Clare Short Undercuts CM Shot at Brandt
Honourable Clare Short and Former C.M. David Brandt
Reports reaching Montserrat this week from the UK have said that the Honourable Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, has reacted negatively to Honourable Chief Minister John Osborne’s assertion that the honourable lady froze aid from Montserrat because of Montserrat’s former chief minister.
Chief Minister Osborne told the Montserrat media in his press conference on Tuesday, January 21, 2003, “Clare Short did not hesitate to say that she froze the development aid during the last period of the last administration. She said so to me and Claude.”
Chief Minister John Osborne and MP Claude Hogan
But local DFID officials have confirmed yesterday that during a radio programme the DFID press officer in London, with reference to CM Osborne’s assertion, issued a statement from the DFID Secretary of State which said: “This is absolutely untrue. We would never cut the money for the people of Montserrat because of a Chief Minister. It is true that we now have a good mutually respectful working relationship with the present Chief Minister and his Government, and had a very difficult relationship with the previous administration.”
David Brandt, former chief minister, reacted to the onslaught by the Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Claude Hogan that was directed at him during the said press conference in January. He appeared on television and issued a statement which he later published in The Montserrat Reporter on February 8, 2003. In that statement the former chief minister admitted that there was no love lost between himself and Ms. Short.
“After all it was I who took her before the House of Commons for her unfortunate remark about Montserrat. Because I was so relentless in my fight to find benefits for all of us whose lives were turned upside down by the volcano she made her infamous statement: ‘What else are they going to ask for next, golden elephants?’ ” Mr. Brandt said in reference to his relationship with the DFID boss, Secretary of State Short.
Mr. Brandt in his statement responded sharply to Mr. Osborne: “John Osborne will no doubt tell you he is sucking up to the British because if they like you they will treat you better.
“Nonsense! That is the position of a weak and ineffective leader, which he obviously is. If you have a good case, and if you could put your case well, and if the weight of history and justice are on your side, all the hatred in the world cannot prevent you from prevailing…It is not my desire to be in a confront state of antagonism with Clare Short…I will always seek to have a harmonious discourse,” Mr. Brandt had said in his statement.
At the press conference both CM Osborne and Hogan had digressed from the main content of the report of their recent trip to the UK to attack Mr. Brandt to highlight their claim that they had been promised increased aid by the Secretary of State.
Unable to emphatically state that this increased aid was forthcoming, the Chief Minister had said he was advised by Miss Short that she was in the process of revising the aid framework for Montserrat for the next three years. Mr Osborne had gone on to say he “expects this money to be in the region of an additional EC$20 million per year.”
Reaction to the press conference drew expressions of disappointment from Montserratians generally, as the Chief Minister by his focus on Mr. Brandt to the point of threatening to call an election "if provoked," lost the effect of his apparent success at obtaining "promises."
Mr. Brandt’s response on the other hand was met with quiet acceptance for the most while he did not lose the opportunity to tell the public that he who had “fought so hard to get him (Osborne) back in office, had now become the target of his venom.”
He rejected Mr. Osborne’s claim to success that he had obtained additional, aid noting that the CM “did not utter one syllable about what the money is for.
“That $20 million is already allocated and not one single cent of it is going towards the creation of any new economic activity,” Mr. Brandt said, explaining that the money was to pay for projects, the ferry, helicopter and MVO expenses and other projects agreed to back in his time.”
Ministerial Pay Increases Questioned by Former CM
The
Honourable Reuben T. Meade, opposition leader in the Montserrat Legislature has
revealed proposals by government to increase their take-home pay, in terms of
both salary and allowances.
This, according to Mr. Meade, follows a promise by CM Osborne when they were increasing civil servants’ salary last year that the ministers would not take a salary increase.
The former chief minister Meade revealed that the proposals are as follows: The Ministers each get a salary increase of 9.3 percent or $7,140 per year; Duty allowance to be increased by 75 percent or $18,000 per year; Entertainment allowance up by 33.3 percent or $3,600 per year, and Telephone allowance up by $1,380.
The total increase of a Minister’s pay will be up by $30,120 per year. In other words a Minister’s pay will increase from $120,480 to $150,600 per year.
It is proposed that the Honourable Attorney General get a 37.5-percent increase in Legal Allowance, or $18,000 more per year, and an increase in the telephone allowance of $1,380 per year, for a total increase of $19,380 per year. The pay package would then move from $138,420 to $157,800 per year.
The Honourable Financial Secretary's pay package will move upwards by the same amount, from $120,420 to 139,800.
The speaker – also a member of the New PLM -- will have his pay package increased by $15,780, from $47,388 to $63,168.
The backbenchers will get an increase of $13,380 to make their package increase to $54,528.
For the Chief Minister, an 11.1-percent increase in salary, a 67-percent increase in duty allowance a 75-percent increase in telephone allowance and a 50-percent increase in housing allowance, for total increase of just over $50,000 per year.
Generally the ministers increases translate overall to about 25 percent.
In his presentation on radio and television and here in The Montserrat Reporter Mr. Meade asked: “Where does this money come from?” He suggests, “It comes from an increased tax burden on all of us. Water rates have already increased twice under this administration and will increase again next year. There is increased pressure to pay income taxes and the pressure will increase this year – we must all pay our fair share of taxes but we should not be overburdened to pay fat salaries to the politicians, including myself.”
He took people back to the NPLM campaign theme for the elections “Plenty Love and Money,” then said: “Pay increases are normally for increased productivity. Have the politicians been that productive to warrant an increased pay package? Is this what they meant by plenty love and money? Plenty money for whom? Maybe I heard wrong, could it be that it’s Plenty Love OF Money?”
"Damn the Economy, Full Speed Ahead On Pay Raises for Those in Government"
If anyone believed that it was just a word exercise or an attempt to mislead when Chief Minister Osborne said in his press conference of just over three weeks ago that he was given full autonomy by the British Government (BG) to spend the increased aid money he "expected": to receive, they should think again.
Notwithstanding his predecessor chief minister David Brandt’s statement that any additional funding from the British purse is already spoken for, there is that sum which had already been approved to top up the public revenue and expenditure for this island.
Mr. Osborne is in many ways quite shrewd, and a politician who, even though one may consider him now well out of his time, is still a force to reckon with when it comes to his ability to blind his followers and some of his listeners with his tongue.
The proposed increases just revealed by the honourable opposition leader Reuben Meade about the government’s plans for salary and allowance increases for themselves and other members of Executive Council may never come to pass. If they do not, it will be in an attempt only to discredit, because we too have reliable information that this is in fact the case.
One will recall the CM during his last press conference repeatedly boasted that Secretary of State Clare Short told him the money he "expected" to receive was to be spent in any way he saw fit. That was to prepare us for his doing as he pleases, no questions asked, since he was given authority, by those who "pay the piper" to pay themselves bigger salaries.
As the honourable Mr. Meade said in his most recent statement on radio ZJB and People’s Television (PTV), and advertised in this issue of the newspaper, the Chief Minister did promise, in Legislative Council, that the Ministers of Government would not take a pay increase at the time they increased the other civil servants pay by 6-10 percent.
We have to agree with Mr. Meade, “That was a major promise. A promise, like so many others, made” and to be broken.
Again it is true that the Chief Minister is fond of saying: "Montserratians’ bellies are long and their memories are short," and so preys on it.
