It did not come as any real surprise when Chief Minister David Brandt finally made his announcement that "after considerable thought and prayer, and after discussing it in depth with my wife Verna and family, I have decided not to contest the upcoming general elections on April 2, 2001."

We are expected to look at and perhaps discuss with some objectivity his tenure in office, less than the usual five years, as well as his time as a representative of the people in the legislature. Unfortunately, while his announcement put him on centre stage, that is overshadowed by the more important event almost at hand, the 2001 general elections, forced upon us by the resignations of his colleagues from the government he led. The time for that review will yet come.

It is timely to mention a few of the main points of what many refer to as the best statement or presentation he has made. Moving as it was, there are still those detractors, whom he referred to as "few," who will say nonsense. But it must be noted that at the end of the conference he called on Montserratians to "work together and stop the back-biting" that haunts us. Yet he was "convinced that our country will continue to be well run and that our recovery effort (is) well on its way…" and pointed out that the island is "immeasurably better off than when I first became Chief Minister. Chaos has been eliminated."

No one can fairly fault him for saying, "I want to say with deep humility, tinged with pride, that since being elected to the Legislative Council in 1983 I have served continuously and faithfully until now. And I served at perhaps the toughest time in the history of our country."

Except for the WH Bramble era and a few years following, no one had to face grant-in-aid, that phrase that is like a demon to most of us now, as he had to do during his tenure. Especially when being told, at what he describes as "perhaps the worst time in our history," that we must strive to balance our own recurring budget.

It is a wonder that it was not difficult for him not to express outright bitterness at the British Government. He spent time unavoidably talking about his relationship and dealings with them, warning any new government against thinking that it will be an easy road, and that cosying up to them won't bring good results.

"There are those who will tell you I should not have fought and stood up to the British as much as I did. And that in so doing I hurt Montserrat's chances of getting more and better help from the British. Well, let me say, I reject that as nonsense," he said.

He was adamant: "I make absolutely no apology for fighting and standing up to the British…I believe I did it for one overarching reason: it was in the best interest of my country to do so."

As he was about to close, he was asked what message he would leave for the people of Montserrat. Of course he talked about the election at hand and seemed open to supporting if not one or all parties, making special mention of some independents in the race, while condemning at least one who he said could not keep their promise before God and man.

He did not forget to thank everyone nor to speak to what he termed his "impatience to sloth and indolence."

It was just a pity that he didn't pick up on this editor's question to explain that very impatience that many believe has made him into a tyrant. Yet people will remember him for little of that. They will remember that he was not able to run a government with people in whom he had little confidence and to be the kind of deliverer they had hoped for. So it is not difficult to understand that while they would not wish to see him as chief minister right away again, they would have loved to see him again in the house to be the voice that he was right up to the time he took the seemingly enviable seat of chief minister.

Read Psalm 51:1-12

[Jesus} took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you."

Luke 22:19

The Lenten Sunday worship Service concluded with Communion. Each of us was to serve the bread of Christ to another. I held the basket of broken bread, having received it from the person next to me.

I turned to the group, looking forward to serving the bread to a close friend or family member. Instead, a woman who had been sitting alone got up to come forward. I was momentarily disappointed, then suddenly felt a rush of shame as I watched her. The closer she got, the more in focus my attitude toward her became. I realized how harshly I had judged and criticized her. The pious feeling I had experienced only moments before disappeared as the woman knelt before me.

I stood recalling my unkind spirit toward her, and was unable to move or speak. I could only quietly pray, "Jesus, I am not worthy to serve her. Please forgive me ". Slowly I knelt, and face-to-face I tearfully offered her the bread. As she took it, I whispered Jesus words from the scripture. But the words seemed to speak more to my brokenness at that moment. As I offered the bread of life to another, I saw my own brokenness and the new life God was offering me.

Prayer: Lord Christ, break through to us in the breaking of the bread. Amen.

Thought for the Day

As we receive the bread of life, we are healed.

Valerie Runyan (New Mexico)

Prayer Focus: SOMEONE I HAVE CRITICZED

Dear Editor,

The Carl Hooper Fan Club is an informal grouping of individuals on Montserrat dedicated to the support of our new captain and peerless cricketer. The group is a remnant of a looser but larger body that fragmented due to volcano-related migration from the Emerald Isle.

The group went into disarray and disappointment when Carl left the cricketing landscape suddenly in 1999. He was our only link to this lovely game and though West Indies cricket continued to mean a great deal, somehow the flavour and spiciness that once charmed our taste buds, evaporated as our hero forlornly disappeared into oblivion. The ‘goat water stew’ subsequently was insipid.

We felt his pain and lived his thoughts. We knew that management could have more lovingly handled the announcement of his premature retirement. We followed his progress at Carlton Cricket Club in Australia and hung on to every story in which he was involved. His spirit haunted us and we knew that he would make a comeback but not so tellingly impressive.

