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Cottle Resigns As AG After CM's Protest

By Merrick Andrews

Fomer Attorney General Brian Cottle, Hon. Chief Minister John Osborne

Brian Cottle resigned Wednesday with immediate effect as Attorney General of Montserrat, saying that he felt unable to remain in his post after recent statements that members of the Government were no longer prepared to work with him.
Mr. Cottle said in a written statement issued late Thursday from Government House that he felt he had “no alternative” but to resign. Governor Anthony Longrigg accepted the resignation with regret, the release said, but understood why, given the circumstances.

The Attorney General is legal advisor to the elected Government of Montserrat as well as to the British-appointed Governor.
Chief Minister John Osborne of the New People’s Liberation Movement criticized Governor Longrigg at a press conference on Thursday, February 21, for renewing the contract of Montserrat’s third top official, Mr. Cottle, who became Attorney General in 2000.
The Chief Minister said then, “Months ago I told the Governor he make arrangements for another Attorney General, because we kept telling him that he is not as competent as what we are accustomed to with the other Attorneys General.”
Chief Minister Osborne spoke on the issue after he and his cabinet ministers had met at an Executive Council meeting with the Governor that day, before the press conference.
“We’ve not been getting the best advise from him (the Attorney General)," said the four-time Chief Minister. "We feel that he is not the same kind of material; and in this present situation we need somebody who can give us the best, and we do not feel that he is capable of doing that.”

Mr. Cottle, who was born in St. Vincent, declined to comment further on his resignation when contacted by telephone yesterday, but said, “I am grateful for the time I spent in Montserrat. I have always been treated decently by the locals.”

Chief Crown Counsel Roger Pinfold has agreed to act in the post of Attorney General, according to the release.
The former AG was first appointed to parliament on January 17, 2000. He was an Attorney-at-Law, Private Chambers; Public Legal Service, Crown Counsel; Registrar, Magistrate; Director of Public Prosecutions.

He holds a Bachelor of Law and LLB degree (Honours) from the University of the West Indies; and a Legal Education Certificate.
He plays Chess as a hobby.  

DRV Edwards Honoured For Long Service As Parliamentarian

By Merrick Andrews

The Montserrat Government honoured DRV (Frank) Edwards, who holds the record for the longest unbroken tenure for parliamentarian, at a farewell supper on Wednesday, February 27 at the Vue Pointe Hotel.
 Mr. Edwards, 64, was the first nominated member and deputy speaker of the Legislative Council and served for 28 years, from 1973 to 2001. He spent 25 of those years with Professor Sir Howard Fergus, who holds the record for the longest serving speaker in the British Commonwealth.
Mr. Edwards’ tenure as a nominated member ended last year after a constitutional change in parliament. He was the first of two nominated members in the House, along with seven elected members. As a result of the constitutional change there are now nine elected members.
 “It was a great honour to self,” Mr. Edwards told The Montserrat Reporter, “to be appointed the nominated member and to represent the people of Montserrat. It was quite a humbling experience with awesome responsibility.”
Prof. Sir Fergus lauded Mr. Edwards: “As a legislature, Mr. Edwards studied his papers carefully and debated intelligently and constructively with the general interest of heart and many of times the government of the day incorporated his views in legislation. We owe an eradicable debt to him.”
 “He gave crucial advice and warning that were sometimes neglected to the detriment of Montserrat. When Mr. Edwards was required to deputise as speaker he was completely capable and you could count on him for firmness and fairness, rooted in a knowledge of the and as a measure of seriousness,” added the professor.
     Chief Minister John Osborne said Mr. Edwards was a reliable legislature.
     “I don’t know that there was ever one member who wanted to object for Frank being nominated,” said Mr. Osborne.
     “Whenever we had meetings in the house I always want to hear what he had to say because he doesn’t take sides. He is one guy that will say what he believes is wrong whether the chief minister likes it or whether the opposition likes it. He said what he thinks is in the best interest of Montserrat,” the chief minister added.
      Governor Anthony Longrigg also lauded Mr. Edwards saying that his service as a legislature will be missed.
     Outside parliament, Mr. Edwards was an active cricket administrator. He was the president of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association, from 1976-1981; a member of the West Indies Cricket Board from 1976-1982; and president of the Leeward Cricket Umpires Association.
    He was also successful on the cricket pitch.
    Mr. Edwards, a right-handed batsman represented the combined Leewards and Windwards team; and was the captain of the Leewards team. His hobbies are playing tennis and photography. He is married with three children.

Background on Mr. DRV Edwards’ career:

EDITORIAL

"Quickly Announced Appointments Stir Controversy, Suggesting a New Approach"

It’s been a mixed week, with one prominent person remarking in one instance, “if nothing else it shows that democracy is alive and well in Montserrat.

The remark was in direct reference to the resignation amid controversy of Vincentian lawyer Brian Cottle just after his contract for the job was renewed for two years. He had taken up the post of Magistrate in Montserrat and two years ago landed the top job of Attorney General.

Then just today came the announcement of what is seen as a compromise by Governor Longrigg of another appointment, which was also challenged by the NPLM government and the Civil Service Association. This is the appointment of Mrs. Esternella West, wife of Labour Commissioner Joe West, as Permanent Secretary, Administration, who is presently completing an employment contract in her homeland Nevis and is due to take the appointment in the middle of this year.

Part of the objection to this appointment is that Mrs. West was previously in the Montserrat Civil Service, which she left during the volcanic crisis. having held the position of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture. The Civil Service Association is said to be relying in its opposition to her appointment on General Orders and the authority of the very Public Service Commission that recommended her for the job. The civil servants also feel that that there are deserving Montserratians who should first fill the post rather than its being passed on to someone living outside of Montserrat.

Top civil servants say the policy clearly states, among other authority, that a person who leaves the service and returns cannot do so in a position higher than that previously held, and further that the person begins in the service fresh.

With all the arguments being bruited with these two appointments, the outcome of one which will make the government happy, the other about which they may say little, the question arises whether the Governor is listening to advice from the right quarters, and whether these quarters are prejudiced, ignorant or outright unprofessional. And then did the Governor listen to any reason from other quarters that raised the possible danger early of his possible decisions?

All is not well and surely more research will be necessary to get to the bottom of a problem where there seems to be terrible or deliberate misunderstanding as to who should be responsible for many of the decisions that affect the lives of those who elect a few to act and speak on their behalf.

