Barry
Kavanagh Leaves After 1 Last Controversy
By Bennette Roach and Merrick Andrews
Barry Kavanagh
Barry Kavanagh’s appointment as head of the
Department for International Development (DFID) in Montserrat ended last
weekend.
Mr. Kavanagh’s departure is part of a process whereby the Montserrat-based
DFID group will be halved, leaving four Montserratians and two United
Kingdom-appointed staff in post. The government revealed this after Country
Policy Plan talks last October.
Mr. Kavanagh had said in a joint Government House and DFID press release that
the local adjustment “reflects discussions with the government of Montserrat.
It represents a step towards realizing the twin goals of more self-determination
by Montserrat and less direct management by DFID, which are shared fully by our
two governments…it did not signify a reduction or weakening of DFID’s
‘commitment’ to support the people and government of Montserrat in the many
difficult development challenges for them that lie ahead.”
According to Ian Young, DFID’s engineering sector manager, Mr. Kavanagh moves
on to take charge of a major in-country office expansion programme in Islamabad,
Pakistan. Briton Allan Campbell will replace Mr. Kavanagh.
Mr. Campbell, who has 20 years service with DFID, arrives on April 8, for an
appointment of two years.
“Barry took over the DFID office at a particularly difficult time and steered
it through major changes,” Mr. Young said of the former DFID head.
Mr Kavanagh was the fourth manager of DFID
in Montserrat.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kavanagh refused to comply with
Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS) staff’s requests to lighten his baggage to
meet weight requirements for travel on the helicopter on Friday, March 22, on
the 3:30 flight. That evening he was scheduled to take a 9:00 flight out of
Antigua.
MAS officials have confirmed that where the weight restrictions for any flight
of the helicopter are exceeded, passengers whose baggage exceed their allowance
are required to lighten their baggage. While other passengers complied, Mr.
Kavanagh reportedly sought intervention from the Governor, but the helicopter
pilot eased the tension, allowing the baggage.
MAS officials explain that it
is normal for passengers who have serious overweight to send their excess
baggage via the ferry or wait for the baggage to arrive on a later helicopter
flight.
New Guard Ship Visits Montserrat
By Merrick Andrews
HMS Sutherland at anchor just off Little Bay port
The British Royal Navy's HMS Sutherland arrived
off the shores of Montserrat on Wednesday, March 27, for a one-day visit.
The five-year-old warship left its homeport of Plymouth, England, on February 12
and steamed nearly 7,000 miles on its way to Montserrat, stopping in Key West,
Florida, Veracruz, Mexico, and Belize en route.
Scores of people, including students from the Montserrat Secondary School, the
independent and government media, went aboard and were shown around the ship by
several top Navy officials.
Their anchor in Montserratian waters was described by some of the crew as
“rest and relaxation after a busy period” at sea as the Atlantic Patrol Ship
(North), formerly the West Indies Guard Ship.
With regards to the visit, HMS Sutherland’s Commanding Officer Paul Thomas
said: “We are delighted to be in Montserrat and are looking forward to this
unique opportunity to visit a volcanic island.”
He said the visit to Montserrat allows key members of the ship’s 100-member
company to review their roles in the evacuation plan, which is being updated.
He added that HMS Sutherland, which was responsible for the arrest of a Merchant
ship heading for the English Channel in December with suspected al-Qaida
terrorist support, remains on standby to assist with humanitarian relief in the
event of a natural disaster.
Navy officers point out modern navigational equipment
HMS Sutherland is one of the Royal
Navy’s newest Type 23 “Duke” class frigates with a length of 133 metres
and displacement of over 4,000 tonnes. The ship is equipped with the latest
weapons, sensors and communications systems, including the Vertical Launch
Seawolf missile system for close air defence, a 4.5-inch gun, anti-submarine
torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and a Lynx general purpose helicopter.
“It represents the latest technology that is
available in modern war fighting,” Commander Thomas said of the HMS
Sutherland, which spent four weeks in November operating inside the Arctic
Circle on a joint exercise with the Norwegian Navy.
"Montserratians
Value Human Rights, So Why the Quiet on the Constitution?"
A near phenomenon is being exposed as a result of
the current Constitution discussions organized
and conducted by the commission led by Professor Sir Howard Fergus,
the most qualified man for the job. Highlighting the problem further was
the very timely visit by two Human Rights experts engaged by Britain's Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to gauge its dependent territories’
understanding of human rights issues.
The new phenomenon, ridiculous as it is, is that
although Montserratians know little about the constitution and related issues,
they show little or no interest at all in the matter.
Yet Dr. Dessima Williams of Grenada and Mr. Daniel Alberman found, after
meeting with a wide cross section of the population, that “Montserratians
display an acute awareness of the importance of fundamental human rights – the
right to life, dignity and well-being.”
But in the meantime the Constitution Commission
should be jealous, since they have such poor attendance and feedback for a
constitution, in which these rights would be enshrined and guaranteed. This will
not be just a document of agreed suggestions about hope and intent, but one
which must be adhered to by all persons.
It will be no surprise, therefore, if the
Constitution Commission (and they should) extend the expected time set to
complete this very austere and necessary exercise.
Then where or what is the root problem for this
unexpected development? Ever since HMG issued the White Paper regarding its
"dependent territories," we have been calling upon our Government to
take the matters seriously, especially that there were "promises" to
improve the way business is conducted between the two governments. To this day,
not a peep or effort has been forthcoming from our government, except for calls
from former Chief Minister David Brandt, the honourables Chedmund Browne and Dr.
Lowell, Lewis, with their varied concerns and for a reduction of the powers of
the Governor. And let’s not forget the attention given and the refusal for the
responsibility of passing homosexual (gay rights) laws.
The Constitution Commission discussions and
consultations now being held were not at our request, nor is the procedure
exclusive to Montserrat. So many other issues surrounding our destiny, our
future, are not being discussed. Even the recently enacted British citizenship,
is understood very skimpily if at all by the great majority of Montserratians.
When will our Government realize that it is their
duty and responsibility to organize the education and provide widespread
information to its people, the pros and cons of all these matters that confront
us? The reality of these changes is upon us, no matter how traumatised and
stressed we are; nothing is being done to stay the occurrences and affect the
decisions that may leave us all dead in hope and spirit not too long from now.
Why do we wait forHMG to take the necessary steps
of consultations without education? That is our responsibility. We are aware of
the deep-rooted fear of the power of information that is insidiously present in
the minds of some of our leaders, but an all-out effort must be made to move
ahead without them, their ignorance notwithstanding.
All the NGO’s and other organizations,
including the church, must move in their different ways to bring this education
to the public so that there is more awareness and greater willingness to
participate in and influence the things that will guide the way we conduct
ourselves for many years to come.
Failure to do this will leave our young with no
understanding or appreciation of the reality that it is not just enough to
provide food and clothing, that they must know who they are, their rights as
human beings, and the building-up of their self esteem.
Let us begin a new approach, if that is what we
think is needed, and the Constitution Commission must be quite aware by this
time that it is necessary, given the limited feedback and disappointing response
they are getting for their efforts.
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
The
Hard Life
Read Hebrews 12:1-11
All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred
sixty-nine years: and he died
Genesis 5:27 (NRSV)
Bristlecone
pine trees are mot as well known as the giant sequoias, but they are older than
the sequoias. The ring on a bristlecone pine in the White Mountains of eastern
California showed it to be about 4,600 years old. Thus the bristlecone pine is
appropriately nicknamed the Methuselah tree.
We
might think that the oldest bristlecone pines would be the ones that enjoy the
best living conditions, but this isn't true. The bristlecone pine growing at
10.000 feet where water is scarce and the wind often blows with gale force live
to be the oldest. They are mot the largest specimens, but because they grow
slowly their wood id dense and better able to resist rot. Their root systems,
which may make up 90% of the mass of the tree, can find the scarce moisture that
the trees need and anchor them to the mountain.
This
may also be true of life. Living under easy conditions does not necessarily make
the strongest Christians. Problems that make our lives difficult can also
toughen us to survive future adversity, so praying for strength to meet life's
difficulties.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, give us the ability to face the difficulties in our lives and help us
as we work to overcome them. We pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Thought for
the Day
An easy life is not the best preparation for
facing life's difficulties.
