacuees are facing in their regional ports of refuge.
Returning from Anguilla for a brief visit Dianne Farrel-Carty, formerly from Molyneaux, told the Reporter that house rent in that country is "killing people."
"Montserratians there are getting jobs, they have given them permission to work, but they have to pay so much in house rent. In Anguilla it is rough with house rent. US$250-$300 per month for an unfurnished house. It is really hard," she said.
Speaking to the Leeward Island Times, A Nevis-based periodical published by Howell Bramble, Candia Williams, Chairperson of Citizens and Friends of Montserrat, said, "Our people are facing high rents to which they have been unaccustomed."
This is what Joyce Carty has been undergoing for over two years in Antigua:
"We rented a house we will never live in Montserrat. It had no proper bathroom or in-toilet. It took us two years before we could become established and get another one with bathroom and toilet and kitchen," the Kinsale woman said.
Access to proper jobs is another issue many of the volcano refugees are being faced with.
"In Montserrat I was well established. I had my own business and house. Now I must find a job. It was one of the biggest problems in Antigua. After two years I located a job and I also do some gardening," Joyce said.
Williams in her interview with the Leeward Islands Times also alluded to this dilemma.
"The housing problem is compounded by the fact that many of them are not working," she said.
Joyce, who is the mother of five, said the problem of housing and jobs could be eased if people come together and form a support system.
'People could come together, organize themselves and get things done cheaper. People with skills could put together and help one another," she explained.
Williams, however, feels the Montserrat and British Governments should do something to rectify the situation.
"We would like the Montserrat Government to put the case to the British Government on our behalf. The government of Antigua has indicated a willingness to allocate land to Montserratains for housing but there has to be some reasonable negotiation between the British government and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as to how this land will be obtained," Williams said.
Housing she said will give evacuees a "sense of stability," which she feels will negate the sense of loss they suffered as a result of the volcanic eruption.
"Housing for the Montserratians in Antigua would provide a capital asset which would increase in value in time and would provide them with something substantial which would enable them to invest substantially in the redevelopment of Montserrat," Williams explained.
The Reporter understands that the government of Nevis has allocated lands specifically for Montserratians there.
After a death-dealing blow by the South Soufriere Hills Volcano, resilient farmers on Montserrat are on the rebound.
Reports reaching the Reporter indicate that several farmers involved in the Blakes Agricultural Project are in the process of reaping their first crops.
Sweet potatoes, squash, onions, tomatoes, peppers, cabbages, peanuts and corn are examples of produce the farmers are reaping from the 15 acre cultivated land in upper Blakes.
Commenting on the production, consultant Tony Hill said he admires the farmers who had the guts to get back into farming after the devastating blows they experienced in the crisis.
"Farmers here are very enterprising. Some even went out and sourced land for themselves before we got the Blakes project going. I find that they are remarkably resilient," Hill told the Reporter.
Love for the land and a special relationship with the profession are some of the things Hill said could be attributable to this praiseworthy element in the farmers who have remained.
Hill says he feels that the island can become self sufficient in at least some vegetables, if plans continue as they are. He however feels there are some factors the Department of Agriculture and farmers must contend with.
"A lack of irrigation could cause the farmers, income to drop during some periods of the year. Irrigation technically is feasible but expensive. Another major issue is that of loose livestock. Farmers will have to ring fence their crop, which will push up production cost,' Hill explained.
Hill said one solution to the irrigation problem is to use waste water from the sewage plant.
When asked about the sanitary problems Hill explained that trained health officers will ascertain the quality of the waste water.
"We are recommending that it be first used on fodder and tree crops. That way it is not directly going onto food crops like vegetables. If this works well and as people get used to the idea we can use it in all irrigation systems with proper monitoring," Hill said.
About the future of Agriculture in Montserrat? Hill revealed that there are plans to develop sustainable livestock farming by improving pastures and fencing livestock. Mango and citrus farming are examples of tree crops, which are expected to come on stream soon also.
by Cathy Buffonge
A most inspiring service took place at the Brades Pentecostal Church last Sunday afternoon. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the University of the West Indies, celebrated throughout the Caribbean this year, under the theme 'Celebrating the Past, Charting the Future'
The ecumenical service, which drew a large crowd of graduates and well-wishers, was the first of a number of activities which will be held throughout the year. The service was conducted by the Montserrat Christian Council (MCC), whose chairman, Father Victor Peters, introduced and chaired the occasion.
