Following a visit of head Department for International Development (DFID) officials from Britain there have been radio broadcast exchanges between the Honourable member for central Reuben Meade and Chief Minister David Brandt on the very touchy subject of taxes.

A ZJB news report first revealed that MP Meade met with the head of DFID (Montserrat) Mr. Mike Wood and his economist Mr. Keith Wood and others. Reportedly according to minutes of the meeting, Mr.Meade told the officials that "it is vital that taxes owed to government be paid."

The Chief Minister confirmed the information later in response to a question about his reaction to Mr. Meade's later statement on the radio.

The MP followed the news report with a political statement on ZJB in which he addressed several issues, among them no assistance yet to the hurricane distraught fishermen, no air links for Montserrat, no soft mortgage scheme, high food prices, and accusing the government of being, "a government that cannot make decisions."

On the tax matter he accused government of applying "pressure and more pressure for taxes that we owed. Why pressure for the taxes 1996-1999?" he asked.

He continued, "they should have cancelled the taxes, property taxes and income taxes owed in 1996-1999…the Government in compensation could then be more vigilant in the collection of taxes in the year 2000."

Chief Minister Brandt, in response to a question from ZJB news editor on the vigilance of tax collection, said that the minutes of the meeting showed that on that subject, Mr. Meade said, "It is vital that taxes owed to the government of Montserrat be paid. This could be achieved if there is increased vigilance in the area of tax collection."

The minutes reportedly continued that Meade suggested that officers could be employed to enforce the tax laws…"There should be a link between the Social Security and the Inland Revenue department since there is an inherent culture in Montserrat whereby persons pay their Social Security payments rather than income taxes. Social Security payments are based on income levels; the Inland Revenue could use this information to upgrade and verify the income levels of persons which would have an impact on the important role it plays in the economy. There should be an urgent implementation of education programmes by the Inland Revenue department whereby the public would be informed about the process of tax collections, reasons for payment of tax and the requirement of tax returns.

The Chief Minister's comments echoed those he has made on previous occasions, including his recent budget presentation: "We cannot relieve the taxes unless Britain agree or they would withdraw their support from us… We have argued with them for the forgiveness of tax or the suspension of tax for all these years and they told us the only thing they will consider is a reduction in the penalty and interest… And by him going to the British, tells us that he recognises that fact. When he goes on radio and say we can release the taxes, he knows we do not have that power."

He said further that they (Mr. Meade and the opposition) are saying we must be more vigilant and people have to pay their taxes that is owed to government. "How could he be saying that people are not declaring their taxes and that Inland Revenue should go to the Social Security and see what people are paying and charge them more money?

"And then he comes and tell the people that we should ease up when it is he that is pushing the heat on the people of Montserrat… Why he did not say what the British told him.

He knows they told they will not do it."

Mr. Brandt's response on the matter was aired directly following the paid for political statement by Mr. Meade. In the statement Mr. Meade said that the new team of the National Progressive Party (NPP) is willing to take on the challenge to put the country back on track.

The Chief Minister, meanwhile, travels to Trinidad today to join Caribbean counterpart Tourism ministers in a meeting to discuss funding of tourism projects.

In a letter directed by Montserrat's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Gordon Avery, to the Senior Medical Adviser of the Department for International Development (DFID) in England we learn that "No children under 12 are allowed to visit Montserrat'"On the advice of DFID.

We learn also that next week Dr. Peter Baxter and Allison Searle from the IOM will be visiting Montserrat from 1-7 April and that the Scientific Advisory Group will be meeting here on 3-4 April, 2000.

This letter, which may see some new appointments in the office from which it was written, supports very much the concern that Montserratians have expressed against the recent British Travel Advisory on Montserrat. It even suggests how, "a more considered and accurate advisory would read."

Dr. Simon Young, who is the current director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) met his new wife in Montserrat during his continued attachment here with the MVO and during the continued volcanic eruption of Soufriere Hills volcano. He is currently away on leave for the birth of their newborn baby and faces the DFID rule that "No expatriate baby is allowed on island."

The Chief Medical Officer in his letter challenges the DFID advice and requests a second opinion from "a completely independent Epidemiologist who would review all the literature, make a field visit and carry out some structured respiratory health surveys."

He quite rightly asks: 

1. What is special about the 12 years old cut off? 
2. If expatriate babies and children under 12 are not allowed on island why are we not advising the Government of Montserrat to evacuate all children under 12 years?

It tells the truth about the not-so-new question that he says people also ask him: is there one rule for expats and another for the locals?

The letter is copied to His Excellency the Governor, who last week claimed that the advisory is the "most upbeat one to date". He is expected to apologise to Montserratians following the information that "PAHO are canceling an on-island workshop on Health Informatics because the potential outside participants have read the Health Advisory on the Internet."

The letter referred to is exhibited here.

So much seems to be at stake, that some political careers could very well be on the line, when it comes to considering the adverse effects of the new Social Welfare scheme, implemented by the government and being considered for well over a year.

A good deal of discussion and publicity has been aired over this matter, but very little from the sources one would have expected.

Recently during the budget debate, the Minister with responsibility for Welfare said that adverse comments on matters arising out of its implementation are awaiting the arrival of consultants on island to deal with the issues.

The Minister should have remembered that the Chief Minister, when he was questioned about this a few weeks ago, said that questions should be directed to her for her attention. She would have done better with the hurting public on the issue if she had said that they were making haste to correct, if not all, at least some of the obvious blunders by enacting corrective legislation.

Even the department within her ministry is sympathetic to the poor people's cause when they say there is absolutely nothing they can do to help the needy because of the legislation as it stands. Do we really need to wait for the consultants to confirm the problems when it is realised that some obvious needy person is denied because of the stupidity of the act?

Applicants in order to receive help from the Social Welfare must be able to show that they are eligible on the grounds of old age (over 60 years); or long-term illness or disability; or inability to work because of the needs of dependent relatives.

They must be able to show that they are unable to support themselves without assistance from Government; and it must be noted that none of the above conditions alone is sufficient to guarantee that anyone will be entitled to welfare assistance.

There is a well-put-together application form with relevant guidance notes.

This may not seem difficult and may not pose any problems, except: If you have savings totalling $4,000.00 you will automatically not qualify. Why this figure? The given answer makes little sense. It is said that most people think that they would like to have a decent burial and will scrape and scrounge to save and keep somewhere for their burial an amount of about $4,000. If this was an accepted part of our culture and lifestylem, why was the sum not placed at $8,000?

When one considers that the figure in Britain is £4,000 -- about EC$17,000 -- and the figure Montserratians must not have is £10,000 before they begin to get assistance in England, this single issue is one that should be dealt with speedily.

There are many other associating factors involved on this very serious matter. The Governor said earlier in the crisis and it should not be forgotten; officials should not be allowed to say things when it suits them hoping that it would be forgotten: "There is not a bottom line to what will be spent either in infrastructure in the north of Montserrat or in supporting Montserratians off island. It is not a case of trying to squeeze it into an existing budget. The C.M. held negotiations at the very highest level in the U.K. The C.M. had negotiations with the Foreign Secretary, the Secretary of State for International Development and two other ministers who assured the Government of Montserrat that the British Government is committed to the well-being of the people of Montserrat either on island or off-island."

We have seen this in action to some extent to those who ended up in Britain, but the whole Social Welfare implementation process has fallen down very badly for want of full publicity and discussion. No one is certain whether there was collective action of mere co-option in the study of Social Welfare implementation. No one has heard the government ministers with whom the final responsibility falls publicly addressing the matter. It certainly has been taken very lightly and we must hope that it is not because it concerns the poorest and least fortunate ones among us.

Bristlecone pine trees are not as well known as the giant sequoias, but they are older than the sequoias. The rings on a bristlecone pine in the White Mountains of eastern California showed it to be about 4,600 years old. Thus, the bristlecone pine is appropriately nicknamed the Methuselah tree.

We might think that the oldest bristlecone pines would be the ones that enjoy the best living conditions, but this isn't true. The bristlecone pines growing at 10,000 feet where water is scarce and the wind often blows with gale force live to be the oldest. They are not the largest specimens, but because they grow slowly, their wood is dense and better able to resist rot. Their root systems, which may make up 90 percent of the mass of the tree, can find the scarce moisture that the trees need and anchor them to the mountain.

This may also be true of life. Living under easy conditions does not necessarily make the strongest Christians. Problems that make our lives difficult can also toughen us to survive future adversity, so praying for strength to meet life's difficulties may be wiser than asking God to remove those difficulties.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the ability to face the difficulties in our lives and help us as we work to overcome them. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

An easy life is not the best preparation for facing life's difficulties.

Ralph E. Hedges

Prayer Focus: THOSE FACING DIFFICULT DECISIONS

Montserrat, around the world, 125 million primary school-aged children will not attend classes on April 3^rd – but they never did.

MUT will take part in a Global Week of Action, 3-9^th April 2000.

As part of their campaign plans for getting action on the crisis in education, partners in the Global Campaign for Education – ActionAid, Education International, Global March on Child Labour, Oxfam International, Save the Children (UK), and many key Southern coalitions – have agreed to take part in a "Week of Action" from 3-9^th April 2000. NGOs and teachers unions around the world will organise their own campaign events, media coverage and people’s actions during this same week.

The aim of the Week of Action is to show Governments, donors and UN agencies that the world will be watching what they do at the World Education Forum in Dakar, Senegal, 26-28^th April, 2000. Will it be more empty promises and hot air – or will they commit themselves to real action to deliver free, quality education to all the world’s children?

1. Expansion of early childhood care and developmental activities especially for poor, disadvantaged and disabled children.
2. Universal access to, and completion of, primary education (UPE) by the year 2000(This date was deferred to 2015 in the Copenhagen World Summit on Social Development in 1995. Many governments have set their own target for achieving UPE).
3. Improvement in learning achievement such that an agreed percentage of an appropriate group (e.g. 80 percent of 14-year-olds) reach a defined level of necessary learning achievement.
4. Reduction of the adult illiteracy rate to, say one-half of its 1990 level by the year 2000, with emphasis on female literacy.
5. Expansion of provision of basic education and training in other essential skills required by youth and adults for improved health, employment and productivity
6. Increased acquisition by individuals and families of the knowledge skills and values required for better living and sound and sustainable development made available through all education channels including the mass media, other forms of modern and traditional communication, and social action.