Ralph
E. Hedges (California)
Prayer
Focus: THOSE FACING DIFFICULT DECISIONS
Social Welfare Beneficiaries Prefer to Visit Main Office
Welfare recipients line up for hours to receive the checks at government headquarters
A government survey has shown that persons on
social welfare still prefer to collect their checks at the Social Welfare office
at the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services.
A survey conducted last November indicated that 173 social welfare beneficiaries
chose to receive their checks at the central office. The survey showed that 54
chose to have their checks brought to their homes; 16 to deposit in their bank
account; 37 to collect through shopkeepers and undecided.
The Social Welfare office said 297 households on Montserrat are presently
receiving benefits.
On Wednesday morning, a usual long line of persons on social welfare waited for
their turn to collect. No one showed any signs of uneasiness having to wait in a
long line, but when questioned several vented their frustration, including a
62-year-old woman. “This is not good for ma leg. This whole standing up thing.
The doctors advise me not to stand too long,” she said, while suggesting that
the government “should get more seats for us”.
Her male companion interjected: “Mr. Reporter I didn’t know that one day I
had to go through all dis. It’s not easy – to stand here so long to wait for
a little money.”
There are others who follow the crowd – like 59-year-old Clifford Campbell.
“I will come to the office. I will go with that everybody else doing,” he
said, moments after collecting his check.
Eugene Skerritt, permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health and
Community Services, said there are plans to do another analysis of the situation
in at least the next three months. “What we have agreed to is to analyze again
to see if there is still another system that we can put in place where those who
might have a little more difficulty to get to the point, if we can reach them in
certain strategic areas,” he said.
In explaining the survey, Mr. Skerritt said: “We have a system in social
welfare where we continuously analyze all the services that we offer. That’s
how we can improve by checking to find out if the clients are in agreement in
the way things have been done. It was thought that because they are elderly
persons they might have difficulty coming to a central point like this. But we
said rather than making that assertion let us find out from them how they feel
about coming for their money; and what we found is that the majority seems to
want to come and collect their checks just like that. Others have suggested
other means…but again we are going with the majority votes for now.”
New Nursery School Opens in Lookout
A new nursery school, the Early Childhood Centre,
was officially opened in Lookout last Sunday, with space for about 50 children
between the ages of 3-5, and about 12 children between the ages of 1-3.
Director of Education Mrs. Oeslyn Jemmotte explained the importance of fostering
early childhood. “Research has found that a child’s early environment has a
profound impact on literacy, oral skills, emotional and social development,
future educational achievement and productivity in later life.”
She added that children with good early childhood experiences are less likely to
drop out of school or repeat grades, will suffer less from illness and will be
more productive adults.
“The Department of Education, therefore, aims at providing children,
especially those at risk, with the best care and stimulation possible, as this
would not only give them a strong foundation but be beneficial to our country
economically and socially in the long term,” she said.
In 1996, operations at St. John’s Nursery School had to suspended when the
Department of Health took over the premises for use as the Casualty Department,
so the children were transported to the Brades Nursery School.
A project proposal for the construction of a nursery school in the far north to
replace the St. John’s Nursery School was submitted in March 1997, Mrs.
Jemmotte said. Construction could not commence, however, before the Montserrat
Secondary School was relocated to Salem, as some of the buildings used by the
school had been temporarily located on the site earmarked for the Early
Childhood Centre.
The new centre is designed with a large
multi-purpose room, a play group area for day care children, kitchen, sickbay,
office, storeroom, toilet and bathroom facilities and a laundry room.
The British government financed the construction of the building and provided
the furniture and equipment. The Ministry of Communication and Works and Alford
Dyett Associates designed the building, and Justin Cassell did the landscaping.
Montserratian Student is Third in Public Speaking
By Merrick Andrews
Montserratian Kimmora Ward participated in the first Caribbean Public Speaking Championship in Antigua on Friday, March 22, for the experience¸ but the results exceeded her expectations.
Kimmora Ward and teacher Ms Yasmine White
Ms. Ward, a 15-year-old 4a student at the
Montserrat Secondary School, finished third and was also judged as producing the
best content. Dominica won the competition ahead of second-placed Anguilla.
She laughed and paused for several seconds when asked about her performance and
expectations: “(I came there) Just to do my best. I was just glad that I was
chosen to participate,” said Ms. Ward, who is the daughter of Paulette Ward,
administrative assistant at Social Security, and Elijah Silcott, labour officer
at the Labour Department.
“She has both her mother and father’s support in education,” said English
teacher Yasmin White. “She is a very good English student.”
Ms. Ward choose the topic “School Children Say” and went on to speak on
child sexual abuse.
“It’s (becoming) so prevalent in Montserrat and throughout the Caribbean as
the newspapers report more on these issues,” Miss White said in explaining why
Ms. Ward chose sexual child abuse to go with the topic “School Children
Say”.
The other topics were “The Importance and Role of Tourism in the Region,”
“Men Make a Difference – Women Make Change,” “The United States of the
Caribbean,” and “Continuous and Strict Rehabilitation and not Capital
Punishment for Convicted Criminal Offenders.”
Ms. Ward is not new to public speaking. She is the reigning 2001 Methodist Youth
Public Speaking Champion. She finished third in the same competition the
previous year.
She is also a member and treasurer of her school’s Debating Society and Thrift
Club respectively, a member of the Montserrat Girls Brigade, and participates in
youth activities in her church.
Talent Incorporated Limited and the Ministry of Education in Antigua sponsored
the championships, which is geared towards fourth and fifth form students and is
aimed at highlighting the extraordinary oratorical and public speaking abilities
of students in secondary schools in the Caribbean. The championship was
postponed last year, which the organizers said was “due to circumstances
entirely beyond our control”.
Workshop Aims to Aid Contractors' Tendering
By Merrick Andrews
Rob Worthington, quantity surveyor of the Public
Works Department (PWD), said the main problem affecting small contractors is
their lack of understanding of what is required when they are tendering for
work.
Mr. Worthington spoke to The Montserrat Reporter
on the first of the four-day workshop on effective contract management. At least
25 small contractors attended the workshop at Tropical Mansion Suites,
Sweeney’s, which was put on by the Labour Department and the Ministry of
Education, Health, Labour and Community Services.
Mr. Worthington said the workshop was important
to help small contractors better understand the tendering process and procedures
among other things. He said he is generally impressed with the level of function
from the small contractors.
“The fact is that there’s an obligation on
contractors to start and finish the work; there’s an obligation on the client
to provide the information,” said Mr. Worthington, who was one of the
facilitators of the workshop. “It’s a two-way thing; perhaps there is a bit
of a scare. We appeared to be sending out lots of paper work where in fact what
we are trying to do is give more information so that they can price things.”
Mrs. Idabelle Meade, Minister of Education,
Health, Labour and Community Services, addressed the importance of the workshop.
“Our redevelopment depends to greater extent on our ability to harness the
collective strength of our workplace, at the same time realizing the persons now
living among us are of different cultural background and may have a totally
different orientation to work. It requires, therefore, a degree of sensitivity
to particular circumstances if we are to respect their rights and to allow them
to function to the best of their ability,” she said.
Mrs. Meade said that in a modern society
networking is considered an essential
management tool to be able to provide information to other colleagues.
The objectives of the workshop was to develop
skills in professional tendering by contractors, especially those involved in
public works; to educate the participants on safety and health issues in
construction work; and to sensitize the employers in the sector on how to
promote harmonious industrial relations and successfully manage a contract.
Some of the topics discussed were tendering
procedures; types of contracts; contract tendering; building rates; issues of
gender and migrant workers in the construction industry: relevant ILO standards,
pertinent national issues; contract management; sources of labour and materials;
issues of taxes and social security; occupational health and safety on the
construction site; and maintaining harmonious industrial relations in the
construction sector.
The facilitators of the workshop were I.
Christopher Imoisili, senior specialist, entrepreneurship and management
development, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Trinidad and Tobago; Rob
Worthington and Deon Weekes of the Montserrat PWD; John Ryan, local contractor;
and former Chief Minister and contractor, Reuben Meade.
