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Foulkes Revisits Island, Signs CPP, Finds It Good

By Bennette Roach

Mr. George Foulkes MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, (DFID) Department for International Development, which is headed by the lady Secretary of State Clare Short, wrapped up a two-day visit, his second visit to Montserrat on Wednesday evening.

Those two days would took him to almost every point of the little space that Montserrat now occupies, along with an over-island flight on the helicopter and a visit to St. Georges Hill. The last, we all know, is a great vantage point from which to look over Plymouth, and surrounding areas such as Richmond Hill and as far south as Brodericks. Mr. Foulkes visited schools, the port complex, housing schemes —including those built under the Building Materials Grant Scheme — the Brades Industrial site, even the yet-to-be occupied temporary Government Headquarters Building, police station, government offices and the metal shelter structure at Brades.

He held various meetings, of course, met with Ministers of Government and was guest at lunches and a reception at the Governor’s residence in Woodlands.

He even had a press conference with the Honourable David Brandt, following the signing of a somewhat amended Country Policy Plan(CPP).

Information reaching us prior to the signing said that the Government was hesitant about signing the document which did not provide, in their opinion, enough to meet "the reasonable needs of Montserrat," as it was put by the Chief Minister himself.

Mr.Brandt said: "The Government of Montserrat (GOM) does not accept that the £75 million is adequate to meet the reasonable needs of Montserrat over the next three years."

He went on to emphasise that the signing of the document only indicates how the allocated funds will be spent. "It means, if that sum is not increased now, a significant portion of our reasonable needs will not be met." He said that they were only able to allocate an inadequate amount to housing. "This will not satisfy the needs of all those who have lost access to their homes."

Mr. Brandt then quoted from the Coroner’s Inquest report on the housing problem which showed that up to six years the majority of Montserratians "will not be able to have access to homes." Saying that he found this "indefensible," it was here he urged Mr. Foulkes to convince his colleagues of "that £25 million additional be ‘ring fenced’ for the housing and resettlement" of Montserratians in Montserrat.

The CPP was, however, signed publicly, and it is believed that the last clause in the Agreement and under the heading "Commitment of the United Kingdom Government," was inserted as a compromise to the situation. It reads "HMG will assist the GOM to seek and obtain additional funding from multilateral donors for further development activity in key areas, e.g. housing," It is believed also that Mr. Foulkes had given the commitment to ensure that all projects which begin under the CPP will be funded to completion. However he made it clear, "We will not approve any project under the CPP unless we knew that the money would be available to complete that project."

In his opening statement following the signing of the CPP Mr.Foulkes recalled when he had visited Montserrat in September 1997, just after David Brandt had been appointed CM, "when the population was reducing, economic activity, so essential to the island’s future, was diminishing, the situation in shelters appalling and the whole situation appalling."

Now 16 months later, he was quite impressed with the situation, "with no major magmatic activity, the habitable area expanding, economic activity recovering and less than 400 people still in shelter — but still too many – but equally I recognise there still is a great deal to be done and that is why this signing of this CPP is so important."

He recalled that just under £60 million had been spent, mentioning disappointment that the soft mortgage scheme is not yet on stream.

To this end, he later explained the current delay: "We are all very keen that it should be the Bank of Montserrat. It is far more appropriate, and we would like them to do it. We need to be sure that the Bank of Montserrat is acceptable to Her Majesty’s Treasury and I am sure it will, once the audited accounts are available."

He stressed that a bank audit was the only thing holding up the implementation of the scheme and that as soon as this was done, one way or the other things will get under way.

The undersecretary ended his statement by expressing pleasure at the hope and optimism for the people of Montserrat: "We in Britain want to see Montserrat succeed"; at what he considered to be great improvement: "I am glad that what we promised then (when he visited first) has either been implemented or will soon be implemented. I look forward over the next three-year period to ensuring the provisions of this CPP are also implemented as quickly as possible, to make sure that the people currently on Montserrat, and those who wish to return, have a safe secure and prosperous future."

Responding to Mr. Brandt’s position that the £75 million is not sufficient to meet Montserrat’s needs, Mr. Foulkes’ said that he was more concerned that the money allocated was spent. He remarked that on Britain’s effort that about £10 million pounds will be forthcoming from the European Development Fund (EDF. "We are not stopping there," he said, pointing out that they will help Montserrat mobilise additional funds from other donors. He expressed his pleasure at the quality of the housing being provided, but noted that the delay was well beyond that of either government, suggesting that they were moving on with the housing program.

Referring to the Coroner’s report that has obviously caused consternation in Britain, Mr. Foulkes told us, "I had made it clear through the Governor’s office that I would be very happy to meet with Mr. Rhys Burriss to hear from him further explanation and indication as to what he thinks more we could, and should have done. I am very sorry that he did not take up the opportunity although it had been made clear I had time available...I am disappointed that he hadn’t seen fit to take up that opportunity."

Either Mr. Foulkes has been very misinformed or there is a serious lie somewhere. Mr. Burriss said that no one had invited him to meet and discuss anything with Mr. Foulkes. At 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday, he confirmed that he had just been invited to meet with Mr. Foulkes at 3.15, which he intended to do in spite of his heavy schedule.

It was discovered later that Mr. Burriss had been invited to an official luncheon and to the reception on Tuesday night, but according to him, no one had mentioned to him that Mr. Foulkes wished to speak with him. Concern has been expressed at the thought that anyone would hope to discuss such matters in any other but an official setting.

Informed sources have also advised that Mr. Burriss was pulled over the coals for his report to the point that any chance of his expiring contract as magistrate being renewed was "worse than a snowman surviving in Montserrat."

Mr. Brandt again called on Mr. Foulkes to assist the Montserrat Building Society, but he made no comment on that.

Inquest Finds 19 Who Died Ignored Dangers, But Also Suggests Why

By Staff Correspondent

The 19 persons killed by the volcano’s most tragic event on June 25, 1997, were victims of a single fate, according to the recently concluded Coroner’s Inquest. They differed only in their reasons for being where they died.

While the jurors found all 19 deaths were "caused by the natural catastrophe," they pointed the finger of responsibility at both Her Majesty’s Government and the Government of Montserrat in at least some of the them.

In London, the Foreign Office promptly disclaimed any responsibility of Her Majesty’s Government in the deaths. In a statement reported by the BBC, it said, "On May 23, the farmers were told to stop farming in the area nearest the volcano. It is inconceivable that they were not aware of the dangers."

Neither the jurors nor the Coroner suggested otherwise.

Nine of the victims were farmers or farm workers, seeing to the livestock or crops that provided their livelihood. Eight were residents, some of whom had never left their homes, others who had gone back. Among them were a young mother and her infant son who had just returned from Antigua and were at their home in Farms. The remaining two were airport workers, both in Farms. (See list of victims below)

The inquest, at which Senior Magistrate Rhys Burriss presided as Coroner, spanned nearly two months. It began Nov. 4, 1998, and ended with the issuance of the jurors’ conclusions on Dec. 31.

