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Builders, Brown & Root Remain at Loggerheads

By Bennette Roach

Today will end the fourth week that contractors working for Brown & Root have stayed away from the job of constructing houses under the British-funded housing scheme.

In a radio broadcast, the contractors through one of their spokesmen, stopped short, with some difficulty, of saying that Brown & Root was dishonest.

Meanwhile, I asked manager of Brown & Root Mike Dodds for a comment on the dishonesty matter. He obliged as follows: "It’s been suggested that we were dishonest, but nothing has been further from the truth."

Just to cover the strike in some detail, last week following meetings with the Chief Minister and his government as mediator, and again with Allan Jenkins from DFID, some reductions were made by Brown & Root in the amounts being claimed from the contractors. The contractors, on the other hand, strengthened their position, saying that the fact that deductions were made at all vindicates their position. They feel further that a proper check of materials used will not only show their position to be fair but correct.

Mr. Dodds, in response to that position, said: "We maintain that the contractors have had an over-supply of materials…if those materials were lost, wasted or damaged, then the cost of those materials are to their account."

As the shutdown continues, the contractors had again written to the Chief Minister, seeking his intervention, but the Chief Minister responded that it had been suggested that his earlier meeting with the disagreeing parties had been fruitless, while those of other interventions had received compliments. He said that he feels this was not the case, but that he could not see why he has been called on again. We have learnt that an apology was tendered and the negotiations continue.

The contractors have produced copies of their material request sheets, showing where they have recorded the actual amount of supplies received, adding that they have been billed according to the supplies requested and not according to what was delivered or received. In other cases they claim that they received materials in excess of what was originally quantified as required to complete the works. These, according to the contractors, are what Brown & Root consider as "over-supplied." But the contractors repeat their request to be investigated if it is believed that these supplies were not required or used on the works of completing the houses.

They blame the surplus materials on poor record keeping by Brown & Root. I suggested this to Mr. Dodds, adding that the concession of mistakes on their part vindicates the contractors and he replied:

"I’m not conceding that we made mistakes at all. What I am saying is this; if the contractors feel they are being unfairly treated in terms of the mathematics of the situation, then please get alongside with Chris Sever and go through their particular accounts, and they refused to do so."

The contractors claim it is unnecessary to do this and instead suggest that a check of materials on the site or at the buildings would suffice.

Mr. Dodds acknowledged "a couple of constructive meetings at the site, which followed a meeting chaired by the chief minister."

Since then, Mr. Dodds said that other meetings took place and, "we had no criticism or adverse feedback from that situation. Other words, I’m led to believe, I do believe, that the system of controlling materials by Brown & Root was satisfactory."

He continued, "What we do know is that the original amounts were re-calculated by us, not by the contractors, and that reduced the liability, and this was because the contractors’ own system of allocation was such that materials were being allocated perhaps to one house, when the contractor was in fact constructing four houses. So we went back and did the calculations ourselves and we were able to reduce the final liability. We did that quite openly. And it’s been suggested that we were dishonest, but nothing has been further from the truth. We rechecked it, we examined their own allocations systems. We are quite prepared to go back to, ‘OK, we found an error and we corrected it to your advantage,’ but there still is a liability outstanding that has to be resolved."

Referring to the broadcast by the contractors, Mr. Dodd is adamant: "I don’t agree with the figures. I think they took figures which were in fact not correct, but I think it illustrates that we will never reach an agreement on the whole range of issues, either by the medium of your respected newspaper or by ZJB radio…only by each contractor sitting down with Chris Sever and saying right, close the door for two or three hours so we can go through the figures. But they won’t do it. Everything they do so far has got to be done as a group. And you cannot look at each individual contractor and his liability like that. It’s got to be done on a one-to-one basis, go through their records, go through our records."

As suggested by the Honourable Minister of Education in a recent press conference, Mr. Dodds said he would offer an advance on the works to help the contractors meet their payroll, while the matter goes into adjudication. The contracts have refused this on the ground that it will not improve the position with regards to moneys owing to them.

"Further," they said: "Any adjudicator must be someone from the Caribbean who understands the nature of work in the Caribbean and not someone from Britain, selected by Brown & Root."

In recent developments, the contractors are angry at the suggestion of the lady minister that they should go back to work before the matter is settled. Worse yet, they say, any attempt by Brown & Root to hire other workers will be a show of their intention to leave them out in the cold, and will be encouraging more serious action.

Our investigations have revealed that earlier attempts to avert the present industrial action were made by local officials with Brown & Root, following complaints by the contractors with regards to the withholding of payments.

As mentioned before, it is felt that Brown & Root are using other issues as red herrings to avoid this issue. In addition, there is the argument on the matter of interpretation, whereupon Brown & Root have said they sought the best legal representation, which is by no means the issue in the opinion of the contractors.

OECS Chairman James To Press Caricom on Aid

By Bennette Roach

L to R Hon Chief Minister David S. Brandt, Hon Prime Minister Edison James of Dominica

Prime Minister the Honourable Edison James of Dominica held a press conference yesterday afternoon as part of his first visit to Montserrat, (See GIS story).

The Prime Minister was visiting primarily in his new capacity as chairman of the Organisation of East Caribbean States (OECS). He was accompanied by Director General Swinburne Lestrade, who has visited Montserrat previously on more than one occasion since the volcanic crisis began.

The press meeting was hosted by Chief Minister David Brandt, who was still recovering from that indomitable flu, which seems to have left few untouched by its virus this time round.

Both heads of state had cordial words for a developing friendship which the Chief Minister said is a continuing one, recalling that Dominica has given refuge to evacuating Montserratians, while Dominicans have come here to work in construction and other areas as Montserrat tries to move on.

Mr. James said that he came to Montserrat, "especially in the context of the Caricom meeting due to be convened next week in Surinam, since Montserrat has been and will be on the agenda."

"My visit has helped me understand the situation," he said, as he referred to the devastation and the perception abroad that Montserrat should be totally abandoned. "That is emphatically not the case," he said.

Mr. James expressed his belief in the "tremendous potential for economic development," in that he has seen there is sufficient land for the people of Montserrat to prosper. He promised that both the OECS and Caricom will put all their "weight and effort behind Montserrat to see that the British Government discharges its responsibility."

The prime minister said that he will seek to get all those governments that made pledges and promises to keep them, and that while funds were slow in coming, he will rekindle the efforts to complete the Caricom Village at Lookout.

Making his own observation of the housing problem, he said that he will take on board efforts to see how the Caricom governments may be able to assist in getting funding for the long-awaited and almost frustrated housing mortgage scheme.

Elections Commission To Study Voting Changes

For some time now people have asked when some action would be taken to look into parliamentary constituencies of Montserrat and preparations made for its next general election.

A Government House release has unveiled plans to look into perhaps new ways to deal with the reduced Montserrat and its people’s decision to make a new life of the island.

The release refers to the fact that many Montserratians have left the island, causing the population to be drastically reduced.

It says: "Four of the seven parliamentary constituencies and part of a fifth are in the Exclusion Zone and presently unoccupied. In these circumstances existing electoral arrangements are unworkable. His Excellency the Governor has therefore decided to appoint an Elections Commission."

The Commission will have the following terms of reference:

"Having regard to Her Majesty's Government's responsibilities with respect to Montserrat and after consultation with Montserratians both at home and overseas to formulate proposals for:

(a) appropriate electoral reforms in time for the next general election, as well as any interim elections;

(b) Legislative/constitutional changes considered necessary to give effect to (a) and ensure an effective parliamentary system."

The announcement records that the Commission will be headed by Dr. Howard A Fergus, CBE, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. He will be assisted by Mr. Elton Georges, OBE, Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands, having served on Montserrat’s previous elections commission in 1996; and Dr. Neville Duncan of the University of the West Indies.

The Commission will consult widely among Montserratians at home and overseas. It is expected to begin work by the end of February and present its report to HE the Governor within three months.

"British Trade Might Well Outpace the Flow of Aid"

One of the first observations made by Governor Anthony Abbott, upon assuming duties here as Governor, was how fortunate Montserrat had been in the "speed" with which aid had been forthcoming from Britain. The Governor said it normally takes years before Britain delivers on moneys it approves for projects, and that could be as many as five years or more at times. Montserrat was receiving money almost instantaneously, never mind that at the time the cry was loud that there was too much red tape and too many delays in getting projects off the ground.

Of course things were much different then. To say we were desperate was putting it mildly. The only problem was, Britain had its grave doubts about spending a single penny on an island it firmly believed was going to be blown to smithereens. But if that was their belief, who can blame them? They had said as far back as May 1996 that they would support the development in the north, but even our own leaders did not think that would be necessary, and that is the main reason we are so far behind with our plans.

As we have pointed out before, we cannot wait for Britain to lead us to the road for economic delivery. It has never been their style to directly assist their colonies in development, so they really do not know how to do that. We would be expecting too much if we did. Development would mean further development of themselves.