The workshop co-ordinating team comprised Peter
J. West (labour commissioner) and Elijah K. Silcott (labour officer) of the
Labour Department; Rachael Ryan, director of housing, Housing Unit; and Katja
Jobes, social policy and planning advisor, Development Unit.
Human Rights Team Ends Montserrat Visit
Mr
Daniel Alderman and Dr Dessima Williams
A two-person human rights team has concluded an
eight-day visit to Montserrat.
Daniel Alderman, human rights legal expert, and
Dr. Dessima Williams, political and social rights specialist, left Montserrat,
they said, with a feeling of satisfaction that the visit was a good start.
The human rights team thanked the people and government of Montserrat,
particularly the Ministry of Health, Education and Community Services for
hosting them.
“The visit was part of London's efforts to
listen to the people of the territories on issues of human rights, to right
directly inform on what human rights are, and to bring everyone up-to-date on
their international treaty obligations,” said Mr. Alderman. “We are very
pleased at the level of interest we have had here,” he said.
The human rights team met with a wide cross
section of the public. This included members of the legal profession;
constitutional and state security representatives; senior managers and
administrators in various ministries, unions, the Parents Teachers Association
and the Rotary Club of Montserrat; high school students and the elderly;
political rights activists and non-nationals and members of the Rastafarian
community. The team also took part in two radio programs.
In the workshops and gatherings held, the team
found that people easily engaged in lively and enthusiastic discussions, which
they said augurs well for a healthy human rights culture in Montserrat. They
noted that against the background of the recent volcanic crisis, and as they
rebuild their lives and communities, Montserratians display an acute awareness
of the importance of fundamental human rights, the right to life, dignity and
well-being. The presence of trade unions and communities, organisations was also
seen as positive by the team.
The human rights team noted a number of concerns:
a general climate of fear of speaking out and holding independent views, a
seemingly low tolerance for differences among some members of the public, the
need to improve conditions for all and access to informed participation on the
basis of full equality.
The team distributed books and brochures in all meetings and materials were left
in the public library, which is intended to encourage the public to exercise
ownership over their human rights, a press release said.
“In some respects,” observed Dr. Williams, who is from Grenada,
“Montserrat is further ahead in human rights achievements than some of the
other British Overseas Territories. For example, here there is a Bill of Rights
in the Constitution, clear people-centred social welfare policies, trade unions
and a climate of safety and peace. All those who live in Montserrat should be
satisfied.
“But because human rights is about protecting
and empowering all people, especially the most vulnerable in society, this
remains an on-going challenge for everyone – families, communities and the
government. People here have impressed us that they are up to the task,” she
added.
Fire-Evicted Victim Asks for Official Help
By Merrick Andrews
Alfred Warner, whose two-room board house was
destroyed by fire last December 8, said he’s living in poor housing conditions
and is pleading to the government for help.
Mr. Warner, 59, otherwise called Gabriel Paul, now lives in Judy Piece, St.
Johns, and several blocks from the charred remains of his former house.
However, Mr. Warner said the minute two-room board house he rents for EC$200 per
month does not have electricity and toilet. “I have to go to the bushes
(defecate),” he said.
Mr. Warner, a labourer for the Public Works Department (PWD), said his salary of
$425 per week (after tax) is not sufficient to buy or lease land and build a
house, and is calling on the government for further assistance. “I don’t
have the land and money to build a house,” said the father of three children.
“Somewhere down the line I want to get some assistance.”
After fire, apparently caused by a fault in his gas stove, razed his home, Mr.
Warner lived in old cars and stayed with neighbours. The Ministry of Education,
Health and Community Services also assisted him with clothes and food.
Less than a month after the fire, The Montserrat Reporter published a story that
Mr. Warner obtained temporary housing in Gerald’s from the government.
Mr. Warner said he was unaware of receiving any go-ahead from the authorities to
receive housing. He said government officials denied the newspaper reports when
he inquired.
It was a different story, however, when The Montserrat Reporter contacted Eugene
Skerritt, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health and Community
Services, on Wednesday.
Mr. Skerritt said a house that was vacant after its occupant died was offered to
Mr. Warner last year on a short-term basis.
The permanent secretary explained why the offer was short-term: “Actually we
are not encouraging more people to live on Geralds in those houses because of
the state of the area and the fact that we have so many plans in terms of the
airport development. So, what we wanted to do for him (Mr. Warner) was create a
temporary housing."
Mr. Skerrit said he was told that Mr. Warner spoke to authorities from the
Community Services Department. “He
spoke with people from Community Services and they are the ones that referred
him to the house at Geralds. They told him, however, he has to sign a document
to an agreement that he will only be going to be there for a short time.”
The permanent secretary told Mr. Warner to get land – purchased or leased –
and they would be able to help him with materials to build a house.
But according to Mr. Warner, he can’t afford
land at this time. “The cost of living is high, and to get a piece of land is
a problem. Land is too expensive.”
A Montserratian was arrested and charged earlier
this week for wounding with intent.
Police said James Lewis, alias "Chicken," was charged for chopping
Dominican George Mark at around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 23.
Both men live in the village of Salem.
Police said the men had an argument at Jimmo’s Bar in Salem, when Mr. Lewis
used a cutlass to chop Mr. Mark in the face.
Police did not say what caused the incident.
Mr. Mark was taken to the Glendon Hospital in St.
John’s where he received 25 stitches.
Mr. Lewis was remanded in custody when he appeared in court earlier this week.
He is schedule to reappear in court next week, police said.
Show
Bodes Bright Future For Junior Calypsonians
By
Cathy Buffonge
For
the third year running, the Montserrat Union of Teachers took on the mammoth
task of organizing a junior calypso competition during St. Patrick's Week. This
was no easy achievement, requiring weeks of planning, rehearsal and training of
the children, and once again the children performed to a high standard, with
original and well rehearsed songs.
Eleven
children took part, ranging in age from 7 to 14. The first round was sponsored
by the Montserrat National Trust, all the songs being on environmental themes,
with titles like "Save the environment," "If trees could
talk," and "Stop the pollution." In the second round the children
sang on topics of their choice, with a variety of themes. Both rounds of songs
were well written and convincingly performed, with good rendition and
presentation and suitable actions. Some had stage props, backup vocalists and
/or supporting characters to back up their themes.
The
competition was won by Kim (Kimona Daniel) aged 14 a third former at MSS, who
was also last year's winner. Kim also gained the special trophy for the
environmental section, donated by the National Trust and judged separately. Her
songs were "The environment" and "Bring them in" (child
abusers).
First
runner up was Beauty (Johnique Fenton), of St. Augustine School, who was taking
part for the third time, and placed third last year. Beauty sang, "Clean up
your backyard" and "Shall not be erased" (our national heroes).
Second runner up was newcomer Larrow (Rondell Meade), also of St. Augustine,
with "Preserve" and "This is my culture," There was a
special prize from the Hon Minister of Education for the most promising
newcomer, which was won by Chrissie (Christelle Lewis), with her songs
"Keep Montserrat clean" and "Develop Lookout."
Others
taking part for the second or third time, were Lester (the 2000 winner), Nisha,
Steddy, Tina and Young Fortune, while the other newcomers were, Cass, and Prince
Andrew, aged 7, the youngest and a favourite with the audience. . All
contestants gained a certificate from the Montserrat National Trust, and all who
did not place had a prize for participation. Mrs. Jean White of the National Trust presented the prizes
and trophies at the end of the show.
Some
of the prime movers in preparing the singers and behind the scenes were
dedicated Teachers' Union members Herman "Cupid" Francis and Pat
"Belonger" Ryan, who did a terrific job in getting the young
calypsonians ready for the show. Many others helped in a variety of ways,
including Stephen Mendes, who prepared most of the props, while several adult
calypsonians helped the individual contestants with their songs. .
Two
young MC's introduced the contestants. They were recent school leaver Daniele
Lee and fifth former Samuel Williams, both of whom did quite well and gained
some useful experience. The band Black Rhythm accompanied the show, which was
held at Tropical Mansion Suite's car park, as last year, and was very well
attended.
some
aspects of the show, however, that needed strengthening. The band tended to be
too loud for the singers, whose young voices had to compete to be heard at
times. The band was also left to perform for too long at the beginning of the
show, in rather a casual and unstructured way. Although it was good to involve
young MC's, the assistance of a more experienced MC could have helped to tide
over some of the little delays and hitches, making for a smoother production.
