He said: "It is really concerning…but there is no need for panic or anything. Since last August we've had essentially similar continuous growth of the dome-building, building in the Tar River area. Obviously the dome has gotten very big and we've had a certain amount of flow activity."

Those in the occupied part in the north of the island has been fortunate in that the many ash clouds that can seen resulting from the flows and the rock falls each day have not drifted northwards. Mr. Hurd warned, as usual, "We've got to be on the alert; things can develop quite quickly and we may see quite rapid changes, maybe in the pattern of seismic activity and obviously by way of collapse and rock falls."

At the same time he gave reassurance: "We are just keeping on top of the changes that are going on."

Meanwhile the Montserrat Volcano Observatory's information and outreach activities continue throughout the region, with MVO Director Gill Norton and Communications Manager Chelston Lee visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands on the weekend.

In a release Mr. Lee said that while in St. Thomas they, "will use their five-day visit to meet and have discussions with disaster officials, local historians, the Montserrat Association and members of the general public."
Since late 1999, the MVO embarked on an intense regional public education campaign, and occasionally makes information-related trips to neighbouring countries to deliver first-hand information on the volcanic situation in Montserrat.

The MVO has already made official visits to the UK, Antigua, Tortola and Dominica. After the St Thomas visit, the next targeted islands will be St. Kitts/Nevis and Anguilla.

Mr. Lee reminds that these visits are important: "The MVO believes that it is necessary to continue its attempt to avoid some of the inaccurate information that is around the region."

Cable and Wireless following disagreements in St. Lucia two weeks ago, have reached agreement with the Organisation of the East Caribbean States (OECS) over plans for the liberalisation of the telecommunications systems.

Dr. Keith Mitchell and Denzil Douglas

This took place at a meeting today which was previously scheduled to take place in Grenada, but according to the Office of Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, chairman of the OECS, "to accommodate all the negotiators" it was changed, back to St. Kitts.

Dr. Keith Mitchell at the end of the meeting reported success and compromise between the two parties: "we agreed that there will be minimum time of 12 months for full liberalisation and 18 months maximum. There was an agreement that by 12 months we can have full liberalisation of all aspects of internet service, long distance telephone calls and cellular service every single thing…"

Dr. Mitchell said it was further agreed that a number of issues would need to start working on immediately to ensure that the period of transmission is used.

Cable And Wireless compound, Montserrat

In Montserrat, meanwhile, as Cable & Wireless, St. Lucia and some of the other OECS territories were still butting heads over monopolies and liberalisation, local manager of C&W Neville Dublin reassured Montserrat residents last week that C&W was not planning any pullout from Montserrat.

At a press conference Mr. Dublin said that Montserrat was not taking part in the OECS talks where liberalisation was very much on the agenda. "Cable & Wireless has continued to make excellent progress in agreeing the basis for liberalizing telecommunications markets elsewhere in the wider Caribbean region," he said in an opening statement.

He referred to a recent success story of Call Centres in Grenada, "which accepted a very competitive price package from Cable & Wireless and is now employing just under 800 people."

He said that the situation in St. Lucia is, "specific to St. Lucia…the stance on the situation is not in any way taken to prevent competition in the region."

Meanwhile, Mr. Dublin confirmed that the C&W monopoly telecommunications licence with the government of Montserrat still had several more years' life and they have not had any notice from the Montserrat Government of intention not to renew its licence.

Last week, also in a news item coming out of the talks in St. Kitts, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader, Mr. Denzil Douglas, who jointly led the OECS Team with Grenada's Prime Minister and current OECS Chairman Dr. Keith Mitchell, said agreement had been reached in Wednesday's talks with Cable & Wireless for full liberalisation of VSAT licences on April 1, 2001.

At the time he expressed the view "… when we go to Grenada next week, the situation with regards to the announcement of the proposed withdrawal of Cable & Wireless from St. Lucia will be completely resolved."

It is exactly one month -- or, if you prefer, 31 days -- to Election Day, April 2, 2001, in Montserrat.

Is there an election that is not important? The answer of necessity must be 'no'. Well can some be more important than others? The answer here may well vary, but a quick answer is 'yes.'

This time round for Montserrat, it is not only an important one but also a difficult one. Difficult if only because there are many Montserratians who will be bitter come April 2, when they are forced to realize that they will not be able to choose people who they feel will be able to help chart the path of their return to Montserrat, their home. And that realization also must occupy the minds of candidates, even though it seems not to be on their lips.

While we listen to or perhaps unavoidably hear many plans and promises on radio and television, the real truth is that at the moment we have little control over how, when and where all these plans or promises will be facilitated.

We hear about manifestos, which in some ways may not be worth even the cost of producing them. Why the attitude? How many of our candidates, after a month of organising, preparing, talking and, according to them listening and planning, really understand the background that brought us to an election where we will vote as if we are doing so for a head of state?

Many will welcome, for the time being, the thought that on that day they can go into the polling booth and vote for nine different people. It is not so simple a task, aggravated by the fact that although they may look and say that this or that party will better represent our interests, they will not believe that every single person in that particular party merits their vote.

This problem arises out of the fact that even though the names of the parties are not new, the parties and most who comprise them are new to the party, as in the case of the New Peoples Liberation Movement (NPLM). . The NPLM has seven who contested elections before, with five having done so in the 1996 elections, three with the PPA, a replacement name for the PLM party, of which the leader was one of two elected then. The National Progressive Party (NPP), with nine candidates so far, has three people who contested elections before, but only two did so with the party.

Interestingly, out of the seven who formed the outgoing legislature, only three are contesting, with only one of the ministers so far still in the race.

Montserratians are accustomed to having to make a choice of one out of perhaps as many as five or even six in a particular constituency, often one out of two or three; now they have to choose as many as nine out of, so far, 24. These choices will be made from 17 candidates in the two parties and seven independents. Of course on March 16 we will know whether there are that many, or more or fewer.

At the 1996 elections there were over 7,000 registered voters. Now only about 40 percent of that number, just under 3,000, including some newcomers who have since reached the age of 18, may vote. But what about the caliber of the voters? It must be obvious that they will mostly be the stronger-minded ones who for varying reasons are still in Montserrat.