For Montserrat, by analysis of the system

Other activities may include opinion polls, street theatre, public hearings, workshops with high-profile speakers and so on.

The president of the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has reported running into a wall in a joint effort to get the Department for International Development (DFID) to consider reopening discussions on a Thatch Valley option for an airstrip/airport.

<--- Bruce Farara In a press release Mr. Bruce Farara reports a combined committee made up of Chamber Members and members of the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat met with Mr. Mike Wood, Head of DFID UK, and Mr. Jeff Williams, local DFID boss, and made a presentation for Thatch Valley to become the preferred option.

The joint committee attempted to point out that there was a serious cost discrepancy on the Gibb Consultancy Evaluation and that several options for doing the work were not even considered.

Chamber members had previously met with the Chief Minister, when it became apparent that the reopening of Bramble could not happen with the growth of a new dome, and the Committee was set up to look into the Thatch Valley option.

DFID was told that the Committee had also approached land owners who indicated their willingness to donate the access road. A phased approached was recommended, with a grass strip in the first instance. Thatch Valley was the only option that offered expansion capabilities for Montserrat's future development.

Members who attended the meeting said that the DFID officials were even arrogant in the firmness of their response, but the release stated that DFID'S officials said the only consideration was for a temporary grass strip at Gerald’s until it was safe to return to Bramble.

Heliport facilities at Geralds, Drummonds in the distance

WH Bramble airport and surrounding areas

The Committee is said to have questioned the safety of the proposed strip at Gerald's, since it has been suggested that this location has unfavorable cross winds and would also greatly affect the residents of Gerald’s, Lookout and the Hospital. The Committee said that in their submission they added that they were told Bramble should no longer be considered an option, because of the insecurity created by our active volcano.

The release concluded in frustration and is recommending that the people of Montserrat should unite and request a new study of Thatch Valley in order to evaluate and arrive at a more economical option for a Fixed Wing Facility at that location. It said the combined costs of Bramble and Gerald''s should also be looked at in conjunction with another Thatch Valley Option not originally considered.

It will be a tale to leave the grandchildren open-mouthed in disbelief; a story of how a player accustomed to playing in front of a couple of hundred fans earned his own niche in World Cup folklore.

The name of Wayne Dyer might not trip off the tongue as readily as the legends of the greatest showpiece in the football world like Pele, Cruyff, and Hurst.

But the 22 -year-old Stourbridge midfielder's name will forever remain in the record books of Montserrat after he netted their first ever goal in World Cup action.

The Caribbean island, more famed for the erupting volcano which has left them without a home pitch and as a playground for the fabulously wealthy, made their bow in the opening qualifying round of the Concacaf zone on the first step towards World Cup 2002.

It ended in a swift exit, with a 6-1 aggregate defeat to the Dominican Repupblic, but the return leg last weekend will remain etched in the memory of Brummie-born Dyer. Seven minutes from time, and with the Dominicans leading 3-0, Montserrat won a corner and as Dyer whipped it into the goal the ball flew into the net. "I thought I would put it really close to the keeper and put him under a bit of pressure," said Dyer. "I hit it well and then I just saw the ball vanish and then appear in the back of the net.

"It's the first time Montserrat has played in the World Cup and that was the first goal. It's something I will always remember."

But a month ago Dyer, a student who lives in Perry Barr, had never even considered an international career.

The one -time Blues and Oxford trainee had been concentrating on helping Stourbridge haul themselves out of the relegation zone and trying to put himself in the spotlight to return to the League.

It was Dyer's aunt who finally convinced him to try to win a place in the national side after he has initially thought a planned training camp in London was simply for would-be coaches.

I had heard about the training camp but I thought it was to do with kids and I wasn't interested until my aunt told me there was a chance of playing in the World Cup," said Dyer, whose parents both hail from Montserrat.

"Then I realised it would be a big mistake if I had missed the opportunity. It was an experience."

The CMC will be headquartered in Barbados and has a Board comprising equal representation from both the CBU and CANA."

Meanwhile, ZJB Radio's Miss Rose Willock, who attended the meeting in Jamaica, says that it is confirmed that Montserrat will host the CBU's upcoming annual general meeting in August, and that preparations for this are well under way.

With the other activities (volcano) of the past few days the reports of the Celebration of St Patrick's Day in Birmingham, England, were overshadowed. I am pleased to offer this preliminary report of the event.
It was a tremendous success for all concerned. Over 900 Montserratians turned out for the event at the Ladywood Arts and Leisure Centre. The Alliouagana Singers captivated the audience, including our special guests from the Home Office, the Leicester and Birmingham City Councils and BBC Radio.

Director Beverly Dewar and her group certainly took even the Montserrat audience by surprise with their brand new neo-classical style of presentation of a number of JAG Irish and other Caribbean selections. A number of Bob Marley favourites and Negro spirituals, one of which featured Howard Meade as lead vocalist, climaxed a wonderful evening of
Montserratians reuniting in Birmingham.
The talent showcase was impressive in its own right. Bernie Irish brought down the house with her dramatic representation of life in Montserrat four years after the Soufriere started to belch steam and ash. The presentation of the poem 'Half Caste' was a natural hit with the media. The Montserrat Community Support Trust (MCST) is now in the process of putting BBC Producers in touch with Bernie Irish and others. Who knows where the media
exposure will lead?
As for the significance of the programme for St Patrick's Day, MCST Chairman, Steve Adolphus told Montserratians that "the desired outcome of the 1768 slave uprising underlines the continued struggle of Montserratians since then, not only to survive, but to succeed."

CANA - Two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government and leading journalists from across the Caribbean and beyond will be participating in this year's Third Annual Caribbean Media Conference.
The three-day conference, scheduled to take place in Guyana from May 5-7, is being organised by a committee headed by the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Stabroek News newspaper in Georgetown, David de Caires.
The conference, expected to attract at least 200 participants, will be formally opened by the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, and subsequently addressed by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur.
De Caires, speaking on behalf of the organising committee, said Tuesday that a major focus of the conference would be an analysis of three important and ever-changing environments:
The first session will deal with the Caribbean environment and focus on a presentation by Prime Minister Arthur.
The second will be an analysis of globalisation by a senior official of one of the world's leading multinational companies on the impact of the new technologies and their ever-evolving applications in the information and communications industries.
Then third "environmental" dimension will be an analysis and discussion of the environment in multi-ethnic or pluralist societies. This will be based on a presentation by Gilbert Ahnee, Editor-in-Chief of "Le Mauricien," one of the leading daily newspapers of Mauritius, a multi-ethnic nation, on the role of the media in that society.
The Secretary General of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA), Elizabeth Smith, will also be among the other speakers.

Last year Montserrat was represented at the Media Conference held in Trinidad, by Miss Rose Willock, ZJB Radio manager, and Bennette Roach, editor of the Montserrat Reporter.

She was buried in New York City. Dr. George Irish and Dr. Abraham E. Fenton officiated at the services held at Bronx Pentecostal Church.

Scores of Montserratians attended the funeral coming from New York, Boston, California, Miami, New Jersey, Texas and England. Sister Skerritt was born in Montserrat in 1905. Sister Laurine Fenton, Sister Elvena Greenaway and Mr. Hugh Allen paid tribute to a long and good life that had been lived as an exemplary Christian, an outstanding parent and a loving grandmother.

The children honored their mother with song. Granddaughter Iverline Simon read the 91^st Psalm and the other grand children read the 107^th Psalm.

Iverline Simon spoke to the Montserrat Reporter:

"My grandmother was my mother for some of the early years of my life and we bonded. I loved her very much and her passing devastates me. My own son Christopher showed very strong emotion.

"I was surprised and pleased at the large numbers who turned out to pay their respects to her. It was a sign that Montserratians respected and admired her. My life has being made richer because she was in it, and I feel tremendously blessed to have known this loving woman."

CANA - Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Edwin Carrington and U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Wednesday signed a regional agreement which she said was further evidence that Washington was attuned to the region and its needs.

This followed an appeal by Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Minister, Ralph Maraj, on behalf of Caribbean nations, to Mrs. Albright for help on wide-ranging issues,
Mr. Maraj made the appeal on Wednesday at the second annual meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Albright in the U.S. city of New Orleans.
He said regional states needed more help, including having more access to markets for their products. He said Caribbean nations want to paddle their own canoes, but history, geography and nature have conspired to limit their empowerment in that regard.
Mr. Maraj told Mrs. Albright the Caribbean nations continue feeling beleaguered as some industralised countries scoff at their call to desist from using the Caribbean Sea as a transhipment route for their nuclear and other hazardous waste.
The five-year, US$30 million US Agency for International Development programme involves a variety of growth, trade, environmental and judicial initiatives, Mrs. Albright said.

