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Chief Minister Brandt Moves Cautiously on Little Bay Development

by Bennette Roach

Little Bay - Montserrat

The organisation known as Landbase has been has been wooing the Government of Montserrat to give it the green light to proceed with its development proposal plan for Little Bay and the Montserrat ‘New Town’. But Mr. David Brandt, Montserrat’s chief minister says: My position is, I am not transferring any land to anybody like that."

In a telephone interview with the Reporter on Thursday Mr. Bru Pearce said, "From our end, we simply need the Government of Montserrat to come back and say we very much like the principles, we want to go ahead."

Landbase proposes to form a Trust Company to deal with the project and Mr. Pearce said: "The first thing the trust is going to do is to finance the necessary studies, physical studies, economic studies, in order to develop a complete plan around the proposal to build a new town."

In a letter to the Reporter last year, which appears on page 4, Bru Pearce sets out the plan and states: "What we have envisioned is a completely new town at a site at Little Bay and Carr’s Bay. This will provide a new home for the businesses, which have been displaced out of Plymouth and the south of Montserrat.

"The new capital will be designed as a complete town to contain sites for governmental office buildings; banking and other commercial enterprises; restaurants and entertainment activities; schools, churches and other public facilities; police and fire stations; shops and retail stores; general business offices; and residential dwellings catering to every income level."

In the interview on Thursday he said: "The first thing the trust is going to do is going to be to finance the necessary studies, physical studies, economic studies, in order to develop a complete plan around the proposal to build a new town. "

When asked how it was intended to fund the project initially, Pearce responded, "The Montserrat New Town Trust here has undertaken to do that. We are raising money from various sources, partly charitable, partly donations from various companies. Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd., the construction company, which is one of the really big UK international construction groups, has been very strong in their commitment and said they would come in and they would put in resources and they would spec a lot of the study costs. Then we have Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Group’s insurance arm, H.S.B.C.Gibbs, who have also said they’ll support it, and who will assist to put insurance together over what we do. They are ready to arrange that. So we’ve got lots of the component parts there, but I need to get some sort of mandate from government in order for us to start to move forward."

Pearce says that the British Government has also seen the plans but are not expected to give a favourable ear to the proposal. He thought this would plan cause them to have to get on with a lot of other infrastructure work in the north.

This is natural on reflection of DFID’s obvious position of not wanting to put in any more money than they absolutely have to, until such time as the volcano has stopped erupting. Thhis in spite of their continued commitment.

Commenting on this position Pearce says: "There are a lot of people who are looking after their own particular jobs and trying to make out that the existing jetty that’s been built is an excellent job and proposing that they could develop around the existing jetty and make something that they could get by with."

Mr. Pearce suggests that the whole matter is becoming critical. He says that once they get the good word from the Montserrat government, they go ahead and we will draw up a detailed plan and a feasibility study which the Trust will then be in a position to present to the Government of Montserrat and to the British Government.

He said that they will certainly need the support of the British Government. "I anticipate that we would need some British Government support of that plan. But we would put up a good business case as to how it was going to work. Then we would all move ahead. The one thing we do need is that if we draw up a viable business plan, that the Government of Montserrat is committed and does make the land available. There’s no point in everybody going through this expenditure and effort if when it’s done something else has been done with the Little Bay — Carrs Bay land."

In reiterating his position he said they are "looking for their (government’s) demonstrable support of what we’re doing at this stage. Once we’ve got that, we can go out and we can recruit some politically powerful people, we can really come out and make a big public statement.

He was asked how the people of Montserrat would benefit immediately? And how will they be a part of this whole operation?

He responded "The first benefit that everybody gets is that once the plan is declared to commit to a new capital, and to do something of quality, to do something which is designed to operate in the available tourism and service industry markets, every Montserratian could say, OK, this is going to happen and they can plan financially to return to the country and they can plan to reinvest. The immediate financial effect is that we will do our best to involve Montserratians in the preliminary studies as far as we can. Some of the funds which are raised to carry out these studies will go into Montserratian pockets of people who are helping carry out the work.

"Will the Government of Montserrat or the people of Montserrat be part of the design process and will they serve on the design process?" he was asked.

"Nothing will be done without the consultation of the people of Montserrat. Clearly the objective is to do something that is going to fulfill the needs of the nation. There will be Montserratians represented on the board of trustees of the whole operation," he said.

Later Mr. Brandt was asked about governments position regarding the Landbase proposals. He said that they have considered the proposals, "but what he wants is this. That we should transfer the land at Little Bay to him, absolutely, and then he would set up a trust, having the asset of the land in the trust, and try to go and raise money to develop Little Bay.

"My position is I am not transferring any land to anybody like that. If he came up with $150 million or whatever million and say this is my part, let us go into partnership. But I cannot transfer the land to any trust and you don’t put in any money yet, and say you’re going to use the land to show that the Government is interested, to raise money."

Mr. Brandt said that is the position of the proposal but said also commenting on his overall plan for development, "if he has good ideas and is acceptable to Montserratians it will be part of the plan.

"What he is suggesting, of course, we have to know where they are going to put the port, we are going to have to know where Montserratians say they want the city to be. So all that, and that will be done quite soon, all that will have to be done before we accepted, before we approved any land project in that area."

The Chief Minister was adamant about committing the lands to Landbase. When he was reminded the trust company reportedly would be controlled by Montserratians, he rejoind: "if I commit the land to them now, suppose tomorrow somebody else comes with their money in raw cash and say we want to develop, what control will we have over it. You can’t just give something and say set up a trust. The trust has not been set up yet. We don’t know what money that trust will attract. You can’t operate government business like that.