Dr Howard Fergus, Resident Tutor at UWI's School of Continuing Studies here in Montserrat, gave a brief history of the University, explaining that it started in 1943, with an enrollment of just 33 students, under the auspices of University College, London. It became a separate institution in 1962, and has now grown from its small beginnings to its present three campuses, with over 10,000 students enrolled and plans for even more.
There are Schools of Continuing Studies (formerly known as University Centres) in all the non-campus territories, where students can do first year University courses, as well as certificate and other courses, some by the Distance Education method.
Dr Fergus further explained that the University belongs not just to the students and graduates, but to all the citizens of its member countries, because their governments support it financially. He also pointed out that Montserrat's University Centre had always been a springboard for local arts and culture, with several cultural groups, including the Emerald Community Singers, emerging in the early days with its first Resident Tutor, Dr George Irish.
The musical side of the service, with hymns carefully chosen, included beautifully sung choral presentations by the Emerald Community Singers and a choir of UWI Graduates - a large number of whom had come together for this very special occasion.
Reverend Joan Meade, herself a UWI graduate, delivered a powerful, deeply emotional and thought-provoking sermon, using Old Testament texts to deal with themes of slavery, the road to freedom and the promised land. She made a passionate appeal for an end to selfishness and divisiveness in the Montserrat community, saying that even if the volcano were to stop tomorrow and the Bank of England gave us everything we want, we would still not have found the promised land.
Short addresses and greetings were given by Minster of Education the Hon Adelina Tuitt, as well as former MSS Principal Camilla Watts, and past UWI students Elveta Chalmers and Rachel Ryan. All these speakers were full of praise and gratitude for the achievements of the University, both on campus and locally. Singled out for much praise was the Distance Education project (UWIDITE), which has assisted many students to do part-time courses while continuing to live and work in Montserrat.
Three students were presented with certificates by the Hon Minister of Education. Steve Forester and Nurse Shirley Williams gained the Certificate in Public Administration, while Joseph O'Garro gained the Certificate in Business Administration. These few certificates were a positive sign that in spite of all the problems brought about by the volcano and double relocation, the local School of Continuing Studies is still active and students are still keen to excel.
A release from Government House early this week said that the Rt Hon. Robin Cook MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, will visit Montserrat on 14th February 1998.
It is expected that the Foreign Secretary's prograrnme will include an overflight of the island, a tour of facilities in the north and a meeting with the Chief Minister and other Ministers.
In a later release it stated that the Secretary of State Cooke has announced that Britain and the Bahamas will jointly launch a UK/ Caribbean Forum in Nassau on 12 - 13 February 1998. Baroness Symons and George Foulkes, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Department for International Development, will attend the two- day conference, and the Foreign Secretary will chair the second day of talks.
Mr Cook said:
" I am pleased that we have been able to follow up this initiative so soon after the announcement at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. The Forum will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss pratical measures with our key partners in the region on how we can address a broad range of Caribbean issues. We also plan for the Private Sector to be present at the Forum. We are grateful to the Government of the Bahamas for offering to host this meeting."
The Hon. Chief Minister, Mr David Brandt, has accepted an invitation to attend the Forum. He will be accompanied by the Hon. Financial Secretary, Mr C. T. John.
The Forum was one of three UK/Caribbean initiatives announced by the Foreign Secretary at CHOGM. The other two were the creation of a Caribbean Inward Investment Bureau, and an informal advisory group, both of which will be established shortly.
The first day of the Forum will concentrate on talks between the UK (and the Caribbean Dependent Territories and Bermuda) and the Caribbean members of the Commonwealth. The second day will be opened up to wider participation by EU Member States and the European Commission, and the CARIFORUM Secretariat and its member countries. CARIFORUM comprises the Commonwealth Caribbean countries plus Haiti, Surinam and the Dominican Republic; and is the Caribbean's negotiation body with the European Commission on allocation of the European Development Fund.
Volcano Crisis Takes Its Toll on School children
by Hilton Samuel
Aggressive behavior, lack of interest in school work and shorter attention spans are what teachers say they are observing in children at school on the volcano hit island.
Speaking to the Reporter Head mistress for the only government primary school in Brades, Mrs. Eliza O'garro said she wishes that the old days would come back.
