.

In a whirlwind 24-hour tour of Montserrat, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, made his third visit to Montserrat in four years, to view the volcano from the air, assess the impact of British and other aid to the island and to be dined and entertained by government officials and Montserratians young and old.

Before his official arrival at Geralds Heliport Monday morning, Prince Andrew was flown by helicopter to see the devastation wrought to Plymouth and the east and south of the island since his last visit in 1998, and the size of the new dome emerging in the Soufriere Hills.
Among the press of activities awaiting Prince Andrew were visits to the British-funded housing project at Lookout, the hospital at St. Johns, the Golden Years Home for the elderly, the industrial complex and St. Augustine Catholic School.

Chief Minister David Brandt and other government leaders entertained the Duke of York at a luncheon in the new Tropical Mansion Suites hotel.

In welcoming the Prince, the Chief Minister told him that he has made more visits than any other member of a royal family and "this has to be reflective of the interest both Her Majesty the Queen and yourself have taken in our island and its current plight." He then offered the Prince full Montserratian citizenship when "we obtain full British citizenship on a non-reciprocal basis."

Prince Andrew at luncheon with CM Brandt and HE Gov. Abbott

After expressing the island's clear and unmistakable gratitude for British support, Mr. Brandt spoke of what he termed as "only a sample" of the island's pressing concerns. Had he not done so, he said, "I would be less than fair to my still homeless people, to my still indigent people, to my still unemployed."

He referred to the need for recreational facilities in the north, housing, where, he said, there is "still a dire need." "In addition," the Chief Minister said, "we need to see a successful conclusion to the tortuous and protracted negotiations of the Soft Mortgage Scheme, where the rules and criteria keep changing while the potential beneficiaries wait and languish."

He spoke also of the air transport which "is still in limbo," and then the "Travel Advisory put out by the British Government, to our detriment." He said that this was in conflict with the scientific advice, the inclinations of HE Governor Abbott, and also "virtually in conflict with DFID's own commitment to assist us with a comprehensive tourism programme."

The Chief Minister said directly to Prince Andrew, "my people's commitment is to remaining here and to developing their country."
In his luncheon speech, Prince Andrew who abandoned his prepared speech except for his aid announcements, said one of the major positive changes he had seen this time was in Montserratians' attitude to life. He said people were more positive about the future; they now felt they had turned the corner as far as the volcanic crisis was concerned. Of the volcano itself, he said, "I genuinely don't think it's dangerous."

The Prince said he could not promise action following the CM's remarks but that he will do whatever he could.

The Prince announced a £100,000 donation by Britain towards establishment of a major community centre here. The centre's major funding comes from the proceeds of a fund-raising concert for Montserrat that was organized by Sir George Martin, former owner of Air Studios and manager of the Beatles.

Prince Andrew also announced that Britain will provide a new patrol boat to the Royal Montserrat Police Force to help in the fight against illegal drugs.

Masquerade entertainment put on for the Prince

Governor and Mrs. Anthony Abbott entertained Prince Andrew at a reception Monday night. He left the island Tuesday morning to visit three other British dependencies, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Before his arrival on Montserrat, he had visited the British Virgin Islands.

Two weeks ago the Editorial made reference to "a common enemy," but what was deemed to be obvious without explanation apparently was taken out of context by some. The "common enemy" here is anyone -- be it HMG, local government, politicians, officials, civil servants, residents or anyone -- who does anything to deter Montserrat's rebirth and development.

It is unfortunate that instead of rising above human weakness, the evil that lies within Whitehall -- and among those of us who suffer from the same disease of envy and jealousy -- perceive or consider others to be unacceptably progressive in one way or another, and thus spitefully do not wish those persons success.

It is not difficult to connect this with what Professor Higgins was dealing with in his talk at the St. Patrick's Day presentation on Monday night. The presentation, which featured the professor and Dr. Howard Fergus, called upon them to explain the meaning of the celebrations of St. Patrick's Day here in Montserrat.

They both delivered, but Professor Higgins awoke something in his audience when he referred to the coloniser who talks about and is always pointing out the weaknesses of the colonised; the destruction of the oppressed. Adding the discussion of the economic effects of the Irish arrival and slavery to Montserrat, it was difficult to leave the discussion on Monday night without the insight that Montserrat is being recolonised all over again.

But worst of all are the obstructionist steps taken to support the evil and wicked ways. It cannot be more apparent, when the £75 million over three years is taken into proper context, that all the ensuing restrictions, little pronouncements, bulletins, press releases, and travel advisories can do nothing but discourage our progress.

It gets worse when we close our eyes to the evil efforts and say or do nothing to reveal that we are on to the hypocrisies. Why is it only expatriates, who share in our paradise lifestyle despite the volcano at our back door, who express their recognition of what can only be considered a program to keep us merely sustained?

We must not be fooled by the question, "why would anyone spend so much money if they are not interested?" Surely we know that not every business is run for profit; certainly some are designed to fail, because in the end that proves to be prudent and carries out the agenda perfectly. We may not be able to immediately identify the goal, but one thing is absolutely certain now, our long time progress and development are not a priority.

Does our rebirth -- and that's what it is and what we must get the British to accept and acknowledge -- have to be slow and painful? It seems that those of us responsible are not likely to reap the fruits. We won't live long enough. What a shame, but what is really bad, is that we collectively contribute to it by our negligence.

Dr. Fergus must muster whatever support he can to continue Monday night's dissertations. Our people must take a different approach to their future. We cannot think merely of today or even tomorrow, we must think of our old age and our children's livelihoods. That is what is at stake as we are led down the path -- ah yes, "sustenance" -- forever holding out our hands and expressing our gratefulness.

Sad to say, but we were getting there; we were about to begin to enjoy the fruits of that foiled St. Patrick's Day revolt. But we have been set back, not by Hugo or Volcano -- these should have been intermissions for us to stop and pause and take a new look. It was supposed to be like a purging, but we have set our hands and minds to the task. We should truly celebrate what those heroes of St. Patrick's Day sought and let it serve as an inspiration for us today. The shrewd have only to become shrewder. We have to match up.

Except for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers. Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles. All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are welcome. Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope. The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Dear Mr. Editor

I hope you will grant me space in the appropriate column of your Newspaper to respond to Mr. Hilroy Bramble’s allegations in his letter to the Chief of Staff, Chief Minister's Office, and which was published in your newspaper of February 25, 2000.

Mr. Bramble appears to find it easier to blame someone for his shortcomings in respect of his twice-weekly commentary called "Labour Speaks."

As a broadcaster and journalist, I too accept the United Nations Declaration on freedom of speech "regardless of frontiers."
But I also accept the responsibility inherent in such a declaration to make sure information to be shared with the public is accurate, factual, non-defamatory or libelous and in good taste.

It is part of my function as Manager at Radio Montserrat to make sure persons wishing to use the Radio Station to broadcast their views are aware of those principles and that they make the effort to adhere to such.

An important part of that process is researching the facts.

Unfortunately, Mr. Bramble appears not to think these principles important enough to spare the effort to do the research necessary which would greatly improve the credibility of his twice-weekly broadcasts. Consequently the credibility of the Radio Station is also affected.

From time to time I have had to bring to his attention some aspects of his scripts which do not conform to the guiding principles related to his weekly commentary.

In respect of the queries he alluded to in his script of Monday, February 21, Mr. Bramble conveniently forgot to mention that I shared some information with him related to the queries, but suggested he may want to verify same with the Community Services department.

Radio Montserrat has been sharing information with the public on the new Social Welfare program from the time it became apparent there would be such a program. And our News and Current Affairs section has always made the effort to do the research necessary and talk to the people involved to get the information in a timely manner to the public.

I cannot believe Mr. Bramble would want us to change that process to facilitate him.

As Station Manager I will continue to do my work in the best interest of the Radio Station and the public we serve.

I would hope that Mr. Bramble would want to do the same on behalf of the group he claims to represent in "Labour speaks."

Sincerely,

Rose Willock OBE (Ms)

Manager

RADIO MONTSERRAT

Dear Editor,

I should start by saying thanks to the Montserrat Reporter for giving us this luxury of keeping abreast with what's going on in our little Paradise. I must say that I am deeply touched by the courage of all Montserratians who stayed in spite of the scare and danger of the volcano.