Candidates are therefore reminded that they will not be able to be watery and expect to get away with it. The catch phrases, the insults, the 'ignorance', the flattery, will not be as successful as they used to be. And voters will not be allowed to get careless; we will try to remind them. It should be obvious also that their choices must be not the most popular candidates, but those who really can do more than use nice words, make nice plans and promises.

It must be those who have the know-how and the skills to represent and produce results that will make a difference to a people who are still struggling; those who will not just pick up the few pieces that are left, but find the necessary means to build for today's existence and for our old age and our children's future.

Read James 2:1-8

Intent on hanging himself, Mr. Watanabe slipped out of the hospital and made slipped out of the hospital and made his way to a nearby mountain. It was twilight when he knotted a rope around a pine tree, then around his neck. Just at that moment, a crow flying overhead shrieked; and Watanabe started to tremble. Instead of committing suicide, he went down the mountain and made himself a home in a public park.

After a few years of living in cardboard boxes and eating food out of garbage bags, Watanabe met a young Christian man. A group in that young man’s church was concerned about homeless people and shared the story of God’s love with them. After several months of warm fellowship and prayer Watanabe was baptized.

Watanabe has gone from living in a cardboard home to living in an apartment with a kitchen. He has moved from a life of despair to being a child of God, from the isolation of solitary existence to a life of fellowship in the Lord. His life has be a witness to the saving power of God.

Prayer: Ever –loving God, We pray for the homeless people in our community. Help us to be willing to meet their needs Amen.

How has my life changed because I know God?

Yachiyo Fujimoto (Osaka, Japan)

Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO FEEL WORTHLESS AND UNLOVED

Dear Editor,

I really think that the Montserrat Reporter keeps us in the wider world informed of what's going on in Montserrat. Further I must say congratulations to all the people who have made this so possible in this trying time. From ever since our Government reached the stage of no longer being confident to run their own show for whatever reasons, people who are concerned including myself have been bombarded with questions.
1: Is this type of politics helping Montseratians both at home and abroad?
2: I can agree that if we're not living there then maybe we're not eligible to vote; however are we expected to still invest our monies there?
3: With the small number of people who are left in Montserrat is the current way the most appropriate way for people to vote?
4: Though we love our country and would love to see it prosper are these people in the current race ready to put country before self?
5: What is the general feeling in Montserrat at this time about the whole Government and election for that matter?
6: Can we as nationals be able to either contact or make some kind of recommendations to these politicians?
7: Why is it that DIFID still seems like they are the ones who run the country and not the Government?
8: In the present situation where there is no Government so to speak, is the Governor the one in charge of the country?
9: What kind of advice, if any, was conveyed from London since we're still a British Dependent Territory?
10: Is it still safe or can investors expect a fair deal if they want to invest in Montserrat?

Jairam D Fenton

Dear Editor:

One of the biggest injustices to relocated Montserratians is the decision to prevent us from voting in the upcoming general elections. That move is extremely unfair and draconian. Some people say that it is the best thing since we (the relocated ones) may elect a government and not live under it. While I see the point I do not necessarily agree with it.

Whether or not I am living in Montserrat, as a born and bred Montserratian the action of any local Government affects me directly. Most, if not all, of the overseas Montserratians have relatives and friends living in Montserrat and we want to see the best for them. We have an undeniable right to be part of the political process or any other process in our homeland. That should be our irrevocable right. We cannot claim a similar privilege where many of us now live, as a result of the crisis.

It is a big mistake to deny us our political rights at home. The decision is dictatorial, communistic, and should not be allowed. When you consider that the vast majority of Montserratians are living abroad (due to the volcanic crisis) the upcoming election borders on being a real shame. Relocated Montserratians should have the choice to vote or not.

The decision should come from each individual on a personal basis.

From what I have read in the Montserrat Reporter I understand that legislation was introduced to qualify persons who are eligible to vote and it basically bars all of the relocated Montserratians.To me that legislation or amendment is extremely controversial and must be rescinded. I cannot vote where I currently reside, and I cannot vote at HOME (Montserrat). That makes me no better than someone who lives in Cuba or China. There must be a case for the violation of a basic human right there somewhere.

The views of relocated Montserratians must be heard since we stand to lose or gain from the process similarly to those who live in Montserrat now. If over half of the electorate has been forced to evacuate, with government (British) assistance in many cases, it cannot be fair to tell us that we have been disenfranchised too.

I am calling on whoever is responsible to restore our rights and allow us to decide for ourselves whether or not we are going to make use of it.

Joseph Daley

Dear Editor,

I read with interest Mr. Gerard Silcott's idea about having the party affiliation of candidates stated on the ballot. Of course, my views on the importance of parties is a purely private matter, although ostensibly we purport to practise multi-party democracy. This does not mean that there is no place for independent candidates.

Having said that, what Mr. Silcott has written makes good sense, if I may say so, and I do have ballots in my possession from other jurisdictions which give the candidates' party below their names. The ballot, though, is a legal document and the law would have to be amended to bring about this innovation. What I can promise is to include his proposal among the list of recommendations which I plan to make following the April polls. And some of these recommendations would need wider public discussion.

I am pleased that we have young men like Mr. Silcott (Joseph Daley and others), who can contribute ideas dispassionately to critical national debates. This gives cause for hope and we need to welcome and seriously consider their contribution to the social and political dialogue.

Dr. Howard A. Fergus

Dear Editor,

Thanks for keeping the Montserrat Reporter on line. It has been greatly appreciated, by most of us abroad.

I was happy to see the views expressed by some people on island regarding the eligibility of us who left to be able to participate in the elections. It simply means to me that if one wishes to manage the affairs of his home country one must be resident there for at least three years.

For years most of us have been deprived of opportunities to serve in our fields of interest, due to the fact that people with no interest in Montserrat have been allowed to manage our affairs without even considering the economic loss to our country. I hope that the people responsible for initiating such a qualifying system will also have some influence on the persons chosen to manage our affairs in the future.

