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CM Osborne Faces Motion of No Confidence

MP Chedmond Browne and Chief Minister John Osborne

MP the Honourable Chedmond Browne, has tabled a resolution to the Speaker of the House Mr. Joseph Meade, signaling his intention to move a Motion of No Confidence which resolves: “BE IT RESOLVED,  that this Honourable House declare no confidence in the Leadership of the Honourable Chief Minister to carry out the functions for which his government has been elected.”

It is common knowledge all over Montserrat since rumours of this move spread like wildfire this week, causing the NPLM party to mount its biggest caucus meeting ever as it was further believed that at least one Minister was prepared to support the motion.

One caucus member of the NPLM said, “it was the biggest caucus meeting the party has ever had,” explaining that everyone was instructed to bring three supporters along to the meeting.

Reliable sources have told The Montserrat Reporter that efforts were being made to sack a minister (that minister has remained tight-lipped about events this week) and offers of the ministerial post were made to at least one backbencher. Another source reported that the offer was turned down, while the recipient of the offer said: “I am tired of these arrangements of convenience…I will not have anything to do with that.”

Chedmond Browne was last year sacked from the NPLM party following exchanges between himself and the chief minister at Little Bay.

John Wilson faced demands for an apology early this year when he expressed his dissatisfaction with the government’s leadership of the country at the last sitting of the Legislative Council in December 2002. He did not attend the most recent caucus meetings.

Minister of Communications and works Dr. Lowell Lewis in his new year message wished for “an effective Government of National Unity for 2003,” a statement seen as suggesting his own unhappiness with the direction being given to the country.

The motion is being supported by three main points against the government formed by the New People’s Liberation Movement, rendering it unable to effectively govern:

1. Its inability to arrest the continuous decline of the economy of Montserrat;

2. Its inability to provide adequate financial and fiscal management and,

3. Its incompetence in the management of Development Aid funding.

These are supported by 12 listed points two stating “…the Chief Minister has not demonstrated the flexibility necessary in leadership to adjust to dealing with our Grant in Aid donors.…there are conflicting stories coming from the Honourable Chief Minister and our CARICOM and OECS regional partners that could seriously undermine Montserrat’s status in regional bodies.”

It is very widely known that the Chief Minister prior to and after the 2001 general elections had announced that he would relinquish the leadership of the government after only a short period in office at times mentioning six months. It is known that this has been a sore point among the party as he continues to tender varying reasons why he should not quit.

More than one legislator has commented that the Chief Minister should keep his promise in a “dignified manner.”

Meade Response To CM Denial Unheard on ZJB

Honourable Reuben T. Meade cannot believe that his most recent political statement submitted to Radio Montserrat (ZJB) has not been aired.

Mr. Meade told the Montserrat Reporter that “since Tuesday 25^th I recorded a political statement at ZJB for airing and I guess it has not yet received its approval from the authorities since it has not been aired.”

Mr. Meade delivered a copy of the statement, which is a follow-up of his previous statement, dealing with the suggested increases to the Ministers of Government as well as other legislative members and top civil servants, to The Montserrat Reporter.

In the statement the parliamentarian, former Chief Minister of Montserrat, noted: “Why is the Government so disturbed, even to the extent of trying to find out how I got the information?  They are embarrassed that I found out before they got a chance to take it to Executive Council.  I also understand that they want to bring in the Scotland Yard to determine how I got the information.  Rest assured, I am willing to go to jail for doing the job you elected me to do.  We must, however, fight against such injustice against the taxpayers of this island by the new PLM administration.  Look at your own pay and ask yourself if what is being proposed for the people who already are making a lot, if they should increase by that much.”

The honourable member in that statement is responding to retorts from the honourable John Osborne, Chief Minister, and other ministers of government who claim that he twisted the facts. The CM said in a broadcast statement: “I think it is easy to explain the fact that what Mr. Meade is saying that he knows better and he's being dishonest… I am ashamed of him (Meade) and I wonder what is his motive and I would like to set the records straight. When he tells the people that my pay package at this moment is approximately EC$200,000 per year - is totally dishonest and untruthful.”

Mr. Meade, in this new statement, reveals via a chart that the government ministers would receive an overall pay package increase of 25 percent whereas the Chief Minister is seeking an increase pay package of 41 percent.

The significant changes for the Chief Minister in his pay package is in the housing allowance from $2,000 to $3,000 per month; duty allowance which is to be increased from $3,000 to $5,000 per month; and telephone from $35 to $300.

The Chief Minister in his statement cites that no civil servant should have a better house than he does and that the country has the responsibility of paying a suitable housing allowance since there is no official residence for the CM. He took time to repeatedly point out that he has to pay taxes like everyone else. “I don't believe the public realize that ministers pay income tax and I need to make sure that the public understands that our salary is not tax free.”

The Chief Minister’s salary, out of a total of $14,738, is $7,203.00. According to official sources he also pays taxes on the duty allowance of $3,000, which suggests he pays none on the balance of $4,535 per month.

In his statement the Chief Minister did not include entertainment allowance of $1,000 nor the amount paid by the public’s purse for maid service.

It should be also noted that whenever the Chief Minister travels his expenses are fully paid for and in fact he receives a subsistence which is normal for most other persons traveling overseas on government business.

Former chief minister David Brandt was asked why he never defended his salary when it was very widely claimed that he received a bigger salary than every other chief minister and some prime ministers in the region. He responded: “that was never mentioned publicly, and I do not respond to rumours.”

Mr. Meade, finally in his unbroacasted, statement promises that he will take up the salary matter at the next Legislative Council meeting and says: “Look at your own pay and ask yourself if what is being proposed for the people who already are making a lot, if they should increase by that much. 

“Remembering that the Permanent Secretaries got a 6-percent salary increase like all the other civil servants, an increase which the CM said they would not take.  He can review the minutes of the Legco meeting at which he made this promise to refresh his memory.  Perhaps he said what he meant but did not mean what he said – which is normal as we can recall.”

BVI Chief Minister Clarifies Position towards CARICOM

Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal of the British Virgin Islands has sought to clarify the  territory's position regardimg its association with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This comes following a CMC story which we carried a out of Trinidad following the CARICOM 14^th Inter-Sessional Summit, “CM Osborne Explains BVI, Anguilla Boycott.”

The story reported Chief Minister John Osborne as saying that the leaders of two territories, the BVI and Anguilla, felt scorned at their treatment at a regional meeting in Guyana last month.

He said, “It was decided that they would not attend further meetings unless they are afforded the same level of respect given to leaders of the independent states within the region,” adding that he had been asked by the leaders of the two territories to raise the issue at the 14^th Inter-Sessional summit which ended in Port of Spain.

This week however Chief Minister Ralph T. O’Neal disputed the position presented by his fellow Chief Minister Osborne in a report coming out of the BVI. The Chief Minister said: “I wouldn't say I wouldn't attend any future meetings," he reportedly stated.

According to the report CM O’Neal explained Montserrat should have been taking over as Chair of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). However, he pointed out that at a meeting in Guyana, the OECS Heads decided the chairmanship would go to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. "As a result, my colleague, Brother John Osborne wrote to me with a copy of the letter he had written to the Chairman of OECS, Honourable Denzil Douglas,  telling him of his displeasure, and then he asked for my support along with the support of Anguilla," he stated.

Mr. O'Neal said he wrote to the Chairman of the OECS and copied it to the other heads, expressing his displeasure and his support for his fellow colleague.

The report out of the British Virgin Islands also revealed that at the Trinidad meeting, the leaders discussed the issue of the relationship between the Community and the non-independent territories of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. "We have Montserrat, which is a full member of CARICOM, but Montserrat continues to be a dependent territory of the United Kingdom. We have Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos, which are Associated Members, but they are all dependent territories of the United Kingdom," pointed out St. Kitts/Nevis Prime Minister Douglas.

 "So the question was how do we view the role, function, status of these countries within the framework of the Caribbean Community? Do we encourage them to full membership of CARICOM; those who are not yet full members and Montserrat, which is a full member? Should we advise, assist, encourage Montserrat to full independence?," asked Dr. Douglas said those were some of the issues discussed in caucus, which will impact in a very important way on the future direction of the Caribbean Community's integration movement and which forms part of the ongoing discussions.

It appears that it was from this that Chief Minister Osborne made his “non-independence for Montserrat” statement, which has angered many Montserratians here, including some top government officials. One official commented, “Mr. Osborne was in no position to speak like he did when what he expressed was just a personal opinion.”

On the matter of the seating of the other British dependent territories, not being full members of CARICOM, it was reported that informed sources say that the CARICOM Secretariat has agreed that adjustments would be made at future meetings.

EDITORIAL

"Veracity is Felled by the Wayside As Others Clamour for More"

Selfishness, greed, greed for power, and fear are in our opinion the major culprits for much of the political and leadership trauma that besets this presently severely beaten and ravaged country we live in called Montserrat. This has been so for some 30 long years. It may not be long now before the superstitious or otherwise believers are vindicated in their belief that this country is cursed.

Scarce or non-existent resources are spent, thrown away and wasted to feed the illusions and desires of some politicians and their cronies. And then there they stand in pious fear that "all those who do not think like us, are our enemies." What foolishness. But what do the rest of us do” Don’t we need to think deeply about the saying that evil succeeds because good people do nothing. Is it that we have come to accept that bad things must happen to good people?

This week there are so many issues that highlight the problems and sins mentioned above that it is not surprising to find some people saying the end is nigh for them, that “it is not worth hanging on any longer!”

