Montserratians, particularly those directly involved, may not be completely happy but pleased with Governor Anthony Abbott's announcement this week: "I am therefore pleased to order the RMDF to parade with effect from 1 February 2001."

After "standing down" the Royal Montserrat Defence Force in July 1999, following Commanding Officer Michael Duberry's resignation, Governor Abbott deplored the actions of RMDF members as "a blatant disregard for the country and military law, and … not in keeping with the spirit and traditions of the military.

After cancelling the parade, the Governor said that he was consulting his "Defence Adviser to determine what action should be taken." He refused then to speak further to the press on the matter, and has not spoken of it until today.

It fell to the Chief Minister, not the Governor as Commander in Chief of the RMDF, to announce the decision, to which his government had obviously agreed.

The Chief Minister said because of grievances the men "collectively refused to comply with this order (to immediately attend the rehearsal) and drew attention to grievances over conditions of service."

The Chief Minister recounted that the RMDF was embodied, as a regular army unit, at the outset of volcanic activities in July 1995 and, other than a short period in 1996, remained fully embodied until December 1998.

On 1 January, 1999, a phased run down started with a view to full disembodiment by 30 June, 1999.

In brief, the Chief Minister said members of the Force were paid a full salaries, ranged from a low of $2,280 per month to $5,730; they were fed, uniformed, transported, housed and paid during the crisis; they were entitled to free medical attention, including those who had to be sent overseas for treatment. In addition, many embodied officers continued to work their regular jobs. The disembodiment plan for housing was that members of the Force who qualified were to be given priority for both material grant and self-build housing, and no Defence Force member who qualified was turned down.

The officers and men did not agree with all of the Chief Minister's recounting.

In a letter to the Governor, a Sergeant Major wrote that the members of the RMDF were never ordered to parade.

In summary, the letter declared:

• More than one (1) person was dressed and ready for parade. Most of the persons who were out of uniform never got the opportunity to get prepared.
• Even after the called meeting had started several members arrived dressed and ready to parade. There were enough persons dressed to make a showing on the rehearsal parade.

The Sergeant Major further stated: "Some soldiers are still struggling to find permanent living accommodation and some are still unemployed even after they were promised jobs. Substantial sums of money were taken and, if refunded, could go a long way in alleviating these problems. These monies were taken without any prior consent or agreement, so they should undoubtedly be refunded."

The Chief Minister quoted a report that recommended creating a Board of Inquiry to investigate the offences of Mutiny and Failure to Suppress Mutiny, with provision for Courts Martial of Senior NCOS and other ringleaders if appropriate.Or, alternatively, to place the RMDF in "suspended animation" pending a study into the security needs of Montserrat.

They chose the latter, he said, in part because "we believe not even the soldiers, at the time of disobeying their Commanding Officer, understood the serious penalties to which they were exposing themselves."

Since July then, the RMDF was no longer in existence after 100 years. But Governor Abbott, whose tour of duty ends soon, said on Wednesday in a press release:

"The Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) has demonstrated its importance to the Montserrat Community over its 100-year history. It has a proud record of accomplishments within the community… it is clear from all the discussions I have had that the Montserrat Community wishes to reinstate a Defence Force. I have considered this carefully and believe now is the time to begin afresh."

What really caused it? An overbearing Chief Minister - an intolerance for his leadership style? Campaign time? Gratuity security? Illness or family concerns? The desire to be the top-gun; jealousy, pettiness, incompetence?

The truth might be that it could any of these, a combination of these or all of these. Another sad chapter in Montserrat's political history has either just ended or another just begun.

We suggested last week that the actions of Ministers Tuitt and Weekes were not in the best interest of the country, that they should resign or be fired, causing the early call of a general election, not constitutionally due till November and to be completed more than a year from now. Who of us knew then that all of it (according to Minister Tuitt) was a plan to resign from the beginning.

Dr. Lowell Lewis, who plans to contest the up coming elections, commented in his Montserrat Alive Magazine: "I am disappointed in the way this has come to an end . They should have got over this situation by getting together and setting a date for the election, rather than running around like naughty children back and forth."

But the issue with which both Mr. Weekes and Mrs. Tuitt will have to grapple is what CM Brandt and Central Representative questioned. Did these two ministers wait until they became eligible for gratuity, having served beyond the required four years by a single month? Was this why they threw the island into a spin to face a new and unfamiliar electoral format, with a single constituency and nine instead of seven elected members, to be joined later by two nominated members to serve in our Legislature?

Both ministers made serious accusations and allegations about the mishandling of finances by the CM and about his treatment of them, with particular reference to the decision process. The Chief Minister in return has acted surprisingly calm, discounting and making light of the allegations. He accused Minister Tuitt of a lack of knowledge and understanding of how government is run and Mr. Weekes of not managing his own ministry.

We had hoped that these ministers would truly look at the bigger picture that they both speak of, the interest of Montserrat, and finally understand that their behaviour was unbecoming. For us it only got worse.

What all this means at the end of the day is that Montserrat will have no more than 50 to 90 days to decide who will be the first members to serve in our new Legislature. Will that really give voters a fair chance to get the best and to hear and look at candidates to make a decision that we desperately need to help move us with progress into the future?

Montserratians undoubtedly were happy to learn that the RMDF will be reassembled, but Governor Abbott should not be allowed to believe he can so harshly grieve the people of Montserrat and come back 18 months later to thank them "for their patience and understanding."

Patience is probably something we are endowed with, but the fact there was nothing more than a vocal outcry by from the public was not because they were understanding. They were never in a position to understand. It would be difficult for anyone to understand what could have gone so wrong that "discipline, which is the cornerstone of any military organisation, had deteriorated to a level which could not be tolerated."

In announcing yesterday that February 1, 2001, is the date for the beginning of the reassembly, he said: "… it is clear from all the discussions I have had that the Montserrat Community wishes to reinstate a Defence Force. I have considered this carefully and believe now is the time to begin afresh."

What if an inquiry had been undertaken? Might the outcome have been quite different from what was assumed

Many suggestions were made and many questions asked that could have spared the RMDF the disgrace that was inflicted on it.

Just about two years ago, when the RMDF celebrated its 100^th year of existence, the Chief Minister, the Governor and the whole country could not find words congratulatory enough to praise the RMDF. Yet five months later the force was disbanded. And why? Some of the officers were late for a rehearsal while they tried to talk the (CO) Commanding Officer who was with them into listening to their hardship pleas.