If, however, an in depth look is taken at the whole picture of aid delivery from anywhere, such aid never comes without many conditions and strings attached. It must be very shocking for Britain to have to face a new millennium with this burden of having to help recreate a volcano-created island, a problem that Britain and we both hoped would by now have gone its own way.

Since all donors always look for what they will get in return for the aid they deliver, Britain must no doubt ask the same question. Only they do not ask it directly, but if we realise that much of the money they give to us must somehow find its way back onto their shores, we can make it work to our benefit and be less painful. For one thing, the money would reach us sooner and we would then be able to achieve some economic benefit from its passing through the island.

Montserrat imports just about everything it uses; it was bad enough before the volcanic crisis and now it is much worse. But how much trade do we conduct with Britain? Ah! The easiest and quickest excuse given is that it takes too long for goods to arrive from there. But is that really true? Does it take that much longer, or is it any different at all?

Given serious thought, there can be no doubt that if we begin to develop some form of trade with Britain and purchase some of the many items of merchandise that we import, that will improve business for them and even create jobs for our own Montserratians seeking work there.

There is also the argument that the goods are more expensive. Government may then wish to look at reducing the rate of duty and consumption tax, since Britain would be hard pressed not to see the advantage to themselves from the effort we make.

Our economists may wish to develop this idea or at least research it with a view to seeing the benefits, while guiding our merchants and, more importantly, our government to take the necessary actions to make their job of "being catalysts" for the economy easier.

Again it was Governor Abbott who said, shortly after arriving in Montserrat, "One of the greatest problems we're going to be facing eventually is the economic reconstruction of this island. For that one needs everybody's support, one needs everybody's ideas."

No Complaints, It’s Time For Brown People to Root

Dear Mr. Editor:

I am confused as to what signals the "confused and fragmented" government is sending to the community.

First, Brown and Root is allowed to trample the rights and withhold the monies from past, present and future contractors. Then the Chief Minister declares his inability to deal with or resolve the issues. Soon after the Governor informs us of his wishes to have this crisis resolved by the local government without HMG. Now the Minister of Labor is telling us she is willing to do a task that the Chief Minister (government) and the Governor seem totally unable to fix. Is this offer with the knowledge and sanction of the Chief Minister and the Minister's colleagues?

Is this a government of one-upmanship? Or is it that as soon as the issues are close to being resolved, some opportunist steps off the bandwagon, muddies the waters and makes noises about "bringing in more migrant workers" to finish the work that contractors have slaved over and Brown and Root have not paid for?

More than that, does the Cock know what's going on in his own hen house?

It is obvious that the Government is in its normal modus operandi. Ain’t nobody know who in charge and all are in charge.

We should take heart that it is not the Government alone that is in a state of confusion. Look at Brown and Root. Here is an international company that does not even seem to understand its own simple methods of delivery of construction material to contractors or what is required in the construction of houses. That is if one is to believe the spokesman for the contractors group.

Indeed if one is to believe Labor Speaks and the Spokesman, then every Montserratian should be out there trying not just to have the whole of Brown and Root deported but ensuring that they have a most painful deportation. After all it is OUR £75 million that they are willfully and maliciously putting in their pockets and preventing us from rebuilding our country. And let us not even visit the issue of the over expenditure on the Government Headquarters and the blatant railroading of some contractors.

What can we do?

We can sit and murmur that the houses will never be completed.

We can laugh at our government as they play their "Is I in charge "games.

We can listen to the Governor pontificate.

We can say, oh well, is Brown and Root’s fault .

Is the contractors’ fault.

Is the government’s fault.

We can ask Brown and Root to pay up and leave. We can ask the British government to ask Brown and Root to pay up and leave. We can ask our Government to get "jiggy with it" and work out this thing with Brown and Root or ask Brown and Root to pay up and leave.

Or we can do the next best thing.

It is time for action.

It is time for Brown People to Root out corruption and indifference.

It is time for Brown Peoples everywhere to take their country back.

It is time.

It is time to stand our Government up on its collective ear and let them know, enough is enough.

It is time to own a ferry. To own the Brades containers.

It is time to sell the houses to the people in Davy Hill . To sell the houses to the people in Lookout.

It is time for people to be out of shelters.

It is time to stop the Food Voucher Programs.

It is time for Brown People to Root out every International racist who slaps or pushes around a worker.

It is time for Brown Peoples every where to put the hurt on every Root that is strangling and stifling the growth, the lifeblood and the rebuilding of our country.

Who really Owns Lands in Safe Zone?

By Annie Dyer-Howe

This fact ought to be established by a new Cadastral Survey of the safe zone similar to the one carried out 21 years ago and should be an integral part of the reconstruction phase of Montserrat.

Because of the present land constraints, the first step is to establish an adequate system of registration of land titles. Without such a register it would be impossible to operate efficient land-use controls in accordance with zoning and sub-division regulations.

Secondly, an accurate evaluation of the land must be established. This will be useful when assessing compensation in case of compulsory land acquisition.

Thirdly, the proposed land-use development plan for northern Montserrat must be placed in a strategic location for citizens' inspection and comments. This might assist landowners in deciding whether or not it would be to their advantage to incur survey fees and other charges at this point in time.

Fourthly, the rights of landowners and the state must be clearly communicated through an appropriately designed public education program.

The question of compulsory land acquisition has always been a thorny issue in many countries, including Montserrat. Effective planning and administration of development centers, zoning, sub-division and building regulations are critical to success.

One of the most critical challenges is to compel property owners to go to considerable personal expenditure to survey their land or undergo economic hardship for the convenience of the state without just compensation.

Perhaps the following suggestions can be considered as a way forward:

1. Government survey unregistered lands in the safe zone for a reasonable fee, which can be paid in cash or land where a landowner is unable to meet the cost of the necessary land survey and registration.

2. Government survey and register all lands in the safe zone with title granted only after the full payment of all charges incurred when the land owner(s) can afford to meet the cost of the registration fees and charges within a specified time period.

3. A new Cadastral survey be carried out and all claimed and unclaimed lands registered and valued to determine the present value of land in the safe zone, if this has not yet been established. Title can then be issued where necessary for a specified fee.

It is my view that a more holistic approach should be taken to the land issue in order to bring all parties concerned on board in the proposed development plan.

Annie Dyer-Howe

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful are the feet of those who walk the extra step across a room to greet someone with whom they have had differences. How beautiful are the feet of those who step beyond the material gifts and appreciate the heart of the giver. How beautiful are the feet of those who move about in the kitchen making the special foods and serving the guests who gather. How beautiful are the feet of those who not only go to church services but also who fully participate by greeting others joyfully, praying and singing heartily. How beautiful are the feet who walk into home less shelters or places with little comfort to bring some of their own abundance.

Yes, how beautiful are the feet who walk this day with the intention of love in their hearts, for they are living the message of the One who came so long ago. This Word of Love brought us glad tidings. We carry these glad tidings of abundant Love within us. The Christ who was born two thousand years ago lives on in us. As our feet take us near and far, let us continue being the Christ to one another.

Escapee Sparrow Wounded, Captured

On Friday last week, the police reported that, "Sometime around 5.40 p.m. on Thursday, 18th February, 1999, a specialist Police task force mounted an operation in the Davy Hill area, to capture Winston Gage, alias 'Sparrow,' who escaped from Her Majesty’s Prison on 8th August, 1997, and has since been at large. When cornered, Gage armed with a cutlass attacked one of the police officers. Subsequent shots were fired, and Gage wastaken to the Glendon Hospital, where he is reported to be in a stable condition. Two police sustained minor injuries during the incident."

Sparrow escaped prison with four other prisoners, Charlesworth Piper, Alrick Lynch, Keithroy Allen and Ray Ryan, who turned themselves in two days later. They were asked for the fifth prisoner, Winston 'Sparrow' Gage who had also escaped, but had gone his own way. The prisoners had complained of poor and unfit prison conditions. They were soon transferred to other facilities overseas.

It has been reported from time to time that Sparrow had been sighted and the police finally resorted to posting a reward of $1,000 for information leading to his capture. Unconfirmed reports say that he had been all over the island and that his movements took him deep into the Exclusion Zone and the vicinity of the volcano as far south as Roaches.

Many have reacted with suspicion, however, at the shooting of Sparrow, expressing surprise at the reported attack and saying that he has never been a violent person.

Mrs. Dyer-Howe Honored For Water Authority Service

By Bennette Roach

Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe, General Manager of the Montserrat Water Authority (MWA) for the past eight years, retired effectively December 31, 1998, finally leaving the job at the end of January this year.

Her retirement ended nearly 30 years of association with the Water Authority, which began in 1972. She was the only female to head a statutory body in Montserrat, which she did from 1991. That began, she recalled, with a casual question by Miss Florence Daley, former head of the Administration Department.

She revealed that at a farewell party held by the water staff in her honour at the McChesney residence last Thursday night. There was a farewell ceremony, which was chaired by the now acting manager Michael Duberry.