I am very anxious to return home to visit. I don't know if the people of Montserrat are aware of the warnings given in the U.S. on visiting Montserrat. I think that we are getting misleading information sometimes. Since leaving home in 1989 every day I dream of being home again. The videos that we get to see are limited and sometimes scary and really hard to accept.

Montserrat is now a household name through out the world and I should say that is partly because of the hard work of all those who decided to stay after all these tragedies and also the hard work of the staff of the Montserrat Reporter.

There were a lot of lost friends and families but thanks to the Reporter's guest book hundreds of Montserratians abroad are now coming together. I close by saying thanks again on behalf of all of us who access your web site daily.

From son of the soil.

Keith Denzil Duxcy Morson

Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Christian parents rear their children in the faith community, acknowledging that they are God's gifts. But for me the opposite is also true - my parents are God's gifts!

I have come to realize that parents who instill the love of God in their children set an example and make a lasting impression on them. My parents have taught me to feel God's love in my heart and share it with others. They have always shown their love through their support and guidance. Love and prayers serve as a religious foundation on which my faith is built. I think it will be hard for my parents to let me go when the time comes. I recall those first days of school, always being told, "Be careful!" Other letting - go mile - stones came along: my first trip out of the country, my first time driving a car alone, and so on. As the years progress, I may appear to need my parents less. I hope that they know I will always need their love, support, and prayers to go with me as I leave the house, whether it be theirs or mine.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for parents who graciously and lovingly rear children to honor you. Help them to know when to hold on and when to let go. Give them the comfort of knowing how much they are admired and loved by their children. Amen.

Both children and parents are gifts from God.

John Duke

Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO REARED US

Montserrat footballers have run into venue problems for their return match against Santo Domingo in their quest to qualify for a place in the 2002 Soccer World Cup in Korea and Japan.

Montserrat Football Association (MFA) reveals that the well-advertised return match, which was due to be held at the Recreation Grounds in Antigua (ARG), will now be held in Port of Spain Trinidad & Tobago,

following emergency discussions with Antigua government and football officials.

The MFA's public relations officer said that officials of the ARG said that the match would seriously impact on their preparations for the Zimbabwe-West Indies one-day cricket match due to be held on April 5, 2000. He said further that negotiations with FIFA secretary Jack Warner in Trinidad, FIFA and the Dominican Republic resulted in the match being re-scheduled to Trinidad.

The MFA spokesman said also that the match could not be held in the alternate Police grounds in Antigua, because of their stringent requirements to be met to host a FIFA sponsored games such as barriers between players and spectators.

The Montserrat Football Team

The team will be chosen from a pool of players based in Britain and Montserrat. The MFA spokesman explained that it is normal to be able to use players of Montserrat parentage or Montserratians living in England to make up the Montserrat team, particularly because of our unique circumstances brought on by our volcanic activity.

In that match in Trinidad, Montserrat will be trying to undo firstly their 3-0 loss to the Dominican Republic. But after officially issuing personal invitations to many residents to attend the match in Antigua, the team will not have the local crowd this weekend that they were looking to for inspiration.

One official, recounting the first leg match, said that the three goals were scored against them in the first half.

The Montserrat football squad is being captained by Police Constable Charles Thompson.
The rest of the team -- Ottley Laborde, Jerome Kirwan, Joseph "Pops" Morris, Julian Wade, Crenston Buffonge, Willix Antoine, Francis James, Cecil Findlay, David James, Clayton O'Donoghue and Elton Williams.
Following are names of the UK-Based players - Wayne Dyer, Vladimir Farrell, Shane Greenaway, Paul Lynch, Damien Harper, Richard Dyer, Ashton Buffonge Peter Walkinshaw.
With the help of the President of the Caribbean Football Union Austin "Jack" Warner, the game has since been switched to the National Stadium in Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad on Sunday March 19, 2000.
The Montserrat contingent is scheduled to leave Friday morning for Trinidad.

St. Augustine's School was in focus this week when it received a visit from Prince Andrew, on his Monday tour of the island. It was also Commonwealth Day, with the theme on Telecommunications, so it was appropriate that the school's new computer room was on display. The five new computers, which were installed two weeks ago, were donated by the Department for International Development (DFID) under the Small Grants Scheme, parish priest Father Larry Finnegan explained .

The computer room is a part of the newly built presbytery building in the school's grounds, and the Grade Six children were busy on the computers under the watchful eye of their tutor, computer technician Jim Lee, for the Prince's visit. They were already into the Internet, and had accessed the Royal web page, which has information about the Prince and other members of the Royal Family, and the Prince chatted cordially with the students.

Computer classes are held twice a week after school for an hour, sometimes extending to an hour and a half, Mr. Lee says. The Grade Six class is divided into two groups of 10, which come on two separate days, so that two can share a computer, and individual instruction and supervision can be given. The basics of computer use are taught, and the children seem to have already picked up a whole lot. Later other grades will have a chance to be exposed to the computers.

The Prince also toured some of the classrooms with school Principal Eileen Edwards, and chatted with the children and teachers. The highlight of the visit was a special performance by the school's Glee Club, conducted and accompanied by their music teacher, Sarah Allen.

The first song was "Youth of the World Arise," written by Miss Allen, with its evocative words "Let lovely Montserrat beam." This was followed by a traditional Indian dance by three Indian students at the school. The beautiful and intricately rehearsed dance, complete with special Divali costumes, was a new experience for many of us in Montserrat.

The Glee Club performed a lighthearted dramatized version of the old nursery rhyme, "the Grand Old Duke of York," with three students in police uniform marching to the old tune, which took on a special significance since the Prince is also Duke of York. A medley of Commonwealth songs followed, with dramatized performances of the Jamaican folk song "Linsted Market" and the Guyanese reaping song "Uncle Joe," while the Montserrrat song "O Carib Isle" completed the show.

After being ceremonially invited to sign the visitors' book by two of the boys, the Prince was presented with gifts by three of the children. He expressed delight with the performance and had high praise for the children. "It was absolutely fantastic," he said, "brilliant and wonderful." After calling the entire school together, the Prince shared some encouraging words with the children. "These are very important days of your lives," he said, adding that communication is the key to the 21st century. He took his departure to the sounds of the song, "We love you, yes we do," sung by the entire school.

By Cathy Buffonge

The Montserrat National Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Montserrat's historic sites and natural environment, held its Annual General Meeting last week, the first for two years. The meeting was held in the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel, with a rather small group of members in attendance. President Sarita Weekes and Secretary Dr. Erica Gibbs spoke of some of the recent history of the Trust.

When the volcanic activity started in1995, the Trust was just celebrating its 25th anniversary year, and had recently moved into its new headquarters in Plymouth -- an old building that had been lovingly renovated by volunteers, under the direction of Bob Burbank.

Relocated to Olveston, the MNT continued its operations on a limited scale. The late Marion Wheeler, a hard-working and dedicated MNT member, had generously willed her home to the Trust, and for a while the Trust operated out of this house.

Around August 1997, however, at the height of the volcanic activity, the relocation overseas of most executive members and staff forced the Trust to suspend its operations. Vice President Cedric Osborne, the only executive member left on the island, held the fort and looked after essential business during this period.

By late 1998 most of the executive members were back, and the decision was taken to sell the Wheeler house and purchase the present headquarters, the Handley house on the Salem main road. This was made possible through generous help from Bob and Dorothy Burbank, who also donated additional lots of land adjoining the house. By February 1999 the Trust was able to re-open in its new home, with a full time Director in place.

Director Steve Macnamara, who was described by Mrs. Francis as dynamic, energetic and motivated, reported on activities carried out during his first year in office. The Five-Year Plan had already been drafted by the President and other volunteers, and the new Director was able to push ahead with several aspects of that Plan.

These include plans for a Natural History Centre, showcasing the island's geology, plant and marine life. The Director explained that this would be built over the existing pool area at the new headquarters, and would incorporate a lecture theatre with a stage and video facility, a display area, herbarium, marine section, reference and audio library, and more. Major funds have been sourced, but much more is needed, and the public is invited to contribute by paying for blocks for the building, which will be of great benefit to the community.