Anyone listening to the Chief Minister’s statement on the salary issue who is not left feeling desperately sad should begin to spread a little of their wealth. The Chief Minister laments that the Hon. Reuben Meade is a twister of the truth. Well who is this talking? Anyway he finds that no civil servant (although we suspect he may have been referring to British civil servants) should live in a house better than he does. Who else feels embarrassment at this type of representation? But he should be the one to explain why there hasn’t been an “official” Chief Minister’s residence for the past 30 years.

He spared no time to issue a statement condemning Mr. Meade for saying his total salary package is approximately $200,000 by announcing that he in fact gets a package of  $164,856, forgetting to mention an additional $12,000 which would make the total $176,856. From this he laments that he pays taxes up to 30 percent. Does he remember, however, that everyone else working for anything over $1,250 per month, less than 1% of what he works for, pays taxes also? $1,250 is less than his traveling allowance of $1,500.

Then look at the total package increase that he is about to seek which amounts to 41%. The question is how can he justify that when everyone beside the civil servants and perhaps a few cronies are crying out “help,” trying to find ways and means to deal with the tax burden and just existing. And perhaps if they are willing to say it is British government funds, then we should know that we all have relatives who burn in the cold paying taxes to help that.

Then, can the people of St. Peters continue to insist for a playing field that was never thought of when it would have made much more sense, during those 13 years when their elected representative was Chief Minister and Minister of Finance? Is it payback time now then for that great omission or is it the great sin of selfishness that is in operation? Could it be in exchange for the privilege and freedom to build a gas station in the scarce available space on the main road in St. Peters?

It will cost us no less than about $750,000 now just to acquire the lands required for this playing field. Still the question is who are the people that will benefit from the playing field. How will this impact on the playing field being planned for the Little Bay area which will serve 90% or more of the island. Is any of this in the interest or development of Montserrat and its people, or to satisfy the sins of a single man.

Whose interest it is when we are reminded time and time again who Lady Clare Short wants as Chief Minister of Montserrat?

We are only too aware of the pandering, the frustration that some feel and their desire to be loyal even when it seems immoral. But it is not right any time to continue to support immorality, greed, selfishness and dishonourability.  It is in the end the better thing to stand up to the principle of forcing people to do the right and honourable thing than giving in to the evil of dishonour.

It is not naïve to believe and expect that when one gives his word, not just to one but many, friends and foe perceived or otherwise, it will be honoured, even in politics.

Yes it requires a certain courage, which some of us may just difficulty dealing with, but when you take a decision to represent others it was we hope with a conviction to do the right thing always that was to benefit the people of Montserrat, not just yourself, or any one or few individuals but the masses.

Those two elected gentlemen who expressed the desire (differently they claim) for a change from doom to progress in December are today in the limelight again. It will take more than common-sense. Godliness, Courage and the shunning of selfishness and greed, and a good memory are the things that will prevail.

When that vote comes before the honourable house next sitting, we are expecting everyone to do the honourable thing and let their conscience work to do the truthful and honourable thing. We need more than hope now and our experiences are far too bruised. In fact the evidence is too glearing and all parties are aware of them. When one adds unwillingness to the least bit of incompetence, add that to our major culprits, what do we get?

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

A Soft Answer - Read Romans 12: 9-21

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.- Romans 12:18 

Proverbs 15:1 tells us “a soft answer turns away wrath.” While it’s true that a humble response to wrath will normally cause it to subside, it’s equally true some people will never be pacified. Because of long-term bitterness and resentment, the tide of their wrath runs too high.

The only thing we can do is be meek and lowly in the face of their anger and leave the consequences with God. This doesn’t mean we must stay in a bondage situation, for no one has the right to mistreat another human being. But it does mean we can by God’s grace respond calmly to another’s anger.

Paul stated this matter this way: “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). We must be peacemakers even if others refuse to be. Obedience is our job; the rest we leave to God.

We want a world that always works, an easy solution, a quick fix. But some things in this broken world can’t be fixed, no matter what we do, so we must rely on God’s grace to deal with them from day to day.

Calm, quiet words may not always turn away another’s wrath. You may be aggrieved because they go unheeded, but you can never go wrong with a soft answer.-DHR

Help me guard my lips, O Savior:

Keep me sweet when sorely tried,

Answers soft to others giving,

Meekly swallowing my pride.- Bosch

To Handle A Hard Situation, Try A Soft Answer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Domestic Violence Begs Trust and Confidentiality

Dear Editor,

I read in the 7th February issue of the Monteserrat Reporter that The Domestic Violence Unit had enlisted some volunteers to listen to the victims and give feedback.  I agree with the reason for having the volunteers, which is that victims do not feel comfortable speaking directly to the police.  However, my concern is this, the volunteers should have basic counselling skills for the position they have been put in.  They need to be able to listen to the victim, show basic empathy, and be able to spot underlying problems that are not necessarily made obvious by the victim.  The most important feature of basic counselling is the issue of confidentiality.  Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable sharing my personal life with someone who just might carry my business to their friend.  Basic counselling would highlight the importance of confidentiality, therefore making the victim feel more at ease with whoever they are opening up to.

Another question, is there a professional counsellor or social worker appointed for the volunteers to take the problems and issues that they have identified to?  If the volunteers are taking the information to the police I don't believe this offers much help to the victim.  The police officers duty is to bring the offender to justice, whereas a counsellor or social worker has the interest of the victim as a priority.  The aim of Unit should be to help the victim become able to manage their situation however difficult it may be.

I could go on and on but I just wanted to know what the basic set up of the Family Centre and Domestic Violence Unit is like.  Maybe you could write an article featuring the background of the Centre and how it works one day.

A Concerned Reader who has the best interest of Montserrat at heart.

Former Visitors Yearn To See Island Again

My wife and I spent the most wonderful two weeks of our life in Montserrat in 1992.  We rented a home in Olveston.  We spent our two weeks exploring the island and meeting the wonderful people of Montserrat.  We loved Plymouth, Cork Hill, Salem and every town we drove or walked through.  Every person we met was so open to us and made us feel welcome and accepted.  We are American and have tried to visit each island in the Indies.  We have found we love the islands with British history.  We deplore the French islands.  But Montserrat became something very special in our hearts and minds. It became very heavy on our hearts when we saw the destruction of your beautiful isle. To see Plymouth disappear. To see Cork Hill disappear. To see Belham Valley become a river of mud just lies heavy on our hearts.  We just wanted to let the people of Montserrat know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers.  You are such wonderful people.  We know you will rebuild your island and paradise.  May god be with you and help you with your daily trials.  Be strong and grow.
Linda and I will be back.  And so will Montserrat.

Open Letter to His Excellency Governor Longrigg

Sir:

Our four month stay in Montserrat is quickly coming to an end. The trouble is, it never happened. As you know, anyone living on Isles Bay is banned from their home. Our home is on Isles Bay, and I'm sure you have not missed us at all. Let me tell who did miss us: The lady we buy our vegetables from; the lady we buy our eggs from; the man who was going to lease us a car; the carpenter who was going to build a new bench around the pool; the electrician who was going to wire lights on our sugar mill and the plumber who was going to repair the outdoor shower. I also think that the proprietors of  Ziggy's; Jumping Jack Flash,; Tina's; Gourmet Gardens; La Collage and the Attic have missed us. Even C&W; MONLEC; Montserrat Water Authority and A&F Services have missed us. Heck, I'm sure even Mr. Chandiramani has missed us.

What makes this all particularly galling is the fact that our home has never, not during the 1997 evacuation, and not now, been endangered by the volcano. When allowed, we have managed to cross the Belham Valley without great difficulties. When the rains were heavy, we stayed home. Now that you have sirens to warn of imminent danger, we would stay home if they sound.  Should we find ourselves on the wrong side of the Belham Valley, we would bunk with friends. Make sense, sir??? One need not be a rocket (or MVO) scientist to use this kind of common sense.

One would imagine with all their expensive, up-to-date monitoring equipment, the MVO could be a bit more precise in predicting a major event. When the forecast of an imminent dome collapse proves to be false, why is the evacuation order not rescinded?  Are we to be kept out of our homes ad infinitum? Are the homes in the latest Evacuation Zone destined to share the fate of those located south of the Belham Bridge?  If the Crown were to be held financially liable for denying access to our homes for spurious reasons, methinks we would be sitting on our porch right this minute.  Or perhaps, there are reasons other than the possible danger to life and limb. Just wondering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LOCAL NEWS

2 Drivers Fined $75 Each For Speeding Near Brades

Magistrate Clifford Warner convicted Messrs. David Tuitt of Barzeys and David Laine of Davy Hill in the Brades Magistrate Court on Wednesday this week for exceeding the speed limit on the Brades Public road and Cassava ghaut.

Mr. Tuitt was fined EC$75 which he has to pay forthwith or face seven days imprisonment, while Mr. Laine was fined EC$75 and has to pay within the next two weeks or face seven days imprisonment.

The police said they are stepping up their effort to curb speeding on the roadways and would be erecting traffic mirrors on the roads soon.

The speed limit in built up areas is 20 mph.

Earlier this year Commissioner of Police John Douglas said they would be taking a tougher stance on those drivers who insist on speeding on the roadways.

Special Olympics Walkathon A Fund Raiser for Next Games

On Thursday morning the Special Olympics Committee group launched a walkathon, from the Brades Primary School to the Little Bay area.

According to Mrs. Heather Daley, President of the group, “The walkathon is to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes to compete against other athletes from other islands in the Special Olympics games.”

She said, “This is a community project; which is being supported by various government ministries and business places.

The funds will be used to pay for the traveling expenses, to cover the accommodation of the athletes during their stay, for equipments and gear.

Twelve persons are expected to represent Montserrat in Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts.

She also said, “This will give the athletes a chance to compete against other athletes their equal” giving the athletes the chance to develop positive thinking about themselves, and giving the community a chance to see what they can do and that they can contribute to the community.