That "standing down of the RMDF" was never explained. Mistakes were obviously made. But having announced his cancellation of the Queen's Birthday Parade, Governor Abbott said that he was consulting his Defence Adviser to determine further action. He refused to answer any questions about the RMDF members’ grievances, the boycott, cancellation of the parade, removal of arms and ammunitions from the RMDF base, or matters relating to the police.

Instead, the Chief Minister delivered the Governor’s message, reporting consideration of charges of Mutiny and Failure to Suppress Mutiny, or of placing the RMDF in ‘suspended animation’ pending a study into the security needs of Montserrat." The latter option was chosen.

When most of the circumstances had come to light, it turned out the fault was a lack of communication. There is the argument that when it comes to the military, grievances cannot be dealt with on a platform of collective action similar to that of a trade union or any other civilian organisation. But no matter what the authority, communication is of prime importance. Even now that seems to be very lacking.

Governor Abbott is wrong to think that it is sufficient merely to thank people for their patience, without a full public explanation. We understand that the Governor has to answer to absolutely no one in Montserrat, but we wonder about his own understanding that information is what educates and keeps people out of ignorance, which makes some other inferences obvious.

John 8:22

People have different attitudes toward the Bible. Some love God’s word but do not even possess a bible . Others own Bibles but seldom read them Peter in his first letter reminds us to desire the word of God . The word of God is truth , and this truth is the foundation of our spiritual life. God offers grace to everyone in this world , but many have failed to take in this grace in this .those who have experienced that the Lord is gracious , however , will desire the word of God . And when they read and study it, they experience grace in increasingly deeper ways _ways that transform.

To see how God’s truth changes us , fill a cup up to the brim with dirty water and then pour fresh water into it. As the fresh water enters the cup will be full of clean water . the word of God is like fresh water that cleanses our souls from sin and fills us with a new way of life . Our freedom from sin is found in knowing and living the truth, the word of God .

Prayer: God of all truth, help us to taste your good ness and to desire your word . Amen.

Studying the Bible is a means to encounter God’s transforming grace

Ranjini Monica Louis (Madras , India)

Prayer Focus : THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO BIBLES

PRAYER FOCUS: a willingness to forgive

Feel free to write to The Montserrat Reporter and share your views or air your concerns.  Write to: editor@montserratreporter.org

Ruthlyn Marie-Nella Riley graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, on December 16^th 2000.

She graduated with Second Class Honours, magna cum laude, with a double degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance and Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS), obtaining a Grade Point Average of 3.84.

While at the university, she was an outstanding Junior Woman for 1998-99, has been on the university's dean's list and was listed in Who's Who among Students in American Colleges and Universities. She was also inducted in several honour societies and has been involved in many associations, such as Habitat for Humanity and North East Leo Club.

She also actively participated in a variety of sporting activities organized by the Caribbean Students Organisation, basketball, volleyball, flag football and soccer.

Marie-Nella is the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Abraham Riley. She was employed at the Bank of Montserrat from 1995-1997, before leaving for university in August 1997.

Price Control Officer Rudolph Christopher has announced that the Price Control Unit plans to increase its monitoring of shops and supermarkets operating on the island.

The announcement comes as a supermarket is answering charges of overpricing its goods. It also follows recent increases in cooking gas, water and fuel, which are linked to a steady rise in the cost of living.

The Government of Montserrat welcomes the announcement from Mr. Paul Tien, founder of the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) that he plans to purchase land to re-establish the school on Montserrat.

Government recognises the AUC's invaluable contribution to the Montserrat economy in the past, and will be pleased to see it operating here again.

Acting Chief Minister Rupert Weekes said, "In a time when investors' confidence is needed, as we strive to revive our economy, the school will be a great boost to our economy."

An unfortunate police officer was involved in what locally could be considered a serious traffic accident Saturday, 27 January, 2000, on Brades Main Road above BBC Service Centre. Police report that no one was seriously hurt, although the car appeared to have made a complete circle.

Meanwhile the police remind motorists to drive carefully and not to forget the speed limit.

Inspector in Charge of Traffic Hazel reminds vehicle owners to get their vehicles checked and licensed at the Public Works Department in the Ministry of Communications and Works in Woodlands.

Assessments continue to be made of Montserrat's ability to host the South African Cricket Team in April.

A delegation headed by West Indies Cricket Board’s Executive Secretary Andrew Sealy, South African cricket team Manager Gulan Radjah and Physiotherapist Craig Smith spent Tuesday on island.

The South African team is scheduled to face the UWI Vice Chancellor’s Eleven on April 12.

Minister of Communications and Works and Acting Chief Minister Rupert Weekes says, "Although there were several concerns the delegation seemed confident that Montserrat could host the fixture."

Miss Petronella White attended the Montserrat Secondary School from September 1989 to July 1995. She was a keen athlete and scored several points for Blue House every year in the annual sports competition. She was a member of the Science Club at school. She was also a prefect.

In 1995 Petronella graduated from Montserrat School with eight O’level passes in English Language, Mathematics, Principle of Accounts, Geography, French, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. And A’ level passes in Biology, Chemistry and General Paper.

She was employed as a teacher for one year at Montserrat Secondary School -- Salem and Dagenham Campus.

Petronella attended the Midwestern State University (MSU) in Texas, USA, from August 1996 to August 2000. While at MSU she pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. Petronella graduated in December 2000 with honours- Magna Cum Laude. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honour having obtained the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) in College of Science and Mathematics. In addition to the Presidential Medal for Academic Excellence, Petronella obtained honours chords from the following societies within the university:

• Tri Beta - Biology Honour Society
• Alpha Chi - National Honour Society
• Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta - Honour Societies

Petronella is the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. John Rodney, formally of Harris Village.

Please join with her family and members and friends in congratulating Petronella, for job well done.

Mr. Chris Mullin, the Member of Parliament for Sunderland South since 1987, has been appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development (DFID).

He replaces Mr. George Foulkes, who has been appointed Minister of State at the Scotland Office. Mr. Foulkes visited Montserrat on several occasions.

Mr. Mullin joins DFID from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, where he was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State since 29 July 1991.

The "Say No To Drugs" Project was a big hit in schools as students and teachers both enjoyed and appreciated the effort by Partners of the Americas (POA) on this drive to curb drug use by youths on the island.

In fact, this was the preparation stage for a brighter, healthier and all round better future.