Carl is pure genius. He is on his second coming and this we know will be a memorable one. We sense he is at ease with himself, a setting that will bring out his leadership talents and latent cricketing skills. Carl will be a marvel, this time around and the world will proclaim him more magnificently. He is singularly made.

We hear and respect Michael Holding for his views on Carl. Why should an icon like Holding descend to that level? How is he going to crawl back? Without being recriminating, Michael cannot throw stones. He is not without sin himself. He Kerry Packered his way in the midst of a series, for money, did he not? He kicked down an umpire in New Zealand, did he not? His emotional departure is meaningless, really, and our Club may wish to rehabilitate him as we hate to see people poppy-show themselves so. Holding will return as Hooper has, as they both left in frustration and it is human to be frustrated and leave "home," is it not? Holding’s commentary on cricket is unique and truly West Indian and now he, too, is an abandonist.

We are thankful for the support Sir Viv has afforded the new captain. His comments are incisive and right on the button. If Sir Viv says so, then who could say no.

Finally in light of the many negative comments on Hooper’s appointment, the Fan Club is considering expanding its boundaries to incorporate non-Montserratians. This we feel is very necessary to provide a greater dimension of moral support to our beloved captain at this important juncture of our cricket. We think that a wider body captioned, COMMITTEE in the DEFENCE of ‘SIR’ CARL HOOPER will do the trick and therefore invite comments from your many readers.

Rotaractors in Montserrat this week are officially celebrating Rotaract Week in a series of events, including playing host this weekend to a group of fellow Rotaractors from St. Lucia.

On Wednesday, they attended the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Montserrat, where local Rotaract President Ateshia Lewis (pictured left) addressed the Rotarians briefly.

Their weekend activities with the St. Lucian Rotaractors will include a series of forums, one of which will be addressed by a Montserrat Rotarian.

The Rotaractors will hear about the history of the club in Montserrat and its achievements to date.

In St. Kitts, meanwhile, Rotaract Week, under the theme "Focus Civic Minded - Service Oriented," was officially declared by The Hon Jacinth Henry-Martin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports recently officially declared.

Minister Henry-Martin said the very ideals on which the club is based seek to harness the energies of promising youths towards personal and professional development and leadership training for success in life.

More than 30 grade four students of the St. Augustine School were treated to a surprise visit to the museum and botanical gardens at The Montserrat National Trust yesterday.

St. Augustine School visit The Montserrat National Trust museum and botanical gardens

Class teacher Mrs. Manelva Greenaway told The Montserrat Reporter the treat was in commemoration of St. Patrick’s Day that is being celebrated this week.

In the absence of the curator, Mrs. Greenaway led the students on an educational tour of the museum and botanical gardens. The students attempted to be on their best behavior. However, their excitement got the better of them and pretty soon loud whispers could be heard as each child tried to grasp a better understanding of what they were being shown.

Noting his impressions, 9-year-old Graeme Stanley said, "It was great because I learnt about ancient things the people used. It looks beautiful," he added, referring to the clay pots, carnival costume and a reconstructed model of a mill with the slaves hard at work.

Dominica’s Attorney General Bernard Wiltshire and Government Minister of Finance the Hon. Ambrose George were brought before the High Court last Friday for disregarding its order to reopen the British Trade and Commerce Bank (BTCB); an Offshore bank whose license they had revoked.

The order to reopen the bank had been given by High Court Judge Justice Dunbar Cenac after the bank’s legal counsel requested a stay on the grounds that the bank’s closure was detrimental to its reputation and causing a lack of confidence in its depositors.

The court ordered that the bank be reopened on February 23^rd, 2001. However, by Friday March 9^th, 2001 the bank had yet to be opened for business.

Responding to the charge of contempt against his clients, Attorney Mr. Alick Lawrence told Judge Cenac the charge was invalid, since both the Minister and the Attorney General had acted based on authorities granted to them in the Offshore Banking Act of Dominica.

Evidence submitted by Receivers which the Government had appointed to look into the financial situations of the bank, revealed that contrary to BTCB’s claim that it had millions of dollars to its credit, it actually had a mere $200,000.

"Millions of dollars have simply dissipated," Mr. Lawrence said.

He said the BTCB’s manager was a criminal who had been convicted in the United States of America and imprisoned for two years. "Now he is here in Dominica like he just came from vacation."

Mr. Lawrence said the bank had been "grossly mismanaged" by the very persons who were applying to the Court to have it opened and returned to them.

Justice Cenac said he would make a ruling by Monday, but did not do so.

"We have to protect what we have, we are the door to the rest of the Caribbean." These words form the basis of the meeting convened by the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Vere Bird Jr. to tackle the imminent threat of Foot And Mouth Disease from Great Britain that had already taken a massive toll on that country’s livestock.