Mrs. Daley said more funds will be needed  if they are to go to Nevis and St. Kitts, because of the distance, forcing them  to overnight there.

Evacuees of October 8 to Geralds Must Find New Shelter

Many of the residents, mostly expatriates from Guyana and Jamaica from Salem, including Hope, Upper Friths and Flemmings who moved into the shelters at Three Seasons down at Geralds, last October were told that they have to leave them by February 28.

In a circular letter dated February 24, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)  reminded the shelterees of a meeting held between themselves and the Director of the EOC, Mr. Horatio Tuitt in January of this year where they were informed that the “Government of Montserrat took the decision to ask those persons who moved into the Emergency Shelters from outside the evacuated zone to leave by February 28, 2003.”

It has been reported that the underlying reason for their removal is due to the escalating costs involved in running the shelters, since the evacuation order was given on the October 8, 2002.

An official from the EOC said “the shelterees were given a month’s notice, informing them of the Government’s decision and pointed out that there were supposed to leave the shelters since December last year.”

This request however has left many people in a grave dilemma as many have no jobs, and the few that have jobs can barely afford to make ends meet, as well having lost occupancy of houses that they had rented.

The official explained that the people who moved to the shelters did not have to, but were told by “a particular Government Minister that if they were uncomfortable, they could move to the shelters.”

Statistics given by the EOC official stated, “up until January this year, there were just over a 100 people who moved into the shelters, and less than 20 were from the actual evacuated zone. When the letter was issued on Monday, there were 42 people remaining in the shelters, of which 14 were from the evacuated zone.”

When The Montserrat Reporter visited the shelters on Wednesday, there were a few people packing their few possessions, preparing to either search for new places to live or go back into the areas where they formerly lived.

One Montserratian who requested anonymity, said he is unemployed and lives with his grandparents in the Three Seasons Shelter.

He explained that the reason he moved from Flemmings was because he is an asthmatic case and suffers tremendously when it ashes.

Asked whether he’s going to return to his house, the young man said he has no choice, but to return with his grandparents.

He added that many of his neighbors lived in rented houses in the aforementioned areas and many are not sure if they will get back those houses they left to rent.

Chairman of the Salem Volcanic Crisis Committee (SVCC) Committee, Mr. Roy Greaves on Tuesday night at a meeting held in Salem between the SVCC and the residents of Old Towne, Salem and Isles Bay, used the opportunity to express his profound dissatisfaction with the situation regarding the people living at the shelters.

He said the Chief Minister promised assistance to the people who moved into the shelters but the assistance they have received is not anything substantial.

He added that the Director of the EOC, Mr. Horatio Tuitt was instructed by the Governor to deal with the matter, but as far as he is aware and to the best of his knowledge, no such thing has happened, “this is deplorable, you put people in a shelter, poor people with babies and old people 70-80 years, who cannot look after themselves, it could never be right, that such persons are not given assistance. Government cannot feed them like how they feed themselves at home, they should have been assisted, that was promised, that promise was not kept,” Mr. Greaves said.

He said he was reliably informed that people got a ‘change’ for Christmas, “you cannot live on a ‘change’ for Christmas, now is February month-end,” Mr. Greaves said.

He said earlier this week, he met one of the shelterees who told him she was going to St. Peters to search for an affordable house to rent for herself and her baby.

This he pointed out to the Chief Minister who was in the audience, as “bordering on being inhumane and unconscionable,” and added that he had no problem with people who were working and could manage on their own, but it is only reasonable that the Government help those who can’t help themselves,” he said.

“When we deal with human beings, I don’t care where they come from, they live in Montserrat, they are part of the Montserrat society, whether they are from Guyana, Jamaica or Timbuktu, they contribute to the society and I think it is the duty of the Government and authorities to look about their welfare,” Mr. Greaves said.

He told the Chief Minister that he made a promise to the people of Montserrat and didn’t deliver, “You should have taken a delegation from the wider parliament to Britain to really negotiate for funds not just development issues but specifically the added burden which is placed on the Government and people as a result of the evacuation,” Mr. Greaves said.

Methodist Youth Week Ends at Cavalla Hill

On Friday Evening, the Bethesda Methodist Church at Cavalla Hill ended its Methodist Youth Week of celebration with a Talk Show and Prize distribution.

The church addressed the topic, “Approach to dealing with teenagers’ sexuality effectively,” by inviting a panel of parents and teens from the various churches to discuss the topic, to which the listening audience made their contributions.

The chairperson for the evening was Ms. Rose Willock.

Among the panelist were Health Educator Mrs. Almae O’Garro and Reverend Florence Daley.

The floor was then opened to persons from the audience to share their views and voice their opinion on the topic.

Teens were awarded prizes for their outstanding performance in the week of activities.

Salem Committee Writes Protest Letter to Jack Straw

The Salem Volcanic Crisis Committee (SVCC) met with the residents of Salem, Old Towne and Isle’s Bay Hill Tuesday night at the Salem Primary School, to inform and update them on what has transpired between the Government and His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg regarding the evacuated areas.

One of the speakers, Mr. John Kelsick, read a letter to the villagers that the SVCC wrote to the British Foreign Secretary, the Honourable Jack Straw, on behalf of Montserratians in general, specifically the members of the Salem, Old Towne and Isle’s Bay area, who have been forced to evacuate their homes.

The letter described the profound unhappiness of residents of Old Towne, Salem and Isles Bay Hill with the administration of His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg, as it relates to certain matters, and seeks Mr. Straw’s intervention and relief from the difficulties to which they are being subjected.

The letter further states several points regarding their disbelief of the methods of warnings, pronouncements and biases of the scientists and the Governor, adding that “Mr. Longrigg has treated the residents subjected to the (evacuation) order with little or no regard, if not with downright contempt.”

The letter states also: Representations to the Chief Minister of Montserrat and his Ministers have been received with courtesy but it has been made quite clear that in this matter any decision rests with the Governor.”

The letter, which is being submitted along with a petition, says: “Regretfully we have come to the conclusion that Mr. Longrigg has little or no concern or compassion for the social well being of Montserratians in general and the residents of Old Towne, Isles Bay and Salem in particular, or indeed for the negative economic impact suffered by the island community as a whole arising from his administrative policies and actions.”

Interested observers have taken the view that while the matters set out in the letter and petition fairly represent the position of residents, the matter is being ill-directed and more pressure should be brought to bear on government who, through the Chief Minister, have distanced themselves from the affair. It is felt that the attitude of the government is one of “hands off” when they should be the ones fighting in the interest of residents.

LDA Looks to CollectHalf-million Back Rent

Manager of the Land Development Authority (LDA) Charlesworth Phillip has said this week the LDA is moving to the Law Courts to recover outstanding monies owed to them by 32 delinquent tenants.

The outstanding monies, he said, are “approaching a half-million dollars.”

He pointed out that most of the delinquents have not given the LDA any reason for not paying their rent, despite numerous reminders,which residents have been ignored.

“Anybody who has lived in a property or in a house for four years and has not paid a single cent doesn’t intend to pay,” Mr. Phillip said.

He stressed that the LDA has had the most problems with those people who he says are not indigent in any way. “These are persons we know are working for a reasonable sum…they have not been living up to their responsibilities,” Mr. Phillip said.

Regarding solutions for recovering the outstanding monies, such as employers deducting it from their weekly or monthly wages, Mr. Phillip said the Attorney General advised him that since no agreement was made to have the rent taken out from their wages at the beginning of their tenure, he cannot now insist that these monies be deducted in the middle or end of tenure. Instead he will have to move to the Courts.

“I have the full support of the Chief Minister and his cabinet to take whatever measures approved by them. A paper is presently being prepared to be sent to Executive Council for their direction on the steps of recovering this money,” Mr. Phillip said.

On the question of whether these people face possible eviction, Mr. Phillip said, “this is a most drastic step, and I would not want to take that decision without having consulted the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance.”

As a result of these delinquents not paying their rent, Mr. Phillip said “anyone who takes up occupation in any premises of the LDA from here on has to sign an agreement; it’s a perquisite if they are gainfully employed.”

For those delinquents who want to make arrangements to pay their outstanding rent money, Mr. Phillip said, “they will first have to agree to have their rent deducted from their salary and a portion to deal with the arrears.”

In an interview with The Montserrat Reporter, one of the delinquent tenants explained that he has a part-time job, is the father of three children all of whom attend secondary school and is the breadwinner of the family, and because of this, he is finding it extremely difficult to pay the rent.

“My rent is EC$425 per month and I promised them (the LDA) that I want the house to buy. Having lost everything, due to the volcanic crisis, my house, land…it’s hard. Life isn’t easy in Montserrat anymore,” he said.

“Last November, I paid EC$400, I told them of my situation, I can’t let my children starve, they (LDA) have to understand.”

He stressed his intention to pay the LDA. “Of course you can’t expect to get a house from government for nothing,” and said there has to be a reason why the people are not paying the money.

On the other hand, other residents living in these areas said they feel it is quite unfair that they are paying their rent, while some bluntly refuse to pay.

The LDA estate, which consists of just over 400 holdings, has 345 housing units in Lookout, while the remaining are in Davy Hill, St. Peters and Manjack.

Pic found in New Folder: Charlesworth Phillip 3 (Caption: Manager of the Land Development Authority, Mr. Charlesworth Phillip)

 Pic found in C:\photos\printmaster_photo\Lookout Community.jpg (Lookout Community- one of the concentrated areas where the delinquents reside).