The five jurors found that all 19 died shortly after 1 p.m. on that day from "neurogenic shock resulting from total body burns" suffered "in the sudden surge / eruption of pyroclastic flow from which (they) could not escape."

All were in the Exclusion Zone, the jurors acknowledged, "despite the widespread knowledge that it was unsafe." Their conclusions did not end there, however. In the case of the farmers, the jurors observed that their presence was "against the background that farmers were informally designated as ‘essential workers’ and allowed into the Exclusion Zone from time to time."

The jury pointed to a number of contributory causes and issued a separate critical statement of riders on Public Shelters and Mass Information. (See Jury’s Riders and Coroner’s Statement below)

In the case of the farmers and farm workers, the jury said, that contributory cause "was the failure of the authorities, both local and British, to provide alternative lands in the safe area for farmers displaced from the Exclusion Zone."

The jury said of one farmer who had returned to live in the Exclusion Zone, "The conditions in the public shelters were so deplorable that (he) refused to return to them after his initial experience."

In the deaths of the mother and her infant son, the jury concluded, "The evidence satisfies us that there was no physical barrier between the airport road and the road leading to Farms to discourage entry into the Farms area."

Finally, in the case of the two airport workers, the jury said, "The evidence satisfies us that the contributory cause of death was the continued operation of the airport despite the elevated volcanic activity in the days immediately preceding the 25^th June 1997."

Contributory causes were omitted only in the cases of people who had never moved from their homes in the Exclusion Zone.

Jurors were John Allen, Jim Bass, Denzil Edgecombe, Maureen Hodd and Clifton Riley.

Jury’s Riders and Coroner’s Statement

After rendering individual conclusions on the 19 deaths, each of which the jurors and the Coroner signed, the jury added two Riders to their verdicts, on Public Shelters and Mass Information. These were acknowledged by Coroner Rhys Burriss in his own critical statement. The jury’s Riders and portions of the Coroner’s Statement follow:

Public Shelters

The evidence has proved to our satisfaction that after many of the people from the exclusion areas had experienced or observed the persistently deplorable conditions within the public shelters they refused to live in these places. Overcrowding, lack of privacy, poor sanitation, rowdy conduct by some individuals, exposure of children of impressionable age to crude and distasteful behaviour, possibilities for child abuse, the inability to properly care for sick and disabled members etc. were the reasons why many persons preferred to stay in their homes within the exclusion areas and risk the dangers of volcanic eruption rather than live in a public shelter.

"It is clear from the evidence presented that the necessary response to improve the conditions in the public shelters was ‘too little, too late, and behind the crisis.’ Thus, Her Majesty’s Government should have acted in a more positive manner to relieve this distressing situation. We believe it remains a matter of utmost urgency for the housing needs of the many who remain on-Island and who wish to return to at least be responded to with imagination and generosity. Only HMG possesses the resources to do this. We have been shown a draft of the Coroner’s intended remarks and we wish unanimously to endorse them as expressing the Jury’s views on this issue."

Mass Information

"Looking towards the future, it would appear that the process of public information could have been more comprehensive and therefore more effective in counteracting the extremely strong motives people had to enter or remain in the evacuated areas.

The motivating factors were clearly established by the evidence:

"1. People returned to their homes to avoid deplorable shelter conditions;

"2. Farmers continued to work their land and care for their animals although they were told of the dangers of volcanic eruption."

Coroner’s Statement

After acknowledging the Jury’s recommendations, which he said he would forward, the first to Her Majesty’s Government and the second to the Government of Montserrat, "respectfully hoping that HMG may find them of assistance," he added:

"It is worth remembering that just as Her Majesty is ‘Queen of the United Kingdom and Colonies,’ so also Her Majesty’s Prime Minister is the leader of the Government which has bottom line responsibility for Montserrat's welfare.
"Montserrat has many needs consequent upon the volcanic crisis but none is more pressing than that for many acres of land to be acquired in the North for permanent housing and for houses to be built on that land, whether by the public authorities themselves or by private individuals assisted by affordable financial arrangements. This has been obvious since at least the autumn of 1996. Some efforts have been made in this direction but one has only to count the months since the crisis began – over 40 – and note the fact that there are still approaching 400 people in the shelters, as well as hundreds more in overcrowded shared accommodation, and yet more in voluntary exile overseas, to see that the British Government response has been unimaginative, grudging and tardy. It still is simply inadequate to the scale of the need. I suspect that he were here the Prime Minister might find useful one of his favourite adjectives: ‘pathetic,’ to sum it all up. I hope that he will now take personal charge and instruct his officials that the necessary funds must at last be provided to enable sufficient land to be acquired for adequate and decent housing to be constructed."

• Alwin Allen, 44, a livestock farmer, died in Farms.
• Winston Allen, 41, chauffeur and livestock farmer, died in Farms.
• Benjamin / Joseph Brown, 71, a farmer, died in the central area of Montserrat.
• Felina Celestine, 45, a farmer, died in Farrells.
• Melville Cuffy, 39, a farm worker, died in Farrells.
• Beryl Grant, 73, farmer and huckster, died in Harris.
• Edith Greenaway, 69, resident, died at her home in Streathams.
• Joseph Greenaway, 62, resident, died at his home in Windy Hill.
• Mary Bernardine Harris, 44, resident, died at her home in Farms.
• Alicia Joseph, 23, resident, died at her home in Farms.
• Allister Joseph, 3-months, died with his mother in Farms.
• Isolyn Lewis, 43, a farmer, died in Farrells.
• Chana Rueben Boatswaine / Horrance Murraine, 66, airport worker, died in Farms.
• Keithley Ponde, 32, a farmer, died in Farrells.
• Hezekiah Riley, age unknown, described as mentally unstable, died at his home in Streathams.
• Phillip Robinson, 66, a farmer, died in Streathams.
• Anthony Sutton, 72, resident, died at his home in Farms.
• Virginia Sutton, 70, resident, died at her home in Farms.
• Joseph / Simon Tuitt / White, 45, airport worker, died in Farms.

"Pre-Millennium Excitement Doesn’t Quite Fit Montserrat"

In Montserrat, the new year before and within this decade has been preceded by a season of festivity, with more holidays than normal elsewhere. For the past four years, the festivities have been substantially reduced and subdued for very obvious reasons.

But always comes the new year, and this year it must have been difficult not to reflect that we are just a few short months and just around 350 days away from the year 2000, the new millennium. It must have been difficult not to think and ponder on what this must mean for us in half-sized Montserrat, and how close to normalcy we will begin that millennium. Yet there is so much to be thankful for, and we are.

We are all very aware of why we speak in these terms, but whether that awareness has brought us to any consciousness of where, what and how we might be when the millennium does come, is quite another matter. Because we are a colony -- or should it be a dependent territory? -- of Britain, financially poor and more dependent than ever before, it seems to add to the uncertainty and unwillingness to think carefully about it.

