New Commissioner of Police Lauds Community Policing
By Merrick Andrews
St.
Kitts-born John Douglas was sworn in Wednesday as of police, pledging to
continue to develop community policing, which he said has evoked a stronger
relationship with the police and the community.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Governor’s office in Olveston.
Mr. Douglas, 35, who is the 11th appointed Commissioner of Police,
replaces Scotsman Alexander Elder, who held the reins for two years.
The new commissioner, who was promoted from
Superintendent of Operations, said community policing, which began in 1999, has
revealed more cases of domestic violence because the patrols have “gained more
confidence and respect” for the police.
He said 137 cases of domestic violence were reported in 2000, compared to 11,
the previous year.
Mr. Douglas said in a section of his mission statement: “Contrary to popular
belief, community policing is not a soft approach to the enforcement of the law,
but is more concerned with early identification and resolution of problems
through a partnership with ordinary citizens. This partnership can only be built
on trust and through consent.”
He also said he will “increase the investigation of domestic violence and
child abuse and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We will continue to address the issue of domestic violence and child abuse in
partnership with a number of other agencies such as Ministry of
Education/Community Services and religious organisations.”
The commissioner's mission statement pledged to intensify action against drug
trafficking; improve road safety with a view to reducing the incidence of road
accidents; develop further strategies with a view to reducing the incidence of
drug offences; provide greater community input into crime prevention and
community-related issues; provide an internal review to identify saving in
resources and finance; initiate a crime prevention unit together with a public
programme; embark upon a programme to introduce traffic signs and signals with a
view to reducing the speed limit, and initiate drug awareness in schools.
Former Comissioner Elder and HE Governor Longrigg offer congratulations
Mr. Douglas has been on the Montserrat police
force for 35 years, and has attended courses on immigration, narcotics, airdrome
fire, CID investigations, management, major incident operation, hostage
negotiation, senior overseas command, senior investigation course, general
sergeants course and junior command.
He was first promoted in 1970 to Corporal and
came up through the ranks as Sergeant (1975), Station Sergeant (1979), Inspector
(1989) and Superintendent (1993).
Legislation
in the Making Against Internet Child Pornography
By Merrick Andrews
Plans are in process for the creation of
legislation against child pornography and its circulation through the Internet
and information technology, according to Superintendent of Police Paul Morris.
Supt. Morris said Montserrat does not have relevant and appropriate legislations
that would cover the use of the Internet.
“We have to ensure that we have the relevant legislation to enable us even to
investigate and arrest for it,” he told The Montserrat Reporter.
Section 123 of the Penal Code (number 12) of 1983 states: “Any person who
commits an act of gross indecency with or towards a child under the age of 14
years or who incites a child under that age to such an act with him or another
shall be guilty of an offense and liable to imprisonment for two years."
“What we are doing at the moment
is working with the Attorney General’s office to draft a legislation that
would cover the circulation through the Internet and through the information
technology and possession of such material – very, very quickly,” Supt.
Morris said.
He warned, “We are hopeful we will have something this year, but I am
determined that these people who are receiving child pornography don’t smile
at the fact that we haven’t got (suitable) legislations, because I will do
everything legally possible to ensure that they are not smiling.”
However, attorney-at-law Warren Cassell, host of a radio program called
"This is the Law," said the move is a waste of time. “It’s the
cause they need to address and not the effect,” said Mr. Cassell. “While it
is helpful it will not solve the problem."
Mr. Cassell said it would still be difficult to make a crackdown on something
electronically. “Are the police going to every house in Montserrat and search
people’s Internet and email for child pornography?” the lawyer asked.
“They need to channel their resources in enforcing existing laws such as
abortion than to be wasting taxpayers' money and drafting a legislation, which
will be of no effect.”
Mr. Cassell said the move more sensible if Montserratians were creating the
child pornography or if local children are being used for the act.
However, Supt. Morris expressed confidence about their investigations on child
pornography.
“Child pornography is circulated and received through the Internet system in
Montserrat, now the information is very, very good. And we are comfortable that
should we go and search for that material we will find them,” said Supt.
Morris.
He said he does not suspect that child pornography is created in the island.
He’s concerned, however, that child pornography could result in actual
offences of child molestation. “My experience leads me to believe that when
you have people who are interested in looking at very, very young children in
sexual encounters, then we have to be very, very careful that doesn’t spill
over to actual offences of child molestation and so on.”
Woman Jumps to Safety As Truck Hits Her House
By Staff Reporters
A Guyanese woman dived off her verandah split
seconds before a truck carrying sand crashed into her house in Davy Hill on
Wednesday.
“I said I was going to get crushed so I jumped over the (verandah) wall,”
said Mrs. Priscilla Yearwood, 42, moments after arriving from the hospital. “I
am very swift,” she remarked, while grimacing and rubbing her left knee and
leg.
The police declined to give any information on the matter.
Eyewitnesses said the truck driver was taken to the hospital with visible wounds
to the head.
Throngs of curious onlookers lined the roadside of the scene, with the police
officers manning the spilled sand and the mangled truck.
Mrs. Yearwood said she has been living in the three-room board house since the
early 1990s.
She said that she kept watching the truck since it came in sight, because it was
moving strangely. “It wasn’t coming fast,” she said. “I thought it was
going to stop here, on the side where my house is, but it continued to come
closer to my way, so the only thing I had to do was jump,” she said, pointing
to the route that the truck took.
"HMG
Promise of Business Support Tests Its Credibility, Our Gullibility"
We are still to report on a project being
prepared and to be implemented by Enterprise International under the auspices of
the British Department for International Development (DFID).
This project is almost the last opportunity for
Her Majesty’s Government, through its money funders DFID, to demonstrate that
it seriously intends to support the economic recovery and indeed the existence
of Montserrat and its primary inhabitants.
The project title is “Support to Private Sector
Development,” and it seeks “To build an efficient and sustainable
institutional framework that delivers an effective range of business support
services.” It seeks to achieve a “fully operational partnership between NDF;
Chamber of Commerce (we hope all its members); Government of Montserrat (GoM)
Development Unit and Public Library and functioning services.”
We will remember that HMG and GoM declared in
1998 they would be the catalysts for economic development in Montserrat. We now
know what a farce that has been, especially if we consider the construction of
an airport in Montserrat that everyone agrees is integral to any
"future" development of Montserrat. Of course we now know -- at least
all who have now come to accept our position -- that HMG has not been too
serious about the development of Montserrat given their fear that the Soufriere
Hills volcano may yet render all its investments (however much or little)
wasted.
On the question of the airport development, it is
again quite clear that HMG never planned to spend anything more than the very
minimum, in keeping with its attitude, don’t spend more than you can afford to
lose on transportation accessibility for Montserrat.
The jury is still out on an airport as a letter
today still suggests that there are possible helicopter services available that
can serve Montserrat well. The problem is that our government will not force the
issue of pursuing any other option, be it different or a more permanent
solution. Acquiescence rather than persistence or even common sense is what
prevails.
In one of the Features of today’s issue we find
a clipping titled, “Thriving Falklands." We hope to feature more of the
Falkland Islands as we feel that there are many lessons we can learn from
understanding and knowing more.
They were ravaged (to some extent) from an
invasion quickly expelled by HMG in 1982, but look at the simple approach that
made the difference. The difference, of course, is the severity of the
devastation. After a war you rebuild; after a volcano you move and start a new
country. Well we might ask, are HMG and GoM up to that? It is really time for a
serious study to take place.
