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As New Dome Grows, Falls and Flows May Increase 

by Bennette Roach

Last November, hopes of celebrating the near restfulness of Soufriere Hills volcano became doubtful when scientists reported that a new dome had begun to grow inside the huge existing crater, created by the dome that was supposed to be the souvenir of activity which began on July 18, 1995.

On Tuesday, we were updated about the current situation on volcanic activity in an exclusive interview with scientist Dr. Simon Young, the director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), who yesterday left the island on paternal leave.

"We are at a stage where we have rock falls, small pyroclastic flows in Tar River Valley," he said. "We have a dome which is about 20 to about 25 million cubic meters, growing about 3 to 4 cubic meters per second. The rock falls seemed to pick up a little bit over the past two week’s but there is not a major change.

"We were just up in the helicopter watching some small pyroclastic flow in the upper part of the Tar River Valley. And we had one flow down on to the delta; it did not quite get to the sea last Wednesday morning. We are not at the situation yet where pyroclastic flow activity is threatening any other areas. The dome hasn’t grown big enough to spill out in any other directions apart from in Tar River, and we don’t anticipate that it will do so till many weeks, unless something changes drastically. We don’t anticipate the pyroclastic flows being in any other direction."

It followed that as the dome grows, "we are going to expect an increase of rock falls," Dr. Young confirms, explaining that as the dome reaches a threshold whereby it can’t really grow any bigger and taller without a bit falling off it.

Dr. Young pointed out that "the growth area will switch; we know it always does after a certain time," after which time there might be no rock falls for a while during it’s filling up the crater instead of falling down in the Tar River Valley.

As for danger posed to the crater walls, the chief scientist said: "I think the thing which possibly is highest in our mind is what could happen if it starts to destabilize by pushing against at the backside of those big blocks you could see up on the north side when you're looking in from Old Towne."

He explained:"You can see two big beds of rocks, one sitting over Gages and sitting up at Tuitts. We had a pyroclastic flow off the back of that on Sunday morning, where the ash clouds go over Plymouth; that was the part of the old north flank of the older dome that went down Tar River.

"That ," he said "does suggest that there starts to be some influence on the old dome from the new dome pushing behind."

He continued to speak about the old dome, saying that those blocks are very broken up and are very weathered, "but we are pretty sure that they are not going to fall down all at once; they are going to fall out a little bit, so we think the degredation process is what we saw on Sunday…I think we probably see small pyroclastic flows off the older dome rather than see it directly off the new dome."

Dr. Young said that several things are driving the growth of the new dome, explaining that the pressure in the magma chamber is 5 or 6 kms to the top of the magma chamber.

"We know now from all the research we've done, and from the experience we have, how that magma behaves on its way up 5 or 6 kms up to the surface…we really were only on the verge of understanding this when we went through this first time around, and because of the work that has been done by the MVO and by all the other people that come through here, we now understand that much better and we think that we can see the sign, what basically happens if we have high pressure down here."

We discussed with Dr. Young the potential of further and new damage from the continuation of present activity. He said this would certainly impact the north and eastern side of the volcano, that Long Ground,which was not touched except towards the end since September 1996, might now be impacted. This is so with Tar River being filled more and more, which will allow activity to flow more towards the direction of the airport.

As far as Plymouth and other areas are concerned, the scientist believed that areas a little further north could be impacted, since there will be no vegetation to restrict the movement of flows down the landscape on the western side, mentioning Belham as another area with potential to be impacted. This, he repeated, depended largely on the growth of the new dome and how it constructs itself.

In retrospect, regarding the moving of Salem in 1997, Dr. Young said the scientists do not make the decisions, but probabilities necessitated it.

Camera Records Scenes Of Plymouth on 10/02/2000 

By Bennette Roach

For just over two weeks the local authorities facilitated convoys of trucks and people to go into the Exclusion Zone to recover items which were still useable or just worthwhile enough to be kept as mementos of what used to form part of that place they called home.

Recovery of furniture and other important items from the danger zone

Some happy folks expressed their surprise. "We never thought we would have been able to do this," they said.

David Lea was quite accurate in his recounting on the back page of the January 28 Reporter. It would serve little purpose to go over what he so ably described.