A botanical garden is also being established on the land surrounding the building, and funds for this are also being raised. EC$6,000 was raised by the recent barbecue, the Director said, but more is needed in order to lay pathways and employ a full-time worker. He also spoke of the development of hiking trails and camping sites, which is being done in collaboration with the Forestry Division. The MNT's recently released video on Montserrat's history, and the development of the Trust's web page, were also highlighted.

Treasurer John Allen delivered a comprehensive Treasurer's Report. He pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment had given financial assistance towards the operating expenses of the MNT during 1999, and the Trust had also benefited from grants through the Governor's office. Other sources of income include the rent from the Montserrat Tourist Board, which shares the building, the Oriole gift shop, and membership dues. However further fund raising remains vital, so that the Trust can continue with its important work.

Three volunteers were honoured as Benefactor Members for outstanding service to the MNT. They are Bob and Dorothy Burbank, whose generous contributions have been mentioned above, and John Kelsick who has been the Trust legal adviser for over 30 years. The three benefactors were highly praised by Mrs. Francis for their dedication to the Trust.

Montserrat, CANA - Montserrat is conducting a feasibility study on the expansion of the production of cassava, a starchy ground provision, with assistance from the Caribbean Agriculture Research Development Institute (CARDI), Chief Extension Officer Easton Farrell said Wednesday.
Mr. Farrell said the survey was prompted by findings of the Agriculture Ministry's Business Initiative Unit that a number of private entrepreneurs were interested in making cassava bread.
"Before we do that, we have to do some preliminary work in terms of establishing who on the island are producing cassavas, what kind of cassava they use, what type of fertiliser they use," he told Radio Montserrat.
When completed, the findings of the survey are expected to show how many persons here are interested and engaged in cassava production and what planting techniques are being used.
The Export Development Agency of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has been asked to assist in developing a market for the root-crop, a staple among Amerindians.

By Cathy Buffonge

Included on Prince Andrew's tour on Monday was the Golden Years Home for the Elderly. In attendance were Chairman of the Golden Years Foundation Gregory deGannes and Manager of the Home Mrs. Millicent Bass, together with her staff, as well as some of the volunteers who give of their time for the old folks.

Also present were Red Cross President Lystra Osborne and the Rev. Florence Daley, both of whom had been so instrumental in the Home's conception and realization.

The Prince toured the Home, and Mrs. Bass introduced him to the elderly residents, who were eagerly awaiting the visit. Entertainment was provided by the now renamed Montserrat String Band, with its lively traditional music, which delighted the Prince and the residents, some of whom also sang for the Prince.

The beautiful Home has been a labour of love, spearheaded by the Montserrat Red Cross and built largely from donations, to house the increase in elderly who needed care as a result of the volcanic crisis. Since its opening in 1998 it has been the responsibility of the Golden Years Foundation, especially set up for this purpose. The Home and the residents looked spick and span as usual, a credit to all involved.

For the last few months Mrs. Annie Dyer Howe and her husband Mr. Robert Howe have been producing a range of quality local products. These include hot pepper sauce, creole seasoning, vegetable relish, guava jelly and guava cheese, as well as barbecue sauce and hot'n spicy barbecue sauce.
Now another product has been added - Montserrat Bay Rum, which was launched last week at the Tropical Mansion Suites Hotel. Bay rum, a refreshing liniment made from bay leaves, is a traditional remedy that can be used as a rub to relieve aches and pains, influenza and other symptoms, for which it can also be inhaled. It can also be used as an after shave or bath lotion, and is for external use only.
The launching ceremony was chaired by Justin 'Hero' Cassell, who also provided singing entertainment to the accompaniment of Harold Irish's one-man band. A selection of the attractively labeled products were on display. There were addresses by Director of Development Angela Greenaway and Dr. Franklin Perkins, both of whom praised the effort and hard work put into making these products a reality.
Mr. Joseph Lynch described some of the life experiences of Mr. Howe, and introduced him as the initiator of the Bay Rum project. Several well-wishers also added their congratulations. These included Governor Anthony Abbott, Minister of Agriculture Brunel Meade, Speaker of the House Dr. Howard Fergus, Bank of Montserrat Manager Gregory deGannes, and opposition member John Osborne, a former colleague of Mrs. Howe.
All speakers had high praise for the perseverance and hard work of the Howes, and the use of local produce to manufacture a quality local product. Several speakers affirmed Government's commitment to local agribusiness, and encouraged the Howes to look towards exporting their products.

The Howes are receiving technical assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank.

CARICOM Leaders Agree To fund Additional Houses

St. Kitts - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders Tuesday night wrapped up their mid-term caucus here, deciding to fund the construction of an additional 10 houses on volcano-battered Montserrat through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
"We have taken a decision that this will be treated as a capital project by CARICOM, financed through the Caribbean Development Bank and the project being managed by CDERA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency
Response Agency)," a news conference was told by Dr. Denzil Douglas, CARICOM Chairman, and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister
He was speaking at the end of the 11th Intersessional meeting of the 15-nation grouping.
Regional leaders expect that EC$1.5 million (US$555,000) required to fund phase two of the CARICOM housing project would be treated as a consolidated loan by the CDB for member states to be responsible for repayment.
CARICOM has already financed the building of 15 sturdy concrete houses at Lookout in the safe north under phase one of the project funded by member states.
While the British government has injected £17 million into a massive housing programme to ease the reliance on cramped shelters, there is a continuing need for housing as a number of the 6,550 voluntarily evacuated residents slowly trickle back home.

Cable & Wireless Caribbean and Atlantic Islands (CAI) has announced significant reductions in its internet prices across the Caribbean. From April 1, 2000 Cable & Wireless’ Internet customers around the region will fall by an average of 37%.

The new Internet pricing will allow customers a choice of several pricing options, depending on the amount of time they spend on line. This is the latest phase of the company’s new regional Internet Strategy, which it initiated in November last year.

Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless CAI, Mr. Odie Donald says this is another move by the company to develop the company’s Internet business across the region.

He says " The Internet is the fastest-growing area of communications today, and is now becoming an essential part of both business and home life, which allows our customers to keep in touch with friends, family and the world of information in general. Cable & Wireless wants to open up the potential of the Internet to as many people as possible by introducing a new range of simple and low-cost packages."

The new pricing plans will cater to all types of users, from the first time or light user, to families and those who use Internet access in business. In addition, some packages will offer value added services such as individual mailboxes for family members and employees and web space which can be loaded directly onto the web site operated by the customer’s local Cable & Wireless business.

Mr. Donald says "We believe that the new packages provide customers with enough choice that everyone will be able to find an option that best suits the needs and their pockets. We want our Internet strategy to bring the Internet into the homes of every one of our customers"

The CEO said that Cable & Wireless will be offering customers across the Caribbean an array of new products and services over the next 12 months and will continue to bring the latest technology to the Caribbean as it becomes available on the world market.

Cable & Wireless now boasts that it holds a unique position in terms of global coverage and services to business customers having major investments in advanced networks in the US and Europe, the restructuring of Cable & Wireless Communications in the United Kingdom and has acquired full control of Cable 7 Wireless IDC in Japan to support this strategy.

Trinidad - The late Archbishop Anthony Pantin of Trinidad and Tobago, who died Sunday, is being given a three-day official funeral service, which started Thursday.
"The late Archbishop Anthony Pantin is to be given an official funeral," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. "This is in keeping with the wishes of the late Archbishop's family and the Roman Catholic church."
Archbishop Pantin, 70 died in his sleep early Sunday of acute heart failure.
Fr Christian Pereira, Vicar General of the Catholic Archdiocese in Trinidad and Tobago, who is overseeing arrangements for the burial, said the Archbishop contributed tremendously to the country during the 32 years he was at the helm of the Catholic Church. "It is to us to make sure that his passing is not a loss, but that we are able to build and to integrate his contribution into the fabric of our national life. We will lose something if we throw it away," said Father Pereira.
On Thursday, the Archbishop's body arrived at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain at six in the evening.
A pontifical mass followed, presided over by the Papal Pro-Nuncio, Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, DD.
The President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Edgerton
Clarke (Bishop of Kingston, Jamaica), delivered the homily. Government officials, the diplomatic corps and representatives of religious groups attended.