In the Falklands there are at least five
airports, two of them paved and one a full jet airport. The economy was formerly
based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the
bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses
to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands' exclusive fishing zone,
these license fees total more than US$40 million per year.
The Chamber of Commerce has responded positively
to an initiative from GoM coming out of Enterprise International. If there is
any seriousness here, together with the off-shore banking initiatives it will
not take till the end of 2002 to see great strides and a huge takeoff for the
recovery and development of this devastated, tired and stressed place. This
whole initiative should be seen as the way things should have been and the way
it should go, and thus be a new beginning. It is almost foolhardy to have
believed that GoM, through its civil service untrained in the ways of the
business world, would understand how it works. It was never their function and
that should not be expected.
DFID needs seriously to realize that if a
business or individual needs $20.00 to begin to earn revenue, $15.00 makes that
business a failure and, unable to repay the $20.00, worse off than before. The
result of this is that where it made the gesture of assisting the businesses two
or so years ago, while some barely made it, those who did not get to the top of
requirements are worse off today than before.
DFID should move faster now to assist the NDF,
starting fresh, recognizing their mistakes (giving half a fish), restricted
because of fear and uncertainty, and scrap those earlier loans. Saddling those
individuals and businesses with the additional burden of recovery from the bad
loans will not help.
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
IN HIS TIME
Haggai 1
This people says, "The time has not come,
the time that the Lord's house should be built."
Haggai 1:2
I know of a church that has desperately needed to
expand for a number of years. Many of the members have had a desire to build for
quite some time and are ready to press ahead with the project. There are others,
however, who believe that because the church hasn't been able to raise the full
amount necessary to pay for the project, the timing isn't right.
When doing God's work, the issue of His will and
timing is a very important one. The Israelites in Haggai's day faced such an
issue in the rebuilding of the temple. After years of captivity in Babylon, they
returned to Jerusalem. With God's instruction, they began the project (about 15
year prior to Haggai's prophecy). But then, because of fear and intimidation,
they quit (Ezra4). As days and years went by, they excused their inaction by
saying that the timing wasn't right (Haggai's 1:2). Nonsense! The real problem
was that they were too busy increasing their own comfort -building and living in
their own "paneled houses" (1:4)-to give any time or effort to
constructing the house of God.
How careful we must be to avoid becoming so
absorbed in building our own "houses" (Physical or financial) that we
ignore the work God. Let us always seek to do His work in His time and according
to His instruction . -DCE
Lord, I would always do Your will,
Your perfect plan I would fulfill;
Don't let me move too fast of slow,
For it's Your timing I would know.
NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO GOD'S WILL
Adequate
Helicopter Preferable to Temporary Airport
Dear Editor,
In a recent editorial you referred to the
international airport constructed on the Falkland Island for a population of
2,000 people, I would like to point out that from fishing rights alone they have
an income of £26 million each year and there is a potential for oil, then there
is also the original economy of sheep farming. They are too remote for a
helicopter service to neighbouring country.
At the airport meeting the other week a speaker
mentioned St Helena, I believe the population decided against an airport as they
did not want their ideal way of life spoiled by tourists. They are also too
remote for a helicopter service.
The inhabitants of Pitcairn Island, on the other hand, are asking for an airport for a population of about 100. They also are too remote for a helicopter service.
Passenger
Helicopter may be a better option
There are many good helicopter scheduled services
around the world; one has been operating from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly in
Cornwall (pop 2,000) for over 30 years. The 24-seat Silorsky S61 helicopter
carries thousands of passengers a year (serviced on Sundays). Alternative is two
tons of freight. The cost of a similar machine would be between £8-10 million
and could be used to most islands in the Eastern Caribbean but perhaps a smaller
machine with a proper scheduled service would be adequate. It could, like the
Trilander given to Montserrat in the past, be sold if the situation changes or
the volcano subsides and a return to Bramble Airport becomes possible. Many
tourists find a helicopter trip an unusual holiday experience.
Too many people have lost their homes on
Montserrat already without forcing others to leave for a temporary airport.
Yours sincerely,
When
Power is Restored, It May Be of Little Help
Dear Editor,
The two letters below are self-explanatory.
However I find it difficult to understand how MONLEC could blatantly refuse to
offer me compensation when all indicators plainly show that I lost my monitor
due to a power surge, if you like caused by MONLEC.
I wish to draw to readers' attention that on
receiving the response from MONLEC's Managing Director I spoke to him by
telephone. He informed me that if an employee had been negligent, the company
would have offered some form of compensation.
This is ludicrous.
The fact is that if I or any of the number of
persons who have complained to me of uncompensated electronics damage had known
that power would be taken off, we would have taken the necessary precautions.
I recognise that there are times when the public
could not be given prior notice that power will be taken off. But MONLEC must be
a responsible citizen and recognise when they are wrong and shoulder their
responsibility.
Hylroy L. Bramble
(Bramble’s LetterTo MONLEC)
Sir,
On the morning of June 25, 2001, I was using my
computer when between the hours of 6:50 and 7:15 the electricity went abruptly.
There was a loud pop from my monitor and when the power returned the monitor
blinked twice and has ceased to function completely.
I was told by my computer technician that the
monitor is shot because of the sudden interruption in electricity. I was also
told that it would not be cost effective to repair same. I am therefore seeking
compensation from MONLEC to the equivalent of US$330 to replace same.
Thank you for your Cooperation
Sincerely
(From MONLEC)
March 15, 2002
Mr. Hylroy Bramble
Banks
Montserrat
Dear Mr. Bramble
Re: Damaged Equipment
Please refer to your of June 25,2001, concerning
a claim of damage to your computer on June 25, 2001.
Your claim has been carefully investigated and we
have not found any reason to accept your claim.
We therefore cannot offer any compensation to you
on this occasion.
In, general, there are many situations outside of
the responsibility of the utility that can cause damage to your equipment. These
may include electrical disturbances due to lightning strikes and the operation
of large motors or other types of equipment within your installation. We
therefore recommend that you ensure that all sensitive equipment such as
television, VCR, computer and answering machine are adequately protected by an
appropriately rated surge protector or other suitable device.
Yours sincerely,
RHH/mk
Cc Finance Director
A
Futile Search for Help, And Resentment to Police
Dear Editor,
The only honest way to receive honest cash is to
sell one's property.
I made a decision to sell my property 15 March,
21 months since I was injured on the job and one month since I received surgery.
I took my jewelry and other items with the
intention to obtain money to purchase a ticket by 4 p.m. to go overseas and pay
doctor's bills so that I can receive surgical follow-up.
As I was told no money was available and I could
not go through the humiliating and stressful episode again, I did not go to the
next one up.
I then tried the Governor's office for help, but
could not get past the receptionist.
I wish to say to the few that are making false
allegations and adding to the situation, stop it! as I intend to take the matter
further.
I was manhandled by the police. I was not
certified mad. I did not receive treatment
Anger and frustration can be released in several
ways.
Nothing is wrong in expressing anger. By
releasing frustration and pent up feeling one can avoid mental illness.
I wish to thank Fradeep, who offered to stand the
expenses, the nurse who brought money to my house and others who offered cash,
all the well wishers who prayed with me and for me, those who cried with me and
for me, and all those who care and who phone my home.
THANK YOU.
Name Withheld
Indifference
to Injury Is Harmful to Us All
Dear Editor,
Many natives who witnessed and heard what tool
place at Hilltop recently will no doubt wonder if we are our brother's keepers.
Our unions (nurses association, the civil servants, police also) should feel
shame that a person who received harm in the line of duty took so long to get
the attention of the authorities, thus raising several questions.