We believe that our head(s) of state, or ministers and elected politicians should be properly paid, but we also believe that pay should be representative. There are people, individuals and businesses in this ravaged island, who are nearly starving, some often seemingly living above their means, but who benefit from the patience of the banks and financial institutions. Others are downright sufferers. This is not to say that there aren’t the few who are doing "ok," but they too will still say, "better could be done."
We wouldn’t doubt either that some of those persons should not benefit or do not deserve such increases, and we even agree with some of the arguments put forward, that British employees on Montserrat are being paid extremely high salaries, there being no comparison between ours and theirs. But should not our government leaders be thinking of ways to make everyone benefit rather than "fixing" themselves, baiting the civil servants along the way, while the rest of the Montserratians suffer and groan, complaining that there is no sight of an economy to ease their pains?
So when the chief minister was striking his breast and boasting about his great success in getting the increase in aid he "expected," it had nothing to do with the rest of Montserratians, but himself firstly, who will benefit the greatest, followed by the rest of his ministers, some of whom we are told are just in it for the salary. What has changed for the ministers economically that has not for the rest of us? If they felt they were underpaid, why did they not take an increase equal to that of the civil servants 6-10 percent?
Of course the significance of any huge increases in salary will be equally reflected in the pensions some of them will later receive.
Also, when the Chief Minister threatened a call of election, it might well be noticeable that it was his colleagues who said the timing would be wrong. It would be too early for them to benefit from the pension, but to the chief, it mattered not: make the salary increase and on top of that, retroactive to boot, the pension will strap our treasury. And should he lose the election, as he is likely to at this point in time, he can laugh at the Montserratians whose memories failed or who could not remember as far back as the late 1980s.
This week, oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago announced significant pay and benefit increases for its ministers. Where on earth are Montserrat's "riches" to support these excessively generous selfd-enrichments?
Where I Am –Read Galatians 6:7-10
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13 (NSRV)
One summer our family had a once in a lifetime vacation in Hawaii. During our stay we drove to the top of Mount Haleakala, a volcano on the island of Maui. We noticed that vegetation became more scant as we ascended toward the summit. The lava flow had created dark volcanic rock with no plant growth except for a single flowering plant called the silversword.
Seeing that lone plant blooming amid the desolation was a delight. It caused me to realize that life can thrive even in chaos.
Today our society faces many complex problems, and I feel helpless to do anything about them. I feel overwhelmed when I hear about senseless acts of murder, parents abusing their children, and the lack of moral values of some of our leaders. But in my helplessness I know that I can be like the silversword for those whom I encounter. Though I cannot solve all the problems of the world, I can make a difference where I am. When I share my time, my service, and my love with others, I offer the promise of life.
Prayer: Sustainer of all life, teach us to share your love with others. Enable us to live life abundantly through your word and example. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
Though for the Day: In a world of desolation, Christians bear the message of life and hope.
Less Hemming and Hawing From MVO Staff is Needed
Dear Editor,
Why is it that the MVO staff, led by Peter Dunkley, when they meet for the "scientific interview" with Kafu for ZJB, talk in circles? Why is it that they can't give an answer straight out without hemming, hawing, and beating around the bush first, to give themselves time to spin a tale that sounds as bad as possible? Last week it was Richard Hurd doing his best to scare everyone into leaving the Island for fear the volcano will collapse and wipe out everything, at least everything except the new MVO. Of course, he says that a major collapse will do a 90-degree turn somewhere in the area of Dyers and not go near the MVO. In the opinion of many, it has a greater chance of hitting the MVO than it does of reaching the sea at Belham (Old Road Beach). This past week, 7 Feb., Dr. Dunkley, when asked the simple question of "how high is the dome," proceeded to sputter drivel until he finally said that it wasn't possible to measure the dome without a longer time to view the dome. Then he went on to tell that a spine to the south was 1,050 metres and one on the northeast was 1,080 metres. His conjecture was that the dome was 1,065 metres or so, the highest in his knowledge. I didn't know that spines that constantly grow and collapse (thereby causing rock falls and pyroclastic flows) were considered when measuring the "dome." If some of you will remember back, we had some spines at earlier times that exceeded 200 metres by themselves and were not considered "dome," But still, if you can measure "spines," why can't you measure "dome"?
Unimpressed
Debating Team Praised, More Supporters Urged
Dear Mr. Editor:
I was priviliged and proud to witness the MSS Debating
Society's triumphant return to the annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition
last year in Antigua. The young people who took part were a credit to their
school, their parents and our island. The hard work in preparing the team was
evident in their performance and general conduct and deportment.
Congratulations to Yasmin and her team.
I was saddened, however, to see that there was not a large enough supporting
party from home and even from the Montserrat community in Antigua. Encouragement
from a homegrown crowd goes a long way in motivation. I am hoping that this
year, even though the competition is further afield in St. Kitts, there will be
a supporting side strong not only in voice but also in numbers.
Best of luck to this year's team. Do your best and this will make us all
proud. I look forward to reading that you return to the Emerald Isle as
victorious ambassadors.
Myrle Roach.
'Twas brillig and the slithy toves 'Did gyre and gamble in the wabe'
Dear Editor,
The English vernacular has two delightful slang expressions for intellectually deceptive nonsense -- bafflegab and gobbledegook. As a splendid example I offer the following excerpt from the supplementary risk assessment recently requested by His Excellency:
"v. In situations where the general public is exposed to a major hazard, the Precautionary Principle is often applied by policy makers, necessitating a quantitative statement of the influence of scientific uncertainty on any related risk assessment. In the present case, a check at the +1 standard deviation level in the spread of scientific opinion indicates the estimated individual risk for persons entering the ‘new’ day-time entry zone would equate to an annualised exposure of 1 in 3500 for durations of 5 hours per week against this point of reference (i.e. in the LOW category), while persons spending 30 hours per week there would have exposures of 1 in 575 (i.e. MODERATE).
"What is the Precautionary Principle?
"Scientific Uncertainty + Suspected Harm = Precautionary Action
"A. Uncertainty -- 1. Ignorance; 2. Indeterminacy (unknowability of large systems); 3. Statistical/model/parameter uncertainties (uncertainty which can be reduced by more information).
"B. Harm -- 1. Serious (covers large areas or extends over long time periods); 2. Irreversible; 3. Cumulative.
"C. Precautionary Action -- 1. Preventive; 2. Anticipatory"
This is not public safety information, it is calculated statistical obfuscation, with sufficient imprecision to justify any required conclusion. It is deliberately intended to confuse and intimidate all of us "innocents" into accepting as gospel whatever dire consequences the authorities are determined to predict.
Rod Liddle, associate editor of the Spectator, wrote recently of current British officialdom, "Fear of litigation is becoming a sort of catch-all phrase for all manner of iniquities and stupidities."
To which all of us volcano evictees can respond with a resounding "Amen!"
J. Donald Brandt
Woodlands 4
Risk Assessment 'Panel' Was Strangely Comprised
Editor;
A short while back, we were surprised by a reading of the synopsis of the latest "assessment report" of the volcano on ZJB. It stated that the volcano has grown to greater heights and therefore the volcano was more dangerous than ever to the Belham Valley and environs.