Yesterday I went in to view how things had changed since I was there last, and because it was the last day to capture for our picture files people using what could well be the last time they will have the opportunity to see homes still standing, much more to recover items.

Readers will remember Fort Ghaut, which no longer exists. It now is so filled that the road, as described, is cut straight across it from Chapel Street on to Peebles Street just above the Mercer's old house. (The photo is taken from the road looking straight across to Coconut Hill hotel.)

Coconut Hill Hotel

Looking South on Evergreen Drive, remnants of the Evergreen tree on the right along with the Oriole Plaza, 

Steps to Brandt's law offices and La Cave disco on the left, Howe's Bar in the distance.

It was truly amazing to observe how some of the houses were completely gutted, while others next door suffered from the weight and corrosion of the ash and mud that filled them, particularly up on what we once described generally as "Town Hill." Here, incidentally, was the only area from which items were recoverable from those houses that managed to avoid the destruction by either pyroclastic flows or surges, or just the terrible effects of the volcano.

Governors Residence 

Since the last time I saw it, which was before the rains in October onward, the mud flow was directed northerly of say top of George Street, so that the photograph of a year ago featured with Mr. Lea's story looks current. For example, the RC Church or Lee's Pharmacy had not been as submerged as they are now.

Roman Catholic School & Church

Wesley School, Old Parliament Building/Court House, Lime Court

If the dome continues to grow at the rate scientists report and their worst fears are realised, the western southern half of the island will have little to show to remind us of what it used to look like.

wide views Kinsale

Brodericks

L - Destruction in Parsons, R - Lower Dagenham

Looking down towards Parliament Street from Church Rd, Evergreeen Restaurant on right, Wade Inn on Left,  Remnants of the Evergreen Tree Roundabout in the foreground.

This Week's Mystery Picture

Name the Location, Direction and any buildings you recognise

The response in the past two weeks has been very disappointing, only 3 responses on each occasion.

Send your answers to: webmaster@montserratreporter.com

One of the areas that have been experiencing difficulties and causing grave concern during this crisis, is that of health. Moves were made very early to have some kind of hospital to deal with the sick, even before housing became a major issue.

Staffing, of course, has always been one of the problems for the service. It must be well known that there can be the most fancy of buildings and equipment for any activity or business, but without qualified and competent personnel to manage or perform the functions necessary to make a success, it will be worth next to naught.

Such seems to be the case with our health services here in Montserrat as, from time to time, problems and suspicions arise, on which, fortunately or unfortunately, no follow-up or report is made as to the causes or corrections that are put in place to improve those problems. The Chief Minister is known to have demanded explanations on situations that have arisen at the hospital.

Several changes seem to take place among the professional staff and questions are asked time and again about their ability. It is a well-known situation that many people requiring surgery prefer to wait for our own Dr. Lowell Lewis to come to Montserrat to operate on them.

Recently the substantive surgeon resigned to take up a position in Antigua, but according to official sources, his vacant post was not advertised and it is reported that he was replaced by someone upon his recommendations. So anyone might ask, how about Dr. Lewis, isn't he available?

But there is a problem. Anyone will notice that many of the top jobs in certain fields in this island, not just now but for a long time, are much more lucrative to people from outside than they are to Montserratians with or without a home here. The simpler explanation for this is that there are many perks (allowances) that the non-locals receive for coming to work here, which are denied the local professional. Why not simply make the salary attractive enough to the local person?

The author of Labour Speaks has been addressing the issue through his local labour commentaries and is having problems airing on ZJB his concerns about the situation, particularly in connection with the recent death of a young woman who died on her way to Guadeloupe, when complications developed after giving birth to a child here.

These problems surrounding our health facilities and staffing are matters which ought to be dealt with expeditiously and efficiently by those responsible for the decisions which affect life and death of our people.

To switch to another matter that has been receiving serious public attention, this week persons with interests in land on the island have been given an additional 10 months to make their claims to the Government, after the Legislative Council amended the Crown Title Act to give persons until December 31 this year to make their claims to the Registrar of Lands. The original deadline had been January 31, 2000.