REGIONAL NEWS

60,000 Condoms Offered To TT Carnival Celebrants

TRINIDAD (CMC) -- The Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) says it will be distributing over 60,000 condoms during the Carnival celebrations here this weekend, according to Communications Director Jones P. Madeira.
"Stop AIDS from playing Mas this Carnival," is the slogan being used by CAREC to raise awareness of the virus in Trinidad and Tobago, where an estimated 17,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease.
"We at CAREC have always advocated abstinence as the best form of protection from HIV/AIDS. However, we intrinsically understand that the majority of people are sexually active. Because of this, we are distributing 60,000 condoms to the major stakeholders of Carnival," Madeira said.
He said condoms would be distributed to the National Carnival Commission (NCC), fete promoters, mas camps and the media. "In addition, we will distribute 20,000 bandannas and 100,000 sun visors that promote the theme of protection and AIDS awareness," he added.
NCC Chairman Kenny De Silva said that an estimated 50,000 visitors were due here for the Carnival that climaxes with street parades on Monday and Tuesday next week.
"We want the Carnival to be safe for everyone and CAREC has gone a long way in placing emphasis on AIDS awareness and prevention," he added.
CAREC said a 30 second public service announcement would be aired on local television during the celebrations.

St. Lucia welcomes nomination to presidency of UN General Assembly

St. Lucia, CMC - St. Lucia has welcomed its nomination to the Presidency of the United Nations General Assembly, saying the appointment was an honour also for the entire Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
"The nomination of St. Lucia to the post of President of the General Assembly has been supported by the entire Latin American group as well as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and this election has been made possible on an agreed procedure and formula suggested several years ago," Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said here on Tuesday.
He told the CMC that the nomination was an important honour for CARICOM because it was the first time that a very small state like St. Lucia would be holding the Presidency of the UN General Assembly.
St. Lucia's Foreign Minister Julian Hunte is expected to preside over the 57th session of the UN General Assembly and Dr. Anthony has called on other regional governments to provide support services to St. Lucia in the execution of this new responsibility.
"We think this is the way to go for a number of reasons, because it is not often that CARICOM countries have the opportunity to manage the processes and procedures of the General Assembly," Dr. Anthony said.
"It is an opportunity for other persons in the public sector of the region to acquire knowledge and skills," he added.
At their 14th Inter-Sessional Summit here earlier this month, Caribbean leaders welcomed the endorsement of St. Lucia for the post, saying they also "recognised the regional dimension of this candidacy and pledged their full support."

EC/ACP officials gather in St. Lucia

St. Lucia CMC- Trade officials from African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states have begun assembling here for the start of the 8^th meeting of the ACP Ministerial Trade Committee.
The ACP talks precede the Joint ACP-European Commission Ministerial Trade Committee (JMTC) meeting, which opens here on Saturday.
A St. Lucia Foreign Ministry statement said that the Joint Ministerial Trade Committee was established under the CONTONOU Partnership Agreement to facilitate cooperation between Europe and the ACP group of countries.
The JMTC also has the responsibility to make recommendations with a view to preserving true benefits of the ACP-EC trading arrangements.
In preparation for the JMTC, the ACP members will discuss over two days and take decisions on a range of issues including reports on developments with respect to certain commodities such as tuna and sugar as well as an Europe's proposal on an integrated framework for Fisheries Agreements with Third World countries.
High on the agenda will be progress made in negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements.
The two sides will also review preparations for the 5th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference scheduled to take place in Cancun, Mexico later this year.
Ministers are expected to pay close attention to the follow-up work programme since the conclusion of the Doha Ministerial, the statement said.
Of special interest will be Europe's proposals to the WTO on market access for non-agricultural products as well as proposals on agriculture and access to medicines for developing countries in respect of the Doha Work Programme.
The JMTC will also review the progress regarding the establishment of an ACP-EU Joint Steering Committee on WTO issues.
Following the JMTC meeting on March 1st, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy is expected to meet with Caribbean Trade Ministers and then sign the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme before meeting with the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce and other representatives of the region
's private sector.

EC deposits instruments of ratification for Cotonou agreement with ACP

BRUSSELS, CMC - The European Community has deposited the necessary instruments of ratification, clearing the way for the Cotonou agreement with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states to come into force on April 1, 2003.
During a brief ceremony held at ACP House on Thursday, the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, on behalf of the Community, deposited the instruments of ratification for the ACP/EC
Partnership Agreement.
With the signing of the accord at Cotonou on 23 June 2000, covering a 20-year period, the Agreement needed to be ratified by two-thirds of the ACP States (52 of 77), and the 15 member states of the European Union and the Community.
However, most of the provisions of the Agreement were already being implemented by virtue of a decision of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers.
The Cotonou Agreement offers a global, comprehensive vision of development strategies based on three inter-dependent focal points, which are political dialogue, economic and trade cooperation, and development aid.
It bases the new partnership relations between the European Union and ACP States on the fundamental concept of the latter's ownership of their development strategy. It establishes poverty reduction and the integration of the ACP economies into the global economy as fundamental objectives for the partnership.
The first financial protocol of the Cotonou Agreement, covering a 5-year period which began in March 2000, is endowed with 13.5 billion euros (US$14.5 billion) of which 1.3 billion (US$1.39 billion) is allocated to the regional envelope, and 2.2 billion (US$2.36 billion) to the Investment Facility.
In the area of trade, negotiations for new Partnership Agreements between the European Community and ACP regions and States were launched on 27 September 2002.
Following completion of the ratification procedure by both sides, the Cotonou Agreement will come into force on 1 April 2003.

St. Lucia bracing for possible war

St. Lucia, CMC - St. Lucia has completed a two-day consultation on the possible effects of a likely United States/Iraqi war on the local economy.
Representatives of the government-appointed National Economic Council (NEC) met here on Tuesday and Wednesday to consider possible mitigation measures in the wake of increasing tension on the international scene.
"Given the fact that the island purchases millions of dollars in oil annually and that those figures have been on the increase over the years, we thought an examination was essential," NEC President Richard Peterkin said.
He said a set of concrete proposals was to be presented to government shortly.
The request for the Council to examine the matter came directly from Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and National Security, Dr. Kenny Anthony.
The two-day meeting also sought to come up with proposals that will be presented to Government for possible inclusion in the 2003/04 national budget, expected to be presented shortly.
"For years, governments present and past have asked for submissions from the Social Partners with respect to things they would like to see included in the budget, a bit of a wish list in some instances. This is clearly an indication that the government to some extent is not the only one to come up with what they see as priorities and if there are some good recommendations that can be entertained, then they will be," he added.
The NEC was launched in September of 2002 and comprises a broad-based membership of representatives of all Social Partners.
At the moment, the Council is also engaged in the process of developing a national economic strategy document for the island.

UWI students in Jamaica stage protest

Jamaica, CMC - Students at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus on Wednesday took to the streets of the corporate area and carried out their planned protest march, demanding improved performance from the country's political leaders.
The march, which was without incident, ended a few meters away from Jamaica House  - the Office of the Prime Minister.
The protesters made their way from the UWI's campus on Mona Road to Hope Road in the capital, escorted by riot police.
However, there was lower turnout than anticipated by the organisers.
The Guild of Students expected hundreds of students to turn out in white shirts and jeans for the protest but only a handful and showed up with placards, protesting against the "lack of integrity and morality by both major political parties".
The students chanted "UWI cares, UWI cares" and some of the cardboard placards read: "The prime minister's values and attitudes must be extended in politics"; "Any increase in parliamentarians' salaries must be measured by rate of productivity"; "Our teachers deserve more".
Guild President Annichia Gayle and Public Relations Officer Trevor Thompson were met by two senior officials who hosted them for about 30 minutes. A meeting is scheduled with Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson and Senator Kern Spencer, parliamentary secretary in the National Security Ministry.
Gayle sought to downplay the low turnout of students, saying some were detained by classes while others stayed away because of charges that the march was political.
He said the Guild would continued to press the authorities to address issues including the effective and efficient management of the country's resources and press for more specific guidelines concerning ministerial misconduct.

Million-dollar Ransom Demand For Abducted TT Used Car Dealer

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) -- Kidnappers of a 35-year-old used car dealer abducted near his home last weekend are demandingTT$1 million (US$166,000) ransom for his release, media reports said on Tuesday.
Armed men snatched Saran Billy Kissoondan in front of his wife and two children on Sunday in the rural south village of Palmyra, police confirmed.
They said a shot had been fired during the kidnapping but could not say whether Kissoondan, who had struggled with his abductors, was injured.
The abductors on Monday night contacted the relatives of the businessman demanding the million-dollar ransom, while threatening his life if the money was not paid, according to radio reports on Tuesday.
Relatives said they had been advised by the police not to speak with the media about the abduction.
Earlier this month, the Patrick Manning administration announced it was seeking to increase penalties for offences to the country's anti-kidnapping laws.
So far more than 30 people have been kidnapped here since the start of the year.
Meanwhile, a police constable was granted bail of TT$200,000 (US$34,000) by a magistrate after he appeared before the Sangre Grande courts, south of here on charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment.
Daryl Samnarsingh is accused of kidnapping Rishi Permanand, the nephew of a former Court of Appeal judge last December. Another police officer, Anand Ramcharan, also faces similar charges arising out of the December 17 abduction.
Constable Samnarsingh was arrested on his return here from Washington last weekend. Magistrate Cherril Anne Blake ordered that he surrender his passport and report to the police every Tuesday.

The case was adjourned until March 11.

St. Kitts And Nevis To Pay Less For Telephone Rates

 BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are to pay less for telephone calls with effect from March 17^th.

 This was disclosed in Parliament on Wednesday morning by St. Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Telecommunications, the Hon. Sam Condor.

 He told the nation that the National Telecommunications Commission (NTRC) has presented the Price Cap Regime to the General Manager of Cable & Wireless on Tuesday. 

