Contractors’ Strike Halts Housing Construction Work
by Bennette Roach
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Since the onset of the erupting volcano at Soufriere Hills forced most of Montserrat’s 11,000 inhabitants from their homes in the southern half of the island, housing became and remains the main issue.
As a colony (dependent territory) of Britain just recovering from Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which destroyed or damaged nearly every building in Montserrat, the island has had to rely on Britain to sustain it and aid in its recovery.
Against this background, Britain through Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) has been accused over and over – and to this day -- of being too slow in providing adequate shelters and housing. Only after two thirds of the persons had been helped and/or encouraged by them to leave Montserrat did HMG send in Brown & Root to construct some 250 houses in phases, primarily, it was believed, to relieve the shelter situation.
But ever since the international contracting firm arrived on island there were questions about their methods and activities. The Chief Minister has been known to say, "If Brown & Root want to stay and work here they will have to work with the people of Montserrat." Mr. Brandt’s remarks came against the background of his having had to intervene in several disputes, the most serious of which is presently ongoing.
As of Monday this week, the main contractors working on the projects of building houses stayed away from work, having had exchanges of correspondence with Brown & Root on issues which mainly affect the payment of invoices for work already completed.
The contractors are claiming that they have a labour contract with Brown & Root, which means that Brown and Root supplies all the materials for the works necessary to complete the projects. In the last serious dispute between these parties with government intervention, among others they had made the following agreements:
Brown & Root to immediately pay all outstanding claims to date to contractors who have submitted claims.
Retentions not yet cleared to be done as soon as possible.
The contractors are still claiming that this is one of the more serious problems being experienced by some of them.
Another agreement was to hold meetings monthly.
On Tuesday, January 26, the contractors met with Brown & Root and discussed matters relating to "Montserrat Immediate Housing Project Phases 3b/2 – Oversupply of Materials," following which Brown & Root wrote a letter to the group, described as Look Out Contractors Group.
In the letter, manager Mike Dodds reminded "that under the terms of your
respective contracts you are responsible for all materials once issued to you and signed
for by yourselves. If materials are wasted, lost or damaged, then all associated costs are
to your account."
He went on further in his letter stating: "…each contractor was given a copy of Brown & Root's Material Take-Off for each type of house. This was intended for you to be able to check all materials required and plan the work accordingly. Obviously, if you consider that there are discrepancies in our Take-Off, then please bring it to our attention."
His letter ended by stating, "it is Brown & Root's firm intention that you are treated correctly and fairly under the terms of our contract."
Mike Dodds explained to The Reporter that the problem he sees with the contractors is one of interpretation, adding, "we need to, as quickly as possible, find common ground and a solution to that problem."
The contractors, meantime, complain that it is simply the fact that they have a labour contract, and whatever materials they obtain is used in completing the work of building houses for Brown & Root.
The contractors replied to the Brown & Root letter and pointed out their agreement on the one hand and disagreement on the other, inviting Brown & Root to call in the police to investigate.
The letter stated: "We have no problems with the contents of your third paragraph, as we accept full responsibility for the proper security and usage of all materials received by us. We are also confident that we have not wasted, lost or damaged any of your materials. Should you be of the opinion that we may have wasted or damaged your materials, we challenge you to come on our individual sites to show in what areas we would have done so. If you cannot show that, then it would be clear that we would have stolen your materials and taken them off your securely guarded site. In this case, we suggest that you call the police in to investigate what is clearly a criminal act."
The contractors further suggested that whatever problems Brown & Root are experiencing as far as their materials are concerned originate with the poor way in which they document and check their quantities. Besides this, another spokesman offers, "Brown & Root is in the habit of removing materials from contractors’ sites without the knowledge of the contractors themselves."
Mr. Dodds in his interview with The Reporter interpreted the situation as follows: "It’s a question of responsibility for materials which have issued to the contractor, and we have very bad news on that. In the terms of the contract, those views aren’t shared by the contractors. If they refuse to sit down and discuss the issue with us, then it’s difficult to find even a temporary solution.
"They (the contractors) are insisting that their invoices are paid in full, and I can’t do that, I’m afraid. It comes down to an exchange of money. However, we’ve also included three other areas of tension, and that is a question of workmen’s insurance, which is an important issue of course; also concrete testing, which is clearly in the contract. Finally, we’ve also included the issue of liability for landscaping, which obviously we’re close to doing now on the first phase of the blockwork houses. We feel the contract is abundantly clear about that, but the contractors again feel otherwise, I’m afraid."
Speaking to the contractors on these other areas of concern, one spokesman said: "These are just red-herrings to divert attention and stall from the real issue."
The contractors say that those matters have either been dealt with or are receiving their attention, but Mr. Dodds said, "They’ve not submitted any results to my knowledge, and they’re clearly responsible for doing so."
As to whether he was concerned about the delay and the ultimate goal to complete the housing, Mr. Dodds responded: "I entirely subscribe to that view, from a personal point of view and not just a Brown & Root point of view, there is a passionate desire to finish the houses as quickly as possible to the highest possible standards at the least cost. But that desire can’t stop me from doing my job under the terms of the contract. I can’t be seen to be giving money away in effect, when it’s not been earned in terms of the contract."
Chief Minister Brandt said in a press conference Tuesday that government has not been asked to intervene in the crisis, adding that the matter has been passed on to the parties’ respective lawyers. "Should either side approach us with a view to reaching an amicable settlement, because housing is our concern, we would do all in our power to help."
There is the general concern that whatever the problems are, while conceding that the contractors must have serious reasons for the action being taken, including, according to Mr. Dodds, refusing initially to have further discussions with , Montserratians need to be relieved of shelter or other unbearable conditions, and all delays are stretching their sufferings.
Foulkes Says Things Are Looking Up,
but Declares Coroner Burriss ‘Igorant’
By Bennette Roach
At his press conference this past Tuesday the honourable Chief Minister David Brandt was asked about comments and boasts in Britain, by DFID ministers and officials, regarding his position about additional money for housing. The Chief Minister had said that the moneys allocated were not sufficient to meet the reasonable needs of the island over the next three years, with particular reference to housing.
Mr. Brandt said Article 25 of the Country Policy Plan was included following his reluctance to sign the agreement which appears at the beginning of the plan. He said that he could not sign the plan as to its sufficiency, but following the inclusion of the clause which says: "HMG will assist the GOM to seek and obtain additional funding from multilateral donors for further development activity in key areas, e.g. housing," he signed it.
Mr. Brandt also alluded to his support for the findings of the jury in the recently concluded inquest into the deaths of the people in the tragic event of June 25, 1997.
Following is a report on questions and answers which took place in Parliament in England on Wednesday dealing with the two issues raised above:
"Mr. Ben Chapman (Wirral, South) asked: "What progress (Ms. Clare Short’s) Department has made in helping the islanders of Montserrat to recover from the effects of the volcanic eruptions and to be better prepared for disaster in future?"
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr. George Foulkes): "Last month in Montserrat, I signed the country policy plan, agreed jointly with the Government of Montserrat, which commits us to spend £75 million over three years on its development. That is on top of nearly £60 million provided up to the end of the last financial year.
"We have made great progress restoring normality to the 4,000 people remaining in the habitable north and are working to encourage the Government of Montserrat to accept their responsibility to promote development rather than demanding continuous and increasing subsidy from our aid budget."