Minister with responsibility for lands Brunel Meade says the move is intended to protect the rights of landowners.

There was much discussion on the topic when Legislative Council met for the first time this year on Thursday, February 10^th. Some Legco members argued that government should ensure that landowners, wherever they are, know about the law on the matter. But seriously, what can anyone do other than advertise and expose the matter as far and wide as possible.

Sometimes laws are passed right under our noses and nothing is known about it; we could not say the same thing about the Crown Title Act. Besides, no matter how much this is advertised and brought to the attention of Montserratians wherever they are, there will be someone or some family who either ignored (whether ignorantly or otherwise) or knew nothing about it, when they may well have claim to lands on the island.

Land is at a premium and badly needed in the north of Montserrat, and the matter has been going in circles for too long. There seems a reasonable and simple way forward, rather than waiting another year to utilise lands that have no registered owners or even claimants.

It has been repeatedly made clear that the government does not intend to deny owners the rights to their lands. The government should be allowed to acquire the lands in question, and use them for purposes in the interest of the country, with a proviso. The laws should pledge adequate compensation to owners who, within say another two to five years, can show proof, as is required now, that they are the owners of a particular area of land.

Right now the government has legally acquired lands it needs from people who have title to their properties. What is the big problem here otherwise?

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

These days we often hear of demonstrations, unresolved conflicts, and bitter quarreling among the people of the world. The Bible advises us to reflect God's light, but instead we often block God's light. I am saddened by this reality, especially when the conflicts and quarreling occur within my own church. Recently a conflict occurred at my church. We met to talk about the problem. Nothing positive came from the meeting because our members became angry instead of listening to one another in love. We seemed to be showing the very behaviors we were trying to overcome! Finally, I asked our members to pray for one another, to shake hands, and to seek forgiveness before going home. I know that we will find solutions to our problems only when we show genuine humility and compassion for one another. When people speak carelessly, relationships can be damaged. We need God's guidance as we speak. When we allow God to direct both our words and our actions, we can settle our conflicts and discover the peace of God for our lives.

Prayer: Father in heaven, shine upon our lives and let your mercy come through to forgive us and strengthen us for joyful obedience to your word. Amen.

In all things, seek first God's guidance.

Tri Wahyudi

Prayer Focus: COMMITTEE LEADERS IN MY CHURCH.

Mr Brian Cottle was this morning sworn in as Montserrat's new Attorney General. The Oath of Allegiance

Was administered by H.E. the Governor, Mr Tony Abbott. The Hon Attorney General was previously the Magistrate in Montserrat and replaces Mr Charles Ekins whose contract has come to an end.

The Montserrat Red Cross this week held a planning meeting under the slogan "Heading Towards the Millennium - the Role of the Red Cross." The purpose of the meeting was to chart the future course of the Branch, and also to say goodbye to Branch secretary Julia Eakins (see separate report).
Red Cross President and former Director Mrs. Lystra Osborne gave a brief history of Red Cross activities here over the years. These included the School for Children with Special Needs, the Workshop for the Blind and Disabled, both of which were discontinued during the volcanic crisis due mainly to migration. Then there was the blood donor programme, the provision of play equipment for the day care centres, and the training and provision of First Aiders, which still continues.
During the volcanic crisis the role of the Red Cross was expanded to include the provision of shelters for the elderly and eventually the realization of a dream - the building of the Golden Years Home for the Elderly. The organization's role in disaster preparedness and relief also became much expanded, with involvement of First Aiders in mass casualty training, and training in the tracing of family members.
Needs assessment and assistance with household items for relocated families have been other important roles. The Red Cross' latest project is the planned children's playground at Lookout.
Participants were invited to brainstorm their ideas for the way forward, by suggesting new projects and/or the revival of previous activities. This section of the meeting was led by Red Cross Director Mrs. Camilla Watts, together with Mr. Richard Aspin,
There were many diverse suggestions, which fell into four main groups. The first group pertained to youth, and there was much discussion about the problems of juvenile delinquency. Suggestions for addressing this problem included setting up a legal framework for community service sentences for young offenders, in order to reduce prison sentences for these youngsters; curfews and control of gangs; big brother/sister programmes; counseling; child abuse prevention and parenting education.
Close liaison with existing committees addressing this problem was also suggested. Other suggestions relating to youth were re-opening of the school for children with special needs, Saturday classes, help for slow readers, and continuation of the playground programme.
The second group of ideas focused on the elderly, and included the revival of the workshop for the disabled, and a programme of volunteers to befriend the elderly.
Third on the list came ideas related to health, which included revival of the blood donor programme, additional first aid training, disaster preparedness, and programmes to combat domestic violence, AIDS/HIV and drug abuse. A hotline with trained counsellors was one strategy suggested.
Last came ideas for further development and strengthening of the Branch. Under this came the recruitment of new members and volunteers, raising funds for the continued running of the various programmes, training of volunteers, raising the profile of the organization, and the building of a new headquarters. The revival of the trolley service at the Hospital and the thrift shop were also suggested.
It's obvious that all these ideas cannot be taken on board by the Red Cross, but it was explained that committees will be set up to look into and sift them. The Montserrat Red Cross has done a wonderful job and been a tower of strength for this community. It needs everyone's support to continue with this vital work.