On Friday, the body will lie in state at the Cathedral from 8 in the morning until 5 in the evening for public viewing with services for schoolchildren during the day.
On Saturday morning at ten, the Archdiocese of Port of Spain will celebrate a solemn Eucharist in the Cathedral with Auxillary Bishop John Mendes as Chief Celebrant.
Bishop Mendes has taken over administrative responsibility of the diocese in keeping with the Code of the Canon Law.
This will be followed by entombment of the Archbishop's body in the Cathedral crypt.
His body will join seven other bishops who have been buried in the crypt since the cathedral was built in 1827.

The Caribbean examinations Council (CXC), with assistance from the European Union, will convene an Inaugural Conference of Caribbean Examinations Bodies, from 22-24 March 2000 at the Accra Beach Hotel, Christ Church, Barbados.

Theme of the Conference is: "Global trends in educational assessment: challenges and opportunities for the Caribbean." Participants will come from the English-speaking Caribbean and from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Suriname. Resource persons from outside the region are also expected to attend. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, Sen. Cynthia Forde, will officially launch the Conference at the Opening Ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday 22 March 2000, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Dr. Philip Nagy, professor in Measurement and Evaluation, and Associate Chair in the Curriculum Department, Institute of Studies in Education, University of Toronto, will deliver the Keynote address, which will focus on recent trends in educational assessment.

Representatives from the faculties of Education in the Universities across the region, Community Colleges, regional institutions that are involved in educational development, and CXC curriculum and measurement officers, will present Country Reports and make special presentations relating to the theme.

During the three-day event, participants will have the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns in assessment of students. Topics for discussion will include qualifications and curriculum issues, challenges in testing, new directions in Mathematics assessment and articulation and accreditation.

CXC will provide information on the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), and the role that CXC can play in building and strengthening national capacity for assessment, and in the preparation and administration of national examinations at primary and secondary levels.

By Peter Adrien

What is at stake? For the Zimbabweans, it is the ability to prove themselves on West Indian testing pitches. They may be even cherishing the thought of beating a limited West Indies team on their own turf. For the West Indians, it is the pressure of salvaging pride after being humiliated by the New Zealanders, following their "brownwash" in Pakistan and their "whitewash" in South Africa.

And given the prevailing conditions, the Zimbabweans may be thinking that it is not improbable to "whitewash" them on the very same turf that has proven to be a nightmare for many promising touring cricketers. The management team is new; the Trinidadian fans, coming from the Millennium Carnival, are indifferent, unexcited about the light weight match and are even contemplating boycotting the event that features none of their national cricketers.

The Guyanese are angry about the inclusion of seven Jamaican players in the 13 and the omission of their tried-and-proven leg spinner, Mahendra Nagamootoo. In fact, many throughout the region are asking why was the prolific spinner was overlooked. When asked to explain his omission despite his tournament high haul of 27 wickets in the recent Busta Cup, Mike Findlay, the Chairman of selectors, said Nehemiah Perry's experience and batting gave him the edge over the 24-year-old Guyanese.

The Eastern Caribbean is still angry with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over its treatment of their greatest cricketer of all time, Sir Vivian Richards who was "disrespectfully" interrogated at the interview unceremoniously turned down and shabbily informed of his rejection for the position of team coach. The Caribbean media is divided on the recent cricketing developments and, the rest of the population, having being disappointed too often, remain on the fringe of West Indian cricket.

It is not the first time that one country has dominated the regional team. In previous periods, Barbados and the Leeward Islands have dominated. In 1977 when there were no Jamaicans in the team against Pakistan, the Jamaicans packed the Sabina Park. Findlay is right that "when we select a team ..we look at the players and we select them. We don't look and say will we have two or three from Jamaica or four from Trinidad and Tobago. We look at talent, performance in the camp and what they bring to the table." While we are aware that selecting a multi-country team is bound to create pockets of dissatisfaction, the selection policy has been too inconsistent to make people think otherwise.

And as if, these social and political developments were not enough to deepen the despair that surrounded West Indies cricket since 1997/1998, their only star batsman, Brian Charles Lara (the double world record holder), the number one ranked (PricewaterhouseCoopers) Test batsman has deserted the team for a vacation. Jamaican Jimmy Adams, the new captain (by default), cannot command a batting place on the team; the two pedigree fast bowlers are ailing; the rest of the batting is very inexperienced and inconsistent and there is no mesmerizing spinner for a test match schedule for a traditional turning wicket at the Queens Park Oval, Trinidad.

The two teams however are rather marginal by international standard. Of the 100 batsmen ranked by PricewaterhouseCoopers, in its latest ranking on March 14, 2000, Zimbabwe's Andy Flower ranks 12th, Murray

Goodwin, 28th and Grant Flower 54th. The other batters find themselves lower down the order.

With the absence of Brian Lara, the West Indies' limitation is exposed. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the highest-ranking batsman, is ranked 24th. Sherwin Campbell and Jimmy Adams are ranked 31st and 39^th respectively. The other ranking of are Ridley Jacobs, 53rd and Adrian Griffith 55^th

There is no doubt that when fully fit, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Franklyn Rose, Reon King and Nehemiah Perry constitute a better bowling combination than Heath Streak, Henry Olonga, Bryan Strang, Andy Blignaut, Neil Johnson and Brian Murphy.

When compared in relative terms, one might be tempted to give the West Indies team an advantage, and correctly so, at least on paper and with respect to the differential in collective knowledge, skills and experience. But given the recent dismal performances of the West Indies team, and the inclusion of many unproven players, the battlefield seems very level.

What then is my prediction? The series can go either way. If there is any advantage with respect to consistency of performance, team application and degree of social capital, the former racist team, Zimbabwe enters the contest with a decided advantage. But cognizant of the perennial good performance of the West Indies team at home, one would hasten to add that they are likely to fight manfully before their merciless supporters.

But whoever wins the opening contest wins the two-match series.

Two thumbs up for the WICB for calling upon the West Indian people to rally 'round West Indies cricket team, the only expression of our West Indian nationhood. I must, with them, urge all Caribbean people at home and abroad to rally 'round the players selected to represent us. There are a few faces we would rather have seen on the team but I am humble enough to surrender to collective will knowing that it will be all right in the morning for Ramnaresh Sarwan, Runako Morton and Sylvester Joseph.

I call upon man, woman and child to support Jimmy Adams and his men.

Let us show maturity!

PHOTO CAPTION: Nehemiah Perry - is Nagamootoo a better investment?

(Photo: Peter Adrien)

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

(Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is an information service produced and prepared in the office of the Chief Minister and published as a paid for service.)

Address At Luncheon In Honour Of  HRH Prince Andrew Duke of York

Your Royal Highness, Ministerial colleagues, Dr. Fergus, other members of the Head Table, our invited friends form Ireland, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Your Royal Highness, Although this is not intended to detract from the dignity and significance which attaches to this royal visit, we feel that in welcoming you, we are welcoming a sympathetic friend of Montserrat. I believe that you have made more visits to the island than any other member of a royal family, and this has to be the reflective of the interest that both Her Majesty the Queen and yourself have taken in our island and its current plight. We are touched by this, and we are deeply grateful.

If and when we obtain full British citizenship on a non-reciprocal basis, we plan to make you an exception, and offer you full Montserratian citizenship. Seriously, we wish you to know that we have appreciated your visits and assistance, and on behalf of the Government and people we extend to you a very warm welcome.

During your brief sojourn, you will notice something of a positive contrast between your last visit and this one, in the area of housing, that still most urgent of our needs, as well as in infrastructure. Let me take this opportunity to again place on record our thanks to Her Majesty's government for the assistance which we have received to date. Independence is a legitimate aspiration, but it is my view, that if we were independent at the time of the eruption, as badly off as we are today, our situation would have been much worse. So we are grateful, and I believe the people generally would wish me to articulate this.