Whom do we really serve and do we serve in all
fairness and honesty? How would we have felt if this unfortunate incident had
happened to our brother or sister in the line of duty?
We as a community should be so outraged and
asking for an inquiry into what can be considered utter heedlessness by the
people responsible that we demand measures be put in place so there would never
again be a reoccurrence of this nature.
Our dear little Island has thousands of people
who perform functions every day of ambassadorial status, who hold no office or
may never ever get recognition for years of dedicated human services to our
community. Let us praise these people, and please not forget, these people are
in fact the core, the foundation, the crux of any society, on which we have come
so ably to rely.
My two cents here is to encourage our brothers
and sister to continue the good struggle and to point out that there are people
in Montserrat who appreciate the high standard of services we have become
accustomed to.
Conscious Brother
Canadian
Reader Wants To Know More of Island
Dear Editor,
I was delighted to read The Montserrat Reporter
on your website. I am a member of a
United Church congregation in Montreal, Canada, where there is a large number of
expatriate Montserratians. We
enjoyed a wonderful St. Patrick's Day celebration on Sunday together.
I am Canadian, but born in Dublin, Ireland.
I do not know much about Montserrat, but I was amazed at the affinity you
have with Ireland, and am anxious to learn more about your country.
I will make The Montserrat Reporter part of my general reading to keep
more up to date with developments in your homeland, particularly with the
volcano and how you are coping with this disaster. I found your paper to be wonderful and look forward to
reading more. Best regards,
Patricia Murphy.
Questioned Prostitutes Say They Practice Safely
By Merrick Andrews
Heath education co-ordinator in the Ministry of
Health Almae O’Garro said prostitutes have told her they are practicing safe
sex.
Ms. O’Garro said she spoke to several women who appeared to be prostitutes one
Saturday evening earlier this year.
According to Ms. O’Garro, the prostitutes told her that they always carry a
condom in case their clients don’t.
On March 11, opposition leader Reuben Meade told parliament that prostitution
may be linked to the number of reported sexually transmitted infections in
Montserrat. The former chief minister also called for heavy penalties to punish
persons responsible for prostitution, and other sexual offences.
Ms. O’Garro said fingers should not be pointed at prostitutes alone because
prostitution occurs in some homes in different forms. “Our people are not
behaving right either. They do all kinds of bad things too,” she said. “We
need to stop putting our back against the fence.”
Ms. O’Garro said if a woman has to give sex in order to get money to support
her children in a relationship, that is also an example of one of many forms of
prostitution. “We should be
careful how we point fingers,” said Ms. O’Garro, adding that she does not
support prostitution in Montserrat.
The prostitutes also told Ms. O’Garro that they have come to Montserrat and
and gone to other parts of the Caribbean because times are hard in their home
countries. The prostitutes working here are reported to be mainly from the
Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Paul Morris said investigations into
prostitution are being carried out cautiously.
“On occasions in the past we’ve had to withdraw because it was so obvious
that the investigations were taking place that the (prostitution) activities
stopped and then we had to start again with a new approach. We are confident our
new approach will be successful,” he said.
“We are confident and our intentions are to gather evidence that will allow us
to make arrests and hopefully convictions,” he added.
Pastor Abraham Riley said prostitution would not stop until people repent.
“The basic problem is that human nature is bent towards evil. It’s a part of
our system. Only until people
change by heart, a lot of these things will continue.”
Tourism Arrivals to Montserrat Shows Increase
By Merrick Andrews
Despite
the lack of proper facilities and the bad publicity caused by the volcanic
crisis, Montserrat’s tourism industry is steadily becoming popular evidenced
by the increase of tourist arrivals to the island.
Statistics showed a decline in visitor arrivals in 1997 at the height of the
volcanic crisis when 6,937 tourists came to the island in comparison to 10,047
the previous year.
However, there was a 37 per cent increase with 12,909 visitors in 1999 over
1998, which recorded 9,427. The year 2000 recorded an 11 per cent increase over
1999 with 14,356 tourist arrivals; and 2001 recorded an 8.7 per cent increase up
to October compared to the corresponding period in 2000.
The year 2001, which is still been revised, might show a decrease in
tourist/visitor arrivals as a result of the September 11 terrorists (plane)
attacks in the US, which triggered a downturn in air travel worldwide, according
to the stats department.
Visitor expenditure also corresponded with the trend of tourist arrivals between
1996 and last year. In 1997, EC$12.9 million was spend in comparison to 1997’s
figure of EC$22.6 million.
Visitor expenditure increased by EC$2.2 million with EC$24 million in 2000 over
1999.
Despite the increase, Director of Tourism, Miss Ernestine Cassell, said it is
“difficult to compare a well developed industry with one that is starting
almost from scratch”.
Recently, The Montserrat Reporter’s Merrick Andrews, submitted questions to
Miss Cassell in regards to the tourism industry and she answered as follows:
Merrick Andrews: How does Montserrat's tourism look at this time?
Ernestine
Cassell, director of tourism: One of the main factors for any destination is
accessibility. The construction of our new airport is expected to significantly
increase the number of visitors to Montserrat. We are also launching an
awareness program and trying to dispel some of the myths that have been
perpetuated about Montserrat’s position in term’s of the volcano’s dangers
and general state of affairs.
MA: What factors have contributed
to the growth of tourism and tourism arrivals in Montserrat?
EC: Availability of day tours from
Antigua has the potential to grow even more significantly. Attendance at trade
shows, use of the media at every opportunity, targeted promotions and hosting of
destination writers to do positive stories on the island and its development.
MA: Apart from the volcano, what other natural features are attracting tourists
to the island?
EC: Other natural features are our
flora and fauna, hiking trails, beaches, greenery and the natural beauty, the
fact that there is wonderful view from almost any point on the island and the
hospitality of the people and relatively crime free environment.
MA: Where do most of Montserrat’s tourists come from?
EC:
Presently, the majority of our visitors come from the Caribbean region,
UK and the US.
MA: What plans are there for the development of tourism in Montserrat? Are any
of the plans now been put in place?
EC: The development and maintenance of trails for residents and visitors
to enjoy; continued development of Garibaldi Hill as a tourist facility where it
is hoped to provide a parking and concession area; Interpretive Panels, an
open-viewing wooden platform with a sheltered section to accommodate at least
three wooden/cement park benches; a rest room with an eco-toilet; a
coin-operated telescope for viewing the volcano; Plymouth and surrounding
environs and development and maintenance of the Montserrat Tourist Board website
for one year.
MA: Are you pleased with how
the Montserrat tourism sector is been budgeted?
EC: Given the scarce resources and the
competing needs of all sectors on Montserrat, it would be difficult for the
government of Montserrat to allocate significantly more funds to the Montserrat
Tourist Board without weighing the needs of all the sectors.
MA: Compare the state of the tourism sector before and after the volcano
crisis
EC: It is difficult to compare a
well-developed industry with one that is starting almost from scratch.
MA: What are the main
things to be done in the sector to achieve a main growth?
EC: Things to be done include skills
development, training and re-training, product development, increased promotion
and advertising, targeting niche markets and sustainable funding of the sector.
MA: What are the main
problems affecting tourism?
EC: Accessibility – no proper
facilities for checking in at Heritage Quay. Rough seas sometimes prevent
sailing of ferry.
Bad publicity – media supplying incorrect information.
MA: What's the peak time of the
year, tourists come to Montserrat?
EC: Peak times are between December and
March
MA: If you were the
Governor or Chief Minister, what would you do to help the tourism sector?
EC: Exactly what is being done
presently – promoting tourism to the best of my ability given the available
resources.