Mr. Chapman: "I congratulate my hon. Friend on the considerable progress that has been made so far in difficult circumstances. Will he outline the extent to which his discussions with the Government of Montserrat touched on the continuing monitoring of the threat still posed by the volcano? What is his assessment of the impact of all this on tourism, which greatly affects the future of Montserrat?"
Mr. Foulkes: "I am grateful to my hon. Friend. We are funding the Montserrat Volcano Observatory with scientists from the British Geological Survey and the University of the West Indies. They carry out regular risk assessments, and I am pleased to be able to say that the last one allowed us to reoccupy part of the island, which improves tourism prospects. The next assessment will be undertaken later this month, and I hope that it will prove more promising in respect of the volcano.
"There is growing confidence in Montserrat: one hotel is already being reopened, another new one is being built, and I hope that if the new assessment is positive, the possibility of reopening the W.H. Bramble Airport will become a reality. The future of Montserrat will then be much brighter than it has been for many a year."
Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham): "In the light of what the Minister said in his initial answer to the question, why does he think that the Montserrat coroner described the Secretary of State's response to the recent disaster as unimaginative, grudging and tardy?"
Mr. Foulkes: I think that the Montserrat coroner said that because he is ignorant. I met him when I was in Montserrat. The hon. Gentleman will know that the jury accepted that the deaths were caused because the people involved moved into areas that were prohibited. I asked the coroner why he had said that the conditions in the shelters had forced them to do that, and whether he had visited any of the shelters, as I have done -- but he had visited none of them. I asked him whether he had spoken to staff from the Department for International Development and the Governor, but he had spoken to none of them. If the coroner had done his work properly, we would take more account of his comments."
"Politicians Cry ‘Ignorant’ When Truth is Undeniable"
Politicians are seen in a particular way by many people. If people had a different way of choosing those who represent their goals and aspirations for civic existence and progress, they would might never go to the polls, nor would they listen to anything that comes from the lips of politicians.
As it is, we pay attention. There are those of us who must listen to every word they and others in public office say in order to somehow, sometime, remind them of their promises and utterances, which, of course, many conveniently forget.
One reads the information presented above, and then recalls Mr. Foulkes’ remarks at the signing of the Country Policy Plan here in Montserrat. At that time he referred to the shelters as still not "acceptable," while hoping that the problems encountered in getting the required housing in place would be overcome. It is difficult to accept that he can say what he is quoted as saying above and get away with it.
Last week’s editorial recalled how the British Parliament All Party Select Committee had condemned HMG for being negligent in attending to the crisis. It is true that HMG said in response to the accusation immediately after the June 25, 1997, deaths, "We do not accept the Committee's suggestion that there was a lack of urgency in discussion of housing issues between November 1996 and July 1997," but would they have done differently?
The Select Committee listened to evidence and came up with the same accusation that the jury and Mr. Burriss arrived at as a result of the Coroner’s inquest. The Coroner was not in Montserrat in 1997. Mr. Foulkes was, and he condemned the shelters himself. So did Robin Cooke and Baroness Symons of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. So did all British MPs. Visiting a shelter today to determine what they were then is not necessary when the information and the evidence is so glaring all around you. Besides, not everyone can stomach inhumanity in reality.
It is not difficult to see that if the honourable gentleman can besmirch Mr. Rhys Burriss as "ignorant," he is doing the same to all those, including all the members of the Select Committee as well as Governor Savage, who said, not only now, "it was too little, too late" when they decided to commit to housing in Montserrat.
Ms. Dianne Abbott (member for Hackney, North and Stoke Newington) as early as June 30, 1997, five days after that fateful day, put it to DFID ministers: "The deaths that we have heard about this weekend were caused by the lack of housing." She went on to state her understanding about some of the areas being the main farming areas and that "because there was no housing and sufficient arrangements for resettlement were not made," the farmers had gone back.
She concluded, "had there been proper housing and had proper arrangements been made for resettlement, they would not have lost their lives."
Mr. Rhys Burriss, exactly one and a half years later, after two months of investigation with five local men and woman, concluded the same thing based on compelling evidence.
Miss Clare Short and Mr. Foulkes, both of whom paid tribute to Ms. Abbott for her long and continuing interest in Montserrat, responded: "We recognise the urgent need for housing." Was this an admission or not? Mr. Foulkes said nothing more in direct response to the accusation, except that he and Baroness Symons had been "discussing the long-term need for housing in the north."
The world needs to know that all of Montserrat, as well as Mr. Foulkes himself, understand that there is no ignorance in what Mr. Burriss has said about the lady minister’s reaction to the disaster.
Montserratians in Leicester Maintain Their Island Ties
Dear Editor
Firstly, on behalf of Montserratians in Leicester, we send greetings as the new year begins and the millenium beckons.
This communication is to inform you and our brothers and sisters of what is happening to our people in Leicester and to celebrate some positive outcomes.
There are some 350+ Montserratians in Leicester, and more are coming from home and elsewhere in the UK. All of our people are housed in local authority housing associations in the city.
In terms of education there is a positive investment by Montserratians. We have four in university and a large number in college and job relating training.
In terms of health, some of our people are having difficulty adjusting to the environment. In 1998 we had a chicken pox epidemic and the climate is causing a lot of colds and flu.
In terms of employment, there is a struggle to be gainfully employed. Some of the problems include the lack of qualification, communication skills, literacy and numeracy.
However there are those who are working.
In terms of social and cultural activities, Leicester celebrates St Patrick's Day. Last year we had nearly 600 people attending our dance, with Montserratians coming together from all round the UK.
Please find attached two photos depicting our achievement in Leicester.
The first shows Mr. Aubrey Isaac with the lord mayor of Leicester at the memorial remembrance service 1998. Aubrey went to ensure that Montserratians not only give thanks, but also are seen to be involved in mainstream society in Leicester. (By the way he says he has given you "out " a number of times in your cricketing days). Aubrey is now umpiring in a Leicester league and for the Leicester Montserrat team.
The second picture shows Olson Murrain, a man who has made giant strides and you will understand why we are proud of him. He is playing for Leicester youths along with Stanch Galloway, another promising Stratton. Leicester is the champion of England, and their manager and indeed Phil Simmons predict a bright future for our guys.
In summary Montserratians are really trying to overcome the volcano trauma and the adversity of resettling in the UK.
From a personal point of view, I believe that more could and should be done by governments to help our people in the UK. However, I believe that Montserratians have the power to overcome the many and varied problems confronting them. The key to success is unity of mind, spirit and action.
Peace and love to you all and may god guide us all to victory against adversity.
Yours sincerely
J. Allen
Airport, Plymouth Jetty Offer Genuine Options
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the airport solution set forth by Ken Walter in "A View from Outside." After speaking with a pilot, I agree with the idea he has set forth. A building (temporary for now - like the heliport terminal) set up between where the fire truck is and the present gate - the clearing of the runway - the busing of the arriving and departing passengers - would allow regular fixed-wing air service to begin. I am sure persons could be found who would be willing to handle the baggage and drive the bus or buses. This would be a real positive step to letting the world know that Montserrat is on the road to recovery.
