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Contractors, Brown & Root Put Differences on Hold

Construction May Resume

BULLETIN -- Just before The Reporter’s press time today, it appeared that an announced settlement of the dispute between housing contractors and Brown & Root had broken down, when contractors failed to receive checks they had been promised as part of the deal.

Some contractors had vowed that they would not show up for work on Monday if they failed to receive the payments by today. Attempts to contact Michael Dodd, Brown & Root’s manager, for comment before our press deadline were unsuccessful.

The Reporter’s earlier story on the reported settlement follows.

By Bennette Roach

If the Chief Minister, his Government and the Governor are sincere in their urgency about housing, then after five weeks of languishing hopes they can look forward with renewed spirits.

Before the Chief Minister left the island for the heads of government meeting in Suriname, news came that in collaboration with the British Government he had secured some form of settlement which will permit striking contractors to complete their contract with Brown & Root and finish building houses to accommodate displaced Montserratians.

DFID confirms, that the agreement reached is for the contractors to be paid immediately and, by consensus between them and Brown & Root, an adjudicator be appointed. Payments will continue to be made as billed all parties are to agree on the terms of the appointment and new rules are to be agreed in order to minimize, if not eradicate, further and future conflict.

The Chief Minister was contacted after he left the island, where he said, "Five weeks is a long period for construction to be halted." He said that he had left word with the Minister of Labour, Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, to work with DFID , Brown & Root and the contractors to finalise the matters relating to a smooth continuance of the works.

The contractors had stayed away from the job on the grounds that Brown & Root had withheld payments due on invoices they had submitted, which placed them in a position of being unable to pay their workers. They further claimed that Brown & Root's claim for withholding or deducting moneys from that due to them was erroneous, and the result of Brown & Root's own incompetence in the way they manage the materials that are continually supplied to them.

Brown and Root, on the other hand, claimed that they were holding on to the funds because the contractors had been over-supplied with materials, and were responsible under the contract for this, whether materials were wasted or otherwise mishandled.

The Chief Minister and his government, as well as DFID, had been called in to help resolve the differences. Discussions had been going on ever since, he said, with a little success when B&R reduced the sums they claimed, after having checked their own figures. The contractors then said that this concession by their hirers only proved they were correct, saying that they needed to go on the job and further address their mistakes.

Brown & Root are hired by DFID to construct houses in Montserrat to satisfy the housing needs of Montserrat in view of the volcanic crisis, which has completely devastated the southern half of the island.

Helicopter Availability Remains a Public Care

By Bennette Roach

As travelers into and out of Montserrat settle in to coping with the comforts, discomforts, disappointments and shabby facilities of traveling the ferry, there are those who still struggle with the difficulties involved in seeking the convenience of the short helicopter trip across to Antigua.

Officials responsible for the business of handling the helicopter services for Montserrat, feel that travelers, and Montserratians in particular, know the conditions under which the helicopters operate.

Governor Abbott, in addressing the matter yesterday, said: "We have a functioning helicopter on island at the moment but it is not a commercial service."

The Governor repeated to me the conditions under which the helicopters operate in Montserrat. Emphasis was on the larger one, which operates as a transport service between Montserrat and Antigua. The other, a smaller craft, serves the Montserrat Volcano Observatory in its operations in monitoring the volcano.

He said: "We cannot operate a commercial helicopter service because our facilities haven’t been certified as safe and secure. That means that any helicopter service has to be of a private arrangement. . . It is operational primarily as a standby search and rescue and medical emergencies.

"A third reason is to allow ministers, both Montserratian and British, and official visitors to access the island to and fro, and fourthly, if there are any spare seats, then members of the public may take advantage of them."

Mr. Doug Houston, head of DFID in Montserrat, had explained this before when the matter of complaining travelers had been raised with him.

The problem, however, is that it is not every day that any of the 23 persons the Governor has counted as persons falling within the groups he described, or visiting officials and dignitaries travel. So Montserrat Aviation Services Ltd. (MAS), which handles booking and other services related to the helicopter, is allowed to make passenger bookings on the helicopter.

According to Miss Sarah Silcott, manager at MAS, the bookings are made with the explanation to the would-be traveler that because persons with priorities may wish to use the service, the booking may be cancelled with some reasonable notice. The problem however, is that every now and then requests are made for persons considered to be "priority" to be put on flights with little or no time to advise others with no priority privilege.

The Governor is concerned that British officials are constantly accused of this, but he said, "I quite honestly find it hard to get the substance of it," explaining that according to information he has gathered very few of the seats are in fact used by them.