"This programme was designed in partnership with regional institutions and NGOs under the auspices of CARICOM.
"It is fully consistent with the goals of Bridgetown (the Bridgetown Accord signed between President Bill Clinton and Caribbean leaders in 1997), and will build on earlier efforts with CARICOM to attract new investment and broaden the foundation of economies in the region, especially in the Windward Islands," the U.S. Secretary of State said.
The two sides said they have agreed to monitor the vexing issue of returning criminals from the U.S. to the Caribbean, to cooperate on drugs and money laundering and to review trade issues..
Foreign Minister Ralph Maraj did say that the U.S. gave the assurance that it would support the European Union (EU) request for a waiver from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in respect of bananas exported from developing nations to Europe.
"We recognise the differences that exist in terms of our development between the United States and the Caribbean and in spite of those differences, we see so many areas for cooperation upon which we have embarked - justice and security, economic issues investment, the environment, development finance," Mr. Maraj said.
Mrs. Albright said that despite the other global considerations of the United States, the concerns of the Caribbean would be dealt with.
The Caribbean Regional Programme Agreement has three regional strategic objectives: increased employment and diversification of the economies; improved environmental management by public and private entities, and increased effectiveness and efficiency of legal systems.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 28, CANA - Jamaican political leaders were quick off the mark in paying tribute to fastbowler Courtney Walsh, who made history on Monday by breaking Kapil Dev's record for most test wickets on the fourth day of the second Cable and Wireless Test against Zimbabwe.
When the 37-year-old Walsh had Zimbabwean Henry Olonga caught at forward short leg to end the Zimbabwe second innings late Monday afternoon, he moved his wicket tally to 435 ahead of Dev's long-standing 434.
West Indies went on to win the test match by 10 wickets, completing a 2-0 clean-sweep of the series.
A pleased Prime Minister Percival Patterson described Walsh, who holds the nation's fourth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ) as well as the designation Ambassador At Large, as "a great human being who always gives of his best" and an "outstanding sportsman in every sense of the word."
The Jamaican Prime Minister, who was among those greeting Walsh at the boundary's edge following his triumph said that on the great fastbowler's eventual retirement "we in the Caribbean, and certainly in Jamaica, have a great deal for him to do as a role model for young people".
Sports Minister Portia Simpson hailed Walsh as the "epitome of sportsmanship."
"Your achievement is not confined to having broken the world record but also remaining a role model for young sportsmen and women from all disciplines," she said.
"To be a great cricketer and a great gentleman is a combination as rare as the skill, dedication, commitment and loyalty which set you apart from the field. A grateful nation salutes you," Simpson added.
Opposition Leader Edward Seaga described Walsh as "an exemplary sportsman in life and in play, achieving his goal with perseverance and humility. He is a wonderful role model," Seaga said. "May he build on his achievement so that his record will continue to endure for years to come."
Seaga noted that Walsh was carrying on the "world record breaking traditions" of West Indies players joining Trinidadian Brian Lara, who holds the world record for most runs in a test innings - 375.
As Jamaicans continue to celebrate Walsh's achievement with a motorcade Wednesday through the streets of Kingston, embracing Excelsior High School, where Walsh was educated, and ending at his famous club, Melbourne in Halfway Tree, uptown Kingston.

Later, Prime Minister Percival Patterson told a large audience at a reception in Walsh's honour that the government would "donate a lot of land in a suitable residential area" for Walsh to build a home of his "choice".

Antigua, CANA - Antigua and Barbuda's Finance Minister, John St. Luce, on Thursday announced a new two per cent business turnover tax and warned that petrol prices may well go up, unless
international petroleum rates fall.
In his budget speech, St. Luce put recurrent expenditure for the fiscal year 2000 at EC$476,137,482 (US$176,179,868) and projected revenue at $465,123,796 (US$172,095,804) leaving a deficit of $11,013,686
(US$4,075,063).
He said the government intends to net $80,200,030 (US$29,674011) in direct taxes, $313,553,144 (US$116,014,663) from indirect taxes and $71,370,622 from non-tax revenue (US$26,399,730).
"We expect significant increases at Customs from, first, a reduction in discretionary taxes exemptions and, secondly, from computerization of the department and introduction of a new training programme," the veteran
politician said.
He said the two per cent turnover tax will be levied on "profits and income" and it will be supervised by "recruitment of ... international tax field auditors". Coupled with the "introduction of a new training programme
(it) will see a major improvement", he predicted.
St. Luce said the country's over-reliance on indirect taxes, customs duties and consumption tax will be "balanced by replacing the old property tax with a modern version".
It is the view of many experts that direct taxes within the context of a globalised and liberalised environment will become a major source of taxes in the future, he said.
The theme of his presentation was the reposition of the Antigua and Barbuda economy in the context of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
He said the time had come for "radical changes" and "speedy decision-making" as well as "a war on expenditure".
He listed five factors that will impinge on the country's economic performance-free and open competitive trade in goods and services, the drying up of official aid and capital, the setting up of global economic rules and the power to enforce them, duality in development objectives and the spread of a common core of globaliszed cultural practices.
"All of the above have implications for the pressure placed on governments like ours as we seek to meet these expectations," he noted.
He called for an Antiguan and Barbudan recognition of new ideas and a willingness to abandon a traditional mind-set.
They should also recognise the need for speedy decision-making and implementation.
"This attitudinal chance will only come about if government and parliamentary officials, the business sector professionals, the civil service and other civil society organisations recognise the grave dangers in which we are faced in the global environment," the finance minister said.
"These dangers include the possibility of total collapse of not only our way of life but also our country and our identity.
"Of quintessential importance is our need to be more fiscally
disciplined and responsible, our need to be willing and prepared to pay our fair share of the tax burden as well as the recognition that there are some core policy issues over which there must be consensus in our efforts to safeguard the future of our state."
St. Luce said the economy grew by 3.5 per cent last year "in spite of the fact that we have two hurricanes ... and infrastructural damages of over EC$100 million" (US$37 million).
He is forecasting a growth rate of 4.5 per cent this year - "barring any hurricanes".
He projected increased air and cruise arrivals as a result of sustained marketing programme in both Europe and North America.
"... The completion of the vendors mall and hotel; the introduction of the walk-in malls and completion of Wallings hiking trail; restoration of the north coast wetland ... as well as the ongoing roadside beautification
project, should all contribute to robust tourism growth and earnings," he said.
Other areas of growth include the construction and offshore business sectors. While there are several construction projects in the public and private sectors on stream or in the pipeline, St. Luce said the offshore industry "was severely constrained by financial advisories (issued by the British and United States governments) ... but it is expected that this year these advisories will be lifted".
He said while oil prices increased by 60 per cent the government had reduced its tax on oil by 30 cents per gallon last year.
"These two measures combined have had disastrous impact on our revenues. If the price of oil does not fall shortly, the ministry of finance will be approaching the Cabinet to review this oil policy in a manner that will reflect realities," he warned.
St. Luce said the government will also tackle debt management, admitting it had had some difficulties in servicing Antigua's international debt obligations, over a long period.
"It is this government's intention to honour all its debt obligation, local and international, in a timely manner," he said.
Debt payment represents 21.52 per cent of the total budget.

CANA - St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony, has presented a tax free budget to parliament which he said contains initiatives designed to strengthen, modernise and reposition the economy which recorded a 3.1 per cent growth last year.
In a three-hour presentation Dr. Anthony said the growth was the highest the local economy had achieved in the last seven years.
"The Estimates of Expenditure seeks to facilitate, support and sustain growth, not simply to expand the public sector at the expense of the rest of the economy," he told parliament.
Dr. Anthony said total expenditure for 2000/01 amounts to EC$726.4 million (US$268.7m), of this 40 per cent or EC$291.2 million (US$107.6M) is for capital investment, 55.7 per cent or EC$404.3 million (US$149m) for
current operating expenditure and 4.2 per cent will go towards meeting principle payments on the public debt.
The budget will be financed from capital revenue of EC$6.7 million (US$2.4m), grants amounting to EC$78.9 million (US$29.1m), loans of EC$103.3 million (US$38.1m), bonds of $23.1 (US$8.5m) million which will be
available to St. Lucia and overseas investors and recurrent revenue of EC$515.9 million (US$190.8m).
Dr. Anthony, the country's finance minister, said that while the budget represented a reduction of EC$18 million (US$6.6m) or 26 per cent over the previous year, last year's revenue included $36 million (US$13.3m) of
extra-ordinary revenue.
"As a result the projection for 2000/1 represents an actual increase in revenue of about $20 million (US$7.4m) a direct result of previous revenue measures and efficiencies in revenue collection," he said.
Government, he added, expects that fees from casino gambling to be introduced during the course of the year will result in an increase in revenue collection of $0.7 million (US$.25m)in in the first instance.
Dr. Anthony said the capital programme of $291.2 million (US$107.6m) will be financed by $205.3 million (US$75.8m) from grants and loans, $79.8 million ($29.5m) from current revenue and $6.2 million (US$2.2m) from the sale of assets.
"The budget is designed to achieve a current surplus of $110.5 million (US$40.7m) or six per cent of (gross domestic product) GDP which is in excess of the desired level of five per cent and well over the 2000/01
target of 3.2 per cent agreed with the European Union," he said.
Dr. Anthony said government had created new and more efficient revenue measures and abandoned others which were tedious and unjust.
"Not only has this strategy produced the highest growth in seven years but it has also driven direct investment up by four per cent. Other investments as reflected in Balance of Payments is up be $63.4 million (US$23.4m)," he said.
Despite a decline in the banana sector, most performance indicators point to steady improvement in economic activity.
Inflation though higher at 3.5 per cent compared with the 2.8 per cent in 1998 was still moderate despite the substantial increase in petroleum prices on the world market, he said.
Dr. Anthony, however, said government's decision to keep petrol prices down helped to moderate the general inflation rate.
Construction which grew by six per cent compared to 3.4 per cent in 1998 was a primary contributor to the island's overall economic growth in 1999, while decline in the manufacturing sector in 1998 did not expand or contract in 1999.
The tourism sector which will obtain a $4.8 million increase in revenue to EC$22.4 (US$8.2m) grew by 2.6 per cent in 1999 compared with 2.4 per cent the year before, but agriculture which will receive $35.8 million (US$13.2m) continues to struggle.
"Banana production in 1999 decreased from the 1998 levels of 73,039 tonnes to 65,197 but we note that this was due to problems also experienced in the other islands as both Dominica and St. Vincent registered even higher declines," Dr. Anthony said.
The majority of the estimates $202 million (US$74.7m) will go to social services which includes education and health while $33.3m (US$12.3m) will be spent on road construction.
The finance minister also announced plans to phase out leaded gas by August 2000, a property tax amnesty, tax incentives for persons wishing to start up small businesses, relief for pensioners and increased contributions to the aged and disabled.

S A N J U A N, Puerto Rico — Central and South American nations and territories joined in a massive regional attack on illegal drug trafficking that netted 2,331 arrests and tons of cocaine and marijuana, U.S. agents said Thursday.
During the 17-day sweep this month, dubbed "Operation Conquistador," anti-drug forces from Ecuador to Haiti executed more than 7,300 search warrants against suspected traffickers.