Lastly, many more seats were needed to accommodate the large crowd, about half
of whom were standing.
During
the intermission the children's band "New
Beginnings" performed very well, with several brass instruments, guitars
and keyboard. It was great to see this band, taught by "Cupid"
Francis, progressing so well, especially in the brass section, and they looked
good too. The Energetic dancers also performed with their usual enthusiasm.
The
teachers have definitely helped to bring junior calypso to a new level with the
last three years' competitions, and the enthusiasm of the children is something
to support and build on. If the production problems are addressed, things look
good for the future of junior calypso.
Saba
Sets Deadline On Fishermen Safety
THE BOTTOM, Saba (SGIS) - Local fishermen will
have one-month to get the necessary safety equipment for their vessels
commencing April 1.
Leader of Government Commissioner Will Johnson
told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that by the end of April all
fishermen operating out of Saba must have their vessels outfitted with the
required safety equipment.
Thereafter, routine Coast Guard patrols will
inspect any vessel encountered to see if it is in compliance with the safety
regulations.
This was one of the discussion points in a recent
meeting between the Executive Council, the Fisheries Committee of the
Netherlands Antilles and the Coast Guard of the Netherlands Antilles &
Aruba.
Other areas that were discussed were illegal
fishing on the Saba Bank, tankers and cruise ships crossing the Saba Bank and
causing damage to fishermen's fish traps, and the moratorium on fishing
licenses.
OECS Heads of Government Schedule Telecom Meeting
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Heads of Government of
the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will meet tomorrow in St.
Kitts to continue discussions on outstanding issues relating to
telecommunications reform.
Discussions on the telecommunications reform, including a proposed amendment
to the OECS/Cable and Wireless Agreement, were inconclusive at an OECS meeting
in Grenada on Tuesday, prompting
the weekend meeting here
Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, current OECS Chairman, will preside.
Jamaica's
Schools Getting Computers
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Minister of Education, Youth
and Culture, Senator Burchell Whiteman, reported yesterday that a total of 487
Primary and Junior High schools have received computers under the Government’s
Computer in Schools project.
He added that the rmaining 320 schools would
receive computers very soon, bringing the project to a close.
Senator
Whiteman told a news conference that 305 schools have received Internet grants
under the Government and HEART/NTA Internet project (EDUNET).
He
said the project began three years ago to ensure that every school had access to
a computer and the Internet, adding that arrangements were being made for the
others which do not have access to telephone lines to receive their software.
St. Kitts
Workshop Seeks Public Sector Productivity
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Labour Commissioner
Clifford Thomas said a two-day public sector productivity workshop is geared at
helping department managers encourage smarter work rather than harder work.
He said a change of attitude is significant in
increasing productivity: an essential ingredient of competitiveness. He added
that the public sector employs 25 percent of the workforce in St. Kitts and
Nevis, thus its productivity is significant in competing in the global economy.
Douglas Wattley, Permanent Secretary with
responsibility for Public Sector Reform, underscored Mr. Thomas’ comments,
saying that a quality-producing, customer- satisfying public service should be
the end- result of productivity training.
He said that new attitudes and improved
behaviours could achieve a sustainable rate of national growth and development.
St.
Kitts/Nevis Workshop Mimics Natural Disasters
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Scenarios of natural and
man-made disasters, and preparing for them and the emergencies left in their
wake were the focus of an Exercise Design Workshop held recently for St. Kitts
and Nevis..
George Buck Jr., Deputy Director of the Centre
for Disaster Management, served as facilitator for the two-day workshop. He
explained the format of the course. Chief Secretary Joseph Edmeade cited the
National Disaster Management Act of 1998 and government’s commitment to
managing such forces. He said that although progress had occurred, in terms
of disaster simulation there was still much more to be done.
The workshop was coordinated by the National
Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Florida Association of
Volunteer Corps for Caribbean Action (FAVACA).
Antigua's
Entry Prepares To Vie for Miss Universe
ST.
JOHN'S, Antigua -- Ms. Aisha Ralph, Antigua and Barbuda's representative in the
upcoming Miss Universe Contest in Puerto Rico, was assured of the solid support
of Prime Minister Lester Bird and the nation's people during a courtesy call
this week at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Mr.
Bird expressed great delight that she will be carrying the country's flag
at the world-class beauty contest, and said, "With your beauty and
confidence, I know you can do it."
Ms. Ralph,
24, is a graduate of St. Mary's University of Nova Scotia, Canada. She
holds a double Major in Finance and Accounting and is a Certified Chartered
Accountant.
"Mr.
Prime Minister," she said, "let me say that it is indeed an honour for
me to represent my country in this international event, and with you and the
people of Antigua and Barbuda behind me, be assured that I will be doing my
best, as this is also a wonderful way to sell my country."
Calvin
Southwell, well-known fashion designer of Southwell Inc., who is working closely
with her in preparation for the contest, accompanied Ms. Ralph.
The
Miss Universe Contest takes place in Puerto Rico on May 29th this year.
Photo:
1. Prime Minister Bird welcoming Ms Aisha Ralph
2.
PM Bird and Ashia conversing
Digital Photo by Norman "Gus"
Thomas
Exercise
Tradewinds Returns to Antigua
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- The Antigua and Barbuda
Defence Force is preparing to host next week's annual Exercise Tradewinds, which
brings together military, police and civilian representatives from throughout
the Caribbean.
The event, which is designed for training in
security operations and disaster relief, is sponsored by the U.S. Southern
Command (US SOUTHCOM) and is also supported by the Regional Security System (RSS).
Participants will include nearly 800 military and
law enforcement officers from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize,
Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis,
St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the United
Kingdom and the United States. Officials from the National Office of Disaster
Services (NODS), the Caribbean Emergency Relief Agency (CDERA), the
International Red Cross, and the Chilean Armies will also attend.
The fictitious scenario for the exercise includes
military and police intervention with civilian unrest and drug operations,
maritime assistance to drug interdiction and environmental pollution accidents,
disaster relief actions following a major earthquake and other critical
incidents in Antigua.
The events, which are projected to overwhelm the
nation’s capabilities, would force the Government to activate a treaty signed
by member states of the Regional Security System (RSS) calling on RSS countries
to provide assistance.
A Caribbean Battalion would then be organized
with military and police officers from member nations.
The Battalion will then arrive in Antigua to support the local
operations. Working hand in hand
with the civilian authorities, a Joint Task Force would then be formed to
coordinate the ground and maritime activities of the exercise.
Exercise Tradewinds 2002 will be held from April
1 to 30 with military exercises in Antigua, Barbuda and St. Kitts.
Guyana Muslims Urged To Join HIV/AIDS Fight
GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- Minister of Health Dr.
Leslie Ramsammy believes that the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) can take a
leadership role in reversing the incidence of HIV/AIDS in Guyana.
Addressing a small group on "HIV/AIDS and you" at the MYO auditorium
here last Saturday evening, Dr. Ramsammy said one of the principles of the Holy
Quran is "compassion."
He said this means that the fight should not just be aimed at
"prevention" from the disease, but also at "compassion" for
those who are infected.
"Muslims can help in this fight," he declared, and pointed out that
the most important partners in the struggle against HIV/AIDS are the religious
enthusiasts.
"We have to fight against this disease even if we think we cannot be
affected by it, because there are 20,000 brothers and sisters out there (who are
infected), whether Muslims or not."
Painting a realistic picture of the HIV/AIDS situation in Guyana, Dr. Ramsammy
disclosed that Government is spending $1 billion on a treatment programme.
He reported that 7 percent of all pregnant women are tested positive and that
from 800 to 1,200 children are born with HIV.
"These innocent lives are condemned even before they are born," he
lamented.
He pointed out that HIV/AIDS is no longer just a health problem, but that it is
also a developmental hindrance.
Montserrat Plays Bhutan in World Cup Clash?