More and more the calls of David Brandt, Lowell Lewis and, more recently, Chief Minister John Osborne -- who might be beginning to see that his tactics will not prove too useful -- suggest there is some urgency to pay more attention to the business of this country, how it is managed and by whom.

In the meantime news reaching our ears very recently suggests that soon new private sector initiatives by the government, with the backing of HMG, will soon be implemented to give Montserrat a chance to begin at rebuilding. Maybe, just maybe, this is a positive sign of a change of heart. 

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

Jus Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430 

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

TRUE SELF-DENTAL

Read: Luke 9:18-25

If anyone desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Luke 9:23

Lent is a period of 40 days prior to Easter (excluding Sundays). For many people it commemorates Jesus' fasting in the wilderness. They "give up something " for lent every year, like sweets or TV. This can yield spiritual benefits, but denying yourself things and denying yourself aren't the same. In Luke 9:23, Jesus taught the latter.

This verse can be broken down into three parts. In the statement "If anyone desires to come after Me," the word desires indicates that this is for sincere disciples only. In the phrase "let him deny himself," the words let and deny himself  imply a willingness to renounce one's selfish will and ways. And in the statement "take up his cross daily," the word daily emphasizes a continual dying to self-will.

It's easier to give things than to give ourselves. Yet Jesus gave Himself, and so must we.

 To those who deny themselves in obedient service, He has promised, "Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (v.24). And to His question, "What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed?" we are called to answer, "There is no profit! We show that we believe this when we deny ourselves and follow Christ. -JEY

To follow Christ we must let go of all that we hold dear; And as we do deny ourselves, Our gains become more clear.- Sper

BY LIVING FOR OURSELVES WE DIE:

BY DYING TO OURSELVES WE LIVE.

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 What am I doing to move towards spiritual maturity?

Dave Funk (Oregon)

 PRAYER FOCUS: Those who need to be encouraged to abide in God’s work 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

U.S. Reader Commends Claude Gerald's Salute

Dear Editor,

Congratulations to Claude Gerald for recognizing the "sterling" talents of one of Montserrat's key residents.  While we worked with a number of outstanding Montserratians during our eight visits to the island from 1988 to 1995, some of whom still come to visit us here in the USA on occasion, one who deserves special commendation is Rachel Collis.  
We are delighted to see her reviving the Pacesetters Sports and Cultural Club, and while it is probably disappointing to her that the proposed Easter weekend mothers/daughters event will not be materializing, there will be other useful activities for the club to conduct in the future.  
As Mr. Gerald says, Rachel is one whose dedication to her beloved Montserrat could well by emulated by others, and we here in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, are eagerly awaiting Rachel's fourth visit to our community. This is especially true of the youngsters here, my own grandchildren included.
Thanks again to Mr. Gerald for recognizing Rachel's unique and special talents.           

Chuck Hines
Asheville, N.C.
Torchbearer@aol.com
        

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

Police, Administration Appointments Announced

Superintendent John Douglas (pictured left) will succeed Mr. Alex Elder as Commissioner of Police of the Royal Montserrat Police Force, effective March 20.        
His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg made the announcement in a press release from Government House.
The release said Mr. Douglas is appointed on a two-year contract; and it is expected that Mr. Elder will leave Montserrat on March 23.

In addition, the Governor announced the appointment of Mrs. Esternella West to the position of Permanent Secretary, Administration. Mrs. West will succeed Mrs. Claudia Roach, who is retiring from the Public Service.

Overseas Territories Bill Given British Royal Assent

The British Overseas Territories Bill was returned to the House of Lords on February 26, where it received final approval, according to a press release from Government House.

The Bill was given Royal Assent the same day and thus became the British Overseas Territories Act 2002. The clauses whereby the Territories will be known as British Overseas Territories and British Dependent Territories Citizens take immediate effect.
The commencement of the Act – the time at which the citizenship provisions take effect and when Montserratians can begin to apply for their new passports – will be no later than May 21.
The Foreign Office Minister, Mr. Ben Bradshaw, announced this earlier during the Bill’s Third Reading in the House of Commons.
Arrangements for supplying the new British Citizen passports will be announced as soon as they are finalised.

Volcano's Fiery Glow Thrills Evening Crowd

By Helena Durand  

A line of parked vehicles directed the way to the crowd that had gathered at Jack Boy Hill Wednesday evening to view the glowing of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

The exclamations of delight with each rock fall lent an excitement as everyone awaited the next one.

There were mothers carrying babies, fathers with toddlers, young men and women.

On the way back from viewing the glowing, people could be seen milling about the area where the scientists have their monitoring equipment. We sought some comments from several viewers on how they felt about what they were seeing.

Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell called it “Spectacular!”

Fiona Meade-Allen said,  “This is the first time I am seeing anything like this. It is remarkable! When this was all happening I was off island, so it is a whole new experience for me. . . . This will get people out of their homes at nights and bring stay- over visitors to the island.”

“I live here and have seen it before," Denelta Weekes said, ”but it is spectacular. It is sad that we are not back there, but God is in control of everything. It was very devastating but we are rebuilding and it is great. Coming here to see it, brings back memories of shattered dreams, nonetheless, it is lovely.”

Carol Farley said, “I think the sight is awesome, and it exhibits the greatness of God.”

Christina Weekes said, “It brings back memories of the life I used to live at Harris. It was sad when we had to leave and come over to the north. Looking at the glowing of the dome is very captivating and makes me wonder about the Man in control, that here in Montserrat we live a normal life with the sea, fresh air and a furnace in our backyard. This is really a seller. We are blest here, not many people can claim to have seen in their entire lifetime, what we see almost every day. A volcano in action.” 

Montserratians urged to “buckle up” against STDs

By Merrick Andrews
With 19 cases of hepatitis B and two cases of HIV reported in Montserrat last year, local health practitioners are warning Montserratians to think seriously “buckle up or abstain” in the battle against sexually transmitted diseases.
       Health education co-ordinator in the Ministry of Health, Almae O’Garro, said the two reported cases of HIV last year, was the first cases since the volcanic crisis began in 1995. Eight cases of the deadly disease were reported in a period before 1995.
       The hepatitis B statistic was obtained from medical records, while the HIV figure was sourced from the statistic department, according to Mrs. O’Garro.
       Mrs. O’Garro and Anne Buffonge-Thomas of Red Cross have initiated “Together We Can”, a HIV/STI peer educators training programme, geared at stabilizing sexually transmitted diseases in Montserrat and the Caribbean.