With less than 5,000 people on the island, I regret seeing that parties had to be formed, because history has taught us that when it comes to political ambitions party politics does not matter. With the new system in place I would like to see the four most popular, dedicated and able Montserratians manage the affairs of the island, being supported in the Legislature by five others with similar interest. The public will eliminate those who are hoping to be elected solely by association.

It is my intention to use my recently acquired skills on Montserrat for at least the three years presently required in order to contest the next election, in a bid to be one of the top four managers of our homeland.

I look forward to your next issue of the Montserrat Reporter, with the inclusion of my contribution.

Wishing for wisdom to prevail in Montserrat at this time. We are interested in anything that develops in our "only" HOMELAND.

Regards

Chief Minister David Brandt has put a call out to Montserratians, and in particular candidates who are offering themselves for public office, to come out and assist with the preparations of Salem Park for the match at which the island will host the visiting South African cricket team.

An official is due in Montserrat to make an inspection of the pitch, grounds and facilities to ensure that Montserrat will be able to efficiently host the match.

Construction of a new commentary booth in progress

Mr. Brandt said in a ZJB interview, "This match is so important to us we would not have enough money to buy the publicity that it will give to Montserrat, once they come and they play… so I would like to ask all the politicians, men and women who have announced their candidacy, to come to the park on Saturday and Sunday to support the Cricket Association, the Government and the people of Montserrat in doing some work on the park to make it ready for Monday."

Brandt consults with the MCA president John Smith

Meanwhile a similar call came from Mr. Roy Greaves, a senior official of the local cricket association, who called on the people of Montserrat to "give us all the support you can give to us so that on Monday morning, when the board officials arrive, we will be up to speed and be able to satisfy their request so that come April we could be proud host to the south African team."

This week a couple of consultants visited with the local British Department for International Development (DFID) to hold workshops for staff and related government and other agencies.

Ms. Gia Allison and Mr. Dil Peeling

Mr. Dil Peeling said that the workshop's theme was "Sustainable Livelihood," which is intended for use as a development planning tool. He was accompanied by Ms. Gia Allison.

Prior to the workshop, which was held on Wednesday and Thursday, they met with a cross-section of the community, including civilians, fishermen, farmers and such organisations as the Chamber of Commerce.

They sought to obtain information on how the island was surviving the crisis, what were some of the problems encountered on the way, and how the government had assisted to alleviate the difficulties.

Maria-Anderson Bagoe (Ba-go-ay) TONCON is a woman of many parts: wife, mother, grandmother, musician (she sings in at least three languages and plays the guitar). She is also a tour guide. It seems the more she does, the more she finds things to do.

I first met her in 1987 when she accompanied her husband and his students on an exchange trip to Montserrat. We have been friends ever since. She and Aubest Hawe hosted a number of young Montserratians at their home in Guadeloupe.

During St. Patrick’s week ‘Sonny’ will exhibit a selection of artifacts from her private collection -- a selection of musical instruments (you should see the ones she wont be able to travel with), household and ornamental articles, traditional African masques (more than just a face mask).

'Sonny' and her family have lived in Benin and Senegal and the information she has to share about the use of the calabash will astound you. It is hoped that the exhibition will be on display for a few days from March 12.

Don’t Miss It. Details later on radio.

St. Kitts -- The Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) held its 41^st meeting here Feb. 20, chaired by the Honorable Lester Bird, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Antigua and Barbuda.

As a result of its deliberations, the Council decided to maintain the officially administered rates as follows:

• The regulated minimum rate of interest on saving deposits at 4.0 percent
• The Central bank’s discount rate at 8.0 percent
• The inter-bank market rate at 5.0 percent

During the session Council members considered domestic factors which influenced monetary and credit conditions in the Eastern Caribbean currency union during 2000. Among these were:

1. (1) Favorable growth in real income for the region’s major trading partner countries.
2. (2) Retarded growth in the main tourist industry due to required reconstruction after the destructive passage of Hurricane Lenny late in 2000.
3. (3) Only modest recovery in banana production and exports, exacerbated by adverse movements in exchange rates.

Council specifically acted to:

1. Encourage member governments to hasten establishment of the OECS Economic Council.
2. Urge member governments who have not yet done so to make the appropriate amendments to existing legislation that govern offshore banks.
3. Encourage an integrated approach to the supervision and regulation of offshore banks by the involvement of the Central Bank and the national authorities for those member governments which consider this beneficial to their circumstances.

Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank K Dwight Venner says that the way forward for all countries in the new globalised environment is through access to good information on which to make the appropriate policies, since survival, particularly for micro states, will depend on the quality of these policies.

In the feature address at the opening ceremony for the IMF/ECCB-sponsored Price Statistics course at the ECCB this week, the Governor pointed to knowledge and flexibility in the production structure as two critical factors in the process. He noted the timeliness of the seminar, given the policy thrust in the ECCU to place emphasis on price stability through a fixed exchange rate regime. Decision-makers would require the most accurate measurement of the consumer price index to inform their decision-making.

Some 40 participants from statistics departments and central banks from Suriname, Haiti, BVI, as well as ECCB member states and other CARICOM countries, attended the seminar.

While Britain struggles to control an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease there, two Caribbean governments, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, this week suspended issuance of permits for importation of British animal products.

The government in Kingstown banned importation of all meat and animal products from Britain for an indefinite period.

In St. George's, meanwhile, Grenada health authorities slapped a temporary ban on chicken and pork imports from Britain.
Britain and the European Union have placed restrictions on the movement of meat, live animals and milk products. The action follows the discovery of the contagious disease in a number of pigs at a slaughterhouse in Essex, east of London, which accepts animals from all over the United Kingdom.
The disease, which veterinary officers said is not fatal, results in weight loss and decreased production in cows.

The Caribbean Call Centre is an international business company, with a decidedly regional investment flavour. Barbados Shipping & Trading (BS&T) and Neal and Massy are the big names behind the venture.
The company is keen to do business with and on behalf of major players in the fields of travel, finance and technology, with the target markets being the United Kingdom and the United States.