I am aware of the criticisms hurled at the British government relative to the management of the crises. In fact, in her book entitled, "Fire from the Mountain." The tragedy of Montserrat in and the betrayal of it’s people, published in England just about two weeks ago, Polly Pattullo, who writes for the Guardian charged that the division of powers in White Hall was a fundamental problem in the delivery of effective aid to out disaster-stricken island. Whatever the truth or otherwise of these criticisms, it cannot be denied that the British government has generously come to our aid, albeit a little late on occasions and often less than we think warranted by our reasonable needs. But I want the message of our gratefulness to be clear and unmistakable.

Having said that, your Royal Highness, I would be less than fair to my still homeless people, to my still indigent people, to my still unemployed or under-employed people, if I did not articulate some of our pressing concerns. I do not plan to burden you with an exhaustive catalogue of our lingering problems, but I will select a few areas for your information.

First, there is the need for a recreational facility in the north of the island where the population is concentrated. Gerald’s Park in the environs of the helipad is the most likely site and we are seeking to have it redeveloped and re-equipped with recreational facilities. This is not luxury; it is a means of finding constructive outlet for the energies and sporting talents of a people who have been deeply traumatized. It is therapy, but it would also be symptomatic of our transition from the emergency mode to one of survival and sustainable development.

Secondly, housing. Significant financing has been provided for this sector, but there is still a dire need. The residents of Gerald’s Park itself are still embarrassingly housed in emergency houses. This was barely tolerable if at all in 1995. In 2000, it is untenable. In addition, we need to see a successful conclusion to the tortuous and protracted negotiations of the Soft Mortgage Scheme where the rules and criteria keep changing while the potential beneficiaries wait and languish. This shifting of policy causes delay with other projects as well. For instance, in our effort to acquire additional lands at Look Out for housing, there was a change of policy from individual project submissions requirments to a comprehensive housing project, and this has caused significant delays in the approval of the services for an area of land at Look Out. So we are still plagued by management problems which retard reconstruction.

Thirdly, the area of Air Transport is still in limbo. Given the present state of the volcano and the scientific prognosis, the rehabilitation of Bramble Airport cannot now be a serious option; and the Thatch Valley option which received overwhelming endorsement by the people has been up to this point ruled out by the British Government due allegedly to the cost factor. Since the voice of a people who has suffered so much is not to be factored into the decision-making process, then what is the third option? I do not see one. We cannot help wondering and pondering over the ‘cost factor’ when we reflect on the considerable sums which are being spent to operate the ferry and the helicopter. A fixed wing facility is indispensable in any consideration of sustainable development.

This brings me to the recent Travel Advisory put out by the British Government, to our detriment. In a recent statement to the people HE the Governor indicated that based on the scientific advice, the North of the island was safe and that the volcano was not expected to be anymore disastrous than it had been before. This is also my assessment and expectation. But the Travel Advisory is in conflict with this well-founded evaluation. It is also virtually in conflict with DFID’s own commitment to assist us with a comprehensive tourism programme. It is my humble view that this travel advisory was premature and we would like to see it reversed immediately. I wish, YRH, to confirm my people’s commitment to remaining here and to developing their country. We have also applied to the United Kingdom for the suspension of income tax during these harsh periods and DFID would not hear of it. We hope that we by persistence might be able to get them to agree.

Finally, while the means-testing Social Welfare Scheme is bringing some rationality to the public assistance programme, adjustments are needed which take into account of our cultural situation. For instance, to deny assistance to the aged poor who possess savings of over EC $4,000 is to disregard our people’s wish to be able to finance their own burial after a life-time of back-breaking labour.

The other side to this matter, is that having taken away financial assistance from many individuals, we as a Government must provide new employment opportunities for women and other economically vulnerable groups. We envisage, for instance, providing entrepreneurial training and seed money to generate light industries and service industries. For this we will need assistance. This is why we are requesting the quality of assistance which will move us along the path of self-reliance and sustainable growth.

Your RH, these are but a sample of the problems and issues that exercise us as a Government and people and since they are never far from our consciousness, we could not but unburden them to you. We are aware that you are not directly involved in this aspect of British governance, but we do not want either to underestimate your royal influence. Your moral and any other avenue of support are appreciated by a people who are by no means ungrateful given generous sums that have so far received from the United Kingdom.

Once again, thrice welcome to our country, still beautiful, still resilient, still poised for development. Do enjoy your fleeting visit, and may the memories which you take back be both pleasant and full of impact.

I thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen first of all, may I just say that it is a great pleasure to be back again in Montserrat. On the last two occasions I came here, things were distinctly different to that which I have witnessed this morning. The attitude that I think that I have seen so far, in the people and the people that I have met and seen is one of a much more positive attitude. People have realised that a corner has been turned in the future of Montserrat and therefore people have got smiles on their faces; and people can see to a certain extent where they are going. I was extremely impressed by what I saw this morning at ‘Look Out’ and the project seems to be a great success. I still understand that there are one or two people who are in shelters but I’m hoping that from what I’ve being led to believe this morning that the numbers will reduce again in the not too distant future. I’m particular please to see the transformation of the hospital and the facilities that I saw there this morning are extremely encouraging and I look forward to seeing some light industry this afternoon, and I look forward to see the Primary School and to reopen Salem Police station.

Now my visit is again brief but at the same time it is important for Montserrat to realize that it does still occupy a very important part of Her Majesty’s conscience and the Royal family's conscience. Now you created a number of interesting points for me to remember when I go home, some of which I think that maybe possible to do something about and I take your point about recreational facilities and I take your point about air transport, neither of which is actually going to be very easy to solve under the current budgetary constraints which I am sure that you are fully aware of. But there is no point in not asking for these sort of things because in this day and age if you don’t ask you will never know whether you won't get it or not. I mean the point is you got to ask in order to find out and I congratulate you on asking . The situation with the volcano is different to that which it was two months ago. And I think that may well have changed some of the opinions that you had prior to the current crises with the volcano. And I suspect that there was possible a window prior to the current problems where air transport may have being able to have solved by using the airport and creating some sort of barrier to the volcano. But under the current scientific advice I think it is probably going to be possible but who knows this volcano has an unfortunately bad habit of being unpredictable and I don’t think anybody can predict what or will not happen except the fact the lava dome is growing at an alarming rate and I saw it this morning for myself and although it is extremely impressive it’s still very worrying as to what it is actually going to be doing. I also think it is important that you should think about the sustainable development for the island. And I think that what you are doing and the attitude that I have heard at lunch today and the attitude that I have heard in my brief stops this morning have all being positive in terms of what you want to achieve and what you actually hope to be able to achieve. And I would fully recognize your emphasis on self reliance and it is noticeable that quite a lot of what has gone on and although the raw materials have being provided for you a lot of work is being done on island itself by islanders, by Montserratians and that is highly commendable. But the key here is going to be finding some method whereby the economy of this wonderful island can be made to grow and in a sustainable way. There are a lot of many good people who I think would be thinking of this now and in the future and be assured that I’m thinking about it as well. But my most important message this visit is the fact that the atitide that I have noticed , is one of a positive attitude. I would congratulate everybody on the ghard work that has been going on, in the last two years since I was last here. I would be back on many occasions in the future, and I look forward to having a close relationship. But there are couple of things that I hope in the short term that will as it were reinforce the UK's commitment to Montserrat and that is the FCO, I understand had aagreed to contribute one hundred thousand pounds to the project led by Sir George Martin and the Montserrat Foundation in building a Community Centre at Little Bay. I remember that concert in London at the Albert Hall and it was a concert that waws uniqe and the number of people who were there was an indication of the feeling that people had for Montserrat particularly within the music industry because of Air Studios. They produced some of the world's greatest music in the '80's. But that Community Centre I hope although it's not necessarily the most ideal recreational facility that you might be looking for because you gave me a list of the cricket pitch, and other things you wanted. You are very concerned about West Indian cricket and I understand about that. The other thing that I have that I hope will be of importance to Montserrat is that the Government have also agreed in to fund the purchase of the new offshore patrol vessel for the Royal Montserrat Police force. The treat posed by international crime and drugs in this part of the world is the biggest treat that you face and any sort of assistance that we can give in that, we currently have the West Indies Guard Ship, the HMS Manchester, she's in Antigua at the moment, she comes past here on a regular basis, she just come off an operation which I understand was not successful, she's been at sea for some time. It is something that the British Government is concerned about as so should everybody in the Caribbean, and this is just another way of demonstrating our commitment to that form of crime and trying to stop it. The DFID comes in for acertain amount of criticism from you, I would just like to remind people that the DFID has acctually done a great deal in a relatively short period of time, which is extraordinary for some departments of state, in order to be able to turn around money and actually get things going in the way they have done and I'm led to believe, I don't know the figure but its around twenty million has been spent in the past year, in all sectors, and I hope that is again a reflection of how important the UK actually sees the development of Montserrat, although I would accept that there are certain budgetery constraints which has led me to believe that they are beginning to try and draw the purse strings tighter and tighter around you. But I just hope perhaps with a good deal of cooperation both sides can see a way through.