Of particular concern to Antigua, according to the Government Information Service, is the protection of its already endangered tourism industry. Steps are being sought to ensure that tourists from this region do not bring the scourge to Antigua. Since Antigua is determined not to affect the comfort of tourists, the conference deemed it best to advise tour operators as to what a tourist should expect on arrival to Antigua.

As to cruise ships, which normally island hop, it was suggested that that Antigua look at procedures implemented in other islands. Precautions will be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease through luggage and tour operators should be given a list of concerns that must be discussed.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a particularly contagious disease that can be spread by the wind at a radius of 30 miles from the source. It is normally carried on shoes and clothing. Since its detection in the United Kingdom, more than 200,000 animals have been slaughtered there. In response to this the government of Antigua and /Barbuda has already banned all meat and dairy products from Britain.

Partnerships for Co-ordinated Development Action in the Eastern Caribbean was the theme of a World Bank-sponsored meeting with the ECCB, the OECS and Donor Agencies at the ECCB Auditorium Thursday last.

The meeting was called in recognition of the importance of a co-ordinated approach by donor agencies and OECS Governments to the development process in the sub-region.

Participants looked at the status of strategic exercises currently underway in the OECS; assistance programmes of International Agencies and possible future directions for co-ordinating the development assistance effort of donor agencies.

Represented at the meeting were the World Bank, CIDA, the IMF, the European Union, France, the Organisation of American States, the UNDP, USAID, the Department for International Development and the Caribbean Development Bank.

Two Grenada offshore bankers arrested in the US:
Grenada, CANA - Two of the main figures behind an offshore bank whose licence the Grenada governmentcancelled this month have been arrested in the United States, according to the Miami-based newsletter Offshore Alert.
The newsletter said David Rowe and Gerard Burns, the principals of the Grenada-registered Cambridge International Bank and Trust, were also being held without bail.
Offshore Alert reported the arrests as breaking news on its Internet website Sunday, but did not say exactly what the two men were being held for. There has been no corroboration of the information.
The reported arrest was said to have followed the filing of a criminal complaint at the US district court for the northern district of California in relation to their activities at Cambridge International.
According to Offshore Alert, Rowe was preparing to leave the United States for Europe when he was arrested in Alabama, while Burns was arrested in Arizona.
Cambridge International was among 17 offshore banks shut down this month by the Grenada government, which said they had breached local banking laws. The 17 are reported to be sub-banks of First International, which collapsed last year after reports that US$150 million in deposits were diverted from it.
The government recently announced the appointment of international accounting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers to carry out a forensic audit geared at tracing the money to reimburse persons who invested in First Bank.

St. Kitts, CANA - The startup of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market (ECSM) has been postponed from the end of this month to sometime during the second half of 2001 because the draft legislation is being further fine-tuned.
"Everything is dependent on the passing of the legislation in the various parliaments," Communications Officer of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Theresa Daniel told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) last week.
Ms. Daniel's comments came as Attorneys General from across the sub-region met to review the fifth draft of the Securities Act 2000 as well as the supporting regulations that will govern the operations of the ECSM.
"All eight governments within the currency union have already given their commitment to passing this all-important legislation within three months of receiving a clean copy of the bill," the ECCB said in a statement.

Partnerships for Co-ordinated Development Action in the Eastern Caribbean was the theme of a World Bank-sponsored meeting with the ECCB, the OECS and Donor Agencies at the ECCB Auditorium Thursday last.

The meeting was called in recognition of the importance of a co-ordinated approach by donor agencies and OECS Governments to the development process in the sub-region.

Participants looked at the status of strategic exercises currently underway in the OECS; assistance programmes of International Agencies and possible future directions for co-ordinating the development assistance effort of donor agencies.

Represented at the meeting were the World Bank, CIDA, the IMF, the European Union, France, the Organisation of American States, the UNDP, USAID, the Department for International Development and the Caribbean Development Bank.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CANA - Antigua is calling for an urgent meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Authority to review the status of its membership in the sub-regional grouping.
In a letter to the OECS Director General Swinburne Lestrade and his Caribbean colleagues, Prime Minister Lester Bird, who has taken over Antigua's finance portfolio, is urging that a review be undertaken of the structure of both groupings to reduce the cost to member governments, which he said was not sustainable.
Antigua is also concerned about the benefit of its membership in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and other international organisations in light of the fiscal situation facing the country.
Antigua currently owes the OECS Secretariat over EC$6 million (US$2.22 million), of a total of over EC$20 million (US$7.4 million) owed by member governments

Colin Murdoch, Permanent Secretary in Antigua's Foreign Ministry, told CANA that Antigua's call for leaner institutions does not represent a threat to pull out of the two regional groupings, but to have them operate more cost effectively.
"While we have not put forward any specific proposals, we would like to see the overheads of the organisation reduced, a more streamlined staff with a pool of experts being retained that will be available to governments to give them advice in various fields," he said.
Mr. Murdoch added that Antigua would like to see a strict cost benefit analysis done on the various institutions of the OECS.