“This new Price Cap becomes effective from March 17^th 2003, and sets the following maximum rates: Installation fee for both business and residence $125. Reconnection fee for both business and residence $30; Monthly line rental rates $40 for businesses and $15 for residential; local calls made during the day, evening and weekend shall be billed at 5 cents, 4 cents and 3 cents per minute respectively; and domestic fixed to mobile rate shall be 60 cents per minute,” said Deputy Prime Minister Condor.

 “We promised the people of this Federation that liberalisation of the telecommunications sector  would bring cheaper telephone rates and much needed development to the country. This government has done all within its power, and will continue to put the necessary institutions in place to guarantee an equitable environment for consumers as well as providers as we begin to lay the foundation for economic development,” Mr. Condor told Parliament.

 He said the many benefits that now enjoyed from the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, have not come overnight and it has not been easy. “Mister Speaker, no matter how you look at it, the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector is linked to development. As Small Island Developing States with limited financial, technical and natural resources, we are constantly working to diversify our economies in order to combat poverty, reduce unemployment and, generally, improve the living standards of our people,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

JAMAICA, MALAYSIA SIGN $70-MILLIOM BYPASS

MALAYSIA -- A Letter of Intent for the financing and construction of a bypass road for Montego Bay was signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by representatives of the Jamaican Government and Malaysia’s construction industry authority on Tuesday.

Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, who spoke at the signing ceremony, said the 12-kilometre toll road was necessary to complement segments I and II of the North Coast Highway development and to solve the problem of traffic congestion in the resort city.  He said the project was in keeping with other major initiatives linking the cruise ship port and the Sangster International Airport as part of the home porting development being contemplated for the city.

 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Dr. Alwyn Hayles signed on behalf of the Jamaican Government, while Hamzah B. Hasan, Chief Executive Officer of the state run Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) signed on behalf of the CIDB-Ranhill Consortium, which will implement the project.  The signing was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Works, Sammy Vellu and Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, K. D. Knight.

 The Malaysians are expected to provide about 60 per cent of the US$70 million to build the bypass road. 

LIAT Management To Take 10% Pay Cut

Barbados (CMC)  -- Senior management officials of LIAT have agreed to take a 10-per cent pay cut over the next six months to assist the cash-strapped regional airline in cutting costs.
The disclosure was made Wednesday by the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Gary Cullen, who told reporters the management pay cut takes effect in March and was part of a package of measures aimed at keeping cash-spending down to a minimum.
He said a similar pay cut was currently under consideration by LIAT employees, including pilots and engineers, who have already "given a lot" and have been rallying behind the airline's management.
However, Mr. Cullen admitted that further assistance would be needed from shareholders in order to prevent it from cutting back on its operations.
Last December, the airline was forced to ground one its aircraft, resulting in the loss of 10 million EC dollars (US$3.7 million) in revenue.
The Antigua-based airline is said to be indebted to the tune of nearly EC$100 million (US$37 million) and needs an immediate cash injection of EC$25 million (US$9.25 million) in order to remain in the skies over the next three months.
Mr. Cullen said since the beginning of the year 2000 the company has managed to reduce costs by 25 percent and staff numbers by 35 percent to 670 employees.
But the airline is badly in need of capitalisation.
In addition to not being able to meet its financial obligations, the present cash flow problem is also preventing the airline from further reducing its staff levels to 550 employees, since at the moment "there is no money", Mr. Cullen said.
"We need action to be taken and we need it to be taken fast," he told reporters.

Straw Congratulates Belize In Dispute with Guatemala

BELIZE (CMC) - The Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, Jack Straw, has congratulated Belize on progress made in settling a longstanding territorial difference with Guatemala.
In a message to Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Assad Shoman, Mr. Straw said: "I am writing to congratulate you on signing an agreement with Guatemala to establish a transition process and confidence building measures (CBMs) in Washington earlier this month.
"I warmly commend you and Prime Minister (Said) Musa for bravely supporting the Facilitators' proposals last year and your determination to proceed, even though you were in the end frustrated by circumstances beyond your control.
"I hope it will be possible to bring this process to a successful conclusion before long."
The latest agreement followed many months of difficult negotiations.
Straw said "I am delighted that you succeeded". 

ACP States OK Move of Funds For African Union Peacekeeping

BRUSSELS (CMC)  -- African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states have authorised the European Commission to allocate the sum of 12 million euros (US$12.9 million) from the remainder of  their eighth European Development Fund (EDF) for the African Union's peacekeeping activities.
An ACP press statement said the Committee for National Dialogue of the Central African Republic is the first beneficiary of the initiative.
A delegation led by the Committee Coordinator and his assistant, as well as former Prime Minister Henri Maidou was received on February 18 by the ACP Secretary-General, Jean-Robert Goulongana, and the Bureau of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors.
On that occasion, the delegation had asked for the support of the ACP Group.
Of the 12 million euros of the EDF "Intra-ACP Fund" reserved for this African Union initiative, entitled "Support to peace-building and transition activities," 10 million (US10.79 million) is earmarked for the activities of its "Peace and Security Council" for conflict prevention and resolution, and two million for building this institution's capacity for, inter alia, its transition from OAU to its new identity.
The assistance comes amid renewed calls on Africa to embrace democracy and end violence - particularly in warring Ivory Coast -- and for leaders to implement a French-brokered peace deal to end a five-month-old civil war.
The ACP is also due to sign, on March 1 in St. Lucia, the nineth EDF, under which Caribbean countries are to benefit from a 57-million Euro (US$60 million) financial aid package.
The signing of the agreement coincides with the joint ACP/EU Trade Committee meeting at which the European Union Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy will address Caribbean trade ministers.

St Vincent Becomes Part Of Non Aligned Movement

KUALA, LUMPUR, Malaysia (CMC) -- St. Vincent and the Grenadines was admitted Monday to the 114-member Non-Aligned Movement, as leaders of the Movement opened their two-day summit here.
Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, who is heading Jamaica's delegation to the summit, gave the acceptance statement on behalf of the fellow member state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
”Within our Community we share a burning desire for universal peace and global development in the single world which all mankind must share," Mr. Patterson said.
He added that the CARICOM nations recognise the true value of the Non-Aligned Movement as a vehicle for protecting their freedom and independence.
"In today's world, this is the only prudent strategy for small developing countries facing the challenge of globalisation and political trends, which threaten our very survival," he added.
Mr. Patterson concluded: "Prime Minister Gonsalves wishes me to assure the Conference that his Government will honour its obligations as a Member of the Movement; it will uphold its principles; it will act in solidarity to defend our independence and sovereignty; and it will collaborate in advancing our common purposes and goals in order to build a better world".
Prime Minister Patterson will deliver Jamaica's statement to the summit on Tuesday.

Barbados PM Defends Claim That He Breaks Nation’s Law

BARBADOS (CMC) -- Prime Minister Owen Arthur face opposition calls for him to step down from office after telling a recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting in Trinidad that he conspired with illegal Guyanese nationals to break the laws of the country.
Nigel Harper, the prospective Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for the northern St Peter constituency held by Arthur, has called for the Prime Minister’s immediate resignation, charging that his comments held Barbados and its people up to ridicule.
The former trade unionist said the Prime Minister no longer has the moral authority to govern and is urging Barbadians to press the Governor, General Sir Clifford Husbands, to ask him to step down.
Of concern is a statement made by the Prime Minister while attending the 14th CARICOM Inter-Sessional meeting of CARICOM Port of Spain earlier this month.
Responding to a reporter's question about the treatment of Guyanese and other CARICOM nationals entering the island, Arthur sought to show instances in which non-nationals were currently functioning and making a contribution on the island.
"I might even tell you that in my own home some of the cupboards were done by some very tremendously skilled Guyanese labourers . . . carpenters . . . with whom I conspired to break the law," Mr. Arthur said.
Speaking Sunday evening following his successful nomination to contest the St. Peter constituency for the ruling Barbados Labour Party, the Prime Minister further sought to justify his comments saying it was for the larger cause of the free movement of labour in the Caribbean within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), for which he has lead responsibility within CARICOM.
"I plead guilty in the higher service of a higher cause that I do not feel that I should stigmatise a Guyanese artisan who has a contribution to make to this country," hr said.
The Prime Minister also called for Caribbean people to reconsider the way in which they segregated the movement of skilled people and unskilled people, noting that persons without formal education and skills had long made the region their own economic space, in spite of the law.
 He stressed the contribution of Guyanese to the island's development saying there was hardly a person in Barbados "who has not had a service rendered on their behalf by some person who has come to this country who the immigration laws say should not be here.
"But we should welcome them because the CSME should not just be a formal structure, it should be a welcoming environment where every Caribbean citizen feels that he or she has a space," he said.
"For the time being, it makes all of us who access these services accomplices to the breaking of the law. I therefore plead guilty."
His statements come in the wake of concerns raised by President Bharrat Jagdeo and other Guyana officials over the treatment of Guyanese nationals by Barbados immigration officials.
But Barbadian authorities have sought to defend their actions, saying an increasing number of persons were trying to gain illegal entry while bearing forged passports for various countries, including some CARICOM states, and documents belonging to relatives and friends, with frequent name changes to deceive officials.