The cultural aspect of the programme was one the students could relate to without the feeling of being lectured at. They were very responsive and are still singing the songs that they heard.

DARE officers WPC Tuitt and PC Kelly asked students drug-related questions. Students who answered correctly were presented with "Say No to Drugs" T-shirts.

It is hoped that the message stuck and will help students to "Say No to Drugs".POA & Associates did well, and the island looks forward to seeing the programme in the community. All are expected to attend these shows.

St. Lucia, CANA - Another round of talks between member states of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) and Cable & Wireless, the major service provider for the Caribbean Community and Common Market, ended here Wednesday with no headway made on the outstanding issues.
Both sides were saying very little to reporters before and after the talks, now postponed indefinitely. The discussions were expected to centre on matters which the company wanted settled.
Cable & Wireless is unhappy with Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) plans for the early termination of the company's existing licence and was seeking clarification on its role as countries moved to liberalise their telecommunications sector, giving C&W heavy competition in telephone, fax, Internet and other services.
The meeting was expected to settle the difficult issues of inter-connection of different telephone services and universal service obligations, related to the provisions of service to the under-privileged in the community.
Both sides were reported to be preparing separate statements for release to the media on how they viewed the outcome.

Montserrat Government Information Services reported this week that the Department for International Development (DFID) has officially announced the closure of its St. John’s, Antigua, office on December 31, 2000.

A spokesperson from DFID Montserrat said the closure became necessary because the evacuation scheme came to an end, thus reducing the workload drastically. She said the little that used to be done from the Antigua Office is now being handled by DFID officers in Montserrat.

The DFID Antigua office was opened in 1997 to deal with Montserratians relocating from the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

In a bid to make history, Legislative Council Member for Central, Rueben Meade announced the opening salvo of his 2001 political campaign this week. He made history in 1991 when at age 38 he became the youngest person to serve as Chief Minister. Earlier on he had called on CM David Brandt to either discipline two 'revolting' Ministers or for the Ministers to resign. (He may well be certain that he will get his wishes but that is in the realm of speculation).

Would-be come-back Chief Ministers (CM) have not been successful in this island so far. Former CM P. Austin Bramble led the country from 1971 to 1978, regained his personal seat in 1983 but failed in his bid for power. His successor, John A Osborne, lost power and his seat in 1991 but failed to regain the government in 1996, although he won the northwestern constituency. He, too, is hoping like Mr. Meade to be a "come-back kid." In 1996 Mr. Meade regained his seat and was a Minister in Bertrand Osborne's coalition government until the latter dismissed him in 1997. Unlike Mr. Bramble and John Osborne, therefore, Mr. Meade has never experienced the proverbial political wilderness.

The consultation, scheduled for March 12 to 15, will be hosted by the Ministry of Health, Education and Community Services in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

The multi-sectoral workshop will support the development of policies promoting healthy youth, healthy nutrition, food security, mental health and post-traumatic stress.

The workshop is being viewed as critical to allow senior planners and policy makers the opportunity to acquire the skills to design and formulate healthy public policy.

The consultation is expected to attract government and non-governmental workers and will be facilitated by Ms. Fran Perkins, who assisted with a similar workshop last year.

Montserrat will be featured in the 2001 issue of the Caribbean Travel Magazine.

The magazine, a production of the UK Chapter of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, is to be inserted in the Style Section of Britain’s Sunday Times newspaper.

The magazine is a generic image piece that will guide readers through a brief outline of the CTO’s 35 member states and territories.

Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell says the article on Montserrat will feature basic information about the island, such as how to get here and what is available.

She says readers will also be provided with information referring them to the MTB’s brochures and web site.

The magazine is expected to be distributed to 90,000 homes in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile latest news from the CTO announced industry calendar dates for the year 2001, during which it will celebrate 50 years of Caribbean Tourism, "with a host of activities that keep in-line with its strategic priorities."

Miss Cassell revealed that the CTO since 1995 waived Montserrat's membership fees to the organisation for five years and that this year's fees are now due. She said the CTO had raised funds to assist Montserrat during the volcanic crisis.

Following a Montserrat visit and meetings with Governor Abbott and the President of the Montserrat Cricket Association, Mr. Frank Brathwaite, a Canadian sports consultant, has written a letter to the English Cricket Board about the plight of several local cricketers who reside in England.

Mr. Brathwaite has been championing the cause of well-known Montserrat cricketers Angello Bass, Lesroy Irish and Aurell Kirnon, who had relocated to the UK as a result of the volcanic crisis here in Montserrat.

In a letter to Tony Banks, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of Culture Media & Sports, Mr. Brathwaite wrote: "These cricketers were allowed an initial right of entry to the UK for two years without restrictions, allowing them to seek employment without work permits.

"In addition they have been given British passports…they are now refused employment due to criteria imposed by the County, in direct conflict with their terms of relocation… Since the cricketers on relocating to the UK accepted a legal offer to seek employment (without restriction) the County criteria should be waived in this instance and the cricketers judged on merit of performance."

The letter from John Smith, MCA president, states that he was recently made aware that several Montserrat cricketers are being prevented from taking up employment as English qualified players with First Class Counties because of ECB regulations.

It says the majority of the island’s cricketers, including all of the successful 1997 Under 19 team and many from the senior national team, including Lesroy Irish, have emigrated.

The letter states that Montserrat would welcome them back to strengthen our cricket but recognize that it is extremely unlikely, given the housing and employment situation on the island.

Mr. Smith is therefore urging the ECB to allow Montserratians who wish to play First Class Cricket the right to do so urgently so that they can take part in the 2001 season.

The letter says the players are committed to making their life in the United Kingdom and he is requesting that they be treated compassionately.

Mr. Brathwaite told the Montserrat Reporter during his visit that a reply to his letter referred him directly to the County saying: "…we have no locus to intervene. The best course of action would be to make direct contact with them."

He expressed further frustration when he attempted to get the players, and particularly Lesroy Irish, a place in the Leeward Islands cricket team. He met no success here, but Mr. Smith said that this unfortunate situation arose because the necessary documentation not arriving on time for consideration by the Leeward Islands cricket authorities.