Mrs. Almae O’Garro and Anne Buffonge


       The Together We can Instructor Trainer Guide was developed as a result of the collaboration between the Jamaica Red Cross and the American Red Cross, which was funded by a co-operative agreement with Family Health International AIDS Control and Prevention Project (AIDSCAP). The United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), Norwegian Red Cross, and the British Government has provided the initial funding.
      Mrs. Buffonge-Thomas said the number of HIV and hepatitis B cases are relatively small to islands like Jamaica and Bahamas, but the situation is still to be taken seriously considering that Montserrat has a small population.
     “I think 19 cases of hepatitis B on a small island like Montserrat, and with a small population like this, is something to be scared of,” Mrs. Buffonge-Thomas told The Montserrat Reporter.
       “I think people in Montserrat don’t take sexually transmitted diseases which can lead to AIDS, seriously. People are still being complacent, they just live a lifestyle and think ‘it can’t happen to me,’” she added.
       It’s a strong possibility that there are more persons infected with sexually transmitted diseases on Montserrat, but they aren’t reported, said Mrs. Buffonge-Thomas.
      “It sounds like nothing to worry about with 4,500 people (living on the island), but that’s only two cases (of HIV) that we know, chances are there could be a lot more. Montserrat is a mobile society -- we go around (travel overseas) a lot; and a lot of people go overseas for medical checkup, especially if they suspect that something is wrong with them, so we don’t know how much cases of HIV/AIDS victims go overseas. So, two cases is something to think about,” she noted.
      Facts on hepatitis B
      What is hepatitis B? 
       Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is spread like HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HBV, however, is easier to catch than HIV because it is over 100 times more concentrated in an infected person’s blood and it can exist on surfaces outside the body.
      How serious is hepatitis B?

      HBV infection can cause severe liver disease, including liver failure (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. Over 5,000 people die every year from hepatitis B-related liver disease.
      How great is my risk for getting HBV infection?
      HBV infects one out of every 20 people living in the United States. Gay and bisexual men who have multiple partners are 10 to 15 times more likely to acquire HBV than the general population.

     How do I protect myself from HBV infection?

      Source: http://www.immunize.org

Lookout's White House Wins First Sports Day

By Merrick Andrews

The scorching heat of the sun seemed to have little effect on the scores of keenly competitive pint-sized athletes, busy-as-bee officials and jubilant spectators at Salem Park on Tuesday.
That occasion was Lookout Primary School’s first Inter-house Sports Day, where the athletes beamed with satisfaction, even in moments of loss, as their pattering bare feet stirred the ashy track into tiny clouds.
On that day, however, the colour white shone the brightest – on athletic performance.
After about four hours of keen rivalry among the three teams on the leveled grass track, White House came out champions of the Sports Day by an 11-point victory with 180 points over Brown House, who tallied 169. Grey House garnered 109 points.
White House won the Basil Morgan Trophy. Basil Morgan, who presented the trophy, is a West Indies cricket umpire.
White House’s Jahmal Jean emerged as Victor Ludorum/champion male athlete with 15 points, while Antwanette Williams of Brown House copped Victrix Ludorum/champion female title with a credible 25 points.
Professor Sir Howard A. Fergus, who took the salute for the March Pass which was eventually won by White House, said Lookout Primary School is an example of Montserrat’s rebuilding faith, "and the fact that we have been able to establish a school and organise it well to the extent that it’s celebrating a sports meeting, is evidence that the whole community of Montserrat is on the rebuilding.”
Lookout Primary was established in September last year to replace St. John’s Primary, whose building was used for the Glendon Hospital at the height of the volcanic crisis in 1996, said Maureen Buffonge, sports co-ordinator for Lookout Primary School’s Sports day.   

OTHER MEETS
St. Augustine Primary Sports Day, held on Wednesday, February 27 at Salem Park: Yellow House won the inter-house sports meet with 238 points followed by Red on 224 and Blue on 180.
      Jaleel Syers of Yellow House won the Victor Ludorum with 21 points, while his teammate Sonnika Weekes won the Victrix Ludorum with 29 points.
      Yellow House swept the tug-of-war and the March Pass events
Brades Primary School sports meet (first day) on Wednesday, February 27:
Red Cardinals are at the top of the points table in the inter-house sports meet after the boys and girls road races.
      Red Cardinals lead with 104 points, with Blue Macals on 102 and Green Shag on 101. The points will be taken to the school’s sports track events meet on next Wednesday, March 6.
      Jemara Fergus and Trevorne Howe were first and second respectively in the 5 to 6 age group.

      In the 7 to 12 section Andel Grant and Chiselton Jules were first and second among the boys while Kirtlyn Baker and Antwanette Walters were the top winners among the girls.

Montserrat Lions Disappointed By Nevis Club's Casual Contact
By Merrick Andrews

President of the Montserrat Shamrock Lions Club, Violet Brown, has expressed disappointment with the Nevis Lions Club for lack of communication and organisation. Last Sunday, Miss Brown said, 240 St. Kitts and Nevis passengers including 12 members of the Nevis Lions Club were unable to access the Exclusion Zone, which usually is closed on Sundays, as scientists from the Montserrat Observatory do not man the area on that day, according to Simon Morson, deputy commissioner of police.