"I find that even the kindergarten children are speaking bad words as if it a normal part of their vocabulary. They don't even seem to realize that it is wrong. When I talk to the parents about it they say, 'Teacher it's the men in the shelters they hear talking bad words.' the whole system seems to be more chaotic now," the principal with 33 years teaching experience said.
O'Garro said she also has to deal with a lot of discipline problems on a scale she never dealt with before.
"Maybe it has to do with stress. For example, a year ago some of the children had the hope of going back to their homes. Now there is no hope. They seem empty. Lost inside. It is as if they don't belong anywhere. Children need to feel that they belong. This gives them stability and security," O'Garro explained.
She also feels that the behaviour problem could stem from the fact that parents not being in their own homes do not discipline their children in the same way they would in the privacy of their homes.
She also pointed out that many of the children are in the process of learning the new environment that they are in. It is normal, she said, that children from different communities take the wrong bus to come to school.
"We, the teachers and students, have to learn each other, while they have to get accustomed to one another," she told the Reporter in her Brades school office.
"The discipline is slipping. Many of the parents don't even seem to have the same level of care and concern," the Leeward Island trained teacher said.
Teacher Liz, as she is affectionately known, showed tremendous concern over the lack of religious knowledge in the children she oversees.
"Very few of them know common Bible stories or can sing popular choruses that used to be so common,' she explained.
She says this is due to the fact that many parents do not go to church any more.
The good news, however, is that with a major upheaval in school schedule along with a significant amount of days out of actual school, O'Garro reported some 96 percent of the children were able to pass their class exams. She also said that teachers are a lot more understanding and lenient than before.
"They would not be so severe with children who do not have their homework and when children sleep in school they are understanding. They know that shelter living could cause these problems," O'garro said.
Another teacher, who wishes not to be named, said she finds the children need a lot physical activities to hold their attention.
"For a 40-minute period, you might have to change the activity several times to keep their attention. I also find that they don't play the normal games, they tend to more games involving aggression, like kicking, fighting and throwing stones," she said, while admitting that she deals with a lot of slow learners who need remedial work. She is uncertain of the reason for the negative phenomenon she is now observing in children.
Active teaching versus passive teaching along with smaller classes are some of the solutions this teacher feels should be used to help the troubled children.
O'Garro told the Reporter that she has asked several religious leaders to teach the children every week during the Religious Knowledge period.
"Along with that the teachers also give them stories with morals every morning during assembly," she concluded.
The Brades school has 175 children. 113 boys and 65 girls.
Primary schools on the island opened last November, 11 weeks behind schedule due to lack of space. The schools were being used as shelters.
After six months in a shelter, 51 year old Doris Murrain from
Cork Hill, is fed up.
"I am frustrated doing nothing. There are too many of us in the room. I have no privacy," Murrain told the Reporter sitting on her Brades shelter steps.
Murrain had just finished eating a small enamel bowl of rice/peas and chicken.
"I am not comfortable in the shelter. I will like to get a home for myself. The ration that they give is not enough either,' Murrain said.
Day dreaming about her Cork Hill home, is something Murrain regularly does. This, she says makes her even more frustrated.
Commenting on the general running of the island Murrain says there are some critical persons that the government need to take care of.
"I feel the government need to look out for the police, the nurses and the Defense Force. Their salary is too small and we need these people to stay on the land and look after us in case any emergency happens," she concluded.
Montserrat Shanty Town - Problems
Living in what someone called Montserrat's shantytown, makes St. Patricks-born Enid Harris pleased about being able to "live in a house."
But surviving in the Geralds Park "Public Assistance Housing Project," is far from being easy. Many are still grappling with primitive survival issues.
"I have no place to lay my egg," Harris said referring to the lack of toilet facilities, "The toilet they have up there is never clean. If they empty it 7 o'clock in the morning, by 10 it is full because so many people are using the one toilet."
The lack of an immediate water supply, and leaking houses are other humbugs that plague not only 43-year-old Harris, but some 20 other occupants in the project.
Speaking to the Reporter, Harris said many of the houses were damaged during the relocation and "no one bothered to repair them."
"My house leaks. If you see the houses that some of the other people are living in. One woman's roof is actually lifting off. The houses are not tied to anything. When the wind blows hard you can feel the house move. I am frightened," she said.
Harris mentioned the case of "Granny," a mentally disturbed neighbor who "use her cooking pot not only to cook but also to [urinate] in."