For those who might have missed this little tidbit, it was also said that the "assessment" was done via fax and e-mail by TWO, that is right, TWO, "scientists" working with information supplied by Peter Dunkley. Now, isn't it wonderful that our lives and happiness are being decided by two "scientists" (unnamed at this time) being supplied with "facts" supplied by Dr. Dunkley? The last time I ever heard of such a "scientific study" being produced was when Dr. Elmo was advertising his "Snake Oil Medicine". Sorry folks, this "scientific" mumbo jumbo may work for some, but I want at least a reasonable show of impartiality when my life and happiness are being affected. Better yet, I would like a panel of scientists who are not even remotely involved with the BGS or Bristol University. Oh, did I just wake up from a dream? Must be, since those are the only "scientists" that come here. But then DFID would never hire scientists who came from elsewhere!
Local Scientist, BS, MS, PHD
Girl Guide Association Plans Week of Activities
The Girl Guides Association will celebrates its week of activities from February 16 to February 22.
The activities include: church Parade at the Brades Pentecostal church, Service Project Craft Exhibition at the Look Out Community Centre, Ranger and Adult Social in Olveston, and Thinking Day Walkathon and Jamboree.
Mrs. Eudona Fergus, President of the Girl Guides Association, said, “The Walkathon and Jamboree are in funds of the new building project in Garling Hill, in which the Government donated the land."
Film Crew Documenting Soufriere Hills Volcano
A film crew from Graphic Films Corporation, Los Angeles, California, recently concluded filming the Montserrat Soufriere Hills Volcano.
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Standing at back: Steve Ford and Sean Casey, front row sitting: Alex Mac Innis, Director George Casey and Greg Eliason
Film Director George Casey told The Montserrat Reporter during an interview that the film called, "Forces of Nature," encompasses three types of natural disasters; earthquakes, tornadoes and volcanoes.
He said the Montserrat volcano "was the selected subject for volcanic forces and the crew originally began filming in 1997, during the height of the explosive phase of the volcano.”
Mr. Casey explained that the 40-minute film, when completed, would be shown in the format known as IMAX, for inventors of the system called maximum visual experience. Venues will be museums, theatres and science centers in the United States and around the world. The Soufriere Hills sequence would be about 12-15 minutes long.
The crew has been here at least twice before, “We were down here when the erupting events were taking place at 12-hour periods. We’ve already filmed in the past -- good footage of the eruptions, good aerials of Plymouth, when the pyroclastic flows wiped it out and when Salem was being evacuated because of the ash falls,” Mr. Casey said.
He said that this time they are here to work with the scientists. “Since we are partnering with National Geographic in the making of the film, and our sponsors include the National Science Foundation and the United States, they always desire that the films have a strong content of science information,” he said.
Mr. Casey said that the crew has been filming the work of Drs. Richard Hurd and Marie Edmonds, who are testing new science, analyzing the gas output of the volcano and tying to determine with a scanning spectrometer, the contents and volume of its various gases.
Other sequences recorded for the film include the large earthquake in Turkey of 1999 and the tornadoes in Tornado Alley (in the center of the American Midwest).
Mr. Casey said that five of their films have been nominated for Academy Awards. “We have yet to win an Oscar, I hope we win one for this film,” he said.
Mr. Casey said that they were given a “US$5-million budget to make the film, which is expected to be released in March 2004 in the United States.
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The
Montserrat Reporter wishes to commend the Government of Montserrat and
congratulate Keith "Stone" Greaves on his appointment to the post of Chief
Information Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Mr. Greaves who was formerly manager of Radio Antilles just prior to the onset of volcanic activity and since a journalist with the British Broadcasting Corportion (BBC), should bring to this office the expertise and journalistic skills necessary to bring some professionalism previously non-existent in this area of the Government Information Services.
We look forward to improved services from this department of Government.
Dr. Lewis Insists St. Peters To Get Promised Play Area
Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communication and Works, declared Tuesday that the Government of Montserrat is determined to create a recreational area for St. Peters on land involved in a property standoff about which The Montserrat Reporter wrote last week.
Salas Hamilton, who was Chief of Staff in the Chief Ministers office until about 20 months ago, had told The Reporter last week that he had just commenced construction of a house in the disputed area when he was told to stop building because government had other plans for the site
Dr. Lewis said Tuesday in a Radio Montserrat (ZJB) News Report: “That’s the only piece of land in St. Peters, between Runway Ghaut and Hilltop, that is actually suitable for any type of recreational activity … Government has undertaken to assist them (the landowners) in finding alternative locations to build their homes and compensate them adequately.”
He added that his Government, “has taken a decision to assist the people of St. Peters with getting their recreation area by allocating some money to start the process of acquiring the lands, after which they will proceed to prepare the park at their own expense.”
Dr. Lewis's announcement followed a meeting held Monday evening between the Honourable Chief Minister Mr. John Osborne, Dr. Lewis and the residents of the St. Peters community.
The problem with this area identified for the recreation park, (Mount Pleasant, a part of the subdivided Woodlands Subdivision) is that it is privately owned, and some landowners have already built their houses, while others are in the process of doing so.
Dr. Lewis said his Government is aware of this situation and has taken into account the rights of the individual who want to build their homes at the site. “We have decided to assist them in finding alternative locations to build their homes and compensate them adequately,” he said.
Mr. Salas Hamilton, a landowner for several years, is supported in his view of "Government’s procrastination" by a top government official The official had confirmed that monies were approved some time ago to purchase the area and that the Government has been slow in resolving the issue.
Top civil servants questioned on the matter said that there was obvious reluctance because no one could understand the wisdom of putting a playfield in the area at this time. “Several years ago even prior to the volcano, yes, but not now,” one person remarked.
Miss Rhoda Burns, now deceased, had already built her home there but never lived in it. Mr. Hamilton originally received permission from the Physical Planning Unit to build his house some three years ago and had received new permission.
James and Juliet Greenaway Celebrate Golden Anniversary
Lovers throughout the world are celebrating St. Valentine’s Day today and one couple; Mr. and Mrs. James Greenaway of Judy Piece, have two reasons to celebrate.
On Tuesday they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and today mark another St. Valentine’s Day.
Happily married for 50 years, the Greenaways said they spent their anniversary quietly at home, “as we were expecting the children to call.” They have five children and six grandchildren.
Speaking to The Montserrat Reporter, the Greenaway’s reminisced on their earlier years and explained how they managed to chalk up so many years of wedded bliss.
After two years of courting, they were married on the 11th February, 1953, at the St. George’s Anglican Church in Harris’s by the late Father James Clement.
Both were in their 20’s when they got married, Mr. Greenway said. He recalled that both sets of their parents were family friends even though they lived far away from each other, he in Dyers and she in Beaches Hill. So the only time he would see her was in church, where they were both choir members.
After he returned from the Royal Army’s base in St. Lucia in 1947 after World War II, things were difficult in Montserrat as jobs were scarce. Many people went to England to rebuild the country, but he took up tailoring until 1956, when he became a Prisoner Officer.
By this time, he and wife Juliet were raising their six children, one now deceased, all of them two to three years apart in age.
“Those days were rough. Every day I walked from Dyers to Plymouth, sometimes twice a day, to go to work. There was little or no transportation,” Mr. Greenaway recalled.
Nevertheless, they managed.
Mrs. Greenaway, a seamstress at that time, said she stayed home to take care of the children. She also did farming to supplement their income “until the last one went to school”.
After that, they housed the Dyers Sub Post Office until the first eruptive phase of the volcano in 1995.