The operation "was like a hurricane going through the Caribbean," Michael Vigil, director of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Caribbean division, said at a news conference in Puerto Rico.
Authorities seized nearly 12,000 pounds of cocaine, 120 pounds of heroin and destroyed 94 cocaine laboratories, said Vigil, adding that the operation forced the price of cocaine on the street to more than double.
"The objective was to send a message to the evildoers out there that we as Caribbean law enforcers are united," Tony Rogers, head of St. Maarten’s narcotics division, said at a news conference in the Dutch Caribbean territory.

Police also seized 150 pounds of hashish oil, 30 pounds of morphine base, 172 vehicles, 13 boats and 83 weapons. Officials said no major drug traffickers were among those arrested.
The operation included raids in Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Maarten, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Barbados, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. 

Former West Indies cricket captain Brian Lara is giving no indication about when he will return to international cricket.
In Barbados for an international golf tournament, Lara suggested Wednesday that he will not return to the West Indies team until he is psychologically ready.
"I think it all depends on how things work out," Lara told reporters.
"It's a very ticklish situation at this moment. I am looking forward to getting back into the game in the best frame of mind," he added.
Lara, who withdrew from international cricket earlier this month, saying he was under too much stress, is participating in the three-day Pro Am segment of the European Masters golf tournament at the Royal Westmoreland course. He shot a first round 66 to be six strokes off the lead.
West Indies captain Jimmy Adams announced this week that he would love to have Lara back to bolster the team's batting, especially against Pakistan, against whom they start a three-test series on May 5.

Antigua, CANA - The West Indies selectors on Tuesday recalled hard-hitting opener Philo Wallace, allrounder Laurie Williams and fast bowler Mervyn Dillon for the first two Cable and Wireless one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in Jamaica on Saturday and Sunday.
However, veteran fast bowler Courtney Walsh, who on Monday became the most successful bowler in the history of test cricket with 435 wickets, was not named in the 14-man squad.
The 37-year-old Walsh and opening batsman Adrian Griffith are the only players omitted from the team which won both tests against Zimbabwe in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Griffith, usually a solid left-hander, showed he is capable of quick scoring when he lashed a quick-fire unbeaten fifty on Tuesday in the Windies' 10-wicket win against Zimbabwe, but the selectors opted for Wallace in the team, which will be led by experienced middle order batsman James Adams.
Wallace, a tall and powerfully built aggressive right-hander, showed good fine in this year's Busta Cup regional first-class competition, hitting two centuries. He has played in 26 one-day internationals and in 1998 slammed his only century when he hit a boundary-studded 103 against South Africa in the Mini World Cup in Dhaka.
Williams, 31, who played the first of his six one-day internationals against Sri Lanka back in 1996, earns his recall after an outstanding season with bat and ball in the Busta Cup. The Jamaican captured 20 wickets at an average of 15.75 apiece and scored 379 runs (average 31.50) with a highest score of 135 in a first round match against the Windward Islands.
The 25-year-old Dillon has appeared in seven tests and 40 one-day internationals, and was one of the leading bowlers in last year's World Cup in England, even though the West Indies failed to reach the second round. He is a very good out-fielder and has taken 53 wickets at an average of 28.50 each with an economy rate of 4.41 runs per over.
Off-spin bowler Nehemiah Perry and exciting middle order batsman Ricardo Powell, who were the two reserve players in the short test series against the Zimbabweans, have been retained in the squad.
The two one-day matches at the weekend will be the first of the historic triangular limited overs series in the Caribbean, which also involves Pakistan.
Pakistan, who are due in the Caribbean early next week, will oppose Zimbabwe in their first match at the Antigua Recreation Grounds on April 5.
The squad:
Jimmy Adams (captain), Sherwin Campbell, Christopher Gayle, Philo Wallace, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Wavell Hinds, Ricardo Powell, Ridley Jacobs, Reon King, Mervyn Dillon, Curtly Ambrose, Franklyn Rose, Nehemiah Perry, Laurie Williams.

The Montserrat Under 15 team completed victories over Anguilla and St. Kitts in the Leewards Under-15 cricket tournament held in St Kitts/Nevis from 18^th-20^th March. The opening match against Nevis was narrowly lost, while the final game against Antigua, scheduled for Salem Park last Saturday, was cancelled by the Leeward Islands Cricket Association. Montserrat, therefore, finished in joint second place with Antigua in the competition, behind Nevis who won all their matches.

In the opening match against Nevis, held at Grove Park, Nevis, the home team totaled 127 with Powell top scoring with 29. Lionel Baker bowled 8 overs and took 4-22, Kenville Fenton 3-34 from 9 overs, and Edward Andrew 2-8 from 2.5 overs. The support bowling was unfortunately wayward, however, and Nevis were grateful to receive a total of 48 extras, including 34 wides and 10 no balls. This contribution proved to be crucial, as Montserrat only received 33 extras in their total of 111, therefore losing by 16 runs. Montserrat were in with a good chance at 95-5, with Lionel Baker going well, but he was adjudged lbw for 22 and the remaining batting could not close the gap.

In the second game against Anguilla, Montserrat were put in to bat on a damp pitch which delayed the start and reduced the game to 38 overs per side. Once again they were indebted to Lionel Baker who top scored with 55 not out. Leroy Allen made a valuable 21 and Garnett Thompson batted for 80 minutes in making 10, seeing off the Anguillan opening bowlers and laying the foundation for an eventual total of 147-8. In reply, Harrigan made 32 from a total of 106-6, but the Anguillans were always behind the run rate required and never looked likely to win. Baker took 3-13 in 8 overs, whilst Andrew took 2-25, also in 8 overs. Once again, extras top scored, this time with 37.

The final game against St. Kitts saw Montserrat put into bat again, this time on a good surface. It was, therefore, disappointing to total a mere 112, a total reached only due to an excellent last wicket partnership of 22. Elton Lewis made top score for Montserrat as he was last out for 23, and Calvin Lewis resisted the St..Kitts bowlers with 3 not out. When St.Kitts batted, they lost wickets at regular intervals to reach 55-4 at lunch.

Post lunch, this partnership continued and threatened to win the game at 80-4. Then captain Lionel Baker introduced Elton Lewis for his first bowl in the tournament and was rewarded with 3 wickets in 2 overs which turned the game, Lewis finishing with 3-2. The captain himself then came back to wrap up the St. Kitts innings with the final 3 wickets in 1 over, to give him figures of 5-31 in 9 overs, and 12-66 in 25 overs for the tournament, Montserrat winning by 24 runs. This last performance was especially pleasing as the team showed the mental strength to win in a tight situation.

Following the tournament, the Leewards selectors have chosen 24 players for a training camp to be held in Antigua next week. Thirteen players will then be chosen to travel to Trinidad for the West Indies youth tournament, to be held from 10^th-20^th April. Montserrat will be represented by Lionel Baker and Ian Osborne, who impressed with a consistent display of wicketkeeping in which he conceded only 14 byes over the three games.

The big reward is selection for the West Indies team who will compete in the Youth World Cup to be held in England this summer.

The Montserrat Cricket Association’s two-day league resumes this weekend with Cudjoe Head vs. St. Johns. Many of the island's best players will be on display and the cricket association encourages the public to come along and support them.

It was a thrilling end to what had been a competitive series between the two sides. Both started out looking to enhance their reputations in the international game - which had taken a hit in the months leading up to the two Tests.
The West Indies may now feel that not all is lost after the odds appeared stacked against them before the series opened. They were fresh from a humiliating defeat in both Tests and limited-overs international in New Zealand. Brian Lara, their best batsman and captain, decided to take a break from the game, and the public cry was for heads to roll.
I reminded everyone, particularly their critics, that the home series against Australia five years ago remains the only time the West Indies have lost in the Caribbean in more than a quarter of a century.
But the rational West Indian supporter would also admit that there is still much to put right. The batting struggled against an ordinary Zimbabwe attack; there were signs, however, that with the right kind of support the road to recovery may not be that long.
Easily the most satisfying feature for the Maroon Caps was the progress of the two young fast bowlers, Franklyn Rose, who was named Man-of-the-Series, and Reon King, both of whom appeared to have grown in confidence and maturity.
Someday, Franklyn Rose and Reon King will take over the mantle from the aging warriors Curtly Ambrose, who eclipsed the late Malcolm Marshall's record of 376 wickets to make history as the second highest wicket taker in West Indies cricket, and Courtney Walsh, who achieved during the match the personal distinction of becoming the worlds leading Test wicket-taker. And the averages for the two great men are very humbling. Walsh has 435 wickets at 25.24 and Ambrose boasts 377 wickets at 21.12 - a class above the rest!
On Monday, March 27, 2000, Courtney Walsh became Test cricket-leading wicket-taker to help bowl West Indies into a match-winning position against Zimbabwe in the second cricket Test. It happened when he bounded in to bowl the fifth ball of his 16th over at Henry Olonga, who has also made history, as the victim. Seconds later, Sabina Park erupted in mass celebration when Olonga fended a bouncer to short-leg fielder Wavell Hinds for a memorable catch that gave Walsh his 435th Test wicket.
The 37-year-old fast bowler immediately threw his hands in the air and was embraced by his ecstatic team-mates from all directions congratulating him for breaking Indian Kapil Dev's record of 434 wickets in his 114th Test, and later thanked the Sabina turf with a kiss.
This prompted the disc jockey in the Mound Stand to play the dancehall reggae tune by the artiste Zumjay capturing his achievement. The lyrics, ''Who's de big man inna cricket, Courtney! Who uh lick down man wickets, Courtney! Who gi we wha we want for we wicket, Courtney!'' which had rang across the ground almost every time Walsh ran in to bowl.
And even Murray Goodwin, after batting for nearly 51/2 hours to score 113, confessed correctly: ''You can never underestimate the West Indies bowlers and it is nice to have made a hundred when they were bowling really well. Its always tough playing against West Indies in the West Indies and I am very happy to be able to playing against them.''