Montserrat, CANA - One of the candidates for Montserrat's coming general election wants politicians to publicly agree not to buy votes.
Existing legislation dating back to 1984 states that anyone found guilty of electoral bribery could be fined EC$2,000 (US$740), jailed for six months, disqualified as a voter for seven years from the date of conviction and denied the seat in the Legislative Council if he or she is a member.
But Montserratians say some people still buy votes.
Speaking on government-run ZJB Radio, Cheddy Browne urged politicians to take a firm stance against making payment to electors.
"What I would like to see done is that the politicians themselves who are going to present themselves to the public to be voted for should take a positive stance on the influence of money in politics. They should all come out and notify the voting public that money should not be the overriding factor," he said.
Mr. Browne warned that if candidates refused to take a firm position Montserratians ran the risk of being governed by persons who did not present persuasive programmes for development.
He said some persons insisted on being paid or granted material favours before they cast their ballots.
"They should all take a position on (bribery) because there is a sector of our society that insists that the only way you (are) going to get them into a voting booth is by providing them with a favour, that favour being money," said Mr. Browne, a Pan-African activist.
Residents readily confirm that bribery for electoral support has become entrenched in the political system here.
Some politicians are said to have paid as much as EC$500 (US$185) to individuals or provided much needed household and other articles to secure the votes of entire families.
Over 2,800 persons are registered to cast their ballots at the upcoming polls under a new voting-at-large system in which there would be no constituencies, just a list of nine candidates.
In addition to Browne, other persons who have declared that they would contest the polls are Dr. Lowell Lewis, a well-known surgeon and former University of the West Indies (UWI) lecturer; Claude Hogan, former senior CARICOM Secretariat official and ex-Chief of Staff to Montserrat Chief Minister David Brandt; Communications and Public Works Minister Rupert Weekes; Health, Education and Community Services Minister Adelina
Tuitt; and Chief Minister Brandt, and former Chief Minister Reuben Meade.

Montserrat has a new Director of Lands and Survey.
He is Briton Grant Vincent, who began a two-year secondment on Tuesday. Mr. Vincent will implement new surveys and integrate digital mapping with computer based geographical information systems.
He will also provide technical advice, training and support, and help to develop the existing local survey team working on the project.
The Department for International Development (DFID) funding the post as part of its programme of assistance to help with the social and economic recovery of the island.

Guyana, CANA - A young female Guyanese newspaper reporter was charged on Thursday with two counts of attempted murder.
The charges stem from an incident Monday afternoon in which 21-year-old Guyana Chronicle reporter Sharon Lall allegedly attacked the pilot of a small aircraft minutes after the plane became airborne.
The 24-year-old pilot, Yacoob Mazaharally, aborted his flight and made a bumpy landing, skidding on smoky tyres, on the runway at Ogle Aerodrome, East Coast Demerara.
The defendant was not in court Thursday when the case was called by Chief Magistrate Paul Fung-A-Fat.
She is a patient under police guard at the Georgetown Hospital, reportedly suffering from multiple abrasions.
The Chief Magistrate refused bail and transferred the case to another court where it will be called on February 12.

The reporter is charged with attempting to murder Mazaharally and Vydia Gooray.
Gooray was a passenger, along with her 9-year-old daughter, on the four-seater Cessna aircraft at the time of the incident.
She reportedly struggled with the defendant, trying to restrain her. Gooray sustained a cut to the palm and several bites about the body.
The pilot, said to have been a close friend of the reporter at one time, was stabbed in the back of the head and in the shoulder. He remains hospitalised in a stable condition.

The new non-resident German Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Mr. Ulrich Nitzschke, presented his credentials this week to the Governor General His Excellency Sir James B. Carlisle GCMG.

After doing so, he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister the Honourable Lester Bird and also met with senior officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

During his call on the Prime Minister, Ambassador Nitzschke and Mr. Bird exchanged Instruments of Ratification for the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Antigua and Barbuda and the Federal Republic of Germany.

On November 5, 1998, representatives of Antigua and Barbuda and the Federal Republic of Germany initialled this Bilateral Treaty in London to encourage and protect investments in Antigua and Barbuda and the Federal Republic of Germany. Ambassador Nitzschke brings much experience to his new tour of duty, having worked in German Embassies in Jakarta, Indonesia, Rome, Italy, Washington and Addis Abba, Ethiopia. He replaces Ambassador Gerard Pluckebaum who was recalled to perform other duties.

Prime Minister Bird reviewed the regional scene with the Ambassador and raised a number of issues important to Antigua and Barbuda. These included the OECD Harmful Tax Competition issue, Germany’s role in the Caribbean development Bank (CDB) and potential cooperation at the United Nations between Antigua and Barbuda and Germany.

Mr. Bird emphasized the importance of the Bilateral Investment Treaty in providing a sound basis for German investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s economy.

Grenada, CANA - Grenada's security forces are not taking lightly a call from an opposition senator for a show of force to remove the Mitchell administration if early elections are not held, said Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who is also Minister of National Security.
Dr. Mitchell was responding to statements by senator Michael Andrews at a public meeting of the newly formed United Labour Congress last week.
"We are looking at it from a national security standpoint. We are not going to close our eyes," Dr. Mitchell said, "because as minister of national security and Prime Minister I have to have the interest of the country at heart and I certainly will be doing that."
Mr. Andrews appealed for street demonstrations to force the Mitchell administration to step down if it ignores a June 30 ULP deadline to hold an early poll. He also called for the use of stones in efforts to remove the government.
In a CANA interview, Dr. Mitchell said he is confident Grenadians will not join that kind of demonstration.
Last weekend's edition of the Grenadian Voice newspaper blasted Mr. Andrews for his choice of words and accused him of trying to incite a riot in the country.
Mr. Andrews, a practicing attorney, declined further comment, saying only that he will "let sleeping dogs lie".

A major HIV/AIDS conference involving health ministers from Barbados and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is scheduled to open in Bridgetown on Tuesday.
Funding for national HIV/AIDS programmes will be the main topic of discussion at the four-day meeting, which will be attended by representatives of the World Bank.
The ministers and their technical teams will discuss the nature and scope of possible World Bank assistance to implement various programmes to combat the spread of the killer disease.
"Specific topics on the agenda include arrangements for the acquisition of goods and services needed for programme implementation; implementation arrangements: institutional, financial management, procurement of goods and services, monitoring and impact evaluation; and preparation and processing aspects of Caribbean HIV/AIDS initiative," the Government Information Service (GIS) said.
The countries that will be represented at the meeting are Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, St.Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Antigua, CANA - The decision of newly elected U.S. President George W. Bush to ban funding of organisations that support abortions could eventually trigger unwanted pregnancies in the Caribbean, a family planning official says.