So for the rest of the world, plans for big celebrations are underway and many look forward to this time in history almost with pleasant anxiety. But for us the year has begun with the strain of cautiousness and care that we "cut our cloth to suit." We confront the denials and the pretense of equal partnerships, that much has changed, yet we pretend or maybe hope that the future is bright.

This week Undersecretary George Foulkes and his party -- and indeed HMG -- may have been surprised at the position taken by Chief Minister Brandt at the signing of the CPP (Country Policy Plan) on Wednesday. The problem here is that this position should have been taken last November and an agreement reached where HMG would have assured Montserrat, that even with the strain we would face to consume £75 million within three years, that should it become necessary, nothing would have to be trimmed or forsaken because in this changing world something became available, too good to miss. It took us too long to really come to grips with the fact that the reverse of the exodus of 1997/98 will be necessary. What happened here is that HMG successfully brainwashed us into planning for 3,500 people, with the possibility of that increasing to 6,000 in no less than 10 years.

The reports and the reactions this week of HMG and Mr. Foulkes are confusing, knowing just the barest facts . Mr. Rhys Burriss’ statement as Coroner promptly proved to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. His description of Britain’s response to Montserrat's volcanic crisis as "unimaginative, grudging and tardy," and his conclusion that it would "not make comfortable reading for the British Government" were right on.

The Senior Magistrate and Coroner left Montserrat Thursday afternoon, ending the year of service to which he was contracted. What little hope he may have had of a new contract allowing him to continue to serve Montserrat was crushed by the statements and attitude presented by Mr. Foulkes when confronted with the inquest during his brief visit.

The Foreign Office did not respond to the Jury’s condemnation of the "persistently deplorable conditions within the public shelters . . . why many persons preferred to stay in their homes within the exclusion areas and risk the dangers of volcanic eruption rather than live in a public shelter."

Indeed, how could it, when the Jury appropriated the hindsight concession of former Governor Frank Savage that the response to shelter conditions was ‘too little, too late, and behind the crisis"?

George Foulkes himself conceded at his press conference Wednesday that on his earlier visit to Montserrat he had found shelter conditions "deplorable," although he thought the hospital at that time was even worse.

That suggests that Mr. Foulkes had limited his visits then to one shelter and the hospital. Anyone familiar with general conditions of life in many of the shelters then would contend that even a long but temporary stay in an inadequate hospital was no match in horror for enduring conditions in a shelter with no end in sight. Remember, for some it hasn’t ended yet.

HMG responded with its automatic rebuttal of generosity to the Coroner’s expression of hope that Prime Minister Tony Blair "will now take personal charge and instruct his officials that the necessary funds must at last be provided to enable sufficient land to be acquired for adequate and decent housing to be constructed."

Long since persuaded to avoid Clare Short’s allusions to greed and demands for golden elephants, HMG now simply replays its recorded "£59 million had been spent on Montserrat between July 1995 and last March, (difficult to be observed) and a further £75 million are pledged to a three-year redevelopment plan between 1998 and 2001."

They added, of course, that Mr. Foulkes had come to the island this week to sign a new agreement guaranteeing those £75 million.

Are these games, posturing or what? What then is the relevance of a "happy new year" greeting?

And Get Off Burriss’ Back

The following was received by Fax from Donaldson Romeo, Independent Journalist as his comment in response to HMG's reaction to the Coroner's report. Mr. Romeo has carried an undying, concerned interest in the social tragedies and outcomes of this volcanic crisis.

He faxed as follows:

"The British and Montserrat Government would be doing worse than Mr. Clinton should they attempt to disclaim the findings of Her Majesty's Magistrate/Coroner, Mr. Rhys Burriss. No honest Coroner and jury would ignore such open and clear evidence of human death and deprivation as a result of willful and gross dereliction of duty.

It would be best if the British and Montserrat governments were to be courageous and honourable enough to face the truth squarely and correct their erring ways. There is absolutely no need to intimidate Mr. Rhys Burriss. He is no Ken Star. He is their best friend and not their enemy."

MRS CATHERINE PETERS

Catherine Peters, formally of Dagenham, died in Leicester, England, on 1st January, 1999, after a very short spell in hospital. Her funeral service will take place on 18th January, 11.00am at St John the Baptist Church, Hackney E9, London. After the service she will be buried at City of London Cemetery.

Catherine, or "Mrs. P," as she was known, will be sadly missed by her family and friends around the world. May she rest in peace.

Mary Brown, her Niece

0181 805 1139

Pheobe Williams, her Niece

0181 527 8394

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Kindling of Logs?

-I Corinthians 3:2 <NIV)

I was anxious to use my wood-burning stove for the first time. I thought I had considered everything as I excitedly loaded t e stove with crumpled newspapers, kindling sticks, and some heavy pieces o wood. However, the spark from the first match consumed only the kindling, leaving the large pieces of wood only smoldering. I added more paper, but the same thing happened. After several more attempts I reluctantly removed the blackened, unburned wood. Using only sticks and paper this time, I cautiously set to work building a much smaller fire. Once this was blazing, I slowly added the big pieces of wood. Before long, a glowing blaze warmed the entire house. Although those big pieces of firewood had the capacity to yield much warmth, a smaller fire first was necessary to unlock their potential. This is also true of the Christian life. Frustration comes when we attempt to ignite the "big logs" that require spiritual maturity before we have attended to the "kindling" stage of our faith. Let us resolve today to become more firmly grounded in the basic truths of God's word so that we

can successfully respond to ever-deeper issues of faith.

PRAYER: O Lord, help us to be ever-maturing Christians who abide daily in your word. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

What am I doing to move toward spiritual maturity?

Dave Funk (Oregon)

Man Found Dead In Salem Church

Police were called to the Salem Anglican Church quarters yesterday morning where a dead body was discovered.

The body is reported to be that of David Lynch, formerly of George Street, Plymouth, who worked faithfully for many years up to the evacuation of Plymouth with Joseph Eid (whose own death was announced in England several weeks ago).

According to police officials, the body was discovered in the downstairs of the church, where he has resided, by members of the community. He was found lying face down on a cot. The police say that reports indicate he was last seen in the nearby vicinity at Rams Emdee last Friday, 8^th January, when he seemed to be in good condition.

Following an inspection by the Coroner, the body was subsequently moved by the police to the St. John's hospital mortuary facility. There it was further inspected by Dr. Franklyn Perkins, who reported that Lynch had a known history of epilepsy. It was not certain whether an autopsy would be necessary.

The police said that the circumstances had shown no indication of foul play.

CITIZENS & FRIENDS OF MONTSERRAT

In late news coming out of Antigua last December, Citizens & Friends of Montserrat, a Friendly Society established in Antigua under the Friendly Societies Act, has re-opened an office and Community Information Center in St. John’s, Antigua.

It was done with assistance from the Caribbean Conference of Churches’ "Targeted Assistance for Montserratian Evacuees in the Caribbean" (CCC/Tamec) Program.