A Montserratian team engaged a
team of navy men from the HMS Sutherland
The Montserrat and Bhutan football teams will
match skills in a friendly international in Bhutan on June 30 – the same day
of the World Cup finals in Yokohama, Japan.
Presently, Montserrat and Bhutan are the two lowest ranked teams in the world.
In the last FIFA World Rankings, Montserrat was at the bottom of the standings
in 203rd position, with Bhutan in 202nd.
The alternative match will be a FIFA authorised game and it will also be an
Asian event. The match will take place in the Changlimithang stadium, Thimphu,
Bhutan.
KesselsKramer, a communications collective located in Amsterdam, Holland
proposed the idea. The Dutch filming crew is now in the island making a
documentary about the scenario. “(It’s) not only covering the match itself,
but also the preparations, the cultural and mental differences and similarities
of both countries, the religious differences, the situation of both football
federations, the local football heroes and the fans,” the KesselsKramer said
in a press release.
“Football isn’t only about the ‘elite’. There are also countries just as
enthusiastic about football, but which don’t have the ability to compete on
the highest level,” KesselsKramer said that the game is about the celebrations
of two countries, which, despite obstacles, share a love for the game.
A Montserrat football official said the match would be played “to promote the
sport at all levels irregardless of rank”.
The Montserrat Football Association Inc. declined to give specific details about
the match, which local football officials complain should have been widely
publicized to promote the sport and “let people know that in spite of the
small resources these two teams love football the same way Brazil does”.
Bhutan is located in Southern Asia, between China and India and has a high
altitude of more than 5,000 feet. As a result, the Montserrat football team is
planning to arrive in Bhutan at least one week before the match to familiarize
with the climate, according to local football officials.
Meanwhile, the Montserrat Football Association Inc. will be holding the
Inauguration Ceremony for its complex at Blakes on Tuesday, April 2 at 11:00 am.
FIFA Vice President Austin Jack Warner and FIFA Development Officer in Trinidad
Keith Lookloy and other dignitaries will be in attendance.
By Peter Adrien!
Mike
Findlay must “Answer the Call!” Yes, the people are demanding that the chief
of selectors and his other honourable men answer the call in a decisive manner,
as they did during the 2001 Cable and Wireless series.
Coming after the 5-0 blackwash in at the hands of the mighty Australians,
there was a dire need to inspire hope in the cricketing population, a section of
which, was drifting away from the team that they loved so much. The WICB,
through its public relations drive, understood the market, and felt the pulse
the patrons. And, the Caribbean people, as they have always done in times of
adversity, rallied around the team. The home team fought gallantly against the
ruthless South Africans to lose the series one match to two. All the actors -
administrators, selectors, players and patrons - responded positively to the
theme “Answer the Call.”
The selectors had to take some very tough decisions to ensure that the
policy of inclusion would result in increased productivity. They altered the
product mix – changed the inputs and redirected investment capital so as to
ensure good results. Well, this time around, the selectors will have to take a
long hard look at the players and make some tough decisions. Mike Findlay and
company must “Answer the Call.”
The time
around, the diagnosis is clear. The team is uncompetitive but the weakest link
is the bowling attack. The present bowling capability is simply not of
international standard. It is plainly not up to Test level. We have first class
bowlers but no bonafide Test bowler or match winner. The performances on the Sri
Lankan and Pakistan tours confirmed that fact. The main strike bowlers – Merv
Dillon, Cameron Cuffy and Dinanath Ramnarine - are not threatening. How are they
going to get Laxman, Ganguly, Dravid and Tendulkar out twice to ensure a West
Indian series victory?
But there is a glimmer of hope. At the end of the semi-finals of the 2002
Busta Cup tournament, the most successful bowlers were Guyanese spinner,
Mahendra Nagamootoo (43 wickets at 22.13); Dominican speedster, Adam Sanford (41
at 25.19); Antiguan seamer, Kerry Jeremy (40 wickets at 18.87 – who
unfortunately was not called up by the selectors); Jamaican spinner Gareth
Breeze (40 wickets at 19.67) and; Trinidadian speedster, Marlon Black (37
wickets at 23.10). The other fast men who were called were part of the training
were test players, Merv Dillon,
Cameron Cuffy and new-comer, Darrel Powell (25 wickets at 17.68). Test spinner,
Dinanath Ramnarine is also part of the camp.
Although the leadership is not in dispute, everyone would agree that Carl
Hooper has let down the team. “Sir Carl” was expected to influence his
players and the outcome of the two last test series with his flashing blade. He
failed to do it and therefore failed miserably as a leader.
Moreover,
the bad news is that the cumulative pressure seems to be getting to our
erstwhile Mr Reliable, Ridley Jacobs, who, recently, has performed below
expectations with both bat and gloves at a time when his contemporary, Adam
Parore scored a century for New Zealand against Australia on the fast Perth
wicket; recalled Pakistanis wicket-keeper/batsman, Rashid Latiff is doing magic
with the bat and gloves; and Adam Gilchrist has established himself as the moist
productive wicket-keeper/batsman in the international game. Junior Murray’s
revival has certainly place the Antiguan under serious pressure.
At the
end of the semi-finals of the 2002 Busta Cup tournament, the most successful
batsmen were Nevisian Stuart Williams (974 runs at 97.40); Grenadian Devon Smith
(750 at 62.50); Grenadian Junior Murray (642 at 53.50) and; Nevisian Runako
Morton (612 at 53.50). The four batsmen who topped regional batting aggregates
and averages are all from the small islands (The Leeward Island and the Windward
Islands).
How must Mike Findlay and company respond to
these exceptional performances? They must take bold decisions as they did in
1998 in the home series against England. They must take decisions for the
development t of the team without fear and favour; they must take a critical
look at the gestation period of certain players such as in the team, such as
Shivnarine Chanderpaul and make mature decisions; they must let their choices be
informed by the current form, fitness, and consistent output of the players.
The selectors must use the 2002 home series to
send a strong message to those players who have not been pulling their weight;
they must establish a framework for selection that is informed by reward based
on output. The output of some players has not matched their pay.
The selectors’ judgments must therefore be
based on nothing but the batting and bowling exhibitions in the trial games (the
Busta Cup matches), the recently concluded tour of Pakistan, and the fitness of
the proven, tested and tried players.
Devon Smith, an ideal opening batsman
If I were a selector, my first choice players
would be Brian Lara and Ramnaresh Sarwan, the most prolific batters; the second
choice players would be the four top performers in the Busta Cup – Stuart
Williams, Devon Smith, Junior Murray and Runako Morton.
My third choice players would be the fast bowlers
– Cameron Cuffy and Merv Dillon (if they pass the fitness test, as they are
the best among the seamers). My fourth best players would be new-comer, Adam
Sanford and discarded spinner, Mahendra Nagamootoo.
My final
eleven in batting order would be Stuart Williams, Devon Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan,
Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Runako Morton, Junior Murray, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Merv
Dillon, Adam Sanford and Cameron Cuffy.
The
extras would Chris Gayle and Ryan Hinds. Chris Gayle makes way for the genuine
opening batsman, Devon Smith.
This
line-up has nine batsmen and four fairly good bowlers. With Carl Hooper as a
support spinner, there is hope against the spirited Indians.
But has
the selectors such maturity and fearlessness? What do you think?
Peter
Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a
freelance photographer. He may be contacted at www.adreinsenterprise.com
or at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com
The Case for Nationalism
By
Marlon Cabey
During my many discussions, in Montserrat and
abroad, we seem never to be able to come to grips about what it is to be
nationalistic. Many people believe that to be a Montserratian is equivalent to
NOT being a nationalist. Many people believe it's a dirty word, and hence wish
to refrain from being seen as such. Many people believe it's only for those who
have guts to travel where eagles dare, whose backs are broad and can withstand a
clobbering. Yes, a clobbering from the entrenched powers who may not
want to change the status quo.
Well I say no. A nationalist is not for a chosen few, but more a populace
movement across a region -- mainly with defined boundaries; it's for a people
yearning for the day when conditions, political, economical and moral, will be
granted to them, by them, and for them, based on their own doing; it's a feeling
of being equal to any other; it's a feeling and a desire passed down through
generations; it's a message taught. The love of one's country and its survival;
a feeling of self determination and doing that which we hold true and dear.