Dr. Tirbani Jagdeo, chief executive officer of the Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CFPA), said Monday, "The impact of (the new policy) is that the amount of family planning and education service work that we do will be cut back, more people will make mistakes and the demand for abortions would increase.
"Unfortunately, a lot of that demand is going to be satisfied through unprofessional or unsafe means and that might very well increase the number of people who suffer from botched abortions," Dr. Jagdeo told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA).
The Antigua-based CFPA and its 24 family planning organisations in the Dutch-, French- Spanish- and English-speaking Caribbean do not encourage abortions but focus on sexual and reproductive health and family planning as a means of reducing unwanted pregnancies.
The decision by Mr. Bush to ban funding to pro-abortion organisations would affect the Caribbean because its source of money, the London-based International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), has some of its 150 autonomous national family planning associations in 82 countries support abortion, analysts say.
Some of the US$5 million grant to the IPPF has been channelled through the CFPA for use in implementing cost recovery schemes in family planning organisations in Guyana and Suriname .
Dr. Jagdeo, who has studied the Amerindians of Guyana and the Djuka Africans in Suriname, said that those two groups are greatly exposed to "high-risk" pregnancies because of early sexual activity, and early and numerous pregnancies.
"They are outside the reach of conventional family-planning services, largely because (they) live in these little sub-cultures that are on the periphery of the central culture of these countries," the Guyana-born Jagdeo said.
Now that funding from the IPPF appears to be drying up as a result of the move by the Bush administration, the CFPA might have to turn to the European Union (EU) or the London-based Population Concern but with little optimism.
"Right now it's very difficult.... the number of donors available to this region is very, very small," Dr. Jagdeo said, adding that Africa and Asia were now the priority regions.
About US$1 million from the IPPF is being injected into family planning programmes across the Caribbean but none of that money is originally sourced from the UNFPA or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Since 1973, USAID funds have not been used to fund abortion activities. Every Caribbean country each year has to submit an audit showing that no money was used for abortion-related activities.

The St. Kitts and Nevis government has secured an EC$39 million (US$14.4 million) loan from First Citizens Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to finance its capital projects for 2001.
The loan documents were signed on Thursday by Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and First Citizens Bank's Chief Executive Officer, Larry Howai, a government release said on Friday.
Dr. Douglas, who is also the finance minister, said the loan was a clear indication that his government was serious about developing the two-island federation.

The Audit Inspector General of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), Steven Van Beverhoudt, has discovered a multi-million dollar fraud at the Department of Labour.
Mr. Van Beverhoudt said in a press statement Thursday that after a careful audit, he discovered that US$7 million in unemployment tax refunds were illegally paid out.
Another US$49 million of funds which should have been utilized are now lying at the US Treasury, he reported.
The alleged fraud is believed to have taken place between January 1996 and December 1999. The matter has been reported to the Fraud and Corruption Task Force for investigation and possible prosecution.

Almost half of all the children in Britain aged 7 to 16 now have a mobile phone, a survey revealed on Monday.
The NOP Research Group said that 52 percent of girls and 44 percent of boys possess their own mobile.
Text messaging is becoming the favourite method of communication, with an average of 2.5 per phone sent every day.
Mobile phone companies reported massive Christmas sales and analysts estimate that 40 million Britons, two-thirds of the population, now have a mobile phone.

Grenada, CANA - Jailed former deputy Prime Minister of Grenada, Bernard Coard, has hit back at Opposition Leader Michael Baptiste for publicly criticising his ailing wife.
Mr. Coard has released a two-page statement knocking the Opposition Leader for his ongoing attacks on Mrs. Phyllis Coard, now back in her homeland, Jamaica, receiving treatment for cancer.
"It says a lot about Mr. Baptiste that he considers a defenceless woman battling for her life a fair target for his repeated attacks," Mr. Coard said. "I would much rather he spent his time attacking me."
Mrs. Coard has been granted a second six-month release from the Richmond Hill Prison where she and 15 others are serving life for the l983 murder of former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and some of his Cabinet members.
Mr. Coard was rebutting statements made by Baptiste in Parliament and at political meetings describing his wife as a murderer.
Bernard Coard said his wife had nothing to do with the tragic events in October, l983.
"This fact will become increasingly clear as more and more of the declassified secret US government documents on the case of the Grenada 17 are made public," he said.
He accused the opposition leader of targeting Mrs. Coard for "domestic political purposes."
Mr. Baptiste was fired as a government minister last year after he publicly criticised Phyllis Coard's release.
Mrs. Coard is one of several prisoners freed from Richmond Hill to travel abroad for medical treatment under the prison law.

A Regional Symposium on Energy Efficiency and Energy Management will be held at the Caribbees Hotel, Castries, St. Lucia on 5 - 7 February, 2001, the OECS Secretariat announced.
The objective of the symposium will be to begin developing a regional energy management policy and public awareness program. Participants are expected from North
America, South America and Europe, as well as from throughout the Caribbean. They will share their experiences in energy management and advise the OECS.
Dr. Vasantha Chase, head of the OECS Natural Resources Management Unit, said, "From this meeting, we expect that the OECS Secretariat working with the Member States will be able to develop a pragmatic set of energy management policy and public awareness materials through which energy will be conserved and the environmental impacts associated with energy use will be reduced."

The symposium is organized by the OECS Secretariat through its Natural Resources Management Unit with support from the Environmental Capacity Development (ENCAPD) Project. The ENCAPD Project is a four-year, $Cdn 4 million partnership initiative between the OECS and the Canadian International Development Agency with the goal of assisting member states of the OECS to develop and utilize their natural resources in a sustainable
way.

Antigua -- Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, the Hon. Lester B. Bird, has praised the nation's youth who have been making great strides in computer technology, according to the Government Information Service.

Mr. Bird made the observation to businessman Victor Chandler of Chandler International, during the recording of a special CBS television interview. The program, which will be aired in the United States as well as Europe later this year, will emphasise the computer skills of Antiguans and Barbudans.

"The young people have really taken hold of the computer industry. A large number of them are employed in the Online Gaming Industry, and the reports are coming back that our people are performing extremely well in this area," Mr. Bird noted.

The Antigua and Barbuda leader went on to note that, "the IT Center which is now under construction will result in a greater output of highly trained computer operators, as this is part of the Government's plan to prepare our people to co-exist beside the best in the world as far as the infomatics world is concerned."