And he was on the spot, for Zimbabwe felt their awesome power. Chasing a paltry 99 runs for victory in the first test, they were bowled out for 63 in the first test, losing the game by 35 runs; and after scoring 308 in the fist innings of the second test, they were bundled out for 102, defeated by 10 wickets.
Adrian Griffith blasted the West Indies to a 10-wicket win in 45 minutes of cricket on the final day to speed the West Indies to the magic number of 75 and clinch a 2-0 series win. Even if only 10 of his 54 runs in just under an hour came from boundaries, his positive stroke will be tested against the lively pace of Waqar Younis and the electrifying speed and control of Shoaib Akhtar.
It was a much-needed victory for the West Indian cricketers and the West Indian cricketing public, which were on the brink of a knockout from too many body blows. The people had demanded a fighting spirit and resilience from their players, and the athletes responded admirably, albeit against a lowly ranked team. But that should do their confidence a world of good.
And the new captain Jimmy Adams understood that fact when he said: ''It was a good team performance.'' Adams led by example with a dogged 498-minute first-innings century. ''I'm very happy with the way it worked out. It had been a while since I got a Test hundred, and I hope the team can go from strength to strength now. We're looking forward to playing very good and exciting cricket in the future.''
And they better prepare themselves for fiery darts of the enemy.
Pakistan, set to tour in the upcoming weeks, will present a clear danger to the spirit which the West Indies have built over the last two weeks under new skipper Adams - and to their proud record at home.
The inexperienced, inconsistent and poorly equipped West Indian Batsmen - particularly Sherwin Campbell, Adrian Griffith, Wavell Hinds, and Jimmy Adams himself, will have a very tough time batting against "The Burewala Express" (Waqar Younis) and the "Rawalpindi Express" (Shoaib Akhtar) on Caribbean pitches. Waqar just collected 301 wickets.
But there are encouraging signs, even if the performances were against a lightweight team. West Indian captain Adams and tailender Franklyn Rose put on an eighth-wicket stand of 140. They came together when the West Indies were struggling at 170 for seven and pulled the West Indies right back into the match, to reach a season best of 339.
Adams produced a captain's innings, batting for almost a day and a half, facing 373 balls in scoring a match-saving 101 not out. He exhibited the temperament that he showcased in the first half of the 1990s.
But all the other frontline batsmen averaged below 40. Sherwin Campbell and Wavell Hinds averaged 37.00 and 34.50 respectively. In the second test, outside of a stroke-filled innings that lasted nearly three hours from opening batsman Sherwin Campbell, there was little substance from the other West Indies batsmen until Adams and Rose, driven by altruism, resolved to die for their country (Jamaica, in particular, and the West Indies, in general).
Although the other batsmen exhibited resilience, the lingering batting problem remains.
But give thanks for small mercies.

(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.)

The Government of Montserrat is concerned over the sensational and erroneous media coverage given to volcanic activity on the island. Since the Soufriere Hills Volcano burst to life five years ago, Montserrat has wrestled with a feeding frenzy among regional and international media. It is a miracle, that this small struggling island has survived the onslaught of mis-information and hearsay.

The most recent media coverage given to Monday March 20, 2000 pyroclastic flows, dome collapse and ash fall is a good example of the damage wreaked by seemingly insensitive media. For example the Caribbean News Agency on the day after introduced its newscast, by saying that the Montserrat volcano is erupting once again.

It is a simple fact that since 1995, the volcano has never stopped its activity, and on a daily basis there has been steaming and earthquakes. So the CANA introduction was not news, but a cheap headline which got preference over the real issues in a recovering island.

An Associated Press writer also stated that boulders were hurled as far as Belham Bridge where the visiting Prince Andrew was standing the week before. The rocks at the Belham Bridge actually came down the riverbed, as a result of mudflows caused by heavy rains.

It is interesting to note that no regional or international media coverage was given to Montserrat's recent budget debate. It is also a slap in the face of good journalism, that not much coverage is given to the voting-at-large electoral system about to be implemented in Montserrat. With every day cries for change of present-day models of voting, no serious look has been given to Montserrat's effort at introducing a new system of voting by the regional and international media.

According to the Honourable Chief Minister, the British Travel Advisory also undermines regional and international confidence in Montserrat as a safe territory on the path to recovery.

As a small territory, it is almost impossible to fund any serious media campaign about our rebuilding efforts. But it would be a necessary lesson for the world to learn, if the media can share our experience with the volcano in an objective manner. A number of our neighbouring islands also have active volcanoes and Montserrat is undoubtedly an experienced force in the international arena in terms of living with a volcano. We intend to continue living with our volcano. We are rebuilding homes, schools, infrastructure and our lives. We only ask that the truth be told.

The Honourable Brunel Meade, Parliament Representative for Plymouth, and Dr. Howard Fergus, Speaker of the House, will attend Wilton Park Conference for The Overseas Territories in the United Kingdom, from Monday 3, to Wednesday 5, April 2000.

The Conference is to assist the Overseas Territories in the New Millennium to face the many economic, social and political challenges they may encounter.

The Conference will also review the partnership between the UK Government and the Overseas Territories, one year after the publication of the White Paper, and help to chart the longer-term relationship. It will provide a valuable opportunity for participants from the Territories, from the UK, international bodies and from representatives from other countries with overseas dependencies to share experience with one another and discuss appropriate policies and practices in the modern era.

The Conference will cover the following topics, along with others: "What Makes A Modern Partnership?" speaker, Baroness Scotland, Overseas Territories Minister, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London; "Whither The Economies of the Overseas Territories?" speaker George McCarty, Financial Secretary, Cayman Islands, and "Managing Sustainable Development," speaker George Foulkes, MP and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for international Development, London.

While in the UK, Mr. Meade and Dr. Fergus will hold discussions with Montserratians living there and bring them up to date on the Budget recently delivered by the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt and other local developments.

The reconstruction of Montserrat is moving in at steady pace, but even during this period there are many other positive things happening on the island. More visitors are coming to our shores, a cruise ship is expected on island in early April with over 100 visitors and persons are adjusting to the many changes that face them every day. Unfortunately, however, some international and regional journalists in their reports, along with local and, or British press releases, are painting another picture. Montserratians and friends of Montserrat are very amazed at the ambiguous and perilous effects these reports and releases are having on the island.

Fortunately there are persons like Dr. Gordon Avery, Montserrat’s Chief Medical Officer, who in a letter written, Wednesday March 22, 2000, to Medical Adviser, Dr. Jenny Amey, DFID office, London suggested the following.

A more considered and accurate advisory could have been written this way.

‘The presence of volcanic ash, which has diminished markedly since November 1999, poses a potential theoretical threat to the long-term respiratory health of residents especially if they are exposed to repeated ash fall. However the majority of the residents of Montserrat and all visitors are exposed to virtually no ash at all even after heavy falls in the south. People who have been more exposed have been monitored with, so far, no serious evidence of adverse effects.

"The country has made considerable efforts to restore the health services to a standard sufficient to meet most of the basic needs of the people and visitors. There are two private doctors practicing on island and there are four active health clinics. There is a 24-hour casualty service with ready access to on-call doctors and admission to a well-equipped hospital if required. Anyone requiring more sophisticated treatment can be evacuated to neighbouring islands within 2-3 hours."

This, in his view is how the medical situation on the island should be reported.

Further, in a thank you letter addressed to the Chief Minister the Honourable David Brandt, from the Controller and Deputy Private Secretary to the Duke of York, Miss Charlotte Manley, OBE, the islands safety was never a issue or problem. The Prince himself, in an interview with ZJB's Rose Willock, said that he felt very safe on Montserrat or else he would not be here. Following is the letter from the Prince’s secretary to the CM:

"The Duke of York has asked me to thank you for hosting him at the reception and lunch at the Tropical Mansions Suites Hotel during his recent brief visit to Montserrat. As ever, His Royal Highness was glad to be able to meet with many whose prime concern is the future of the island and its residents. The newly built hotel which was the venue for the lunch is an indication of the growing confidence felt by many and was, therefore, an excellent choice to host such a lunch. Prince Andrew has asked that his thanks are passed to Arian Galloway, the hotel manager, and all those who helped prepare and serve the meal. His Royal Highness was glad to see so many improvement since his last visit in 1997, particularly medical facilities and housing. However, he recognises that the long- term future of the Island depends on the hard work and initiative of many individuals, governments and other organisations."

The secretary ended the letter by writing.

"The Duke of York has asked me to convey his good wishes to you."

Reports from the Montserrat Tourist Board indicate that without the villas in Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay and Isle Bay Hill, Montserrat still has over 230 villa and guest house rooms. We also have an elegantly just built hotel (Tropical Mansions) with 18 rooms and the Vue Pointe Hotel will be adding another 12 rooms to that number later this month.

The just concluded St. Patrick’s Day week of activities was acclaimed one of the best for the pass five years and many visitors and Montserratians joined us as we celebrated our History and Irish connection.

The Montserrat National Trust, one of the islands leading None Government Organisations (NGO), is finalising plans for major trails and campsite development projects to be started in April. A map of the trails and campsite have already been drawn up and will be issued to visitors to the sites. The Trust believes the trail systems could be used to improve general health by encouraging persons to walk. Other benefits of the trail would be to educate the public. The persons using the trails and campsites will also learn about flora and fauna indigenous to Montserrat and gain knowledge on the environment.

On March 16, 2000, the Honourable Chief Minister Mr. David S. Brandt delivered his third budget to the Montserrat legislature since taking over the important Finance portfolio. During his two-hour presentation, the Minister of Finance addressed a wide range of issues, while at the same time highlighting the success of the fiscal and economic measures implemented during his tenure of office. The result has been a continuing decrease in the budget deficit coupled with gradual improvements in the economy. Although no new taxes were introduced, the Chief Minister was able to offer a number of incentives to ordinary tradesmen and other business people, as well to Montserratians wishing to return home. The following are excerpts from the budget address.

The out-turn for 1999 shows a deficit of $33 million. Expenditure during the year totaled $59 million and the amount of local revenue raised was $26 million. This deficit has again been funded by budgetary aid provided by DFID.