Mr. Greenaway explained that when he approached Father Clement and told him he wanted to get married, the priest proceeded to tell him a story on marriage, “There was a poet who imagined he was going through the door of a new year and asked the man, to give him a light so that he can tread safely into the gardens. The man didn’t answer. Instead, he said, “go out into the darkness and put your hands into the hand of God.”
Mr. Greenaway said that story is the key to their successful marriage. “We do everything together and are God fearing. Every Sunday we go to Church, we go walking on Tuesdays, we watch television, listen to the radio, do household chores and pray together - through, God’s help we have been able to survive the rough times.”
Mrs. Greenaway said whatever her husband provided for her and the children, they were satisfied with it. "I’m still with him, because he doesn’t drink, nor smoke and has never once picked a fight with me, so that is why I am still with him,” she said.
8 Local Farm Workers Weigh Jobs in Canada
Eight
Montserratians seeking employment in the "Canadian Seasonal Program" in that
country went to the Labour Office Tuesday morning, where they participated in an
information session with Egbert Lionel, a Canadian based Liaison Officer for the
Eastern Caribbean Liaison Service (ECLS).
At a later press conference Mr. Lionel explained that this annual recruitment drive involves liaison officers from the ECLS visiting the region “to inform old workers of the new dimensions of the program and to give new workers an understanding of what is to be expected.”
Mr. Lionel said he also met with Eugene Skerritt, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Labour, and the Minister of Labor, Hon. Idabelle Meade, and gave them an update on the last two farming seasons.
“I was pleased with the enthusiasm and interest which (Mrs. Meade) indicated during our discourse. The meeting was very informative, we spoke about the program, and the possibility of a construction program that is in the making,” he said.
Minister Meade said the Government of Montserrat is very grateful to the Canadian government and the Canadian Farmers Association for the benefits that these workers get.
Among these, she said, “are the pension they get at the end of their service and the first hand knowledge and experience they receive on big farms.”
On a local level, Mrs. Meade said, “the local economy benefits as most of the workers save their money in the local banks, while others send some of their earnings back home for their families.”
Mr. Lionel said that after every season, there is an annual review where they the Liaison Officers reflect on what happened over the previous year and set new dimensions on issues relating to wages, airline fares and other issues.
He said worker requirements are specific, since the various crops grow under different conditions, so “each crop dictates a different kind of requirement from them,” he said.
Mr. Lionel said that workers with an agricultural background are preferred and that last year the program attracted five Montserratians.
Pic in new Folder: Mr. Egbert Lionel 3
Overseas Territories AGs To Meet in Turks & Caicos
Attorney General, Mrs. Esco Henry-Greer would be representing Montserrat at this year’s annual Attorneys-General Conference, which will be held on the 18th-20th of this month, at the Allegro Resort and Casino, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs. Esco Henry-Greer said her presentation is called ‘Alternative Sentencing’, and explained that her presentation is a Montserrat perspective, “Following the presentation I expect that my colleagues and other participants at the meeting will view the concept of ‘Alternative Sentencing’, and to discuss in depth whether or not, it would be applicable to their jurisdiction,” she said.
‘Human Rights Issues’ and ‘Access to Justice and Legal Aid’ are among the presentations to be made by the other Attorneys General of the other Overseas Territories.
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, St. Helena, and host country the Turks and Caicos Islands are expected to be represented at this meeting.
Osborne Delegation Part Of CARICOM Session
Montserrat's Chief Minister Hon. John Osborne is heading a four-member government delegation at the 14th Inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago today and tomorrow.
Mr.Osborne left the island Tuesday in preparation for the meeting with his other CARICOM colleagues.
The other members of the Montserrat contingent are the Hon. Minister of Communications and Works, Dr Lowell Lewis, Hon. Financial Secretary, John Skerritt, Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, Sarita Francis, and the newly-appointed Press Officer, Keith Stone Greaves.
During the gathering of the regional leaders several key issues affecting the Community are expected to feature prominently.
These include reports on the establishment of a Regional Stabilisation Fund, the Regional Economic Transformation Programme and recommendations regarding the Sustainable Tourism Development Fund.
Progress in the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the programme for bringing the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) into operation are also expected to be notable agenda items at the Port-of-Spain meeting.
The Community Council of Ministers, the second highest organ of CARICOM, at its recent meeting in Georgetown, Guyana endorsed the programme for the start-up of the Court.
The CCJ, with its headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago, is expected to be inaugurated in the latter half of 2003, according to a Community Council press statement.
According to the Council of Ministers, a subject of critical importance , which will also feature on the agenda of the Inter-Sessional, is the growing incidence of crime in Member States. A report on this issue was submitted to the Council following a meeting of the Crime and Security Task Force in Port-of-Spain on January 30-31.
Among the matters down for discussion by the CARICOM Heads in caucus are developments in Venezuela, the US threat of war with Iraq, the Non-Aligned Movement and political developments in Haiti.
At today's opening ceremony, three prominent Caribbean nationals - Dame Eugenia Charles (former Prime Minister of Dominica), Sir John Compton (former Prime Minister of St Lucia) and Lloyd Best ( national of Trinidad and Tobago), were to awarded the prestigious Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC).
Dominica's Prime Minister Hon. Pierre Charles is Chairman of the Conference.
The Community is marking is 30th anniversary this year.
France Gives EC$9 million To Help Fight HIV/AIDS
TRINIDAD (CMC) -- The French Government has provided EC$9
million (US$1.5 million) to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) to help in
the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean.
"The French Government is pleased to join forces with other agencies in the
fight against HIV/AIDS in the region," French Ambassador Alain Girma said at a
signing ceremony on Wednesday.
"We feel that we have gathered valuable expertise which can be shared with the
Caribbean. In addition, there is a great deal we can learn from the experiences
in the Caribbean," he added.
The French Technical Corporation (FTC) joins six other international agencies
that have teamed up with CAREC in the fight against the HIV/AIDS, including the
United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the European union.
The Caribbean has the second highest regional HIV/AIDS rate in the world behind
Sub Saharan Africa. In addition, CAREC estimates that there are currently 17,000
people living with the virus in Trinidad and Tobago.
British Virgin Islands Asks Increased Food Production
TORTOLA (CMC) -- The British Virgin Islands Government,
worried over a possible war between the United States and Iraq, has appealed to
citizens to increase agricultural production so as to ensure the availability of
food for the population.
Chief Minister, Ralph T. O'Neal said it was imperative that every effort be made
to increase agricultural production, noting that it would ensure greater food
security in the British territory, given the current threat of war in the Middle
East and the ramifications with regard to the importation of food.
He said that his appeal was timely, given the observance of Farmers' Week here,
from February 22 to March 1 under the theme, "Increased Agricultural Production
Means More Food Security."
"I encourage all residents of the British Virgin Islands to get involved in
agriculture, even if it is on a small scale, so that we can increase
agricultural production and thus ensure greater food security," he said.
Mr. O'Neal said that Government would continue to invest "huge sums" into the
agricultural sector with the hope of motivating more persons to get involved in
farming, while utilising the services of the Department of Agriculture.
Dominica Sets Up Body Of Economic Advisors
DOMINICA (CMC) -- The Dominica Government has announced the
establishment of an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) as it seeks to engage the
wider civil society in the process of development.
A Government statement said that the Pierre Charles administration had long
recognised "that there must be joint ownership of the process of change and the
need for the widest possible consultation on issues of national interest."
The role of the Economic Advisory Council would be identify ways and means by
which the economy of Dominica can be stimulated, with a view to providing
avenues for increased economic activity and employment generation.