MA: How much money is
sufficient to finance the tourism budget on a yearly basis?
EC: Every extra dollar that is pumped
into the industry assists in helping to bring about change.
MA: In what ways has the volcano been negative and positive to the growth
of Montserrat's tourism?
EC: Negative – fear based on bad
publicity. Montserrat is not on any computer reservation system (It’s
difficult to make reservations); general ignorance on the part of the general
public about volcanoes; lost some of our major attractions, both man-made and
natural, and some historic ones as well; and wiped out the trained and skilled
workers, which poses a threat for investment purposes.
Positive – volcano is now our main attraction; opportunity to restructure the
industry in the right way.
MA: Does the volcano
attract cruise ships to the island?
EC: Cruise ships pass by
Montserrat every week. No cruise facilities are available at the port.
MA: How do you see Montserrat's
tourism in the next 5 to 10?
EC: Tourism
arrivals would have surpassed arrivals of pre-volcanic activity, tourism
receipts will continue to grow and this is the area that will provide the most
economic potential for the island.
Cuba Offering Scholarships At Higher Level Institutions
The Cuban Government has offered scholarships
tenable at higher-level institutions in Cuba to CARICOM nationals for the
academic year 2002/2003.
Applicants must be less than 25 years of age and should have an education level
equivalent to that of Cuban pre-university (CXC or equivalent) in relevant
subject areas.
Nationals of Montserrat interested in pursuing studies at Cuban institutions are
advised to submit to the Department of Administration, no later than Friday,
April 5, 2001, the following:
* Letter of application including completed Cuba/CARICOM Scholarship application
form (available from the Training Division).The letter should be addressed to:
The Chairman, Scholarship Committee, Dept. of Administration, Brades,
MONTSERRAT, and should indicate the area and level of study to be pursued and
proficiency in Spanish;
* Birth certificate
* Medical certificate confirming applicant’s good health;
* Certified copies of academic qualifications;
* Six photographs measuring 4x5 cm.
For additional information, please contact: Chief Training Officer Training
Division, Dept. of Administration, Government Headquarters, Brades, Tel.:
(664)-491-2693
E-mail: traindiv@candw.ag
WSG 10 Supports A Clean Environment
Eight gleeful women, each dressed in a emerald
colored dress, madras skirt and tie head, stood with several supporters and six
drums painted in red, white and green.
The drums read, "Slam Dunk U Litter Here."
“This is our contribution to our environment,” said Mrs. Jadine Glitzenhirn,
one of the eight flamboyantly dressed women.
The six drums, or waste bins, were donated to the Environmental Health
department in the Ministry of Health to promote a cleaner environment in
Montserrat. The drums will be placed at six locations – in St. Johns, Davy
Hill, Cudjoe Head, Carrs Bay, Woodlands and Salem.
The
occasion was held at the Festival Village, Little Bay, on Wednesday, March 20.
The eight women are from the Women’s Support Group (WSG) 10, formed in 2000.
The number ‘10’ represents the limited number of women on the Group. Two
members were absent from the occasion.
Environmental Health Officer Trevor Howe welcomed the donation. “I think that
the drums, which are donated by WSG 10, are a useful contribution in terms of
fulfilling some of our objectives within the Ministry of Health as relates to
our solid waste management program,” he said.
Three Montserratians Award Special Honors
Three Montserratians are to be awarded the
Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour, His Excellency the Governor Mr.
Anthony J Longrigg announced Thursday in a Government House press release.
The three awardees are Mrs.Eileen Edwards, MBE; Gerodine Mason and Pastor
Abraham Riley. A formal awards ceremony will be arranged later this year.
Mrs. Edwards will be honored for her contributions to education. She was the
Principal of St. Augustine Primary school for 11 years after her retirement from
the Civil Service. The release said, “She worked tirelessly to ensure that the
children’s education was not unduly interrupted during the volcanic crisis
when the school had to relocate.”
Ms. Mason's award will honor her nearly 50-year contributions to the Girl Guide
Association, where she is currently guide leader. She also has been a member of
many cultural groups, including the Emerald Community Singers, the Montserrat
Amateur Dramatic Society and Voices. She is also credited for significant
contributions to the island’s Anglican community.
Pastor Riley will be honored for his contributions to the community as a
minister of religion for the past 36 years. He is currently the District
Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies - Montserrat
District. He also serves on the following committees: Juvenile Assessors, Public
Assistance, and the Mentally Challenged. The release credits his remaining on
island during the volcanic crisis to minister to the remaining population
irrespective of their faith.
Pre-paid Mobile
Service Comes to Montserrat
Prepaid mobile service comes to Montserrat today.
The new Pay As You Go prepaid mobile service is a card-based system that allows
customers to purchase a card of a specific value, based on the amount of calls
they wish to make or receive, according to Cable & Wireless.
A customer event to launch the service will be held at Cable & Wireless
office in Sweeney’s.
Pay As You Go customers will be able to sign up
for the service for a special price of EC$399, which includes a Nokia 5125
mobile phone and pre-paid cards to the value of EC$80. Each new customer to sign
up at the event will receive a specially-designed Pay As You Go T-shirt.
“We hope customers will come out and learn more about this exciting new
service. Pay As You Go makes mobile communication affordable for everyone, and
in this day and age more and more people need continuous communication as a part
of their everyday life,” said General Manager Neville Dublin.
Pay As You Go customers will not have to pay a deposit; there will be no credit
checks and signed contracts. It is pre-paid service with no monthly bill
Pay As You Go customers will scratch the back of the card to reveal their own
unique code, which is then loaded onto the mobile phone.
Jamaica's
Cabinet Briefed On National Crime Strategy
KINGSTON,
Jamaica -- Cabinet this
week received an update on the implementation of the National Crime Strategy,
which was announced early this year by Jamaica’s new Minister of National
Security, Dr. Peter Phillips.
Colin Campbell, Information Minister, said the
update included reports on the recruitment of some 1,200 additional policemen
and women; the delivery of equipment, such as new armoured vehicles; the
installation of a new wireless communication system; and the provision of 500
additional two-way radios.
There was also an update on the improvement
of physical facilities for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica
Defence Force (JDF).
The Minister said Cabinet approved a new
Private Security Regulatory Authority.
EU Pledges J$90
Million In Jamaica Banana Aid
KINGSTON,
Jamaica -- The
Government of Jamaica signed a J$90 million grant agreement with the European
Commission on Tuesday which represents the transfer of resources from loss on
earnings from the export of fresh bananas during 1999.
The
funds will be used to rehabilitate parochial and access roads to farms in the
traditional banana growing parishes in Eastern Jamaica and improve production
and marketing of agricultural produce.
Under
the project, some 900 small-scale farm households will benefit from 28
kilometres of improved road access; 20 farmer groups will be established and 500
farmers will be trained in road repair and maintenance.
Gerd
Jarchow, head of the European Commission in Jamaica, said that the agreement
would contribute to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in the
traditional banana growing parishes of Eastern Jamaica.
The
money is to complement the ongoing rural poverty reduction programme, designed
to maintain the living standards of farmers, he noted. He said 525 small-scale
farm households would benefit from improved markets.
The
road rehabilitation will be implemented over the next two years under the
ongoing EU Eastern Banana Agricultural Support Project (EJASP), and benefiting
farmers will eventually be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
rehabilitated roads.
Tourism Ranked First In Importance to Region
NASSAU, Bahamas -- Tourism is more important in
the Caribbean than in any other region of the world in the view of Bahamas'
Director-General of Tourism, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, who believes that the
Caribbean ought to be home of the world's leading tourism thinkers and
authorities.