Chairman of the Authority D R V (Frank Edwards) in his brief remarks spoke of her work from 1972, when she began her involvement with the water department as Secretary to the Board. From then she took a keen interest ensuring that decisions were carried out in all spheres of work relating to the Authority.

Mr. Edwards followed her progress to becoming a Minister of Government, after being elected as the southern representative in parliament, and later becoming a Minister of Education, having contested elections for a second time in 1983 to 1987, her first success being in 1979. She was defeated at the polls by the honourable Bertrand Osborne, who became Chief Minister briefly in 1996.

She left her mark in the Ministry of Education, introducing free secondary school education to all children and creating a woman’s desk. She was a champion of her beliefs in the ability of women, an issue she spoke of herself in her response at the ceremony.

She received an MBA degree and is presently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration. Several persons, including retired Major Joseph Lynch, Rose Willock and the honourable Brunel Meade, expressed best wishes before members of the MWA graced her with parting gifts.

I spoke to her after the function and asked her what it was like working at the helm of a Statutory, being the only woman in that position. She responded: "I would have had experience working with the men before (as a Minister of Government) and it was not entirely new to me. It was easy for me to get into the work and I always tried to put the professional duties and my responsibilities ahead of anything like gender. Whatever functions we had to carry out, we carried them out under those terms. Not as male, female role, that tends to blur your vision at times."

Unclaimed Land

By HeatherLeonard

The persons on Montserrat who own land that has not been surveyed are facing a 2000 deadline to get their lands documented. According to the Crown Title Act, which came into effect February 1, 1999, landowners have until February 1, 2000 to submit their claims and have their land surveyed.

After the February 1, 2000 deadline, all unclaimed land will be vested absolutely in the Crown, but many landowners say they cannot afford to pay to have their land surveyed and feel that the government should either accept the general boundaries that now exist or help to survey the lands for those who cannot afford it. There was a public meeting on this subject Monday evening at which a dialogue was opened between government officials and landowners.

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture Austin Bramble had this to say about the possibility of the government assisting people who need their land surveyed

"The fact is that the government does not have the resources to help everyone survey their land. We would like to help; we are doing the best we can. This is a matter we have looked at very carefully to see if we can try and find a solution. One solution suggested was that the government assist people with the surveying, but that is out. We have a small survey team and we can’t afford that.

"Another suggestion was using general boundaries without survey. Now we’ve moved beyond that. That opportunity was available to people free of cost way back in 1978. For about four years the British government had financed a project under which all lands, every landowner on Montserrat, had the opportunity to have his land surveyed free of cost.

"Now that the issue has been raised, we will extend the chance to register lands…The enormous problem (with registering land that has not been surveyed) is boundary disputes; it is just senseless to continue down that road."

On the issue of helping those who felt unable to afford the cost of surveying, Mr. Bramble argued: "If people wanted they could probably enter into some sort of arrangement with private surveyors…One has to realise that land is a valuable resource. So saying you cannot afford to pay a surveyor, when in fact you have a valuable resource such as that, is not really convincing."

Relenting, the minister finally offered, "where people can prove that they can’t afford it, and for a portion of their land we will survey it. As far as the government is concerned, they would like to help people for free, but the government just doesn’t have the resources at present."

Landowners from the north have taken the view that there is no road cut to their properties, but have reportedly been told often that there are no plans to cut roads to those areas.

Mrs. Tuitt Stresses Need To Re-occupy All Schools

By Heather Leonard

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Honourable Minister of Education Adelina Tuitt outlined several goals that her ministry wishes to achieve.

One of the issues of most importance was the need of the Ministry to re-occupy the Salem Secondary School. When asked about the subject of overcrowding in the schools, Ms. Tuitt said:

"Our plan within the Ministry speaks for itself, that we need to return to the Salem Campus once we have exceeded the 250 (students) that we targeted for in the Lookout school. We have exceeded that number. If we do not return to the Salem Campus in September we will certainly have an overcrowding problem.

"I have been advised by the contractors or Brown & Root that we are looking at a possible May date for the completion of all the houses that would take the people from Salem. And then we would do our repairs and renovations and be sure we have the school ready for September."

Minister Tuitt spoke of plans within the government to develop a day care program for those who are mentally ill. She commented on the difficulty faced in dealing with mentally ill persons who have a potential for violence.

"We realise that the day care center would be inadequate for those who are more violent, and we are looking at the proposal again to see if we can add to the existing one. The day care is one where they can come in during the day and we will have to provide a hot meal or something of that nature for those people.

"What we are probably looking at now in that proposal is to have an extension where we could have two, three or five beds to take care of those persons, away at least from the normal setting, because that is where I think most of the disruption is caused, when they are faced with the normal setting."

When asked what changes citizens can expect with the volcanic assistance program, Mrs. Tuitt referring to a completed report by Price Waterhouse she said: "What you’d find happening as the first step of following the report is to do a means test in order to ascertain those individuals who should be on this program, or persons who should not be…this social review and the means test will take into account the whole country..."

The question of what will be done with the liquid waste at Little Bay was raised, and drew this response:

"In terms of liquid waste, just today I have spoken to Brown & Root officials who are responsible for setting up a holding area in the Lookout vicinity to transport that liquid waste into that system that they have built. I am told that it is 85 per cent to 95 percent completed and before long we will move to that site.

"I just want to bring to the attention of the general public that overflowing the system, it’s that they go by evaporation and not really soaking through. And when we are going through a cold period, when we have a lot of rain, this operation would not take place as rapid as when we have the sun. So I hope that by the time we move into summer that we will have most of that evaporated, that we would have already been using the Lookout site."

New Cricket Trophy Created

Cable & Wireless has announced the creation of the 1999 Cable & Wireless Trophy by Caribbean sculptor and art educator Fitz Harrack.

The new Trophy will be presented to the Winners of the Cable & Wireless One-Day International Series between West Indies and Australia in April.

Instituted in 1998, the Cable & Wireless Trophy is intended to provide a showcase for Caribbean artists. Each year’s Trophy is one –off design, to be kept in perpetuity by the winners of that year’s Series.

The 1998 Trophy was conceived and designed by the Barbadian sculptor, Bill Grace, and is now the property of the West Indies Cricket Board, following the West Indies’ victory over England in the 1998 Cable & Wireless One Day International Series.

It is the work of Grenada-born sculptor, Fitz Harrack who lives in Jamaica. Entitled, The Grip of Confidence, it is made from repousse copper and brass, depicting a hand clutching a cricket ball. Describing the inspiration behind the piece, Fitz Harrack said, "To compile one’s resourcefulness with vigour and determination. To access creatively, and aspire at length. For in everyone’s mind moves a toss, to acquire a component of the timeless spin of his tremendous world."

Sonny Peart, Marketing Communications Manager at Cable & Wireless, said many people consider cricket to be an art as well as a sport, and the idea behind the Cable & Wireless Trophy is to capture something of that spirit. "We’ re delighted that Fitz Harrack has created a work of art that is so much more than just another trophy. In the year’s to come, we will give other Caribbean artists a platform to promote Caribbean culture. Cricket is every one’s game and by supporting Caribbean artists in this way, Cable & Wireless hopes to take the benefits and beauties of cricket beyond its conventional boundaries."

The Grip of Confidence’ will be displayed across the Caribbean during the Cable & Wireless 1999 Series.

Cable & Wireless is the Official Sponsor of the Cable & Wireless 1999 Test Series and One Day International Series, as part of a US$12.6 million deal which runs until 2001.

Barclays Trial Ends With 4 Convictions

By Heather Leonard

This past Monday saw the end to the trial of those accused in the Barclays’ Bank robbery. The charges brought against the individuals involved were as follows; Eric Williams, Austin Howe, Clement Cassell, Raphael Herbert, Roland Irish, and Cyril Daley were all charged with conspiracy to burgle, burglary, and the handling of stolen goods.

The charges against these men were such that if convicted solely of burglary, the jury would not have a need to consider the other charges, as the burglary conviction would encompass them.

Of the original nine who were charged, six remained to face the jury. Roland Irish pled guilty and therefore avoided trial, while the charges against Joycelyn Menzis and Bernadette Matthew were withdrawn earlier. It is believed that these two persons will seek compensation with respect to charges that were brought against them.

Mr. Meade from the Attorney Generals office offered this information:

"Thirty-nine witnesses were called by the prosecution. Mr. Roland Irish, after pleading guilty, testified for the Crown, and he was definitely quite important (for the prosecution)."

The case was given over for the jury to deliberate at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning and they returned after nearly 5 ½ hours.. Roland Irish was early sentenced to agree to be on good behavior for two years and to perform a total of 200 hours community servicem, under the supervision of the community service department.

Cyril Daley and Yvette Lee were acquitted. But Eric Williams was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle, and sentenced to 15 months. Austin Howe and Clement Cassell were found guilty of burglary and was entenced to two years in prison. Raphael Herbert also found guilty of burglary was sentenced to one year.