It would also seek to identify the needs of the main economic sectors --
agriculture, manufacturing, tourism information and communication technology,
small business development -- with a view to expanding the opportunities for
their increased contribution to the economy of the country.
The council will be chaired by the former Director General of the Organisation
of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Swinburne Lesterade, and will report to
Prime Minister Charles.
ECTEL Authority Discusses New Membership
ST. KITTS -- New membership in the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) was discussed in St. Lucia yesterday.
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Director of Telecommunications Burchell Crooke represented the Federation at the one-day meeting in Castries, the St. Lucia capital. Representatives from the other four Contracting States -- Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- also attended.
Several other countries including Antigua and Barbuda have expressed interest in joining the recently formed sub-regional telecommunications authority, an institution within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Yesterday’s meeting preceded today’s Joint Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) and the Board of Directors of ECTEL to discuss implementation of a Price Cap Regime, receive a Status Report on Inter-Connectivity in the Five Contracting States and the award of Submarine Cable licenses.
Venezuela Provides Funds For 30 New Ag Scholarships
ST. KITTS -- St. Kitts and Nevis students and nationals of other Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have an opportunity to benefit from 30 additional scholarships provided by the Government of Venezuela.
According to the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the scholarships will enable participants to pursue studies leading to a “Higher Technician in Farm dministration” diploma.
The scholarships are tenable at the Simon Bolivar United World College of Agriculture in Venezuela.
The CDB Board of Directors recently approved a Technical Assistance grant up to the equivalent of US$1.36 million to the College for this purpose.
The funds will also be used among other things to establish a teaching/research programme between teaching staff at the College and other tertiary level agricultural training institutions and organisations; and to develop a database of internship opportunities available at farming units/organisations in the Borrowing Member Countries of the Caribbean Development Bank.
Under the programme, 10 scholarships will be awarded each year, beginning in 2003 and ending in 2005. CDB’s Board first approved the scholarship programme in 1998.
Second Antigua Arrest In Medical Scheme Probe
Antigua (CMC) - A second arrest has been made here in
connection with ongoing fraud and corruption investigations into the operations
of the state-run Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) in Antigua and Barbuda.
The arrest of Jennifer Joseph-Lewis follows release of the final report of the
MBS Commission of Inquiry last year in which Commission noted that she did not
complete here testimony before Inquiry and had left the country without
notifying the Commission.
The three-man Commission also accused her of conspiring with former Trade
Minister Hilroy Humphreys "to defraud" the health insurance plan.
Joseph-Lewis was taken into lawful custody here on Tuesday night mere hours
after the arrest of former MBS accountant Elmeade Jarvis at his home in the
village of Buckley's, about five miles outside the capital St. John's.
The inquiry report said Mr. Jarvis had been at the center of a "fraud and
corruption" network at the Scheme and that "no malpractice or scam" which took
place at the MBS "escaped his active involvement".
He is expected to be charged with larceny.
The two were interviewed by a team of investigators led by Scotland Yard's Chief
Inspector Richard Woodman, Acting Police Commissioner Elton Martin has
confirmed.
The police spokesman declined to give details.
During her interrupted testimony before the Commission, Ms. Joseph-Lewis
admitted that she endorsed an MBS cheque in her name for more than EC$9,000
(US$3,300) and gave it to Mr. Humphreys to cash it.
She said the money was a refund from the health plan after Mr. Humphreys paid
for her while seeking medical expenses in Puerto Rico in 1999.
The Commissioners said they were "thoroughly convinced" that Mr. Humphreys
"conspired with senior management of the MBS to pay benefits to Jennifer
Joseph-Lewis on very questionable grounds, and that he converted the proceeds of
this for his own use".
Mr. Humphreys has filed a case in the High Court seeking a judicial review to
have the Commission's findings quashed.
His case comes up for hearing in late March.
Trinidad Parliamentarians To Get Salary Increases
TRINIDAD (CMC) -- The Trinidad and Tobago Government has
accepted the recommendations of the Salaries Review Commission that proposes
salary increases for several categories of public officers, including the Head
of State, judges and parliamentarians.
"Whatever we do, whenever we do it, we expose ourselves to that allegation,"
Prime Minister Patrick Manning said in response to suggestions that
parliamentarians were "fixing themselves" as a result of the salary increase.
The increases are retroactive to October 7, 2002.
As a result of the recommendation, the Prime Minister salary will be increased
by TT$7,000 (US$1,100) to TT$32, 000 (US$5,300 dollars) and ministers, who will
now receive a TT$22,000 (US$3,666), an increase of TT$4,000 (US$666).
Ministers would also receive a housing allowance of TT$8,000 (US$1,333) and
travelling allowance of TT$4,000 (US$666).
The salary of the Opposition Leader moves to TT$17,500 (US$2,916) up from
TT$14,000 (US$2,333).
The salary of the President will increase by TT$7,000 (US$1,100) to TT$33,000
(US$5,500).
Mr. Manning told reporters at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday
that the Cabinet did not accept the recommendations of the SRC that the
President, Vice-President and chairman of the Essential Services Division of the
Industrial Court receive salary, pension and allowances exempt from income tax.
He said there was no legislation in place to effect that recommendation.
Tory MP apologizes over expenses
BBC News
Mr Trend apologised 'unreservedly' for his mistake
A Conservative MP who wrongly claimed more than £90,000 worth of expenses has said sorry to the House of Commons for being "muddled and naive".
Windsor
MP Michael Trend made the apology after the Commons standards and privileges
committee recommended he be suspended from Parliament for two weeks.
The committee said Mr Trend had "acted negligently rather than with dishonest intent" but said it had to take account of the effect such cases had on public confidence.
MPs on the committee were also worried such a large amount of money was claimed incorrectly and only came to light after newspaper reports, not through the normal scrutiny process.
In a short personal statement, Mr Trend said he apologised "unreservedly" for his mistake and wanted to make his "position clear" before the Commons recess.
'Misunderstanding'
Flanked by colleagues and speaking quietly, Mr Trend told the Commons speaker: "I accept unreservedly the committee's report which finds me muddled and naive in my negligent understanding of the additional costs allowance.
"I apologise again, unreservedly, to you, to the House and my constituents. I am sir, so very sorry."
MPs will vote at a later date on whether to suspend Mr Trend, but are almost certain to endorse the recommendation.
The committee said the MP had incorrectly claimed an annual allowance of £20,000 that was meant to fund London accommodation for MPs from faraway constituencies.
Instead, he had wrongly been claiming this allowance for his Windsor house, despite it being his main home.
Mr Trend told the Commons authorities his mistake was caused by a "misunderstanding, honestly and genuinely held" about what expenses he could claim.
He has since agreed to return the overpayment and has announced his decision to stand down at the next General Election.
'Difficult to understand'
Mr Trend's expenses claim has been the subject of an inquiry by Sir Philip Mawer, the new Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
Sir Philip began his inquiry into Mr Trend after he received a letter from elderly piano teacher Roy Birmingham, a Windsor constituent, complaining about the expenses claim.
The standards commissioner said he found it "difficult to understand" how Mr Trend had felt able to sign a certificate in 2000 saying his main home was a friend's house in London.
This was despite his admission he was staying there infrequently at the time, said the report.
Sir Philip said that it was up to the police and the prosecuting authorities to decide whether Mr Trend should be charged with obtaining by deception.