One supporter of the plan, hearing the Chief Minister state his position on the matter via ZJB says the Chief Minister could not have properly viewed the proposals, because he would have had a different view if he ad.

Insurance Coverage Soon for Montserrat

by B. Roach

At his most recent press conference on Thursday this week, the Hon. Chief Minister David Brandt announced that an insurance company is getting ready to open its doors in Montserrat.

Mr. Brandt was answering questions on the housing situation in Montserrat when he said: " I would like to say that this morning I held discussions with an insurance company who allege that they want to come here. They are in St. Martin, they are in Anguilla, in Dominica, and they want to come here and set up business. They will offer 100 percent insurance cover under the same terms as they do in St. Martin. They will not have a 60-40 as (we had) before, and they will even give insurance to people in Salem and up to St. Johns. The only thing is that they would not give any volcano cover, but they will give for hurricane and all the others."

Sources reveal that the company has been in discussion with government for some time and residents and businesses are more than anxious to see the reality of the availability of insurance.

Homeowners and Businesses Will Welcome New Insurance Coverage Opportunity

One of the biggest fall-out from the volcanic disaster that Montserrat is experiencing is that of the pull-out by the Insurance Companies and their service.

We can all hope that the Montserrat Building Society will recover, but much of its problems arose from the insurance fall-out.

Isn’t it more than ironical that back in 1990 an Editorial in the Montserrat Reporter under management of the National Development Party (NDP) said: "Ministers of Government could institute a measure to help property owners after a hurricane or even earthquake destruction. They should organise and have available, advice and guidance to all insurance policy holders to ensure that they get a fair deal from insurance companies. They should, of course, always ensure by legislative and administrative means, that all companies doing business on island have the capacity to satisfy all claims after a disaster."

There were problems from the insurance companies then, and up to today some people some homeowners have not had their claims fully satisfied. Five to seven years later, with different administration and some of the instructors in the driver’s seat, a bigger than ever, perhaps the biggest possible disaster appears and the insurance companies did just as they pleased and left many stranded disastrously.

This Thursday, the present Chief Minister announces: "This morning I held discussions with an insurance company who allege that they want to come here. They are in St. Martin, they are in Anguilla, in Dominica, and they want to come here and set up business. They will offer 100 percent insurance cover under the same terms as they do in St. Martin. They will not have a 60-40 as we had before, and that they will even give insurance to people in Salem and right back to St. Johns. The only thing is that they would not give any volcano cover, but they will give for hurricane and all the others."

We may wish to be cautious, but we should be excited at the prospects of what this could mean for the economy and finances of the island. Government should move with haste to ensure that the company is credible and facilitate their set up to operate here. Montserratians will pray that this company as long as it can live up to its promises, will have many years of trouble-free business.

Of course, some of the insurance companies that operated on the island were better than some, not entirely closing their doors and were forced in some sense to follow a particular pattern. What was evident is that the administration at the time when their action was needed most was ineffective. Let us hope then that we will be more prepared than those who advocated preparedness in 1990, but were not seven years later.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Landbase International Ltd.

Dear Sir,

Landbase has had a long association with Montserrat, which is strengthened on a personal basis as the President of Landbase’s sister is Clover Lea, who has been a resident of Montserrat for 17 years.

Over the years Landbase has carried out assignments in practically every Caribbean country. Our specialties are development, financing and consultancy in the leisure and tourism sectors. Among other jobs, Landbase is currently involved in the development of Grenada New Port, a hotel project and a port and a leisure park in Jamaica and a resort project in Bonaire.

Some time ago we recognized that Montserrat was going to need a new capital and after making a number of trips to Montserrat, Landbase made a proposal to the Montserrat Government delegation which came to London.

What we have envisioned is a completely new town at a site at Little Bay and Carr’s Bay. This will provide a new home for the businesses, which have been displaced out of Plymouth and the south of Montserrat.

The new capital will be designed as a complete town to contain sites for governmental office buildings; banking and other commercial enterprises; restaurants and entertainment activities; schools, churches and other public facilities; police and fire stations; shops and retail stores; general business offices; and residential dwellings catering to every income level. The plan will also include space for parks, cricket oval and green spaces for central gathering spots. The commercial aspects of the village will be designed around a new port that will include docking space for cruise ship tenders and for ferries from Antigua and possibly other islands, and a marina to accommodate yachts and other vessels. A "broad-walk" that will cater to the shopping and entertainment needs of both local residents and tourists will be the focal point of the new town.

The town will also cater to tourism opportunities by planning for several hotels and for a residential field centre for scientists and students. This centre will be designed to allow a variety of experts to study the effects on the island of the aftermath of the volcano.

The new town is planed to be a "Celebration of Caribbean Architecture and Culture," taking its inspiration from the very best of traditional building in the region, while at the same time having the best modern infrastructure and services. It will attract visitors from all over the Caribbean and the rest of the world, providing a market to the local traders and businesses.

Our aim is to assist Montserrat have the best capital in the Caribbean. This is a major project and it will create many employment opportunities, both in its construction and in its ability to attract investment and business on completion. Old and new business being established by Montserratian’s in the new town should be eligible for the low-cost financing schemes and other aid to be provided by the British Government.

Most importantly Landbase’s proposal calls for ownership of the development to be incorporated in a Trust Company which will be established for the benefit of the Montserratian people.

Landbase has the backing of major construction groups from the UK. Sir Robert McAlpine and David Laing of the Laing construction group and Sanders Laing Architects are also part of the design team.