Already the Lester Bird Administration has opened the Free Trade Zone Institute of Training and Technology (FTZITT) which has trained hundreds of nationals in the use and operation of computers.

"Our investment in this area has produced manifold blessings," Mr. Bird said.

Antigua and Barbuda has been mandated by CARICOM to spearhead the development of the infomatics industry in the region.

CANCÚN, Mexico -- The Caribbean's desperate need for unified promotion to maintain and enhance its position as the world’s premier warm weather tourism destination is being addresssed by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA).

The increasingly competitive international travel market requires that the private sector take the lead in both funding and directing a regional marketing program, according to the CHA. It has identified several voluntary programs to raise the necessary resources to sustain such a marketing program.

A pilot project to test these programs will be initially financed through commitments received from: AMHSA Hotels & Resorts International, Almond Resorts, American Express, Des Hôtels et des Îles, Gems of Barbados, Half Moon / Elegant Resorts International, Hyatt Resorts, Paradise Island Tourist Development Association, Sandals Resorts, Sol Meliá, SuperClubs, St. Thomas/St. John Hotel & Tourism Association and Yucatan Resorts.
This effort is intended to compliment the ongoing program of the Caribbean Coalition for Tourism (CCT) and has been endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). "Great Places in the Caribbean," the initial three-year multimillion dollar program developed by Kelly, Swofford, Roy Marketing of Coral Gables, Florida, will be unveiled following the conclusion of its pilot phase at Caribbean Hotel Industry Conference (CHIC) 2001, to be held June 10-13, 2001, at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort & Country Club, in Puerto Rico.
In addition to hotels, participants in the " Great Places in the Caribbean" program will include airlines, travel operators, retailers, credit card companies, car rental agencies, publications, and product manufacturers.
The Caribbean Hotel Association was founded in 1962 to address the hotel needs of the Caribbean hospitality industry. The Association is dedicated to excellence in hospitality, leadership in marketing, and sustainable growth in tourism, to the benefit of its members and that of the wider Caribbean community

The company's Executive Vice-President - Eastern Caribbean, Phil Snaith, proudly sealed the new partnership between Shell, the West Indies Cricket Board and St. George's University last Monday as he signed the contract for sponsorship of the Shell Cricket Academy.
The occasion was the launching of the academy at St. George's University in Grenada. During the one-hour ceremony, Snaith thanked the WICB "for giving Shell the first opportunity to contribute to this venture" and termed his organisation's three-year sponsorship of the academy "a clear statement of our deep-rooted commitment to the future of this region".
He wished the academy much success and noted that a resurgence in West Indies cricket will ensure that "international cricket will be healthier and stronger".

CAPTION: (from left) Shell's Executive Vice-President - Eastern Caribbean,
Phil Snaith; Vice-Chancellor of St. George's University, Dr. Peter Bourne
and President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Pat Rousseau, sign the
contracts for the Shell Cricket Academy last Monday following a launch
ceremony for the academy.

See what they are doing to him! The prevailing sentiment in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis could have damaging effects on Stuart Williams! The move to get him installed as the West Indies cricket captain could cost him his Test pick.

The prevailing nationalistic sentiment to make the Nevisian former Test opening batsman the leader of the West Indies team is misguided and somewhat irresponsible. It is really unfortunate that the cricketing public should enter into a losing fight with the little enclave that control West Indies cricket when small island cricketers have no influential horse traders on their side. One would hope that this move is not triggered by a misguided notion that St. Kittitian Richard Skerritt, who is the manager of the team, could influence the selection process. No! This is not part of his job description (read his official job description and, if you are not satisfied, ask Coach Roger Harper).

The move should be rather to push for Williams's recall as an opening batsman, and let things take their own course. Should he be slated and perform, he would definitely be a candidate for leadership. After all his captaincy skills are well appreciated by knowledgeable cricket followers.

There are number of reasons why the prevailing mood could prove dysfunctional for Stuart Williams, who is laying a claim for a return to international cricket. The call for the highest position in the team could cost the talented batsman what many commentators, including yours truly, perceive as his last (but most opportune) chance to make a comeback to international cricket.

While the cricketing public, and indeed many Caribbean persons, may very well ignore the fact that he has been tried over and over again without making a lasting impact on the game as an opening batsman, he is definitely in line for a recall given the recent poor performance of the team, the under-performance of the opening batsmen since his replacement, and his current form.

But mind you, there would be a number of considerations when the selection panel sits to make that important decision (the decision of selecting a team for home series against South Africa). Michael Findlay and his men will have to wrestle with the thought of (a) engaging in musical chairs once again with Barbadian Sherwin Campbell and Stuart Williams and, (b) replacing the young Trinidadian Darren Ganga, who has definitely shown that he has talent and temperament for the job, and could mature if he is allowed a longer run.

The politics of West Indies cricket selection will definitely make it very difficult to replace Campbell with Williams. Campbell is currently the vice captain of the team. The selectors will consider that he played a very positive last Test innings even if he had a dismal series. In addition, inasmuch as the Barbadian cricketing cupboard is presently bare, Campbell may very well be the only Barbadian horse to be traded. A national move by selector Joel Garner could swing things Campbell’s way

Moreover, the Barbadian public has been mounting a vigorous campaign for the selection of Carl Hooper as captain. This development strongly suggests that the knowledgeable cricketing community understands that the local boy, Campbell, is not captaincy material. But they may, as they have done before, influence his selection as the opening batsman, if he is the sole candidate from the "cricketing Mecca."

Furthermore, should Adams be replaced as captain of the team, would the selectors be amenable to having both Adams and Campbell axed for the poor performances "Down Under"? Would both players opt to be rested for the home series? These possibilities seem very remote. West Indian cricketers have shown that they are not mature enough to forego their income in the national interest. In fact, the decision by Courtney Walsh to play in the Busta Cup signals his intention to play in the home series in his quest for the 500 Test wickets.

The re-selection of Stuart Williams to the opening position, therefore, will take some serious considerations and some mature thinking by the panel of selectors. Unfortunately for Williams, the selectors have shown their preference for young talents. The selection of Jamaican Marlon Samuels for the Australian tour as a novice strongly points to the worldview of the selectors with respect to age and investment. Even if a section of the West Indian cricketing population is convinced that the decision was "Rousseau-influenced," and even if many in the small islands conjectured as to whether the selectors would have done the same if the "bundle of talent" were from the small islands, the move was visionary and the investment is sound.