"There are a number of ingredients to the offence which would have to be proved if a prosecution were to succeed; achieving this would not necessarily be easy," he said.
But in claiming such allowances, MPs were subject to criminal law like anyone else.
Election role
Mr Trend, a journalist, was elected to the House of Commons in 1992 as MP for Windsor and Maidenhead, before its boundaries changed to Windsor in 1997.
The son of a former cabinet secretary, he served as a parliamentary private secretary to Tim Yeo and Brian Mawhinney, before becoming a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, which led him to have a key role in the 1997 election.
He was an early supporter of William Hague's bid for the Conservative leadership and became a spokesman on foreign affairs and latterly on social security.
He returned to the backbenches in 2000, since when he has concentrated on his constituency and on articulating a conservative Anglican view on ecclesiastical matters.
He currently sits on the Commons public administration select committee.
Mr Trend was returned in the 2001 election with a majority of 21.1% over the Liberal Democrats - the Conservatives' 39th strongest result.
In a letter, the 50-year-old MP told his local Conservative Association on Tuesday that he wanted to "pursue other interests at the conclusion of this Parliament" and was giving early notice of his decision in order that a successor could be chosen.
Five hundred people already employed, solid bookings for Christmas /New Year
“SOFT OPENING” FOR FIRST GUESTS AT MARRIOTT NEXT WEEK, GRAND OPENING PLANNED LATER
ST. KITTS– With the Grand Official Opening to come later, the 900-room St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Spa is getting ready to welcome its first guests next weekend.
General Manager Mr. John Totti told the Communications Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office in an exclusive interview Wednesday that the “soft opening” on February 22nd, will see the availability of a small number of rooms along with the Café Calypso – a three-meal all-purpose restaurant, the Lobby Bar, swimming pool, the Royal Resort Casino and the beach.
“The emphasis here is going to be soft. Our primary objective is to give any customer – local or a foreign traveler - a good first impression of the destination in the hotel. Therefore the objective would be to control the amount of reservations coming in locally or through the Marriott Reservations that come in to the hotel,” General Manager John Totti disclosed.
He said 250 associates (employees) are being trained in the resort related areas with another 275 in the casino. The several weeks of training will allow the associates “to get comfortable with their work area and familiar with the expectation level of the job.”
Mr. Totti said next weekend’s “soft opening,” will allow the St. Kitts Marriott to build up to a comfort level with our associates (employees) taking care of more and more guests as they come on board.
“Our task force – employees from Caracas and other neighbouring Caribbean islands where we have hotels - are helping us with the training and by virtue of the fact that they are in the rooms are giving us an opportunity to train our housekeepers,” said Totti, adding that with more and more training other facilities will be opened.
“The first guests can be overwhelmed with service. We have all our associates (employees) with a laser-like focus of making sure that the customers are taken care of and I hope that I will be in a position where I have to back off a little bit, but we are going to be all over them,” said Totti.
Mr. Totti said the Marriott has purchased three limousines “for VIP customers for both the resort and the casino and to deal with the expectation level that some of our customers will have, such as important meeting players and high rollers in the casino and we are also looking at using those for some of our honeymoon packages.”
He said the US Airways weekly flight from Philadelphia to St. Kitts would be the hotel’s biggest contributor along with American Airlines and disclosed that the St. Kitts Marriott at this time (mid-February) has more reservations for Christmas 2003/New Year 2004 on the books than any other Marriott Hotel with the exception of the Aruba property.
“This is a huge statement because normally customers are not going to seriously look at bookings until after Labour Day or when school goes back. We are anticipating a very, very strong Christmas Season this year for 2003,” said Totti, attributing the strong reservations “first and foremost (to the) destination (St. Kitts) without a doubt.”
He said the advertising that is being done with the destination and Marriott Off-Shore Networks has gone a long way and people are looking at the activities. “They are hitting the Marriott Website at about 1300 to 1500 hits per day,” said Totti.
The St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Spa consists of the main hotel and Garden Houses which surround three swimming pools. It will have six restaurants, two lounges and a night club, a 40,000 square feet Royal Resort Casino, a 15,000 square feet full service Spa, an 18-hole championship golf course and 8 meeting rooms totaling 12,000 square feet of space.
Replica of Christopher Columbus' ship the "Santa Maria" in the courtyard entrance to the main lobby. A waterfall will be in the background.
South swimming pool with several of the suites in the foreground and the main hotel in the background.
Main Swimming pool
One of the new Limousines
GRENADA RECEIVES DONATION FROM SOUTH KOREA
The Grenada Government has received a donation of motor vehicles, office supplies and ECG machines from the Government of South Korea.
They were handed over to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Elvin Nimrod, on Thursday 6th February.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Grenada, His Excellency Yong-Kil Kim noted that the donation is a token of his country’s long-standing relationship with Grenada.
Bilateral relations between both countries were established in August 1974 and His Excellency Yong-Kil kim said they have been cordial. He further noted that there has been increased interaction in recent months.
Grenada is said to have supported South Korea’s candidature for the post of Director General of the World Health Organization.
At the handing over ceremony Hon. Elvin Nimrod congratulated the South Korean for having secured the position and gave the assurance that Grenada will do all it can to enhance the bonds of friendship.
ITEMS HANDED OVER
- Two official cars
- Two buses
- Twelve computers systems, complete with monitors, speakers, and printers
- Five shredders
- One LCD projector
- One photocopying machine
- Five ECG sets for the Ministry of Health
PICS: (1) Ambassador Yong-Kil Kim handing keys of motor vehicles to Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Elvin Nimrod (2) Display of photocopying machine and computer.
SPORTS
Presented By Tomeika Jeffrey
Poor Attendance Delays Youth Parliament Start
The Department of Legislature canceled its first public meeting at the Brades Pentecostal Church last Tuesday, which was to be the first effort to start a youth parliament in Montserrat.
The meeting was canceled because of the small number of youths who attended, and was postponed until Tuesday, February 18, at 4:30 p.m.
The meeting targets young people within the age group of 15-25.
The Youth Parliament is to coincide with Commonwealth Day, March 10, 2003.
Among those present at the meeting were Jevon West, president of the National Youth Council in Montserrat, and Jermine Wade, Ambassador of the National Youth Council in Montserrat.
According to the Honourable Joseph Meade, Speaker of the Legislative Council who chaired the meeting, “ There are Youth Parliaments in most of the Commonwealth countries, and this meeting is their first effort in getting youths involved in parliament.”
A Youth Parliament helps inform youths of parliament democracy, good governance, the parliamentary system and procedures as obtained within a democratic framework.
A Youth Parliament will provide the skills of public speaking debate, presentation and research of young people; provide an educational experience which will sharpen the political interest of young people; encourage the desire to promote and sustain democratic institutions; provide the background for, interest in and love for the political activities of one's country.
Don’t Be Too Harsh On Our Teens
After reading a news report of the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting last Wednesday, I first thought, these teens have a lot of spare time on their hands?
But why is this so?
Let’s ask ourselves this question.
I sympathize, and understand, why teachers are so concerned, but have you ever stopped to think, what is the reason for the student’s behavior?
Now don’t miss judge my statement. Like you, I too am concerned about the well being of the teens, and like the students of the MSS, I am a teenager too.
While associating with other teens, mainly student attending the school, a number of questions come up, leading me to question the school system.
Some teachers may argue that they are old enough to see the harm in their actions, which I agree with, but the point is teens are influenced by many adults, television and young adults.