Finally, in this wonderful week that you are about to, which has just begun, which is St. Patrick's Week, ending with St. Patrick's Day at the end of the week. This is the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, now I'm currently the Chief of the Royal Irish Regiment of the United Kingdom, so I have a certain affiliation with these wonderful people and you do too. But when you consider that this is the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, I do hope that one day when you consider that your future, and you've looked at the way you want to go, that I might make one small suggestion and that this might be the E-Isle of the Caribbean.

THE COMMUNICATION CHALLENGE – SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE

Speech by

Principal of the Montserrat Secondary School, Kathleen Greenaway; teachers and students. I was a little surprised when I received the invitation to speak at this special assembly on Commonwealth Day. It is easy for the years to just roll by, and it seemed like only yesterday when a younger Miss Greenaway tried to teach me pythagarus theorem at the MSS Church Road Campus. She failed to impart an appreciation of maths, and I am not proud to say that, but it goes to show that some of us will excel in other areas later in life, even with the best efforts of the best teachers.

I will attempt to deliver for a few minutes on today’s theme The Communication Challenge – Sharing the Knowledge. Hopefully it will be refreshing and somewhat different since Communication is very dynamic and is driven by us youths.

I will try to show that communication is not all technology, computers, electronics etc, but it is a part of us, an everyday exercise that is essential for society. We will look at aspects of public relations, public speaking, and of course telecommunication. All of these make up the Communication challenge and we the Caribbean territories have to catch up with the rest of the world.

Music….

Do you see what I mean by Communication. You are now at ease because of the music. Most of us relate to the music of TLC. We know the words ‘…..A scrub is a guy who thinks he is fine….he is also known as a buster…’ Of course we can argue that TLC is talking nonsense, and they themselves are a bunch of gaudy young ladies dressed like sketels. We can argue, but the answer to one level of the communication challenge we have found it in a minute by playing some music. We have leveled the field and we can relate on the same ground.

This speech is no longer boring because you can associate with TLC, Beenie Man, Bountie Killer and Buju, and so can I. TLC is the number one albumn selling Girl group of all time. The average young girl here in Montserrat knows that she wants no scrub and the average young man wants no sketel. So the communication process has worked in the music at another level. The life styles, dress of the pop artists are here in Montserrat. We pierce our bodies, wear baggy pants like Snoop Doggy Dog and are part of a universal appreciation of reggae music. From Bob Marley to Morgan Heritage we are being communicated to, with messages ranging from black consciousness to dreadlocked hair-styles. So I have used music to introduce the speech and make you comfortable and you now see that music is one of the most powerful forces of communication. It is influential and captures all audiences.

Now to follow my goals already outlined, in communicating as in public speaking, you must research your audience. Find out how many persons will be present; age, sex, and interests. It would be futile to come here and give an address, without first speaking to a teacher about the composition of the school. Then the link must be made with the audience. Without that connection the message would not be communicated. That is why many preachers fail to impart their message to the congregation in church. They are boring. All talk with no anecdotes or jokes defeat the purpose. For example my favourite preacher who also lectured me in Jamaica started his sermons with an interesting catch at all times. He preached in the Brethen church in the ghettoes of West Kingston Jamaica. It’s a hot Sunday in the Ghetto, the hi-fi system in the shack next to the church is pushing some Garnett Silk, the guys are playing dominoes by the corner and now and again a whiff of marijuana comes into the church. The congregation is bored and the flies are buzzing around nodding heads.

Here comes the preacher. He looks at the congregation and shouts, "Jah Rasta Fari have mercy, what the hell is wrong with those damn girls…" The church is awake now and everyone is wondering what is wrong with the holy man. The preacher smiles and continues "…that is what I heard the man say on my way to Church today…this man was speaking about the problem of prostitution on the streets of Kingston. And we have to realise that the living God in his holy book condemns prostitution and this, my brothers and sisters will be the topic of my sermon today. Obeying the holy book is obeying God the Almighty..."

Now in public speaking your speech must be interesting and it is best to keep it simple. When it is kept simple everyone understands easier. Of course there is the argument that unless you use big words you are not intelligent. Just remember that a hall - mark of intelligence is simplicity. It is interesting to note especially with some politicians they use words to sound important but in translation it means nothing of substance. For example, a politician or diplomat will say -

"…In order to facilitate the redevelopment of Montserrat it is necessary to focus on tapping our potential that is our youth, however this must be done in tandem with our strategic goals and mission. Therefore the proper implementation of a plan as part of our general policies will be necessary to achieve the building of an assembly hall to allow students to interact under one roof…"

He or she is really saying that you are important and that the school needs an assembly hall. That’s it in one line.

Now in making a presentation especially for those aspiring for certain jobs in the public domain, your image is essential. How you dress can make the difference between being employed and being used or not employed. As much as I can appreciate the new style today of boys wearing pants below the hips and the pants legs covering the shoes and sweeping the ground. This attire certainly would not impress an interview panel for a job in the Attorney General’s Chambers. Neither would a body hugging short skirt assist in gainful employment for a young lady. These are necessary things to know. It is best to return home and change if you realise that the function you are attending requires a different form of dress. Do not send the signal that you are a sketel or a montel; a scrub or a pigeon. What is cool for Little Bay on a Sunday afternoon is not for the work place.

I will not delve too much more into the issue of public speaking or image. Just to say, you must read and be knowledgeable on all matters. You cannot be an authority on everything, but all students here should be able to say which Caribbean country had elections last week. Listen and watch current affairs on the media and remember that knowledge is power.

Speaking about the media, lets focus on some elements of communications.

Music….

When you turn on the radio you hear music or a voice. I will not go into detail about the route of transmission but share with you a new form of broadcasting by satellite. For Montserrat, Gem Radio was one of the first stations in this region to carry radio broadcasts via satellite using Panamsat or Pan American Satellite. A signal was up-linked from Milliwaukee in the USA to Panamsat and down linked to GEM F.M in Montserrat, then that was sent through the islands by repeater systems. That route is now fading, since Governments are protecting their own stations. So Gem now operates a separate transmitter in Trinidad, one in St. Lucia etc. You see broadcasting is a very powerful tool, which is heard by many persons at one time. That is called mass communication. The challenge for us is to have the updated technology to combat the inflow of information from the USA and other developed territories. However this is expensive and most Caribbean Governments cannot afford satellite broadcasting.

The United States of America continues to carry out an economic embargo on Cuba although nearly every member of the United Nations says the embargo is illegal. But in communications you will also learn that the world is unfair, for although the third world makes up two thirds of the world’s population we are recipients of the images of the developed countries. So we see Walker Texas Ranger, Young and the Restless and other such programmes that are really the thoughts and ideas of others. In Miami Florida there is a transmitter placed there to send propaganda to Cuba. The broadcast system is called Radio and TV Marti. And all it does is bombard Cuba with American messages. So Cuba fights back and puts up a powerful transmitter to block the signal from Miami.