The office was opened officially on 1st December, 1998. It will operate for one year in an effort to improve the quality of life for Montserratian evacuees, by assisting them to access various forms of support from local, regional and international sources.

CFM is calling for any offers of assistance from the Public or Private Sectors, and voluntary and church organisations, to enable it to improve its services to the Montserrat evacuee community in Antigua at this time. Please contact the CFM office at telephone no. 460-9132, fax 460-9133 or c/o P.O.Box W1231, 84 Upper Newgate Street, St.John’s Antigua.

The office is being run with the assistance of TAMEC and is staffed on a part-time basis by Mr. Franklin Margetson. Mrs. Sarah Lizzie McClean is the Field Worker and Mrs. Catherine Howson is the Admin/Information Officer.

The program TAMEC has financial and human resources being shared among seven territories. Regional Coordinator is Mr. Anthony "Mamba" Liverpool, who has worked extensively in Montserrat, mainly with the Streatham Community.The Social Worker for this programme is Mrs Blondina Howes Jeffrey, already an established pillar of the Montserrat community, both at home and abroad.

TAMEC is funded by the Department for International Development (DFID), through its Community Empowerment Programme. It is intended to assist Montserratians to achieve ‘sustainable’ livelihood and social integration in the various communities.

Other Assistance

There is a Business Development Unit on Church Street, which provides advice and assistance with applications for small business loans, and job placements. The Business officer there is Ms. Sharon Edwards.

There is also the Montserrat Care Centre, which provides counseling service and support on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 5-7p.m. and Thursdays from 5-6 p.m.

The Center is managed by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Agency, (CDERA) situated in Michael’s Village (annexed to the new Catholic Church) with its resident counselor being Mrs. Patricia Bird.

Montserratians can contact the CFM office for referrals and detailed information on these services.

The CFM Management Committee comprises:

Mr. Franklin Margetson, President; Mrs. Christine Carty-Nibbs, Vice- President; Mrs. Catherine Howson, Secretary; Ms. Valerie Gage, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Claristine Meade, Membership Secretary; Mr. Jerome O’Garro, Public Relations Officer; Mrs. Sarah McClean, Social Welfare Officer; and Messrs. John Murraine and Mr. Errol Carty, both Ex-Officio Member. Members of the Board of Trustees are Mr. Jean Kelsick and Mr. George Ryan.

‘Eruption’ Points Out Volcano is Still Alive

Dr. Keith Rowley, recent Chief scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, before he left the island this week emphasized that the Soufriere Hills volcano is still very much alive.

With some surprise and yet pretty much unnoticed, there was what was described as a 'violent eruption' at 6.30 in the morning. This after weeks of continuous reports relative quiet. On January 13, there were rumbling sounds and a pressure wave was recorded on the instruments at the MVO. Altogether, the initial signal lasted for about 4 minutes and this was followed by a second pulse around 5 minutes later.

The activity reportedly generated a pyroclastic flow which went down the Tar River valley and reached the sea with some over-spill pyroclastic deposits observed in the uppermost chutes of the dome high above the Galways area.

Dr. Rowley told us that the volcano is still very active and rich with gases and pressure which will continue to seek ways to escape. For this reason he maintains that because of the state of devastation that exists in Plymouth, only sightseers were going in and this should be very limited. The danger he says remains very high as evidenced by the activity on Wednesday morning. Contrary to what many believe with the amount of rain that has been falling over the past couple months, he said further that the weather has very little or no effect on what happens on the mountains.

The resulting ash cloud seem normal to us in Olveston like those resulting from dome collapses even though it generated a vertical eruption column of ash which rose to about 20,000 feet above sea level. There was associated thunder and lightning with the eruption cloud and again seemed quite normal.

A strong easterly wind blew the ash due west to Corkhill, Plymouth and the St Georges Hill area as well as a portion of Isle's Bay Hill, but no ash fell in the northern, inhabited zone.

Christian Council Sets Week of Prayer

Under the theme: "God will dwell with them... they will be God’s peoples" ( Rev. 21:1-7), the Montserrat Christian Council will celebrate Week of Prayer next week beginning January 18 - 24, 1999.

Services are to be held nightly across the safe zone commencing at 7.00 p.m. The opening service will be held at the Cavala Hill Methodist Church.

On Wednesday there will be a panel discussion on Radio ZJB between 8.00 and 9.00 p.m. The theme for the discussion will be "Working together to become God's people in today's world." Each of four panelists will deliver a five-minute presentation on the topic. The moderator will be Rev. Rosalind Morgan.

On Thursday evening the service moves to Brades Penetecostal Church, where the preacher will be Fr Larry .Finnegan.

The closing service will be held at the St.John’s Anglican Church at 4.00 p.m.

Patients and Elderly Get Free Cable TV

Cable TV of Montserrat is helping to make the time spent at the St. Johns’ Hospital and Margetson Memorial Home a little brighter by installing FREE cable television service in these facilities. Cable service is being installed in the Obstetrics Ward, the Male and Female Ward’s of the hospital, as well as in the main viewing area of the Margetson Memorial Home.

Cable TV has long had a policy of giving FREE service to schools and hospitals. In addition, the Cable Company gives complimentary service to the Emergency Operations Center, Police Headquarters, the Montserrat Red Cross and Family Life Services. Prior to the volcanic eruption, every school in Montserrat enjoyed the use of cable to supplement their regular curriculum.

Acting Manager Carlyn Lawrence, who is filling in for Ms. Petronella Frith while she is on maternity leave, commented, "Cable TV is delighted to be able to provide service to our friends and families for whom it has become necessary to be in hospital. We hope that this will uplift their spirits and that they will enjoy all the wonderful programming that is available on cable."

UWI Exhibition And Book Launch

By A Staff Reporter

The University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies in Montserrat climaxed its 50th anniversary celebrations with a double event at the Brades Primary School on Sunday, 10 December, 1999.

The first was an exhibition of Montserratian books and music appealingly displayed in an attractively decorated setting. The books appeared in three categories -- literature, history and culture, and other non-fiction. There was also a category designated studies and research. Although the primary purpose was to highlight Montserratian writers, books by foreigners on Montserrat were also included, including the most recent history, "If the Irish Ran the World," by Donald Akenson.

The many persons who attended were delighted and surprised on encountering the several books, monographs and pamphlets which they had never seen. Writers like Archie Markham, Edgar White and George Irish were outstanding for quantity and quality, but there were smaller publications of high interest, such as Ellen Kirnon’s autobiography.

The exhibition also demonstrated that Montserrat with Arrow as its doyen of calypso is carving out a significant niche in Caribbean musical creations and the music industry. It was interesting to note the scores of persons who have broached the calypso stage and the emergence of relatively recent voices like Randy Greenaway, destined to be the music voice par excellence of the volcanic era. And some care was taken to ensure that other kinds of music and pioneers like Buntin were not overlooked.