You may ask then, how is it I can count Montserrat Nationalists within 10
fingers? Are these the only people who felt passionate about these ideals -- the
rights of its people? Were they the only ones who were lucky to be graced with
the knowledge of a nation's self-fulfillment? Were the rest of us misinformed;
did we give up too easily; were we ever taught what it is to be Montserratian?
Well, that is what I want you to grapple with within yourselves.
To be a nationalist, however, one must be careful of the path chosen by those
who we chose to lead; the idealism they envisioned must be that which we the
people share, and also their method of reaching the desired goal . For
nationalism can have severe backlashes, a severe negative impact that can stain
the nation forever -- case in point, German ideology during Nazism. Of course
its brighter side is filled with happy faces, smiling children and cheerful
mothers, and other peoples alike; a system of laws geared not only towards its
indigenous people, but also to humanity at large.
So why, then, do Montserratians seem to lack the national spirit; why do we seem
like a burdened people, eager at any minute to throw in the "dirty ole
white rag"? Why when you ask a Montserratian about Montserrat, especially
those abroad, do they respond: Who? What? Where? I personally believe that the
drive to be Montserratian was not passed down through the generations, and is
also lacking in many of our political leaders and those with public influence.
Nobody seemed to know what it is to be a Montserratian, other than our
calypsonians and remaining nationalist leaders.
Well I have an idea, what say you?
To be a Montserratian is to be a wonderful thing; when you get up in the morning
and you talk the way you do, that is a Montserratian; when you comb your hair
out and at the end of the day it requires another combing, that is Montserratian;
when your neighbor can come in your house and change your TV station and all is
well, that is a Montserratian; when you know the shopkeepers personally and you
can pay them on your own terms,
that is Montserratian; when you look forward to our national holidays --
Festival, Easter Monday, St Patricks Day and the like, that's Montserratian; Oh,
the love of cricket; when you can wear a political party's T-shirt to another
party's meeting and all is well, that is to be Montserratian; when you can hug
the politician on the street, make him buy you a drink, and tell him you didn't
vote for him and all is well, that's what it is to be Montserratian; oh! our
beautiful houses; when you leave your country uninformed, and you feel that you
need to rid yourself of that which made you, well that which you throw
away is your Montserratian ideal; when you feel that your native tongue is not
suitable for speech, and you are embarrassed to use it amongst your own people
in distant lands, that which you are ashamed of is your Montserratian identity.
So what it is to be a Montserratian, what is it that is part of our National
Ideal--that can make us nationalistic; what is it that all of us can hold dear?
What is it that we must at all times seek to be our cultural identity, and must
make sure that the political, economical, and moral stability are present so
that these ideals can be taught, flourish, and not forgotten; what is it that
must cement us together as one nation, so that our battles can be won? Pick any
one of the above, then search yourself. When you have done that, tell me whether
those are not what we hold dear---peace, stability, happiness, laughter, good
living.
What say You?
British Citizenship and the Anguillian Constitution
Of course we all remember talks of the White Paper, although many of us never saw it, some were not concerned with it and we still do not understand it in all of its true complexities. It was this White Paper, entitled "Partnership for Progress and Prosperity: Britain and the Overseas Territories", that led to (i) Our British Citizenship; and (ii) Our sudden Constitutional reform.
To look at these two issues of so-called
"progress" separately, would be to rob us of the opportunity of seeing
the entire, and unpleasant picture. When we examine them collectively, the
result is indeed a bleak and shocking one. It is one where we will lose
our identity as a nation and as a people. We well lose what little leeway
we have at present for self-determination and self-rule.
The British Overseas Territories Act 2002, Cap 8,
is extremely vague in its scope and application. It details no provisions
for reciprocity, however, reciprocity must lie in S.8 (4) of the Act, which
states, "This Act extends to: (a) the United Kingdom; (b) the Channel
Islands and the Isle of Man; and (c) the British Overseas Territories".
This provision means that all of the nationals of
the listed countries will have the same rights, privileges and access to these
lands and the opportunities they offer. When one is
forced to look at the bare bones of it, and the hard reality without the empty
charisma surrounding it, one must see Britain's firm hand seeping in. We
must consider that this is
an avenue for Britain to send her people in, occupy powerful positions and in so
doing, to take away our constitutional right to self-determination. And the
truth be told, this right has already been watered down, as evidenced by the
fact that this British citizenship was imposed and not encouraged. While we have
the option to register and receive formal documentation, we have no such option
in accepting or refusing the citizenship itself.
Similarly, the British Overseas Territories were
ordered, not recommended, to have a constitutional review. Britain hopes that
this will serve as more fertile ground, to foster better and stronger relations
between all its territories and itself.
Translated into direct English, this means that
it will make it easier for Britain to use its iron fist to control and dictate
to the territories the course to take and the pursuits to follow. Yet so
many of us seem fooled because we think that a Constitution is supposed to be
supreme and that any review should be to strengthen as opposed to weaken it.
Francis Alexis, in his book "Changing Caribbean Constitutions," notes
on page 83 that, "the rule of law requires that a Constitution should be
supreme over Parliament and should have a Bill of Rights; and that this
Constitution should be safeguarded by an independent judiciary." In Britain
however, there is no written Constitution and Parliament is the supreme
law-making power, and Her Majesty at least in theory, directs Parliament.
In contrast, Anguilla, along with the other
British Overseas Territories, has a Constitution, which also boasts of its
supremacy; however, it is submitted that such Constitutions cannot be supreme
when the States, which they purport to govern, are not sovereign. Further, our
present Constitutions, as well as our prospective amended or reformed
Constitutions, are ordered and commenced by Her Majesty. The commencement for
the draft Constitution for the Cayman Islands, which is similar to what all the
other British Overseas Territories will have, reads:
"Her Majesty, in exercise of the powers
conferred upon Her by and of all other persons enabling Her in that behalf, is
pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby
ordered, as follows."
Our Constitutions therefore are only Acts of
Parliament, approved in England and enforced locally. Any other Act passed by
English Parliament is equally enforceable in our territories. Such being the
case, our Constitutions cannot be supreme if our laws can be dictated by
Britain.
Our Constitutions give clear instructions for
amending, making and passing laws. These powers extend to the legislature
and the executive. However, in reality, our laws, Acts, Statutes, Regulations
and the like, come from Britain, are received and possibly commented on but
rarely changed by our legislature, and are passed by our executive. While
constitutional on the surface because of its procedure, it is not because of its
origin. We did not make our laws; instead they were dictated by Parliament in
Britain. The bottom line is that we belong to Britain and we do what
Britain orders us to do and we pass what Britain requires that we pass!
For those of you who may not be aware, most of
the legislation of independent States is patterned from existing legislation of
other States. The result is that many States have laws, which are borrowed from
New Zealand, Israel, England, The United States and many others. They take the
most suitable and sometimes liberal provisions and discard the unnecessary or
restrictive ones. We have no such option, because our legislation is mostly
verbatim that of Britain.
Beyond our Constitution, many of our Acts, such
as our Criminal Code 2000, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Anguilla) Act,
the Evidence Act etc, allow for reference and incorporation of British law and
practice in the event of a lacuna, that is, where the Act fails to make specific
provisions for areas in which it was necessary to do so. Our courts, therefore,
have no recourse in looking to other nations for more liberal interpretations of
the law in their pursuits in declaring the law. What this means is that control
is not at all in our hands.
The Constitution itself is founded on the
separation of powers doctrine, which guarantees fairness for the nation and the
people, by demanding an independent legislature, an independent executive and an
independent judiciary. While independent in the sense that they are mostly
separate arms of the state, they are by no means independent in the sense that
the making and interpreting of the laws depend on English law and practice. The
result is the iron fist of Britain boring through our Constitution.
But it gets even worse. We have had the
opportunity to read the draft Constitution of the Cayman Islands, which would be
beneficial to all of us, since this is what our Constitutional reform committee
would most likely produce. What is of most interest in this draft is the wide
and unfettered powers conferred on the Governor. Under our present Constitution,
the Governor has what seems to be a boundless power, however in the draft
constitution of the Cayman Islands, these powers have been magnified. Section
23(1) of the draft notes that the Governor has any power that in his opinion
relates to defence, external affairs and internal security, including the
police, on which he is not required to consult the Executive Council, unless in
his judgment it involves the economic or financial interest of the nation.