Another thought in a similar fashion would be the use of the pier in Plymouth. As I understand it the pier is in good shape and could be used. The road from Delta past Groves could be opened with a few passes by the large loader or the bulldozer - just push the material to both sides as if it were snow. Again a secured storage area could be set up near Delta - that way the ships could be loaded or unloaded at the pier and the road would not be for use by the general public but only for cargo handling. There is lots of room opposite Delta that the government could appropriate on a temporary basis.
If a tourist trade is desired, the first things that must be done are to 1. stop dumping garbage at the present site and 2. move or bury the mess that is there. The moving of the cargo operation as suggested above would leave the area around the ferry terminal at Little Bay available for more tourist type development without visitors walking through a freight yard.
While everyone is awaiting the meeting of the scientists in February before any government funds are spent south of Belham, it would seem that based on the number of people who travel into the Exclusion Zone on every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday that DPW should run the grader at least from Cork Hill to Delta (again - just pushing the material like snow to the west side of the road). Additionally it would be a public service if DPW would run the grader in the same fashion on the roads in Foxes Hill and Richmond Hill to facilitate the clean up work by homeowners who travel to their properties in those areas on the days the Exclusion Zone is open. In any event, it would also facilitate a faster and thus safer evacuation of those areas on those days if there should be a reason to evacuate.
I hope that you can use some of these thoughts.
JM, Brades.
Editor’s Note: I believe JM would be happy to know see the article about the new dump site.
Man From Baker Hill Advises Us To Take a Step Backward
Dear Editor:
I recently read an article written by the Man From Baker Hill (MFBH) in the Jan. 15 issue of The Montserrat Reporter entitled: "Montserratians Would Benefit From Closer Ties with Britain."
In his opening statement MFBH makes the assumption that 75 percent of Montserratians would vote for direct rule by Britain if asked. I would have liked to declare that statement to be an outright Nonsense, but just like MFBH, I have no solid evidence to back up my claim. All I can say, is that none of my friends and family have ever expressed any such sentiment. One would have to suppose that MFBH moves in entirely different circles from me; and perhaps his contacts subscribe to fuzzy logic.
There can be no doubt that our current relationship with Britain proved to be beneficial during our hour of need, as they rose (reluctantly at times) to meet their obligations. However, there is no evidence to suggest that even if we had the same ties as a London Borough, the situation would have been handled any better. A quick perusal of the UK media would soon alert you to the crisis in the UK Health Services, and many other instances of bungling and fudging over crisis management by the British government.
Further, the social equity which MFBH seems to think exists in Britain, and not in Montserrat, may turn out to be a myth and fantasy when you speak to real people who are in a position to compare and contrast.
I take the point about the lack of opportunities for our youth to realise their full potential, but the proposed solution misses the mark badly. Personal achievement is very important, but if we are ever to move forward as a country, we may have to rethink our criteria for measuring such success and abandon the indoctrinated idea that one has to go north (US/UK) for any achievements to really count.
Where we ought to be looking is within the region, to see how we can forge more effective, strategic alliances with our Caribbean neighbours, in an effort to grow, learn and provide opportunities together. The University of the West Indies is a fine institution and the best from there can certainly hold their own with the best from elsewhere.
The Reporter also highlighted moves by the government to create a "Montserrat Community College." Now there is a sensible and positive course of action. I sincerely hope that they are successful in this endeavour, as we have proven time and again that our primary and secondary schools products are first rate.
MFBH goes a long way to highlight our past failures to properly provide for our future wellbeing, But his defeatist attitude – "let's go back home to mommy" - seems a bit out of character. Whatever happened to "learning from your mistakes" and "try and try again"?
I submit to MFBH, and others who may agree with his stance, that rather than "closer ties" to the UK and the inherent loss of self-determination which that brings, we should learn from what the mother country and others are doing correctly, and seek to develop our own mechanisms to take care of our own, both locally and within the region.
This, of course, will not take place overnight; but to advocate gaining more access to someone else's resources rather than developing our own is simply too retrogressive a position to entertain.
The masses have never been too keen on independence for Montserrat, for a variety of reasons, but neither have I heard a significant cry for a return to the old status quo. Being a news junkie and a keen observer of world affairs I also happen to know that The United Kingdom itself is moving in a slightly different direction, where the government is becoming less and less centralised; i.e. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will have their own parliaments shortly. Even in the closest of unions devolution is the order of the day.
It is one thing to want better for our children and older folk, but it is quite another to take backward steps in an effort to fulfil our aspirations. To assert that British rule is a panacea for all of Montserrat's ills is certainly not a view I expect to hear coming from a position as lofty as Baker Hill.
Man from Town Hill
Gerard
Police Promotions Marred By Taint of Discrimination
Dear Mr, Editor,
The recent police promotions were received by most Montserratians as being very good for the RMPF (Royal Montserrat Police Force). The Chief Minister lauded the efforts exercised by the authorities of the said force, in that by these promotions interest and a new dedication are revived.
His comments were not forceful enough, nor did he set forth any procedures and dateline when he would put into action the movement of Montserratians towards the head of the force. A Montserratian Police Commissioner must be realised before the beginning of the new century.
Anguilla did not just talk about doing so, they "JUST DO IT."
A closer look at the promotions will show that prejudices or discriminations raised their ugly heads and marred what could have been a satisfied atmosphere in the ranks. There were the prejudices of likes and dislikes that managers, supervisors, heads of departments and top echelons bring with them to their jobs; although they may protest that this is not so, it will reflect in the ratings and promotions of their subordinates.
Then there was the prejudice of age discrimination. Many candidates were told that they were too old to be considered for promotion. How old is too old? How old is the person who said they were too old? Surely he did not take command as a youth.
All employees have the right to grow and age in their jobs or careers; they expect to be compensated by salary raises and/or promotions,
When these rights are abridged by reason of discrimination, an impartial body should be provided outside of the workplace to adjudicate or to hear the employee without fear of victimization by the said employee.
The promotees are happy and satified that they are promoted, but in their upward movement they left in their wake those who think that they were passed over because of one or both of the prejudices mentioned above. Do they have a grievance? We should look into whether the grievance is legitimate or whether it is contrived.
Sergeants were passed over for promotion to Inspectors because they were considered too old. In one example a junior rank police officer was promoted to rank above the sergeant. This junior officer is to be congratulated but were the sergeants given the same considerations or were they indirectly shown the rocking chair?
Police experience was overlooked, time in grade was also overlooked, commendations and other good qualities were not considered. These are very good grounds for grievances.
In another culture, the entire matter would have been taken to the courts to restore the rights that were denied these sergeants. It is not too far-fetched to think that a class action case should be filed.
To even the promotional playing field, to give respect to the RMPF, to cause police officers of all ranks to take more interest in the police force and police work, to make it a Win, Win situation for the police and the people they serve, promotions should be made from a promotional list that results from a written examination.
The written examination may consist of a battery of questions about Police Regulations, Patrol Guides, The Law, Personnel Management, Report Writing, Current Affairs, and Conducting a Crime Scene Search. There could be 100 or 120 questions, with points given for each correct answer. Points too can be given for time in grade, for commendations acquired and for interviews. The candidate with the highest averaged points heads the list.