The Exclusion Zone is normally open Mondays to Saturdays, from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on those days only if volcanic activity escalates, he said.
Miss Brown, whose two-year presidency of the Montserrat club will end in June, said the Nevis Lions’ expedition to Montserrat and its Exclusion Zone was part of a recreation twin project between the clubs. Miss Brown, who is also acting community nursing manager and public health nurse at Glendon Hospital in St. Johns, told The Montserrat Reporter, in a telephone interview that the Nevis Lions gave her short notice to prepare for their visit.
As a result of their not being able to access the Exclusion Zone, the visitors were directed to tour several other areas, including the Garibaldi Hill, which gives a clear view of the evacuated areas of the island. 
Miss Brown said the Nevis Lions Club members gave her “full confirmation” of their visit on Sunday, February 17, and were already selling travel tickets to come to Montserrat on February 24, when the Exclusion Zone would be closed.
Following this late notice, Miss Brown said, she asked the police if there was an alternative for the Nevis Lions Club members to visit the Exclusion Zone.
Both Deputy Commissioner Morson and Peter Dunkley, head of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, informed her that the Exclusion Zone is not opened on Sundays. Miss Brown said that she then further informed the Nevis Lions Club members that the area is closed on Sundays.
However, on Saturday, a day before the Nevis Club members and passengers arrived, Miss Brown said, she received an email from the secretary of the group that he, along with the president, would not be able to come to Montserrat with the touring group.
Also, it took at least two hours for the Nevis Lions Club members and passengers to be processed by the Montserrat Immigration authorities because the majority of the visitors had not filled out their immigration forms before their arrival.

Miss Brown said the visitors were informed beforehand that they should fill out their immigration forms so as to make the registration process with the immigration authorities easier.
She said the Nevis Lions Club has not been communicating sufficiently with her association, and she wants the business and social relationship to grow. 

Isles Bay Sand Charges Meant to Restore Beach

By Merrick Andrews

Sand miners will be charged $5 per cubic yard of sand effective today as the Government of Montserrat moves to restore Isles Bay Beach for recreational purposes and limit excessive sand mining, according to Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe, Minister of Agriculture, Housing, Land and the Environment.
The money obtained from the charge will provide funds for the employment of additional warders to help keep the beach clean and management of the resource, the minister said.
One of the other aims of the Government is to make the Isles Bay Beach a tourist attraction.     


Work on the Isles Bay beach began on Wednesday, the same day the initiative was announced. The beach was being cleared of debris and other material ejected by the volcano, said Mrs. Dyer-Howe.
“We would like to have the cooperation of the public to maintain the beach for various users,” she said. She said her ministry, is planning to plant trees on the beach, and the sand that will be sold will be used mainly for plastering (finishing) houses.
Isles Bay beach was used as a landing site for fishermen before the volcanic crisis.
 
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

Antigua Again to Host Joint Military Exercise

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua  -- A thousand soldiers and policemen from the Caribbean are to take part in the next Tradewinds Exercise - a series of war, anti-drugs and disaster-management games - in Antigua and Barbuda.

The exercise, partly sponsored by the United States military, will run the entire month of April. Military and law enforcement officers from The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda will take part.

The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) with the support of the Regional Security System (RSS) is sponsoring the series of events. Commander of the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Colonel Trevor Thomas, said, "The exercise is expected to see activities on the islands of Antigua, Barbuda and St. Kitts.  Troops will be required to respond to counter-narcotics and counter-insurgency incidents on the islands of Antigua, Barbuda and St. Kitts."

According to Colonel Thomas, the operations will test the effectiveness of various service organizations in responding to emergencies.

The 17th annual Tradewinds Exercise will culminate in an operation in which the Caribbean land and maritime forces and the National Office of Disaster Preparedness Services (NODS) of Antigua will respond to security- and disaster-related incidents.

Co-Director of the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft, said the officers would deal with scenarios including a drug cartel's terrorizing of the islands. Another scenario would be a devastating earthquake strike.

This is the second time that Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the operation, the last time being in 1994. 

Vincentian Offshore Banks Offer Conditional Closure

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent - The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government is in contact with shareholders about the possible liquidation of two offshore banks linked to fugitive Vincentian financier Thierry Nano.

Shareholders of New Bank Ltd. and Nano and Sons 1146 Private Bankers Ltd. have informed the Offshore Finance Authority that they wish to surrender the licenses under which the institutions have been operating here for more than 20 years.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said he had received a letter from the company's lawyer, Jonathan Stabler, to the effect that the shareholders were prepared to have the operations terminated if certain provisions were met by the government.

Both banks are linked to Mr. Nano, a high-profile banker who fled St. Vincent late last year after the United States authorities sought his arrest on a money laundering charge.

Dr. Gonsalves said Stabler told him in the letter: "The shareholders have instructed me that in light of the present circumstances and past events, they have decided to withdraw from the banking business in St. Vincent.

Therefore, on their behalf, I hereby request that the Offshore Finance Authority accept the surrender of the licences."

Dr. Gonsalves said the shareholders conditioned the liquidation of the two operations on the Authority agreement to:

·        refund to the shareholders "each of the two statutory deposits that it holds," one from each bank, together with the interest accrued thereon. (The deposits were said to total EC$100,000 (US$37,000) each);

·        "rescind the purported appointment of the manager with respect to each  on the understanding that the shareholders will forthwith place each bank in voluntary liquidation"; and

·        "agree to take no further action against either bank provided that liquidation does proceed normally". 

New Email Money Scams Tout 'Free' African Funds

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CARITEL – The Anti Money Laundering Authority in Barbados is warning staff of Government agencies as well as private individuals to beware of emailed requests soliciting help in the transfer of millions of dollars from African accounts.

The requests offer a “safe” way to make thousands, even millions, of dollars by assisting in the transfer of money from Africa to a local bank account.

Such emails, the Authority says, are one of the latest money laundering scams.

The correspondents usually offer as much as 30 percent of huge sums of money, which are purportedly an over-subscription of a loan or money belonging to someone who has died and left no relatives to claim it.

The emails are sent from free on-line email addresses such as Yahoo and Hotmail and claim that the recipient is known as an individual with considerable integrity and request that the information be considered confidential.

Individuals are asked to supply bank account, credit card and other types of personal  information.

The Authority says it is all part of a scheme to defraud the individual.

“Under no circumstances should personal financial information be made available to these persons,” the Authority warned, and urged that anyone receiving such requests should inform the Anti Money Laundering Authority immediately. 

Opposition Member Says Quit Dominica Coalition

Dominica, - Dominican parliamentarian Frederick Baron thinks his party should quit the coalition government.

Mr. Baron, Member of Parliament for the Soufriere constituency, complained that his Dominica Freedom Party (DFP) was getting a raw deal from its coalition partner, the Dominica Labor Party (DLP).

According to a report in the Chronicle newspaper, Mr. Baron also charged the government of Prime Minister Pierre Charles with inefficiency.

"Mediocrity and incompetence (are) the hallmark of this administration and we will be so anointed if we fail our sense of mission," the Chronicle quoted him as saying in an open letter to DFP members and supporters.