Subject to final agreement, Landbase will commence a detailed study of the Montserratian economy and of the needs of existing and displaced businesses so that their requirements can be incorporated into the detailed plan.

Inquiries from investors and businesses wishing to get involved are already coming in and we have just commenced discussions with Freedom Broadcasting Network from the USA, opening the opportunity of the new town’s having the finest communications infrastructure in the Caribbean.

Landbase International Ltd.

LOCAL NEWS

Top Officials Raise Tempers of Montserratians in Antigua

At a March 22 meeting with Antigua-based evacuees, the head of Britain’s Department For International Development in Montserrat./Antigua, Douglas Houston announced that the Government of Montserrat asked the British Government to concentrate resources for housing on Montserrat.

Chef Minister David Brandt, who was also invited to address the meeting, defended his administration by declaring his intent to see that shelter occupants in Montserrat get housing before "anyone in Montserrat or anyplace else."

"We have in Montserrat people living in shelters," he told the agitated crowd, "men, women and children living in the same place, with only a curtain dividing them. I figure that they should get housing before anyone else in Montserrat and anyone else in Antigua. People who have been living like that for three years are supposed to get housing first,"

One relocated Montserratian countered that living in substandard rent-houses, overcrowded conditions and in uncomfortable situations among friends and family are equally as horrifying as living in shelters in Montserrat.

Another called on Mr. Brandt not to discourage the British Government from building homes in

Antigua for those who have relocated.

Waivers from land-holding tax and bank loans free of government tax are some of the benefits that Candia Williams said Montserratians are entitled to. Ms. Williams is the chairperson of Citizens and Friends of Montserrat.

DFID spokesperson Houston told the meeting that a further study will be done to find out "an accurate number of persons in Antigua who need housing and who will be willing to build their own houses." Many in the audience interpreted the study to be another British delaying tactic and a way to use aid money to employ "British consultants."

A social survey, which strongly recommended housing as a top priority, was done last November by Blondina Howes.

Gov. Anthony Abbott, the third official invited to meet with Citizens and Friends of Montserrat, announced that the British Government has so far spent L6.5 million on housing in Montserrat. "Three weeks ago the UK Government added L4.8 million for another 150 houses in Montserrat," he said.

Insurance status for Montserratians in Antigua and future aid for evacuees were other topics that were high on the agenda.

Gov. Abbott told the packed Methodist Church Hall on St. Mary’s Street that many people have received insurance settlement. Inaccessibility to homes, inflated claims and unsubmitted claims, he said, are the reasons why only about 50 percent have been settled.

"Another problem was a major difference between the assessor and the adjuster who works for the company — between 20 percent and percent," he said. Such large differences, he said, take a lot of negotiation. He said the insurance companies asked that "any Montserratians who have not put in their claims do so promptly." The time for submission, he said, is limited.

Chief Minister Brandt announced that he will be speaking to Barclays and Royal Bank officials in an effort to get them to forgive debts of persons who have lost homes or do not have access to houses on which they are paying mortgage.

Mr. Houston angered those at meeting when he told them of a study that will be done to determine whether "an unemployed Montserratian in Antigua is no worse off than an unemployed Antiguan in Antigua."

"We are currently undertaking studies of what should happen after the $10,000 grant is finished. The rationale behind the study is that Montserratians in Antigua are no worse off than Antiguans in Antigua under similar circumstances," he said.

Many who felt strongly about the statement were prevented from expressing their feeling when the meeting, which was longer than expected, was brought a close.

Montserrat Evacuees Speak Out In Nevis

Returning from a March 20-21 trip to nearby Nevis, Minister of Communication and Works, Rupert Weekes, announced that Montserratians relocated who there aired concerns about housing, insufficient information, training and the high cost of living index.

"Our people in Nevis feel that they have been abandoned by the government.," Mr. Weekes told reporters.
"They spoke of lack of communication — they were not hearing anything about what is happening in Montserrat. They also spoke about the high cost of living and the lack of help equal to that which evacuees experience in Antigua."

Minister Weekes not only observed the sad lack of information to the Montserrat Diaspora, but also said that misinformation has filled the vacuum.

"There is a definite need for information to be properly disseminated to our people in the islands. What I have found in Nevis is a lot of misinformation has filled that void. We know how dangerous and detrimental that can be," he said.

Weekes, who paid courtesy calls on his Nevisian counterparts, said that the Nevisian government is now putting in place legislation that will allow Montserratians to access land at concessionary rates.

"Minister Guishard, the acting Premier, assured me that there is a project in place where lands will be made available to the Montserratians," Weekes said. "However, they are hoping that the material assistance given here could be extended to those in Nevis."

A liaison officer or a government minister with special responsibilities to relocatees is one of the suggestions the Nevis-based evacuees told Mr. Weekes they would like to see instituted.

He said that they are comfortable but would welcome a chance to return home, but that housing and other infrastructure in the North need to be in place before people can return en masse.

"If we are thinking of accommodating Montserratians, we have to put a lot more housing in place," he said. "We have also got to do some serious work on the infrastructure in the North and upgrading our education facilities, if we will like to see our people return to Montserrat and be comfortable."

He said he assured the Nevisian evacuees that the Montserrat Government will start negotiation to ensure that all evacuees receive equal attention. He also said they will lobby for additional assistance beyond the $10,000 relocation grant received from the British Government.

Mr. Weekes reported there are 125 registered evacuees on the island of Nevis.