"We should have a better understanding of tourism and export that
understanding to other places in the world," he said.
The tourism chief said Caribbean people also must understand the impact they
have on the industry. "If you think that tourism is supposed to be
something that's just done in the hotel, in the restaurant, in the shops on Bay
Street (Nassau) or on the dock, you are going to miss it," he said.
Mr. Vanderpool-Wallace said the Caribbean media
can help with the education process, especially at the level of governments,
where some economists have failed to embrace the real value of this service
sector. "People understood bauxite and bananas because they could put their
arms around it. They couldn't put their arms around tourism so they pretended to
ignore it even though it is the single biggest economy in this part of the
world."
The Bahamian official said getting people to express the economics of tourism is
going to be very important so that the economists can give governments better
advice than they have in the past.
Caribbean
Hoteliers Urge New Reliance on Region
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The Caribbean Hotel
Association is firmly committed to creating strong and sustainable linkages in
the communities serviced by its 34 nation island associations, according to CEO
and Director General John Bell.
"Enough has not been done to provide people
with a sense of participation and understanding," he said, blaming both the
tourism industry and the region’s governments.
Mr. Bell says that the CHA is mounting a new
thrust to try and forge a stronger partnership with the people of the region to
create employment opportunities that are more stable, provide opportunities for
people to develop skills and capacities and to grow, and support community
development.
Meanwhile, CHA President Ralph Taylor, who has
long been a promoter of indigenous foods, has urged Caribbean hoteliers to be
more sensitive to regional suppliers. He said it is ironic that many top
international restaurants around the world are offering Caribbean fare, while
many establishments in the region are shying away from their own food.
Region's Tourism
Promoters Hire New Marketing Director
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Tourism
Organization (CTO) has named Hugh Riley as Director of Marketing for the
Americas for the 31-member nation association.
Mr. Riley will replace Michael Youngman, who has
been the CTO's Director of Marketing Worldwide for nearly 11 years. He will be
based in the CTO New York office and report to the Barbados-based headquarters.
The new Director of Marketing joins CTO after
nearly 20 years with the Barbados Tourism Authority in various capacities,
including Director of Marketing & Sales, North America from 1997 to 2001.
“We are very pleased to have secured the
expertise that Hugh Riley brings to CTO, having spent more than 20 years in
tourism marketing in the North American marketplace,” said Jean Holder,
secretary general for CTO.
Mr. Riley’s most recent position as Director of
Marketing & Sales North America, involved directing the activities of
several teams of tourism marketing and sales professionals, as well as
advertising and public relations agencies in the U.S. and Canada.
The CTO is the region’s tourism development
agency comprising 31 member governments and a myriad of private sector companies
with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and
Toronto.
It provides specialized support and technical
assistance to member countries in the areas of marketing, human resource
development, research and statistics and sustainable tourism development.
Concerns About Crime Prompt Belize National Days of Prayer
BELMOPAN, Belize -- The Office of the Prime
Minister has designated Sunday and
Monday, March 24 and 25, to be observed as National Days of Prayer, with Monday
also to be observed as a Day of Fasting.
The announcement came after discussions between Prime Minister Said Musa and
representatives of the Belize Council of Churches and the Belize Evangelical
Association on the issue of crime and violence in Belize.
The observance of the National Days of Prayer is described as a call for the
nation and its people to return to
God and to emphasize that family values and responsibility must regain a central
role in our way of life.
The government urged all Belizeans to participate
in the observances, scheduled for 10 churches throughout the country.
Antigua
& Barbuda Greets New St. Lucia Ambassador
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Anthony Severin of St.
Lucia this week officially became his nation's ambassador to Antigua &
Barbuda with official acceptance of his letter of introduction to Prime Minister
Lester Bird.
Ambassado Severin, an experienced civil servant
and former Cabinet Secretary, met the Prime Minister at his offices at the new
Government Complex on Queen Elizabeth Highway on Tuesday. He had previously met
with senior officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Permanent
Secretary Ambassador Colin Murdoch; CARICOM Ambassador Sir James Thomas; and
Lady Ena Thomas, Permanent Secretary.
The Prime Minister and the new ambassador
discussed issues that feature prominently on the regional agenda, including the
OECS decision to facilitate free movement of OECS nationals in the sub-region.
The Prime Minister assured Mr. Severin that his
Government would shortly be taking a Bill to Parliament to give effect to
this decision.
The PM also spoke of the urgent need to appoint a
Director-General of the OECS in order to strengthen this vital regional
institution. Mr. George Goodwin, a national of Antigua & Barbuda, has been
acting in the position for the past 18 months.
Mr. Bird also won Mr. Severin's pledge to urge
further consideration by St. Lucia of the CARICOM proposal to revive the
Caribbean Media Corporation, which he called an important element in the
creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
After his meeting with the Prime Minister,
Ambassador Severin paid a courtesy call on H.E. the Governor-General, Sir James
Carlisle.
Nevis
Forms New Council To Offer Economic Guidance
CHARLESTOWN,
Nevis -- The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the Ministry of Finance on
Monday launched the Nevis Economic Council, a body that will work closely with
the government to assist it in developing its economic and fiscal policy
guidelines.
The Nevis Economic Council is a collaboration of the public and private sectors, members from the banking community, senior civil servants, hoteliers, and other representatives of civil society.
Premier
Vance Amory, who is also Minister of Finance, said at the opening, “We in
government will not pretend to have all of the answers and consequently we are
inviting all of you here, representing organisations, to participate fully and
to make meaningful contributions to the development of our beautiful
island."
The
Premier said his administration firmly embraced the initiative of the council,
which dovetails with the administration's policy to provide good governance for
the people of Nevis as they try to cope with the present global and domestic
challenges.
Mr.
Amory said that his administration had been severely criticized by some for
initiating the most ambitious public sector investment program in the history.
“We
had to take the risk in order to create the enabling environment to attract
foreign and local investment and this has accelerated the pace of economic
growth and development in Nevis,” he said.
St.
Kitts-Nevis Opens New Paediatric Hospital Ward
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- St. Kitts and Nevis now
has the most modern paediatric ward in the Caribbean, Ambassdor Mosina Jordan,
Mission Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said at this
week's opening of the new JNF Paediatric Ward.
Ms. Jordan said that her agency and the U.S.
government first became involved in the project in 1998 after the passage of
Hurricane Georges. After the initial contribution of $500,000, she said, USAID
made additional medium and long-term contributions of which the paediatric ward
is a result.
The areas of focus were to restore hospital
services, develop natural disaster mitigation plans and reactivate economic
activities through the provision of grants.
The Pan American Health Organisation
Representative David Taylor said his organisation had made the funding proposal
to USAID which signed an agreement in January 2000.
He also took the opportunity to thank Consultant
Architect Design Collaborative, Project Engineers Elmes Associates and
Contractors Mojarni Edgil Joint Venture.
Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert
Sebastian cut the ceremonial ribbon and the commemorative plaque was unveiled by
Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and Ambassador Jordan.
By Peter Adrien
Stuart
Williams has earned his place
He is a “hard man fe dead.” Prince Buster
(1965) sang of the corpse that comes back to life just as he’s being taken to
the cemetery. Like a “ghost,” Nevisian Stuart Williams sprang back to life
after realizing that this year was his "make or break" year. He would
have had to either force himself into the West Indies team or remain outside
forever.
His revival reached its climax in his assault on
the Guyanese bowlers on their own home turf – Albion, Berbice, Guyana - on the
17th and 18th of March 2002.