"My conscience does not permit me to continue supporting a Cabinet that does not serve the best interest of the people of this country, and shows no visible signs of doing so. The people of Dominica have suffered enough at the hands of politicians who are unwilling, and sometimes incapable, of considering the best interest of its citizens as paramount."

The Dominica Freedom Party, under Prime Minister Dame Eugenia Charles, ruled this mountainous island from 1980 to 1995. Since then it has been a minority party in the parliament.

In the January 2000 general elections, it won just two seats in parliament and teamed up with the DLP to form the government. But Mr. Baron, an accountant, said he did not want a ministerial post. He said in his letter that the DFP had been disadvantaged in its relations with the DLP, as reflected in the fact that DFP leader Charles Savarin was not appointed Foreign Minister. 

Antigua PM Presented Constitutional Review

Antigua -- The Constitution Review Commission of Antigua and Barbuda has completed its work and on Thursday presented a report to Prime Minister Lester Bird.

The Commission, which was appointed in December of 1999, was asked to examine, consider and inquire into the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda and other laws and matters generally. Its opinions and recommendations were sought on any amendments, reforms and changes in the Constitution and related laws that were considered necessary for promoting good government and peaceful, social economic and human development in Antigua and Barbuda.  

Commission Chairman Sir. Fred Phillips presented the 138-page document at Government House, after which Prime Minister Bird paid tribute to the Commission,  saying he believes that the document would be very instructive for the people of Antigua and Barbuda in trying to modernize the constitution.

"In these days of constitution reform, the whole notion of civil society and how it operates in a framework of a constitution will in fact provide the necessary guidelines for our people, and the law enabling legislation will follow, and ensure that the rule of law will be paramount in whatever we do in this country," he said.

Mr. Bird assured the members of the Commission that his government will take the report very seriously considering that a lot of time has been spent very seriously looking at the Constitution which has been in existence since 1981.

A "Minority Report" was also presented by Mrs. Blandina Francis Negga, the Barbudan representative on the Constitution Review Commission, who said she would not comment on the report until the relevant persons have reviewed it.  

CDB President Given Guyana's Top Award

Compiled from Dispatches

GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Guyana-born Professor Compton Bourne, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has been awarded Guyana's highest national award, the Order of Excellence (OE).
The award was bestowed on Prof. Bourne "in recognition of his scholarship and the distinction and eminence achieved by him in the service of the Caribbean region and the wider international community, in the areas of academic economics, public policy and institutional management, and for his appointment as President of the CDB," the citation stated.
Speaking with reporters after his investiture, Professor Bourne said he is optimistic that Guyana can have a very "extensive and successful tourism industry" built around the country's nature reserves.
He noted that with its diversity in flora and fauna and animal life, Guyana can do what South Africa has done, with respect to safari-based tourism. He pointed to Guyana's ethnic diversity, including the Amerindian community, which, he said, could be used as tourist attractions. 
Professor Bourne was appointed President of the CDB in 2001. In 1996, he was appointed Campus Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies.
He was Vice-Chairman of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2000 to 2002 and Vice-President of the Caribbean Studies Association from 1985 to1986.
His main professional interests are in financial institutions and financial policy at the national, rural and international levels, economic development and macro-economic policy, human resource development and higher education management.
Professor Bourne is married with two children and permanently resides in Trinidad. The CDB headquarters is based in Barbados.

Caribbean University Woos St. Kitts/Nevis

St. Kitts -- One of the Caribbean’s leading institutions of learning, the University of the Virgin Islands, has been promoting its programmes in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Ms. Jacqueline Sprauve, an Alumni Affairs supervisor, and Ms. Karen Blyden, a student recruitment officer, recently visited the Federation to speak with education officials and students highlighting the advantages of the Caribbean university.

Ms Sprauve told St. Kitts and Nevis Newas Service that the promotional drive targets several categories, and one of the new initiatives of the university is the establishment of a research and technology park.

The strong academic programme, the rich diversity and competitive costs are some of the attractive features of the university, Ms. Blyden said, pointing out that the student body is represented by many nationalities from around the world.

While in St. Kitts the officials were assisted by the local chapter of the UVI Alumni Association. 

Panday Urges Trinidadians To March in Civil Disobedience

Trinidad, CARITEL – The opposition United National Congress (UNC) is threatening marches and other forms of civil disobedience to force the Peoples National Movement of Prime Minister Patrick Manning to call early general elections.

UNC leader Basdeo Panday is demanding fresh elections on July 8 as the only resolution of a crisis which has grown since deadlocked general elections last December that left both parties with 18 seats in parliament.

But former Prime Minister Panday’s threat of widespread civil disobedience has sparked charges from the PNM that such action could lead to violence, even "bloodshed".

Prime Minister Manning on Sunday warned that his administration would be prepared to declare a state of emergency should the stability of the country be brought into question "in the near future," a clear reference to Mr. Panday's call for civil disobedience.

Errol McLeod, President of the Oilfield Workers Trade Union, said Mr. Panday's statement was aimed "at widening the divide of the people of Trinidad and Tobago".

"Is this the same man who had condemned demonstrations, placard-bearing and down-tool actions of workers. His plan to take to the streets through demonstrations and civil disobedience borders on treason and action against good order. The decision is that of a politically insane person whose position on these issues ought not be to supported at all."

But Wayne Moze, President of the South Trinidad Chamber of Industry and Commerce, responded, "As long as Mr. Panday's actions are within the law, then he is entitled to carry out his plans, but from my own perspective, there is enough social tension in the country.”

Gregory Aboud, President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association, said: "We consider this to be a very unfortunate development. DOMA is not happy to hear this news, it is not good for the country nor him (Manning) to be speaking like this. We would advise the leadership of the country to refrain from threatening the country with any sort of disorder.

Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj, the former attorney general desposed by Mr. Panday,  urged a public meeting of Team Unity to, "ignore Mr. Panday's call to mash up the place".

"Any reasonable person who has been living in Trinidad and Tobago recently and who has been following the political events must regard the call by Panday as unwarranted and irresponsible," he said, adding "it is quite clear that some of our politicians believe that if they do not have Government power they must mash up the country, they must mash up the place."