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CANA - The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Christian Council came under attack last week from members of the incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) who have accused it of political bias.
The latest attack was made Thursday night at a meeting at Richland Park, a village in the centrally located Marriaqua constituency, by NDP member Burton Williams.
"I have heard that the Christian Council is actively supporting the opposition," stated Mr. Williams, who repeated the statement a second time.
He told party supporters that this is because there is "a certain church which dominates in the Christian Council."
Mr. Williams, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, did not name the particular church, though others, on other occasions, have fingered the Catholic church as supporting the Unity Labour Party (ULP).
The Christian Council, a grouping of Anglican, Catholic, and Methodist denominations, along with the Salvation Army, has been mandated under the terms of the Grand Beach Accord to ensure that the March 28 general elections are free and fair.
President of the Christian Council, Bishop Robert Rivas of the Catholic Church, and Vice President Rev. Cuthbert Edwards, superintendent minister of the Methodist Church, told the Caribbean News Agency that attempts have been made to align and malign the Council.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CANA - The number of Barbadians looking for work fell to 9.3 percent of the labour force during the final quarter of 2000, statistics from the Continuous Labour Force Sample Survey show.
This represented a 0.5-percent decline during the October to November period from the same quarter in 1999, the survey said.
The 9.3-percent rate for the fourth quarter of 2000 was unchanged from that attained in the first quarter (January to March) of 2000.
In the fourth quarter of 2000, the labour force comprised 140 000 persons, 4,500 more than the corresponding quarter of 1999.
Of the total labour force, 127,000 persons were employed, 4,800 more persons than for the same period in 1999.

Nevis, CANA - In a move that will place the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in a stronger position to
combat money laundering, a meeting will be held on Monday at the Old Manor Hotel in Nevis, to work on the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Participate meeting will be members of the Nevis and St. Kitts Financial Services Department and other members of the Ministry of Finance, members of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, as well as a consultant from the Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Programme (CALP).
Dr Agatha Jeffers-Gooden, the Director of Development and Marketing in the Nevis Financial Services Department of the Nevis Island Administration said several of the Service Providers and Registered Agents on Nevis will attend.
The Financial Intelligence Unit Act 2000 is part of the comprehensive legislative package that was enacted in the National Assembly on November 22, 2000.
It provides for the establishment of a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in St. Kitts and Nevis for the purpose of combating money laundering.
The meeting is part of the continuing initiatives to implement legislative an regulatory reform to ensure that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis remain reputable jurisdictions from which to conduct legitimate international financial activity.

South Africa's cricket captain Shaun Pollock has endorsed the decision of his board and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to have the teams compete for the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy starting with this year's Cable & Wireless home series.
"He has done a lot for West Indian cricket and a lot for South Africa too, so it's an honour and privilege to be playing for the Trophy named after him and not playing against him," Pollock said.
"I'm glad that I missed that decade of cricket. From the reports that I've heard from (the late) Malcolm Marshall, I'm glad that he is retired," quipped Pollock.
"But I'm really looking forward to it and I think it does give the Test series impetus when you've got a Trophy named after someone and it will continue to be played for during the coming years," Pollock added.
Sir Vivian, a former West Indies cricket captain, never played against South Africa during his illustrious career but it is felt he was a source of inspiration to blacks living there because of his strong anti-apartheid stance.
At the launching of the 2001 series Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of the WICB Gregory Shillingford remarked that his board and the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) agreed that the Trophy will be "a tribute to the exceptional contribution which Sir Vivian has made to world cricket".
"If it is possible that there is somewhere in the world where this living legend means as much as he does to us in the West Indies, then it is South Africa," Shillingford said.
"His refusal to play in South Africa during this period contributed, together with the protests and actions of others, to the eventual dismantling of apartheid and has, in a small way, allowed us to establish a friendship between the peoples of South Africa and the Caribbean through the spirit of cricket," Shillingford added.
Sir Vivian is the West Indies' highest scorer in Test cricket with 8,540 runs in 121 matches at an average of 50.23 with 24 centuries.

Disappointed but impressed! This represents the sentiments of all those who witnessed the duel between the new reinvigorated West Indies cricket team and the South African team at Bourda, Guyana, on March 9-13, 2001, even if the absorbing and gripping but entertaining duel in the South American country ended in a disappointing draw. West Indies scored 304 and 333 for seven wickets declared; South Africa scored 332 and 142 for two wickets.

Yes, I am impressed, and I am not the only one. The conventional wisdom in the Bourda Media Centre (among the commentators) was that Carl Hooper and his band of West Indian cricketers have made us all proud. The mood was very high in the press box, in the stands, and on the streets of Georgetown.

I interviewed people on the grounds, fans in a fast food joint, and a few fanatics in a local market. And all confirmed my impression. Many Guyanese, willing to be part of the historic occasion, who followed the rise, the fall and the fluctuations of the sometimes tense, sometimes aggressive and sometimes tactical battle that took place between South Africa and the West Indian nation, were indeed strengthened by the developments.