In keeping with this trend, the selectors may not opt for a player in his thirties over a youthful player. This strongly suggests that the selectors might not replace Darren Ganga with Stuart Williams, a recycled under-performed batsman. Should they decide to replace the young Indo-West Indian, they would most likely do so with a young potential – an investment for the future. Two likely candidates are Azemul Hannif of Guyana (whom they have pointed in that direction) and Chris Gayle of Jamaica, whom they sent to cricket school.

The call for Williams to be elevated to the captaincy is also irresponsible, given the geo-politics that influence the selection of West Indian cricket captains. Apart from the ethnic, class and status issues that influence the selection process of a cricket captain, the geopolitical factors exert significant influence on the choice of candidate.

Recent developments in West Indies cricket strongly suggest a dominance of the MDC’s of CARICOM, in particular, Jamaica. The core of the leadership is Jamaican and a significant portion of the investment capital flows from that direction. Moreover, Jamaica has been performing very well at the regional level and therefore dominates the team numerical. These developments will definitely make the selection of a captain very political.

But more than this, the Caribbean public does not seem ready to accept another captain from the small islands. This is why Tony Cozier's call to make Antiguan Ridley Jacobs captain is "politically incorrect." And the Antiguan cricketing public, a very knowledgeable population, has neither given support to Cozier’s irrational thought nor to the Sugar City call. They have opted to call for Carl Hooper because they think he is the "fit man" and because they understand West Indies cricket.

Whether we like it or not, whoever holds the honourable position as West Indies Cricket Captain must be perceived as a Caribbean personality! He occupies a higher spot than any Prime Minister in the CARICOM countries, since Richardson, Jamaica, Trinidad and Jamaica, in that order, have held the highest political position in the West Indian nation. The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board is most likely to support Chetram Singh, and the Guyana Cricket Board to have Hooper as Captain. Chetram Singh and company must be saying this is Guyana's time!

The Kittitian cricketing public are arguing that Carl Hooper "turned his back on the West Indies team" and, as such, is not eligible for selection. This is of course seriously flawed. This view fails to appreciate the market relation of cricket as a sport. Carl Hooper left West Indies cricket the legitimate way and is seeking to enter the legitimate way. This is consistent with a market economy, which allows free exit and free entrance.

Did Clive Lloyd withdraw his services from the West Indies during the 1977-788 home series against Australia, when he left and all the Kerry Packer players followed him? Did he desert the team in a time of need? Did Brian Lara turn his back on the team when he left the camp in England in 1995 and refused to tour Australia? Were these two men still qualified to play for West Indies? Oh how often we think with our heart and not our head!

Should the national move materialise, the Federation of 68,000 people will become famous; should it fail, Stuart Williams’ cricketing career is history.

What do you think?

PHOTO CAPTION: Carl Hooper is the man of the people (Photo: Peter Adrien)

Despite the eloquence with which His Excellency Gov. Anthony Abbott declared it, the determination of Her Majesty's Government that there be no more volcanic casualties on Montserrat would be laudable if it were not so transparently penny-pinching.

How better to assure the safety of those of us already on island than to limit for noble reasons of public policy the return of more Montserratians who might be exposed to the dangers of the Soufriere Hills volcano?

Why else perpetuate for reasons of public safety an exclusion zone that reduces the possibility that British funds might be required to restore water, electricity and telephone service to anyone rash enough to want to return to Woodsville, Cork Hill, Delwyns, Foxes Bay or Richmond Hill?

I'm sorry, not only do I not buy the professed concern, but also as the owner of a perfectly livable house in Foxes Bay I resent it.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is staffed with accredited scientists of various disciplines. They issue straightforward weekly scientific readings of rock falls, pyroclastic flows, the variety of earthquakes and sulfur dioxide measurements.

But when all of the scientific big guns gather semi-annually to assess the volcano, the assessments they produce are less science than they are predictions cautiously couched to pose no challenge to the British Government's financial restraint on the "economic recovery" of Montserrat.

A marine exclusion zone two miles beyond the shores of Montserrat? Why?

A daytime entry zone that has been closed since June 20, 2000, except to those who are willing to go to Salem Police Station, tug on their forelocks and beseech the police for brief access? Why?"

Before June 20, many of us who own houses in Foxes Bay went in regularly, delighted to find no further damage to our properties and no new accumulations of ash, and pleased to be able to start replacing plants that had been destroyed by earlier heavy ash falls.

Since then, on the few occasions when it has been possible to return, we have found no further damage to our properties -- except for a few unfortunates whose houses have been pillaged -- and no new accumulations of ash. But we cannot continue to replace plants because we are unable to return frequently enough to water them.

Gov. Abbott emphasizes the British determination that the volcano should claim no more casualties. How wonderfully ironic!

I am 72 years old. My wife and I were forced by the British Government to leave Foxes Bay in July 1997, nearly four years ago. My wife may live many more years, but unless the British take a more reasonable view of Montserrat's dilemma, I almost certainly will eventually become a casualty, not of the volcano but of our British nannies' avowed concern about my personal safety.

When we moved to Montserrat in 1994, I told friends that I hoped, when I died here, to be cremated and have my ashes spread on the island. Given so many years of volcanic activity, that would really be redundant.

But whenever I go, and wherever my remains are deposited, I may have to go bitterly confident of a fitting monument in Montserrat -- that perfectly livable but arbitrarily inaccessible house in Foxes Bay.

More people get confused, misled, or hurt by misinformation than by the actual telling of lies.

In fact I believe that information carelessly given without the giver taking the time to seek the true facts or to understand the real circumstances is worse than telling lies.

Anyone can give information to ordinary people to warn them. But that person must also tell and show how to lessen the impact of his information.

Wow, I am back on the roll again; and I am more committed to seek out the truth, to understand the truth and to share my understanding of the truth with compassion and good nature.

Montserratians, as difficult as it might be, let us make this year a year for truthfulness. Yes, even this election year, we can declare it the year of truth. The year to cut back on confusing statements and misinformation.

We can begin by examining our values, our expectations and our perceived hurts.

For example, it is not necessary to lament and cry foul at the Antigua Port Authority when our Ferry is unable to dock as soon as it arrives in Antigua. In fact, it is lack of common sense not to expect that every now and then there would be delays in docking. In addition, it is unadulterated ignorance not to seek to understand the economics of Port operations and especially the economic circumstances of Port Antigua, before spilling frightening information to Montserratians. The ignorance glows like a fiery volcano if the speaker does not factor into his hypothesis unforeseen circumstances or, whether the tourist ships, or the cargo ships, or the port workers in Antigua should wait until the ferry arrives from Montserrat, with its 30 or so passengers, before they start the day's economic activity.