According to Mr. Meade, "With the exception of one of the accused who had a minor offence for failing to pay a dog license, they were all first offenders.

When asked about the question of there having been bribery involved in this case, Mr. Meade responded:

"Well one official report of bribery was reported to the court, and the judge made a statement to the court and made a release to the radio. The particular report of bribery was taken up by the police. The police are looking at the case for that particular juror who was allegedly bribed and the matter is being investigated further."

Montserrat National Trust Is on the Move Again

After several lean years the Montserrat National Trust (MNT) is being placed back on its feet.

President Sarita Francis says the MNT has opened a new headquarters on the Salem main road.

Mrs. Francis says the volcanic disaster forced a number of volunteers to leave the island and affected a number of projects, including improvements to the Foxes Bay Bird Sanctuary Trail and the bio-diversity programme.

She says a number of the volunteers have returned and the MNT is working on a five-year development plan,.

Part of the plan is the establishment of a museum.

Mrs. Francis says most of the artifacts which had to be relocated from Plymouth are in good condition.

Many Happy Returns II Awaits World Musicians

By Heather Leonard

Plans are full steam ahead for the St. Patrick’s day week of activities. In a week that promises to be packed with fun-filled activities, the concert that will be held on the 19^th at Gerald’s Park will undoubtedly be the highlight.

The concert will include an international contingent of musicians, 39 from the UK and six from the US. The musicians will also play a concert on Antigua the following Sunday, the 21^st, in thanks for the help that the island has given to Montserrat.

It is hoped that the week of activities can help to boost the morale of Montserratians, as well as bring the island’s culture to the forefront. The concert is sponsored in part by Guinness, who will be on island to add a gingerbread façade to the concert stage.

At a meeting at McChesney’s on Tuesday, February 16, many issues pertaining to the smooth proceeding of events leading up to and during the concert were discussed. It is hoped that when the musicians from the U.K. arrive on Antigua on the 17^th that there will be no problem with rough seawater, as that would make it impossible for the ferry to berth here at the port, and would cause transportation problems for the musicians traveling here. The Red Cross hopes to have a first aid station on the site of the concert.

Twelve journalists will arrive on the Friday of the concert, and it is hoped that they will see enough of the island to take back stories with positive imagery that will help to promote tourism on Montserrat.

Montserratians to Benefit in Antigua

According to a ZJB report earlier this week 80 Montserratians living in Antigua have so far benefited from a training voucher scheme, financed by the Department for International Development (DFID.)

16 have received small business loans and 21 have found full or part-time jobs under the job hunting programme.

Despite the assistance many Montserratians in Antigua are still feeling the pinch, their main concerns being high rental costs as well the high cost of food and medical bills.

Highlighting the encompassing problem, the report said that president of the Citizens and Friends of Montserrat (CFM) Franklyn Margetson says the cost of living in Antigua is considerably higher than in Montserrat.

He says the problem with programmes aimed at assisting Montserratians are that they cannot reach enough people.

For Margetson, he thinks the worst part is that a lot of Montserratians do not qualify under the loan scheme.

Caribbean Resorts Group Appoints Brian Meade

DIVI RESORTS is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Brian Meade as its representative on the Board of Directors of the Bonaire Hotel Association (BONHATA).

DIVI RESORTS, whose corporate offices are in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, own and operate nine Resorts in the Caribbean: The Divi Phoenix, Divi Village and Dutch Village in Aruba; Divi Flamingo in Bonaire: Divi Southwinds and Heritage in Barbados, Divi Tiara in Cayman Brac; Divi Little Bay in St. Maarten; and soon to be opened Divi Carina in St. Croix.

Mr. Meade, who is Divi’s Regional Director of Resort Sales and Marketing, also sits and serves on the Boards of the St. Maarten Hotel & Tourism Association, the St. Maarten Timeshare Association, and is also on the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Hotel Association, representing St. Maarten.

Mr. Meade is also the co-founder and President of the North Eastern Caribbean Tourism Alliance (NECTA). He has recently been assigned by the St. Maarten Hotel Association, to represent that body on a Government-appointed task force, which is presently charged with the responsibility of setting up a Tourism Foundation for St. Maarten.

Progression or Denial?

By Jeevan Robinson

Many Montserratians reading this publication weekly, or receiving information from some other media about the happenings back home, may be somewhat aghast that the diplomatic wrangling for aid and the distribution of allocated aid money is still prevalent. Our volcanic saga is internationally well renowned and documented, and the actual progression of volcanic activities need not be recanted. However, underlying all the destruction and political bureaucracy of the past three years, our situation is subtly taking on a serious tone. Where we stand now in 1999, there are some serious questions and concerns, for which there needs to be definitive answers.

The contribution of the British government to the rebuilding process cannot for one minute be ignored and their most recent commitment of a further £75 million is indeed a wonderful gesture. However, it is still crucial to observe that after three years of volcanic activity and the subsequent losses inflicted upon residents, the speed of the British response does warrant some scrutiny. Furthermore, with this recent £75 million there still needs to be a proactive stance taken by both government and residents alike, which indeed has already been enacted by the Honourable Chief Minister. No one needs to be reminded that the volcano dealt us a hard blow; journey into the southern half of the island and it is all too painstakingly evident. It is ludicrous for the Lady Minister in charge of International Development, under whose auspices we fall, to comment that the £75 million was committed as a means to "sustenance" and not development. Are they then forgetting the vast number of residents who have left and wish to return?

Nationals living abroad must also be incorporated into any future development plan. If we are serious about getting our economy back on track we need people to ensure that it is viable. Once a lucrative situation has been put in place, many relocated residents will be more than happy to return, it is certain.

From the beginning it has been advocated that we be mindful of what deals we negotiate with and accept from the hand that is feeding us -- the British. I read with interest the other day the comment of an official from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that the recent monetary commitment to Montserrat works out to just over £18 000 per person, a lot of money, that official said, considering our current population.

It cannot be denied that a vast majority of residents have sought refuge elsewhere, but to jog these officials’ memory somewhat, they must consider the reasons why people did leave in the first instance. It was the poor housing conditions, the degraded and questionable health care system, the mind-boggling stalling to the opening of schools and an uncertain educational future for people's children, plus hassling and absurd charges for rent by private home owners -- no housing!

The list can go on but the issue is clear. Montserratians did not leave because they simply wanted to. Some, and I am sure the majority, left because they had no choice. Are the wishes of those who wish to return home going to be denied because of development stipulations for only the islands current population? Surely, the government and people of Montserrat cannot be party to any such arrangement and must ensure, through energy and commitment, that the redevelopment of the island is done to accommodate Montserratians in our entirety..

Even though quite a lot was lost by quite a few individuals, we must take heed to the fact that we are now presented with a unique opportunity to shape and redevelop our island as best as we could. While the prospects do seem rather lucrative, it is important not to repeat past errors, and be diverse in our future economic dependencies. Progression by all means is the aim of Montserratians and lovers of Montserrat, but this progress can be denied or slowed, if you like, if we do not tread carefully as it pertains to our future. Construction company Brown & Root messing about with contractors on an important issue such as housing is outright denial! Sporadic lack of regard by DFID officials for our locally elected representatives is even further denial!. One writer in last week's paper alluded to the notion that the British officials sent to Montserrat operate as if they had a "God given right" to be in control of us. Well, we must be careful not to adopt a complacent attitude towards this and sit back and be manipulated and bullied, whether directly or indirectly. The age of Feudalism has long gone. In this Post-Modern society that we find ourselves, we have a fundamental right to determine our destiny and not let it be dictated to us. Nonsense such as this requires more than talk, it requires concerted and collective effort to root it out.

We are now on the verge of the 21st century. Educational development and planning to reflect these changes should be given high priority as we focus on the future. It is pointed out to us even more so now that our people are our most important resource. Thus with the acknowledgement of such, education and training ought to become the vital footstools for progress. Let us take the all too cliched example of Japan, who, after severe devastation from WWII bombings and mass privation, used educational development of its people to now be the world leader in technology and a major player in global economics. Of course, we may not become another Japan, but they showed the power of what educating your people can do.

Political spin doctors and press manipulators may choose to be economical with the truth and give the impression that the Montserrat situation is well. The reality is vivid, there is plenty to be done. It can be argued, yes, that the hands of those who are putting forward our case are tied, but the question stares directly in the faces of those who are, by law and by virtue of all morals and principle, bound to come to our aid. Will political red tape and bureaucratic controls hinder us the chance to move forward, not only move forward but move forward profoundly?