DFID officials explain that the close requests are mostly due to medical emergencies from locals who at the last moment require the service and have priority for the use of the helicopter. It is generally believed that the Governor will find support for his understanding, but that the problem is from other sources other than the five persons for whom he has immediate responsibility in his office.

It is difficult to understand the problem, since all the categories of persons described by His Excellency very rarely travel at short notice, that is within 24 hours’ notice. This was agreed to by parties sharing the priority privileges, yet the problem seems to persist, where travelers show up and then are inconvenienced because some priority person or persons show up.

An additional problem is where a priority person shows up with company as described by one Minister, who was forced to pull rank of priority.

It now seems that because of the numerous complaints of "bumping" from the list because of "priorities," efforts are being made to regularize the booking system all round. Governor Abbott had this to say further: " What I think we have to do on this is reserve a number of seats; that we leave three seats aside out of eight for government officials, and if these seats are not taken, then they could be given out to the public."

The Governor hopes for a very clear procedure that can be published and well known to everybody. He explained further, "You make sure you book ahead and if you want to go at the last minute, make an inquiry about an available seat, and very often there are, because it isn’t often that the flight goes up full. See if there is a seat available without bumping anyone. If not, just get down to the ferry. That is the attitude and policy of British officials."

Some people who claim not to bother with the helicopter service, suggest that the service should be abolished, forcing everyone to take the ferry. The argument fails, of course, since there is no 100-percent guarantee that the ferry will run on a given day because of changing sea conditions.

The Ministry of Communications and Works are expected to play and central role in the future organisation of the functions and operation of the helicopter, but the Minister was not immediately available for comment.

Post Burriss Left Remains Unfilled

The senior magistrate position in Montserrat still remains vacant a little less than two months since the post was vacated when Mr. Rhys Burriss’ contract rolled to its end in mid-January.

Mr. Burriss left the island on vacation under a cloud of rumours that he was sacked for comments associated with the jury’s findings at the Coroner’s Inquest into the 19 deaths resulting from direct volcanic activity on June 25, 1997.

Governor Abbott, who is ultimately responsible for the appointment of someone to fill the vacant spot, confirms that Mr. Burriss had applied to be reappointed to the post, but categorically denies that he is under any instruction from Whitehall not to give the job to Mr. Burriss. He stresses that the new appointment will be made based on government's policy to fill these positions firstly with Montserratians and regional applicants before others providing that a suitable person is found for the post.

The matter is waiting to be processed through the Attorney General's office, who ultimately, along with the Chief Justice, make the recommendation from among the applicants. It is understood that there have been several applicants, some of whom are very experienced.

Administration officials say that there is nothing new in the policy of appointing locals or regionals first to positions on Montserrat.

Local lawyers who appeared before Magistrate Burriss have all spoken very highly of him, each in turn saying, "I have found him to be not only very sound, but quite independent in his judgments."

As to whether they would have any objection to his reappointment, they said it would be a welcome move, since being magistrate requires a certain amount of getting used to the people they serve. One lawyer said, "Burriss brought a kind of progressive newness to the job and would be an asset to the system."

‘We’ Must Come Before ‘Me’ To Build a Better Montserrat

During our research, and while trying in our small way to keep our readers cognizant of the Y2K bug problem, we came across this exciting and simple quote: "The best way to be prepared is to have a prepared neighbor; the theory is, if you pull together as a community, you're better prepared for anything than you are if you just take care of your own needs."

These words came from Janet Luhrs of Seattle, author of "The Simple Living Guide" and co-author of the "Y2K Preparedness Guide: 110 Ways to Create A Sustainable Life - Crisis or Not."

The temptation to leave this quote in big bold and serif letters, filling up the space for this editorial, is great, but the result and reaction might be too unexpected.

Of course the writer who produced this quote was presenting it with reference to the Y2K problem where it was being suggested that minding your brother's problems was taking care of your own. But if we take a moment and think about our current situation in Montserrat, particularly over the past three and a half years, it wouldn't be long before it hit us that this applies to us more readily and more appropriately than to the Y2K problem.

Many of the problems we have faced and continue to face are derived from our virtual refusal to think not only of ourselves but to include those around us as well. This pervasive problem is huge, and it is rampant from top to bottom. Pick any topic, pick any business, any department, any office, think for a moment, and the evidence of our selfishness glares back at us. This is not to suggest that this is so with every single one of us. There are those who are genuinely concerned with the well-being and prosperity of this "still waiting to be discovered paradise."

Why is it so difficult to settle on a site for a public cemetery? Why cannot the Secondary School, even though it is temporary, be maintained in a friendly condition, where teachers and students can feel and work comfortably at all times? Is it really just "the British" who are making things difficult? These questions are small ones compared to some larger ones, like not having a common and united focus or vision!