"What we can't take is that she would empty her waste outside her house and in front of other people's yard. The government should have someplace to put them," Harris' said.
Granny, Harris said, had to live in a house with the roof partly lifting and in unsanitary conditions through her pregnancy.
"It was only Monday she gave birth to the child in the house," Harris revealed.
Harris however is grateful for the house, which she said was provided through the assistance of former CM Bertrand Osborne and accommodates several items she was able to salvage from her boyfriend's house in Hope.
"Well this is my home. No body bothers me. I accept the situation, it is God's work and we simple have to adjust," Harris said sitting on the arm of a red sofa in her packed house.
With her locks neatly wrapped to the back of her head Harris scratched her right foot while wondering if they will allow her to add a room to facilitate here 13 year old daughter who will be shortly returning form London.
"She has a sinus problem and the winter bothers her a lot. It is better for her to live here," the mother of five said.
Commenting on the situation in the island Harris and her boyfriend, Kemson Ryan from Salem, said that the country need to use more of its local expertise.
"I notice that we are going back to plantation days, when British officials are making all the decisions. We need to utilize the expertise of local persons rather than having the British-appointed people to tell us what we should do," Ryan said.
US Discourages Travel to Montserrat
Comment: Barbados Based US Consulate Office recently published a travel advisory with the specific intent of discouraging travel to the island. The full text of the document is printed below. While caution should be observed by travelers, advisories like this has the ability of seriously impacting the tourist potential of the island. It would be wise that the government of Montserrat and the Tourist Department in particular be protective of the global image which is being projected by influential agencies like the US Consulate.
Warning - Montserrat: The Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens defer all travel to the eastern Caribbean island of Montserrat. The Soufriere Hills Volcano, at the southern tip of the
island, has erupted many times since last June 1966 and is responsible for a number of deaths. Seismic experts predict more violent eruptions could endanger the island. Residents are concentrated in the northern designated safety zone. This area is overcrowded with limited resources. The British government, which administers Montserrat, has offered Montserratians voluntary relocation assistance to the U.K. and neighboring islands. The only transportation off the island is by ferry service and limited
helicopter service. The U.S. Embassy is monitoring the situation and is in contact with American residents on the island. For further information on travel to Montserrat, please consult the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.
Solidarity Camp for Montserratians
Montserrat/Antigua Solidarity Camp is the name of a special week-end camp that has been arranged for Montserratian youths in neighboring Antigua.
The camp, which is organized by the Caribbean Conference of Churches, will facilitate 30 youths from Montserrat and other Caribbean countries in an attempt to foster unity and solidarity among the young.
David Spencer, Senior Project Officer of CCC said the camp will seek to expose the participants to devotional material that will aid them in their lives.
The camp will take place from January 23 to 25.
More Relief for Volcano Ravaged Montserrat
Over one hundred boxes of relief supplies have been donated to the people of Montserrat by the United States based Inter-Denominational Agency Ministries in Action.
Representatives of the group, President Walford Thompson and associate Maria Richardson, were here on island this week to deliver the items to the Montserrat Christian Council.
According to Richardson, the items were collected through donations from her church and some cooperate companies in the US.
President Walford told reporters that his organization has negotiating with government about the use of an alternative building material thermo-flex. Thermo Flex he said can withstand hurricane force winds and earthquakes.
CM Brandt Criticises Assisted Package Means Test
Britain’s Assistance Package Means Test for Montserratians who have relocated abroad has come in for criticism by the Government of Montserrat.
Chief Minister David Brandt announced that his office has received complaints from Montserratians who are not receiving the full amount of the regional Assistance Package.
The Assistance Package, which is available to Montserratians who have relocated to regional countries after July 18, 1995 and before August 16, 1997, stipulates that working persons are to be given a proportion of the package after six months of the present salary is taken out. Persons whose salaries pass the $10,000 mark after six months are automatically disqualified.
The Select Committee Report published November 27, 1997 recommended that the means test be dropped as it is unfair to Montserratians who have relocated.
It is not known if the British Government has given consideration to this recommendation.
Caricom Village to be at Look Out
British funded Houses at Lookout
The CARICOM village will now be located at Look Out instead of at Davy Hill.
According to CM David Brandt the switch in location came as a result of insufficient space at the original Davy Hill site.
Speaking at a press conference Jan 16, CM Brandt told reporters that Brown and Root Construction Company "encroached" on the land space allocated for the CARICOM Village. This has forced the change to Look Out where the government has acquired some 250 lots of land.