Public comments on events like these are normally expected to be positive, but there seemed to be justification for: "Well worth seeing! Great exhibit"; "Very Informative"; "Quite interesting, never knew Montserrat had so much varied literature"; "An educational experience that should never be missed"; "Keep the fire burning. Good".

The second event was the launching of a poetry anthology, "Hope: Fiftieth Anniversary Anthology," which drew its title from an Elcia Daniel poem. Some 28 authors contributed, most of whom are associated with the UWI-based Montserrat Writers Maroon. Many of the poems are strong and of a high quality, and some have already been selected for further publication in international literary journals. It is a landmark publication in the development of a Montserratian literature. The performance was marred in part by poor acoustics but overall the audience were well entertained, especially by Chadd Cumberbatch and Ann Marie Dewar, who writes of folk life in local creole.

Professor E. A. Markham of Sheffield Hallam University, A-d Ziko Simba, Jamaal Jeffers, Chanelle Roach, Jacqueline Brown and Howard Fergus are among the contributing writers to the anthology, which marks a new level in the development of a Montserratian literature.

REGIONAL NEWS

ECCB And The IMF Seek To Improve Data Dissemination

The Eastern Caribbean Central bank (ECCB), in collaboration with The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will host a seminar on the General Data Dissemination System (GDDS) at Ocean Terrace Inn, St.Kitts, from January 18 to 22, 1999.

The five-day symposium is expected to examine the dimensions of data dissemination standards that are required to maintain the quality and the integrity of data, in relation to fiscal, financial, and external sector reporting.

The workshop will attempt to demonstrate the mechanism required to improve the processing of statistical data. It will also provide the framework for evaluating the needs of data improvement and setting priorities. Thus, the system will attempt to establish a guide for participating countries to facilitate the dissemination to the public, comprehensive,timely accessible and reliable statistical information.

Participants are expected to come from Central Statistical Offices and Ministries of Finance from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) area and the wider Caribbean,Regional Central Bank, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the World Bank.

Crew Flu Delays BA Bermuda Flight

Bermuda, CANA - Bermuda's British Airways (BA) flight to London was grounded last weekend after most of the crew were laid low by influenza.

Saturday night 80 per cent of the crew rostered to take the plane back were ruled by doctors to be unfit to fly. The flight was delayed until Sunday morning to allow the crew which brought the plane from Gatwick to have a mandatory 24 hour's rest before flying back.

British Airways Bermuda spokesman Sallie Singleton said: "It's a case of safety first - we honestly could not allow the ill crew to fly ... but it is rather unusual. I don't remember this ever happening before."

Trinidad Pay Increases Thwarted by Opposition

Trinidad, CANA - Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Basdeo Panday expressed disappointment Monday over the refusal of the opposition party to support proposals for salary increases.

The opposition Peoples National Movement (PNM) said it would not support proposals made by the Salaries Review Commission, which seeks to give salary hikes to state officials, opposition and senior public servants.

Panday said the proposed increase of heads of state salaries from 16,500 Trinidad and Tobago dollars to TT$26,000 (US$4,127) per month, would have done a great deal to retain and attract experts to the public service.

USVI Governor Warns Of Financial Crisis

Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas, CANA – U.S. Virgin Islands Governor, Dr. Charles Turnbull, said on Monday that the government's fiscal health was in dire straits, unable to meet many of its obligations and facing the possibility of payless paydays.

The governor, who took office a week ago, said the territory carried a U.S. $293-million debt in 1995, but that it increased to U.S. $1 billion in the four years of the previous administration of Roy Schneider.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATON SERVICES

Honourable Adelina Tuitt Meets the Press

Minister for Education, Health and Community Services the Honourable Adelina Tuitt met with members of the media on Wednesday 9^th December. Mrs. Tuitt fielded questions on a number of topics. Below are highlights of some of her responses:

Montserrat Community College

The Montserrat Community College will be developed in phases. This would take into consideration the Montserrat Technical College, the 6^th form and the training of nurses and teachers. The first phase will be A-Level and technical and vocational studies. Consideration is being given to starting the programme on a smaller scale at the beginning of the new year. For example, we are in the process of examining how best we can introduce 6^th form, perhaps at evening time so that we can make best use of the resources we have. The Community College is a regional concept, and had it not been for the volcano we would have started it already. This would take some of the responsibility from the School of Continuing Studies. In fact, what we would like to see is a campus where the School of Continuing Studies are operating in conjunction with the Community College so that we can share resources.

Cultural Center

I must take this opportunity to thank Sir George and Lady Martin for their contribution towards cultural development on the island. They have allocated some US$500,000 for the project and we have formed a committee to look into the cultural center. Two sites have been identified for the Cultural Center (one at Little Bay and the other at Look Out at the entrance of the MSS) and we are in the process of coming to an agreement on the preferred site. We have also spoken to architects on the design concept.

FEATURES

Montserratians Would Benefit From Closer Ties With Britain

By Man from Baker Hill

If given the opportunity to vote for closer ties with Britain, I will vote in favour; even if it means direct rule of Montserrat by Britain. In fact I believe that as much as 75 percent of Montserratians at home and abroad will vote in a similar fashion -- that is, for closer ties with Britain.

Of course, some of us will incite the ungrounded fear, and the foolish notion, that closer ties mean Montserrat will be overwhelmed by white men, or that white men will be placed in all the top jobs. But that is very far from reality. True, even in the volcanic conditions Montserrat is an attractive place to live in peace and comfort, "but there is more to life than living in a peaceful and comfortable place."

People, especially the young, need the assurance that they will continuously have access to an environment where opportunities and choices toward self-realisation are limited only by their ambition. And in my opinion, closer ties with Britain will create an accommodating environment of choices and opportunities -- in Montserrat -- for our young people. An environment that is much more accommodating than the one which our present political status affords, in terms of access to trades, higher education and professional development. An environment that, for the youths, will foster a broader outlook on how success can be achieved in many different ways.

The benefits and opportunities of closer ties with Britain -- as seen during this volcanic crisis -- are many, too necessary and too important to the youths and the elderly for us to continue to maintain our rudderless political status quo.

Saying it mildly, words cannot express any feelings of gratitude to Britain, each time I learn that a Montserratian in the U.K, is able to access funding for professional studies in the U.K. I am also very happy for the elderly who are able to access benefits which they could not dream about if they remained on Montserrat.

I can recall that in 1987, the Government of the day dismissed the Board of Directors and the Manager of the Port Authority. They were dismissed because two employees of the Port were given grants to pursue professional studies in the U.K.

And there is more. Much more relevant for older Montserratians is that closer ties will mean adopting many social programs, such as old age pension and health care benefits quite unlike what we are capable of providing on our own.

I can also recall that in 1986 Karney Osbome held a meeting with senior civil servants, to explain to them the purpose and benefits of the Social Security System. They were not enthused. They rejected the system. The rest is now history.

Later that year the politicians passed legislation to provide pension and gratuity to themselves -- fully aware that awry Montserratians would never qualify for pension under the Social Security System.