Let's not get this wrong. The problem in dealing with someone who says one thing but schemes and plans with another, yet different intention, is difficult, but if we focus on "pulling together as a community," it becomes a tremendously simple undertaking.

Many of the problems we face, and will face in any desire to take Montserrat forward, can only be solved with a trickle in both directions. The call is on our people in high places to be cognizant of this. Montserratians learn easily. We only read or take note of the progress they have made when they are called upon to perform. It is simply human nature that when no requirements are imposed or requested, there is no response. This means that those of us at the bottom must make demands of those at the top, and those at the top must dig in at the bottom, and not just at election time.

Those of us who venture to articulate our beliefs and those of others about how we should move ahead in the next two and a half years must listen to ourselves. We must be sure that there is not too much selfishness in our presentation. It is a time to look for the overall good of Montserrat, its people and its children.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Do Not Begrudge God’s Generosity

My friend, I am not cheating you…… are you envious because I am generous?

Mathew 20:13,15

The abundance of divine generosity is hard to comprehend for the simple reason that we humans act very differently in our dealings with one another. We fully expect that those who work longer will be paid more, and no doubt we identify with the laborer’s complaint in today’s Gospel reading.

God compensates all equally. The reward of eternal life is something to which none of us has any natural right or claim, regardless of the length or quality of our service. Eternal life is God’s gift, bestowed freely. Through Jesus, all have access to it.

For Matthew, this means the Greeks as well as the Jews. For us today, it includes "new" Catholics as well as those born into the faith, and even extends to adherents of other religious traditions who follow their consciences, sincerely seeking to know and serve God. So great is God’s mercy!

Lord, help me never to begrudge the goodness you show others. Remove any trace of envy or jealousy from my heart.

Chambers Returns to Be Senior ZJB Announcer

Basil Chambers has returned to Montserrat after several years.

Chambers, has taken up the position of Senior Announcer at ZJB Radio…

He has worked at Radio Antilles, and ABS radio in Antigua in the past. He has also done some work for ZJB and the Montserrat Reporter. Chambers, who is also a top M.C., says he's very happy to be back, and hopes he can give something back to the island that has given him so much…We wish him well.

Berger Paint is back

BBC Radio & TV who also specialise in the hardware business will soon stock the paint which carries in its advertisement the phrase 'For lasting beauty and protection' and known as Berger.

A short while ago Mr. Peirson Springer, Sales Manager, export and his Sales Representative, Shawn Prescod visited with owner of BBC Radio & TV, Mr. Beresford Chalmers when they discussed the return of the product to Montserrat.

Emptying Shelters Will Remain Empty

There have recently been continuous talks and discussions over what is described as Montserrat's most pressing need, that of housing. That,of course, is key to any suggestion to Montserratians abroad to return home or even requesting that neighbouring workmen to come and assist in the building effort.

The matter comes up instantaneously as an off-shoot to any discussion or comment about land-ownership and the purchase of lands by government.

This week the Governor's office responded with an attempt to reassure the public that the shelter and housing issue is foremost on the priorities of government, by issuing the following press release:

"The Emergency Shelters were set up to provide temporary accommodation for those forced to relocate as a result of volcanic activity. The Government of Montserrat's policy has always been to help provide decent alternative accommodation for shelter residents and to close the shelters at the earliest possible opportunity. Now that it appears the eruption is in decline there should be no circumstances in which recourse to the Emergency Shelters for accommodation should be necessary.

"The Government is aware that Montserratians and permanent residents who relocated overseas may now be considering a return to the island. However, before they do so it is important that they should have made satisfactory arrangements for their accommodation. The Emergency Shelters are not available for this purpose and the Emergency Department have been instructed not to accept any new residents in the shelters.

"The Government of Montserrat is, of course, concerned to facilitate the return of anyone wishing to do so. Urgent consideration is being given to measures that may be taken to assist those who wish to return to rebuild or reclaim their homes but are unable to arrange short-term accommodation. Further announcements will be made when these measures are implemented."

The shelters continue to be described as appalling or deplorable, and it must be overwhelming news to hear that the government of Montserrat and DFID have been able to come to some understanding at resolving the contractors dispute with Brown & Root.

Montserratians in St. Kitts To Have Big Social Gala

Montserratians living in St. Kitts will be coming together on Saturday, March 6^th, at the Red Cross Building for a big social gala.

Funds for this event have been provided under the British Funded TAMEC (Targeted Assistance for Montserratian Evacuees in the Caribbean) program through the local administering agencies, the St. Kitts Christian Council and the St. Kitts Red Cross.