Stuart Williams was almost like Alexander the
Great – unconquerable. If Carl Hooper, the essence of cricket artistry,
batsmanship and craftsmanship, was immaculate and commanding in his 222 on the
15th and the 16th of March 2002, the Nevisian was
exquisite, dominating, intimidating and untamable.
He produced a career-best double-century for the
Leeward Islands in the Busta Cup semi-final match in a no result contest, and
became the all-time top regional scorer although Guyana advanced to the Busta
International Shield, having defeated the Leeward Islands in the preliminary
games.
Williams struck a majestic 252 not out, rewriting
three regional cricketing records in the process to pilot the Leeward Islands to
442 for five, just 49 runs short of the Guyana's first innings total of 491.
Voted Man-of-the-match, Stuart Williams, whose
15th regional century eclipsed Guyanese Clayton Lambert's previous record of 14
centuries, became the leading all-time batsman in regional four-day cricket with
4,558 runs, surpassing Lambert. When the 32-year-old Nevisian reached 215 in his
62nd match, he overtook Lambert's previous regional all-time record of 4,520
runs from 58 games. Williams’ season aggregate of 974 runs also eclipsed Carl
Hooper's 2001 mark of 954.
Stuart Williams and Grenadian Junior Murray
shared a similar mission and approach during the 2002 regional tournament. And
strategy paid dividends – both filled the scoreboards and batted themselves
into consideration. Both players have been called up for training for the home
series against the touring Indians in the second quarter.
The two small island cricketers (an opening
batsman and a wicket/keeper-batsman) were business-like; purposeful; and
mission-driven. Cricket fans in the Eastern Caribbean countries are asking,
"What is it that ignited the two athletes into action?" Many are
trying to explain the factors that sent the former test players into overdrive.
While I don’t know the psycho-emotional factor
that has transformed the lives of the two discarded cricketers, I am convinced
that they are being propelled by a sense of mission. In an interview with
Grenada Broadcasting Network on March 14th, Junior Murray confessed
that he had set himself three hundreds but he managed four.
I strongly suspect that Stuart Williams had set
himself to score runs like rain and embarrass the selectors. He must have, as
one of his fans said, set himself to score 1,000 runs. And it was unfortunate
for him that the elements should have intervened the way they did to rob him of
the opportunity to bat himself into the record books. But many people from
Guyana in the south to Jamaica in the north are convinced that he has done
enough to realize his goal – a recall to the West Indies team.
If Junior Murray were dread I would argue that
Stuart William was dread than dread. I have followed the cricketing career of
the Nevisian opening batsman, whom many (including myself) recognized as one of
the most classical in the art of batsmanship in the region but who has performed
far below his potential (oftentimes failing to carry on when fully set in), and
must confess that I have never seen or heard him so purposeful, so devastating
and so impregnable.
In his present mood and current form, he could
murder any bowler – fast or slow. And that is indeed refreshing news for all
West Indians, knowing that the competitive Indians are definitely coming with
the intention to the kill or to whitewash.
Could we be witnessing a Tendulkar vs. Williams
battle instead of a Lara vs. Tendulkar contest? We wait very anxiously for the
April 11th at Bourda, Guyana, when the first battle fires off.
There is no doubt that the Nevisian has booked
his passage to Guyana and has sealed his position for the first Test team in the
South American country. But Junior waits for the signal from the selectors.
With runs like rain, the prospects for the
upcoming series look promising against Srinath, Kumble and Singh.
By Peter
Adrien
Peter
Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a
freelance photographer. He may be contacted Peter at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com
or visit his website www.adriensenterprises.com
There are more Falkland Islanders today than when
the islands were liberated in 1982.
Twenty years ago, the local population of the
Falklands was around 1,800. Today it’s nearer 2,400 and growing. It’s also a
young population, with around 80 percent aged 55 or under, and 23 percent of
this group (438)15 or younger.
After the conflict ended and President
Galtieri’s forces had been ejected from the Falklands, the British Government
put into action several recommendations, made in a report by Lord Shackleton to
help the islands recover.
These covered communications and construction
work, improvements to health and education, and development in agriculture,
fisheries and tourism.
In 1986, a 150-mile-radius Fisheries Conservation
and Management Zone was declared, and today, through the resulting fisheries
licensing system, around £26 million is generated to the Falkland Islands
government each year. This has enabled the island to invest further, build
strong reserves and lay plans for the future.
The tourism industry is an important growth area,
too, as more visitors come to enjoy the Falklands open spaces and abundant
wildlife, especially the penguins.
The islands are virtually crime free, unspoiled
and uncrowded. There are real opportunities that didn't exist before 1982. Most
important, young people now see their future there, after first gaining
experience overseas.
The Falkland Islands is no longer a dependent
colony, but a dynamic overseas territory of the UK.
Source: Falkland Islands Government Office,
London.
Hasty
Constitutional Reform Is a Treasonable Conspiracy
What do I think of this constitutional reform?
When I read I ask the Lord for understanding, and I say without any apology that
the whole idea of this constitutional reform, in the way and time that it has
been put forward to the people, can in no way allow us to be the victors in this
political struggle for our freedom. If we don't demand more extended time on
this constitutional reform we will suffer internally, economically, culturally
and socially.
I mean these words from my heart; it's what my
third eye shows me which means to understand what you read or even hear. We have
to question this whole reform. Who is really going to benefit from it?
Some may ask why I make these statements. Well
there are many reasons to keep in mind and criticize because I think that the
governments, external and national, are not properly educating the people of
what is really taking place in this country on the whole and in terms of
development. I do so even more because I feel that six months is not enough time
to educate a nation about their human rights, to even get the full support of
the majority to talk about reform.
It is my personal view to ask how educated is the
population of this nation, including the children both of primary and secondary
schools, how educated are they about their human rights? Can this commission
really say what percentage of Montserrat's population of more than 5,000
attended these meetings throughout this nation? I heard Sir Howard Fergus say,
"this was the biggest audience" since this whole reform started. I
know it was not more than 25 persons, which is a very low percentage of 5,000.
And the days are getting shorter for this reform. That is why I say six months
is not enough time to educate the nation, to enable them to make proper
decisions on their own behalf for freedom and justice, if the truth is not
highlighted.
Since 1997 we have heard this thing called the
white paper being talked about by the government. Various plans have been laid
and new partnerships have been extended since.
Just knowing the facts of a subject does not make
you sensible enough to speak on it. Let's not lose sight of the real picture;
it's still a conspiracy in which government neglects to learn from the nation,
which they should humbly serve, what they desire. The people are the ones with
the power and should be properly educated about any new policy.
What about our rights and feelings about things
they want to put in place? Bear with or raise your voice with me to call for
extended time and more vigorous programs. We as a nation need to get more
involved and proactive about the things that are taking place around us so that
our future and that of the generations to come will be secure. Let us not fear
man but fear God and be impartial judges for a nation of righteousness where sin
is a reproof.
Slavery was abolished 1 August, 1834, so we
should have all rights over a land in which we were born and not be suppressed
because of our economic condition. We have known since 1997 that this reform was
going to take place, so why is it that only now in 2002 this commission is
formed?
Why is all this happening now? The white paper
and the Britain and the Oversees Territories modem partnership document have
been known from 1997-2002. So what justifiable reason have the government of
Montserrat and the British Government to give this commission and the
constitutional reform so little time if they expect to give the people of this
nation quality and justice?