Likewise many visiting persons and journalists attributed the improved performance of the West Indies team to the "Second Coming" of the cool but greatly beloved son of the South American/Caribbean soil, "Sir" Carl Hooper.

Despite the emotional responses of the non-Guyanese and the nationalistic sentiments of the Guyanese population, the event marked a watershed in West Indian cricket development.

Thousands of Guyanese flocked the arena despite the persistent economic hardship that continues to transform a significant section of the 700,000 people of Indian and African descent into a permanent under-class, and entrenching a feeling of desperation, frustration, powerlessness and apathy among the working poor and the near-hopeless. This strongly suggests that West Indies cricket is on the rise, and that we are indeed part of the making of a New Era.

Many of the poor and powerless forked out their savings to be part of history. When taken in the context of one US dollar being equivalent to 186 Guyanese dollars; a clerk in the private sector earning about 20,000 Guyanese a month; and the tickets at the grounds ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 Guyanese dollars, this was a national sacrifice, if not a national service, as would have been perceived by the former Forbes Burnham administration.

There is indeed good news for West Indian cricket. The quality of leadership, the level of teamwork, the degree of application and commitment and the increased public support, strongly suggest that, with all things equal, and with some degree of patience and tolerance, we have begun the process of structural adjustment which must come before the transformation that we have longed for.

First, those of us who witnessed the game at Bourda or followed the battle courtesy of modern telecommunications, and, particularly those of us who understand the game -- that is, its rise and fall, its tactical approach, its psychological warfare, its mental demands, and its militaristic maneuverings -- would agree that Carl Hooper did have a baptism of fire in his first outing as West Indies captain. And he passed with first class honours. Every moment on the battlefield demanded his precision, accuracy, and will. And he responded admirably to the changing demands.

As one of the most prolific batsmen in the 2001 season, Carl Hooper batted at number six, but with the score at 232 for the loss of seven wickets (in the first innings) with only Dinanath Ramnarine, Mervin Dillon and Courtney Walsh to follow, he almost repeated his performance against England at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, in 1998 (when he nurtured David Williams and batted through the innings to ensure a West Indian victory), by nursing and nurturing Mervin Dillon to ensure that his team accumulated a respectable Test match total – 304. He made a well-crafted 69. This was really a professional innings by arguably the most classical and most complete batsman in international cricket.

Like the Jamaican youth opening batsman, Chris Gayle, he has now scored more than 1,000 runs in the 2001 season and they both have the opportunity to amass 2,000 runs by the end of the cricket season. That is indeed good news for West Indies cricket.

Second, the team’s temperament and the players’ application were reinforced particularly in the second innings. The two 20-year-old Marlon Samuels and Ramnaresh Sarwan gave notice of their transition from boyhood to manhood. Those of us who were mature enough to invest confidence in our new generation of batsmen were indeed visionary when we opted to graduate them to manhood. The investment appears to be good. Samuels batted for more than four hours to score 51 (in almost five hours) to pull the team out of the abyss; Sarwan attacked the South Africans, including Allan Donald, and gave us the initiative with an exciting 91.

Third, the stability of the batting lineup was evident, with supporting scores from Chris Gayle (81 and 44), Brian Lara (47 and 45) and Carl Hooper (69 and 35). The joyful news is that the team seemed revived, renewed, and reinvigorated. It is like something magical has happened with the advent of the cool guy. The degree of coordination and teamwork on the field of play was exceptional. The West Indies team is noted for its effervescence, its aggression, its passion; and we have become accustomed to its great commitment, high spirit and excellent teamwork. But if we anticipated (and I had some unrevealed trepidation) some resistance from some senior players, it was not evident. They just seem to jell like Jello. Even though Ridley Jacobs is the vice-captain (and Hooper consulted with him regularly), Brian Lara, the cricket genius, was like a co-pilot helping to marshal the forces. That is great teamwork!

Congratulations are in order. Congrats, Skipper! "Nuff respect to de boyz an dem."

Politics and elections, anytime or anywhere, can bruise and destroy the best family or friendly relationship. Yet in 1978 I risked destroying my relationship with my father when I asked him not to be a candidate in the elections. I explained to him that in my opinion he was not a suitable candidate to represent Montserrat.

At that time, my father was a seasoned politician and campaigner. He was very instrumental in John Osborne's successes in the 1966 and 1970 elections. In addition, he had already contested and lost the 1973 election to John Osborne. You can see, then, that my father was no 'phree phrow' politician. He understood and loved politics, and believed that he had solutions and answers to Montserrat problems. But lucky for our family, he agreed not to be a candidate. Still he continued to be a hard campaigner, and as campaign manager for Ruby Wade Bramble, ensured her success in the 1987 elections.

The point I am trying to make is this. My father, "Smoothee Allen," continued to operate at the political level where he was most competent, useful and successful. And by doing that, he not only enjoyed himself but he also influenced me to operate politically at a level which is useful, comfortable and enjoyable.