We are about to enter the 21st century and should look at changes in the many ways that can accomplish the good life. We should strive to eliminate waste, unnecessary steps and make the work place a better one for the workers. One of these changes that can be looked at is putting the police department under civilian control.. Police officers are the civil soldiers. It is only when martial law is instituted that they are under the military and as such controlled by the Governor
.Legislation should put the police department permanently under one of the Ministries or to be supervised by the Chief Minister. Bringing the police under the Chief Minister will enable the present Minister to realise the dream of a Montserratian commanding the police department. We must be able to police ourselves, we can police ourselves. "JUST DO IT"
R White
Keeping Blessed Memories Alive
Please let me, your servant, have two mule loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except the Lord.
Two mule-loads of earth: on the surface, this request of Naaman’s seems rather eccentric. A man of prestige accustomed to commanding the royal forces of Aram, he asks Elisha for a humble gift. Elisha, who has been instrumental in healing Naaman’s leprosy, obliges. For Naaman, the gift of earth means that he can become grounded in the worship of Israel’s God. From this time on; Damascus, his homeland, will be foreign territory, a place of alien gods. Israel’s soil will remind him both of his healing and of his encounter with the God of the universe.
Like Naaman, we need to be grounded in the memory of all those times we have received healing. By remembering all that God has done for us, we learn not only to live in wonder and gratitude, but also to recognise that God’s power extends far beyond the limits of our imaginations. We may not require actual soil to keep our memories active, but we do need to remain connected to those significant events in which we have received God’s healing touch.
Ground us in yourself, Oh God of life, that we may taste the richness of your presence.
Move to Temporary HQ Brings Mixed Reactions
Many government offices have completed their move to their new quarters this week to the temporary Government Headquarters buildings at Brades.
Workers were seen dressed to cope with the business of moving and setting up their new offices. General comments were far and few as most of the offices were reachable only by cell phones or not at all before today.
Some said they were more comfortable where they were than in what they can observe presently, and others feel some disappointment and concern for their overall safety in the buildings.
Brown and Root, the contractors responsible for erecting the buildings, which have been termed as ‘an elephant’ with varying descriptions, said earlier this week, "We’ve written to the client asking for official completion, insofar that people are moving in now…But we still have an obligation to DFID for the period of maintenance, which is three months. We’ll be on hand there to solve any problems which may occur."
Defence Force Marks 100 Years of Service
On Saturday, 23rd January, 1999, the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) celebrated its centenary year with a grand parade at Geralds park and a big reception at the Governor’s residence at Palmhurst in Woodlands.
As Richard Aspin kindly reported, Saturday, January 23, saw the Royal Montserrat Defence Force's Centenary Military Parade at Gerald's Park, where hundred's of local residents turned out to see the parade which included precision marching, music, awards to all serving members of the force and the Commanding Officer, Michael Duberry receive his Warrant as Major from H.E. The Governor.
The gala affair had been postponed from the previous year because of volcanic activity and was an emotional occasion for many members of the force as they were about to be disembodied after yeomen service during the crisis.
The parade was joined by a contingent from the Royal Montserrat Police Force and by the Montserrat Secondary School's Cadet Force. The Royal Salute was taken by H.E. Governor Tony Abbott,
Later that evening, the Governor hosted the RMDF at a reception at Palmhurst, at which RMDF officer Dr.Vernon Buffonge was master of ceremonies. There brief remarks were made by the Governor, historian and resident tutor, Dr. Howard Fergus, Chief Minister David Brandt, Lt. Colonel Brian O'Gorman of the Irish Guards, and Lt. Col. Trevor Thomas from the Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force.
His Excellency in his remarks had this to say: "For any institution to reach the grand old age of 100 is a remarkable achievement…the achievement is even more remarkable in the case of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force who, despite reduced numbers, have arrived at this anniversary in excellent shape," adding that the Force "has now embarked on a recruitment drive to address this problem and I must say I am encouraged to hear that an increasing number of women are showing an interest in joining."
Dr. Fergus gave an outline of the RMDF’s history (see page where he details the information).
The Chief Minister praised the institution, promising government’s continued support for its existence. "I will like to say that all of us are here today to praise the work of the institution and especially to praise the work of these men…As a Government, we will play our part to make sure that these men are looked upon by the society and they are taken care of so that others might say, let us join the Defence Force because this government takes care of them." (see GIS Information for full text of his speech.)
Lt. Col. O’Gorman expressed pride in their association with the Force and said: "We value your friendship and trust that the bond will be strengthened over the next hundred years…You are indeed a force for good."
The next speaker at the function, Lt. Col. Thomas brought greeting from his Prime Minister, Defence Minister and members of the ADF. He ended by saying he had listened to the Chief Minister and hoped his words would "not fall on deaf ears and that he will honour his commitment."
UK Fund Creates Ways To Provide Volcano Aid
By Heather Leonard
The visit to Montserrat by the Montserrat Volcano UK Fund was arranged to gain a broader perspective, prior to the development of a communications and fundraising strategy.
The work of the Montserrat Volcano UK Fund during the year of 1998 succeeded in some degree by maintaining public awareness of the continuing problems.
One of the chief aims of the Fund is to assist in the rebuilding of the island. In December, an account was opened at the Bank of Montserrat. A local committee was formed consisting of Sarita Francis, Dr. Howard Fergus, and Rose Willock to distribute funds that are available.
It is the Fund’s view that there is the need for a recognisable media profile to ensure that the UK Caribbean community and the wider public understand why Montserratians need further assistance, in addition to the support being supplied by the British, in order to rebuild their lives and the island.
The MVUKF feels it is important to start a regular newsletter (both print and online) to keep people informed of initiatives, activities and events as well as attracting potential sponsors. This would provide an opportunity for grassroots participation, and feedback of innovative fundraising ideas.
The Montserrat European Cultural EXPO 1999 has been arranged as an umbrella initiative to assist in the regeneration of community spirit, by bringing talented and civic- minded Montserratians together to promote their distinct contribution to the vibrancy of Caribbean culture.
Alphonsus (Arrow) Cassell, the world famous music producer and musician, has agreed to spearhead the campaign with live appearances. Supporters include Randall "Zunky" Greenaway (musician), Kevin West (photographer & artist) and Denzil Edgecombe (people’s TV).
The EXPO will include a cross-section of cultural, volcanic, social and photographic information on community development within the UK and Montserrat. It is important that Montserratian community organisers also establish cultural links with their local councils. This is key to obtaining wider public support for them and fundraising for the island of Montserrat.
Taosearch, Mr. Bertie Ahem TD, was informed of the historical links between the islands of Montserrat and Ireland at a reception in NorthWest London during December.
The re-establishment of links between Montserrat and Ireland has received support from Brent councilors and members of the Irish business community.
Brent Mayor Bertha Joseph has agreed to lead a group to Montserrat during the spring.
The MVUKF has established a source of funds which include Sponsorship, from local charities etc.; Income-generating activities such as raffles; High profile activities like Royal and Celebrity patronage, and Sponsorship-in-kind, as in donations of books for the library etc.
RPMF Opens Training To All in Public Service
The Royal Montserrat Police Force last week extended an invitation to all sectors of public service to join in the courses that they were offering at McChesney’s. The new classes, which were devised by Charles Greeney and Inspector Taylor, are offered in stages.