Jamaica PM calls for restructuring of Non-Aligned Movement

Malaysia, CMC - Jamaica's Prime Minister P.J. Patterson Tuesday called for a restructuring of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) in order to make it relevant to the changing global political and economic environment.
Patterson, addressing the 13th summit of the NAM, insisted however the Movement was relevant today as it had been when it was formed 48 years ago.
But he said it was important for it to undergo restructuring and re-branding to deal with current political and economic realities.
Patterson said that the Movement offered the only counter force of reason, balance and objectivity in the post Cold War era where there was no longer a contest for unswerving allegiance between contending superpowers.
"Today there is only one. But the Non-Aligned nations should not bow under the sway of a single dominion," he added.
He suggested that the Movement take on a new and more positive, assertive and less reactive image and speak with unison and moral authority, while being the critical 'neighbourhood watch' to halt the virulent advance of a single hegemonic power that now threatens the global community and plunges the world in crisis.
"We can be supine and submit; some may even be tempted to collaborate. But neither will we be true to our people; true to ourselves or to future generations," said Patterson.
The restructuring of the movement must also acknowledge the empowerment of the world's people, he emphasised.
"In all the regions of the South, we have to ask ourselves for how much longer can our poor, hungry and sick, be expected to remain at their gates without convincing prospects of betterment?"
Patterson said Jamaica would not endorse any unilateral decision by the United States to engage in military action against Iraq, which he said was bound to result in the death of defenseless women, children and innocent citizens.
But he urged the Iraqi leaders to comply immediately with Resolution 1441 of the United Nations Security Council in accordance with the obligation of all nations to comply with resolutions of that body.
Patterson was also critical of the terrorist activities taking place worldwide, saying "acts of terrorism that target, or are indifferent to, the lives of innocent men, women and children are not justified by even the most grievous wrongs".
 Those who commit them, he said, do not advance the cause they seek to serve.
He urged the Non Aligned Movement to clearly state not just what it was against but also that for which it stands.
These principles, Patterson said should embrace peace, justice and an equitable world, multilateralism and international cooperation, the rule of law worldwide, global survival through collective human security and the supremacy of the UN system.
Patterson said there were compelling factors for restructuring the NAM in the economic sphere and urged decisive action by the organisation to ensure the implementation of the development goals set at the Millennium Summit in Havana in 2000.
He proposed the establishment of Ministerial contact groups within the ambit of the Group of 77 with specific mandates to drive the process for development and economic gain for developing countries specifically in the areas of money, finance and trade.
Patterson said the groups would be mandated to clarify priority issues for co-operation and joint action together with the strategies and approaches that should be followed for pursuing them; and consult and interact with developed countries individually and in groups on the matters being pursued.
They would also remain in touch over the course of specific negotiations and agree on the action to advocate common positions and raise international public awareness of them; as well as enlist the support of the non-governmental community in building up pressure concerning issues selected as well as in negotiating proposals emanating from them, he said.
Noting that the decisions emanating from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) for the negotiations after the Doha Ministerial meeting to constitute a development round had not yet been realised, Patterson said developing countries had to press their case vigorously on agriculture, non-tariff barriers, special and differential treatment.
He said the developing countries also had to press for a programme of action for small developing countries, dumping and subsidies, trade in services and regional agreements.
He said that the time for talking was over and that decisive action had to be the exclusive pre-occupation of the Non-Aligned Movement to make a reality, the textual consensus reached at the millennium summit one radicating hunger and poverty.
"Timing is of the essence to spur development and tackle poverty as a top global priority," he said, noting that there was the danger of the current international political situation leading to the abandonment of critical development efforts.
Patterson urged greater levels of practical co-operation among countries of the South, as multilateralism alone would not suffice.
 "The challenge that confronts us is massive; the forces ranged against us are formidable. It will not be enough to respond with scattered resistance.
Our solidarity must be more sustained, more structured, more coherent, better organised," he said.
"Let us in Kuala Lumpur launch a serious process of restructuring and re-branding. Let us issue a mandatory injunction for action now. It may be our last chance to do so in our time," he added.

Cuba calls for a revitalisation of Non Aligned Movement

HAVANA, Cuba, CMC --Cuba has called for a revitalisation of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) to counter what it says was a uni-polar world violating essential principles of the United Nations Charter including sovereignty and self-determination.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Felipe Perez Roque made the call as he addressed the 13th NAM Summit, attended by over 60 heads of state and government, including Cuban President Fidel Castro.
According to the Cuban minister, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the socialist countries of Eastern Europe was not a reason for the organization to disappear.
On the contrary, NAM's existence is more important now, when a uni-polar world is threatening peace, he emphasised.
The Cuban diplomat praised Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's support for multilateralism during his opening speech.
In exclusive statements for the Cuban daily roundtable programme, Perez Roque called Mohamed's speech excellent, solid, and principled.
Mohamad categorically rejected a uni-polar world and war as a way to solve international conflicts, while highlighting NAM's importance in the current world panorama, Perez Roque said.
The Cuban official revealed that the meeting's final document would favour respect for the international law principles of non-intervention, sovereign equality, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
It is transcendental that the movement support the precepts included in the UN Charter, he stressed.
Perez Roque said that the text explicitly condemns the over 40-year United States blockade against Cuba and demands it removal.
The document, "which filled us with joy, proclaims that a new economic world order is necessary so that our countries, today affected by neo liberal globalisation, can enjoy its benefits," he said.
The Foreign Minister said that all positions and viewpoints in the final document were supported by Havana.
The Kuala Lumpur Declaration recognises the validity of NAM, which, he recalled, emerged at a time when the world was divided into two blocks.
According to the Cuban minister, the collapse of one of these blocks (the Soviet Union and the socialist countries of Eastern Europe) was not a reason for the organization to disappear.
On the contrary, NAM's existence is more important now, when a uni-polar world is threatening peace, Roque streesed.
Two new members are expected to be admitted to the NAM, which will also issue a declaration rejecting a possible US war against Iraq.
But the declaration encourages Baghdad to comply with the UN resolutions and also calls on the UN Security Council to remove economic sanctions from the Arab country.
The Summit will also demand the Palestinian people's right to their own State, and condemns crimes and aggressions by the Israeli army, the Cuban Foreign Minister added.
Cuba will be the next venue for the NAM scheduled for 2006. 

Roman Catholic priest calls on followers to abandon Trinidad Carnival

Trinidad, CMC - Mere days before Trinidad and Tobago citizens and visitors alike take to the streets for the annual Carnival celebrations that climaxes next Tuesday, a Roman catholic priest here has called on Catholics to abandon the festival, complaining of a rapid decline in morals and behaviour.
In a letter issued on Monday, Father Ian Taylor said it was impossible not to notice the degeneracy that had become symptomatic of a national moral decline that is greatly intensified and widely multiplied at Carnival time.
"Already we are experiencing serious acts of violence at Carnival fetes, even stabbings and murder itself. One has only to view the TV performances of calypsonians and artistes, with their entourage of supporting bands and singers, to capture the gross vulgarity, aggression and barbarity as they whip their audience into a made frenzy," he said.
He described the behaviour as nothing less than pagan, and questioned what business does a Catholic have with such an event while dismissing as an "excuse" the reason given that Carnival was part of the culture of Trinidad and Tobago.
 "Yet, how many Catholics ever attempt to do this at Carnival fetes and on Carnival Monday and Tuesday? And even so, who would pay attention, with the seductive music booming, alcohol flowing and the many bodies jamming and wining?" he asked.
Father Taylor said the hard facts were that thousands of Catholics participated in Carnival. "Secondly, many promoters, calypsonians and performers who are guilty of promoting licentious, immoral and lawless behaviour, are Catholics," he said.
"How can a "Carnival" Catholic consider himself/herself a serious Christian, a true disciple of Jesus? Is this not a mixture of light and darkness prohibited by Jesus and the Holy Scripture? And to think that Ash Wednesday and Lent will wash all sins away is itself the sin of presumption," he added.
He said the future of the nation hangs precariously in the balance and God's word remains eternally true.
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. For too long have we Catholics participated in and supported the wanton sins of the nation especially at Carnival time, helping the nation to incur the wrath of God."
"Now is the time to break with sin and abandon Carnival. This act itself, by the Catholic participants, would be enough to gain the saving intervention of Almighty God and serve as a powerful witness, a light to the nation."
"Catholics, abandon the myth, abandon the lie, abandon Carnival," Father Taylor said.

IDB expects to raise $9 billion in 2003

WASHINGTON, CMC - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says US$8.7 billion was raised in capital markets to help finance development lending to Latin America and the Caribbean in 2002, with total borrowing proceeds for 2003 expected to be about US$9 billion.
Borrowings in 2001 totalled $7.2 billion.
Bond issues provide the IDB with a solid level of liquidity to meet the financing needs of both past and future lending activity.
Investors responded positively to bond issues by the IDB and other multilateral financial institutions during 2002, considering them an attractive alternative that offers a higher yield than government securities while providing safety and liquidity, particularly in periods of international financial turbulence and uncertainty.
For 2003, the IDB's total borrowing proceeds for the entire year are expected to be about $9 billion. The Bank placed its first global bond issue of 2003 on January 16, raising $2 billion following a strong response from investors in Asia, the United States and Europe.
"The Bank successfully adapted to changing conditions and its flexibility enabled the IDB to effectively deliver a borrowing programme in 2002 with a lower financing cost than the previous year," said Esteban Molfino, chief of the IDB's Funding Section.

Agreement to end strike in Dominica

Dominica, CMC - The Dominica government and the umbrella Public Service Union (PSU) late Wednesday evening announced a breakthrough in discussions on a set of austerity measures, bringing to an end a week-long crippling strike by public servants.
The agreement calls for an immediate return to work by the public officers who embarked on strike action last Wednesday protesting proposals put forward by the State, including for a cut in the government service and a two-day work furlough from March to June.
The agreement also calls for the establishment of a joint task force, comprising representatives of government, the PSU and other public sector unions, under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary, to work towards fresh proposals for containing the public sector wage bill.
It was announced in a joint statement issued by the two sides shortly after meeting with a three-member mediation team comprising Reverend Father Reginald Lafleur, representative of the country's integrated development team Dr. Carissa Etienne and former Tourism Minister Charles Maynard.
The statement reads: "We the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Public Service Union, having reviewed (1) government's proposal for the containment of the public sector wage bill, (2) the union's decision to exercise protest action, (3) the state of the economy, now hereby declare that it is in the best interest of the nation that a comprehensive approach be adopted for the containment of the public sector wage bill, and the recovery of the national economy."
It also said government was willing to discuss with the PSU, any matter of concern, arising out of the recent protest action, with a view to closure.
"In light of the foregoing, the executive of the Union advises its members to return to work," the statement added.
The meeting ended with both sides shaking hands and thanking the mediators.
The PSU is due to brief its members at 8AM Thursday morning before instructing them to return to work.
As a result of the strike action, several major government departments here either remained closed or were operating on skeleton staff.