ST. GEORGE'S, Grenada (AP) -- Dozens crowded the courthouse Thursday to catch a glimpse of a Baptist church leader and prominent member of Grenada's governing party, who is charged with killing a 15-year-old school girl.
As Archbishop Edmund Gilbert was led out, people surged toward him shouting, "Murderer! Murderer!" His soldier escorts rushed him into a waiting car.
The victim's mother, Maureen Jeremiah, stepped into a shadowy archway and began to cry. "She was brave and bright," Ms. Jeremiah said of Robbie-Ann Jeremiah. "I miss her."
Police discovered the teen-ager's body Feb. 1 near the airport. Officers said she had been strangled.
Archbishop Gilbert, who is also a government tax collector, was arrested a week later, after police traced a call -- telling them where to find the girl's body -- to his cell phone.
"The police know that Gilbert reported the phone as being stolen before that call was made," said defense attorney Anselm Clouden. "I'm confident that we have a strong defense."
Mr. Gilbert's next court appearance is scheduled March 13 to decide whether there is enough evidence to bring him to trial. He has not entered a plea. If the case goes to trial and he is convicted, he could face death by hanging.

Antigua, CANA - Two men, citizens of St. Vincent, have been charged with illegally importing six kilogrammes of cocaine, worth EC$102,000 (US$37,777), in false-bottomed suitcases, Assistant Police Commissioner Rawlston Pompey said Wednesday.
Alphord Justin Williams, 25, and Donnie Adolphus Collis, 51, were arrested on Tuesday upon arrival at the VC Bird International Airport and subsequently charged with illegally importing, as well as being in unlawful possession of the drug with intent to transfer.
"Examination of their baggage revealed false compartments in which the illegal drug was concealed," Mr. Pompey said in a statement. Police would not say from which country the two men arrived and where was their final destination.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CANA - Trinidad and Tobago Carnival ended midnight Tuesday following two days of continuous street partying.
On Wednesday, the streets of Port of Spain were cleared of debris - with very little reminder that dozens of masquerade bands with thousands of carousing members had paraded through the streets for two days.
Among those taking part in the Carnival were reigning Miss Universe Lara Dutta, Miss Universe 1999 Mpule Kwelagobe and Miss Universe 1998, Trinidadian Wendy Fitzwilliam. They were part of the Harts band 2001 presentation, "The Unknown."

Antigua, CANA - Antigua and Barbuda police said Wednesday they were searching for a 35-year-old national of the Dominican Republic in connection with the suspected arson attempt at a church where nationals of that Spanish-speaking nation worship.
An electricity generator, musical keyboard and a transformer were destroyed and the wooden walls slightly scorched. Pastor Fremio Santana of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies estimated damage at US$7,296.
Assistant Police Commissioner Rolston Pompey officers were looking for a member of the same church to assist them with their investigations into the early Tuesday morning blaze.

Grenada, CANA - Top officials of British telecommunications giant Cable & Wireless and representatives of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) moved their next round of talks to Kitts on Friday.
Negotiators for both parties returned to the table for crucial talks on the liberalization of the telecommunications sector in the eight-member OECS grouping.
The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Grenada, but the Office of Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell, said it was later changed to accommodate all the negotiators.
Prime Minister Mitchell, who is the chairman of the OECS, held talks in St. George's last Thursday with the London-based Executive Director of Cable and Wireless, Robert Lerwill.

Dr. Mitchell and Cable & Wireless's chief negotiator, Errald Miller, both expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the last meeting in St. Kitts. The highlights of that meeting included agreement on the complete liberalization of V-Sat licenses, clearing the way for more call centres to start operations throughout the region.

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis, CANA - Nevis Premier Vance Amory said Monday that the giant U.S. carrier American Airlines will be flying into Nevis when the new terminal building is completed.
"We have had some assurance that after the terminal is completed that American Airlines will certainly be coming in," Premier Amory said. The terminal building will provide the necessary security required by well-established airlines, he said.
Premier Amory observed that the 4,000-foot runaway is complete and Nevis has the volume of persons travelling to warrant the increase in seats to Nevis (by airlines), "yet we have to wait because of the matter of security.
"The contractors have advised that they are working according to schedule and we should see this project completed by September-October, in time for the next tourism season."

Trinidad, CANA - A 46-year old Trinidadian man who has been diagnosed with severe mental imbalances, has been committed to a psychiatric institution for killing his mother in 1998.
Justice Alice Soo Hon ruled on Thursday that Richard Smead be detained at the St. Ann's Psychiatric Hospital at the "president's pleasure" for killing his mother.
"The death of your mother at your hands is extremely unfortunate. This court sees you as a real danger to society.. and should you be allowed to go free, others may be subjected to the same fate as your mother," the judge said in handing down the judgement.

St. Vincent, CANA - The Electoral Office in St. Vincent on Tuesday began a 15-day continuous period of voter registration for the March 28 general elections, Supervisor of Elections Selwyn Jones said.
Mr. Jones told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) that the schedules for registering officers, their assistants and photographers were being posted at public places Tuesday and would be aired on radio.
The special registration period ends on March 13 and the preliminary list of voters will be published three days following this special exercise.

Dominican Republic, CANA-Reuters -- President Hipolito Mejia on Tuesday disparaged his predecessor's running of the economy, saying that in achieving rapid growth in the Dominican Republic he had spent too freely from the public coffers.
In a speech to parliament marking the country's independence day, Mr. Mejia, who took office in August 2000, took aim at Leonel Fernandez's record at the helm of a centrist government since 1996.
Mr. Mejia, a center-leftist who campaigned for the office last year on a ticket that promised to distribute wealth more fairly, said that the previous government "forgot the most elementary norms of prudence in managing the budget."
The current account deficit was estimated at $850 million, or 6.7 percent of gross domestic product, in September 2000, shortly after the change of government, Mr. Mejia said.
The legacy of the Fernandez government meant that his administration had had to undertake a "profound fiscal and monetary surgery," the new president said in a speech that sought in part to deflect criticism of measures undertaken by his government, including tax increases that have been unpopular with opposition politicians, business leaders and church groups.
The Dominican Republic, which has a population of around 8 million and shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, was a regional economic success story under Mr. Fernandez, with economic growth of more than 7 percent annually in recent years. He focused on pushing key industries such as tourism and also launched a program of privatization of government-run sectors including electricity. But Mr. Mejia said that excess public spending in the last months of Mr. Fernandez's term left the new government's hands tied.