Red Cross Says Goodbye To a Hard Working Volunteer

By Cathy Buffonge
"She was a tremendous source of strength and inspiration." This was how Mrs. Julia Eakins, outgoing Branch Secretary of the Montserrat Red Cross, was described by Red Cross Director Camilla Watts at a recent farewell ceremony.
The farewell event took place at the close of a planning meeting held by the Montserrat Red Cross this week. Mrs. Watts said that as secretary, a voluntary post, Mrs. Eakins had always been there when needed, and explained that Mrs. Eakins, a lawyer like her husband, had been a great help because of her legal background, and had helped to get some problems out of the way. '" am already starting to miss you,'"she said.
Mrs. Eakins was presented with a gift on behalf of the Montserrat Red Cross by Mrs. Margaret Abbott, who is Patron of the organization. Mrs. Eakins in her reply praised Mrs. Watts, Red Cross President Lystra Osborne and the other committee members for their dedication and hard work. She is returning to Britain with her husband Charles Eakins, who has held the post of Attorney General here for the past two years.

MVO Student Outreach Goes to Salem Secondary
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory's (MVO) information and outreach activities continue to focus on the island's youth. MVO Chief Scientist Dr. Simon Young and Information & Press Officer Chelston Lee visited the Montserrat Secondary School on Wednesday to bring students up to date on the volcanic situation at the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
The MSS students were given an opportunity to ask a variety of questions of the Chief Scientist and his Press Officer and these ranged from fear of a big explosion to the MVO's Internet website. Some 60 students were shown photographic slides, accompanied by a brief talk by Dr. Young.

The MSS students made many requests of the MVO, one of which will be granted very shortly -- an opportunity to see the scientists at work and to tour the Observatory.
This one-to-one between MVO Staff and school children plays an important part in the Observatory's pubic education campaign drive. Just a few weeks ago saw some of the MVO's staff spending hours at Old Road Bay explaining to children of Montserrat Secondary and Primary schools how the new rock and pumice has been formed over a very short period, in comparison to most rock formations, which have evolved over millions of years.

St. Kitts, CANA - St. Kitts and Nevis is to establish diplomatic ties with the Vatican this week. _ The Vatican's Apostolic Representative for the Caribbean region, Monsignor Eugenio Sbarbaro is scheduled to present his credentials to Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, the Governor General of this former British colony on Tuesday, state radio reported Monday.
On his February 7-9 visit the Trinidad-based Roman Catholic envoy will also meet with top government officials and hold a special mass on Tuesday.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, which has a population of 43,500, the dominant religion is Anglican, with Evangelical Protestant and Roman Catholic minorities.