Having said that much, I now need to ask this question of us Montserratians. Collectively, shouldn't we have explained to some of the candidates that they are not suitable to be 21st century parliamentary representatives? Now consider the stress and confusion we will face because every ambitious person believes that he is good enough to represent the people of Montserrat.

I am certain that, as my father mistakenly did years ago, many of the candidates are attempting to advance beyond their level of political competence. And that situation frightens me. Because a hurt, unsuccessful, or incompetent politician will not only be evil, he will be like a beast in season. He will be angry and dangerous, win or lose, in or out of office.

I shall now digress a little. For some inexplicable reason I was never interested in elections and voting. I have not attended a political meeting since 1978. As a matter of fact, I voted for the first time in 1991. It seems as if I had a distrust, a dislike or a fear of the election process.

Oh the things I had to endure just to be left alone, or so as not to vote, sometimes hinged on the ridiculous. It was not difficult to avoid voting in 1978 and 1983, because I was not on the voters list. But for 1987 election day, I had to devise a plan to avoid voting. In the morning I decided to take the earliest bus to work. And in the afternoon I rode the bus all the way to St. John's instead of coming off at Cudjoe Head. Then I walked from St. John's through Barzeys to Baker Hill. All of that just to avoid voting.

But this election 2001, it will be different. I am a registered voter and I will vote. I will not hide from the candidates. And I will not discourage any of them from contesting the elections.

I sometimes wonder, though, how so many persons have become so ambitious and caring, that they all want to take care of the rest of us. Nevertheless, I congratulate all the candidates. And I wish them success in their quest to become parliamentary representatives.

However, despite my sincere wishes to them, I want each candidate to recognise that there will be more losers than winners among them. Because if their number remains at 26, then at least 16 of them will lose the election. So here and now I want to make this quite clear to all of them. Just as they have the right to be candidates and the right to align themselves to parties, so too I have the right to support whomever I choose. I shall speak my mind always, I shall display my favourite candidates. I will discuss the politics too. And as I journey through the remainder of this election campaign I do not expect anybody to be vexed with me - or to set their faces as if it were a piece of crocus, when we meet. Also, after the votes are counted I expect to meet them and greet them just the same, whether I voted for them or not.

Plain and simple, in conclusion, I shall say it like this. "No go in dey if you can't tek losing!" Do not run for office if when the votes are counted you intend to bruise us, or to destroy our friendship or to spite us. It is your choice to be a candidate - it will be our choice not to vote for many candidates. Amen!

By Jones Sapiro - Supporting NPP

Hello? Hello? Have you gone nuts?

You have no choice but to vote party. Seriously how many votes do you think the Independent candidates can get? Who is really taking them seriously? I can guarantee you that of the seven Independent candidates five are going to get less than 50 votes, while two of them may get up to 100 votes based on their church and community links. Ignore them. They will have no impact. You and I know that these candidates feel that they will have the power to broker their way into government.

And when you listen to them talking about how they will work with anyone who is elected, you know that this cannot be true. How can this be true when there is proof of inability to commit to teamwork and abandonment of long-established relationships with parties? How can this be true when they did not even have the ability to join a grouping or a Party in the first place? How can they fight for your rights when they have no relationship with a party? You must accept that the will of the dominant party will rule the policies that will be set up. In fact, ask yourself how can one man/one woman wage a war against a party which needs nothing for him/her other than a majority of seats? You know that these Independent candidates have no platform, no message, no nothing. Don’t waste your vote. I say vote party. It is the only way to go.

Okay now that we have dismissed the myth of the Independent Candidate, let's talk to the Vote Women issue. Seriously, again you have to still vote party. So look at the women offering themselves to you. Are any of these women as weak as water and still wet behind the ears? Are any of these women relevant in these times? Hey! Are they Y2K ready? See which of these women have served the people of Montserrat beyond and above the call of duty. See who has negotiating skills and fund-raising capability. See which of these women have a finger on the pulse of the nation. See which of these women have led the fight for discipline and responsibility. Look at the training and experience of these women. Look at what Montserrat needs at this time and then match the skills of these women with what is required today to develop Montserrat. Now you see why you have to vote party. So forget this "Vote only Woman" nonsense. You can do nothing but vote party.

Now that the two myths have been dismissed, let us look at Party. But first let us look at the country. Because is the party who going fix the country.

What is happening to Montserrat? Montserrat is being rebuilt. Montserrat is in grant in aid. Montserrat’s purse strings cannot be opened without dialogue and negotiation. Montserrat is in the worst economic condition that it has ever been in. Montserrat has no direction and has been without effective leadership for some time now.

These are times like no times that Montserrat has ever experienced. How to get Montserrat on the path to redevelopment? Which Party can do it? Which Party has a group of members capable of doing this? Which Party has a group of members that understand what is going on in this country at this time and has the capacity to get Montserrat moving? Which Party is actually telling you how Montserrat can be developed? Which Party actually has a plan of action?