The opposition United National Congress (UNC) on Thursday took its proposals for power sharing to the main private sector body, as negotiations between itself and the ruling Peoples National Movement (PNM) to end the political gridlock failed to gain any momentum the previous day.

Prime Minister Manning has categorically rejected the notion of sharing power with the UNC, which lost the reins of power following the unprecedented 18-18 tie in the poll. 

OECD Gets 3 Regional Tax Haven Commitments

PARIS -- The OECD has announced that Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have made commitments to improve the transparency of their tax and regulatory systems and establish effective exchange of information for tax matters with OECD countries by 31 December 2005.

The OECD said it looks forward to working with Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines and encourages other jurisdictions to come forward with similar commitments.

Grenada and St, Vincent and the Grenadines were among 35 jurisdictions identified by the OECD in June 2000 as meeting the technical criteria for being a tax haven. As a result of having made these commitments, neither Grenada nor St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be listed as uncooperative tax havens.

Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be invited to participate, together with the other committed jurisdictions and OECD Member countries, in the meetings of the OECD's Global Forum to discuss the design of standards for the implementation of these and any similar commitments. The OECD will continue to engage in discussions with other jurisdictions interested in cooperating to address the issues raised by harmful tax practices.

In June 2000, the OECD issued a report that identified 35 jurisdictions as meeting the tax haven criteria. Six jurisdictions made commitments in advance of the issuance of the

2000 Progress Report: Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cyprus, Malta, Mauritius, San Marino. OECD welcomes these commitments.

Since the publication of the 2000 Report, these commitments have been made: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahrain, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Netherland Antilles, and Seychelles.

In a joint press release on 31 January 2002, the OECD and Barbados announced that Barbados will not appear on the OECD's forthcoming list of uncooperative tax havens.

On 23 August 2001, the OECD announced that Tonga no longer meets the tax haven criteria set out in this 1998 report and will not be considered for inclusion in any list of uncooperative jurisdictions. 

New High Court Judges Get Four-day Orientation

St. Lucia -- High Court Judge Justice Adrian Saunders has described as extremely timely the four-day orientation held here this week for newly appointed judges of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, since newly appointed judges have never before been exposed to any formal training assuming their responsibilities.

The exercise at the Bay Gardens Hotel gave newly appointed judges a comprehensive introduction to the judicial life on the bench, and allow senior judges to share ideas and experiences in order to enhance the efficiency of the new judges.

“Increasingly as the judicial and legal systems undergo a process of major reform, as public officials are held to stricter levels of accountability, as the judiciary addresses the demand of the general public for a more relevant, transparent and effective justice system . . .  a judge, especially a newly appointed judge, cannot continue in the old way,” Justice Saunders said.

St. Lucia’s Attorney General Senator Petrus Compton said judicial education is often overlooked in the overall process of judicial reform. “For our new judges this orientation programme commences your education as a judge; it does not end here, it does not end when the program is over.  I welcome this orientation program for the signals that it sends about our seriousness in relation to reform of the justice system,” Mr. Compton said.

The Judicial Education Institute of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court organized the orientation programme for new judges. The institute was established in 1997 as a vehicle for the continuing education and training of members of the legal fraternity within the Eastern Caribbean. 

Libya will Help Underwrite OECS Information Program

St. Lucia, CARITEL – A public information programme to promote an economic union within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is receiving financing from the Libyan government, the Mirror newspaper reported.

The paper quoted acting OECS Director General George Goodwin as saying that Libya has approved US$1 million to support the project. A Government spokesman confirmed that Libya had agreed to contribute funds towards the project to be conducted in St.Lucia and the eight other member territories of the OECS. Five OECS states, minus St. Lucia, last year agreed to meet jointly with the Libyan government.

OECS leaders from Grenada, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines visited Libya last July for talks on increasing financial and technical cooperation. Mr. Goodwin was quoted by the paper as saying that the funds would be used in the campaign approved by the OECS Authority in August last year. He said an essential part of the economic union was the free movement of labour, goods and services within the nine-nation community. "One needs now to sensitise the population at large and the various interest groups who are going to be involved in the various aspects of creating the economic union, such as the private sector, which needs to be made more aware of the benefits of becoming more competitive," the Mirror quoted Mr. Goodwin as saying.

"So apart from simply promoting an economic union, the project will educate and make more people aware of the intricacies of what will be involved in the establishment of the union," he said. Mr. Goodwin said the funds were expected to be spent over a period of two years with the promotion campaign likely to start next month, to coincide with the passage of legislation in four OECS territories governing the freedom of movement.

The four Windward Islands have so far agreed to press ahead with the freedom of movement initiative, with the first reading of the legislation slated for March 28. The five other states are still entertaining reservations, the Mirror reported.  

Caribbean Aims at New Banana Market Threats

St. Vincent - Caribbean banana producers are worried about the possibility of losing another slice of their European market, according to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Dr. Gonsalves has written the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, President of the Council of the European Union, asking him to help Caribbean banana exporters maintain their share of the European Union market. As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) head of government with responsibility for developments in the vital banana industry, he said there was a threat that the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations could lose 11 to 17 percent of the European banana market.

These nations, traditional traders in Europe, had already lost 100,000 tonnes of banana quotas from last January under a new United States/ Ecuador compromise with the European Union, Dr. Gonsalves said.

"I urge you to use your good offices to intercede with the (European)  Commission to ensure that it does not place the ACP  and the Caribbean banana industry at a further disadvantage," he wrote.

"We understand that  in addition to the African, Caribbean and Pacific banana-exporting countries losing 100,000 tonnes of licences for the export of bananas in the European market from the beginning of January, 2002, there are new proposals before the European Commission to reduce the access by a further 11 percent," Dr. Gonsalves said in the letter.

"Caribbean leaders understand that the reallocation of the 100,000 tonnes in January was the result of the compromise agreement negotiated by the European Union with the United States of America and with Ecuador to settle a longstanding banana dispute.

"The 11 percent allocation to non-traditional operators would, however, be a unilateral imposition by the European Commission. This would be a major departure from the understanding between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that traditional ACP banana-exporting countries and their operators would not be further disadvantaged in the establishing of the rules of phase two of the new banana import regime." 

SPORTS 

WHO SHOULD LEAD THE WEST INDIES TEAM?