Grenada, CANA - The Regional Co-ordinator of the Caribbean Network for People Living with HIV, Yolanda Simon, has lamented the absence of laws that offer job protection for persons living with the virus.
Ms. Simon said in a recent interview with the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) that people in many Caribbean countries were being quietly laid off from their jobs after testing positive for HIV, the virus which causes the killer disease AIDS.
She said workers in tourism-dependent countries were the hardest hit, "because they are the ones that are being tested without their knowledge and if they are found to be HIV positive they are just dismissed."
The Trinidad and Tobago-based network is protesting the alleged bad treatment meted out to HIV infected persons by Caribbean employers and is working with a group of lawyers in Port of Spain to draft laws designed to prevent employers from firing employees who are HIV positive.

Antigua, CANA - Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to lift a temporary ban imposed on Brazilian corned beef following a decision by Canada to do so, Chief Veterinarian Dr. Joseph Robinson said Monday.
The decision comes days after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that scientists from Britain, Canada and the United States were assured that Brazil "has taken sound measures to prevent" Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) also known as Mad Cow Disease.
Of the 28 brands of corned beef and other products containing Brazilian beef three brands -- Hereford's, Fray Bento's, Grace and Libby's corned beef were on supermarket shelves in Antigua and Barbuda.
Following the voluntary recall by the CFIA, Antigua and Barbuda had ceased issuing import licenses for those brands but did not order the destruction of existing stocks.
Although the tripartite team was satisfied with Brazil's anti-BSE regulatory system, the CFIA outlined a number of safeguards for beef products from that South American country.
They include the certifying of shipments as containing beef products from cattle that were born and raised in Brazil and not from any imported sources of beef, and the beef must come from cattle born after Brazil enacted its 1996 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban.

Nevis, CANA - A Trinidad-based environmental firm is helping Nevis to assess the damage caused by a French vessel that ran aground off the island last week, an official said on Monday.
A marine biologist on Sunday surveyed the area measuring 700 feet by 500 feet and has returned to Trinidad with data for a detailed study.
"From the preliminaries, some of the coral was damaged and some of the anti-fouling paint was on the rocks, so we wanted to see if it was enough to cause any concern or to actually put in a claim or if there will be any long-term negative effects on the environment," Fisheries Advisor, Captain Arthur Anslyn, told the Caribbean News
Agency (CANA).

St Vincent, CANA - Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell, sustained an injury to his right eye on Sunday during an incident with a ferry boat passenger.
Sir James said on radio that he was attacked by a young man while they were returning to the mainland from Bequia.
Sir James was treated at the Kingstown General Hospital where X-rays revealed a fractured bone above the damaged eye. The doctors ordered him to rest for three days.
Police took the man into custody for questioning.

SYDNEY, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman in test history and Australia's most revered sporting figure, has died in Adelaide, aged 92, the Australian Cricket Board announced on Monday.
The Director of the Bradman Foundation, Richard Mulvaney, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the cricketing great died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday.
"The Don" became a national sporting hero during the 1930s and 1940s when he rewrote cricket's record books by scoring 6,996 runs in 52 tests at an average of 99.94.

Our own Devon Williams returned home after being selected to play for the Leeward Island cricket team in the 2001 (Busta Cup) regional competition. Williams' inclusion was much awaited and anticipated after scoring heavily at home last year, with 150 runs against Antigua and 99 runs against St. Kitts.

For the match in which he made his debut, cricket fans at home were glued to their radios for Devon's turn at the crease in

In St. Kitts, Jamaica vs. Leeward Islands. Williams dominated his way to 48 with several fours and a six. Another notable stay at the crease was his 32 against Barbados, which was top score.

Fans throughout the region no doubt now are looking for greater things this coming October when it is expected that Williams will be selected again to represent the Leeward Islands in the Red Stripe Bowl.

In the latest round of matches (Busta Shield International) Jamaica humiliated Barbados in the land of flying fish by amassing a first innings total of 497, which was too much for Barbados.

In Guyana, England -A was also defeated by the home side, which to date has played the best cricket consistently throughout the tournament, boosted by their star batsman Carl Hooper.

Cricket lovers in the region are questioning England's participation in this competition, robbing one of our team from playing more cricket.

The venue for the finals between Jamaica and Guyana is yet to be decided.

West Indies selectors named a 16-man squad to attend a three-day camp only days away from the first Test match, West Indies vs. South Africa, this coming Friday in Guyana.

Notable omissions from this squad are the captain and his deputy on the just-concluded tour of Australia, Jimmy Adams and Sherwin Campbell.

On the local seen, Cudjoe Head defeated Montserrat Secondary School by an innings at Salem Park last weekend.

Two of the best Caribbean football sides squared off in Kingston, Jamaica, where the Reggae boys was victorious over Trinidad & Tobago, winning by a lone goal scored in the 16^th minute of the game.

Jamaica moved a bit closer to qualify for that nation's second successive appearance in the world cup. T&T having the services of their star player Dwight York, fresh from a hat trick in the English premier division last weekend in a match that likely sealed Manchester United's bid for English supremacy.

Cable & Wireless and the West Indies Cricket Board announced February 23 a new three-year agreement for the continuation of the company’s sponsorship of the West Indies Cricket team and the Cable & Wireless 2001 home series.

Cable & Wireless and West Indies Cricket Board sign new deal

Making the announcement on behalf of the company, Cable & Wireless’ newly appointed CEO for the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, Errald Miller said: "As a West Indian and an ardent cricket fan, it gives me pleasure to announce the renewal of our sponsorship agreement with the West Indies Cricket Board.