Development, it is established, is about people. Therefore, for anyone, whether it be local or overseas governments, to ignore those who they are developing for would indeed be a gross oversight. For us Montserratians, at home and abroad, the attitude or way forward is not just to concede our faith in the hands of local government or the British government and cast blame to either. Justifiably, we cannot ignore the fact that politicians were elected to represent our needs in whatever manner, but throughout the duration of this volcanic saga, we have seen them come and go under differing circumstances. Indeed, we can all sit back in our own worlds and be complacent, giving criticisms and degenerative comments. Let us remember one thing, our island does not belong to Brown & Root, FCO or DFID officials, or even our elected representatives. Whoever is at fault, history will judge accordingly. History will judge our demise or reconstruction as a country of merit if we do not take a proactive stance. The aim should be to coexist, complement and support each, other ensuring that the future of Montserratians, on island or abroad, is given the full regard and respect in whatever circles serve our interests. We have been denied now for too long. In this year 1999, let us start showing the resolve of champions and start chartering our progress.

Fear and Loyalty: The Montserrat Experience

By Dr. Roy F. Lee

On last Memorial Day, a prominent Montserratian asked an acquaintance if he planned to attend the ceremonies. When told no, he became annoyed and asked why not. The response was that those wars had nothing to do with our interests, and the questioner became indignant.

Angrily, he noted that Montserratians should pay respect to those who died fighting for freedom against tyranny. Aghast, his acquaintance merely walked away.

If there ever was a case of misplaced loyalty, that was it. In the mid-1940’s, Britain saw no need for a colonialist mantle as it does today. Everything was transparent then, and its role as predator was without disguise – a right by force and might. There were no excuses. Churchill stated unabashedly that he was not elected to preside over the demise of "His Majesty’s empire."

In Montserrat in those days and later, our people existed only to enrich the purse of British manufacturers. We were forbidden to buy the lower-priced Japanese goods, as an example, unless we ordered them through a British importer. And we are talking here about a practice that lasted up to at least the early 1960’s.

After World War II, some British colonies had to fight to get their freedom. How then could a Montserratian speak of fighting for freedom when some of our people fought the enemy of our oppressor? The pall of gloom that engulfs our people today does not only obtain from the volcano, but more so from a lack of hope, in addition to fear of the British, whose sole bent, it seems, is to subjugate a relatively successful people of African decent. Montserratians know this too well, and why do we not act in concert to protect our people and country?

Are we ungrateful if we are not thankful for the 135 million pounds Britain claimed it has given and will be given to us? Certainly, if they are really giving us all of that money. But the simple fact is that they are deceiving the public, and are stealing and squandering most of that money on themselves.

They insult our leaders and top officials at almost every meeting, showing no sensitivity and respect whatsoever, one top official noted. They frequently start meetings with the discourteous statement that they are there to protect the interests of Her Majesty’s Government.

One top British official openly stated that they would not enrich any landowners in Montserrat. And former Governor Savage said that the land in Montserrat has no value because only the British Government has the money to buy land here. With probably 75 percent of the land unavailable for use, how is it possible, with such a drastic decline in supply, that land has no value, even if only the British have the money?

And all the resources of Montserratians at home and abroad have no value too!

They then sent in a white Briton from the Turks and Caicos, an uneducated man with little if any training in land valuation, to put arbitrary prices on our lands, deceiving us, calling him an independent valuer.

If the British have to pay market prices, as British laws, Montserrat laws and international laws require, they would have much less money to steal, squander on themselves and transfer back to England. Imagine they brought in this so-called independent valuer paying him, we understand, US $1,500-$2,000 per day, to tell us our lands are worth less than one-quarter of their real market price. All of this is obviously part of the British government's policy, many of us believe, to secure that Montserratians will not have the resources to rebuild, and in this way they can stay in charge and dominate us within an open and clear white supremacist code.

The humanitarians among us are pleased to note that not all of them are that evil. Some of them on arriving here are shocked at what they observe at the dawn of the 21st century. One of them said late last year that he worked in the worst parts of Africa, but never had he seen colonialism so open and brutal. "It is brutal" he repeated. And he continued: "I am among them, and I know what I hear."

Part of what he heard was the reluctance of the British to buy land in Montserrat so they just simply decided to seize all the lands that are not registered. The elected government asked them to allow one year to get Montserratians to register, and they agreed but after that time elapse all those lands not registered, much of which is owned by people who do not have the money to pay for the survey, will be transferred to the name of the British Crown. So the white British Crown, super rich, will steal people’s land, further enriching the British Crown, as was done by British pirates, sea dogs and plunderers of the 1600’s, 1700’s 1800’s and later. Who could ever change the spots of the leopard? No wonder there is this mood of helplessness that pervades our country.

Look at what the prominent Montserratian said about fighting for freedom when our people died in battle for the British. That had to be pathological. Recently, a forensic psychiatrist analyzing a battered woman who conspired in the killing of her lover, noted that such women view themselves as helpless and develop a "pathological attachment" to their mates, concentrating on the short-term, that is, on day-to-day activities and exhibiting unusual levels of fear. They show intense loyalty to their oppressive mates and distort clear messages from the environment. Now if this does not describe the way Montserratians are behaving today then no other explanation can.

The Jews under Hitler are another good example. At one time, they were turning one another in, hoping to escape their fate. But their strong sense of loyalty eventually surfaced, even if only when they realized they had no choice.

It is just sad to observe the fear Montserratians have of these British, how they anticipate their wishes and join with them to hurt, if not destroy, their own people. An African people joining with the white British to steal from their own to give to their super rich Crown land taken from people, some poor or of modest means – just as in the old days of slavery with its environment of fear and submissiveness.

This matter will have to be taken to the United Nations, where all Caribbean people need to join forces with Montserratians to condemn the barbaric behaviour of the agents of the British Government. And where are our leaders?

Chief Minister Brandt went on Radio Montserrat and openly stated that he could not believe any of the promises the British made to him! On other occasions he criticized them when they offended him personally or his office, but these are not enough to protect our country’s interests against this white supremacist onslaught.

Caricom Village Construction Delayed

A shortage of funds is holding up the completion of the CARICOM Village at Lookout.

The three-bedroom units are being financed by the Caribbean Community – CARICOM -- but the project has run short of funds.

Work on the units came to an end just before Christmas last year, when soldiers from several member states, including Jamaica and Guyana, left the island.

CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington says everything is being done to complete the project, which will go a long way towards providing suitable accommodation for those who have chosen to stay on the island.

Mr. Carrington says all pledges of assistance to construct the houses have not been fulfilled.

However, the Secretary General is optimistic that very soon those would be made good and the Village will be complete.

Fifteen of the houses are at an advanced state of completion.

It is expected that another 15 will be built, including five donated by the Government and people of Jamaica.

Dominica’s PM James Visits Montserrat

The Honourable Prime Minister of Dominica Edison James paid a one-day visit to Montserrat earlier this week.

As part of his programme, Prime Minister James paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the Governor, Anthony Abbott, at McChesney’s Estate.

The Dominican leader also held a meeting with the four Ministers of Government; The Honourable Chief Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, David Brandt; The Honourable Minister for Education, Health and Community Services, Mrs. Adelina Tuitt; The Honourable Minister for Communications and Works, Rupert Weekes, and The Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Trade and the Environment, P. Austin Bramble.

Prime Minister James also made visits to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the Emergency Department to see first hand what the operations are like, against the background that residents in Dominica have been experiencing some problems with their own volcano.

He also made stops at the Lookout Housing Project and the Brades Shelter.

Prime Minister James also hosted a Press Conference at Radio Montserrat and met with Dominican nationals on Montserrat at McChesney’s Estate on Thursday evening, February 25, to find out, among other things, how they’ve been coping during the volcanic crisis on island.

Prime Minister James was scheduled to leave the island on the morning of Friday February 26.

Minister of Lands Meets Landowners in the North

The Honourable Minister with responsibility for Lands P. Austin Bramble hosted a public meeting with the people of the North on the issue of unregistered lands at the St. John’s Anglican Church on the evening of Monday February 15.

Scores of people turned out at the meeting, which was also attended by the Honourable Minister for Communications and Works Rupert Weekes, who is also the representative for the northern constituency, and by Chief Surveyor in the Department of Lands and Survey Dawn Bramble.

At the start of the meeting Minister Weekes called on the people of the North to cooperate with the Minister of Lands as he seeks to have all who have unregistered lands to have them registered, to avoid problems later.

However, landowners in the North of the island are requesting assistance from the government to survey their lands. Many speak about the high cost attached to surveying lands, which the owners cannot afford.

Minister Bramble told the sizeable gathering that he is aware that there are persons who would not be able to afford the cost of the survey, but because of the Government’s grant-in-aid status, it will not be able to offer much help.

However, he said Government will approach regional governments for assistance.

The Government of Montserrat has given landowners until January 31, 2000 to claim their lands if they can prove ownership.

The law states that all unclaimed land is vested in the Crown, and Minister Bramble said it is his responsibility to ensure that all lands are surveyed and claimed.

He is, therefore, repeating his call for people with unclaimed lands to get them surveyed.

Minister Bramble said this is in keeping with proper land management practices recognized world-wide.

Mr. Bramble said the proper registration of lands is the only way to avoid conflicts and disputes.