Okay look at the makeup of the Parties. Go first to the perceived or real Leaders within the Party structure. And yes, people, yes you suddenly get scared because you know that some of these Party members must be denied electoral office. When you look at their service to society, when you listen to their own words, when you examine their history, when you try real hard to figure out their message, do you get a garbled rambling of power-crazed illiterate speech and empty threats and castles in the air?

When you look at the history of the candidates in the Parties do you fear racism will be walking the halls of power? How will DFID negotiate with openly avowed racists? When you look at the candidates do you get a sense that these are Godly people? How will a God-fearing person elect candidates who deny the existence of God?

Keep looking, keep examining the Candidates. Which of them are practical jokers? Which of them deliberately spread rumors and destroy people’s lives? Which of them have voiced on the nation’s station not once but twice that they want to "kill the head"? Who on earth can elect candidates who have such violent natures?

Put your ear to the ground and listen. Then take another look at your candidates. What are you hearing about funders and candidates? Now examine their history. Do you have clear proof of the raping of the resources of the nation? Do you have any proof of legal wrangling with the British over fraud and corruption? Now try to envisage who the British are going to work with when it comes to releasing their funds. And remember that the Lady Claire Short has already said that no Montserratian will get rich out of this crisis. So where is all the money coming from that you hear so much talk of? Bet you it ain't the British.. They may give love but it sure ain't going be with any of their money. You need to find out why Claire Short thought this comment even necessary.

What Montserrat needs at this time are Leaders who do not bring the kind of baggage that will scare off funders. Montserrat needs Leaders who stand head and toes above the mess. What Montserrat needs are English-speaking, rational, sane leaders with regional and international stature and profile. What Montserrat needs are Leaders who are Community leaders. Leaders who together can address Labor issues and Management issues. What Montserrat needs are economists and financial managers. What Montserrat needs are humble persons who want to serve. What Montserrat needs are proven Managers and leaders who will bring to government a clear understanding of business, of construction, of education, of the environment, of tourism, of agriculture, of youth issues. What Montserrat needs is a group of leaders who understand the needs of the people of Montserrat.

Look at the parties. In which Party do all these skills reside?

So okay tell me you're still not voting Party? Tell me it is you who doesn’t want a future for Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if being married is of a competitive nature.

Jus wonderin if they are not aware that the accusations of the woman that they are accusing are so far away from the truth.

Jus wonderin if they shouldn't get the facts first before they make lying accusations.

Jus wonderin if it is because they talk even labadie and kotay that they aren't sure who are the guilty ones.

Jus wonderin which of the accused was saying that she would call the editor first thing Monday morning to find out who did it.

Jus wonderin if the police husband did not reveal the truth of the matter.

Jus wonderin if they think that the editor so dunce to condone such foolishness.

Jus wonderin if it is because they are deemed as liars, mischief-makers and gossipers.

Jus wonderin when awe ago stop wonderin about all who wonder.

Jus wonderin wha awe ago do about the foot and mouth dat a get caught in a beef and pork.

Jus wonderin when dem ago put phone booth in a lookout.

Jus wonderin what is going on with dem young lookout girls.

Jus wonderin when dem a go fix de drive way in a de people dem yard in a lookout.

Jus wonderin when jus wonderin a go mek me laugh some more wid dem jus wonderin talk.

Jus wonderin if de Montserratian men can wuk better than de Spanish, Guyanese and Jamaican man dem can.

Jus wonderin wha so good (or bad) bout de Montserratian men dem.

Jus wonderin if it is okay to write love song, love letter and romantic poems to jus wonderin.

Jus wonderin wha awe a do about de NPP and de PLM and if dem a go help all awe wid and fan everyting dem say.

Jus wonderin what up with the men them with dem sports car.

Jus wonderin when jus wonderin ago mek de jus wonderin dem sweeter for read.

Jus wonderin what cause the responses.

Jus wonderin if they know that the jus wonderers now realize that they too have dirty secrets.

Jus wonderin who don't know that friends have friends too.

Jus wonderin if they they will be surprised to know who really exposed dem..

Jus wonderin what will happen in a couple of weeks when we will have a new HE and a new CM and what will happen when a few more weeks after that we will have a new COS, new Chief Scientist , new MVO information man and a new Tourism Director.

Jus wonderin if you know a who a de fuss politician to call de Candidate "Useless".

Jus wonderin how come e a suck up to de boss an a carl e Party Leader an a run wid de party an who else a do dat an how dem manage.

Jus wonderin wha de voters from South goin do since de time back den when de boss me done tell dem how "South nyeaga suck sarl" cause dem me no vote fu de Candidate.

Jus wonderin whey all dem ole nyeaga a go a run fu politics.

Jus wonderin if who no hear de talk bout how de British na go gi one de party no money.