CM Brandt discounted reports which said the village will only consist of 12 houses.
"The land space at Davy Hill could have only accommodated 12 houses. So we have decided to relocate the Village at Look Out because it is not good to have half of a village in one location and the other half some place else," Brandt told reporters.
Britain, the CM said, will put in the infrastructure which will allow the village to start soon.
Speaking on the issue of infrastructure of private lands, CM Brandt said Britain needs to put in infrastructure to help persons who want to build but do not have the money to put in road, water and electrical infrastructure.
Liason Officer for Montserratians in England
The British Foreign Office this week announced the appointment of a Liaison Officer to help Montserratians relocated to Britain.
The post was established following complaints of Montserratians who have relocated to the United Kingdom.
According to a release from the Foreign Office, the officer will ensure that Montserratians are aware of the benefits available to them and how they can access these benefits.
Baroness Symons says the officer is expected to meet with all the relocated Montserratians in Britain.
Clinton Denies New Sex Charges
I did not ask anyone to tell anything other than the truth. This was President Clinton's repeated response to allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 24-year-old former White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. The young woman has also denied in a sworn statement that she ever had a sexual relationship with the President.
On Thursday, the President gave his most concrete denial yet to reports that he pressured intern Lewinsky to lie about their alleged sexual relationship.
"The allegations are false and I would never ask anybody to do anything other than tell the truth," he told reporters in the Oval Office during a photo session with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
Clinton addressed reports that a special counsel is investigating whether he pressured the former White House intern to lie under oath about an alleged sexual relationship.
"That is not true. That is not true. I did not ask anyone to tell anything other than the truth," Clinton said earlier. "There is not a sexual relationship, an improper sexual relationship or any other improper relationship."
Clinton expressed a desire to get back to work and remained composed during the interview. But officials said his reaction in private was less reserved.
The president is outraged by these allegations," said White House spokesman Mike McCurry. "He has never had an improper relationship with this woman."
ABC NEWS correspondent Jackie Judd first broke the news that two sources claim tapes exist in which Lewinsky tells another colleague that the president, and later his close associate, Vernon Jordan, instructed her to lie under oath about an alleged sexual relationship she had with Clinton.
Lewinsky herself denied, in a sworn affidavit, that she ever had a "sexual relationship" with the president. And Clinton said Jordan "is in no way involved in trying to get anybody to say anything that's not true at my request."
"(President Clinton) has made it clear from the beginning that he wants people to tell the truth in all matters," McCurry said.
Tapes Delivered to Starr
Last month, Lewinsky was subpoenaed by lawyers for Paula Jones to testify under oath in Jones' sex harassment case against the president. Two weeks later, former White House staffer Linda Tripp allegedly came to independent counsel Kenneth Starr's office armed with tapes she had made of her conversations with Lewinsky.
According to an ABC NEWS source familiar with a witness in the matter, Lewinsky claims in the tapes that she called the president to discuss the subpoena. He allegedly told her to deny everything about their relationship. The source says Lewinsky claims in the tapes she then called Clinton again, at which point he said Jordan would get back to her.
The Queen of Talk Faces Charges of Defamation
The Queen of Talk Oprah Winfrey, is
accused of falsely spreading the word that American meat could
cause mad cow disease in the United States.
The Associated Press reports on Wednesday that jurors who will decide whether Oprah Winfrey's on-air remarks caused beef prices to plummet watched edited and uncut versions of the episode in question Wednesday.
Several Texas cattlemen are suing Ms. Winfrey, claiming she cost them millions of dollars by linking beef to mad cow disease during her April 16, 1996, episode.
Ms. Winffey's defense attorney Charles Babcock told the eight-woman, four-man jury that Winfrey did not make any false statements and that her comments are not to blame for the beef industry's woes.
"She was fair in her broadcast, was fair to this industry," Babcock said. "And these people know it."
In the episode, vegetarian activist Howard Lyman criticized the U.S. practice of feeding processed livestock to cattle, a custom believed to have spread mad cow disease in Europe. It was banned in the United States last summer.
Winfrey responded that his remarks about the cattle-to-cattle feeding "just stopped me cold from eating another burger."
Plaintiffs' attorney Joseph Coyne told jurors that his side would prove Winfrey made false, defamatory comments about beef makers.