Tortola, CANA - Close to two-thirds of the children in the British Virgin Islands cannot legally inherit their fathers' estate should those parents die without preparing a will.
This is so because a BVI law brands them illegitimate for having been born out of wedlock.
The Beacon, a weekly newspaper, in a front page article of its last issue reported that the majority of children here are not affected only when it comes to the matter of inheritance, but also on issues like citizenship rights, freedom to marry and a right to have a father on their birth certificate.
"I think the distinction should be abolished. "It's discriminatory.
It's outdated. It is fundamentally wrong that a child should be discriminated against because of something that has nothing to do with him or her," the paper quoted President of the BVI Bar Association, Paul Webster, saying.
Webster said the argument that a change in the laws will legitimise immoral behaviour is off-base. He added that the impact on children is what needs to be considered.
The Developing Planning Unit which has revealed the staggering figure of 62 per cent of illigitimate children here, said the information came from Peebles Hospital.
But, this information does not include data on a large number of pregnant mothers who travel to nearby St Thomas and Puerto Rico to deliver the percentage of dis-enfranchised children could be higher.
BVI remains a dependent territory of the United Kingdom where the illegitimacy of children law was repealed several years ago, but this Caribbean group of islands continues to keep the law on its statute books.
Government backbencher Rheal George had tabled a motion in the legislative council seeking to remove the disparity beween illigitimate children and those born in wedlock, but saw it defeated last October.
He was asked to get public views on the matter before it is brought before the Council for re-consideration.

PM pledges strong leadership as cabinet takes office:
Dominica, CANA - Ministers of Dominica's new coalition government headed by Prime Minister Rosie Douglas on Tuesday headed to their offices for their first official working sessions.
Members of the 11-member cabinet took the oath of office at a swearing in ceremony at the State House late Monday. They will be sworn in as members of parliament at the inauguration of parliament later this month.
Addressing Monday's ceremony, Douglas promised a "strong, decisive and principled" government, and called on Dominicans to put aside political pride and prejudices which, he said, were instigated by the political campaigning for last month's general elections.
"The elections are over. Dominica lives on and so let us put away our political flags, our political slogans and political colours.
"But let us keep our political sense of humour and wittiness. Let us destroy all artificial and insubstantial walls that temporarily separated us. Let us put an end to bitterness. Let us destroy all enmities.
"Let our country breathe the fresh, pure air of the new millenium as only Dominica can supply. Let us see ourselves as we really are, a very small island-state which has evolved into a nation state of law-abiding people with long and robust Judeo - Christian traditions, values and principles. And it will remain so under this administration," Prime Minister Douglas said.
Douglas' Dominica Labour Party (DLP) won 10 seats in the January 31general election and its ally, the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) two seats.
Together, they ousted the United Workers Party (UWP) administration of former Prime Minister Edison James, which won nine parliamentary seats.
Douglas said he was confident that the coalition could hold together, and expressed optimism that the country was embarking "on a new experiment which can succeed".
"I will not be looking over my shoulders. Dominica voted for a government led by the Dominica Labour Party but which should include members of the Dominica Freedom Party.
"Some sceptics have raised questions as to the viability of this arrangement. I am myself very confident that, in the interest of the people of Dominica, we can make - it work," he said.
He told Dominicans that if the arrangement is unsustainable, "then I shall have no alternative but to dissolve Parliament and ask the people of Dominica to decide the fate of the parties."
Douglas said the government would place strong emphasis on foreign relations and on polishing the country's image overseas, He observed that since attaining Independence in November 1978, Dominica has entered into diplomatic relations with a number of friendly countries within and outside the Commonwealth, which have assisted the country's national development plans and programmes.
"My government will continue with all these relationships while we seek to enhance our interest in the international arena.
"We shall give to our friends all the support that we have to give in the major institutions of international diplomacy. And we shall expect our friends to continue and strengthen their friendship and commitment to us in
the field of economic, agricultural and technical cooperation," Prime Minister Douglas said.

The Financial Times in London has reported yesterday that Cable & Wireless Plc, the U.K.'s second-biggest traditional phone company, is in talks with authorities in Trinidad and Tobago about its 49 percent stake in local phone company TSTT as the government seeks to open the market to competition, the Financial Times reported, citing Trinidad Public Utilities Minister Ganga Singh. The paper said the government has already rejected a request by Cable & Wireless to buy more shares and gain 51 percent of the company. C&W has already lost its monopoly on phone service in Jamaica; several other Caribbean islands in which C&W controls telecommunications, including Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent, are also planning to open their markets to competition.