Montserrat Delegation Sees New Archbishop Installed

Father Victor Peters, along with Alfreda Meade, Angela Greenaway, Geraldine Mason and Joseph Kirwan, were part of an Anglican team which traveled to Antigua Wednesday, to witness the installation of a new Archbishop of the West Indies, Bishop L. Brooks. The service took place at the St. Johns Cathedral. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Orland Linsey, who held the post for many years. resigned.

The meeting brought together bishops from all over the Caribbean and as far away as New York.

Former Governor Taylor Voices Concern About Temporary Emergency Housing

Former Governor of Montserrat, David Taylor, told reporters Tuesday of his concern over the temporary buildings that are being erected on the island.

"One of the dangers of these emergency kind situations is that you put things off to cope with the emergency situation," he said. "Then in the end you say that is good enough to stay in the longer term."

Mr. Taylor identified the Falkland Islands, where he managed the economic rehabilitation after the recent war, as a prime example of what he was talking about.

"Most of the buildings that were put up to replace those that were damaged were of a temporary nature," he explained. "The temptation afterwards was to say that those were good enough."

He said the present buildings have no sense of permanence about them.

Building Problems Should Disappear

During the Chief Minister’s press conference on Thursday, the Montserrat Reporter questioned him about the housing problems presently being experienced on the island.

Mr. Brandt had just responded that people in Antigua were willing to return to Montserrat, but the housing problem must be a consideration: "Several are willing to return to Montserrat. Several have come back to Montserrat and are living here now and are working here. But when you ask somebody to come from Antigua to Montserrat, and they fled because of improper housing conditions, or they fled for other reasons, at least as a minimum you should be in a position to offer them housing."

He was then asked about the problems encountered with the completion of the houses at Lookout.

He gave the following explanation: "A firm, Brown & Root, was appointed by the British Government to manage these projects, and there were problems regarding the contractors and Brown & Root. In any new kind of relationship you have problems.

"There were problems, and as a result of those problems there were problems because, for example, the contractors alleged they were not paid up to a certain scale, not that Brown & Root did not want to pay them but the contract they entered into required them to get paid at a certain stage. And when they wanted material before that stage, and they would have gotten credit from the merchants, then they can’t go back again. Then the merchants had problems because suppliers are saying I want cash first, before we send the material."

Mr Brandt continued to explain that he met with the contractors and builders and following discussions and explanations, he doesn’t anticipate that the problems will continue.

" Realizing that, the Government held discussions with the suppliers, where contractors, Brown & Root and the Aid Office, and we set in place a mechanism so that the problems which occurred before will not occur again. Suppliers know, Brown & Root know, that it is not business as usual."

He was asked to comment on allegations that Brown & Root sought to set different conditions for local suppliers of equipment. He said he is not aware of such a situation but reminded, "I have always been a champion of Montserratians and the people who supply equipment, they know I have always championed their cause_If there is a new complaint like this, and it is affecting them, I would expect them to come to me and I will deal with it."

Caribbean Sees Tourism Overtaking Sugar and Bananas

(Reuters) - The Caribbean region is more dependent than ever on tourism amid threats to its traditional sugar and banana industries, regional leaders said on Thursday.

But the tourist business itself has become vulnerable to competition from Mexico and other destinations.

"In earlier days, it was sugar and bananas. These generated the incomes that kept us going and provided huge returns for overseas investors, "Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson told the Second Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference.

"Today, tourism is unquestionably the brightest star in our economic firmament," he said.

The Caribbean’s key banana industry is reeling from the loss of protected trade access to European markets and its sugar industry is in decline, leaving tourism as the key revenue earner for a diverse region of small nations that have difficulty competing in global markets.

Government officials and business leaders at the conference Noted, however, that Mexico, Cuba and other nearby destinations have been cutting into the English-speaking Caribbean’s share of the U.S. tourist market.

And a range of international vacation destinations have been drawing away visitors from other parts of the world.

"East Asia is now the world’s biggest warm weather destination, attracting over 83 million visitors in 1996," Mr. Patterson said.

He said Caribbean islands must agree to contribute funds to a single entity to promote tourism in the region as a whole, especially as the Caribbean negotiates new trade agreements with Europe and toward the hemisphere-wide Free Trade Area of the Americas planned for 2005.

He also called on the private sector to contribute to a new Caribbean Investment Fund, which he said could help generate an estimated $4 billion to $5 billion a year to increase the number of island hotel rooms and renovate existing resorts.

Trinidad Prime Minister Basdeo Panday also called for creation of a consortium to provide air transportation to the islands.

Today, AMR Corp’s American Airlines controls about 65 percent of flights from the United States to the Caribbean, and the carrier earlier this year announced it was cutting back that service.

Mr. Panday said, for example, the Trinidad government would have done better to contribute to a region-wide carrier rather than spend years investing in BWIA, a Trinidad-based airline that has struggled since it was privatized three years ago.

According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, about one-third of the Caribbean’s total foreign exchange earnings come from tourism. More than 27 million visitors to the region spent $14.4 billion last year.

One out of every 4.5 jobs in the region depends on tourism, making it more dependent on visitor dollars than any other part of the world.

Tourism contributed about 13.3 percent of Jamaica’s Gross Domestic Product. Trinidad, the most industrialized Caribbean nation, obtained only 2 percent of its GDP from tourism. The Caribbean average is 9 percent.

Both prime ministers spoke at a conference organized by the region’s leaders partly to promote regional unity in tourism. But several of the islands, including the Bahamas and Antigua, did not send delegations to the meeting.

Montserrat Represented at Aids Workshop

Three Montserratians attended at a Barbados-based meeting to examine the role of funding agencies in the fight against AIDS and HIV in the Caribbean.