"For the past 16 years Cable & Wireless has staunchly supported the development of cricket in the region, and we are happy to continue our relationship with the WICB." Mr. Miller added: "Like telecommunications, cricket is part of the fabric of life in the West Indies. Our association with the sport has always been strong, and I am confident that the new agreement will ensure that our relationship with fans and with the board continues to grow."

The new US$8.3-million agreement, which begins in 2002, ensures that the West Indies Cricket Board can continue to implement its development initiatives of the past four years to secure the long-term health of the sport in the Caribbean.

In response to the announcement, President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Mr. Pat Rousseau, remarked: "The West Indies Cricket Board has enjoyed a long and healthy relationship with Cable & Wireless and we are thrilled to see this continue.

"The confidence in our team and the loyalty to the people of the region is clearly demonstrated by Cable & Wireless’ continuing demonstration of their commitment to the sport of cricket in the Caribbean. Coming at a time when both Cable & Wireless and West Indies cricket are facing serious challenges, I believe the partnership will prove to be even more beneficial for all concerned."

Cudjoe Head beat Montserrat Secondary School in their Cable & Wireless two-day league cricket match played on 24 and 25 February.

Cudjoe Head won the toss and decided to field.

Montserrat Secondary School scored 119: (Garnett Thompson 31, Dolstan Tuitt 21, Ian Osborne 21, Gregory Willock 4-38, Dion Weekes 3-17) & 62 (Mark Stephany 3-12, Gregory Willock 4-14, M Leffie 3-11).

Cudjoe Head scored 195: (Mark Stephany 58, Clint Thompson 45, Dion Weekes 23, Lionel Baker 3-43).

Cudjoe Head (16pts) beat Montserrat Secondary School (0pts) by an innings and 14 runs.

St. Johns will face Eastern in the next match on 3 and 4 March.

By Gwendolyn White – RN, RM Psychiatric Nurse

TOPIC: IDENTIFYING WORKPLACE STRESS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Stress is a natural and necessary part of living. It tells us when something is out of kilter. It motivates us to take action and make needed adjustments. But too much stress can be harmful.

Any social environment where a person works, attends classes, or carries out their business is a place where the individual’s strengths and weaknesses are expressed in daily social interaction. It’s important to note that stress experienced on the job does not necessarily come from the job itself. Some stress is brought into the workplace from personal situations or from inner conflicts. The over-abundance of stress in today’s world is due in large part to an ever-quickening pace of life. Continuous change, insecurity, confusion and internal conflict are recognized as modern living conditions throughout the world. Often, these conflicts naturally spill over into the workplace environment.

There’s no question that dysfunctional circumstances at a particular workplace will add to the burden of stress for everyone who works there. And places of employment pay for workplace stress problems through lowered effectiveness of workers, high turnovers and lost profits. But how can solvable problems be identified?

One way would be to carry out a community survey. Rather than fixing blame on the employer, this can be a positive means of communicating mental wellness concerns with local employers and to find solutions that result in greater business productivity and improved worker satisfaction.

Suggested Steps:

• Recruit a task force of volunteers to assist you in creating a workplace stress questionnaire and conducting surveys. (Participants and survey respondents may find that just taking part in constructive action will act as a stress reducer).
• Ask people from many places of employment within your community what they find most stressful about their jobs. The number of people canvassed should be large enough to produce a wide range of responses.
• Organize study groups to examine the results. What stressors are the most common?
• Identify miscellaneous stressors. Is there something that they have in common?
• Share the results of your research with the employers in your community. Network with them in examining ways in which the most common sources of stress can be reduced.
• Have patience. Don’t expect immediate results or instant improvements. Businesses will have at least as much trouble making changes in behaviour as people do, but initial steps followed by persistent efforts can lead to long-term progress.

Downsizing and cutbacks of the last two decades have made employment security a volatile issue. When company rumors begin to spread, employees are more likely to follow leaders who share as much information as they are able to disclose, and truthfully admit to any company mistakes. Workers want to be respected by not hearing any false promises.

Negative office politics are sometimes intensified by hidden mental disorders. A manager, for example, might take credit for other people’s ideas. If this person runs a department, staff will eventually become cynical and feel so conflicted that they will have difficulty focusing on the tasks at hand.

Longer hours, more days – struggling to find a balance between family time and office time. Employee competition within the "long hours culture" can lead to job burn out. Technological advances (cell phones, e-mail and voice mail) can blur boundaries between work and private life, causing workers to bring the office home with them.

Exciting, very exciting, this Election 2001. One Constituency, too many candidates. Oh what fun to be here. The only problem for me is that I have lost my rights to freedom of speech and freedom of movement. There are so many candidates in the race that we the voters have become afraid to talk and walk freely.

It is so funny, it seems as if one only has to look like a candidate and even his friends will try to avoid him. I am not a candidate and yet some of my friends have began to shun me. One of my better friends, Jack, his foot is sick so I give him a ride every time I meet him no the road. Yet imagine, this morning I met Jack going to Royal Bank, he could hardly walk;. he was struggling to make it on the driveway.

But as soon as he saw me, he walked "far far" from me. So I had 'was to' shout him and say, "hey careful you hut you foot; and besides, me nar run for politics so no run from me."

Hear him, "No, no man, me just no arn with the politics thing.

And that’s not even so bad. Yesterday one candidate asked me why I was laughing at him. He said that he passed me around a corner on Forgarthy road and that I burst out laughing as soon as I saw him. So he wanted to know if I think he ain't good enough to run.

So hear me, "No, not really, it was the goat dem mea laugh aftu.

But you know how I really feel about the so and so…; damn joker, but I could not honestly tell him.

Hear this one, bright Sunday morning last week, while I was driving through St. John's, the red tall one, the not so good looking candidate stopped me. He wanted to know why I keep my head down every time I see him. I mean to say, I felt real guilty; because he was talking the truth. But the so and so…damn joker can’t expect me go vote fu him.

So hear me now, "No, not really, I was only putting some small change in the glove compartment."

See what I mean, this election 2001,.one Constituency plenty candidates. I neither have freedom of movement nor freedom of speech.