Progress made on Resource Allocation Review

The Government of Montserrat is reporting significant progress on the Resource Allocation Review (RAR).

The target date for the job evaluation exercise is the year 2000.

The exercise is aimed at improving and retaining staff with marketable skills.

The administration is now in the second phase of the exercise. After re-organizing the established positions in the public service, attention is now being turned to the non-established posts.

The RAR recommends 585 established workers, plus 161 non-established public workers, for a total of 746 public service workers. This is a reduction of approximately 1,000 positions.

However, there are still a number of established positions to be filled.

The redundancy programme is also at an end and His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott says a recruitment drive is now on to fill the non-established posts.

The administration also plans to turn 98 non-established posts into established positions

After this exercise is over, the administration will conduct a job evaluation exercise. This will ensure that all public servants have proper job descriptions.

The aim of the entire exercise is to make the public service into a tighter, leaner organization.

31^st OECS Authority Meeting in Dominica

The 31^st Meeting of the OECS Authority in Dominica discussed a number of issues to take the sub-region into the new millennium.

Telecommunications, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court matters and Barbados’ membership of the OECS were among matters which dominated the 12-item agenda.

The discussions on Telecommunications focused on the establishment of an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework to support on-going attempts at reforming the industry through the OECS Telecommunications Reform Project, as well as on negotiation with Cable and Wireless.

The Authority called for timely negotiations to allow for new arrangements to be in place when St. Lucia’s Agreement with Cable and Wireless ends in 2001.

Sub-regional Heads of Government agreed to appoint a nine-member Negotiating Team, which will be led by St. Lucia’s Minister of Communications and Works, the Honourable Senator Calixte George.

The team will include additional political, legal, financial and technical representatives from across the OECS.

Discussions on Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court matters drew agreement on criteria to be used for making appointments to the position of Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

In this regard, the Authority agreed to make a nomination to Her Majesty’s Government for appointment to the position of Chief Justice of the Court.

The Governments of the OECS and Barbados reaffirmed their commitment to deepen relations between them. Sub-regional Governments expressed their readiness to commence negotiations with Barbados, with a view to developing "an enhanced relationship."

The Authority agreed that OECS Member States should immediately commence internal processes to put in place appropriate legal, administrative and institutional arrangements to give effect to the Protocols that have already been agreed, in particular Protocols II and VI, on Rights of Establishment and Transport Policy respectively.

The Authority also decided that work on Aliens Landholding Legislation should be expedited to facilitate easier investment and capital flows.

The Authority noted with satisfaction that significant progress was being made on the matter of follow-up of the Constitutional Review involving St. Kitts and Nevis.

The next meeting of the Authority is scheduled to take place in Grenada in November 1999.

OECS Meeting Considers Telecommunications Reform

Montserrat’s Minister for Communications Rupert Weekes attended a meeting on OECS telecommunications reform February 8^th and 9^th in St. Lucia.

Although Montserrat wasn’t a part of the World Bank-funded project, Mr. Weekes said whatever final decision is reached in the future, it would have implications for Montserrat.

The primary objective is to introduce pro-competitive reforms in the telecommunications sector and increase the supply of informatics-related skills in the OECS borrowing countries.

A project to assist the OECS countries to reform their telecommunications sectors became effective in October 1998 with funding from the World Bank.

St. Lucia’s contract with Cable and Wireless, which will be the first to expire in the year 2001, is being used as a model for the sub-region.

The project calls for a series of national consultations. They are aimed primarily at the articulation of a clear telecommunication policy and the provision for legislation for the development and regulation of the sector.

Mr. Weekes said OECS Governments have embarked upon a most relevant and expedient project that will shape the face of the telecommunications sector in the sub-region for many years to come.

He said in making this project effective, the OECS Heads have taken several policy positions and decisions. Minister Weekes said the over-riding agreement is that there is a need within the region for forces to join and work together.

Montserrat’s Communications Minister said the project was initially a part of a wider Project called the Economic Diversification Project. Mr. Weekes said OECS Governments opted for a more focused project that will directly deal with telecommunications. He said one of the outcomes would be to lay the groundwork for the formulation of the OECS position in their joint negotiations with Cable and Wireless.

Mr. Weekes said telecommunications is recognized as being the critical element for economic diversification and it was unanimously agreed that there was the need for competition in the sector.

He said the project also seeks to address issues such as high cost for telecommunication services, putting in place an OECS or Regional Regulatory Body, the preparation of proper legislation, and a critical look at the existing monopoly situations inter alia.

Minister Weekes concluded that OECS Ministers with responsibility for telecommunications met in St. Lucia on October 26^th, 1998, and formulated some proposals which Heads of Government of the sub-region at their latest meeting in Dominica have agreed to, hence, the meeting of OECS telecommunications meeting for Ministers and Legal Officers in St. Lucia.

Pink Mealy Bug Still Threat to the Region

It has been reported that a new strain of the deadly Pink Mealy bug is in the Caribbean.

It has been said that the new pest is not as destructive as its predecessor. However, the Department of Agriculture says it has no knowledge of the new strain on Montserrat.

Director of Agriculture Claude Gerald says the pest, which was discovered on the island more than a year ago, is under control.

The mealy bug is a deadly pest which attacks and destroys over two hundred species of plants, including agricultural crops.

Mr. Gerald says the use of biological control methods has given satisfying results.

The methods used include the wasp brought in from Trinidad and Tobago to feed on the bug and cutting infested trees and plants and burning them.

Several plants, including the hibiscus, served as host for the mealy bug.

\The Department of Agriculture is also preventing the mealy bug from entering the island by exercising tight control over the importation of fruits and vegetables, which are inspected at the ports of entry.

Cognizant of the fact that some of the pests may still exist on island, Mr. Gerald says the Department of Agriculture is not interested in the extermination of any organism, but in the sustainable management of all plants and animal species to man’s greatest benefit.

Prisoners Transferred To British Virgin Islands

Another four prisoners have been transferred overseas to finish their sentences.

Assistant Superintendent of Prison Ruel Hixon says the four prisoners were transferred to the sister Dependent Territory of the British Virgin Islands on the weekend of February 9^th.

The prisoners were escorted by two local Prison Officers, who then handed them over to the BVI authorities.

They are serving sentences ranging from 18 months to five years for burglary, arson, unlawful carnal knowledge and causing grievous bodily harm.

Mr. Hixon says the transfer of the prisoners is allowed under the Dependent Territories Colonial Prison Act, which was signed by Secretary of State Robin Cook and the Governors of Montserrat and the BVI, Anthony Abbott and Frank Savage.

A total of 15 Montserratian prisoners are now serving their sentences overseas.

Fourteen are in the Turks and Caicos Islands on sentences ranging from seven years to natural life.

One is serving time in England.

Of the five prisoners on island, four are serving short sentences, while the other is on remand.

St. Patrick’s Day Week of Activities

The Montserrat Tourist Board has shortlisted a week of activities to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day March 17^th, 1999.

Ernestine Cassell is the Director of Tourism. She says the week of activities, which starts with a church service on March 14^th, will conclude with a beach fete on March 20^th.

Ms. Cassell is encouraging everyone to participate in the events.

She says also included in the programme of activities are a Tea and a movie entitled "Feet of Flames," to be shown at Palm Hurst , a street jam, the traditional Freedom Run, hikes into Silver Hills, a radio call-in programme, a progressive pub crawl, a leprechaun competition and the Many Happy Returns II Take II concert.

One of the organizers of the Many Happy Returns concert, Doug Darby, says a number of bands and individuals will be participating in the concert on March 19^th, and there could also be some surprises that might still be capable of being planned out later.

He says there will be the local Muscavada, Silicosis, Crisis, Cupid and Hero. The people who will be coming from London will be an Irish traditional band called Kissing Stone, and a 20-member strong London community gospel choir, the Golden Elephants, in one form or another. To top it all off, Arrow will be bringing his Multi-National Force Band.

Mr. Darby promises a night of great entertainment for all the people who will converge on Montserrat to attend the concert.

50^th Anniversary Is UWI Success

The commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the University of the West Indies has been described as a success.

UWI Senior Lecturer and Resident Tutor at the School of Continuing Studies Dr. Howard Fergus says despite the ongoing crisis, the events were successful.

Among the activities were the Run UWI Run, a concert, a church service, and a book launch, highlighted by a new book: "Anthology of Montserrat Poems."

Dr. Fergus attributes this success to the enthusiastic work of the committee and the foundation the University has laid over the years.

He says the success is also a reflection of the UWI’s work on Montserrat.

Dr. Fergus says the purposes of the celebration was to highlight the importance of the university and what it has achieved in the past, and to galvanize support for the future.

Montserrat Teachers To Benefit from Training

Primary School teachers on Montserrat will soon be able to benefit from a regional Teacher Training Programme.

Education Officer Primary Alric Taylor recently participated in a training of trainers workshop in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mr. Taylor says the programme, which is part of the OECS/UWI/BDDC project, has prepared him to conduct the local aspect of the training.