The meeting, which included a number of funding agencies, bought together AIDS coordinators, health and media personnel.

Funding agencies included the Pan-American Health Organization, the Caribbean Epidemiology Center and UNAID. It was agreed that efforts will be made in participating countries to improve the conditions under which persons with AIDS have to live.

Almea O’garro, acting AIDS Coordinator, staff nurse Naomi Farrell and news sub editor at ZJB, Athema Daley, were the participants from Montserrat.

Chief Minister Brandt Recounts Antigua Visit

In a press conference Thursday, Chief Minister David S. Brandt discussed his visit to Antigua last weekend, during which Montserratians who have evacuated from Montserrat because of volcanic activity expressed serious concerns.

The main focus of their concerns is about what would happen after have received the end of their six-month, $10,000 package; whether they will get a further sum or whether there will be cuttings by the British Government.

"They have stated that the cost of living in Antigua is very high," Mr. Brandt said, "especially the cost of rent, and they are finding it hard to exist in Antigua. Some of the old people are having it particularly hard because of lack of finances, and some people who are mentally ill are also suffering great hardship,"

He said the main purpose of his visit was "to tell them about what was going on in Montserrat and most importantly to listen to them."

Mr. Brandt lamented the British Government's attitude, saying: "The six months is about up and the British Government has not as yet reviewed the situation or indicated what they will do. On all these matters, regarding housing, regarding assistance, my view is that Montserratians, not only in Antigua, but wherever, should be treated the same way as Montserratians who have evacuated from the volcano are treated in England. There should be no discrimination, whether you go to England or you go to any other Caribbean country."

When asked what his government would do in the event the British government reacted negatively to the issue, Mr. Brandt replied, "All we have to do if Britain takes a position which is unreasonable, is to do what we have always done, take our case to the international community.

"We have done it before and we have managed to be successful, and we feel that once we have a reasonable case that we hope that Britain will act reasonably in the circumstances. We do not have the power, we cannot make them do anything."

His Excellency Gov. Anthony Abbott and Douglas Houston, head man at the Aid Management Office here, were also visiting with Brandt and attended the meetings in Antigua.

German Film Crew Leaves

The film crew from Germany's Public Television Service left the island this morning after spending 10 days filming here.
The three-man crew are preparing a spot about volcanoes for a children's science programme to be aired in Germany in about two months. This is the second time in a year that Montserrat has been featured in the programme.
The producer, Stefan Hoerst, also hopes to produce a complete documentary on Montserrat and whilst here filmed Arrow and the Emerald Community Singers and a number of other non-scientific topics to be included in the future documentary.

Briton Deported from St. Lucia

St. Lucia, CANA - Briton Shaun Murphy whose financial interests caused some concern in St Lucia has been ordered deported from the island. Authorities say they put an unwelcome status on the man, who left the country earlier, after investigations revealed he was a key figure in money laundering operations in the British Virgin Islands.

Since arriving on St Lucia some months ago, Murphy set up a real estate investment company and his name became associated with prominent nationals and even Prime Minister Dr Kenny Anthony had to deny previously knowing the man.

Guyana's Representative Proposes Help For Montserrat

Honorary Guyana Consul Joseph Goveia this week met with government ministers to negotiate importation of pre-fabricated green heartwood houses from Guyana.

Mr. Goveia, who is based in Antigua, told The Reporter that the pre-fabricated houses are in most cases more durable than concrete. The cost of the houses he said, ranged between $80,000 to $90,000 but that said some Ministers preferred less expensive houses.

"I am now reworking the figures to reflect the cost between two types of houses," he said.

Green heartwood houses, introduced in Antigua in the 1960s, Mr. Goveia said, have withstood the test of time. He said that a model unit will be built to demonstrate its qualities to the Montserrat public.

Mr. Goveia has responsibilities of representing the Guyanese population in Antigua and Barbuda and developing trade links between Guyana and the Eastern Caribbean.

C&W Customer Service Charter

Barbados, CANA - Telecommunications giants Cable and Wireless yesterday announced a Customer Service Charter to improve its Caribbean service.

Customers will receive compensation when the company is unable to provide service or repair faults in time. "When an order for a new service is delivered later than the date promised by the Customer Service Charter, customers will be entitled to claim free installation, or first month’s rental charge," Cable and Wireless said.

Woman Accused of Rape in Barbados

Bridgetown, Barbados, CANA - A Barbados magistrate has decided to let a preliminary enquiry go through on a case of a 52-year-old woman accused of raping a man.

The Nation newspaper reported that when the matter came up for hearing Tuesday a defence attorney argued that proceedings against British nurse, Denise Hicks, be dropped because Barbados laws do not provide for a rape charge against a woman.

The hearing continues next week.

CM Brandt Praises Morgan

In a press conference on Thursday, the Hon. Chief Minister expressed pride in the fact that son of the soil Basil Morgan has been elevated to umpiring at the highest level of umpiring.

He remarked that it was at his request while being vice president of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) that he recommended that Morgan be named as an umpire at a higher level.

He said he was especially proud since Morgan hails from his constituency (Harris').

Words cannot describe how I feel about him and his accomplishment. A small island that has been ravished by the volcano, and here you have a man who is representing Montserrat in an international arena.

"I am very proud because he is from the Windward constituents and secondly I'm very proud because when I was vice president of the Leeward Islands Cricket Association I made sure that he became an umpire at the Leewards level. It was justifiable because he came first in the same exam with the umpire Buchner from Jamaica."