For those of you who are romantic and look at stars with a friend or two. You will see just above the horizon, some stars are brighter and twinkle more than others. Those stars are really satellites. From those satellites, information is sent all over the world. Each satellite has a foot print, that means it has the reach or ability to cover a certain space on earth, for example, Panamsat covers Latin America and the Caribbean. These satellites are now being used for finding poppy fields in Latin America. That is the plant from which cocaine comes from. The system used is called Eurosat. So a Drug Enforcement Officer in the USA can track the cultivation of poppy fields and also marijuana patches, without leaving the office. So many of the dreads are saying that times are getting dreader.

There was a race to put these satellites in the sky and a first come first serve basis was used. However it was considered unfair since we the poor islands in the Caribbean could not put up any. And when the time came for us to place a satellite in the sky all the space would be used up. So at a meeting of the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, it was decided that countries would be given coordinates to place their satellites when possible. However after some ten years of having its coordinates, the Caribbean still cannot afford to place its own satellite in the sky. They are simply too expensive. So we rent what is called a transponder from the most convenient satellite provider to send our information.

There are also other ways of sending information. There is via fibre optic wires, which are run under ground. They are also good for video signals. Just before the volcano started, Cable and Wireless had placed a fibre optic line at Foxes Bay, which could have allowed broadcasts from here to the world with a quick, digital quality. Then there is the telephone line, which is a basic form of Communication, but its very necessary since most forms of information depend on that simple line.

The world of telecommunication is an interesting one, which leads to many questions that we as Montserratians will have to answer. For example there is Cable and Wireless the monopoly telecommunications provider not only for Montserrat but also for many other islands in the region. It is interesting to note that Cable and Wireless has different contracts for each island. The OECS and the Caribbean Community have argued for many years that Cable and Wireless should see the Caribbean as one market. This is not done. For example this British company controls only the international calls in some islands. But as competition comes on stream the telephone rates are decreasing, so we pay less for telephone calls not because the telecommunication companies are kind but because there is competition.

Also a lot of the islands were ignorant of the contracts given to Cable and Wireless. In some cases and even in Montserrat at one time, Cable and Wireless would advise Governments on telecommunication matters. But it must be noted that the company has put in place a very good system of communication for the Caribbean and many argue that in getting rid of Cable and Wireless, it may mean taking on a heavier burden. The argument is also given that if other companies like Sprint or At&T are allowed into the Caribbean they may pack up and leave at anytime, but Cable and Wireless has its investment to protect.

An interesting case between Cable and Wireless and another company took place in Dominica. The Marpin Telecomms System in Dominica took Cable and Wireless to court and won. Cable and Wireless in Dominica said they were the only company licensed to provide telephone service. Marpin was using Cable and Wireless circuit lines to provide a telephone service. Cable and wireless went and disconnected the lines. The question really is, wasn’t it right for Cable and Wireless to take back the lines as they saw fit. The Judge said no. He felt that access to such an important asset is a right for MARPIN and that Cable and Wireless was wrong. Things are changing and Judges are saying that the right to information access should not be monopolised by any one company.

Even in Montserrat we are not without our challenges as we share the knowledge and I come to my home turf of broadcasting and Radio Montserrat. Communication is a very powerful tool and I will refer to Labour Speaks in a moment after giving other examples of challenges in broadcasting. Governments have always tried to control Information and Communication, and that may be the reason why broadcasting is always in the Ministry controlled by the Chief Minister or Prime Minister. In 1967 there was a programme on ZJB called Around and About. One episode investigated the work permit policies of the W.H. Bramble government. The programme was banned from the air and the programme manager John Ryan was asked to reveal his sources, he refused and was subsequently transferred to Public Works Department. He as you know went on to become a Financial Secretary.

In 1970 Arrow had his song P.D.P. banned by the station manager Wilsie White. Wilsie thought the song libelous and was criticized by the Montserrat Mirror, the weekly newspaper edited by Dorcas White for banning the song. Wilsie asked the newspaper to publish the lyrics of Arrow’s song and the editor never did. So Wilise felt justified in banning the song. The most dangerous lines of the song were,

PDP, PDP,

To hell with the Labour Party

Willy Bramble do his best

Now is time he take a rest…

And make way for the power house party.

In 1986 Cepeekee had his song, ‘Yard Fowl Politics’ taken off the air by Station Manager Mike Jarvis. So all these examples illustrate the point of the power of communication and the responsibility behind controlling what is said publicly.

Now to Labour Speaks, a popular programme aired on ZJB. From a letter written to me and copied to the Montserrat Reporter, by the producer of the programme, it is fair to say that he thinks he is being unfairly treated by the ZJB Manager. However in broadcasting, a simple rule that must be used is to ask the question, is it true. Another question that must be also asked, is, will the content be considered tasteful for public hearing. So in sharing the knowledge there is the challenge of controlling what is heard. All of this is part of good journalism as outlined by international laws.

Another important tool of communication is the computer. Use it. Do not be afraid. The computer has allowed for a convergence of all media. We now have multi-media. The computer provides data, sound and video. That is why and I agree, that many Caribbean Communication experts are suggesting that Information, broadcasting and telecommunications should be merged into one Ministry. In most territories, Montserrat included, telecommunications resides in the Ministry responsible for Public Works. That Ministry is responsible for frequency management while policy and information lies with the Ministry of the Head of Government. So for most Information and Communication meetings, there has to be representation from two separate Ministries. So the computer is changing our lives and we must move with the times as outlined in your school motto.

In wrapping up. I would like to communicate very strongly to you, the importance of being a part of Montserrat. I hate cliches, but you are the future of Montserrat as challenging as it seems. Since 1997 the median age of the Montserrat population is 48. That means we have an old population. Before 1997 the median age was 28. Looking at the Civil Service you will see a reflection of the national situation. There are very few young people around and it will be difficult to attract back those who left. Presently there are too few young persons around to take over the leading roles in this country. In the whole area of communication it is noticeable that you the youth are the leaders especially in the area of computers and technology. We need fresh ideas to deal with this new world. It is a pity there are not too many of you around. For Montserrat getting our youth back is our greatest Communication Challenge and we have the knowledge as to how to achieve this.

Thank you.

Miss Greenaway, I could not end without showing my improvement in Pythagoras’s theorem, its simple, C squared equals A squared plus B Squared.

Apart from the chronic feelings of regret and disappointment that the Carl Hooper's fan has to endure in the wake of his untimely departure from the game, a year of broader reflection indicates that a void in team balance has deepened since that fateful announcement, prior to the World Cup.

Hooper's exceptional all-rounded ability proved a most valuable asset to the West Indies, even when the dividends did not match the locked-in resources in his natural armour. So one continues to ponder as to the institutional or other mechanisms in our cricket which ought to be vigilant and protective of real treasure as embodied in Hooper. What is there to ensure that the other important aspects, which are key to total development, are given full opportunity to grow and to square with one's innate talents? Who is there to watch and to counsel, to befriend and to cajole, to encourage and guide those who seem not capable of carrying the productive baton the way it ought, all things being close to equal?

How can we, scattered as we are, allow the likes of Hooper to vanish from our cricket without maximum effort to sustain their abilities? Is there not virtue in nurturing rare quality? Clearly there had to be predisposing signs of an ailment, to those close enough to see. Is Lara to be similarly trapped?

Are there others?  It all seems pitifully tragic.

And the many influential voices that have been rallying for Carl's return suggest that a terrible and misguided act was allowed and we are paying dearly for it. We should always look at the best for our cricketers and give the necessary support without being quick to write off and disparage, even when the results are not what we like. Every individual is highly individual and even plants of similar types and categories overlap in their timing, in fruiting and other characteristics. As guardians of our cricketers, it is our duty to ensure that the "right conditions" are provided to maximize production. Good genes are the pillars that sustain top performances and they are always the person's. Class remains class. The environment is the random variable.

Hooperanians define cricket in subtle terms: grace and artistry, colour and poetry, facility and beauty. Take those out of the game and the results, even if statistically satisfying, will not be as memorably fulfilling and thus dull. Worrell and Rowe would certainly confirm and perhaps, a Carlisle Best, however distantly.

It is worth considering the recall of Carl. A rejuvenated Hooper is well worth the investment and time will continue to prove that this hypothesis is so. Ask Vivian Richards. He knows and endorses-Hooper's relevance is supreme.