Still, the misinformation erupts and causes damage if the speaker forgets to factor into his theorem, that for more than 1,000 days, twice each day, the ferry took Montserratian passengers in and out of Antigua. And even if there were delays 100 times, that should have been acceptable. But, a one-hour delay, two, three, four or nine times out of a possible 2,000 times? That is excellent service! Really, what is wrong with us, have we forgotten patience, tolerance and gratitude?

These days any serious traveller on the regional or international scene will experience several delays in his travel plans, whether he travels by road rail, sea or air.

I recall missing a flight to Grenada, because the fire truck operator at Bramble Airport did not arrive to work on time. So the plane which arrived had to return to Antigua without landing.

Furthermore, speaking the truth requires not only understanding easily known facts; it also requires the effort to seek understanding of unknown peculiar facts, such as homosexuality.

Today I am willing to comment on the decriminalization of homosexual acts between two consenting adults. For me it is merely extending human rights to our dear parents, our children, our relatives and our friends. I am very happy that our laws now make it possible for our homosexuals to conduct their life styles in private. The only sadness I have is that we as a nation were unwilling to accord equal rights to each Montserratian. It is really a shame that the "white man" had to force us to give basic human rights to our loved ones, especially our children. When, after all, they are the ones who will continue to practice homosexuality on Montserrat.

The real truth is, Montserratians are no different from people of the world, no matter the country, no matter the religion. In the context of homosexuality our population ratio could be as high as 1 in 8, whereas universally the ratio could be as low as 1 in 10. "Whoever stopped the wedding could correct me on that point." But it seems as if the activities of gays, lesbians, buggerers and bisexuals are unusually high in Montserrat. So instead of being hypocritical about the issue, we need to look honestly into ourselves and seek to understand how so many of our children are bisexual or homosexual.

Come on Montserratians, we must accept our loved ones even if they are homosexuals. We must encourage them to examine themselves, and to seek help if they are uncomfortable with their lifestyles. But without a doubt, their numbers will increase before they decrease. So maybe, just maybe, some of us could face the truth and consider whether the fruit could ever fall far from the tree.

If I may continue, I will add that truthfulness is not only to speak true and relevant information. The speaker of truth must also be competent enough to lessen the impact of his truthful statements on his listeners.

We hear that the year 2001 will be the year for increased cost of living. What we need to hear, however, is how best to cope with the cost increase on basic items such as water, cooking gas and electricity. Nevertheless, I am confident that each of us can use less and therefore spend less on utility bills.

You know, years ago I lived on Tortola. While there, I lived as clean a life as I live on Montserrat, even though on Tortola I had no access to piped water. But here, because of the abundance of water on Montserrat, on any day I use 20 times as much water as I used in Tortola.

On Montserrat, when I shower or use the kitchen sink I do not turn off the tap. The water runs until I am finished. This means that on these occasions I can use much less water.

The forgoing were truthful and relevant statements – which could inform others how to lessen the impact of increased cost of water rates. And I can add other relevant information. For example, with electricity, families can spend more time together, using one room in which to read, instead of each family member in a separate room reading. Also we can use less cooking gas. We can cut the food and the meat in smaller pieces. And we do not have to cook the food so soft. Certainly, I can go on and on.

So inspite of this being an Election year, we can commit ourselves to truthfulness. We must seek knowledge, seek to understand the truth and seek to give only relevant information that can help people to live better and happier lives.

To do otherwise, in an effort to incite, or to mislead or to be first with the true but confusing information is almost as bad as telling lies.

Together, let us make 2001, the year for truthfulness.

Just wonderin what the award lady doing.

Jus wonderin who de nurse who bath and cut john hair

Jus wonderin what really would become of this country when everything so rocket high.

Jus wonderin now that Light, Gas and Water gone up if the salaries and wages will also.

Jus wonderin why every second week there is no cooking gas.

Jus wonderin how many will prefer to go back to their coal pots and wood fire.

Jus wonderin what next will go up, Phone or Cable.

Jus wonderin if things are so bad that PWD is going to privatise.

Jus wonderin which uniform woman wears the same blue jeans and sandals where ever she goes.

Jus wonderin where the afternoon announcer's head was having so much fun with the song "when you get what you want, will you remember me tomorrow."

Jus wonderin why the ferry left after 9 on Thursday morning.

Jus wonderin who hit de president and what happen to the glasses

Jus wonderin what the editor is said to be so desperate about.

Jus wonderin if one of them little announcer getting 'horn' why he love that song so.

Jus wonderin how many old vehicles will get 2001 on it.

Jus wonderin why the lady minister not chatting a little bit much.

Jus wonderin if now she make her bed she will lie on it.

Jus wonderin with two strikes now out of the bag, who will pull out the other.

Jus wonderin which nurse must pilfer in order to get them pain tablets.

Jus wonderin which was first, she resign first or cm fire she first.

Jus wonderin if W & T were really planning this timely 49 month ting a lang time ago.

Jus wonderin if de money me so sweet that dem mek dem selves such public p---show.

Jus wonderin if de cricket man who love to promote himself so no undustan that dat wont wuk..

Jus wonderin why he and he wife no together so long now.

Jus wonderin why the AG had to call papyshow man.

Jus wonderin if the X Chief think he could fool us again

Jus wonderin if he a say what he think we want to hear until he get elected.

Jus wonderin why de X chief no have enough Indians.

Jus wonderin when de palitishun dem will stap tell LIE.

Jus wonderin if de court findings are forgotten.

Jus wonderin if after four years Government ministers get gratuity.

Jus wonderin if them two ministers are entitled to gratuity now.

Jus wonderin if that is why they waited four years and one month before they resign.

Jus wonderin how the Chief really feels.

Jus wonderin when the next election will be.

Jus wonderin who she think a go vote fu she now after all this time.

Jus wonderin if history did, still and will repeat it self.

Jus wonderin why ministers of Education, Health and Community Services hardly get re-elected.

Jus wonderin when the big mouth man go talk about issues.

Jus wonderin if seldom in Montserrat John return to Montserrat now to campaign.

Jus wonderin if DFID really a-go run.