Last week they conducted courses geared toward those who are in a supervisory position. Charles Greeney, course coordinator, and Inspector Taylor, the main facilitator, designed the courses to be translatable across the spectrum of public sectors that are participating. People in supervisory positions from the Montserrat police force as well as customs officers, those in prison service, and civil service, took part in the program. They will participate in a five-day course.
This week there were classes focusing on the rank of inspector and people who are in management positions. Then beyond that there will be constabulary development courses, as well as a course specially designed for policewomen. The courses for policewomen will focus on issues that policewomen deal with in their jobs, and will be conducted by two female police trainers.
Drummond’s Road Deserves Priority
By Heather Leonard
Due to the shortage of land available for development at this time on Montserrat, one might well wonder why cutting the road to Drummond’s in the North is not a priority. There are many benefits that should entice government officials to consider this project much more seriously than they appear to be.
At the present time, water, electricity, phone, and cable television services are already available at Drummond’s. One would think that this would make it an attractive prospect for road development. With the number of Montserratians who need places to live, it makes sense that Drummond’s should be made available for development. At present there is a housing development at the base of Drummond’s hill. But there is quite a bit of land still unused because of the inability to transport building materials without a road. Drummond’s was once a thriving village and any one walking there can easily see where the old homes were situated.
When the Ministry of Communications and Works was contacted, Mr. Eugene Skerritt had this to say: "The procedures for something like this would have to come in the form of a request from the government, because the lands beyond there are private lands. The landowners will have to get together and draft a proposal, either in terms of further development in exchange for land or they will have to pool their resources to pay for the work themselves. Because the bottom line is that there will be a cost associated with any development. To keep costs down we would have to be able to charge or be able to pay for all the work. Therefore, we would exchange land against the value of the road being cut. But from the Ministry of Communications and Works, once someone is willing to pay to get the job done, then either we will do it or we will contract out to have it done."
Also along related lines there is the road at Gerald’s bottom. The local complaint is that the road is in terrible shape, having been dug up for repairs, then having only the base work of gravel being laid before the project was put to the side for the last few months. In my conversation with Mr. Rupert Weekes, the Minister of Communications and Works, he said that there is currently a project for developing the heliport, and that Gerald’s bottom road is included in the project. He said they needed to build drainage gutters before it is paved, but that as the road is usable, there are other areas of greater concern. However, he said that within the year there would be an effort to finish the job as part of the heliport project.
It is indefensible that the North roads have not been paid more attention, as we all know that the North will be the most important area on Montserrat in the next millennium. Everything of importance is in the north, the Port at Little Bay, the Government Headquarters at Brades, the Hospital at St. Johns and the Heliport at Gerald’s park, so it only stands to reason that these areas would be considered first in line for any improvement.
Stray Dogs in North Savaging Livestock
By Heather Leonard
There are still complaints in the North that stray dogs abandoned in the evacuated areas are coming north and killing livestock at alarming rates. Many local farmers are becoming discouraged by the severe losses they have suffered. Some have lost all the animals they had. In spite of efforts to destroy these dogs by the Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Royal Montserrat Police Force, a number of them are still taking tolls on the northern livestock population.
Because of the way the dogs attack, there is a great deal of difficulty in dealing with the problem. Mr. Claude Gerald had this to say about the situation:
"We have been staging raids with the police that are designed to keep the numbers down by shooting stray animals on sight. The law allows us to do that. But that is not the answer. Because there are lots of dogs we would not catch. There are lots of dogs there (in the Silver Hills) that seem to be residing there and roam in batches and do damage at night. Beyond that we are thinking of setting some kind of poison, very strategically in accordance with proper scientific advice. We were also thinking of implementing the letter of the law where householders would have to tag their animals so they would be identifiable. The thing right now is that the dogs doing the damage are abandoned animals."
At present there is no easy solution to the stray dog problem in the north. There is not much hope for reimbursement for the lost livestock, as the dogs have no identifiable owners.
Rachel Collis Attends Netball Training Seminar
Netball coach/umpire Rachel Collis has returned from a seminar
held in Barbados titled Fast Track Training Seminar for Selected Netball Course
Conductors.
The seminar was held at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in St. Michael, and was run by the Commonwealth Sport Development Programme (CSDP) in conjunction with the American Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA) , which is an arm of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA).
Collis says the small group of eight coaches were invited by CSDP and IFNA to specifically learn the art of training trainers to train coaches.
The eight participants were also engaged in an Expert Coaching Committee Meeting, which is charged with devising plans for a manual for the development of a Level One Coaching Programme following the model used in England, Australia, and New Zealand.
Montserrat is not yet a member of AFNA. According to Collis, membership must become a priority for Montserrat to benefit from the grants and training available.
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
UWI Will Construct Teleconference Centre
The University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Continuing Studies has announced plans to construct a small building to house it’s teleconference centre on Montserrat.
Building contractors are invited to tender on the proposed UWI/IDB/CDB Development Programme – Regional Outreach – UWIDITE Facility, which will be located adjacent to the Salem Campus of the Montserrat Secondary School.
The project includes the construction of a one story building of about 1,200 square feet.
Resident Tutor Dr. Howard Fergus says the original plan was for the extension of the University Centre in Dagenham, but this had to be abandoned because of volcanic activity.
He says the UWI has since secured a plot of land in Salem which the government of Montserrat is making available on a long-term lease.
Dr. Fergus says the project is scheduled for completion later this year and will accommodate teleconference sessions plus a computer lab.
At present, UWI teleconferencing sessions are held in the Cable and Wireless conference room in Sweeney’s.
Dr. Fergus says the UWI is also working along with the government to identify a site to house the permanent operations of the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies.
National Y2K Task Force Is Year 2000 Planning Agency
The Government of Montserrat is moving to ensure that electronic systems on the island are Year 2000 compliant.
A National Y2K Task Force has been established and appointed as the Montserrat National Year 2000 Planning Agency to spearhead the island’s preparedness to deal with the Year 2000 problem.
The Year 2000 Problem is caused by the way computers and other electronic devices represent the year with only 2-digits (i.e., ’98 for 1998). In an ideal world, at the turn of the millenium, all the internal clocks will tick from 31-12-99 23:59 to 01-01-00 00:00 and all the processors will recognise the year ‘00’ as being the year ‘2000’ (and not ‘1900’). Life will go on, unchanged.
However, some computers or electronic devices will just stop functioning on December 31, 1999. Others will carry on their processing as before, or so it will seem, but some of their results will have been altered and become inaccurate.
A release from the Office of the Chief Minister says the problem is worldwide and affects private corporations as well as Government. It says although the malfunction of a programmed fax machine could be annoying, there is no similarity to the disruption of governmental systems.
"We are responsible for the health, safety and security of our fellow citizens and a failure in a critical governmental service could become life-threatening for the population," the release says.
The release says that in order to reduce the impact of the Year 2000 Problem on its operations, the Government of Montserrat has initiated a National Action plan which will primarily focus on the critical services, analysing their delivery processes and identifying any components of the "assembly line" that may fail due to the Year 2000.
The release says the Government of Montserrat is responsible to articulate this National Action Plan with the following objectives:
Under the National Action Plan, the Task Force will undertake actions to fix the faulty equipment and to reduce the risk of severe disruption.
The release says although the National Action Plan will focus on the critical services, it will also cover disturbances that the Year 2000 may cause on all services.