Claude Gerald

Brades

Montserrat

It is now 232 years since the 1768 planned slave revolt in Montserrat. As background let me remind you the readers that on the 17^th of March 1768, the slaves on Montserrat decided to overthrow their masters and thus gain their freedom. Remember they were not treated as equals but rather like beasts of burden. They were forced to work for long hours and were beaten if they tried to rest.

So it was that our ancestors in their wisdom decided to stage a revolution on St. Patrick's day. Why that Day, you may ask. Well it was chosen because the slaves knew that estate owners would be at Government House celebrating St. Patrick's day, eating and drinking and getting drunk.

You will notice that they were willing to put their lives on the line for their cause, but nonetheless they sought an opportune time to make their move on the planters and slave drivers while they were in their drunken stupor. However, there were those amongst them that reported back to the masters and the whole plan was crushed and the slaves punished severely, some even by death. This cowardly betrayal ensured that slavery continued for another 66 years.

It is St. Patrick day again and we make plans to commemorate the day. Such activities as freedom run, Pub-crawl, slaves feast games and things of Irish connection are staged. The whole day would be one of festivity and frolic, with a few reminders of what transpired on that notable day in 1768

At this juncture in our history and on this threshold of the 21^st Century, the real question is what are we celebrating?

Is it the heroic stance of our ancestors to plan the revolt to flee themselves of the harsh treatment meted out to them? Or is it the cowardice and betrayal by the Uncle Toms in their midst who squealed?

The answer lies in how we behave towards one another since that time. Have we joined forces and fought for the common good of all? Or do we just portray St.. Patrick's Day Heroism by delivering speeches, writing books and poems, and perhaps staging skits and plays?

Mind you, I am not for one minute saying that we have not had our heroic moments, for we have. Over the years we have had marches, demonstrations, strikes, enacting of Legislation to protect our basic human rights and freedoms. For instance, the right to rote, freedom of speech, freedom of association, the right to own land and other property.

The sad thing is that this cowardly, undermining and, betrayal attitude, that was evidenced back in 1768, has transcended time and generations. Today it permeates our society like a cancer. Coupled with this we see these very rights for which our forefathers fought and died eroded by a new breed of Uncle Toms.

For instance Freedom of Speech is being curbed, and the right as a landowner is been taken away. Even more appalling is the threat to enact legislation to give the right to Government to acquire movable property. Where jobs are concerned, nepotism is the order of the day.

On this St. Patrick's Day 2000, therefore, I call on all Montserratians to make a concerted effort to eradicate this cancer from among us. Let us use our energies to love, respect and help each other and strive to live in harmony. As we rebuild our homeland let us, do so together in a society where every one's opinion is heard and respected.

Let this Animal Farm mentality, that exists in high places and low, be erased from our history once and for all. In short, love thy neighbours as thyself

For 2000 let Freedom truly ring from every mountaintop and echo from every valley, that all may know that Montserrat is Still Nice, Still Paradise.

By Mrs Naomi Joseph-Foster RN RM Staff Nurse

As you are aware the breasts are two glands situated on the frontal aspect of the chest. Both men and women have breasts but they are more developed in women. The main function in women is for feeding of the baby.

Some of the common disorders of the breasts are bleeding or blood-stained discharge from the breast, tenderness of the breast, breast lump and enlargement of the male breasts.

1. Bleeding or blood-stained discharge from the breast is abnormal and requires immediate attention by a doctor. Take this seriously and don’t treat with bush.
2. Tenderness of the female breasts.

Normally, a woman’s breasts are tender or slightly painful just before her period and during pregnancy. Extreme tenderness however in breastfeeding mothers, may signal cracked nipples, engorged breast or breast infection. These conditions require prompt attention before they progress to the state of abscess formation. So breastfeeding mothers who experience pain, soreness or hardness of the breasts – please contact your nurse immediately.

3. Breast lump – is an abnormal cyst due to overgrowth of fibrous tissues in the breasts. This lump or lumps may be felt by doing a breast examination. The lump may be firm, painless and moveable. Remember not all breast lumps are cancerous but it’s difficult to tell which is cancerous – it requires early attention by a Doctor and surgical removal.
4. Enlargement of the male breast.

Though this condition is uncommon. Some boys as they develop in manhood may develop enlargement of one breast. Please contact your doctor for investigation and treatment.

In older men, the enlargement of breasts may be caused by the hormone treatment which is taken for prostate cancer.

In concluding, to the ladies – learn to do a breast examination and teach your husbands to do a breast examination for you. District Nurses are always ready and willing to teach you this simple but important examination. To boys and men, if you notice enlargement of the breasts, seek an explanation and treatment by your Doctor.

Last Updated 3/2/2000

Activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano continues and the volcano is still dangerous. All areas below a line from the Belham River Valley in the west to the airport in the east remain in the Exclusion Zone, with the exception of Isles Bay Hill. However, following the most recent scientific assessment, the authorities are allowing access during daylight hours to Cork Hill, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill. Other areas in the south and east of Montserrat, including Plymouth, are considered to be at high risk from residual volcanic activity and access is forbidden.

There is limited accommodation for visitors in the north of the island. Although volcanic activity has been low for some time, it is possible to experience ash falls if there is a large collapse of material from the dome of the volcano, which remains unstable, or vigorous ash venting,. Volcanic ash, which contains crystobalite (a toxic form of crystalline silica known to cause silicosis following prolonged exposure) poses a serious risk to health, particularly of younger children.

Medical facilities are limited and visitors requiring specialist treatment may need to travel to neighbouring islands -- e.g. Antigua or Guadeloupe.

The airport remains closed and most visitors to the island travel by the daily ferry from Antigua. Travellers should check with Carib World Travel at Heritage Quay in Antigua (tel: +1 268 460 6101) for the latest information and sailing times.

All visitors entering the Day Time Entry Zone should carry a radio tuned to ZJB Radio (FM 91.9 and 95.5). Visitors should obtain a copy of the volcanic risk map, available from Montserrat Government Information Services (tel: +1 664 491 2702), which provides detailed guidance on access permitted to various parts of the island.

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Prince Andrew stayed a day,

Just long enough to say

This island's spirit

Has nothing near it,

Before he flew away.

The round-the-island cruise

Created crowded queues,

But those who deployed

Quite clearly enjoyed

Indescribable views.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin if one of the 10 ladies can fill the post of storekeeper at the Lighting Office.

Jus wonderin why is it that the C O S has to respond to L S at the lecture he was giving to schoolchildren about communication.

Jus wonderin if the children understood what he was really saying or they understood the TLC or the Beenieman.

Jus wonderin why are they taking the slave village to Brades when the people paid so much money for their bars at Festival City.

Jus wonderin why it is that everything for St Patrick's Day is happening all over and not one activity will be taking place in the great Festival City.

Jus wonderin if the family counselor and practitioner are the only parents at the Lookout High.

Jus wonderin if its because the Urvan so big why the licensing officer take over the road with speed.

Jus wonderin what happen to the activist brothers that brought down a former C.M.

Jus wonderin why they make everything look so good when the Prince visited, when it was not so any other time.

Jus wonderin which of the legislative members snubbed the Prince luncheon because he was not invited to sit at the head table.

Jus wonderin what Babbott's clone went to report on in England.

Jus wonderin how many people fell ill on the round the island ride on the Ferry.

Jus wonderin why the morning show host on the get up and go segment is losing his fantastic sense of humor.

Jus wonderin why they use the Prince to smartly correct the sad affair of the police launch.

Jus wonderin if the young female announcer was serving as props on the Royal visit broadcast, or she was in training.

Jus wonderin if St. Patrick's Day is another Family affair

Jus wonderin who made the selection for the children's programme.

Jus wonderin if the programme is doing more harm than good.

Jus wonderin if it was advertise in any of the other schools or what was it

Jus wonderin how many people knew about Brades school sports?

Jus wonderin if it is only one school people acknowledge.

Jus wonderin why the Guyanese receptionist at the hotel is acting like a member of the Managerial Team, when she not yet able to do simple Addition.

Jus wonderin why the editor was so dressed on Monday.