Jus wonderin if Monstrat no got no law bout coruption whey say dem kind a people no fu go in a politics.

Jus wonderin if you no no dat awe carn afford fu got politician whey talk so a represent awe cause awe inna de computer age and awe want politician who y2k ready.

Jus wondering if they realize that the party is made up of really committed leaders.

Jus wonderin how many we will really end up with on this nominiation day. Jus wonderin if there will be any change to the 25 if new ones coming and some dropping out.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services.

JOB PURPOSE

To lead the clinical function on island; delivering appropriate, effective and efficient health care services; assessing health needs, maintaining relevant health information systems and providing prompt and sound professional advice to Government of Montserrat (GoM).

Leading the Clinical Function

• To develop relevant protocols of health care.
• To introduce proper systems of clinical governance into clinical practice, including clinical audit, multidisciplinary case conferences, access to information and mechanisms for continuing professional development.

Delivering Health Services

• To work closely with primary health care professionals and technical advisers to develop and implement an effective and efficient model of primary health care for Montserrat.
• To manage the delivery of primary care programmes and services.
• To reinforce/establish the requirements for secondary health care services needed to support a primary care led service.
• To strengthen/reinforce maternity services on a midwife-led model.

Assessing Health Needs

• To establish a system for monitoring the health of the population in order to track changes in the health status of the population.
• To undertake proper, systematic assessment of the population’s health.
• To lead the urgent development of a mental health strategy.
• To update regularly Government of Montserrat’s knowledge of health related implications of continued volcanic activity.
• To establish mechanisms for dealing with the special needs of vulnerable groups.

Advising Government of Montserrat

• To advise the Government of Montserrat on the registration of medical/health professional, recruitment of medical staff and on infrastructure requirements for the health service.
• To regulate the conduct of the medical profession in Montserrat.
• To discharge the statutory duties of Chief Medical Officer as specified.
• To present an annual health plan and report to the Executive Council.
• To serve on a number of Statutory Boards.

The applicant should have:

• At least five years experience in a related position
• Appropriate qualifications in a relevant medical specialty as well as a Diploma in Public Health. In addition, membership in an appropriate international organization, for instance, the FRCP or any other appropriate qualification would be a distinct asset.
• An understanding and appreciation of ethical aspects of health care and professional practice.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to produce, analyze and appraise reports and proposals.
• Outstanding leadership, organizational, administrative and interpersonal skills.
• Previous work experience in the eastern Caribbean , and the ability to speak French would offer some advantage.

The post will be on contract for two years in the first instance and an attractive remuneration package will be provided.

Additional information on the above position can be obtained from the Department of Administration at:

Applications should be accompanied by full curriculum vitae, documentary evidence of qualifications, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three referees and should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Administration, Government Headquarters, Brades, Montserrat to reach her no later than 30 April, 2001.

Fellow Montserratians at home and abroad, supporters, and indeed to my many friends and well- wishers, I, Eddie Edgecombe once again respectfully greet you well.

One of the main objectives of our new Government must be to facilitate a quick and steady increase in Montserrat’s population. As this process is being achieved, there will also be a quick and steady recovery of our economic activity. My new government will fully realise that our management role must be geared to the New Montserrat and that the hunch management practices of our predecessors will not be tolerated.

It took a very long time for our homeland to achieve its pre-volcanic state of development and there is not much left on which we can build. We have, as it were, a new country requiring new managers. Our new leaders must come with new ideas. They must be flexible, knowing when to give a little and when to stand firm. They must demonstrate a sincere willingness to learn. And above all they must never be allowed to forget that the people are their bosses. They must respect "all of the people all of the time" and not demand gratitude for what they try to do.

I, Eddie Edgecombe, am such a leader. Try me on voting day April 2^nd, and prove me for the next 5 years.

The two loose associations now contesting the up-coming election have been telling Montserratians that they should not elect Independent Candidates. There is, to my mind, only one reason for their attitude. It is Fear. The Parties understand the strengths of the Independents, who have been discussing the many issues with which we have been confronted, and they know that little by little they are losing some public support. In short both Parties are aware that the outcomes on election day may not be to their liking and they are duly concerned. The fact is that Montserratians have not been, and will not be fooled, by any demonstration of old style election tactics. Each candidate will be judged by his or her present or past honesty, devotion to duty, integrity, reliability, performance under stress and genuine service to the community.

It is my intention to do all within my power to help restore our dignity as a people and to be a unifying force for good in our community. I will expect that some of our own financial resources will be used to help put us on the road to real recovery. We most urgently need to house our people, those here with us and those who dearly wish to return to their home-land. I cannot understand why housing projects are at a stand-still when there are funds which can be used for this purpose. It makes no sense and I am sure that every one will agree with me. And the argument that either one minister or the resignation of two ministers has been responsible for the long delay in implementing project starts, does not hold water. After all, there remains the principle of Collective Responsibility, and the buck must stop at the head.