Section 23(2) outlines those circumstances in which he is not required at all to
consult the Executive Council. These occur when: the service of Her Majesty
would sustain material prejudice thereby; the matters to be decided are too
unimportant to require such consultation; or the urgency of the matter requires
him to act before the Council can be consulted. Of course these circumstances
are all subject to the Governor's judgment as well.
What is of utmost importance is S.23(4), which
precludes the court from examining or investigating any use of power by the
Governor. This section reads, "The question whether the Governor has
exercised any power after consultation with or in accordance
with the advice of the Executive Council shall not be enquired into by any
court". Please be minded that the Governor may consult the Executive
and choose not to follow their direction, in which case the court cannot enquire
into his action or decision. We must therefore not be deceived by the presence
of the Executive in this provision.
Similarly, S.24 (1) of the draft provides that
the Governor must act in accordance with the advice given by the Executive
Council unless he considers it expedient in the interests of public order,
public faith or good government not to do so. Again, this is a discretion of the
Governor and is by no means an objective test, which means that whatever is done
in contradiction to Council can be subsumed under this discretionary power.
Section 24(2) allows for the recording of the Governor's grounds for deciding
contrary to Council. This provision, however, is useless given that
because the Governor did consult with Council, his actions would not be subject
to the scrutiny of the court and therefore the recording of his reasons would be
an exercise in futility, a waste of paper and unnecessary destruction of trees.
This draft Constitution also allows the Governor,
inter alia, the right to lessen a punishment imposed by the court (S.25 (1)(c))
and to grant a respite, either definitely or for a specified period, from the
execution of any sentence passed on that person for such an offence. These
provisions are very unusual and seem to be blurring the line of independence of
the judiciary. As a matter of fact, all the provisions seem to indicate
that the Governor has a hand in all three arms of the state and therein, Britain
too has it voice.
What is also interesting is that Part III of the draft, which speaks to the
Executive, includes the Governor explicitly in almost every aspect of its
functions. This draft therefore is more colonialist than the Constitution
at present. It allows Britain unbelievable control, even more than
previously. This, coupled with the British citizenship, can only mean a
road of domination by Britain in our land.
It is time that we rise up the way we did in 1967
and say, "NO" to yet another attempt at control and total domination
of our social, economic and political well-being by a foreign power. We did not
want it from a small territory like St Kitts, and moreso now we have to reject
it from a super power like Britain. We implore you to draw for that strength our
nation had in 1967, when even though we had no idea what the outcome would be,
we
knew we were willing to risk it all for the mere chance of a better Anguilla; an
Anguilla belonging to Anguillans. It is inspiring to read Messrs Colville Petty
and Nat Hodge's book, "Anguilla's Battle for Freedom 1967." At
page 57 they quoted the memorandum to His Excellency from the people. I
now wish to quote one section, which, in my opinion, exemplifies who we are as
Anguillians.
"What do Anguillians want?
Self-determination. This is the desire of no less than 99 percent of the
people. Anguillians do not want to be part of a State of St. Christopher -
Nevis - Anguilla.
"The time when they might have accepted this
is past. What they now want is SEPARATION FROM ST KITTS. They want a
process set in motion now, which will give them this SEPARATION and
SELF-DETERMINATION within 12 months. They recognize this as very costly in more
respects than one. They recognize it as entailing great responsibility.
But they are not prepared to accept NO for an answer. They see this as
their only hope.
"They see it as the only way to PEACE and
PROGRESS, and they want it at all cost".
Our stance has not changed in over three decades. Our focus is still
self-determination, and a suitable and prosperous place for our children, our
grandchildren, our great grandchildren and ourselves. Our parents fought
before for us, and we can, and we have to now, fight for the generations gone
and those to come. But we need to do it together. The situation is so much
worse than any of us know and at present the course could get much harsher and
unpredictable because none of us are in the driver's seat.
Most of us say that Anguilla is not ready for
independence, and indeed, until recently, we also thought like that. We were
contented with the way things seemed to be because we really did not know the
way things actually were. But the truth is that more now than ever, we have to
prepare ourselves for this inevitable journey. We have to groom ourselves to be
leaders and to pioneer this new course. Those who are willing and able
need to come to the forefront now. They need to hold public and political
meetings and use public forums to tell us how we can survive as an independent
state; what resources we can rely on; how will we get aid; and the list goes on.
We need you all now.
The battle is pending.
Anguilla is worth the fight.
'Montserrat in
the 20th Century – Trials and Triumphs,', by Sir Howard Fergus
Reviewed
by W Salas Hamilton
After reading the lies and nonsense that Britain
and Europe wrote as our history, which unfortunately continues to be the axis of
our education, it is positive to have our developments recorded and interpreted
by us. Professor Fergus’s most recent publication "Montserrat in the
Twentieth Century – Trials and Triumphs," is a must have for all
Montserratian households. Sspecially for those in the diasporas, scattered
through migration, with second and third generations empty headed of their
island and African roots, the book serves a guide track for noteworthy events in
Montserrat’s development.
The book, published last year, contains 252 pages
written in Professor Fergus’ style, giving a measure of historical data and
some analysis in chapters ranging from Politics and Governance to Culture.
Unfortunately for a book that attempts such a significant task, there is room
for much improvement regarding the quality of the publication. There are some
errata, inconsistent print tone and a few repeat pages. In fact there are also
not many enticing aspects about its outward appearance, giving the book a dull
look. However, one can appreciate the Herculean task of raising funds for costly
publishing. Printing is a field wherein anything is possible, depending on
availability of resources. But a good number of potential readers may be lost
although the information within such an important book belies the unappealing
packaging.
It is interesting to note that the sales of most
local publications have greatest success among the expatriate community and
visitors to Montserrat. It may be prudent for teachers at the Montserrat
Secondary School to place the book on a reading list for all students. There
should be no excuse for not imbibing a local view of our development, replacing
other suspect attempts motivated by empire building and mental enslavement.
The author’s thinking, based on his analysis in
this latest book, is worthy of comment. And the writing reflects what some may
consider the enigmatic circumstance he breathes as a local author, educator,
academic, acting Governor, former Speaker of Parliament, and someone from humble
beginnings. For example, Professor Fergus releases strong defiant language in
commenting on aspects in Montserrat’s development "dogged by a belittling
dependency." He lashes out at the British Government for unilaterally
downgrading the island’s constitution in 1989 in response to the off-shore
banking business "which bordered on the scandalous." He gives the
reason for that hasty constitutional change as a move to take offshore banking
from the Chief Minister and chastises the British for being "unnecessarily
authoritarian." He calls the act "a shameless piece of autocratic
action" since the 1989 constitution was "ready for implementation
without any prior consultation" and "the timing was strategic:
thoughts and energies were concentrated on hurricane recovery."
It is difficult to disassociate the man from his
writing, and what some may see as puzzling in Professor Fergus’ reserved
personality is his continued close association, seeming acceptance and work for
the British Government. Yet "Montserrat in the Twentieth Century"
gives a mosaic of the racist and undemocratic treatment of Montserratians by the
British government still perpetuated today.
After all, irrespective of the name changes, be
it Overseas Territories or British Dependent Territories we are still British
Colonies. And that interpretation at the United Nations and in the international
arena means second-class citizens, for which the British have been rapped on the
knuckles. According to Professor Fergus even with "partnership as the buzz
word" this will not alter "the power relationships between"
Brades and Whitehall. Also even with the offer of citizenship to all overseas
territories, it is unlikely that the undemocratic appointment of a Governor with
his all embracing powers will cease.
I would prefer to think that Professor Fergus in
his writing and life believes that the injustice meted out to Montserrat cannot
be corrected by force and rankling of a powerful perpetrator.
Instead, becoming a part of the system and making changes within, can see
benefits, if only incremental. As shown in his book, Montserrat’s development
vis a vis the British Government have taught that irrespective of what is right,
justice is never easily attained. This harsh reality is not unique to Montserrat
and rings true on every international plateau. However, some individuals of my
generation would prefer justice instead of an unsettling hypocritical existence
wherein the status quo is maintained and revolution balked at.