Cable & Wireless HKT LTd., Hong Kong's top phone company that's 54 percent-owned by Cable & Wireless, said last months that it's in talks to merge with Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

Dominican Republican convicted:
ST.JOHN'S, Antigua, CANA - A 36-year-old man from Santo Domingo has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping and assaulting a 39-year-old woman.
Rosario, a father of nine, who was resident here for the past 10 years, raped the woman in January last year.
The maximum penalty for rape is life imprisonment and if he appeals the sentence, the East Caribbean Court of Appeal could increase itse duration.
Luis Del Rosario's fate was decided by a High Court jury that was made up of five women and four men. Seven of them voted that the accused must be convicted.

Bishop upset about striptease club:
Antigua, CANA reports Roman Catholic Bishop of Antigua and Barbuda has warned that the emergence of a strip-tease club here can lead to more sex-related crimes.
Bishop Donald Reece noted the call by Justice Ephraim Georges for women to be respected when he sent Luis Del Rosario, 37, to jail for nine years.
"... If we look upon women as sex objcts or playthings - as is done at Cats Night Club - what are we doing?" the church leader asked.
He advised Roman Catholics that "debasing" themselves with that kind of entertainment was not in keeping with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
If the Spirit and the flesh were mixed, "we become not only confused in terms of values but we open ourselves to the rapid descent into the realms of carnal desire and behaviour", he said.
He urged parshioners here not to patronize the night club so that form of entertainment would soon be rendered unprofitable.

Scotland Yard investigators returning:
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, Feb 8, CANA - Scotland Yard detectives are to return to Antigua on Tuesday to continue their probe into the murder of a university student and the disappearance of his female companion nearly three months ago, Police Commissioner Truehart Smith said.
_ The body of Jermaine Simon, 22, a medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), was found with a bullet wound to his head in the trunk of a car driven by Ayanna Christian, 21, who was studying computer science at the US-based Maryland College.

Sacking of LIAT workers on hold:
Antigua, CANA - The Caribbean airline LIAT (1974) Limited has temporarily shelved a plan to lay off some of its workers, according to a senior official of the airline.
The postment is until a special shareholders meeting later this month makes another attempt at easing the plight of the cash-strapped carrier.
A consultancy report by the British Airways subsidiary, Speedwing, has recommended the retrenchment of a total of 200 workers but the LIAT official was of the view that the number could be dropped pending the approval of the shareholders. The lack of workers participation in management is expected to be part of the core discussions at the special shareholders meeting.

British Airways announces new deadline for cuts:
CASTRIES, CANA - British Airways will review the March 1, 2000 deadline for introducing a cut in the commission paid to Caribbean travel agents, the airline's Caribbean Manager Elvin Sealey revealed at a meeting Wednesday with travel agents here.
The meeting, according to Sealey, was called to discuss ways of minimising the effects of what the agents said was a 33 per cent reduction in their take-home pay.
Local travel agents have vowed to transfer as much business as possible to Virgin Atlantic as a result of the cut, which has also been introduced by America Airlines.

Port-of-Spain, (EFE) -- Transhipment of cocaine through Central America and the Caribbean is on the increase, according to the recently-released 1999 Report on the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
This substantial "transit traffic," while destined for North America and Europe, has increased the availability of cocaine within the Caribbean region and cocaine abuse is now spreading in a number of countries, according to the Port-of-Spain-based United Nations Information Center for the Caribbean in a synopsis report released on Wednesday.
Another challenge facing the Caribbean region, according to the INCB, is the establishment of offshore financial centers and casinos in various countries, as well as the proposed new Eastern Caribbean Stock Exchange.
Though potentially rich sources of national revenue, such industries are open to abuse by money launderers, the board warned, and it urged governments to step up their efforts to prevent these institutions from becoming safe havens for the proceeds of drug trafficking and organized crime.
There was evidence, according to the INCB, that money laundering and corruption continue to grow in the region.
Anti-money laundering legislation had not been uniformly adopted and implemented and loopholes continue to exist.
In view of the increasing importance of offshore banking and the growing threat posed by money laundering, the Board recommended that Caribbean governments should exert the tightest possible control over their financial service industries and improve transparency of all financial transactions.