If I go to Bank of Montserrat, there is a candidate in the line. If I go to water Authority, the wife of another candidate is standing behind me. I am afraid to pay my light bill, because I might run in to the big fat candidate. You go to Salem, candidate out dey, you friad to buy fry chicken. You go to Little Bay, candidate dong dey, you friad to buy fried fish. You visit the Barber Shop you can't talk, you can't even laugh, party spy in dey.

You have to pretend that you support who they talking about. Because I fraid the big mouth fellow.

And more still, Tuesday last I went to the bar at Carrs Bay, and the tall, black, sore foot bisexual fellow ask me "if a ex me a look." He said, "not because you write bout the homosexual thing in the Reporter, no bother think me a vote for you".

So hear me now, "you blasted sufferer, yu tek me fu so and so," but I could not call de name because she and the other candidate were right there in de shop campainin

You see what I mean, this election, one constituency plenty candidates, it is getting out of hand.

Nobody knows who is who. People refusing to take rides from people these days. They say the don't want to talk politics. They don’t want their names called up and down the place.

Election 2001, one Constituency too many candidates. I'm excited but very confused imagine last week-end I made my list of nine Candidates to vote for; but since then I have already changed it three times.

Oh what a game, this election comin, nine exes to play an a feelin something.

Well, it is that time again.

You know, the season for long-lost politicians to crawl out of the woodwork. For would- be politicians to climb atop their soapbox. For promises to be made and most of all for characters to be smeared, integrities to be destroyed and endless lies to be told.

But there must be something said for appealing to the general public and the political candidates about the destroying of each other’s good names.

At the same time something must be done about informing the general public about the history of the lives of the candidates and the impact their election would have on the lives of residents of Montserrat and Montserratians abroad.

The voting public must think on a few issues:

First, we are in the worst economic time in our history

Second, we are dependent on the British for funding all our infrastructure development

Third, the country has been denied direction for the past couple of years.

Having thought about that, the voting public must now think about how to deal with those three issues and select a slate of candidates that would be able to get the country out of the economic mess, utilise the British funds and implement the projects outstanding, have a reasoned and respectful relationship with the British, and bring a level of understanding that is necessary to direct the country on the path to development.

Let's look at the candidates.

Immediately you have eliminated over 50 percent of them; some independent and some attached to teams.

Look at the strengths of the remaining 50 percent. Look at their knowledge. Look at their experience. Analyse their relationship and their ability to relate with the British. Look at their personalities.

Look at their work in the communities. What have some of these candidates ever done that would make a voter vote for them? Have any of these candidates robbed and pillaged the country? Have any of these candidates been sued for fraud, corruption or otherwise? Do any of these candidates have leadership qualities? Can you feel comfortable with any of these candidates representing you in the regional and international arena? Have any of these candidates been derogotary of the British or indicated that they have fooled them? Will the British government work with any of these candidates? Have any of these candidates said that Montserrat has no future? Do any of these candidates bring a wealth of the kind of experience and understanding that the country needs now? What has any candidate done to contribute to the development of the country? Can any of these candidates hold his or her own alongside the kind of government leader, businessman, donor agency, investment banker that exist out there in the world today? Can the candidate use a computer? Can the candidate really understand the issues?

All voters need to consider the answers to these questions. They are all really very critical, not just now tomorrow, but next year and onward.

The kind of government leader that is required in this new, brave, computer literate and technological world is not a kindly old business gentleman who can talk up a storm. It is not a nicely dressed person with no experience, training or understanding of developmental issues. It is not persons who have made no clear and significant contributions to Montserrat. It is not persons who you know the British will not have a relationship with because of historical legal issues. It is not persons who have no understanding of the developmental issues that are facing Montserrat. It is not persons who have no capacity, ability or interest to debate, build or implement polices and strategies to lift Montserrat out of its economic slump.

What Montserrat needs at this time is a government of persons with a history of contribution to the rebuilding and developmental process of Montserrat. What is required at this point is a leadership group with managerial capacity, with international representation ability, with parliamentary experience, negotiating skills, with down to the ground experience and a track record of serving the people of Montserrat. What Montserrat needs now is a leadership group that would make Montserrat someplace that could keep its young people and give all residents new hope for the future.

Montserratians and residents should all vote. But they must vote for a future.

So an appeal must be made to all residents to please choose your representatives wisely.

March 8th 2001, International Women's Day will soon be upon us. In many communities, and countries, local women's groups will hold annual events to commemorate this day, and to celebrate the many gains that women have made over the years. The Caribbean Regional Office of Amnesty International salutes Caribbean Women and women everywhere on this significant occasion. It is perhaps unfortunate but prudent that even as we celebrate, we must contemplate strategies which would allow us to gather strength for the many struggles which lie ahead.

Amnesty International takes this opportunity to heighten awareness about the pervasive nature of violence against women and to mobilize public action to stop the torture of women by both government and private actors. Torture is any act, which causes the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental suffering or harm on someone. It is an exercise of power meant to coerce, intimidate, degrade, or dehumanize that person.

Usually it is not an isolated act but is linked to other abuses of fundamental rights and freedoms. Torture may be carried out by, or with the consent of state agents, public officials or persons acting in an official capacity. It can be used for any reason based on discrimination. The contemporary debate and exploration of the incidences of torture include domestic and other institutional forms of violence, which are supported by the state either actively or by virtue of its poor legal system, or it's refusal to act.

Around the world severe and violent acts against women, such as dowry deaths, bride burnings, stoning, beatings, chopping and mutilation, and sexual slavery occur on a daily basis. At least one woman in every three has been beaten, forced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. A study of female homicide in Alexandria Egypt found that a relative murdered 47% of all women killed after they had been raped.

Right here in the Caribbean we experience almost on a daily basis brutal attacks on women by cutlass wielding spouses, homes are burnt to the ground with the defenseless occupants inside, eyes are gouged out, women are shot, and forced to silently witness the rape of their daughters. Their homes are demolished, and they watch their children suffer and die because they are unable to access basic needs such as food and adequate health care.