The first step toward a National Action Plan is the identification of the critical services and their exposure to the Millennium Bug, and the release says critical services are those that will cause a high level of social and economic repercussions should the service be disrupted or interrupted.
The Task Force has prepared a questionnaire to gain information on each organization’s problem and what plans are already in place.
The completed questionnaire is to be returned to the Government Information Systems Unit on or before Friday, February 5th, 1999.
The release says this is necessary so that Montserrat can report to the World Bank by Friday, February 19th, 1999 to qualify for a grant.
Short’s Written Answer To Commons on Montserrat
The House of Commons written answer by Clare Short, Secretary of State for the Department for International Development (DFID), on the Country Policy Plan, dated 13/1/1999.
Ms. Oona King: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in concluding the Country Policy Plan (CPP) for Montserrat.
Clare Short: The Country Policy Plan (CPP) negotiations took place on Montserrat between 16-20 November, between a joint DFID/FCO team and the Government of Montserrat (GoM). My Honourable Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, has today in Montserrat formally signed the agreement with Chief Minister Brandt.
The CPP sets out (a) GoM’s commitment to open a transparent government and to key democratic principles, and (b) the general principles guiding HMG’s relations with its Overseas Territories and specific commitments to Montserrat, including the 75 million pounds available through DFID’s bilateral programme for the period 1998-99 to 2000-01.
The CPP contains a series of policy matrices which set out objectives and timebound actions for each sector. These include the commitment both to implement existing policies and to take decisions on outstanding policy issues.
The most important include:
Social Sectors: Implementation of a social welfare review to improve the targeting and delivery of support to the neediest, and review of the case for restoration of post-secondary and vocational education on the basis of the population on island.
Public Administration: A job evaluation exercise and review of terms and conditions of service for completion by early 2000 to improve recruitment and retention of staff with marketable skills.
Public Finance: A review of the tax incentive regime in 1999 to ensure an appropriate balance between providing incentives for private sector activity and maintaining an adequate revenue base.
Infrastructure: Agreement on provision of a fixed-wing air link facility in 1999.
Productive Sector: A business opportunity survey to improve the information available to potential investors.
All policy matrices are consistent with the HMG/GoM Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) and with the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), which forms part of the CPP and sets out ongoing and possible new projects for the period 1998-2000.
The draft PSIP is costed at EC$372 million (85 million pounds). After deduction of other donor-funded projects, the total of projects earmarked for DFID is 82 million pounds. This is consistent with the 75-million-pound resource envelope, as a degree of over-planning is necessary to ensure full use of the resources.
The draft PSIP does not yet take account of all of the EDF resources that will become available in 1999, which will be subject to separate negotiations later this year.
A copy of the CPP will be placed in the Library of the House.
Montserrat’s Debt To be Restructured
The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has agreed to the restructuring of Montserrat’s debt.
In a Press Release, the bank says it has decided to take this course of action in light of the devastation caused by the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano to the island’s economy since July 1995.
A CDB team which recently visited Montserrat verified the enormous scale of destruction and dislocation.
The affirmative response by the Board is a further effort by CDB to assist in mitigating the problems created by the volcano.
Earlier responses by CDB include the provision of grant resources from its Basic Needs Trust Fund for housing construction and the conversion of approximately US$4.6 million in Montserrat’s OCR loans to concessionary terms.
The destruction of the southern part of the island, including the capital Plymouth and the W.H. Bramble Airport, has resulted in the migration of about two-thirds of the population and relocation of the remainder to the north.
In recent months, there has been some evidence that the level of volcanic activity is diminishing.
That notwithstanding, the reconstruction process is expected to be a difficult and protracted one.
Scientists Still Optimistic Volcano is Settling Down
Scientists still believe the Soufriere Hills Volcano is settling down, despite recent eruptions.
The scientists said on August 10th last year that they believe the eruptions that began in July 1995 were coming to an end.
Deputy Head Scientist at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Sue Loughlin says the volcano is in a state of repose at the moment, with dome growth suspended.
However, she says scientists will be taking a closer look at gases being emitted from the dome.
The volcano has been in a state of repose for some time now and the authorities have ordered the reoccupation of Salem, Friths and Old Towne.
Regional and international scientists are scheduled to meet next month to carry out the next assessment of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.
The scientists, mainly from the UWI Seismic Research Unit and the British Geological Survey, will gather in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
Residents who have property in areas south of the Belham River Valley, including Isles Bay Hill, Cork Hill, Weekes’, Delvins, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill, have shown an interest in the possibility of their re-occupying these areas at some time.
However, The Belham River Valley, which has been overwhelmed by mudflows, has been the deciding factor as to whether or not areas due south are reoccupied.
Water Authority Manager Resigns
It’s now official that the Manager of the Montserrat Water Authority has called it a day.
Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe tendered her resignation on December 31st, 1998.
However, as she was the Manager of the Montserrat Water Authority for the past eight years, Mrs. Dyer-Howe was asked to stay on until the end of January to facilitate the smooth transfer of duties and responsibility to the now Acting Manager, Major Michael Duberry.
Major Duberry has deputized during the absence of the General Manager on several occasions, and has 26 years of experience in the operations and maintenance of the water supply and distribution systems.
Outgoing Manager Mrs. Dyer-Howe has expressed thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported and encouraged her during her tenure as the Montserrat Water Authority’s boss.
Montserratian Students In Pan Commonwealth Course
Ten Montserratians are taking part in a Pan Commonwealth Diploma Course on Youth in Development Studies.
They are Bernadine Collins, Laura Taylor, Mary Fergus, Herman Francis, Gregory Julius, Joy Darreaux, Glynis Adams, Stephanie Tuitt, Jeanette Brade and Doretta Cameron.
The programme is organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat with assistance from the Universities of the West Indies and Guyana.
The programme contains 14 modules and will be completed over a two-year period.
The 200 Caribbean participants are accessing the diploma training programme through the UWI Distance Learning Mechanism.
The first session in the programme began with a teleconference on Monday, January 18th, 1999 with local and overseas tutors facilitating the class.
The programme is aimed at developing the capacity to see things through patience and effective leadership.
The Diploma Course has been accredited to the level of the first year of a degree programme, which would allow students to transfer credits and pursue further training.
MOPPA Holds EventFor Senior Citizens
The annual Senior Citizen’s Dinner and Social Evening organized by the Montserrat Overseas Peoples Progressive Alliance (MOPPA) has been described as a success.
MOPPA’s Chairperson Jane Furlonge MBE said some 400 senior citizens and supporters attended the function on Saturday, January 16th, 1999.
She said the elders of the Montserrat Community were able to enjoy meeting their compatriots in a lively setting at the Welborne Centre in Tottenham.
Miss Furlonge said the Emerald United Club and MAC 89 along with members of North London business community supported this year’s event.
MOPPA is currently doing impressive voluntary work helping evacuees from Montserrat to resettle in the United Kingdom, filling the gaps left unfilled by the UK social services and the official agencies.
Joint Programme Attacks Prevalence of Stray Dogs
Efforts are continuing to rid the island of stray dogs.
Director of Agriculture Claude Gerald says a joint work programme is being undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Royal Montserrat Police Force in this regard.