The programme has three components, orientation for untrained teachers, professional development of trained teachers, and training for managers in schools.

Mr. Taylor says the first component does not apply to Montserrat, since all primary school teachers on the island are already trained.

The training programme is expected to begin on Montserrat by the start of the new school year in September.

The programmes consist of 17 modules. Among them are education in a changing environment, global issues in education, upgrading core subject areas, reading and numeracy, curriculum development testing and evaluation.

Meantime, the University of Nippising in Canada continues to lend support to the Ministry of Education.

Two members from the University, Professor Jack Jones and his son Lucas, have been conducting separate sessions for primary and secondary school teachers.

The progamme is sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Professor Jones says the teacher training programme is geared towards improving class management.

He says they have also been looking at different assessment techniques and instructional technology.

Professor Jones says the Teacher Training Programme also looks at different alternatives to meet the needs of teachers.

And Primary School teachers have been introduced to new technology to help them in the classroom.

Lucas Jones said during the past week the teachers have been familiarizing themselves with various computer programmes for use in the classrooms.

He says this will assist the students with math, reading and language.

More Exposure For Montserrat

Montserrat is scheduled to receive more international exposure soon.

A producer from the Cable News Network (CNN) in the United States visited the island earlier this week to start a documentary on Montserrat’s recovery efforts.

Holly Saunders is a free lance producer employed by CNN.

Saunders said the one-hour programme will focus on the transportation, tourism, the economy and housing.

Saunders said interviews with Montserratians, visitors and government officials, including the Director of Tourism, will be featured on the programme.

The programme will be aired on CNN on March 1^st, 1999.

During the volcanic crisis, a number of journalists from the United States and Europe, along with some from the Caribbean region, have visited Montserrat from time to time to get first hand information on the devastation caused by the Soufriere Hills Volcano and Montserrat’s recovery efforts in general.

Basil Morgan to Officiate in Matches On Australia’s Tour of the Caribbean

Montserrat’s leading cricket umpire will have a busy schedule during the early part of this year.

Basil Morgan has been selected to stand in four matches during the upcoming Australian tour of the Caribbean.

He will stand in the third and fourth one-day internationals between West Indies and Australia, and in games six and seven between both teams in Barbados.

Morgan will also officiate in the four-day game between Australia and the West Indies Board XI at the Recreation Ground in Antigua from February 22^nd to 24^th.

As far as regional competition is concerned, Morgan has also been summoned to stand in the Busta Cup semi-final match-up between Barbados and Jamaica at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

Although Morgan has not been penciled in for a test match, he says he welcomes the opportunity to display his skills to the world.

Morgan says he knows the time will come when he will get his opportunity to officiate in a test match and he will make the best of it.

He says there are a number of people on Montserrat, in particular, who assisted him to reach where he is at this point, and he will like to thank them publicly for their assistance.

These include his immediate family both at home and abroad, Bennette Roach, former regional and L.Is. umpire, Theodore Bramble, a former Leeward Islands tournament umpire, Chief Minister David Brandt, when he was President of the Montserrat Cricket Association, and D.R.V. Edwards.

It is Always Very Distressing to Hear Politicians Mislead the Public

The Government did not do well in its discussion of the land registration issue at the recent meeting in St John's. Forthright leadership was lacking. It was as if we missed another opportunity to do something correctly.

Now is the time to tell the people of Montserrat that Government will have to acquire lands in the north. And the Government should use every opportunity to tell the people that sooner rather than later, this unfortunate but necessary policy will have to be adopted.

At the meeting in St John's, the public should have been told that drastic land policies will have to be adopted in the very near future. The public should have been told that any present or future Government of "scarce-land" Montserrat must see the need to rezone, acquire and redistribute lands, or to control all land which becomes available for sale.

Any worthwhile Government will accept that all future development or redevelopment must be crammed into a smaller space than what we had available before. And, that Government must be prepared to devise or adopt measures to guarantee the social and economic continuity of Montserrat.

The public, therefore, should have been told the category of land owner who will be targeted; for example, that only large plots of land which can be used for development, will be targeted.

Last week the Montserrat Newsletter revealed that less than 400 persons were in shelters. That was misleading, Family units are shelters too, yet all the residents of these shelters were excluded from the count. Are we ashamed of the real shelter population? I would have thought that the more truthful we are about the shelter population, the more likely it will be for the general acceptance of any new land policies.

The Government should not be ashamed of having people in shelters. This is the result of an unfortunate accident which happened to the people of Montserrat. We may as well begin to accept, and to say it loudly, that some people will spend the rest of their lives in shelters. And we should not fool ourselves to believe that everybody will be out of shelters by the year 2010. Of course, that is not a great situation, socially or morally, for the people of Montserrat. But what can we do?

From here on, though, we need careful planning and prudent realisation of our limitations, especially with respect to land, money and people. In addition, we still need to get our priorities right. For example, the shelter situation is only a small part of the land problem. Of much greater importance is land to ensure property rights for future generations, and land for future developmental purposes.

These realisations must be the lead off in any discussions on land; and they must also be the driving force to take us into the 21st century with as few difficulties as possible.

Finally, we should never be content with misleading others, because in the process we only fool ourselves. We will have to adopt drastic land policies; and people will be in shelters for a very long time. This may be an unwelcome truth -- but it is the truth.

FARMERS CORNER

James 'Mountain Man' Lee

ENTOMOLOGIST VISITS

Ms. Helory McCornie, an entomologist with CARDI, visited Montserrat February 16^th to18^th.

The main purpose of her visit was to see to the implementation of an integrated pest management programme for Montserrat. During her visit, she held discussions with officials of the Department of Agriculture and local farmers.

RAIN AT A GOOD TIME

Farmers were involved in land preparation activities for the past several weeks. As many of them have been saying lately, this week’s rains could not have come at a better time. Many farmers have seized this opportunity to put in a number of vegetable crops.

BRADES NURSERY

Seedlings of tomato, cabbage and eggplant are currently available at Brades nursery. Call 491 2546 for further information.

TIE YOUR LIVESTOCK

The Department of Agriculture has made considerable progress in controlling the loose livestock problem in the safe zone. Listeners to ZJB radio had the opportunity last Thursday of participating in a discussion on the topic. The Department will be rounding up wild donkeys shortly in the Lookout area. Already there are at least 15 requests from local farmers for donkeys.

FORESTRY RESERVE

The area of forest from Hope Springs to Cassava Ghaut is now the Proposed Protected Forest; Cassava Ghaut to Mt. Pleasant – the Proposed Forest Reserve. These areas were demarcated with 4ft yellow, red and white steel poles. Next phase is to extend similar demarcation work as far north as Soldier Ghaut.

A View From the Outside #7

By Ken Walter

When we first visited Montserrat in 1986 one of the things that I was really taken with was that almost every Montserratian I met expressed a great affection and pride for this island and in being a Montserratian. I found this unusual, as many people in the United States tend to always see "the grass being greener somewhere else". Feeling that we truly had found paradise, I was delighted that Montserratians also appreciated this fact.

We come from the United States, a country described as the "great melting pot" because we are a nation of people from so many different countries. As our ancestors arrived in America they would tend to settle either in city neighborhoods or in geographic regions of the country where there were, as they saying went "people of our own kind". As a result they continued to speak their native language - at least at home, and carry on the traditions and heritage of their native lands and cultures. After World War II this changed, as "Americans" became mobile, moving to different cities and different parts of the country to further their educations and careers. Regrettably with this movement there was a resulting loss of interest in "the old ways", thus a loss of their culture and heritage. Fortunately we are seeing a resurgence in the acknowledgment of our ancestry and a desire to revive the traditions of each individual’s culture.

Like my own home, I always felt that Montserrat’s culture was village based and Montserrat’s national culture was built on this very firm village foundation. Now whether the volcano has destroyed your village, forced you to leave temporarily or for those North of the Exclusion Zone forever changed your village, everything is mixed up like a well shuffled deck of cards!

Clearly this does not bode well for Montserrat. You must have a past to have a future. The task of maintaining your cultural identity rests on the shoulders of Montserrat’s adults - as parents, teachers and government officials. Seek out your senior citizens to record their stories and oral history of events, traditions, crafts and culture. Every day that ZJB announces the death of a senior citizen another piece of your unrecorded history dies too. Every occasion that would have meant the baking of a traditional dish, telling of tales, dancing a dance, playing music - whatever, that is not observed by the adult population is another opportunity lost to keep your culture alive. Most importantly of all, every day that goes by, every occasion that is not observed is another opportunity lost to educate Montserrat’s young people.

Over the holidays my wife and I watched two (2) gentleman teaching some of the children of Brades School the art of Masquerade Dancing. What a wonderful experience this must have been for the teachers and the children. They were certainly doing their part to keep their Montserrat heritage alive. Are you?