In the early ‘90s the Government introduced a free medical insurance scheme only for Civil Servants. I remember, at that time, I was working on a project to study the medical benefits scheme of Antigua with a view towards possible introduction of a health care scheme for all Montserratians.

What I have attempted to show is that our methods of doing simple and necessary things allow for an unfair advantage to a smaller number of people. While on the other hand, it would appear as if closer ties with Britain would create more opportunities and much more fairness for a greater number of Montserratians, in terms of accepted social programs for the elderly and self realization for the youths.

And really, what is there to fear from closer ties with Britain? Montserratians will naturally want to live on Montserrat. We can see from experience during this crisis, they did not want to live on Antigua, or Nevis or St Kitts, neither will they want to live in cold Britain.

But we need our people to feel free to aspire and to achieve; without waiting in line for forever -- waiting for an opportunity that never comes, or be told that there is no funding for their education. We need our people to feel that their old age could be enjoyed with peace, and the security of acceptable aged benefits, without having to flee our shores. So if close ties with Britain will give every Montserratian a fair chance with greater opportunities and choices – let’s go for it.

If closer ties with Britain will broaden the horizons of our youths, so that some will return as enlightened politicians with a creative foresight and good social and economic programs – let’s go for it.

I am sure that closer ties with Britain will not deny Montserratians the privileges of living in a peaceful and comfortable environment -- if we choose to live here.

I am sure that closer ties will allow our people to feel free to compete and achieve among themselves -- so let’s go for it.

I am sure that closer ties will allow our young people to create a larger pool of confident self-respecting persons, who will adequately manage the resources of Montserrat for the benefit of the greatest number of Montserratians -- so let’s go for it.

LOW-KEYED CAROL SINGING STILL INSPIRES

By Cathy Buffonge

The annual Carol Singing programme was held outside the Brades Pentecostal Church on the evening of Christmas day (a cold and windy night), and provided a brave although low-keyed start to Festival 1998.

After a short welcoming speech by Minister of Culture Adelina Tuitt, the various singers and groups were introduced by coordinator of this year’s Festival, Sydney "Black Gold" Galloway, who was MC for the occasion.

Highlights of the programme included the Emerald Community Singers, with two enchanting Christmas songs from their recent concert; "Angels we have heard on high" and "Cum dung to all a we."

The children of St Augustine School, in their attractive African print skirts, also performed their two songs beautifully.

This school has gained a gem in the form of teacher Sarah Allen, Emerald Community Singers stalwart and former Headteacher of the Bethel Primary School, who had the children well drilled with their songs and movements. In Teacher Sarah’s days at Bethel Primary, (now sadly no longer in existence, thanks to the volcano), that school was frequently the winner of prizes for musical performance.

A most inspiring highlight of the evening was Stanley "Pope" Dyer, less than two months after the accident that cost him his right arm, performing on the steel pan with his one remaining hand. Mr. Dyer is an example to all who suffer from adversity, and if one had not actually been present it would have been hard to believe that he was back on track so soon, lovingly playing his pan "almost as if nothing had happened." While this veteran pan player energetically and tunefully pounded out the melodies of several popular numbers, he was ably backed up by several other pan players, including Desmond "Flasher" Daley, back on a visit from the Virgin Islands.

The Health Chorale got a good reception with "Fe we God great" and "Star of the East"; while the Intercessors and the Emmanuel Apostolic Singers performed their rousing songs enthusiastically, but unfortunately tended to be drowned out by their musical accompaniment, so that it was difficult to hear them. However they still deserve credit for coming out to perform.

Absent from this year’s programme were any congregational carols, which could have provided an opportunity for the groups to combine with the small audience at intervals throughout the programme.

Very few members of the public were present to witness this event, which was a shame because Festival seems quite fragile nowadays, and the organizers deserve every support and encouragement to keep it going. Remembering the crowds that used to turn out at the War Memorial in Plymouth for Carol Singing night in years gone by, one wonders what has become of these enthusiastic crowds, only some of whom have relocated overseas.

Children’s Costume Troupes Back On Stream

By Cathy Buffonge

Costume troupes made a welcome comeback in the just concluded ‘mini’ Festival, both at the Festival Day Show And the New Year’s Day Parade, with Brades and St Augustine Primary Schools featuring both costume troupes and masquerades.

St Augustine’s troupe, entitled "Up There," featured the volcano in its different aspects, with colourful and imaginative costumes depicting the red and yellow fire, white steam clouds, black ash, and the (previously) green mountain.

Brades School portrayed "Glimpses into the Past," and focused on Plymouh as it was before the volcano, with bright, creative costumes representing the War Memorial, flying clocks ("time flies"), market ladies, donkeys, and the evergreen tree with folks relaxing around it.

The costumes for both these troupes were designed by Chadd Cumberbatch, and credit must also go to the host of volunteers -- teachers, parents and others -- who helped to put the costumes together and get the children prepared.

The junior masquerades from both Brades and St Augustine Schools also performed well at the Festival Day show, under the watchful eyes of their trainers, "Titus" and "Reggie." It was also good to see these young masqueraders, in their traditional costumes, performing around the villages and homes throughout the week between Christmas and New Year.

It was the first time (I think) that the schools had been involved with masquerades, and Minister of Culture Adelina Tuitt must be congratulated for her part in this. This move has helped to keep the tradition alive, providing enjoyment for the children and spectators. With an apparent absence of adult masqueraders, perhaps out of this young group will come a nucleus to continue the tradition. The masquerade costumes were made by Cheryl Cassell.

The Emerald Gem Cheerleaders, in their crisp green and white outfits, put lots of energy into their performance, and involved a large number of youngsters. And the CYC (Catholic Youth Community) put on a T-shirt troupe called ‘Bananarama’, supporting the EU’s stand on behalf of Caribbean bananas, with the idea for this theme coming from Mrs Pat ‘Belonger’ Ryan.

The Festival Day Show (December 31) made good use of the new covered stage at Gerald’s Park, which was originally built for the postponed Many Happy Returns concert. MC Cecil "Cepeke" Lake (first runner up in the Calypso contest held the previous night) kept things running smoothly.

The New Year’s Day Parade took place around St John’s and Sweeneys, ending up at the Hospital. A recent article in the Antigua Sun, describing Christmas in former days on that island, says, "When the finer type band faltered, the rough Iron Band filled in quite capably." Well, this quote certainly reflected the situation here on this occasion. With the planned music failing to materialize, resulting in a late start, it was left to the MDF’s Iron Band (consisting mainly of makeshift percussion, such as old car hubs and spades) to fill in with their cheerful rhythm. Without them there could have been no parade.

A fair-sized crowd attended both events, in spite of the threat of rain, competing attractions and limited publicity beforehand. But when one remembers the large crowds that used to flock to Sturge Park and fill the streets of Plymouth for these two end-of-Festival events, many of our reduced population must have missed out on the fun and spectacle.