Mr. Gerald says raids are being carried out twice weekly between 6 o’clock in the evening and 6 o’clock in the morning, when stray dogs are being shot on sight.
He says the stray dog problem has become a menace island-wide because dogs on the loose are being seen in all areas where there are animals.
There are reports of stray dogs attacking and killing animals particularly in the north, and Mr. Gerald says the Ministry of Agriculture is exploring the idea of marrying the poisoning and shooting of stray dogs to further solve the island’s problems.
Illegal Anchorage By Foreign Yachts
The Royal Montserrat Police Force is reporting an increase in the number of yachts anchoring illegally in the island’s waters.
Superintendent in charge of Operations, John Douglas, says in recent times the police have called in the crews of several yachts who were not properly authorized to come ashore.
In addition, Superintendent Douglas said the lawmen apprehended about six persons recently for anchoring illegally in Montserrat’s waters.
Mr. Douglas said the six were detained overnight at the St. Peter’s Police Station, warned and then released.
Superintendent Douglas said against this background, yacht owners are being advised that they must report to Customs and Immigration at Port Little Bay upon arrival in Montserrat.
Yacht owners are also being warned that inshore waters close to the Exclusion Zone are dangerous because they can be affected at any time by pyroclastic flows which reach the sea.
Government to Undertake Audit of New Headquarters
The Government of Montserrat is moving to instigate an audit into the cost of the new Government Headquarters temporary buildings at Brades.
The initial estimated cost of construction of the buildings was EC$3 million, but now it is said that the cost is in excess of EC$8million.
Being aggrieved at the excessive sums which have been attributed to the construction of the said buildings at Brades, the Government of Montserrat has entered into an agreement with the Department for International Development (DFID) whereby both parties have agreed to conduct an audit of all records pertaining to the building works carried out by the contractors Brown and Root.
In order to achieve the above mentioned objective, both the Government of Montserrat and DFID agreed that each should appoint one representative for the purpose.
The Government of Montserrat has appointed Mr. John E. Ryan as its representative.
Brandt At 31st Meeting Of OECS Authority
The 31st meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority was held in Dominica from January 27th to 29th.
The Honourable Chief Minister David S. Brandt and Franklyn Michael, Permanent Secretary in the Emergency Department, attended the meeting.
Mr. Michael was the former Regional Affairs Officer in the Office of the Chief Minister.
The agenda for the 31st meeting of the OECS Authority included a number of issues pertinent to the development of the sub-region.
The St. Lucia-based OECS Secretariat made available additional papers for consideration by Member Governments in preparation for the meeting of the Authority.
These papers included a Report of the Director General - Towards the Institutional Review, the Decision Note on the Report of the Programme and Budget Committee, and issues arising from the Current Work of the Economic Affairs Division.
Also on the agenda were the proposed Budget for activities relating to the Second OECS Economic Summit of Heads of Government, Functional Cooperation issues - report on Programmes and Projects, and the Modified European Banana Regime - will the islands be "no worse off?"
Chief Minister Brandt was expected to meet with other Heads to thrash out the issues affecting the sub-regional grouping and to chart a course into the next millennium.
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Works Rupert Weekes acted as Chief Minister in Mr. Brandt’s absence.
Mr. Brandt’s Remarks At RMDF Reception
The Montserrat Defence Force, as it then was, was established in 1898 with the main purpose of helping to preserve order.
It was expected to work in close cooperation with the police. Indeed, it was under the command of the Leeward Islands Commissioner of Police at the outset, but as is evident, especially in recent times, it has distinguished itself for civil and community action and involvement.
Its contribution to music and the arts generally is worthy of conmmendation, (and this morning you heard the melodius melodies which they rendered at Gerald’s Park).
It helped to develop a cadre of distinguished persons and leaders who can be a role model for our youngsters. Leaders like the late Cyril Taylor, Eric Grell, Major Browne, Major Barzey, Majors Bramble and Lynch and Dr. Vernon Buffonge, a "Who’s Who" which have served Montserrat well, not just in a military sense, but in the society as a whole.
This transfer of training, discipline and skills has served to strengthen the fabric of our society. The Cadet Corp had its origin with the MDF in 1935 and has benefitted from its tutelage. The link redounded to the advantage of both units.
And just today, the Minister for Education was telling me that perhaps it’s a good idea that we once again make it compulsory for the students of the Secondary School to join the Cadet Corp, and I agree with her because, as she was saying, discipline is lacking in our society today.
And I believe if they become members of the Cadet Corp, that would help to rectify that situation. But in addition to that, several of the members of the Defence Force have left the island. I think about 45 of them, and if we make that happen, it will provide a basis to make sure we have a continuing Defence Force.
In addition to that, we are a country that is visited by natural disasters, and if we teach them first aid, it may be that they may save some life before the health people arrive. And for that reason, I will support the Minister when she introduces this measure.
The MDF has served well in many a community crisis, such as the Pan Am crash of 1965 and the George Street fire of 1966, but its finest hour was reserved for the volcanic crisis of 1995 and onward.
And ladies and gentlemen, I will like to say that all of us are here today to praise the work of the institution and especially to praise the work of these men. But when they disembody and they have no work or they have no place to live, that could not encourage others to join.
As a Government, we will play our part to make sure that these men are looked upon by the society and they are taken care of so that others might say, let us join the Defence Force because this government takes care of them.
The accolades that the RMDF has received both at home and from abroad are richly deserved. It did not limp into the hundredth year, but has arrived with vigour and robustness in the service of our country at its most necessitous period. And for that ladies and gentlemen, I wish the institution well, and I know that when the next 100 years arrive, I will be here as well to say that I did well.
Thank you.
"This is Not a Time to Strike But to Build, Build, Build"
By Man from Baker Hill
Montserrat recovery beg confusion Houses Brown & Root Volcano money not enough Contractor economy, stop DFID cuss and fuss workmen shelter make aid noise out quick come. Feel Shame!!
We do not need facts to know that replacement houses will have to be built on Montserrat for a period extending beyond 15 years. We do not need special intelligence to understand that Montserratians must be prepared to make sacrifices and to contribute to the rebuilding process. We do not have to be told that in the long run, the rewards will be ours.
It is reasonable then, to expect that the contractors and workmen will benefit most, financially, from the economic activity of the rebuilding process.
It is therefore not unreasonable to expect that the same contractors and workmen will contribute and sacrifice most…, in the rebuilding process...."voum voum voum", whatever that means.
At this time, still early in the rebuilding process, we do not need to hear about strikes on the construction sites. We expect common sense to prevail. The strike is against our five senses. It does not sound good. And to ordinary Montserratians it does not feel good. It is as if we must always blame somebody for every obstacle.
Of course the contractors will have their facts, and Brown and Root also have facts to support their point of view. But really, what the people want to hear about, is plenty, plenty and plenty more houses to ease the shelter situation.
It is time for us to come out from the "Blame" and "Beg" mode, and accept that £75 million is plenty money, from which any Caribbean economy can be rebuilt. There is much to be gained from the rebuilding process. And we should not be so preoccupied with who is getting the most of the £75 million. There is enough in the aid package for every Montserratian, as long as our leaders understand how to turn economic aid into economic activity - and into personal and national wealth.
However, for this to happen, each sector of the community must understand its purpose.