…The estimates for the year 2000 show projected recurrent expenditure of $54.4 million. This represents a 6-percent reduction on the 1999 budget. The reduction is a reflection of the efforts being made generally by government to control expenditure and to exercise fiscal prudence. Approximately half of the amount of the reduction is attributable to four factors.

These are:

a) a decline in emergency expenditure,

b) a decrease in the amount allocated to the rental of housing shelters,

c) the disembodiment of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, and

d) the rationalization of the social welfare system.

This year’s total represents the lowest level of recurrent expenditure in five years.

On the other hand, the business incentive and revenue generating measures introduced during the past two years are beginning to show reasonable results. Together with those to be announced in this presentation, they would have the effect of raising local revenue to $27.2 million in the year 2000. This represents a three-year growth trend in revenue beginning in 1998, and an increase of 5 percent over 1999. As in recent years, the major portion of the amount will be raised from direct taxes which this year are expected to total $16.2 million or 60 percent of the overall figure. The amount for direct tax is 10 percent higher than that actually collected in 1999. Within the category of "direct tax" the main contributors are expected to be Personal Income Tax ($6.9 million), Customs Service Tax ($4.3 million) and company tax ($1.4 million). Customs duties and consumption tax will together account for $7 million or 28 percent of total revenue collected this year - an increase of 3 percent in comparison to 1999.

As previously stated, the estimated recurrent expenditure for 2000 is $54.4 million. Personal emoluments and wages account for $23.1 million or 43 percent of the total. That amount represents an increase of 17 percent over the actual expenditure for 1999, and an increase of 10 percent over the budgeted figure for that year. The increase is partly due to the filling of vacant positions on the establishment. Currently there are 783 persons employed throughout the Public Service.

The estimates for the year 2000 therefore indicate a deficit of $27.2 million. DFID has agreed to finance this deficit through a grant to be disbursed on a quarterly basis during the year. The amount of $27.2 million represents the smallest deficit since 1996. Beginning in 1998, government of Montserrat has managed to reduce the budgetary aid requirement on an annual basis. The amount declined from $36 million in 1997 to $35.5 in 1998 and $34.8 in 1999. For the year 2000 the amount of budgetary aid is projected to be $27.2 million or 50 percent of total recurrent revenue needs. This is an improvement on the previous two years when the figures were 61 percent and 57 percent in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

It must be pointed out that while the objective of reducing budgetary aid over time is a desirable one, government remains ever conscious that the process must necessarily be a gradual one, and that the reasonable needs of Montserratians should not be compromised.

It is important that the government and people of Montserrat work steadily towards the reduction and eventual elimination of the need for budgetary aid. In keeping with this aim, we must continue to find ways of controlling expenditure while at the same time increasing local revenue earnings. The provision of relief and the granting of concessions must therefore be balanced by a sound, consistent and effective programme of measures to increase government revenue over time.

a) To increase the rate of duty and consumption tax on imported tobacco by 35 percent. …The effect is to increase the landed cost of a small pack of cigarettes by 10 cents, and the price of a large pack by 20 cents.

b) To return departure tax for residents and CARICOM nationals to the pre-crisis level, and to increase the charge to non-residents and non-CARICOM nationals. The former will now pay $25 while the latter will be charged $45. It is to be noted that these charges are still less than those which apply in several other CARICOM countries. Based on 1999 figures, the new rates would provide an increase in revenue of at least $70,000.

c) To re-introduce the charges for work permit fees which applied prior to the volcanic crisis. The proclamation by Government in 1997/98 which allowed work permit fees to be waived will now be revoked, and the work permit fees for CARICOM nationals will be re-introduced this year.

d) To revert to the regime of hospital user fees which were in place before relocation to the north of the island. In many cases, including those of public servants, the fees would be covered largely by health insurance claims. The effective date for this is not yet fixed.

…this may be called a budget of ASSISTANCE. We are putting more money in the NDF to ASSIST small business. Many people cannot afford the survey fees and we are ASSISTING them by getting it done free for them. We are trying to get a Soft Mortgage Scheme implemented to ASSIST persons who wish to build. Landing Charges are separated from the CIF value of commodities to ASSIST both the importer and the consumer. We have a new import policy to ASSIST business ventures to expand in the economy, and to ASSIST the development of infrastructure in the North. We are waiving penalty and interest on outstanding property taxes to ASSIST persons in arrears in paying up the backlog. Importers can now make greater use of the deposit entry; this is to ASSIST importers to clear their goods from Customs more conveniently. Returning Montserratians who left because of volcanic activity are given a concessionary rate of port charges to ASSIST their return to the island.

In order to expedite the work of the (PWD) department, however, a special project memorandum is being prepared so that funding can be obtained for urgent and essential culvert and drain repairs, resurfacing, and emergency works. This project is estimated to cost $3.1 million. In addition, plans are presently underway for road widening, building of drains and resurfacing of the Yellow Hill and Gerald's roads.

Funding approval has also been obtained from DFID for improving the supply and storage arrangements for Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). The LPG pipeline from the beach in Carr’s Bay to the storage tanks at the Fuel Terminal has already been completed and commissioned. All this is to ensure that there is an adequate supply of fuel on the island at all times, thus reducing the inconvenience which results from temporary shortages.

Government does not intend to continue operating the fuel facility indefinitely. When the facility is completed and fully functional, it will be turned over to the private sector to operate.

During the period of emergency, government adopted a policy of keeping the price of electricity and LPG in particular at relatively low levels. This was achieved partly through the provision of subsidies on diesel and LPG, despite the fact that the price of fuel has increased during the period. Mr Speaker, it is our view that electricity and cooking fuel are basic needs and it is our intention to make sure that the prices of these essential items remain affordable to Montserratians.

To meet the increased demand for places at the early childhood level, a nursery school and day care centre will be constructed at Lookout. The project has been approved and construction of the facility should commence in July this year. On completion, the school will accommodate a maximum of 70 children of nursery school age and 15 children at the day care centre.

At the primary level, the science and computer laboratories are now complete. Starting this academic year, all students at the Brades Primary School will be exposed to computer literacy programmes.

With the steady increase in enrolment at the secondary level, re-occupation of the Salem Campus is of paramount importance if the school is to fulfill its mandate of providing quality education. Every effort is therefore being made to ensure that the rehabilitation and renovation of the Salem Campus is completed in time for the re-opening of the Montserrat Secondary School in September, 2000.

The establishment of an integrated, multi-disciplinary, post-secondary institution remains one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Education. Such an institution will be designed to offer a variety of programmes, including 'A' level studies, vocational training, technical education and computer education. Designs and preliminary budgets are being prepared, and construction of phase one is expected to commence by the end of this year.

During the past year, 89 households were able to complete the construction of homes under Phases 1 and 2 of the Self-build Materials Grant Programme, bringing the total number of completed dwellings under this programme to 213. During the year 2000, at least 115 more houses will be completed under the programme, and funding for 100 has just been approved.

We expect that the Land Servicing Project for the provision of at least 250 serviced lots for Lookout Phase II will be approved during the course of this year. This will provide land for direct-build, self-build, and soft-mortgage construction, as well as for commercial and recreational areas. Once project approval is obtained from the British Government, the Project Manager will be appointed and work will commence.

Mr Speaker, this government has always sought to find creative means of financing prgrammes which it considers vital to the development of the country. It also adheres to the principle that Montserratians should not simply sit and wait for assistance from overseas. After a series of discussions with some of the lead agencies on island, we believe we may have found an innovative means of financing the establishment of additional housing stock. These agencies have agreed to consider contributing to a pool of funds towards another mortgage scheme to be executed by a financial institution in Montserrat. The scheme will be made available mainly to those who do not qualify under the Soft Mortgage and Housing Assistance Project.

A pre-requisite for success will be the forging of a meaningful partnership with the private sector. To that end, a one-day Tourism Forum hosted by the Montserrat Tourist Board was held recently. One of the results of this forum will be the formulation of a Strategic Plan to chart a new direction for the sector. Some of the strategies coming out of the Forum focus on the development of Nature/Adventure Tourism, Day Tours from Antigua and St. Kitts, Villa Holidays and Cruise Excursions on small to medium-sized cruise ships. The improvement and expansion of existing points of access into Montserrat was also identified as a core issue.

The Montserrat Tourist Board has initiated a series of workshops aimed at improving the skills base of persons directly and indirectly involved in the sector. These are being conducted in conjunction with a number of other organizations and institutions, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the UWI School of Continuing Studies, and the European Union. So far, a course for taxi drivers on Tour Delivery and a "Customer Relations for Front-line Personnel" workshop have been offered. A second workshop in customer relations will be held later this year.

The Montserrat National Trust, in collaboration with the Forestry and Environment Division, has formulated several tourism related projects including a promotional video which has just been completed, detailing 100 years of Montserrat’s history.

All of the foregoing is necessary to provide an interesting and valuable product to visitors, and for the fulfillment of the tourism mission of developing and promoting Montserrat as a destination capable of offering educational, cultural, and nature based activities.

Government has taken the immediate action of doubling the level of funding available to the National Development Foundation (NDF) for lending to small business. This brings the total amount of funds available under the Small Enterprise Development Project (SEDP) to $3.2 million. To date, 103 loans have been disbursed. Government is seeking to provide a further $1.8 million to the NDF in 2000 so that many more businesses can benefit.

At its weekly progress report meeting in the department of Public Works, the Permanent Secretary Mr. Eugene Skerritt and other department heads were updated on some of the major projects carried out by that department. The minister Honorable Rupert Weeks and DFID representatives are also regularly updated on the progress and critical aspects of civils and engineering projects.

Updates were given on the following projects, along with others:

Davy drainage, Golden Years Home Road, Lookout to New Winward Rd, work on the New Hospital, the Heliport project, the starting of Work on the Salem Campus of the Secondary School. Updates were also given on the Plant and workshop, Hotmix Plant, the Laboratory building at Brades, the Port Development Project and Isles Bay project.

In relation to the plant and workshop project a consultant completed phase one of his assessment of the PWD and other government plants and left Montserrat last Friday.