There were no adult troupes this year, but the involvement of the children gives hope for the future of Festival. Congratulations to Elizabeth Piper Wade, the coordinator of both events, for bringing off these two much loved Festival shows.

A View From the Outside

By Ken Walter

This week I would like to address a number of different topics:

The LP gas situation -- While the current system may be satisfying the needs of government, the same cannot be said for the consumers. I would be willing to bet that there are a lot more 20- and 100-pound cylinders on island than are actually required at any given time. If this is a correct assumption, then why not have everyone bring all the cylinders they have to Little Bay - under the present radio announcement system - but only filling the number of cylinders that individual would normally be entitled to? Issue receipts for the extra tanks -- quantity, size, condition and owner.

Now the opportunity to refill these cylinders in mass is available, allowing your customers to easily and quickly convert to an exchange program -- bring in empty cylinders for immediate exchange for full ones at their (the consumer’s) convenience. Now no more waiting to hear your name read on the radio, no more lines to wait on and no more inconvenience.

When the shortage is finally abated, people can use their receipts to redeem their extra tanks -- full or empty, as they choose. For those saying "But I won’t get my same tanks back!" I can only say what a small price to pay to end such a burdensome system.

Agricultural Production -- We have been on island for over a month and while we knew before we arrived that there would probably not be any Saturday market, we did not expect such a complete lack of local produce. We have been informed that there is a large agriculture project getting underway in the North. While this may be necessary, why not reopen areas in the Exclusion Zone -- where there were no pyroclastic flows --to those farmers who would prefer to farm where the soil is so much more fertile and water availability is not a problem? Of course there is some minimal risk -- far more to the crops than danger to the farmers -- but life is not without risk and the risk level here clearly seems to be within acceptable limits.

Tourist Access to Plymouth -- Consideration of this topic, at this time, seems to be out of the question. My concern is that fear for the safety of tourists will preclude a more common sense approach, based on the wishes of your tour operators and the desires of the "Ecotourists." The bottom line is that if Montserrat is only going to allow viewing the volcano from the Belham Bridge, with no access to at least Plymouth, very few tourists will be willing to spend their precious time in the Caribbean to journey here.

Controlled access to Plymouth needs to be addressed now, so your Tourist Board can sell Montserrat adventures in 1999. Mind you that "controlled access" is the operative phrase. Now is the time to be formulating policies, rules and regulations governing access -- designated travel routes, communication requirements, waiver of liability forms, maximum tour group sizes, etc. Clearly caution regarding visitor access to the current Exclusion Zone is a mandatory obligation that Government must bear, but to be overly cautious is not in the best interest of Montserrat’s economic development in this critical industry.

Montserrat Aviation -- A few weeks ago I used Montserrat Aviation to bring my 91-year-old mother to Montserrat. All the staff we met were most pleasant and helpful. One of the ground crew staff, Mr. Raffique Harris, saved the day for my mother, when she was having difficulty getting off the helicopter. He immediately reacted by lifting her off and depositing her in their wheel chair. He then wheeled her to and through Immigration & Customs, picked her up again and placed her on the seat of our car. This was clearly service above and beyond the call of duty. Here was a man who practiced what we try to teach -- "Exceed the customers’ expectations!". My accolades to Montserrat Aviation for having such a fine employee on their staff and my gratitude to Mr. Harris for his initiative and assistance.

Pot Luck Or Family Menu: Montserrat’s Next Elections

The 1996 general elections were remarkable in many ways. For one, three Chief Ministers led parties into the fray but none emerged to head the government. As a result too, there were four chief ministers in the small parliament, since P. Austin Bramble became a member of parliament by the nominative route. Even more remarkable, the election gave Montserrat, belly-sick and emaciated with volcanic convulsions, its first ever coalition government.

The government which emerged after 24 hours of "horse-tradin" consisted of two members of the Movement for National Reconstruction, one being the new Chief in B.B. Osborne, one member of the National Progressive Party, one from the National Progressive Party in former CM Reuben Meade, and one independent candidate - something of a mish-mash, or a smorgasbord, to use a more appetising metaphor. Predictably people predicted based on the historical evidence that this government wouldn’t last. This was fulfilled fast as a nemesis when CM B. Osborne dismissed Minister Meade in under six months into the new government.

Enters independent member David Brandt to save the coalition, hold a trump card for the stabilisation and survival of the government, with the possibility of assuming the supreme command in the future. He did not take a Ministry and this allowed nominated member Austin Bramble to succeed Meade at the Ministry of Agriculture and Housing. There was nothing unconstitutional about this, but politics is politics and it led to a rumpus including walk-outs of parliament.

The coalition failed yet again when Osborne was pushed out by a number of persons with a mixture of motives, one suspects. Brandt was in place to fill the breach and has since managed to lead the executive and the country.

As the government moves towards mid-point in 1999, politicians, political analysts and observers have certain matters to think about. One obvious one is the situation in which only two constituencies have survived the eruption (but that is outside the scope of this column). Brandt is in power long enough for there to be some evaluation of his regime and such an analysis should reasonably include his management of the multiplicity of issues related to the crisis - housing, fuel, infrastructure, health, education, the contentment factor, the Montserrat diaspora, security, relationship with the British governments and foundations of development including a coherent strategy therefor etc.

Spirited in opposition, Reuben Meade too has a challenge - that of putting together a team which is also capable of performing well at the next election. Then, of course, a third party is possible and can emerge from within or without the present parliament. But the point that I am making is that if there are no parties capable of winning the election, the government may be pot luck rather than a family menu and the leader will have the added task of moulding the members into a family unit.

I know it can be said that in not giving a total mandate to any single grouping the electorate is calling for a government of so-called national unity. I doubt this. I believe that in the last election, the people voted for individuals for whatever reason. Would-be leaders may need to bear that in mind as they pick and mould their teams.

There is obviously work to be done all round before the next election, whenever it is. The stakes are high sentimentally and historically -- the first beginning government for the new millennium. But the predominant focus for people and politicians alike is the effective management of our wasteland. Good luck to us even if it has to be pot luck. What we really need is God’s mercies and guidance. Who knows? What we deem pot luck may well be pre-determined destiny "for such a time as this."

Health and Happiness

It's a Question of Sex

Fear of Flunking

We all get that from time to time. That little worry, in the back of our minds, that we won't. But for some men, that worry moves to the front of the mind, takes over, and leads directly to failure. In these cases performance anxiety isn't just a small voice, it's a significant mental problem that can shut down a sex life.

Sex researchers William H. Masters, M.D., and Virginia E. Johnson, of the former Masters and Johnson Institute in St. Louis, coined a phrase to describe exactly what a man does when performance anxiety takes over. They called it the spectator role. In essence, you become a spectator to your own sexual event, evaluating and observing yourself rather than losing yourself in the experience. Fearful thoughts about your sexual performance literally crowd out the sensual pleasures of the moment, and without any sense of sexual pleasure getting through, you wilt. Which makes you even more fearful the next time and, well, you can see how it could beget a vicious cycle.