"During breaks, Winfrey acted as cheerleader and created a lynch mob mentality among spectators," Coyne said, drawing an incredulous, wide-eyed look from Winfrey.
Mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, is a brain-destroying disease that has afflicted cattle in Britain since the late 1980s. In 1996, British scientists announced that humans may have contracted a similar brain disease by eating infected beef
Just a Few Little Inconsistences Among Friends
by J Donald Brandt
Where is Jonathan Swift, the satirical destroyer of magisterial pretense, now that Montserrat needs him? He's dead, of course, has been for 253 years, more's the pity.
What about Gilbert and Sullivan, those superb masters of lampoonery who could burst the bubble of British duplicity? Dead also, alas, Sir William since 1911, and Sir Arthur since the turn of the century.
Even those modern irreverents of the BBC who, as Monty Python, hilariously skewered official British pomposity no longer tilt at patrician windmills. The surviving members have gone on to more rewarding commercial pursuits.
How sad that all of these masters missed Montserrat's glut of tinder to fire their impudence.
Item One
Dr. Willie Aspinall, one of the rotating chief scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, discussed in a Dec. 12 Radio ZJB interview the meeting of scientists in Antigua to assess the future of the volcano. On that program he observed: "I've heard it said, 'Well of course you fellows, you're paid by the British Government, so you're going to say what they want you to say.' Well that is not the way scientists work.... The one stock in trade that scientists have is their impartiality."
A week later, incoming MVO chief Prof. Steve Sparks was interviewed on the same topic. He conceded the delay in release of the Antigua report by the British and Montserrat governments but expressed the hope that it would be released as soon as possible. "There is one formal procedure," he said, "which it has to go through, as required by the British Government, and that is that the Chief Scientist of the UK have this draft report to consider. We are waiting for his comments on the report."
Item Two
In his Dec. 12 interview, Dr. Aspinall said he had told the Government of Montserrat the day before that the scientists' best estimate is that the volcano "is going to continue along much the same lines as it has done for the last several months, into the near future. So we are slightly less concerned as scientists with being caught out unexpectedly by something much, much bigger than we've experienced before."
Since that time, Dr. Simon Young, another in the rotating list of MVO chief scientists, described the Antigua report as the most positive scientists have agreed upon to date.
Dr. Robertmay, chief scientific adviser to the British Government, a stranger to Montserrat but presumably jealous of his scientific impartiality, advised his paymasters to "recommend in the strongest terms that people should leave" the area between Nantes River and Lawyers River.
Item Three
On his return from the United Kingdom, His Excellency Gov. Anthony Abbott, O.B.E., reaffirmed the commitment of Her Majesty's Government to support "the community on the island for as long as they wish to remain and it is considered safe to do so." His assurance that ongoing development projects will continue seems to support the conclusion that it still is deemed safe for us to remain.
In a later press conference, Mr. Robert Teuten, head of the newly formed Montserrat Unit of Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, was asked about the British promise to pay return fares for those Montserratians wishing to come home. He replied, "We will pay the return air fares for those that have left under assisted schemes. But we will only do so when we are advised by the scientists that it is the right time to do so. That time has not yet been reached."
So it's safe to remain but not safe to return?
Item Four
Gov. Abbott conceded that changing circumstances had led to delays but expressed his confidence in early progress on such things as 'assistance to small and medium sized enterprises, a low cost mortgage scheme and the construction of more housing.
Mr. Teuten told the press, 'There is certainly no intention to delay things unnecessarily. So upon my return I shall be putting up at least two submissions to the Secretary of State (Clare Short) for her consideration. If we receive a positive response, then the AMO here will be in discussion with the Government of Montserrat to implement them as quickly as possible.... In the case of significant new development projects, they will have to come back to London for the moment."
Item Five
Ms. Short told the Select Committee of the House of Commons that she was deeply concerned at the hardships imposed on Montserratians by the volcano and pledged her continued support. She did so after acknowledging with deep regret an impatient suggestion that hard-pressed Montserratians might soon be asking for golden elephants.
Dr. May, who may have missed that portion of the committee hearings, recently warned Her Majesty's Government "there is a possibility that Montserratians will attribute any future illnesses to their exposure on the island. This could lead to claims for compensation."