One of the coordinators for this event, Mrs. Denise Phillip, who is attached to the TAMEC program, says that this event is long in coming. It has been recognised that Montserratians in St. Kitts have not made enough effort to unite themselves and it is hoped that the staging of this event will form the basis for a structured organisation that would be able to identify and seek solutions for the many problems affecting Montserratians living in St. Kitts.

Special invited guests include The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, President of the Red Cross, Lady Arrindelle, and Chairman of the St. Kitts Christian Council, Rev. Elroy Christopher.

The Montserrat community in St. Kitts has already started to plan for the celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 1999, which is a national holiday in Montserrat in recognition of its national heroes.

Certificates Recognize 27 Computer Trainees

A few weeks ago, 27 students graduating from a basic computer training class gathered at the McChesney's residence, which houses the Governor's office, to receive certificates reflecting their efforts over a period of two months.

The classes were put on by Jim Lee Computers.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Angella Greenaway, Director of Development Unit, with the main speaker for the evening being Mr. Denzil Edgecombe, to whom in Mr. Lee, in his opening remarks, said: "In 1988 when you invited me to work for Edge Enterprises, little did I know how much my life would be changed forever for the better. Out of your tutoring and training has come both my career and a zeal to do like you and pass on as much as possible to others."

Mr. Lee pointed out that the students had paid for the course and had put their time and money where their hearts and minds were in completing the course. They had received an introduction to the fundamentals of computer technology, training in Windows and Microsoft Word & Excel. At the end of the training students took an exam, with most of them passing with flying colours. They varied in ages from that of students to the retired.

Tutoring was done by Lee and Miss Rhoda Lewis, both of whom had received almost all of their training locally.

While he gave credit to Mr. Edgecombe for setting him on course, Mr. Lee said that Miss Lewis owed her training amost exclusively to Mr. Bennette Roach and the Montserrat Printery and The Montserrat Reporter.

In his address, Mr. Edgecombe cited the fact that Jim Lee had come this far in the technology and stressed that Montserratians should recognise that there is no limit to the computer world and there is scope for everyone at just about any level in the field.

The evening of activities culminated with a reception for invited guests, following the distribution of certificates to the 27 participants, which ranged from distinction to attendance.

In current news, Jim Lee left the island for Barbados for a refresher, where he joins others in response to an offer from IBM to be one of their technicians in the region.

REGIONAL NEWS

Anguilla Voters Return Incumbents to Parliament

Anguilla (AP) -- Anguilla's seven legislators all were reelected, according to results released today, but the Caribbean island -- one of Britain's smallest dependencies -- still may have a new government.

The three political parties retained the same number of seats in the assembly, election officials reported today, with the former governing alliance of the Anguilla United Party and the Anguilla Democratic Party each winning two seats to three for the opposition Anguilla National Alliance.

Top issues in the election included negotiations with Texas-based Beal Aerospace, which wants to build a rocket launch pad on Anguilla's Sombrero Island for a proposed satellite delivery venture.

Beal has promised Anguilla millions of dollars in taxes and leasing fees, but environmentalists say the launch pad could affect birds that use the island as a stop during migration.

The results of the vote raised questions about whether the United Party's Hubert Hughes should remain chief minister or hand the baton to the Democrats' Victor Banks.

United Party sources said that the prospect of losing leadership of the island might push Hughes into a coalition with the National Alliance, which has urged caution in negotiations for the proposed launch pad. It was not clear when a decision on the makeup of the government would be made.

Hughes, who has only lost his seat once since 1976, is a supporter of the rocket launch pad.

Another priority for Anguilla, population of 10,000, is a new British policy for its overseas territories scheduled for release March 15.

Hughes contends Britain hasn't consulted its territories on the policy, which could affect local tax regimes, offshore banking regulations and citizenship rights.

Antigua candidates challenged

Antigua, CANA - Lawyers representing Antigua and Barbuda's main opposition United Progressive Party, yesterday filed a constitutional motion, challenging nomination of five Antigua Labour Party candidates, contesting the general elections. The people in question, Molwyn Joseph, George Bernard Walker, Sherfield Bowen, Rupert Sterling and Guy Yearwood, are being challenged, because they allegedly hold dual citizenship. The objections were filed last week Friday. General elections are due in Antigua and Barbuda, on March 9^.

American Airlines Offers Double Mileage Credits

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- American Airlines is offering it’s AADVANTAGE members who live and have their AADVANTAGE address in the Caribbean the opportunity to earn double mileage on all flights within the Caribbean and between the Caribbean and the United States.

All Caribbean AADVANTAGE members are automatically registered for this promotion. The double-mileage will be credited for travel March 1 through March 31.