In looking at the work of six Chief Ministers,
Professor Fergus deliberately avoids paths that may lead to the "seamy side
of the island’s politics" and focuses on "the positive
contribution." It is somewhat disappointing that only eight pages are
allocated for such legacies, but maybe in classic Fergus style, he avoids being
embroiled in commentary on persons (5 still alive) on an island where family
ties and sensitivities run deep. After all, sections of the book deal with
issues that are still topical and cannot yet be perceived as history.
Even in focussing on democratically elected
political leaders, the authoritarian shadow of Britain looms large in their
exploits. From the period of W.H. Bramble's wresting power from a
merchant-planter oligarchy to David Brandt’s regime,
Professor Fergus briefly documents the Chief
Ministers' successes, with the underlying thread of burdensome British rule. He
speaks in glowing terms of W.H. Bramble as a "statesman with a
comprehensive vision for the development of the island." And in reviewing
the period of the son, Austin Bramble, the line "in that period he ruled
without any taint of corruption" jumps out. Although
Professor Fergus refuses to give a critique or
comparative study of the six regimes, it seems that Austin Bramble could be
given the edge as the political leader who brought the appropriate mix of social
and economic development, transparency, and able regional representation among
the six Chief Ministers.
Of John Osborne, the longest-serving elected
legislator on island, Professor Fergus highlights his (Osborne’s) free
enterprise philosophy that may have stimulated growth in the tourist sector.
Reuben Meade, who defeated Osborne, is recorded as the youngest Chief Minister
at 38 who came full of promise and vigour, and "seemed set for a long
reign," since the economy was approaching buoyancy. The volcano erupted in
this period and brief comment is given on the handling of this crisis and the
fact that Meade failed to make an early request to the British for housing.
However, Professor Fergus threads evenly by reminding that Meade was to an
extent a victim of circumstance – "the inexact nature of volcanic science
did not predict the pervasive scope of the fiery deluge." The author could
have taken the opportunity to question the quality of the houses which may have
been offered, in light of the fact that all initial structures funded by Britain
were temporary, and included tents, hot steel structures and light wooden
accommodation. It was only after 19 persons died in the volcano that permanent
structures (concrete and hurricane proof) were in fact erected.
It is not too difficult to say that even present
day British-funded and approved structures reflect the cramped accommodations in
London, where housing is premium. A two-by-four council flat in South Tottenham
is considered a boon by the average British citizen. However, many will argue
that such is the fate of being a grant-aided British colony and the "good
times" and appreciation for large houses instilled by John Osborne cannot
be maintained within an uneconomic decreased space.
Bertrand Osborne’s short term 1996-1997 came
next and he is credited with magnanimity of spirit for supporting Brandt’s
coalition government after being pushed from the top.
Professor Fergus records David Brandt’s
aggressive and irreverent style that may not have endeared him to every British
Minister and bureaucrat, "but it was effective much of the time in bringing
improved assistance to the island." I find that paragraph somewhat
reflecting awe of Brandt. For e.g. "it takes a David Brandt to seek to call
the British to account for their own spending or misspending of Montserratian
aid funds." This seems obviously natural, that a Chief Minister should see
the British as ordinary people who must be challenged and brought to heel for
misconduct.
The tone in this instance belongs to a school of
thought in Montserrat and maybe in other territories steeped in a history of and
still possessing prevailing strains of white supremacy and mental enslavement.
So maybe Professor Fergus is right, in that not many black Montserratians
would have the gall to tell a white Governor, British Minister or bureaucrat,
that they err. In fact, since the volcanic crisis, placement of junior,
inexperienced and culturally insensitive British civil servants within the local
public service was prevalent; with some of these individuals attempting to
override decisions by local Permanent Secretaries and having unfettered access
to the Governor and the British Department for International Development. But
then, such is the premise of colonisation; it must be noted that the Governor
himself is also a junior civil servant (written elsewhere) within the ranks of
the British system, who is thrust upon a people.
"Montserrat in the 20th
Century" moves through the years, looking at agriculture and emigration,
natural disasters, culture, civil society and includes a number of names that
have contributed to the spine of development. It is well worth reading to
understand the present social milieu. It is easy to make the link that with the
recent mass migration from volcanic activity, many of the stalwarts of
yesteryear (30 – 40 years ago) still form the bulwark of society at the
beginning of a new century. This would have been a similar ethos in the previous
mass migrations mentioned by Professor Fergus. The island survived those
upheavals throughout the 20th century.One can only hope that it will
rebound from its present challenge.
I recommend "Montserrat in the 20th Century" by Professor Howard Fergus to you.
By
Shauntelle Tuitt
YESTERDAY was not far away
Genesis
tells it was once today
Because
it is all we can see
But
woe, like Yesterday was once today
And
yesterday, TODAY
TODAY is such a cold, miserable day
Like
the sun shining through the clouds
I realised what life was all about
It
was clear as day, that
Today
will be TOMORROW
TOMORROW can
not be seen
But
will be once TODAY is gone
TOMORROW
will come the same way
TODAY
will be yesterday
And
TOMORROW, today
MVO
Chief's Lament
He felt that there should have been more,
The questions a bit of a bore.
Why not more interest
To hear risk 'reassessed'?
They've all heard the answers before.
Isles
Bay Renaissance
The bright past is not out of reach,
No matter the gloom that they preach,
With Easter's arrival
An island revival,
Group picnics return to the beach.
Jus wonderin which of the government ministries have the best liars.
Just wonderin why a former Chief Minister is so quiet these days.
Jus wonderin if the Agricultural Exhibition is going to be as successful as before.
Jus wondering if the government press officer only take pictures and stay silent on radio.
Jus wonderin if all those cement walls that hide the natural beauty of the Woodlands terrain area are necessary.
Jus wonderin if the hairdresser is the position for the Santos and other off-islanders who have work permits
Jus wonderin why the pressman was distracting the workshop participants with his camera snapping.
Jus wonderin if there’s something romantic going on between two journalists.
Jus wonderin if it was jealousy that prompted that Jamaican man to clobber his girl and then have the police do nothing about it.
Jus wondering how that young man don’t like to
talk without touching.
Jus wonderin whose voice we not hearing on the radio.
Jus wonderin where the young British-trained
journalist suddenly off to and what’s his mission
Jus wonderin why the police allow people with a
mental problem to walk the road freely with sharp objects.
Jus wonderin if ordinary people sense start
walking everywhere with cutlass if they will take them and charge them with
carrying weapons.
Jus wonderin what the police will do since that
they are checking the speed limit vehicles are traveling.
Jus wonderin if any
fisherman will sell toxic fish for Easter.
Jus wonderin why we do not have a abattoir
so the meat can be properly tested for disease.
Jus wonderin where are all the honest people.
Jus wonderin why Caribbean people love to do
things last minute so
Jus wonderin if is only in
Montserrat women so cunning and deceiving.
Jus wonderin if beauty still lies within.
Jus wonderin if this saying is true, it is better
to be looked upon as a fool and say nothing than to open your mouth and remove
all doubt.
Jus wonderin who you can really trust these days.
Jus wonderin if all a we should give thanks to
God that there wasn't another accident lately.
Jus wonderin what will be de big excitement for
de long holiday.
Jus wonderin why a we woman na live in unity, a
you na look at how dem man a live.
Jus wonderin when people going stap fallin thru
the floor at Government HQs.
Jus wonderin how much money de Salem residents
and the rest a ga mek for de long holiday.
Jus wonderin who month end salary a ga done on
them and the visitors.
Jus wonderin if the entry offica dem a go
properly check the documents of all
visitors this weekend.
Jus wonderin when they will give an exit road at
GHQ.
Jus wonderin when the people a Judy Piece and
Blakes too a go get electricity.
Jus wonderin if they goin wait for a serious
accident before they clean dem dead trees from over the road especially in
Cudjoe Head and Brades.
Jus wonderin when they goin get proper working
school buses and enough of them to retire dem ones dat break down every other
day.
Jus wonderin if we goin give Little Bay to Tien so will have to get permission to go there through security gates.
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