But listen. For one thing, just about every man experiences small bouts of performance anxiety throughout his life, without it becoming a big problem. And virtually every man over age 40 has experienced at least one no-go episode.

Masters and Johnson taught a form of therapy called sensate focus, which you can try with your partner as a first step. You should touch, explore, give, and receive pleasure-but under no circumstances are either of you allowed to touch the pelvic area of the other. It is forbidden-until you gradually recapture the capacity for sexual pleasure and lose the habitual panic over whether or not you can "do it."

Fear of Flying

For a woman, sexual desire-and good sex-happens only when she feels safe, secure, and sure of herself and her partner. If sex makes her anxious, she'll want it about as much as you want an IRS audit. And of course you're not about to call up the nearest office and volunteer that you cheated on your tax forms last year, now are you?

We're not saying that for all women sex is like signing off on the consent line and then holding your breath till they catch you. But women who have suffered through hurtful relationships are often fearful that their women are partners will simply repeat history, and naturally they're afraid to trust. Some are self-conscious about their bodies.

Other women are afraid of letting themselves be swept away by their own passion. Still others fret that they're not doing it right, as if each sexual encounter were a pop quiz that counted toward a final grade. Sex becomes an exercise in technique, with the big O--orgasm-as the passing grade. Many women are also afraid to discuss their sexual needs with their partners because they don't want to be turned down, humiliated, or ignored.

Your best bet to get past this stumbling block? Our experts advise talking it out. Tell your partner what you've been thinking, and then practice listening to what she needs-both in bed and out. Also, sometimes it starts with the little things, like her receiving love notes-before she'll think about reciprocating the gesture in the bedroom.

More Memories of PARADISE

By Norma Walter

Some of the other things that come to my mind as I walk around the island are the really "fun times" we had before the volcano.

We used to go to the Great Alps Waterfall and have an ice cold beer (brought along in a small cooler) while standing in the ice cold water. It was a great walk and a great reward when we arrived at the waterfall.

In the evenings we would walk around Plymouth and often wind up at the Harbor Court for some ribs and steel band music. It was truly an institution in the city. And there was also the delicious ice cream on our afternoon walks at Mr. Watts’ ice cream stand. Ken is particularly fond of all the flavors we can get here and not anywhere in our part of the USA: guava, sour sop, coconut,to name a few.

And of course, a visit to Salem was never complete without stopping at Andy’s Village Place for some chicken and a beer. That was always a treat, too. When our younger son, Kevin, (24 years old and a very good drummer who loves music) comes to visit us in February, one of the first places he will want to see will be Andy’s Village Place. It carries with it many stories of the rock stars who were on island to record at Air Studios and then went to Andy’s to "hang out."

One of the MANY interesting things that has happened to us this time around was meeting Arrow in person. At one of the evening street parties in Salem he came over to Ken and me, shook hands, wished us a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, asked if we were enjoying Montserrat. We did not approach him -- he approached us. What a treat! Of course, I became the unabashed tourist and asked if I could take his picture, so he got next to Ken and now I hopefully have a nice slide photo of "the man" with "my man." We saw Arrow in concert years ago at the Harbor Fest in Oswego, New York State, and when he is on tour, the audience is just that, "an audience." But in Montserrat we are "neighbors." When Kevin comes to visit us, he will be able to shake the hands that shook the hand of Arrow.

There were so many places Ken and I had not yet visited before the volcano, and each time we were on Montserrat we would say "next time we’re here, let’s be sure to go to....." and of course, some of those places are no longer here for us to enjoy. But, there is so much still to enjoy and more to come again. We’re anxious this time to DO IT ALL! Will we? We’re going to try our best.

JUS' WONDERIN'

Jus wonderin why a large community like in Davy Hill doesn’t have any telephone boots, especially that private telephones are not readily available.

Jus wonderin when the Montserrat Government will stop hiding behind others and come out in the open and let their voice be heard about the needs of Montserratians.

Jus wonderin what is the real truth why the Government Headquarters has not been officially opened as yet when so much money has been spent on that project.

Jus wonderin if the health of our people is seriously considered when the dump site still sits in Little Bay.

Jus wonderin why helicopters from here are not used by the hotels in Antigua who are allowed to fly over Montserrat with their tourists in helicopters, so that some revenue wil be collected here, even though it will be filtered back to Antigua and other Islands.

Jus wonderin why the Airport issue has been so easily swept under the mat that it is forgotten and not mentioned anymore.

Jus wonderin why Montserratians are treated like refugees when they land on Antigua pier, when the private possessions are rummaged through in the presence of onlookers.

Jus wonderin if RMDF members would be eligible for food vouchers now that they are dis-embodied.

Jus wonderin what would have happened to festival 98 if the RMDF "NO FEAR" iron band didn’t come to the rescue.

Jus wonderin who will come to our rescue with everything and anything.

Jus wonderin if there are any plans in store for the dis-embodied force in terms of housing.

Jus wonderin if rumors are true that the MVO will soon be or wants to be a statutory body.

Jus wonderin how the Honourable George Foulkes enjoyed his stay on the green side of ‘The Rock.’

Jus wonderin whether Mr. Foulkes was "disappointed" because the Coroner "declined to attend" a "meeting," or was it meant to be a wake.

Jus wonderin if the dump-site for household appliances has been moved from Little Bay to the garbage bin at Mango Drive in Woodlands.

Jus Wonderin if the relocation of the heliport to just south of its present position is synonymous with the fact that no airport is forthcoming. Does the bigger and more permanent ferry also help to strengthen this fact?

Jus wonderin if it is true that the iron lady of the ‘Power Filled Company’ closed down a department and had its ‘girls’ doing spring cleaning.

Just wonderin if it is true that the BG is looking for a "qualified accountant" to manage the finances when the "Big Two" when they become "ONE"

Just wonderin if a "Manager" is being sought as well to run the "Big Two" when they become "ONE".

Just wonderin when the package to return to Montserrat will begin.

Just wonderin if it is true that the Montserrat Project in England, and the one in Antigua are run now by two sisters.

Just wonderin, all who will not have jobs when the "Big Two" become "ONE". Just wondering if the "iron lady" will get the axe.

Just wonderin when Clare Short is really going to answer the questions that she was asked.

Just wonderin how much of the 75 million has already being spent.

Just wonderin when the " Leaking White Elephants" will be occupied now that we are in 1999.

Just wonderin when permission would be granted for the other gas station to be set up in the North so that we will not have to put up with mayhem and abuses.

Just wonderin if Grind and Loot will become a permanent fixture in Montserrat.

Just wonderin where the man is that cannot be found for so long, and how is it that his family has not risen up to dispel the speculations as they usually do.

Just wonderin where Shamrock I is and who eventually bought it.

Jus wonderin if the official who ordered the Shamrock scrapped is involved in the ownership of it.

Just wonderin if stores in the North have one price for the day and one for the night.

Just wonderin what is going on at port and customs and is an investigation looming.

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