Work on the Salem Campus of the Secondary School will soon be started and the contract was awarded to one of Montserrat’s leading contractors. That project is expected to be completed for the new school year in September 2000. The Port Development project is an other major undertaking by the department and a meeting with the Port Management will be held shortly to finalise details of the project.

The Government of Montserrat’s Housing Unit has embarked on a comprehensive Housing Needs Registration .

The Housing Unit has been mandated to develop a National Housing Strategy that will assist the Government in planning a Five-year Housing Programme to plan for the future housing for the population. Our National Strategy will determine the number of persons who met the Executive Council approved definition of need outlined below and who may be offered direct assistance and or advice.

The development of the Strategy will benefit from the recommendations of the Housing Symposium held in 1999, and also from inputs from the private sector and NGOs. The Strategy recommends a range of Housing options and inventions and will be used to attract public and private investment in this vital sector.

Government has already agreed the following cases will be considered for assistance and advice.

a). Households who are living in adverse or poor hosing circumstances who may find themselves living in one or more of these situations: Shelters. Insanitary or overcrowded housing. Housing lacking or sharing sanitary and cooking amenities. Housing arrangements that lead to family separation. Housing which is temporary or occupied on insecure terms.

b). vulnerable household who exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: Households with dependent children or someone who is expecting a child (e.g. especially where the addition to the family would lead to extreme overcrowding) Households consisting off or including someone with particular need for settled accommodation on medical grounds. Elderly persons. Households whose economic circumstances are such that have difficulty in secured settled accommodation. Those who are homeless, or threatened with homelessness through no act or omission of their own. Persons who cannot use their family home because of the risk of domestic violence.

3. Persons who belong to the following group will be included.
4. On Island

Household on island who relocate from the Exclusion Zone (EZ) (1995-6)

Households on island relocated from the Daytime Entry Zone (DTEZ)

Household on island originally from the North who have not relocated but who are living in especially adverse/poor housing circumstances.

e) Off Island

Household relocated from the EZ (1995-6) and Montserratian households relocated and wish to return within the next five years. Application forms are available at the Unit or from Montserrat Associations Overseas and can be sent by mail.

All Households in housing need and who fall into the above categories are invited to visit the Housing Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Housing and the Environment at Brades.

(Households who visited the Housing Unit in 19919/2000 and whose circumstances are unchanged do not need to re-register.)

Below are the type of housing options which are currently available or

planned:

1. Direct Build - Fully Completed, Shell or Starter Homes.
2. Self Built Materials Grant - 1, 2, and 3, Bedroom Grants, 100% Material Grant
3. Soft Mortgage Scheme - Bank Loan +1,2,3,Bedroom Grants, + loan for land purchase.

4. Service plots for accessing Materials Grants, Soft Mortgage, or Private Direct Build provisions

Please visit the Housing Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Housing and the Environment at Brades for further information and or advice.

Mr. David Lang, a soil scientist is conducting a survey of the soil in the north of the island. The purpose of this exercise is to determine the best use of the land for the benefit of local farmers. Agriculture Development Officer Justine Cassell says, soils in the north are generally poor and the best husbandry practices need to be employed for best results. He said the loss of topsoil has compounded the problem, not helped by current land use practices.

A British Trade Mission will visit Montserrat in May. The announcement comes from Hadford St. Howill, Co-ordiinator of the Trade Promotion at the British High Commission in Barbados. Mister Howel, who left the island Tuesday after a two-day visit, said the May 10 trade mission will be the first to Montserrat by British companies. He believes they will get an opportunity to interface with the Montserrat business community and to look for opportunities for two-way trade.

The Ministry of Agriculture will intensify its program of assistance to the farming sector this year. Minister of Agriculture Brunel Meade says there would be comprehensive package of information, training and technical assistance to farmers, livestock owners, home gardeners and other stakeholders. Mr Meade said this year the Ministry of Agriculture will increase its extension service, irrigation service, and infrastructure in terms of roads and drainage.

Montserrat's new police commissioner is now on island.

Mr. P. Elder, after some delay arrived here Monday to take up duties. He was sworn in to his new position this week. Mr. Elder is the former Regional Adviser for the Caribbean based in Barbados from 1995-1998. Prior to his appointment here he served with the Fife Constabulary from 1964-1995, where he reached the rank of Chief Superintendent. Mr. Elder is accompanied by his wife Valerie.

Outstanding matters delaying the implementation of the Soft Mortgage Scheme have been resolved. This is the word from the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt.

Without going into details he said the scheme was discussed last week with the head of the Overseas Territories Unit, Mike Wood. CM Brandt said the government was able to get thee British Government to raise the income threshhold for qualifying for the loan.

Chief Minister Brandt said anyone earning less than $6,500 per month would qualify for the loan once they satisfy the other requirements of the bank.

The Social Welfare Steering Group met earlier this week to consider the next phase of the benefit program. The Steering Group includes representatives from non-governmental organisations, the public service, private sector and consultants from Price Water House Coopers Lybrand. According to the officials, members discussed issues that rose out of the implementation of the first phase of the welfare program, which is the $300.00 per month allowance for food. However, the main issue discussed was the housing benefit. Reportedly a number of persons in government housing are not paying their rent, therefore the steering committee will look at what kind of housing benefit people are entitled to.

What a relief. 90 percent of the dome came down, and there was very little ashing. In fact the people of Antigua and Guadeloupe received more ash than we did. What little came was quickly washed away by the rain, and so the residents of Salem, Olveston and Woodlands were spared the expense of cleaning ash, and spared the need to leave their homes, at least for another year or so.

Since then the volcano has been covered by a dark cloud, and we expect to find the beginnings of a new dome when the cloud clears. Those of us who are volcano watchers are certainly relieved to know that the rest of the year 2000 is likely to be relatively uneventful.

We continue the battle of getting the international media to acknowledge that the North of Montserrat, which has always been a safe place to live, is not only free of danger, but will be safe for visitors and holidaying for the foreseeable future. Safe for investment in housing and industrial enterprises.

So, why do I say "spared until January 2002"? Why a jump over 2001?

Because the next significant eruption in Montserrat is likely to be in January 2002. Not a volcanic eruption, but an eruption of political change. The need for a Christmas 2001 salary will determine the date for the next elections, and by that time, the incumbents should have had more than enough time to strengthen their positions.

Those of us who have the interest of Montserrat at heart would love to see those who are presently in the hot seat deliver the manifesto promises that we would be committed to, if given the reins of authority. It does not matter who delivers what is needed to make Montserrat thrive. Everyone, especially our children, would be winners.

We expect several developments consistent with our status of "British Overseas Territory."

These include:-

1. A social welfare system that includes unemployment benefit and state pensions for men over 65 and women over 60.

2. An income tax policy that waives the interest on volcano victims for the period 1995 to 2000 and offers generous terms for repayment of outstanding arrears, which are based on current income and ability to pay. It is unreasonable for persons who have declared losses for the crisis period to have entry certificate demands that they cannot meet.

3. A Chief Minister's Office that ensures promotion of an improved image of Montserratians, through a change in the way operations at the port and heliport are conducted; including a change in the way persons with responsibility and authority are treated. The new Commissioner of Police and his wife should not have had to carry their heavy suitcases through the reception area at the port.

4. Further housing projects, which include condominium-type studio apartments, which recognise the need to properly utilize the limited land and slopes that we have, and that maximize the reach of utilities to households. Rather than the unaffordable spreading of housing units for 2 or 3 persons over hillsides.

5. The planning and starting of housing developments towards the direction of Thatch Valley, so that the new roads will have a beneficial long-term objective.

6. Completion of a landing strip for fixed-wing aircraft.

7. Completion of a cultural center which is designed and constructed as a revenue earner, to serve as the focus for a thriving entertainment industry, producing material for the global market.

8. Creation of employment opportunities for the Montserratians on unemployment benefit in the UK and elsewhere by the launch of a variety of manufacturing and industrial ventures, including re-establishment of the rice mill project with containerised shipping. Attracting these lost members of our work force will require offer of travel assistance and accommodation in Montserrat, on the same terms offered to them in the United Kingdom.

9. Provision of mortgage financing for Montserratians living and working in Antigua and other Caribbean territories, so that they can enjoy an alternative to the total loss of rental.

10. The opening of a Montserrat Information Office in the capital of every country with a significant number of Montserrat residents. These offices would serve these displaced nationals, promote visits to and investment in Montserrat, and resonate with the sounds of ZJB Radio on the Internet, thus expanding the listenership to much more than 5,000, as deserved by the very high standard of programming and production that our station is known for.

It is not enough for competing political hopefuls to criticize. They must share their ideas. They must take independent action in addition to talk. They must use whatever resources are at hand to stake their claim for January 2002. Being hungry for power is not enough. Good luck to the hopefuls. May their bank accounts not run dry too soon.

And God said: " if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

If you have to ask what this biblical quote has to do with re-colonization then you are not alone. My son thought that my little grey cells had forsaken me.

My little essay is in response to a Commentary on the Pertinent Issues in your last newspaper. You see, I too did not want to leave my home and become a lost soul wandering in the counties of the United Kingdom nor begging my bread in Antigua or anywhere else. But having read the Commentary, my wife, my son and a couple of old timer friends I’ve got are convinced we have no choice but to seriously consider leaving our beloved home.

"Is not me, is the British" is the slogan of the Government of the day. Let’s pray that it is also their swan song.

Analyze this: the elected Government officials and their technocrats (sick!, all very, very sick!) continue to either ensure the economic shut down of the country while aiding and abetting the re-colonization of Montserrat.