Item Six
But let's not rush to the conclusion that inconsistency is a British specialty. Hypocrisy exists everywhere, witness the comments of former Chief Minister Reuben Meade, now a member of the Opposition in Legislative Council. Mr. Meade lamented in a Radio ZJB broadcast what he professed to have heard at the press conference Chief Minister David Brandt held with MVO chief scientist Richie Robertson and Dr. Tim Carter, senior health coordinator. Mr. Meade expressed his alarm at hearing Chief Minister Brandt say that his government had no choice but to do what the British Government told them to do.
At that press conference, Mr. Brandt said, "In my association with the British, sometimes it seems that they have grown accustomed to telling Montserrat politicians, 'This is what we have decided and you have to agree to it.' The time has come, and as far as my administration is concerned, we know what is best for us. They have their points and we are going to have to meet half way. We will not tolerate, because they are called the Mother Country, that they must come and impose something on us from a distance."
Crisis-stricken Montserratians must begin to insist that Opposition is a political designation, not an obligation.
Dedicated to All Who Face Major Challenges in Their Lives.
Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with Divine wisdom, which knows how to adjust everything perfectly.
So often we do not pray because from our standpoint everything looks hopeless - but nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied. No human relation is so strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding. No habit is too deeply rooted that it cannot be overcome. No one is so weak that he cannot be made strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant.
Whatever we need or desire, if we trust God he will supply it.
If anything is causing worry and anxiety let us stop rehearsing the difficult and trust God to bring about healing love and power."
The Captain Rides the Volcanic Storm
Thomas Elizah Weekes, a veteran businessman popularly known as Captain Weekes, says it is "crazy to continue business in Montserrat."
"We are just forming fool. Sometimes you can hardly make $300 dollars a day. When I was in town I could have easily have made $10,000 in a day," the 79-year-old businessman told the Reporter.
Captain Weekes supermarket on marine drive in plymouth - Destroyed by pyroclastic flows
Weekes attempts to hold on in St. Johns
Weekes said he feels the government is unsympathetic with businesses in Montserrat.
"The government gave civil servants money, paid their way to go to Antigua to their Christmas shopping in December. The businesses here suffered because of that. Look I still have turkey in the freezer. That is nonsense," he explained.
Landing charges, duty in addition to freight and land transport charges are other odds that Weekes said are stacked against the local businessman.
"The other day I went to Antigua to buy one box plantain, one box tannia seed, yam, and pepper, three cases chicken, and three cases turkey. They charge me over $300 duty, which makes it more expensive. It is hard on the poor man. We are only wasting time here," Weekes told the Reporter.
He recommends that government consider the abolishment of duties in order to make it easier on the "poor people who have to live in the country."
After 51 years in business, losing over $I M worth of land, building and infrastructure, the Captain is considering bowing out of business. He said he is considering going into pig farming.
"I will continue to work as long as I live. I feel I am going to order some pigs from the states and set up a farm on my land," he revealed.
The Captain, who started in business in Antigua, said he returned to Montserrat from St. Croix on the Advice of former Chief Minister John Osborne.
"I had a hotel, restaurant and supermarket in the Virgin Islands. John Osborne told me that I could come home and do business because Rams is making a lot of money down here. So I came home and built a building for over a million dollars," Weekes told the reporter in his house-turned-shop in St. Johns.
After the volcano mushroomed into activity Weekes relocated to St. Johns - where he set up in a family-owned house.
"My family agreed that I can use it. I have added a section to it. The containers outside I use them as storage," Weekes said.
Commenting on business Weekes said the buying patterns of the residents of people in the North are vastly different from those of persons in Town.
"Out here they come to shop to buy a pack of biscuit or pound of salt fish and they love to make a lot of noise too. In town people come in and take up a shopping cart and do big shopping," Weekes said while fixing his large bottles of liqueurs in his crowed supermarket.
The supermarket is run by Lillian Weekes, the wife and partner of the successful businessman.
"I got married to her in 1950. That time she was working for the Catholic School for $10 a month. I use to give her lunch and snack which came to more than $10 a week. I told her to stop the stupidness and come and run the business," he said.
About the future? Weekes said he feels there can be a future for businesses in Montserrat but not under the present system.
Be In Montserrat to See the Solar Eclipse of 1998
On Thursday February 26, 1998, the sun will cut a 150 mile swathacross the Southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, causing a total exlipse of the sun.
Montserrat, a small tranquil mountainous island of 39 square miles,
will be among the very few Caribbean Islands where viewing of the Solar Eclipse is possible.