W. Indies Beat England in C&W Series

West Indies clinched the Cable & Wireless cricket Test series against England 3 to 1 after a dramatic win in the final Test. A sensational late burst from veteran pacer Courtney Walsh fired West Indies to a dramatic innings and 52 run victory at the Antigua Recreation Ground on Tuesday.

To many the obvious result seemed likely to be only a draw. But knowledgeable cricket enthusiasts always know that with a good bowling attack, once the partnership between Graham Thorpe, who was eventually left on 84 not out, and Nasser Hussain, was broken, what happened was always likely.

It was a run out that did the trick and once there was enough time. Dinanath Ramnarine, who deservedly received the Man of the Match award, along with Walsh cleaned up to give West Indies a victory they played for.

Scores in the match were England 127 and 321; West Indies 500 for 7.

Cricket analysts felt that the two teams were fairly even, with the West Indies having an edge in the bowling department, sporting Curtley Ambrose and Courtney Walsh, and their new find, right arm leg spinner Ramnarine. It is felt that winning the toss when they did made a difference in who did best in the Test series.

They now move on to the 1-day Internationals. The WestIndies selectors have named the following squad: Brian Lara (captain), Clayton Lambert, Philo Wallace, Carl Hooper, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Phil Simmons, Stuart Williams, Junior Murray, Rawl Lewis, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Franklyn Rose, Mervyn Dillon.

The selectors resisted calls to inject young blood and maintained their conservative policy by sticking with old hands Simmons, Ambrose and Walsh for the first two one-day Internationals, on Sunday and next Wednesday, against England at Kensington Oval in Barbados.

The selectors have also rewarded dropped Test opener Stuart Williams and leg-spinner Rawl Lewis for their commendable showing in last year’s Sharjah Champions Trophy.

In the meantime, Mike Atherton resigned as England’s captain with immediate effect after the Windies win in Antigua. Atherton, however, will stay on as a player for the one-day International series.

England selectors in the meantime have already named a 15-member squad for the five one-day Internationals.

They have added seamer Angus Fraser, wicket-keeper Jack Russell and middle order batsman Mark Ramprakash to the original side.

Leg-spinner Ashley Giles, who was in the original party, was omitted because of a knee injury.

Dropped Test batsman Graeme Hick heads a list of players who have been flown in from England for the one-day Internationals only.

The others who are already in Barbados preparing for the one-day events are left-handed batsman Nick Knight, and all-rounders Matthew Fleming, Dougie Browne, Ben Hollioake and Mark Ealham.

Health & Happiness

Want to Feel Happier?

Take a brisk 30-minute walk.

Skip stones across a creek.

Play checkers with a youngster and let him win.

Write a note of appreciation to a favorite teacher you had years ago, telling her what a positive influence she had on your life.

Comb a child’s hair.

Count your blessing.

Tape, ten of your favourite photos to your kitchen cabinets.

Make yourself some of your favourite toasts.

Watch "I love Lucy" reruns.

Ask your parents to tell you again how they first met.

Say to your spouse, "I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found you."

Get your car washed.

Make an anonymous donation to your favourite charity.

Give someone a back rub

Have someone give you a back rub. 

Tourism Corner

The Montserrat Tourist Board recently participated in the annual International Tourism Borse (ITB) held in Berlin, Germany, 7-11th March, 1998. Montserrat was represented by Miss Ernestine Cassell, Director for the Montserrat Tourist Board along with Captain John Freidrichs of the Montserrat Hamburg, Germany Office.

Miss Ernestine Cassell in Germany

According to Miss Cassell, the majority of people who visited the booth (which was provided by the European Union) included Airline, Television and Newspaper representatives, Tour Operators & Wholesalers, Travel Agents & Writers and the general public.

Many who dropped by the booth had visited Montserrat either on a cruise or a land-based vacation and are still interested in visiting again in the near future. They all collected information on available accommodation in Montserrat, as well as, ferry and helicopter schedules out of Antigua.

Miss Cassell said that the newly printed poster displaying our newest volcanic attraction was a "big hit" with potential visitors and has encouraged prospective tourists to come see Montserrat for themselves.

The Montserrat Tourist Board is proud to announce the following winners in their St. Patrick’s Day Quiz:-

Ernestine Cassell with prize winners

1st Place - Ekron White

2nd Place - Francis Fergus, Dilleon Piper, Thiffanie Williams, Josue Mejia

3rd Place - Jonita Fergus

All of St. Augustine School

Consolation prizes went to the following:- Venelle Blake, Royston Francis, Glestelle James, Melvin Lindsey and Valiecion White of Brades Primary; and from St. Augustine School: Kamille Winspeare, Daren Meade, Orville Farrell, Adrian Sullivan, Dennissia Gerald, Aiyana Howe, Achlen Browne, Calvin Lewis, Lawrence Charles, Kathrina Piper, La-Raine Charles and Kimmora Ward.

Grandson's 'Bye, Nicie, Bye' Is Eulogy to Mrs. Edgecombe

My friends we have gathered here today to pay our last respects to Mrs. Mary Alice Edgecombe, yet another fellow Montserratian who has died.

To the wider Montserrat family, she was known mostly as Miss Belle. To her more immediate family, as Aunt Belle and to my three sisters, Florence, Eudora and Dahlia as Mama. When I was about 6 years old, I gave her my own special name—Nicie.

My son Emani, who was 8 last December 8, one day before his grandmother turned 81, was very disappointed he could not be here, but faxed a little poem he wrote asking for it to be read at the funeral. It’s titled "Bye, Nicie, Bye."