Caribbean Sun To Fly Into St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International From March 31

St. Kitts – The Region’s newest airline Caribbean Sun is to begin flying to St. Kitts’ Sir Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on March 31^st.

President and Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico-based airline, Mr. Paul Moreira disclosed this on Friday afternoon during the signing of an agreement between the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Stanford Financial Group.

“I am proud to announce today that Caribbean Sun will start operating from San Juan (with) three flights a day on March 31^st. So this is just a start as the Prime Minister said of a wonderful and prosperous relationship,” said Moreira.

Also signing the Agreement were St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Hon. Delano Bart and Chairman of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, Mr. Peter Jenkins. Mr. Moreira and Mr. P. Mauricio Alvarado signed on behalf of the Stanford Group. Attorney at Law Sen. Marcella Liburd witnessed the signatures. Also present were Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dwyer Astaphan, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Oaklyn Peets, Financial Secretary, Mr. Wendell Lawrence and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. Erasmus Williams.

 Caribbean Sun, the region’s newest airline will begin flying between Puerto Rico and the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts next month, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Paul Moreira of Caribbean Star, the carrier’s sister company said Thursday.

The San Juan-based Caribbean Sun began its Caribbean service on January 21st with four daily flights between Puerto Rico and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Beef Island, British Virgin Islands.

According to Moreira in an earlier interview with the Communications Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office, Caribbean Sun hopes to “develop more capacity to bring more tourists to our beautiful islands, but of course also to serve our CARICOM brothers sisters to make that it is more affordable and that there is competition and more seats to fly to the United States.

He said Caribbean Sun started with two aircraft and were to acquire another two aircraft.

 “Caribbean Star today has 10. So we have a joint fleet of 14 airplanes with options for at least four more and that is simply phase one of the overall plan as we did with Caribbean Star this year, we will be looking at jet fleet type airplane from the United States and Canada into the Caribbean,” said Moreira.

Caribbean Sun is a United States operator with a 121 certificate. Texas billionaire, Mr. Allen Stanford is the sole shareholder. Stanford is also sole shareholder in Caribbean Sun. Both airlines operate as separate companies.

Moreira said Caribbean Sun would operate from separate counter space to Caribbean Star at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

Photo: St. Kitts and Nevis P M Hon. Denzil L. Douglas and Caribbean Star and Caribbean Sun President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Moreira (Photo by Erasmus Wiliams Sr.)

Caribbean Trade Ministers Meet With EU

Caribbean Trade Ministers will meet with European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Mr Pascal Lamy in Saint Lucia, tomorrow, Saturday, 1 March  2003.

This session follows Commissioner Lamy’s meeting with the Ministerial Trade Committee of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group of countries, which ends on Saturday morning at the Sandals Grande.

The Ministers of the CARIFORUM, which includes the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries as well as the Dominican Republic and Cuba will exchange views with Mr Lamy on the status of two major negotiations involving the Region. These are with the EU  and in the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

As part of the ACP Group, the Caribbean is involved in negotiations with the EU on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), which form part of the Cotonou Agreement that governs aid, trade and economic arrangements between the ACP and the EU. The EPAs are intended to establish new WTO compatible trade arrangements between ACP regions and sub-regions with the EU.

In the WTO, both sides are engaged in the negotiations under the work programme set up by the 4^th WTO Ministerial meeting held in Doha, Qatar in 2001. The Caribbean, like the rest of the developing world is not satisfied with the results of the negotiations to date.  With the 5^th Ministerial  Conference to be held in Cancun, Mexico, later this year, the meeting with Commissioner Lamy will provide Caribbean Ministers with the opportunity to make him aware of their concerns in various areas.

 The Caribbean will also raise the issue of the challenge by Brazil and Australia to the EU Sugar Regime at the WTO. That challenge has serious social and economic implications for the Caribbean given the importance of the sugar industry to many of the countries.  The EU’s approach to the issue as enunciated by Mr Lamy will be of great interest to the Region.

A discussion on the impact on Caribbean countries of the changes in the EU banana regime will also take place. The successful challenge to the regime led by the United States and some Central American States has had a disastrous effect on the economies of the banana-producing countries of the Region, particularly Dominica, due to the erosion of preferential market access to Europe.

Caribbean Ministers are also expected to press the case for the release of development assistance funds by the EU to Haiti. 

Youth Vibration

Presented By Tomeika Jeffrey

Youth Parliament

After being postponed because of light attendance, the Youth Parliament meeting was held on Tuesday February 18, at which the Honorable Joseph Meade, speaker of the Legislative council in Montserrat, explained the purpose and the aim of the meeting.

He said that the first exercise was to make two groups of contestants, with members in each group selecting a leader, and a name for the group.

One group was named the People Youth Development (PYD) with Mr. Jermaine Wade as leader and the other was named Young People Progressive Alliance (YPPA) with the leader being Ms. Danielle Lee

In keeping with Montserrat’s present electoral system each had at least nine persons one of the groups having ten representatives. Following the division nine persons were elected by secret ballot from the two groups by all persons attending.

Mrs. Claudette Weekes, Clerk of Council, announced the Government and the opposition of the Youth Parliament.

YPPA, winning 5 seats was declared the winner of the election and the opposition was PYD with four seats.

The nine elects were: Mr. Jevon West won 21 votes – YPPA; Ms. Crystal Archer received 20 votes YPPA; Ms. Alphege Browne won 16 votes - YPPA; Ms. Danielle won 20 votes - YPPA; Mr. Gordon Lee won 21 votes - Ms. Lavern Rogers won 13 votes -YPPA; Ms. Cedricia Shiell won 22 votes - PPYD; Mr. Jermaine Wade won 18 votes - PPYD; Ms. Jannelle Weekes won 17 votes - PPYD; and  President of the National Youth Council in Montserrat, Jevon West was appointed the first chief Minister of the Montserrat Youth parliament, Ms. Alphege Browne was appointed the Minister of Communication, Mr. Danielle Lee, Minister of Agriculture, Land, Housing and the environment and Ms. Lavern Rogers, minister of education, Health and Community Services, all from the YPPA.

Mr. Jermaine Wade, was appointed Leader of the opposition, Ms. Cedricia Shiell, Mr. Gordon Lee and Ms. Jannelle Weekes-PYD

President Officers, Melissa Greenaway, speaker of the House and Ms. Crystal Archer, Deputy Speaker.

The nine elected members were to choose the speaker of the house.

The elected persons will be trained to perform in their various positions and duties.

The leader of Both the Government and Opposition will be decide by the elected members and announced at the next meeting as well as the ex-officio members the Attorney General and the Financial Secretary. 

MSS Debaters Leaves Montserrat to compete in the Leeward Islands Debating

The cause of teenage crime, reparation for enslavement, foreign policy and the sexual exploitation of children are the issues being debated among 200 students from neighboring islands in St. Kitts as they participate in the annual Leeward Island Debating Contest.

On Wednesday,  a contingent of  students, teachers from the Montserrat Secondary school, and supporters left Montserrat to participate in the School Debating Competitions.

Among the 18 were five Debaters: Camille Skerritt, Leandre Tuitt, Jameel Greenway, Gerren Gerald and Nadia Duberry, tutored by Ms. Chevelin Williams and Ms. Yasmin White.

Montserrat was scheduled to debated against Antigua last night on the topic “Poverty is the prime cause of teen crime and violence in the Caribbean.”

The winner of the competition will be debating against Anguilla on Saturday evening to the topic “ The principle of nonintervention in the international affairs of a state finds little practical application to small developing states.

Which will be followed by St. Kitts verses Nevis on February 28, to the topic “Developing Nationals that benefits from the enslavement of Africans in the Americas should pay reparation.”

The finalist will be determined from both Saturday and Sunday night’s debate, in which the winners will contest against each other to the topic, “The greatest threat to Caribbean children is the society’s failure to protect them from sexual exploitation.”

According to Ms White, who is responsible for preparing the debaters, particular emphasis will be paid to the rebuttals.

FEATURES

Tourism Highlights

VISITOR SURVEYS, 2003

The Montserrat Tourist Board in conjunction with the Development Unit’s Statistics Department is conducting two visitor surveys to cover both day and stay over visitors.  The idea for these surveys came about as a result of one of the recommendations of the CHL Tourism Strategy Report that was recently completed.

The surveys will be done in three phases – the first phase will cover the high season, the second the shoulder season and the third the low season.  The first phase is being carried out at both ports of entry and will run for one month.

These surveys are used to give an indication of the number of visitors who enter Montserrat, their origin, visitor spend, accommodation used, and activities engaged in. 

The Development Unit assisted in training the 5 enumerators who have been contracted to do the surveys in addition to assisting with the development of the surveys.

A Hotel Desk Survey covering Day Tour Packages to Montserrat is also being conducted in Antigua.  This is being done to ascertain the number of visitors who stay at these establishments who have an interest in visiting Montserrat.  The survey also includes the day tour operators – Jenny Tours and D & J Fowarders - who operate day tours to the island out of Antigua.