While other times, these acts are simply cries for attention on issues at home.
When you expel the teens from school, what do you expect them to do?
You have to remember (MSS) is the only secondary school functioning presently in Montserrat, so when you send them out of school with out no qualifications, not even a school leaving certificate, what will be their out come?
Parent and teachers need to pull their resources together and tackle the problem.
Many teens would not feel comfortable discussing their problems with parents and teachers, but you can have other teens talk to them.
I understand, it may be difficult at times to deal with some of the problems you are faced with, but always keep in mind you are the ones responsible for transferring your knowledge to the future generation and these teens are Montserrat’s future, So teachers and parents, remember some day you will retire from the position you currently hold and how you spend your retirement depends on what you imparted to our youths.
Not forgetting youths, this advice goes both way, we need to stop being reluctant and take up the challenge, and realize the survival of Montserrat depends on us and it’s time we start acting like it.
TOURISM TO BE INFUSED INTO EXISTING SCHOOL CURRICULA
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), in conjunction with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism and the Caribbean Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), held a tourism sub-regional Train the Trainer workshop in Barbados last June where the possibility of introducing tourism as part of the school curricula was discussed. The introduction of tourism in the schools will help to standardize the teaching of this subject at the regional level.
Following the successful completion of the workshop, The Montserrat Tourist Board met with the Ministry of Education to discuss the possibility of introducing tourism into the schools, both at the Primary and Secondary levels, by using a special infusion method. This method is felt to be best at this time as it means that a ‘new’ subject will not now be introduced. Instead, the infusion method would involve linking elements of tourism to the current syllabus of varying subjects such as Mathematics, Language Arts, History etc., to teach it in creative and effective ways. It is hoped however, that tourism will become a subject in its own right in the future.
The Director of the Ministry of Education stated, “The Ministry of Education supports the infusion of tourism education in the curricula at the Primary and Secondary Schools”. She went on to say, “this would help to instill the importance of tourism education in Montserrat”. With the Ministry’s support, it is hoped that the program could start by September of this year.
Tourism is recognized, as the leading foreign exchange earner in many countries and the teaching of this subject from the Primary School level upwards is a step in the right direction. This will reap personal rewards, as the students will become more aware of the importance of tourism to the economy and as potential career opportunities.
COMMENTARY
Will the Police Justify the Delay?
By Claude Gerald
The State seems in a state of confusion, inertia and reversal in seeking to build on its pompous Christmas Eve arrest of the suspended Accountant General.
It appears that two preliminary investigative attempts in January have failed to advance proceedings. It seems the court did not entertain in the first instance a request for a month's delay and ordered a return to court in a week’s time.
With great surprise and bewilderment another request for a ‘lengthy adjournment’ came in the form of a plea, second time around, as the Police prosecutorial arm were deep-ended in a trough of unreadiness. They continued to lose the court and defense counsel by this action; after vigorous objection they conceded and defined a request of 2 months instead but were denied and ordered to get their acts together in three weeks.
There was a claim that they were handed the case only in September 2002. And so what I ask? Is there a headless hammer outside of the Force instructing when to act and how? Persuasions of this nature, I remind, are themselves prohibited conduct and should be indictable.
Where else on earth could one hear this boldfaced stupidness, where you lay charges with fanfare and when it comes to crunch time, and the whistle blows for the game to start, the proponents of crucifixion start to meander and call for a straw to extend their turbulent ride on a doomed prosecutorial ship? It is a first principle of criminal prosecution, generally accepted by the unschooled even, that to charge and arrest is an immediate indication that the defendant faces impending prosecution without delay, and further, when such is entertained, usually only the defense manages to engage in frustrating the process.
Johnny Cochran of O,J. Simpson’s defense internationalized the principle of rush-to-judgment and schooled everyone who cared to listen/view that the State cannot afford not to be ready, that if it charges with haste, without the requisite preparation, it can be found ignominiously wanting. Law enforcement has embraced that injunction almost universally and plays with time judicially. Pride and a desire to win are cornerstones of good prosecution and since the state has on average more resources at its fingertips, it seems foolhardy to be rushing, short cutting the process, which makes fodder for an alert defense, devoted to the sole interest of the defendant. But you never know, other mighty forces may be at work, with extra interest, besides in the pursuit of justice and fair play, in having the Police go along to get along.
So to witness this, in a high profile case that captures public attention, brings questions reeling to mind that essentially reduce confidence in the Police and their ability to professionally prepare the groundwork for trial in a court of law and its wider implications. This may well be the tip of the iceberg, pointing to an organization that needs to re-evaluate its ability to deliver "protect and serve" responsibilities. Something is seriously amiss in this instance that begs for remedy. There are glaring shortcomings that suggest lack of training and preparation, incomplete knowledge and experience and a drain on resources of the very State they are sworn to defend in the ultimate interest of the welfare of society. This repetitive pleading for delay does not ring well and attentive citizens should be more than concerned at its wider implications.
Successful policing depends on the degree of trust and genuine connection the police have with the people they serve, and in their ability to prosecute all crimes in the same way that all other crimes in the society are processed. We must not risk a complete loss of trust between the Police and the public, as seen in other sister territories, as the extent of the relationship is an effective barometer of key social conditions.
Our times are serious. Threats of every kind are prevalent and insidious, waiting for opportunities to give expression to the detriment of the stability we seek and which makes Montserrat a Paradise. Supporters of law and order, and the Police by extension, would pay top dollar to ensure effective policing. There is much value to a competent and efficient Police force. They must be scrupulously professional and seek to lift their services to soaring heights that bring distinction and pride of place. Their actions are as important as their inactions and their visibility always more visible than the ordinary.
Perceived weaknesses in one important area of Police work may be all it needs to usher in its complete dismissal as a headless giant bereft of essential prerequisites to deliver the needed goods. It is never too late to continue the work toward improving the dynamic for the good policeman and the expectant citizen. Each one needs one.
And throughout this saga let us not forget the plight of the accused. Delays in trial must make life more miserable, as justice delayed is one denied. When the justice system fails the test of equity and humanity it certainly opens the door for concomitant constitutional challenges directed toward redress or as a sequel to all this.
The irony is that private gain from such challenges is often less than that of society, as much financial and personal sacrifice underlies the realization of any such contest instituted by the aggrieved citizen. Of course this depends on personal perspective.
THE VOLCANIC ERUPTION: HOW MUCH DID THE GOVERNMENT KNOW AND WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT?
From Howell R. Bramble
In St. Kitts
Did Montserrat’s Soufriere hills volcano just suddenly spring to life in July of 1995? The Director of the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Unit (SRU) in Trinidad, Professor Shepherd, is surprised that any Montserratian was surprised by the volcanic eruption. He also attested to the inaccuracy of leading News Agency reports of a “Centuries dormant volcano on Montserrat which suddenly sprang to life.”
Professor Shepherd was a member of the seismic team which visited Montserrat in the mid sixties when an increase in activity at the Soufrierre hot springs triggered an earthquake swarm.
“We went down and did a full investigation. At the time we were operating under constraints which we don’t operate under any more. The Administrator (as the British Governors were then called) instructed us not to tell the public anything on the grounds that he didn’t want anything to get out to the general public, which was likely to affect the economic prosperity of the island.