BOYZ II MEN
By Peter Adrien

When will they become men? These are questions that are being asked by hundreds of cricket lovers across the Caribbean, who (like me) argue that Test cricket is for men and not for boys. They have given up on some of our unproductive professionals and do not want the selectors to put them in their face; they are almost fed up with the not-so-young cricketers who have failed after a prolonged tenure to mature into men; they are impatient with the many young and promising young batsmen who have failed to graduate from boys to men after several seasons.
The naming of the rhythm and blues group Boyz II Men and the development of the four young male singers who comprised the group hold significant lessons for our decision-makers in West Indies cricket and the national interests which defend them at all cost.
Boyz II Men is made up of four black boys from. The boys met in 1988 at the High School of the Creative and Performing Arts, practicing their harmonies in the bathroom, and originally calling themselves "Unique Attraction." They eventually got their name from a New Edition song called "Boys to Men."
As their name suggests, they have progressed - developed by leaps and bounds. It's hard to believe that Boyz II Men have only been on the music scene since 1991. In such a short time the quartet has sold millions of LPs and spent 29 weeks at Number One with six Number One hits. They won Grammy Awards in 1992, 1993 and 1995 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal; Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Now that is a fine example of graduation from boys to men in the field of music. The progression in the field of cricket, another cultural product, is expected to be the same for our young batsmen. But unfortunately the experiences have been quite the opposite.
Our captain, Brian Lara, who shocked the world in his twenties, has continued to perform below his best but wants to "ginal" us into believing that he is satisfied with his performance. After leading us to a "blackwash" and a whitewash, he has appealed for support from the Caribbean public and the media, claiming that he and the team merit the tolerance and patience, as West Indies cricket is rebuilding. "The players need to be given a chance. And once we get that support around us we can make a turn for the better," the 30-year-old leader pleaded shortly after he was awarded the West Indian Tobacco Company Limited Sportsman of the Year Award at Queen's Hall on Friday February 4, 2000.
Lara could not even champion the Trinidadian cause; He would allow the astute leadership of Philo Wallace to inspire his bowlers to record an incredible come-from-behind one-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago on the final day of their fifth-round Busta Cup cricket match at the Queen's Park Oval.

Trinidad and Tobago finished at the bottom of the six-team competition with 17 points, 11 points behind the Windward Islands - the 2000 Busta Cup Most Improved Team.
What about the other senior boys? Have Jimmy Adams, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Sherwin Campbell progressed from boys to men? Can you (as true West Indian citizens) answer this question without fear and favour, without giving primacy to nationalistic interest, without succumbing to personal preferences? Can you put country (the West Indian country) before self and deal with this critical question as well as the many others that have to do with underdeveloped players from your home country? The fact is that their performances in the last few series suggest that they have not progressed from boys to men.
And contrary to Brian Lara, they neither merit keeping their positions on the West Indies team nor qualify for the large sums of monies that are invested on them in preference to the promising and talented youngsters in the U-19 team. In fact, many cricket fans are calling for their removal, along with captain Brian Lara. While Brian is still critical in the batting stock, he is a liability in the leadership role. He needs to be relieved of his added responsibility to allow him to concentrate on his batting.
What about the young boys -- or kids, as Viv prefer to call them? The young batsmen have not delivered the goods. They have not progressed from boys to men. As is consistent with the tradition of the West Indies cricket, the kids must exhibit their readiness for the senior team by scoring big against the senior players in the regional tournament and by showing resilience under pressure. They are to demand the selectors' attention by scoring tons.
The young boys have not exhibited the prerequisite batting skills. Brian Lara noted correctly, "I don't think they are Test cricketers as yet, but if the present crop of players can get it right, it will make things easier for them." He identified teenaged Barbadian batsman Ryan Hinds as a most promising batsman. He continued, "I'm very impressed with Hinds. It's the first time I've seen him and if he makes that transition from youth cricket into senior cricket; I think he is going to do well." However he pointed out, "One of the main things will be the mental capacity and how he is able to handle that sort of rise to first-class and international level, but I think he has got a bright future." Making reference to the many other talented youngsters in the regional tournament, he noted, "The natural ability is there. You can see it. They need to get themselves ready for international cricket but I suppose, first of all, they have got to perform at first-class level and try to dominate this level before they get onto the international stage." He is absolutely correct.
For example, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Sylvester Joseph have not delivered. They have shown promise; but have failed to score hundreds and graduate from boys to men. But there are two youngsters who are showing signs of graduating from boys to men - Chris Gayle of Jamaica and Ranako Morton of Nevis. They have not dominated but have scored centuries and big fifties. Gayle has accumulated many runs so far - batting long hours. Ranako has batted long hours and exhibited his coming of age against Jamaica at the ARG. His disdainful but skillful treatment of West Indies quickie Franklyn Rose and spinner Nehemiah Perry confirmed his class, his confidence and his resilience. He applied himself for four hours batting for his country at a crucial time. I am sure Mike Findlay would have these two young warriors as priority for the Board XI and the President XI games. Yes, there is hope!
Before players are selected to the senior West Indies team (whether they have are in or out of the team), they must prove themselves as men.
Until then, grow from Boys to Men.