The overall results of the surveys will assist with future marketing programs in addition to helping to see where improvements are required.  These could make the way for enhancement of the total visitor experience on Montserrat.

COMMENTARY

A View From the Outside - The Right of Choice

By - Ken Walter

As the powers that be on Montserrat hopefully seek to bring balance to the current evacuation orders and re-evaluate the pro & cons of moving the current “Exclusion Zone” back to it’s original southern location I would like to offer some additional arguments in favor of this change. Primarily is the restoration of choice regarding whether you wish to believe the scientists’ doomsday forecasts and reside elsewhere or accept the inherent risks of living where you choose. The lack of pyroclastic destruction in the Belham Valley, or for that matter from Richmond Hill north, lends credence that the latter is an acceptable risk choice. The opportunity for choice may have even greater implications considering that Dr. Dunkley stated on February 7^th. that he sees moving the “Exclusion Zone” even further north as a very real possibility in our future.

To deny this option of choice is to deny a basic freedom in a democratic country. The use of Marshall Law or an “Emergency Powers Act” in a free society is normally reserved for extreme crisis situations and then employed only on a temporary basis, with basic freedoms to be restored as soon as possible - hours, days or under unusual situations weeks, never indefinitely.

We have to accept that this is not an option the MVO scientists will be able to support. As I have stated in a previous piece they are charged with considering events on a “worst possible scenario” basis, nor can they either comprehend or understand dissenting opinions from we ignorant lay people. While they may have the educations, instruments and reams of data to support their recommendations, the science of volcanology is still in its infancy and all they can really offer are speculations. Regrettably these speculations are fraught with far too many “ifs” to justify the denial of such a basic freedom as the occupancy of one’s home.

While everyone should respect the potential power of our “mountain” it is neither right nor a benefit to this island to have the MVO staff foster a climate of undue fear. Fear of not just the volcano, but further restrictive government action. One would hope that the MVO would be directed to work with the various emergency services departments in developing strategic planning models to enable a choice scheme not stifle the legitimate rights of Montserrat’s residents.

Change causes apprehension, change that negatively impacts our lives can be traumatic, dictated change where we have no opportunity for input or participation is always unacceptable and change fostered upon us by newcomers who do not understand our history or culture can be overwhelming. All are applicable here on Montserrat.

It has been alleged that the fear of litigation was a driving force in the latest “Exclusion Zone” decision making process. A reasonable concern if correct, but one easily negated given the gravity of people being evicted from their homes based on the “worst case scenario” speculations of scientists engaged in a comparatively new field of science.

In most democratic societies the law prohibits the giving-up of individual “rights”, thus Montserrtians and expat residents should not be expected to forfeit their freedom and rights because of the presence of a volcano. We look to all those who have been elected to public office or appointed to serve the people of this island, to do so in a manner that respects their basic needs and human rights! Freedom of choice is clearly the resolution process to respond to everyone’s requirements.

These “Views From the Outside” are presented as motivational food for thought. As an entrepreneur, business manager, and management consultant with over 35 years of hands-on experience, as a NYS Certified Mediator & Arbitrator and an elected municipal government official for the last 15 years, I feel I can speak with some authority. My goal is to hopefully generate some of the sparks that kindle the desire to act proactively - now, not reactively after opportunities are lost.

Volcanic Voodoo Statistics

By Wolf Krebs

Statistics is "a branch of mathematics dealing with the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of masses of numerical data" (Webster).

Statistics can tell us for instance the chances to win in a lottery. If the winning chances in a lottery are 1: 1,000, there are 1,000 blanks for every winning ticket. The moment you bought your ticket, however, your winning chances become either 1 or 0. There is no statistic any more. You either have a winner or not.

If the event, with which the statistic deals, is perceived negative, we do not call it chance; we call it risk. We can for instance say that the risk in a population to contact a certain disease is 1:10,000. This means that for every patient in this population there are 10,000 people not affected by this disease. To establish such a statistical statement data have to be sampled. In epidemiology, the convention is that data have to be collected until at least 10 events are amongst the sample. That means that in our example at least 100,000 people had to be sampled. Such data are very important for decision makers. They can asset insurance premiums or determine how many beds a new hospital will need. Statistics are meaningless for individuals. You do not know if you will be the one person contacting that disease or if you are one of the many thousand who will not get it. Your chance, as in the lottery example, is 1 or 0. You either will or you will not, get sick.

Politicians got used to statistics. In many cases statistics has helped them to make meaningful decisions. In fact they find statistics so convenient, that they demanded statistics from Montserrat's volcanologists. However, there was a problem. There was only one volcano in Montserrat. Which did not allow the application of statistical methods.

The Chief Medical Officer of Britain came to the rescue. In 1995, he had invented a system which translates the numerical language of statistics into a common English that, he hoped, the uneducated public could understand. This invention is the "Chief Medical Officer's Risk Scale." In this scale six words are equated with six ranges of risks: "Negligible" means any risk lower than 1:1,000,000; "minimal"is a risk in the range of 1:1,000,000 to 1:100,000; "very low" covers risks from 1:100,000 to 1:10,000; "low" is a risk between 1:10,000 and 1:1,000; "moderate" covers 1:1,000 to 1:100; and "high" means any risk between 1:100 and 1:1. These statistical risks refer to epidemiological or similar medical risks in which the numbers had been collected by methods accepted by the scientific community.

In the year 1997 the Montserrat Volcanologists finally found a way to solve their statistics dilemma. They simply reversed the Chief Medical Officer's Risk Scale. Whenever they thought a certain risk was either negligible, minimal, very low, low, moderate or high they translated that into statistical numbers according to the table. For example: if the members of the Volcanic Risk Assessment Panel, by democratic vote, determine that a certain risk is  "moderate" they say that this risk is something between 1:100 and 1:1,000. The exact final number is determined by more democracy. Then, they feed the final number into statistical models which are very sophisticated and which obfuscate the fact that the statistical input was simply invented. By this trick they could, for the first time in the history of science, create statistics without the input of any empirical numerical data. It looks impressive, and the decision makers are very happy. The only flaw is that in any other branch of science this procedure would be considered fraudulent.  

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

A Letter to Jack Straw

Complainants have harsh things to say

About H.E.’s draconian way;

Jack’s sure to tell Clare

When the letter gets there,

John Osborne backed safely away.

Acentuate the Positive

A cruise liner, then a Windjammer

Created a quite welcome clamour.

‘Twould be nice to hear more

Of such callers ashore

Applauding the island’s tour glamour. 

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin why the Chief Minister distance himself from the people’s petition.

 Jus wonderin if he afraid of the governor.

 Jus wonderin if he let politics get in the way.

 Jus wonderin if maybe he have some French blood in his veins.

Jus wonderin if the Family Centre and Domestic Violence Unit has trained the 16 volunteers in basic counselling skills.

Jus wonderin why Port Workers need to be notified to report to work on Community Diary instead of by their own managers.

Jus wonderin if we getting elections in April, May or June this year.

Jus wonderin if the next Chief Minister will be a young man.

Jus wonderin why so many people grudge one another so.

Jus wonderin if things so hard here, that people trying to commit suicide.

Jus wonderin what the land people goin do to recover their money .

Jus wonderin if plenty people will really get evicted.

Jus wonderin why so many people a watch for de young officer so, why dem no go watch for demself.

Jus wonderin if me say ‘who de cap fit let them wear it,’ why it bother some people so.

Jus wonderin if de young loud mouth get a job yet, or she still ago by she friend dem for comfort.

Jus wonderin why dis particular well known mother not feed she pickney dem with de proper nourishment.

Jus wonderin wha de story behind de officer, de woman from next door, de young man and de school gal, wha a de problem wide de four of them.

Jus wonderin about a certain police officer if e try to give someone a heartache.

Jus wonderin if the game of love making gone out and boxing is in.

Jus wonderin if is true the other half a MVO a look out.

Jus wonderin if C&W will be forced to shape up or ship out like wha happening in the rest of the region.

Jus wonderin if this certain manager payin all the Guyanese bills.

Jus wonderin if the LDA is confusing itself with the B.B.C  and The Reporter broadcasts again.

Jus wonderin if there will be peace with everyone who can never get along with each other and would shake hand and hug up especially in dem military establishments.

Jus wonderin if ‘Jus wonderin’ a run out of words to mek joke to give awe.

Jus wonderin if a certain young men in Lookout a run a racket out there.

Jus wonderin a wha de wager out their be and how much it cost.

Jus wonderin wha dem  a learn in the school.

Jus wonderin wha de teacher a teach dem.

Jus wonderin if the belt and de hand gon to rest.

Jus wonderin out loud about dem new tenant dem love colourful houses and if they are comfortable in a dem.

Jus wonderin about some of de people dem who not payin house rent, wha the LDA will do about it.

Jus wonderin if boys and girls reversing for good now.

Jus wonderin what four  and four can make when men and women stop makin jokes and makin babies.

Jus wonderin why de young gal dem a flying way dem own when dem can bring dem.

Jus wonderin if there is not a law to kill against killing unborn babies.

Jus wonderin if de country reaching its final boilin point of rubbish.

Jus wonderin when de change will come and de skies blue.

Jus wonderin if it’s a sign de volcano quitenin now he go and come back and nothing spit at us.

Jus wonderin if de petition is not ill-directed.

Jus wonderin what they hope to achieve when the poodles run behind the petticoat.

Jus wonderin who in Montserrat really care what that petticoat thinks about who should lead, when we not good enough to visit.

Jus wonderin if that true anyway or is just another exaggeration of what de lady say.

Jus wonderin anyway if Montserrat electors and elected will finally see the light.

Jus wonderin if we will have any worthwhile critique of the Constitution Report.

Jus wonderin if anyone offended by it.

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