We need more time for this commission to complete
its task so we can put in place an effective system which would benefit the
majority of its nation. Let's leave no page unturned. We need more educational
programs on our cultural background to even reach the point of reform. So let's
all get involved. It's your right, which is your life; leave it in our own hands
for our own benefit. Blessed love from our God and King. Holy John Marcus I
Emmanuel I Selassie I Jah Rastafari;
seven words of love. God is love, let us all love; Psalms 40.
Ja-Fire Red
Hon Lowell Lewis on the 2002 Budget
PAID
ADVERTISEMENT
Budget Debate 2002
Presentation by Hon Lowell Lewis
Minister of Communication and Works
Mr
Speaker
I rise to support the Appropriations Act 2002.
I congratulate the Hon. Chief Minister, The Hon Financial secretary and all the
Permanent Secretaries who contributed to the document for producing such an
impressive report.
The Chief Minister has shown his stamina,
speaking for over 2 hours, and making it difficult for the debate to last as
long as the budget presentation.
Over the past year, our Government has had some
success. We have delivered some of the promises made in our manifesto, and
achieved improved spending of Development Aid. Compared with 26% last year, we
have processed some 80% of the available funds and slippage this year, that is
money not spent from the 24 million pounds DFID Aid allocated, will be less than
1 million dollars.
Once again I acknowledge the hard work, the
important work of staff at the Ministry of Communication and Works. The
chief minister described most of the activities of my ministry, so I will
restrict my comments to clarification of certain issues and short descriptions
of what I consider to be important omissions.
Mr Speaker, I congratulate the Hon Chief Minister
for the steps of section 179, in the write off of taxes, penalties and interest
on properties south of Belham.
In section 135, he also indicated that the Bank
of Montserrat, The Montserrat Building Society and the St Patrick's Credit
Union, may resume mortgage programmes later this year. This suggests that
these institutions, will have managed to write off most of their debts, and I
therefore hope that, in the spirit of section 179 of the budget, that they will
be able to also write off the interest on mortgages for properties South of
Belham.
Mr Speaker dealing with the public debt as
described in sections 175 to 178, is critical to our progress. The
British government must assist us with this, and we must break the cycle, by
producing the earnings needed to service these old debts and any new ones we
need to take on.
The essential essence of the budget lies in
section 192, 'Maintaining a proportionately high public expenditure programme'
'and creating short and medium term opportunities for the private sector,
encouraging them to invest in Montserrat so that the economy will expand and
create further opportunities.
Mr Speaker if we are to do this, the ministries
must spend as promptly as possible, all the monies available to them, and it
must be spent in such a way that all the unemployed people get lots of work, and
that most of the money stays in Montserrat and circulates several times.
While we must respect the tender process, we must also use our discretion,
and political prerogatives, to share out the work, so that every body gets a
fair share of the work.
Mr Speaker, just as the British Government has
agreed to give us money up front by the quarter, we should make available,
advance payments for materials, and a proportion of the labour costs, once an
appropriate bond is posted. In other words, we should pass on the
savings on interest payments, and end the notorious delays in payment for
contracts.
Mr Speaker, I repeat my statement in last years
debate that The Ministry of Communication and Works accepts responsibility
for infrastructural development which is key to the sustainability of our
economy. Now that the available aid has been reduced from £24 million to
£17 million, the challenge this year are ever greater.
Our efforts to implement revenue and employment
generating activities must intensify. We must get projects up and running.
For the economy to expand as required in section 192, our performance next year
must improve.
The Selsi Ltd project, for the mining and export of sand and aggregate from the
Belham area, was initiated before we came in to office, and should have been up
and running by October. We have missed out on exporting 10,000 tons
per month since then. A value of $100,000 per month, missed out on 12 persons
being employed, missed out on revenues for the port, and missed out on having
60,000 tons less material in the river bed and around the jetty at Old Road Bay,
and off the golf course.
The production and export of bottled water has
been a declared commitment by our government, and 4 locations identified for
such activities. It is unacceptable for letters requesting concessions to
import equipment, or permission from the Water Authority should be 5 months
without a positive answer. In addition, failure to get early start on the
new reservoir for Baker Hill, part of the Water III project, will further delay
the increased
storage capacity needed to make this project viable.
Failing to take preemptive action to prepare a site for a rice processing and
packaging factory, and failing to proceed with plans to upgrade the Jetty at
Little Bay, may cost us the rice factory, as the business may then go to another
country.
Failing to make adjustments to the Jetty, and to
car parking and roads at the port area, will delay the urgently needed increase
in visits by cruise vessels. The Cayman Islands, and the US and
British Virgin Island receive cruise ships that anchor off shore, and there is
no reason why we cannot target some of that business.
A delay in providing passable roads and
introducing a water supply to the Silver Hills area will hold up the increase in
cassava production, needed for the Ministry of Agriculture's Cassava Project. In
addition there may be repeat of the heavy loss of animals during the next dry
season.
A delay in reestablishing a crusher plant has
prevented a switch to the use of local aggregate, and production of a possible
item for export.
We have established that there are over 2 million tons of suitable material for
such activities in Montserrat.
A delay in the clearing of the Shelters at Brades
will hold up the provision of space for manufacturing ventures.
Delay in the release of small business grants to
the NDF has seriously hampered the start of new enterprises.
Mr Speaker, with this list, I have not only shown
how we can improve, but also given an indication of the private sector
activities which could make the economy expand and bring us hope. The
above mentioned items have the potential of bringing millions of new
revenues.
I have not mentioned Radio Antilles, which remains possible because I
understand the Voice of America still has an interest in its rebroadcast
facility. I have not mentioned off shore medical schools, not
mentioned the effect the airport, and a golf course could have on residential
tourism and real estate development. Not mentioned income from Financial
Services.
So, Mr Speaker, I agree with the Hon Chief
Minister, that we have a chance to succeed. But this will only be possible
if we get the infrastructure to implement all the projects mentioned.
Mr speaker, I agree with the Hon Chief Minister,
where he says in section 190, the conclusion of his Budget statement, that
policy directives by people who are not familiar with our circumstances, make
life difficult for us. For example, when we as a government unanimously
decide that senior posts within the civil service would be filled, whenever
possible by persons within the service, to create mobility and promotion
prospects, it is not to victimize any individual, but to achieve what we believe
is in the interest of the country.
I hope we can get over the recent abuse of
constitutional authority, by finding a way to create another permanent secretary
post in the service.
Mr speaker, whether we like it or not, our
government does not have the right to make and implement policy.
For me, the definition of policy is a plan of action to reach a desired goal or
vision. The first step is to share the vision, have it accepted and
next agree on the plan to get where we want to go. When I sat
last year as chairman of the New PLM's manifesto subcommittee, I thought that,
as a government in waiting, we were
beginning the process of establishing a vision and policy for a viable
Montserrat. I did not expect to be standing one year later, discussing the
virtues of democracy and who is responsible for policy in Montserrat.
This is an important issue, because unless we reestablish control of policy
making, our vision of Montserrat will not be realized. I did not expect as
a Minister of Her Majesty's government, to have to fight for changes
in
Physical Development Plan, projects and standards, requested to match local
resources and needs. I have had to put the radical policies I hoped
to promote on hold. Policies such as giving away residential lots at
Lookout, Davy Hill and Little Bay, Government financed roads in all
residential areas, duty free importation of building materials and food, zero
tax on all reinvested income, raising the income tax threshold, no property
taxes on business places, and an appropriate level of budgetary aid consistent
with an ongoing volcanic crisis.
Mr Speaker, 5 years ago I came home on one of my
numerous visits, to find over 20 people crowded into St John's School Hall
which had become a makeshift hospital. Two thirds of the patients who had
surgery had nasty wound infections because surgery had been done in St Johns
clinic, where the open metal louvers allowed dust and grass to float unto the
operating area.