“I have a letter from him written to my predecessor which says precisely that,” Professor Shepherd told this reporter in Basseterre at the opening of a volcano and earthquake awareness campaign, which he said was designed to prevent the recurrence of the misinformation associated with the eruption on Montserrat. The SRU monitors seismic activity on ten volcanic islands in the Commonwealth Caribbean.
Professor Shepherd recalled his visit to Montserrat in the 1980’s in connection with the Pan Caribbean Disaster Preparedness Campaign, which was designed to increase public awareness of volcanic hazards. “The campaign included a full simulated evacuation carried out by the Royal Navy and a document was published to inform the public that Montserrat’s volcano was reawakening. We said that there was a high probability of the resumption of eruptive activity within the next ten years, and it happened ten years later,” he declared.
“We said that the most likely thing that would happen was that it would start with phreatic activity, emissions of steam and explosions which may very well progress to the stage of large pyroclastic flows. All of that is in the open literature and perfectly accessible to everybody. So Montserratians were quite openly told several times during the period from 1980 until I left the West Indies in 1989,” said Professor Shepherd.
The Director of the SRU made it abundantly clear and pellucid that he had made it his duty to inform every holder of the office of Governor of Montserrat since 1980 “that he was taking over a volcanically active island.”
“To bring it nearer to date, in January, 1995, six months before the eruption actually started I mounted an exhibition of volcanic hazards in Montserrat and it is rather ironic that the exhibition was still mounted when the eruption started and is now buried in ashes in the middle of Plymouth,” Professor Shepherd recalled. He noted that the exhibition coincided with the opening of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and pointed out that the Centre had to be evacuated as soon as the eruption started.
What can non-scientists and those of us who were not involved in the micro-management of the volcanic crisis make of Professor Shepherd’s revelations? Given the certainty of the SRU’s predictions and the awesome power of the Wadge Report (which was commissioned by Professor Shepherd) one wonders how the SRU failed to object to the location of an EOC under the volcano’s belly in Plymouth. Let history record that the micro managers of the volcanic crisis were as reluctant to relocate the EOC as those citizens who felt that Plymouth was as invincible as the rock of Gibraltar. When volcanic events forced them to move, they commandeered a building at St. John’s that had been renovated and remodeled largely by voluntary efforts to be used as a community center.
They said not a single word of thanks to those who spearheaded the renovation effort.
Although the distinguished Professor Shepherd rejects any suggestion of the SRU’s involvement in a scheme of secrecy that had disastrous consequences, there are Montserratians who are not impressed.
“When Governor Savage and Chief Minister Meade insisted on telling the people what the scientists said rather than allowing the scientists to speak directly to the population, I personally telephoned the SRU and met a wall of silence,” said a Montserratian journalist, adding: “I later got a recent UWI graduate to persuade one of her lecturers in Trinidad to approach the SRU and he ran into the same wall of silence.
“I first heard of the pyroclastic flows scenario from my personal friend Dr. Vernon Buffonge who explained that the experts indicated super heated steam, rock and pyroclastic material would rush over the mountain at speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour,” said the journalist.
Governor Savage contacted the SRU the very evening the mountain roared but the announcements from Government House did not appear to come from a Governor who had been as properly briefed as Professor Shepherd indicated. In the wee hours of the following morning the Governor attempted to persuade residents of the Kinsale area to return home. “The Governor lives in Kinsale and you can go back to Kinsale,” he said.
That Monday morning when the first major phreatic eruption darkened Plymouth, Radio Montserrat was particularly comforting. The announcer said: “The volcano was disturbed over the weekend and it was just belching.” Not a single hint of the devastation and destruction ahead.
The micro managers of the volcanic crisis comforted Montserratians with the assurance that the Gages wall would save Plymouth. The two leading experts on such walls were brought to Montserrat and lectured at the Vue Pointe Hotel. Richard Aspin, who chaired that meeting, did not take kindly to any question, which exposed the folly and danger of excessive secrecy. When a journalist asked the scientists whether secrecy had assisted any of the communities they served, Mr. Aspin, highly qualified by ethnicity, barked: “I’ll treat that question with the contempt it deserves.”
“Secrecy”, warned UPI”s distinguished White House correspondent Helen Thomas, “Is the greatest threat to a free society.”
Government’s Physical Planning Unit approved scores of building plans for the danger zone during the two years prior to the eruption. It seems clear that neither the British nor Montserrat Governments believed the SRU’s assessment of Soufrierre hills volcano.
Caption: Professor Shepherd, Director of the SRU.
MVO Valentine
Please forgive our seismic almalgam
And ear-splitting sirens of bedlam,
Our most heartfelt desire
Is to fuel your fire
To stay in fear far from the Belham.
Power's Not Its Sole Reward
What is this we now see?
Plenty Love and Money,
So let us just stay
'Til we hear CM pray,
'Let this raise pass from me.'
Jus wonderin if some of these media house men don’t know what domestic violence is why they keep beating up he woman.
Jus wonderin if he even got a peep from the Police all weekend.
Jus wonderin if Montserrat will get like the rest of some of of them third world country soon.
Jus wonderin if Salem got some new ‘working girls’.
Jus wonderin if and how much money them men got to pay now.
Jus wonderin if we need to break the phone monopoly like the ECTEL group.
Jus wonderin how many people will have to return their new phones to C&W.
Jus wonderin what form of compensation the Government giving the landowners up at Mount Pleasant, (St. Peters) for they house and property.
Jus wonderin if they will have to wait as long as since the time the money was approved to buy them out.
Jus wonderin if they will be relocated to Lookout like the people down at Geralds Bottom.
Jus wonderin how soon St. Peters will get their playground, if ever now.
Jus wonderin if there is anything behind that plan like down at Little Bay.
Jus wonderin if it’s true that Caribbean Star wanted to come here, before the volcano started acting up.
Jus wonderin it is true that we should just ask the boss to come build awe wan airport.
Jus wonderin what on earth would ever happen if Bassie, Davie, Ausie, Burchie, Rubie, Louie and Claudie would come together and form a party.
Jus wonderin if the British would have to send a golden elephant this time.
Jus wonderin if we got the ‘golden elephant’ for the salary increases.
Just wonderin if the short lady from Parliament really like any of them.
Jus wonderin why sometimes we don’t give the people who are experienced and qualified the job to do.
Jus wonderin if they don’t know that it’s the person that makes the position and not the other way around.
Jus wonderin if St. Valentine knows how much happiness or sadness he causes on Valentine day and night.
Jus wonderin if some ladies and men for that matter would get half night and some not at all.
Jus wonderin which couple would win the best dress.
Jus wonderin why the Valentine radio ads don’t give you no groovy feeling to go out.
Jus wonderin if the opposition leader statement is an eye-opener to the people.
Jus wonderin if the CM is only for himself and not for us all poor young and old people.
Jus wonderin when the rest of us will get an increase in salary like the Government ministers, parliamentarians and civil servants.
Jus wonderin why the mail don’t leave Montserrat every day.
Jus wonderin if Family FM knockin out ZJB.
Jus wonderin why the ‘Jus Wonderin’ Column always full to capacity.
Jus wonderin if it’s true that ‘Jus Wonderin’ always hitting the nail on the head.
Jus wonderin how come only certain people always taking such swipe at ‘Jus Wonderin.’
Jus wonderin if it cause them too much constraints.
Jus wonderin who eyes open in the government and if congratulations not in order for them with the new press officer.
Jus wonderin if they will know how to treat him like a professional and not try to mek him into a poodle.
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