Who is the fit person to lead the West Indies team? Who is quality for the highest job in the region? Who is eligible to assume the status of Prime Minister of the West Indies Federation? Who should the Caribbean people entrust with this sacred duty for the upcoming home series against India and New Zealand? 

The emotions are definitely not high as it were a year ago, when Guyanese Carl Hooper was preferred over Jamaican Jimmy Adams as Captain of the ailing West Indies team. In fact, it correct to say (based on my interviews and based on the discussions on the regional radio call-in programmes), that the issue of leadership is not a regional talking point. But there are pockets of discontent and emotional outbursts over the retention of the classical but under-performed world-recognized batsman (some prefer to say all-rounder) – Carl Hooper.

Rumblings have been reported in the rum shops and on the streets of Nevis. And the  issue of leadership was hotly discussed by a section of the commentary team during the Leeward Islands/West Indies “B” game at Grove Park, Nevis. (Nevis is the ward island in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis). The conventional wisdom among that interest group is that the former West Indies opening batsmen, Stuart Williams, should not only be recalled to the senior team but should be given the mantle of leadership. The argument is that he is the one most capable of leading the “near-sinking ship” or preventing it from going under. This is the second year in succession that interest groups in the small island have been making the demand.

The sentiment reflects a call by a Trinidadian calypsonian who likened the Trinidadian economy to a sinking ship and, asked the then Prime Minister his advice concerning abandoning ship or stay on board and perishing slowly. Could one speculate that the Nevisian interest is suggesting that the West Indies ship is sinking slowly and that the current leader is not capable of manning the ailing ship? Is the contending interest suggesting that things are so critical that the players should jump ship and that the stressful patrons should withdraw their support less they perish through heart attack and stress?

Is Stuart Williams the most capable of taking the near-sinking ship safely to shore and unto distant lands? This is controversial, if not polemical. After all, Stuart Williams has performed very credibly in his leadership of the Leeward Islands and, having not been given the responsibility to lead the senior team and, having not failed as his predecessors (Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh, Brian Lara and Jimmy Adams), the argument cannot rationally be decided between his protagonists and his antagonists. Leadership could cause individual performance to decline but could also bring out the best in leader and cause him to make a positive difference. I will therefore not put my head on block n this debate.

But all small island cricket fans and fanatics would agree that Stuart Williams is greatly disadvantaged with respect to assuming the mantle of leadership in the upcoming home series.

First, he is from the small islands, and therefore is not high in the pecking order. The Antiguan wicket-keeper/batsman would be the next in line for the captaincy job should the selectors decide to change their preference or shift their affection. And it is not even remote, given the erratic policies of the selectors that Barbadian Sherwin Campbell could be considered for the job before the stylish Nevisian batsman.

Second, Stuart Williams is outside of the team and would have to embarrass the selectors and his detractors by filling every scoreboard as Carl Hooper did last year.  

Third, Stuart Williams is coming up against very tough oppositions for a place in the team. There are the two incumbents - Chris Gayle and Daren Ganga; the other young former opener, Leon Garrick who is scoring runs; the sensational Devon Smith, who the Barbadians are championing for inclusion into the team against India. Smith made his appeal last year with his dominance in the under-19 test matches against England under-19 under English conditions. Those who have seen him say he is the “star from the east.”

Fourth, suppose the captaincy was an issue, who would be under consideration? The current captains of the Busta Cup teams would be in contention. There are  - Sherwin Campbell (Barbados); Carl Hooper (Guyana); Robert Samuels (Jamaica); Stuart Williams (Leeward islands); Richard Smith (Trinidad and Tobago); Roland Holder (West Indies” B”); Junior Murray (Windward Islands). 

Amongst the regional captains, no one wills sufficient popular support either by their impact on the game or by their sex appeal to out-point Carl Hooper for the captaincy of the West Indies team. While should the crisis deepen before the first test against India, the baton could be passed unto “the weakest of the weak”, but it would have to be a collapse of major proportions to trigger that move. 

There is no doubt in my mind that Carl Hooper has failed to produce the requisite leadership in the present difficult period. He has failed to lead with the flashing blade and therefore needs to be replaced. But the cricketing public does not think that is the pressing issue at this time. I am afraid any campaign to replace him now will fail.

Yes, the leadership of the West Indies team is not for the taking. The “geist” is different this time around. The demand is for quality batsmen and bowlers.  

Peter Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a freelance photographer. He may be contacted Peter at www.adreinsenterprise.com or at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com 

PHOTO CAPTION: Carl Hooper, still has popular support (Photo supplied) 

Peter Adrien

March 1, 2002

FEATURES

Patriotism Pays

By Helena Durand

Director of Emerald Tours on Montserrat Mr. Cecil Cassell (pictured right) has returned from Antigua where he gave talks to the secondary school students at the American Institute of technology (AIT) about Montserrat.

Mr. Cassell who was responsible for having Mr. Franklyn Beckles, Director of AIT on the island discussing with government the possibilities of operating a school here recently, told the Montserrat Reporter the reception in Antigua was “Wonderful.”

He said the students “Were interested in the volcano, the relationship between us and the British, how many persons were actually on island, what we did for a living, what the mainstay of the economy was, and what opportunities were there for prospective investors.”

Mr Cassell said one particular situation, which the students spent much time wanting to discuss, was the fact that Montserrat had so many foreigners. “They wanted to know how we were dealing with it, and in particular if we felt threatened.”

His response he said was that “This is history repeating itself. In the early 1940’s and 50’s Montserratians went to the islands in search of work, now residents from those islands are coming to us for the same reasons.”

Their presence on the island he said he told the students were two-fold, in that the foreigners “work on the island, but also help us in rebuilding our country. Of course like every national in any other country, we feel a bit threatened.”

As to the island’s rebuilding process, Mr. Cassell said he was quick to point out that unlike other Caribbean countries, which took some 400-500 years to reach their current level through trial and error, “Montserrat has the opportunity to build a 21st century town without the mistakes and uncertainties which plague other developing countries. We can execute our plans using modern technology without fear.”

The island’s tourism product he told them has not diminished, it has only been improved “and significantly. We have something, which does not exist on any other Caribbean island; a real live, active volcano. Visitors get to be a part of two worlds in one setting. On one hand they can look over at a city destroyed by a still acting volcano, and on the other, they can interact with survivors from that lost city who have been relocated and are in the rebuilding process.”