Grandmothers are special people

And you were no exception

It is a pity you did not know me better

My mother says that I’m a caution

But I know that you loved me

Like only grandmothers can 

And I loved you even though you were sick

Because I am your grandson.

How the name Nicie came about is one of the hundreds of family stories our mother loved to tell. You see, she was a story teller. A great story teller. Most people didn’t know her as that. I doubt she ever considered herself a story teller or even set out to be one. If someone should have asked her to tell a story in public, it’s not likely she would have agreed. But with her children and loved onea it was different.

Usually after supper in the evenings, and especially after lunch on Sundays, she would regale us with her stories, drawn from the Bible and from her own life and times. She could bring a Bible story alive like no one else could and certainly kept her own history alive and memorable.

But if she were asked how she would like to be remembered, I’m sure she would not say as a good story teller. She would probably say as a woman who loved God and found guidance and comfort in His Word; who sought diligently to show her children the best possible path and give them the best possible compass for their journey through life; who cared deeply for her family and friends and tried to be at peace with all people.

Since she died a little over a week ago, and even before, I have asked myself who, essentially, was she? And what lessons could be learned from her life?

To us her children, she will always be remembered as a loving, caring and supportive mother. She believed in maintaining a personal relationship with God and in the power of prayer.

When Eudora was just six months old, she got sick and was dying. Villagers from Davy Hill, where we lived then, came to say what the child needed was a jumbie dance and a new jumbie name. Our mother said our father would hear none of it. They both prayed and then Papa held the child and said, "If you live you’re Eudora and if you die you’re still Eudora." It was an expression of faith, not to be shaken.

Later there was trouble in their marriage. Again they both prayed, asked God to intervene and to indicate all would be well by blessing them with another child. Thus, Dahlia became know in the family as the promised child.

Aunt Belle was active in the Bethany Pentecostal Church at Wapping and particularly enjoyed working in the women’s group and attending weekly prayer meetings. But her approach to religion was like her approach to all other things in life. She couldn’t follow dogma slavishly. She wanted to see things for herself, and studied the Bible carefully, bringing to it her own insights and interpretations.

Part of the bedrock of her faith was the belief that God would always look after her. She took comfort in the passage of Scripture which assures that God has counted every strand of hair on our heads and that if he cares for the sparrow and all the other animals, how much more us his children. This gave her great strength and confidence.

Whenever she came up against adverse circumstances and people, far more powerful than she was, her typical response was: "I doan have no frighten blood ina me" and "Is Jesus Christ share bread."

She loved the passage of Scripture, "Cast your bread upon the water and after many days you will find it." This too seemed to shape her life’s philosophy and helped to account for who essentially she was.

Another reason why she practiced good deeds was the belief that the sins of the fathers are visited unto the children to the third and fourth generations. When my sister Dahlia argued that this was grossly unfair and unjust, she said people could always change that pattern. They can find redemption in repentance and in doing good deeds. And also, when people did good, even if they didn’t benefit from it, their children surely would. She believed in a very special, God-directed bond between parents and their children which it was ill-advised for either party to violate.

My mother would have appreciated this observation: When her own mother, BaBa, became infirm, it was she, Miss Belle, who took care of BaBa until she died at 82. Many years later when she became ill and could no longer look after herself, she lived with her daughter Eudora, Eudora’s husband Howard and their children. In their home she was given the best possible care any one could have. She would have said, "These things are in the Scriptures, the evidence is everywhere, you only have to look."

I believe I can say accurately that Miss Belle took to heart the biblical admonition that it was better to give than to receive. I believe most people remember her as a truly generous person, always giving of her time, her counsel and whatever worldly possessions she had.

She placed great value on her family and friends. And her friendship never depended on the other person’s station in life, their wealth or their education. She was never an avid writer of letters but managed nonetheless to keep in touch with loved ones in England, America, Canada and all over the Caribbean. Once you were family or friend, or even a stranger, she was willing to open her heart and her home and treat you with courtesy and kindness.

Miss Belle, Mama, Nicie, embodied many fine qualities which earned her the respect, love and affection of many, many people. But one of her most remarkable attributes was known only by those closest to her. Her awesome ability to tell stories.

It was a gift she used all her life to both teach and entertain. In contemplating this, it struck me that in her accomplishments here lies an important lesson that Montserrat in its present predicament can benefit by paying attention to. Let me explain.

Our father, Ted Edgecombe, died before my fifth birthday. But because of my mother’s detailed, dramatic and constantly repeated stories about him, we all have a sharp, clear picture of who he was.

The same is true of her brothers Nixon and Charlie who died at sea before I was born. The same is true about all the other members of the family. About the 1924 and ’28 hurricanes; about what it was like growing up in rural Montserrat and later living in Plymouth; about any number of events that would otherwise have been lost to us or at least not embedded so clearly in our consciousness.

Through her gift for telling stories, she managed to keep people and events alive. And by so doing she enriched our lives with a deeper understanding of our ancestry, our country and ultimately of ourselves.

As we witness Montserrat being torn apart, her sons and daughters uprooted and scattered across the earth we know we must do everything in our power to keep our country alive. Not only by a significant number refusing to evacuate, unless absolutely necessary, but establishing and maintaining a Montserrat community that embraces Montserratians wherever they may, by laying the groundwork to keep our history and our culture alive.

One of the most effective ways of doing this is to insist, like Miss Belle, on telling our stories to our children. And to go beyond this and tell our stories to the world. Let there be no mistaking this: the telling of your story is a source of great strength for any people as the Jews or the Griots of Africa can attest.