The late Johnny Dublin and a few local businessmen made donations to allow us to
screen the room, hang a few doors and install an air conditioner, while
thousands were spent on rented villas for government offices. During
1998, there was no resident surgeon for a period of six months.
Miraculously, God prevented anyone from dying from a ruptured spleen, ectopic
pregnancy or serious stab wound after dusk, when Montserrat was locked
off.
Mr Speaker, it was policies like these, that
drove me to intervene and to seek political office.
The Hon Chief Minister has repeatedly stated
publicly that unless the necessary infrastructure is put in place, continuing
large levels of budgetary aid will be needed, just to keep civil servants at
work. In fact, this statement reflects the existing policy or plan of
action, for Montserrat to be continually dependent on budgetary aid or Overseas
financing, with the associated loss of control of our destiny.
Mr Speaker, my statements are relevant to this
budget debate, because the budget is the principal policy document of this
government, and its authorship and implementation should be an expression of the
democratic will of our people.
We are here in this house today, because the Hon
Reuben Meade and his colleagues refused to allow evacuation of the island in
1995. Because many of us mounted a campaign, to have recognition, that the
northern part of Montserrat, in particular the Silver Hills area, is at
negligible risk of any damage by the volcano. Because people like Moose,
Mr Wilford Meade, created the seaside plot and set up the bitter end bar, and
sent out free meals to destitute people expelled from their homes in 1997.
For this alone, he deserves to own that part of Montserrat, for the Bitter End
Bar, Restaurant and Hotel.
Mr Speaker, The next major event for this house
will be when we debate the recommendations for the new Constitution of
Montserrat. I hope that at that time, we will be a united house, fighting
for a constitution that preserves the existence of our culture and nation. An
overseas territory, in which the elected representatives, truly have
responsibility for policy and management of all of our people's business, small
though we are. The United Kingdom, in keeping with its belief that
Westminster is the bastion of democracy, should want nothing less for its
Overseas Territories. Our generation of
leaders in this house must one day give way to youngsters now in their 20's.
We must leave something for them to aspire to.
My Ministry is proud to be associated with the
improved appearance at the passenger terminal at Little Bay. The change
there has been the surest sign of things to come. This has been the result
of a collaborative effort between my Ministry, the Port Authority and several
individuals. I wish to end by contribution to this debate by thanking Mr
Willford Meade, Richard Edgehill of Barbados, William Wall and his team,
Mr Rupert Isles,
Galloway's Hardware, Romeo's Wayside Store, and Neville Blake and his team.
The road to Old Quaw, was also a collaborative
effort. It allowed the whole
government to visit the area at a critical time, to make objective assessment of
its affordability as an airport option. Whenever I visit the area
now, I make pile of rocks. Every pile being a step to demonstrating that
the area is suitable for a golf course.
In 1989, the day after Hurricane Hugo, I went to
Emmanuel Galloway and said "there are 50 people at the Old Peoples home,
which now has no roof", the next day, Neville Blake and the rest of
Galloway's team turned up and re built the entire roof in 5 days. I have
no doubt that the people of Montserrat will continue to help ourselves and
each other in this way.
Mr Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the
management and staff of all the subsections of the Ministry of Communication and
Works for their efforts.
My permanent secretary Mr Alric Talor, and all the administrative staff, the
architects and engineering staff, the mechanical workshop, plant and road teams,
the Heliport staff, The Board of Directors, management and staff of
Montserrat Port Authority, Montserrat Aviation Services, Montserrat Electricity
Services and Montserrat Water Authority.
Mr Speaker Once again I commend the Hon
Chief Minister and the Ministry of Finance for the Appropriations Act 2002,
which I support, and recommend to this Honorable House.
(16.03.2002)
After they had sung a hymn about a hill
and trotted out the rest in peace
like a tired mantra
they took the body to a high place
in the field, unleashed a shower of stones
on the dead woman’s chest
as if she were a common criminal
caught in the act of stealing sex.
One narrowly missed her eyes.
That would have been such a sight
to meet her maker after such a pricey
face-lift for the grand appearance
dressed in Sunday threads, and a mien
that seemed at perfect rest.
There is no room to run
from either God or man in that narrow
house; you lie down and take it –
both insult and injury – in a tomb.
The insult began when they let her down,
their trembling feet spread wide
to bridge the deep divide, the ugly breach
in the environment made by a murderous
machine. Nerves
were on edge, for fear
they drop the bier and spill her private
business, the ultimate in injuries.
Better not try that with one so well
connected legally.
They could not sue
for pain but might just demand the highest fee
for mental suffering and casket battery.
The grave diggers, callous workers
cavalier gate keepers of the dead, stole
attention from the mourners with a side show
unrehearsed; the comic interludes staged
in poor taste especially for someone born
in such a rich estate with the brand name
of a princess, Margaret Rose of Windsor,
and on their cues for entry, they were wrong.
After the slow waltz of the grave diggers
on stubborn clods as stiff as death,
ten and three score pauses for defect
hoes, pick axes and a mattock borrowed
as an after thought (another class insult),
were press-ganged into social service.
You wonder whether arrangement for her
journey was as impromptu as their act.
No! no need for belated grace
Her Most High connection was intact.
The final gable was not hip but beautiful
completely roofed with flowers.
A cover up
of dust and ashes with indifferent labour.
You couldn’t tag them with industrial action
in this essential service, just a vulgar
show of power.
To be paid to push you under
for the world to see is their richest hour.
Howard A. Fergus
Village
Vice
With money-for-sex being spent,
Creating widespread discontent,
Police might inquire
Of the "ladies" for hire,
Just who is collecting their rent.
Insult
to Injury
A victim of unhinged assault,
Finding no aid was left in the vault,
Turned to jewelry vending
To meet medical spending,
For which police found her at fault.
Jus wonderin if Western Union don’t love the
Santos business as they circumvent the possible search for loaded funds.
Jus wonderin if there is a special time for heavy
equipments to travel on the road.
Jus wonderin why the popular time for them is
during rush hour.
Jus wonderin if it's true that Royal Bank do not
accept checks drawn on Bank of Montserrat while BOM accept checks drawn on them.
Jus wonderin wha gone wrong with de big truck dem
brakes.
Jus wonderin why de poor woman after suffering so
on the job was so neglected by her employer.
Jus wonderin if they realise woman the
embarrassing lengths the woman had to go to make her case.
Jus wonderin why de editor nar shave e face and
why e love short pants so
Jus wonderin if they will cut a new road from
Salem to North.
Jus wonderin if most of the cook shops owners
have a certificate in the culinary art.
Jus wonderin why de cook shop no wash and search
dem vegetable properly that you can't find worm on them food.
Jus wonderin if they think they cartering for
pigs and not human.
Jus wonderin if they go out of their way to serve
some certain people and not the other
Jus wonderin when they finish resurfacing the
roads, people would stop buy shocks.
Jus wonderin if de restaurant in Brades know how
delicious de food taste an if dat why e nar ge more food fu de money.
Jus wonderin if the black bird is jack of all
trades.
Jus wonderin what is dis we hearing bout human
rights and who bringing this to Montserrat.
Jus wonderin about human rights and the paradox
of the funders.
Jus wonderin if tourism promotion group could be
complete without the director of tourism.
Jus wonderin if the chief scientist really said
that the volcano went quiet for 18 months and had no dome growth during that
period.
Jus wonderin if he shouldn’t listen to the tape
and qualify his statement.
Jus wonderin if they don’t care what they say
any more.
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