So Long Paradise - Part 1

By Norma Walter

Our 4 month visit is sadly ending soon. We have made many new friends and will communicate with them faithfully. Hopefully on the day we leave, we will have realized our dreams of owning a home on Montserrat. That is still in the works as I write.

We had two long-time friends (Pat and Jack Smart) visiting with us last week. We gave them a whirlwind tour, including hikes, beaches for swimming and snorkeling, West Indian food at some of the Montserrat’s great eateries: Wilson’s chicken, Mrs. Morgan’s goatwater, and Rootsman’s vegetarian and fish dinner to name a few. Dominoes and the camaraderie at Gary Moore’s rum shop in Salem was great fun for Pat and Jack.

But the most impressive was of course the volcano. Pat and Jack could not get enough of it. They photographed it from every angle to which we could expose them. When we had our walk up Garibaldi Hill Pat and Jack witnessed a rock fall, and though minor to us, it left them speechless--it takes a lot to leave Jack speechless. This is evidence again of what seeing the volcano means to an "outsider," as Ken has written in his guest column many times. They would have liked to drive into Plymouth to experience it close up, but since it is not a tourist attraction, we explained that was not possible.

Pat and Jack left with memories of all the wonderful people they met while here. Montserrations at every turn were full of friendly greetings and great smiles. Pat bought some wonderful T-shirts from Arrow’s shop in Salem for their three boys and we had some of Mr. Watts’ ice cream - "pistachio" for the first time thanks to Pat.

They are now back home in New York State--safe, sound, tired and cold. At this moment on Monday afternoon (Feb. 2) Ken and I await the arrival of our son, Kevin, and his friend Jeremy Estes. They left in an ice storm at JFK airport in New York and we are hoping that we will see them here as scheduled. Have not heard anything to the contrary, and the trip is really in God’s hands in any case. I trust they will be watching the sunset with us here in Lime Kiln this evening.

Taxi! Taxi!! TAXI!!!

To visit your house, I’m afraid,

Permission is slightly delayed.

Sightsee south of Belham?

Just drive up and tell them,

Then join in the Plymouth parade.

Exquisite Timing

HMG’s fondest hopes are complete,

Was coincidence ever so neat?

That a magazine splash

Should re-demonize ash

Just as the scientists meet!

JUS' WONDERIN'

Jus wonderin if the police used excess force on the Sparrow.

Jus wonderin if the judge really had ‘credible’ evidence of bribery why he didn’t disband the jury.

Jus wonderin if after the radio program on loose livestock, any of the Ministers will see to it that the goats are removed from Forgathy.

Jus wonderin if the Director of Agriculture is serious about the loose livestock problem.

Jus wonderin if the Vue Pointe Hotel will be reopened or sold.

Jus wonderin if the reason the Judge sent the statement on jury bribery to ZJB is because he was worried that there was insufficient evidence to convict the accuseds.

Jus wonderin why he did not hold hearings on the allegations of Jury bribery like he did in other matters involving the jury.

Jus wonderin why the famous letter that came up at the Inquest was never acted upon before June 25, 1997.

Jus wonderin what pressures if any will be brought down on the scientists to declare Bramble airport and its environs safe for public use.

Jus wonderin if it is true that Cork Hill and Foxes Bay will not be declared safe for re-occupation until Trants is also declared safe.

Jus wonderin if scientists will continue to hold their own.

Jus wonderin when the ‘gas’ crisis will end.

Jus wonderin how the contractors can help save face for Brown & Root.

Jus wonderin if there is a split in the government ranks why a more firm position is not taken with Brown & Root or the contractors.

Jus wonderin what is Dfid’s stake in the matter.

Jus wonderin whose loss it would be if Brown & Root would simply pay the contractors their money.

Jus wonderin if the Governor is a servant, boss or partner.

Jus wonderin if school teachers know where on the body feels coldest, when it gets chilly.

Jus wonderin who is really in charge of authorising flights on the passenger helicopter.

Jus wonderin why a cemetery cannot be made south of Belham River.

Jus wonderin if a dark people dark so, why dem friad cemetery in dis day an age.

Jus wonderin why there is no permanent secretary or chief of staff in the Chief Minister’s office.

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Home Helper Services

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We provide any one or a combination of the following services at an hourly rate:

- Ironing

- Washing

- Cleaning

• Babysitting
• Exterior cleaning services

Contact Vereen Woolcock at 491-2025, 491-5865 for our rate sheet and service request forms.

Engagement of Organisation and Management Consultants Operations Audit

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is undertaking a strategic planning exercise so as to position itself to meet the challenges of the new century. The exercise involves, inter alia, an operations audit, the objective of which is to provide CDB’s Management with the information necessary to identify opportunities for enhancing/maintaining CDB’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. This will include the development of proposals for changes in organisational structures, policies, procedures and processes, technical infrastructure and staff development programmes, where necessary.

CDB is hereby inviting qualified consulting firms or joint ventures interested in undertaking this operations audit to submit qualification information which should include details of similar assignments undertaken, organisation and staffing, curricular vitae of prospective staff who may be assigned for these services and information on financial capability, including audited financial statements for the last three years, which will be held in strict confidence. All qualification information submitted is required to be in English.

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised and have their principal places of business in one of the member countries of the CDB or the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and are more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or bona fide resident or residents of one more of the member countries of CDB or the Kingdom of the Netherlands or a body or bodies corporate meeting these requirements.

Consultants, whether acting singly or in joint ventures, are required to each submit a completed copy of a questionnaire and required documentation to Miss Fay Alleyne, Human Resources Officer, CDB at the address below. Copies of the questionnaire are available on CDB’s web site http://www.caribank.org.

After evaluation of the information submitted, a shortlist of consultants and/or joint ventures of consultants will be selected and invited to submit proposals for the provision of the services. The Terms of Reference for the study will be made available to the short-listed consultants.

All submissions are to be received at the address below by March 29, 1999. CDB shall not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and shall not be responsible for any cost incurred by the applicants.

Caribbean Development Bank Workshop

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be hosting a one-day Workshop for consultants from Caribbean regional member countries of CDB, on April 26, 1999 at the Hilton Hotel, Barbados.

The object of the Workshop is to familiarise consultants with CDB's "Procedures for the Selection and Engagement of Consultants by Recipients of CDB Financing", which became operational in February 1998.

Consultants who wish to participate in the workshop should call, write, e-mail or fax the project Officer (Procurement), at the address given below to obtain registration forms.

Completed registration forms should be returned to the Chief Project Officer, Portfolio Monitoring and Procurement Unit (PMPU) at the address given below not later than March 26, 1999. A registration fee of US $50, in the form of a draft payable to the Caribbean Development Bank, should accompany the completed Registration Form. This fee includes the cost of lunch as well as mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.

The address for mailing is:

Caribbean Development Bank

P. O. Box 408

Wildey, St.Michael

BARBADOS, W.I.

Tel: (246) 431-1600

Fax: (246) 426-7269

e-mail: taylorg@caribank.org

or  boydanm@caribank.org

EASTERN CARIBBEAN CENTRAL BANK VACANCY

Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of the OEC member territories and Anguilla to fill the post of Research Officer, External Relations Unit at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Basseterre, St Kitts.

Applicants should have:

• at least a Bachelors degree in Economics, International Business Studies, International Trade or a related field;

- in addition to being computer literate, skills in effective communications, project management and economic analysis.

• at least two years experience in a trade on international economics position with either a public or private sector institution.

A relevant Master's degree or other post-graduate qualification would be an asset.

DUTIES

The Research officer will be directly responsible to the Director, External Relations Unit, Governor's Office, for the proper performance of his/her duties which will include:-

1. Concluding research and analysis to pertinent regional and international economic development and trade issues.
2. Assisting the Director with formulating and implementing the Bank's external economic relations policy.
3. Monitoring, analysis, documenting and disseminating information on regional and international economic and financial issues pertinent to the Bank's work.
4. Assisting the Director in liaising with OECS Institutions, regional and international Central Banks, overseas missions, CARICOM, CDB and other regional/international bodies.
5. Assisting with internal policy and work programme co-ordination.
6. Monitoring the Bank's special technical assistance projects and interfacing with outside consultants on the Bank's behalf.
7. Other duties as assigned by the Governor or External Relations Unit.

SALARY

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificate should be forwarded to:

To reach no later than 20 March 1999.

Applications which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.

MBS LTD. NOTICE

We are happy to announce that we have collected sufficient funds to be able to make a further payment to savings shareholders. This has been largely to the realization of interest paid on the Society’s Investments and from sums received in settlements on Insurance Claims.

We have accordingly sought and obtained an Order from the High Court to permit depositors to withdraw a further thirty five per cent (35%) of balances held as of the 22nd August, 1997.

We will be open to accept requests for withdrawals from Monday, 1st March, 1999 at 10:00 A.M.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the patience and understanding shown by our depositors. We are taking all possible steps to protect our depositors interests so as to ensure that the Society will be eventually able to make the maximum payment possible.

Yours faithfully,

Cedric R. Osborne

Chairman

Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org

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