To end, let me recount a story told about my mother by a deceased Montserratian known as Drummond or Buddoeman-one of Plymouth’s more colourful characters.

Buddoeman had moved into the small laundry-room below our home on George Street, and none of our mother’s efforts to evict him were effective. He would move out for a day or two and then sneak right back in. One time when he returned from one of his many stints in jail, he found a padlock on the door to the small room, promptly knocked it off and re-established residency. Shortly after this he began telling his tale to a group of taxi-men below the grandstand where they used to assemble.

"Last night," he said, "I thought I was going to die. I thought I was going to cough my life out on the cold concrete. And then, I heard my door pushed open and looked up to see Miss Belle standing there in her house coat. In the middle of the night this woman got up out of her warm bed, went into her kitchen, got a flash light and came downstairs to save my life by bringing a hot cup of bush tea to an ole scallyasswag like me."

If Miss Belle is looking down at this gathering this afternoon, I know she is deeply touched. She is pleased that so many of her family and friends from so many places are here to bid her farewell and I know she wants us all to be happy.

If you listen well you may even hear her say: "I’ve only gone to claim the mansion my Father has promised me. My welcome mat has already been put out. I will soon know my way around the kitchen, will have a huge pot of soup cooking and will wait lovingly for the rest of you to join me. In the meantime, try always to love and support each other. And never, never stop telling one another your stories."

My sisters and I, our spouses and our children, thank you all for being here.

JUS’ WONDERIN’

Jus wonderin why the government or the PWD or the Aid Office does not pick up the debris from the tragic fire remains at Manjack so the remaining residents are not reminded of the tragedy every time they go by or look out their windows?.

Jus wonderin why the government or the Aid Office does not rebuild the three buildings forthwith the foundations water, septic, electric are already there wouldn’t this make sense? Just add a hydrant which is needed for the remaining two.

Jus wonderin why the garbage and sewage trucks do not go to the new dump and pits at Jack Boy. The pits are dug, the garbage spot is ready and the road is in.

Jus wonderin why the Governor or the Chief Minister can not meet with the authorities in Antigua so that those traveling to and from Montserrat via the ferry are treated more politely, and not so shabbily as they are now by the Antiguan immigration and customs?

Jus wonderin why the business that makes plastic furniture is not being allowed to go in the building at Brades after promises were made this business would have put a number of locals to work.

Jus wonderin why some Montserratains are not happy for what they get in the food stuff in the Supermarket.

Jus wonderin why some people instead of shopping in the supermarket are just robbing the things from the supermarket.

Jus wonderin if the owner of the generator being used at the port has tried to acquire it yet.

Jus wonderin if the fire-chief has more fires to put out outside than in Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if the Chief Minister believes some of the things he said in his last press conference.

PRIMARY CARE,

MINISTRY OF HEALTH, MONTSERRAT

• A medical practitioner who can be registered in Montserrat.

• A higher qualification in a relevant medical specialty (Note: under current law a public health diploma is required for the Chief Medical Officer’s post - the Ministry is in the process of reviewing the requirement).

• Experience and demonstrable skills in health strategy and health care management.

• Understanding of ethical aspects of health and professional practice.

• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for developing a primary health care led service.

• The ability to communicate about health care matters to the public and the Government.

• Clinical skills in primary care or other speculums needed for health care on Montserrat.

Application is by letter, with Curriculum Vitae, and the names of three referees (one from current or last employer); should be addressed to:

NOTICE

• Demonstrable skills and experience in management, preferably in health care or a related sector.
• The ability to lead and motivate a team of health professionals to secure effective and efficient delivery of services
• Knowledge of and experience in facilities management and public sector finance.

 Montserrat Building Society

Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.

 Red Cross Director Vacancy

    Applications stating qualifications and experience should be addressed to the Director, Montserrat Branch British Red Cross, P.O. Box 61, Montserrat to reach no later than April 6, 1998.

OECS ECERP Programme Officer

ORGANISATION OF EASTEARN CARIBBEAN STATES (OECS)

EDUCATION REFORM UNIT

• The programme Officer will be responsible for the efficient management of ECERP and for its achievements within budgetary and quality targets. The Officer will play a pivotal role in coording activities being undertaken at the national and sub-regional level, implemented under ECERP invitives.
• More specifically the Officer will be expected, inter, to: collaborate with the CEA on the overall management and monitoring of the project and in the preparation of quarterly and annual reports, Work Plans and Budgets.
• Supervise the sub-regional arrangements for the logistics for all ECERP initiatives.
• Serve as Secretary to the ECERP Project Management Committee (PMC) and organise, service and coordination its meeting.
• Identify and recommended policies and actions for the development of the Education systems in the OECS.

• First degree in Education the Social Services, or Management; Post graduate qualifications or training Educational Planning and/or Managment and Project Planning and Management.
• A miniunm of three years related successful experience in a senior management position preferably in the Caribbean region.
• Direct involment in Financial Management, Project Planning and Project implementation.

• The Officer will be based at the OECS Education Reform Unit (OERU) in Castries St.Lucia.
• The appointment will be on three-year contractual basis renewable subjects to satisfactory execution of duties. There will be an initial probationary period. The rules and regulations of the OESC Secretariat will govern the appointment.

Information on remuneration and related matters can be obtained from the Technical/Administrative Officer at the OERU (Phone 758-452-2082 Fax 758-453-0841)

The successful candidate will be expected to take up position by May 1st, 1998 Candidates must be Caribbean nationals.

Gem Radio Caribbean

Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag

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