Those students studying Social Studies and tourism related fields he said were impressed with his presentation and have planned to visit the island in the very near future to see first hand what he has told them about it. Those in the Business classes are planning to begin a tour operating business with Montserrat as its main point of destination.

Mr. Cassell has been invited to talk to the students’ parents who have shown an interest in the island as well. He leaves for Antigua tomorrow.

Emerald Tours just recently, conducted a familiarization trip for some members of the Montserrat Tourist Board. 

Director of Tourism at the Montserrat Tourist Board Ms. Ernestine Cassell said, “It was quite a refreshers’ course which helped to remind staff of what Montserrat has available to offer to the visitor. The history of the island was also welcomed as some staff members needed to know it.” 

Ben Meade A Successful First

By Helena Durand

Twenty two year old Ben Meade of Olveston is back home after eight months on a Rose Willock Scholarship in England.

Mr Meade is the first to have been selected for the scholarship, which is hoped to run for another year, giving another deserving young person the benefit of its wide communications scope.

An up and coming radio person on the island, Mr. Meade is the son of Former Chief Minister Reuben Meade and Pastor Joan Delsol Meade.  He told the Montserrat Reporter he “Felt very good, thrilled in fact to have been given the honor of being hand picked for the scholarship with such big players as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Rose Willock.”

He said from the start he started out with the determination that those who had chosen him would not be sorry that they had.

While in London he met and worked/studied with personalities such as Mark Sandell of BBC’s Radio Five Live, and Producer Nicky Campbell.

He also did short stints as sports writer for the online version of the Guardian Newspaper, News Reporter for New Nation, a premiere black newspaper in London, Carlton T.V. Network, with BBC Caribbean at the World Service, and Radio 2.

Ms Rose Willock believes that Ben has proved “To be an outstanding student and first recipient of the scholarship. I have been told by Mark Sandell who was the Coordinator of Ben’s work/study programme in the UK that he was exceptional in his grasp of the many components, which comprised the study programme namely Radio Journalism and Production; Writing and Producing for Television.”

She added that his colleagues and supervisors “Were very impressed with his work and his interaction with the media professionals and others.”

The Rose Willock Scholarship is designed to give young Montserratians active in news, current affairs and community development the opportunity to improve their skills and be exposed to professional media operations in the United Kingdom where they are attached for work experience and professional development.

The BBC is the principal sponsor of the Scholarship programme along with Virgin Atlantic, which provides the airfare to and from the United Kingdom.

Recipients are expected to return home and use their improved skills for the further development of media in the Caribbean in general and Montserrat in particular.

Now that Mr Meade is back on island, his expertise in the field of mass communications is being put the test as he occupies the post of Director of News at Family Radio more commonly known as Family FM on Montserrat.

He is a former News Reader/Announcer at Radio Montserrat (ZJB Radio). 

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Keep on Truckin'

Don't expect to hear the word 'sorry,'

Just because each overweight lorry

On its crawl to arrive

Groans up Bishop's View Drive,

Thus creating Bishop's View Quarry.

 

New Ecotourism

Isles Bay Beach has attained high regard

Since officials, aghast, found it marred;

Now tourists can stand

On smooth, restored sand,

Worth 5 bucks for each cubic yard.  

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin how long that "G" on yellow vehicular plates has meant "Get out of my way!"

Jus wonderin wha mek de villagers dem no go mine dem, business whey dem got under dem bed, and stop mine de nurse own.

Jus wonderin' if BoM knows being a shareholder owned company is supposed to mean reporting to shareholders.

Jus wonderin if dem loud mouth people at lookout gone dey a banks to mek noises over dey.

Jus wonderin all who ha money and nar pay dem rent dey a Lookout.

Jus wonderin why e so hard fu fallo good example.

Jus wonderin why Governor Longrigg taking so long rigging things the right way in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if people when they have een dey guava and wine jus fugat what dem jus say.

Jus wonderin if now de men dem come back straight de women dem gone de odder way.

Jus wonderin if they think it fair to have the ferry fare lower than de helicopter.

Jus wonderin how it looking now the super is Commissioner and the deputy still deputizing.

Me Jus a wonderin me self if me no got de touch to, DE FAN.

Jus wonderin if its because a dem in charge mek dem cant get the evidence from the welcomer and de welcomed to Salem.

Jus wonderin about de hanky-panky wey a go on in a Davy Hill.

Jus wonderin if sweetness is in and long suffering is out or gone sour.

Jus a wonderin if dese songs wey dem does sing, dey just hurt some people (like Peepin) and (Just Friends).

Jus wonderin when de peepers ago stop peep pan awe.

Jus wonderin about Peter, Paul, Mary, Jane, and de middle stump, who got run out, who got lick and who got dem hand inna de honey bowl.

Jus wonderin if me tell you a joke , would you laugh, but if not can you wipe it off or put a smile on.

Jus wonderin wha de Gom a go do about puttin Garbage bin by each resident in na lookout.

Jus wonderin when de fan a go come back.

Jus wonderin how some people lucky so and cant get retire or some one a go hafu fire, fire.

Jus wonderin if dem a wait to do more injury to more people.

Jus wonderin if de new job dey will get will undo the old one.

Jus wonderin who does really advise de big officials dem when dem no listen to de people officials.

Jus wonderin if they goin move the water tank that the old lady them say mean so much to them

Jus wonderin if they really mean to stop the helicopter from servicing Montserrat and why they can’t get organized.

Jus wonderin if the busy doc going end up doin like his dunce predecessor.

Jus wonderin how the Geralds soil test could be positive when they turn round and say it is more clay than they could deal with.

Jus wonderin if that nar mek the airport cost more money when they have to truck away the clay and then truck in new soil.

Jus wonderin if they ready to give up on the idea or if the next few weeks will be spent finding ways to con us further.

Jus wonderin if de road to no-where will ever come like an earlier road round the north that is now worth so much.

Jus wonderin if for that kind of foresight we will have to go to the grave or stop believing that the busy man with the foresight today is very much on target and need some others like him.

Jus wonderin if consideration is being given yet to a new site for the new public cemetery or we will have to wait still for the court to decide.

Jus wonderin if the volcano glow brought joy to many hearts this past week.

Jus wonderin all who was glad jus to break the boredom.

Jus wonderin if de husbands and de man dem learn anything.

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