For example, if we are building houses, contractors and workers must set their wage rates and conditions of work. Also, merchants must set reasonable prices, and understand their merchandise turnover rates. They should allow for, and enjoy, a period of commercial activity without strife, so that the economy can revive itself. It is that simple!
But, above all, our political leaders must lead us not into the mode of blame and "legal actions" for volcanic damages. They should learn ways to deliver us from negligent destructive fiscal policies, so that Montserrat can be revived economically, socially and politically.
Please, Mr. CM, let us get on the move. In your next Budget speech, tell us that our revival, in economic terms, revolves around the rebuilding process.
Tell us that we must maintain the structures of orderliness, taxation, customs duties, and favourable working conditions if we want a reasonable quality of life.
But, this is just my point of view; as stated at the beginning, I did not need facts. I relied on common sense. Whatever; clearly, now is not the time for a labour strike!!!
By Mental Health Nurse Donoghue
The condition of being chronically dependent on alcohol or of harming oneself or others by a chronic alcoholic intake.
There is no one clear criterion for alcoholism, but people are usually considered to be alcoholics if their drinking impairs their health, their work, or their relations with others, particularly their immediate family.
Some alcoholics do not drink every day, but indulge in sustained bouts from time to time.
The Gamma Alcoholic - Loses self control (in addition to having increased tolerance and withdrawal symptoms on quitting).
The Delta Alcoholic - Does not lose control but develops withdrawal symptoms as nausea, sweating, anxiety, irritability, tremors (the shakes) and depressed mood. Chronic heavy drinking people develop tolerance to alcohol and require larger doses to obtain the same effect.
The Trap Questionnaire -
Answering "Yes" to one or more questions indicates that alcohol abuse is likely.
New Year’s Day From St.George’s Hill
(For Ellen and Fernella)
It is new year’s day on St. George’s Hill
the dome behind us, the uninvited guest
looks silly to have crashed the party
so inappropriately dressed for the occasion.
There is a British presence here, not just the Governor
but the guns still pointing to a vanished
glory, corroded cannons blazoning England
on an age of greed in royal places.
Chinese eyes in Saxon faces angling
for land once fertile not with ash
but sugar cane bagasse. I survey
Parsons Plymouth Richmond Hill and Webbs
names rich in cotton story but I’m no monarch
the kingdom come and gone a second time
gone with scalding rains from hell, ‘an act of God’
words short, sharp and cold as the eye
of an axe defining death by decapitation
and instant burial of evidence like a cover-up.
Insurances from Capitol Hall
have lost all currency, no one is liable
and Short will clearly do no wrong.
Plymouth is one large latifundia; a surveyor
will have a field day mining landmarks;
boundary stones unpushed by neighbourly graft
have migrated far from home, green trees
burnt at the stake protest their innocence,
gullies robbed of native beds steal abandoned
bottoms or lose themselves in a porridge of mud;
(tief pan tap tief, but God doan laugh)
heads of houses pop up in the sluice
like divers up for air or drowning men
who surface just before they disappear.
The cemetery too ruined by ashes to mud
is a double wasteland, ancestral rest
in pieces; we need a housing policy
to restore each private parcel however small
and rescue final landmarks.
We shall picket Her Majesty to post police
checkpoints to frisk the foreign ologists
who steal yard bones to make a cultural
holiday in Washington and London (shadows
of mercantilism) and a bonus pay.
Too soon for tears: there will be space enough
to shed them on internal fires. I feel
instead for words to sing an epitaph
for Plymouth and the glory that was Montserrat,
but find a sharp rebuke: this sceptred isle
is Christian, by-product of plantations
not quite white like rum though both intoxicate.
I sing of resurrection, a new baptism, green trees
that touch the sky on another New Year morning.
Howard A. Fergus
Landmarks in the History of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force
by Dr. Howard A. Fergus, UWI
The contribution of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force is now the stuff of legend. It will live forever in the annals of our history and the affection of our people.
They are a good example of how colonial legacies, colonial constructs if you will, should be transformed and adapted to serve the local purpose. They are a good reminder that the day of blind copies and uncritical transportation of metropolitan models ought to be over.
"We’re Working on It"
With monopoly extended
Based on vows of what’s intended,
Shouldn’t Cable TV try
To tell Montserratians why
System failures go unmended?
DFID’s Dictionary
"Temporary" is a bureaucratic label
That’s farther from the truth than ‘tis from fable.
It’s used by some supporters
Of jetties and headquarters
Who, when asked to justify them, are unable.
Jus wonderin when University Center will get a separate fax and phone line.
Jus wonderin who don’t know about the call waiting feature.
Jus wonderin if the CM will stick to his promise and help needy people to get welfare.
Jus wonderin who broke into Arrow’s Manshop.
Jus wonderin why for most of 1998 we had nothing but compliments for Monlec and now we have nothing but complaints.
Jus wonderin why Monlec is moving electrical transformers OUT of Cork Hill before the scientists complete their February reassessment of the volcano and the possibility that some areas south of Belham might be judged safe for reoccupation.
Jus wonderin whether any of the government functionaries who despair of assuring unhindered traffic across the Belham River ever heard of Sir Donald Bailey and his engineering achievement called the Bailey Bridge.
Jus wonderin if the Finance boss has an interest in any of the vehicle supplying companies.
Jus wonderin if the price paid for the Radio Montserrat pickup is competitive.
Jus wonderin about the new ordered Mitsubishi state car is the the same as the one suggested at first?
Jus wonderin who is accusing the Greenman of wanting to to ‘mash up’ de force.
Jus wonderin if the white enclosed buildings at Geralds is the new White House for Montserrat
Jus wonderin why it is only when there is a function that the Geralds main road is graded off.
Jus wonderin if teenage pregnancy is escalating.
Jus wonderin why you have to wait at least two hours for a simple plate of food.
Jus wonderin who the spokesperson is for the softball enthusiasts.
Jus wonderin why the flow of mail from the United States, which was unusually quick over the Christmas holidays, has now slowed to a trickle.
The Montserrat Reporter is going to be displaying Valentine announcements in the newspaper’s Valentine week edition.
If you wish to send a Valentine message to your loved one call 491-4715 to inquire or email editor@montserratreporter.org
Commonwealth Youth Programme: Caribbean Centre
Vacancy for Regional Director
Job Description
Applications are invited for the position of Regional Director at the Caribbean Regional Center of the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP). The Center is located in Georgetown,Guyana.
The Regional Director heads a small team of CYP professional and support staff based at the Center and reports to the Special Adviser, who heads the Youth Affairs Department (Commonwealth Youth Programme) of the Gender and Youth Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Details of General and other information regarding Functions, Specification and a Summary of Terms and Conditions of Service may be obtained from:
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Health & Community Services P.O.Box 24 Montserrat Tel: (664) 491-3131 or Fax (664) 491- 2880We are a service provider tailored to meet the needs of busy people like you.
We provide any one or a combination of the following services at an hourly rate:
Contact Vereen Woolcock at 491-2025, 491-5865 for our rate sheet and service request forms.
97 BAILIWICK
LIME KILN BEACH ROAD
OLVESTON
Our equipment rental division now provides the services of a JCB BACKHOE and CASE "bob cat" UNI LOADER.
Our operators can be contacted as follows:
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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