Before you dismiss this statement consider the following:

1. His Excellency issues his travel advisory with the approval of the Foreign Office. He proceeds to publicly scold the Tourist Board Official and set in place mechanisms to silence said official. He insults the people of Montserrat by his inane and disingenuous response. And what do our elected Government Officials do? Have you heard a peep from them in defense of our future? Where is the voice of the Minister responsible for Tourism? Is said Minister assisting the Governor in the re-enslavement of our citizens? Go figure!
2. Our elected Ministers of Government publicly attack and humiliate each other. Our appointed Technocrats (still very sick!) and our elected Ministers of Government openly, persistently and almost religiously side with the Governor and the DFID teams in any and every issue that is supposed to be about the re-development of our country. Tell me, is this not the very essence of divide and rule? To whom do these Ministers and Technocrats owe allegiance? And when do you think the concept of divide and rule was perfected? Yes, it was in the era of colonization. All over the colonized world the plantocracy divided the natives and ruled (or is it rode?) them with impunity. So same old, same old, eh?
3. And since you cannot know all that unfolds in the developmental discussions with DFID and Montserrat, let me give you one half of a story about a DFID man and a local man: A DFID man was sharing his perspective on the issues. A local man shook his head in disbelief. A DFID man said to a local man: "shake you head all you want, if I say so is so". While the words are not verbatim, the story is true. And the motto of the story is: New colonialism is well on its way.

It is necessary that I caution you right here and right now, lest I be misunderstood, that you must not, I repeat, you must not, take the foregone to be British/DFID bashing. This notion must be far removed from your thoughts as they were never in my thoughts.

This has to do with the ineptitude of a Government. This has to do with treason committed by our technocrats against Montserratians everywhere. This has to do with the inability of the Government of the day in understanding that their role is to serve those who elected them and not fall prey to colonialism, no matter how disguised and new it may be.

This is about our elected Government's officials, ably aided and abetted by its technocrats, giving DFID, the Governor and the United Kingdom the green light, the wherewithal and the authority to "poo" on our heads, on our hopes, our future and rub it in for good measure.

Look around you, listen to the half stories. What is happening to our future? No housing loans, no defense of citizens, no budget, legal action against law abiding citizens, threats against those who seem to thwart stupid government policy, transfer of civil servants who "disobey" HE, entrenchment of wee dictatorial non-nationals and traitors.

Listen to and read the news. Decipher it. Investigate the $7,000.00 limit hold up of the housing loans.

Read the budget. Understand that it is the budget of the Chamber. Analyze its impact on the future of the country. Then tell me why the Chamber is not out in the streets refusing to pay back taxes?

Review the assistance to the country. Then figure out why it is that project development and project writing is being taught (and to whom, pray tell?) rather than being done. Rationalize the need for one more poor soul being added to the nest of tiny megalomaniacs and grinning sycophants.

When you have done all that you will see that it is not the British who are causing us to look to our future with trepidation. It is not the British who are stealing our livelihood and closing down our economy. It is not just the British who are responsible for our new colonization.

It is our duly elected officials who are selling us up the river. It is our very own national and non-national technocrats who are the traitors in our midst and who hitch their wagon to a star that is neither British nor Montserratian. It is these elected officials that we must remove from office. It is these technocrats that we must transfer to posts that will suitably enhance their unfailing ineptitude, seemingly British allegiance and "ill health."

Now if you were to understand the source of the new colonialism that Montserrat is being drawn into, I am sure you can see why God said: " if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Are we caught up in an illusion about progress and development or do we lack proactive leadership to facilitate the way forward?

That particular question, in my estimation, raises very important issues, strategically highlighting a two-sided examination of the present downfall with which the island finds itself engaged with the Department for International Development (DFID) and the British

It was with disbelief I read two weeks ago in the Reporter of the refusal of the British to grant funding for modern fixed wing air transport facilities on Montserrat. The audacity of the suggestion for a grass strip at Gerald’s falls nothing short of being utterly absurd, with the seeming intention of taking our development shamefully backwards in this, the 21^st century!

The repetitive nature of the frustrating beaurocracy that surrounds the approval of significant projects that are essential for our development is an issue that should not be taken lightly by the people of Montserrat. After almost five years of volcanic activity, with damage and destruction to the economy and infrastructure so obvious for all to see, it begs the question and causes me to wonder, does the British government have an unwritten policy of developmental stagnation towards Montserrat?

Surely, as is obvious, the instinctive reaction will be to blame the British and the manner in which they initially dealt with the crisis and if I may say, still continue to do. However, after carefully thinking about the situation, the more appropriate question to ask is, exactly who among those charged with the responsibility of ensuring that Montserrat rises from the doldrums of volcanic destruction -- local government and DFID officials alike -- is not doing something right?

The DFID officials, in whose hands the approval of money for projects falls, have a job to do. From my understanding, the dialogue of granting approval for projects is a dual responsibility. Concisely, project proposals are drafted, approved and presented to the British, for their inspection and approval. An important proposal such as the engineering of modern fixed wing air facilities, I am hardly inclined to think will be so poorly constructed that it will so blatantly be denied by the British. From past readings, it has been noted that they had their people as well as our people involved in the feasibility of Thatch Valley as an optional site. Arguably one DFID official commented that the building of an airport at Thatch Valley would be "uneconomic." The question I would love to ask is exactly what does he mean by "uneconomic" and furthermore "uneconomic" for whom?

To revive any semblance of decreased reliance on the British, we need to get our economy back on a proper footing. It need not be mentioned that now, more than ever, tourism ventures on Montserrat can provide very lucrative yields for residents and a vital boost to the economy. In this regard a modern fixed wing airport will greatly increase marketing strategies for the island as a tourist destination.

Instead, the assistance we receive from ‘motherland’ is a travel advisory against travelling to Montserrat and an insulting gesture of the offer of a grass airstrip! Maybe someone somewhere is missing the point, but a grass airstrip in the 21^st century, when your focus is towards development, is self-defeating.

Many are quick to jump on the bandwagon of casting blame on the British but it may be worthwhile to consider that more importantly, those who are elected to serve our interests have an even more important and self-sacrificing job to do. The crucial nature of having a government that takes a proactive stance towards the British and their cronies must not for one minute be sidelined. The present situation in which we find ourselves demands such affirmation, and to such ludicrous suggestions as granting a grass airstrip, we need to have people in place that will stand up and say a resounding NO!

As has been the case in the past, Montserrat has had some decisions made by politicians that have only mattered for short-term significance. That mode of thinking now need not be an issue, as the thought processes of our politicians and those negotiating on our behalf ought to be focussed on the long term. Montserrat is in a position where the island yearns for development; the conditions to augment that developmental process have never been more ripened. Our leaders must in all fashion be proactive, visionary and responsible to take the charge of development forward.

The looming threat of neo-colonialism lingers over us and if we are not mindful may be the fate of generations of Montserratians to come. Manoeuvring the island into a state of decreased dependence on DFID and the British is a long-term objective that we should not lose track of. This is a task that, in light of the current attitude being displayed by the British about being serious about our development, will not be an easy one. However, governments were put in place not to do an easy job and, now more than ever, we need a government that will fight valiantly for the cause of the people.

It should not be a continuous sentiment of being anti-DFID and casting blame on the British; rather the time has come for the leaders as well as the people to be united with one vision, and that is working in unison towards building a prosperous Montserrat.

People with diabetes: Beware Chinese herbs

People who have diabetes should avoid five brands of Chinese herbal products because they illegally contain drugs that can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)..

California investigators discovered the herbs contain the prescription diabetes drugs glyburide and phenformin. People who use any of these herbs regularly and take diabetes medication are particularly at risk.

Those who suffer from fatigue, excessive hunger, sweating or numbness after using these Chinese herbs should contact a doctor immediately:

Diabetes Hypoglucose Capsules (sold by Chinese Angel Health Care Products of Santa Monica, Calif.)

Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules (imported by Sino American Health Products Inc., of Torrance, Calif.)

Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Pearl Hypoglycemic Capsules and Tongyitang Diabetes Angel Hypoglycemic Capsules (sold by Sino American)

Zhen Qi Capsules (sold by Sino American)

Herbs and anesthesia — The risks increase

When it comes to interaction with anesthesia, herbal supplements can be just as dangerous as prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has reported significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate in some patients who have been using herbal remedies. Herbs that increase the risks of anesthesia include:

St. John's wort — may intensify or prolong the effects of some anesthetic agents and narcotic drugs.

Gingko Biloba and feverfew — may reduce platelets needed for blood to clot.

Ginseng — may cause episodes of tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Many herbal products can be dangerous if the anesthesiologist does not know a patient is using them.

by Jean Gordon, RN

TOPIC: DIFFICULTY IN SWALLOWING OR DYSPHAGIA

Normal swallowing is a complicated function involving the coordination of muscles of the tongue, the pharynx and the esophagus. These muscles are under the control of the five pairs of nerves and the centers of the brain that control them. The circumstances that cause difficulty in swallowing are listed as follows.

Large, irregular shaped objects, if accidentally swallowed, may lodge (get stuck) in the back of the pharynx (found in the back of the mouth). Objects of such shape and size that enter the upper part of esophagus (which is the canal that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach) will usually pass through its entire length. If they become lodged (stuck), it is usually in the upper part of the esophagus. Any object stuck in the esophagus naturally interferes with swallowing. If it has sharp edge, it may injure the lining of the esophagus, causing symptoms that persist even after the object is removed. The removal of such a foreign body or object requires the services of a Doctor.

The swallowing of strong acids or alkalis causes serious injury to the lining of the esophagus (remember this is the canal that leads from the back of the mouth to the stomach). In the early phase of such an injury, the patient may have to be fed by the injections of nutrient solutions into his veins. As the injury heals, there is a gradual shrinking of the tissues with scar formation and narrowing of the lumen (or space inside) of the esophagus. Thus the swallowing of food or even of liquid may become difficult or impossible. Surgical treatment is often required.

Cancer of the esophagus occurs most commonly in the lower third that is nearer to the stomach than to the back of the mouth (pharynx). Difficulty in swallowing is usually the first and continuing symptom of such a development. For this reason the symptoms should be reported early to a Doctor.

Should you experience difficulty in swallowing see your Doctor immediately as this may make a great difference in the outcome of your condition.

After leaving Secondary School in 1978, I started working with the HAND-IN-HAND Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company as a Sales Agent. I spent one year with the Company then moved on to work as a Clerk with the LDMC – Linden Development Management Committee.

Having friends who w