PHOTO CAPTION: Has Brian Lara failed to graduate from boy to man? (Photo
Peter Adrien)

St. Johns started their campaign for the Montserrat Cricket Association two-day title with a comprehensive victory over Eastern on Sunday.

Eastern folded for 145 and 141, while St. Johns amassed 319 runs.

Batting first on Saturday, Eastern was bundled out 145. Devon Rakatang Williams made 81 and Everton Meade 24.

The Eastern batting was destroyed by Noris Gerald, 5 for 31.

Gerald, who now lives in England, was making a guest appearance for St. Johns.

When St. Johns batted, Tyrone Charlie Greenaway took center stage, slamming career best 168. The former West Indies youth player was supported by Adrian Carty 36, Samuel Roach 29, Sylvester Wade 26 and David Layne 21.

Fitzroy Beige Buffonge was a pick of the bowlers for Eastern with a season best 7 for 101.

Behind by 178 runs, Eastern folded for 141. Williams made 36, Buffonge 31 and Meade 28.

Greenaway followed up his brilliant batting with 4 for 32. Sylvester Pointer Wade grabbed 3 for 31.

Scores in the game: Eastern 145 and 141, Northern 319.

The next game is between the Under-19 team and Cudjoe Head, starting on Saturday.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

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

In any democracy people have not just a right, but a duty, to ask questions. Where there are no answers; no ready access to credible information, mistrust and cynicism will set in.

Here in Montserrat we have too much work in rebuilding our country to risk expending energy on anything as counter-productive as cynicism. That is why I consider it is important to respond to the recent queries in the Reporter about the ‘Music Concert for Montserrat,’ held in London in 1998 and organized by Sir George Martin and featuring such entertainment giants as Paul McCarthney, Elton John and our own Arrow.

The table below shows how much money was raised, what donations have been made and what the balance is earmarked for.

As you can see an amount of $600,000 has been allocated to help build our much-needed cultural center. This will no doubt help our artists to soar and show case them in a way that befits their enormous talents. But I can’t help feeling that today we need to go even further than erecting a first-class performing arts center with great lighting and sound. The center also needs to be equipped for both video and CD production.

While we may not have all the money in hand for this we should put it into our planning so that whenever possible we can add video and CD production capabilities with minimum difficulties.

The many advantages of this include the possibility of sharing our talent with the rest of the world. Montserratians, wherever they may be will be able to have their spirits lifted by a performance by Voices, Emerald Community Singers, Ash, our fine calypsonians and all that we are capable of producing.

Already, young Adrian Galloway has undertaken to design the building. A committee has also been appointed to spare-head the project. I’m also appealing to every Montserrat artist and citizen to help make the performing arts center a reality in as short a time as possible. It will be a great benefit to us all.

Let me once again take this opportunity to thank Sir George and Lady Martin for their kindness and continued efforts to benefit Montserrat. Let me also thank every artist who has helped us in our time of trouble. You have all touched out hearts and brought us great comfort and strength.

GEORGE MARTIN MUSIC LIMITED

Summary of funds granted from Music for Montserrat charity in aid of Montserratians both at home and abroad.