Three minutes of total covering of the sun will cause street lights
to come on and chickens to roost early. This is a rare phenomenon where millions of people will have a chance to view what is considered one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring of all natural events, next to Montserrat's active Volcano!
While on Montserrat, one will have a chance to see a growing and glowing larva dome which stands over 3,000 feet high - weather permitting - from a distance. Other activities that one can
engage in on Montserrat include hiking, diving/snorkeling,fishing, sailing and more....
The eclipse duration here is 3m 3s, or 14 seconds less than the
duration on the center line. Here is the Map of the Eclipse from Montserrat.
(http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/TSE1998map/T98figll.gif)
The last eclipse to be seen on Montserrat was February 3,1916.
After the total eclipse in 1998, the next one visible from
Montserrat will occur on 27 August 2212 - more than two centuries
from now!!!
Next issue.... eye safety and photography during solar eclipse.
Contact the Montserrat Tourist Board, P.O. Box 7, Montserrat,
Tel: (664)491-2230/8730
Fax: (664)491-7430
E-mail: mrattouristboard@candw.ag Internet http:www.mrat.com/
You can also visit the following websites for more detailed information on the eclipse:-
http://umbra.nascom.nasa.gov/eclipse/980226/rp.html
http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/eclipse.html
http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/TSE1998/TSE1998.html
Http://planets.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/TSE1999/TSE1999.html
C&W and WICB Launch Joint Campaign
The West Indies Cricket Board and Cable & Wireless, official sponsors of the forthcoming Cable & Wireless 1998 Cricket Series between West Indies and England, have launched a joint advertising campaign to promote the Series and to promote cricket.
The television, radio and press advertisements, with the tag line, 'Cricket's My Game', feature members of the public and current West Indies cricketers expressing their love for the game of cricket. The campaign is now running in 14 countries across the Caribbean.
It is the first time that the West Indies Cricket Board has produced a joint campaign with a major sponsor. Mr. Christopher Dehring, Chief Marketing Executive at the WICB, said, "We're very pleased that Cable and Wireless has joined us to produce a campaign that promotes not only the Cable & Wireless 1998 Series, but the game of cricket itself.'
Mr. Sonny Peart, Marketing Communications Manager at Cable & Wireless, said, 'Cable & Wireless is proud to be a major sponsor of West Indies cricket, and this joint campaign gives us an opportunity to help the West Indies Cricket Board spread the gospel of cricket.'
Mr Dehring added, 'The campaign is aimed at all members of the Caribbean community, whether they are cricket fans or not. We want to bring people back to the game of cricket.'
WI Selectors Name 1st Test Team
Cana - The West Indies selectors have named fast bowler Curtly Ambrose and middle order batsman Jimmy Adams in a 13-man squad for the first test match against England next week, which will be played in Jamaica.
The team is: Brian Lara (captain), Sherwin Campbell, Stuart Williams, Carl Hooper (vice-captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jimmy Adams, David Williams (wicket-keeper), Ian Bishop, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Franklyn Rose, Mervyn Dillon, and Nixon McLean. Ambrose yesterday morning had to fend off reports that he was retiring from international cricket ahead of the opening Test.
Meanwhile, Sir Garfield Sobers has said the West Indies badly need to inject new blood if they want to heal their bruised ego. "I don't mean players like Courtney Walsh or, for that matter, Curtly Ambrose should be discarded immediately to pave the way for the newcomers. But certainly there are some spent forces like Phil Simmons who should be phased out," he said.
Jus wonderin if the order for the new open rescue craft has been cancelled.
Jus wonderin if we will not get a proper replacement for MV Shamrock.
Jus wonderin when the high port charges will come down.
Jus wonderin why the paper work at Customs cannot be simplified or speeded up.
Jus wonderin if the Port Manager will be awarded another five (5) year contract.
Jus wonderin if reason or imagination will guide our authorities to involve the buffer zone residents to determine the next evacuation order.
Jus wonderin when the politicians will stop discouraging others from taking up political careers.
Jus wonderin who created Shantytown.
Jus wonderin what pressures will be brought on the buffer zone residents to move.
Jus wonderin what the new Commissioner of Police discussed with the supermarket owner.
Jus wonderin which is the next bank that will close its doors in Montserrat.
Jus wonderin what the latest plans are for the Montserrat Building Society.
Jus wonderin if the Government will include any opposition member in its next mission to Britain.
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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