Those who dare to challenge the status quo in defense of human rights are harassed and threatened. Governments or their agents attempt to prevent and discourage people from challenging the state by systematically destroying their physical and mental integrity, often denying them access to the things necessary for their own survival and the survival of their families.

Violence against women takes place in so many forms and in so many areas of life and living that it threatens the very core of our existence, the future of many societies. Yet, it continues to go unrecognized as a human rights abuse.

If we hope to prevent torture we must expose abuses that are hidden. Hidden in our orphanages and children's homes when children are beaten and sexually abused by those charged with their care. In our police stations, and prisons when persons are beaten to get them to confess, detained in sub human conditions, fed salt porridge, or denied much needed medication as a form of punishment. In our homes away from the eyes of the public, where victims of domestic violence live in constant fear for their lives and the lives of their children, ignored by those who have the power to do something about it. In our organizations when our rules, practices and performers do not adhere to basic good human rights standards.

On this occasion of International Women's day we call on Caribbean Governments to condemn all acts of torture against women including acts that have been justified in terms of tradition or male prerogative. Survivors need to be supported especially in the face of social prejudices that blame victims. Support systems must be put in place as back up to legislation and since it is difficult if not impossible to legislate behaviour people must be educated with regards to human rights and acceptable, behaviour. Women in danger of losing their lives- the ultimate form of torture- must have safe places to escape to whether these are shelters in their own communities or asylum abroad.

We further call on them to be mindful the (CEDAW) Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. We urge them to revisit the (CAT) Convention Against Torture and begin the process of becoming state parties.

Verna St. Rose Greaves

Regional Coordinator

Jus wonderin who has the best political song.

Jus wonderin if there is a political song contest.

Jus wonderin if it is true why the COS sucking and kissing up to parties.

Jus wonderin how are they going to count all the X's.

Jus wonderin if they'll need more than a day to count.

Jus wonderin if we might have to have a recount like Florida and Trinidad.

Jus wonderin if we are prepared to go back to the polls soon after election since the smell of collision is in the air.

Jus wonderin who is de man that just wear de wig when he a pick up the boys dem.

Jus wonderin if the two "M" nurses don't have anything better to do than to instigate what they feel is good to be printed in jus wonderin.

Jus wonderin if married life is for gossipers and mischief makers.

Jus wonderin if when de pastor spoke to her and her husband so early in the new year if she did not hear anything at all the pastor said.

Jus wonderin if they can't read between the lines and how they can do such wickedness and still pretend they don't know anything.

Jus wonderin if it is because they talk and mind people's business, why they think everybody else doing the same.

Jus wonderin if the police husband know what she is really capable of.

Jus wonderin if the young chap in England that she turned crazy is getting along.

Jus wonderin if the baby died by misfortune or was it the herbal drink or was it because she didn't know who the daddy was.

Jus wonderin if there is a bush doctor in Geralds.

Jus wonderin if they don't know that when you don't see people you don't worry about them.

Jus wonderin if them two nurses have any mirrors at their homes.

Jus wonderin if and when they will stop telling lies on people.

Jus wonderin if the hospital worker just still visit her at the breezy sight.

Jus wonderin if she forget that the child's testicles were already formed when she got rid of the embryo.

Jus wonderin which future prominent member of society name was called and why the mother said NO WAY.

Jus wonderin if they know they must not throw stones when they have glass doors.

Jus wonderin if they will act like responsible married women with children and child to be now.

Jus wonderin if Garbage don't know that Garbage goes where garbage is.

Jus wonderin if some people in high places better at smearing people than managing.

Jus wonderin how someone who boast publicly that they lie to the British now come and say he is willing to work for them.

Jus wonderin if he no lie to us publicly too.

Jus wonderin what they are trying to tell us when they talk with their laptop.

Jus wonderin what is the average age range of the politicians.

Jus wonderin since when the Heavy Roller afraid to roll.

Jus wonderin who is the owner of the motor powered roller in Salem Park.

Jus wonderin why their was no meeting in St Peters Tuesday night.

Jus wonderin wha she do de people dem.

Jus wonderin about the John and Dadda court case.

Jus wonderin if any investigation is to be reopened.

Jus wonderin wha de dent doc do to de NPP.

Jus wonderin a wha carse de farl out.

Jus wonderin if it is true de party leada a tell people de teacha, chickin man and bus man nar win dem seat.

Jus wonderin why dem call e slimmy.

Jus wonderin if bamby think dat are we no rememba when e me a press affica.

Jus wonderin if he an e leada realy tink are we brain shalla.

Jus wonderin if johnbull get way.

Jus wonderin why some people think that they should be paid for their vote.

Jus wonderin which party already start to pay.

Jus wonderin why when some people rise dem no stay high and no raise de dust.

Jus wonderin if the volcano have a surprise for us on Election Day.

Jus wonderin where Claude Hogan did his midwifery training.

Jus wonderin if it is true our two best CM never past fifth standard.

Jus wonderin why DFID is assisting the dabbler in he campaign and wey de computer dem come from.

Jus wonderin if you notice how de candidates dem neck start to get long a ready.

Jus wonderin if de old people home should start to make room for some.

Jus wonderin if lights is a good idea for Salem park so we could play games at night.

Jus wonderin what de memo really mean do not discuss politics lek a no that get dem wey dem be.

Jus wonderin what de founding member trying to prove.

Jus wonderin if de man dat a talk bout de amstrong study know wa he a talk bout, people pan de other side done fire and tek back four ladies.

Jus wonderin if you here awe party jingle vote fu me.

Jus wonderin if de cricketsonian a go release e second song.

Jus wonderin id de chairman know how much de man a wuk fa pu year, some people say e no gat no board and chairman dung by de jetty.

Jus wonderin as a police man if it is necessary to lie or is it contagious.

Jus wonderin if every new voice fu some kind a study muss gat wan colonial voice.

Jus wonderin if rule #1 in the civil service is learning to be mute when de say jump ask how high.

Jus wonderin if you want to over throw me as party leader u loose a kidney.

Cartoon