"As winter draws to a close, this is a great time to travel," said Michael W. Gunn, American’s senior vice president of marketing. "We’ve got plenty of seats available, but with this offer they won’t last long."

American’s double miles offer is applicable for all published fares.

Graham to be Chief Executive

Cable and wireless plc announced today 22^nd February 1999 that Graham Wallace will be its new Chief Executive with immediate effect.

Graham Wallace has been Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless Communications plc, the UK’s leading provider of integrated communications, since February 1997. He oversaw completion of the four-way merger, which formed Cable, & Wireless Communications and the listing of the company’s shares in London and in New York in April 1997. Graham Wallace has been an executive director of Cable and Wireless Communications plc.

Sir Ralph Robins, Chairman of Cable and Wireless plc, said: "Having Measured our internal candidates against the best available elsewhere in the world, I am delighted to say Graham was the clear leader. In addition to the skills he has demonstrated as Chief Executive of Cable & Wireless Communications, he is familiar with the Company’s global operations; it’s people and its strategy. He will, I am sure, lose no time in driving the company forward on the course the Board has set and confirmed.

"We are very grateful to Rod Olsen, who has, once again, shown a steady hand as he kept the Company on track during a period of uncertainty. His efforts have ensured that the pace of development has not slackened."

Graham Wallace said: "I am delighted at the prospect of leading Cable & Wireless, Data and Internet are transforming the global communications business, and Cable & Wireless is well placed to capitalise on the huge growth prospects in this market."

Lawrence Probe Finds London Police Force ‘Fundamentally Racist’

Compiled from Dispatches

LONDON – The brutal slaying of black teenager Stephen Lawrence by five young white thugs sent charges of racism echoing across Britain since 1993. The incompetence of the London police who investigated the killing failed to produce a single conviction, which heightened demands in the black community to call the police to account.

Senior officers involved in the investigation conceded that they had botched the case, and even officially apologized to the dead 17-year-d’s parents. All but one retired on pension, before official might have been taken against them.

British society and police officials adamantly denied the persistent charges of institutional racism.

All those denials were stifled on Wednesday, when an official inquiry report denounced the ineptitude of the London police force and declared it to be "fundamentally racist."

The government immediately announced it would broaden anti-discrimination laws and make immediate changes in policing methods.

"This is a general problem we have to face as a society," Prime Minister Tony Blair warned in a television interview. "It will require a determination that the real monument to Stephen Lawrence is not to be found in the laws passed by Parliament, but in the fundamental change in attitude in our society."

"It certainly has been an eye opener for ordinary middle England people," said Virginia Gibbons of the state-funded Commission for Racial Equality.

"Before, people thought, 'Oh, racism doesn't really exist,' or they thought it was just something you have to put up with, like you put up with the rain. Now they are realizing, 'No, you shouldn't have to put up with this. No one should.'"

The Associated Press reported that callers to TV talk shows said Thursday that they felt ashamed, and many British ethnic minorities felt the report was a lesson for the nation's 93 percent white majority.

Ethnic minorities, mainly descendants of immigrants from India, Pakistan and other former colonies in the Caribbean, now make up almost 7 percent of Britain's 56 million people. But they are still poorly represented in many fields, including the military, police and the media.

Last year, the Household Division, an elite army unit that guards Queen Elizabeth II, was accused of institutionalized racism" and ordered to boost recruitment of minorities. Home Secretary Jack Straw has also told every police force in the nation to hire more Asian and black officers.

"It is a society which is deeply formed by its colonial and its imperialist past," said Jude Woodward, a coordinator of the National Assembly against Racism. "Most people are probably not overtly racist, but there is a big wellspring of prejudice and misunderstanding."

The Associated Press quoted John Thompson, a third-generation English-born member of family that left the West Indies years ago. "I walk into a store, and I can see the owner straighten his back and start to watch me," the 16-year-old black youth said. "There are some places -- more than you'd think -- where if you're black, you're not welcome. They don't come out and say it, but you know."

Yet Britain is also a country that has anti-discrimination laws dating from the 1970s and where racial disturbances are rare.

Jamaican-born Gary Brown, 24, told an AP reporter things are getting better. "For a long time, no one paid any attention." he said. "But now people seem to be charged up about changing things."

^{West Indies Cricket Inspires 1st Lewis CD}

^{Paul Lewis, a young man originally from upper Dyers, is showing why Montserratians are so highly thought of in the entertainment arena. He has just released his first CD, entitled "Beginnings." The CD has two tracks, "Windies" and "Show It Off'."}

The lyrics were written by Lewis and his very good friend and neighbour, Nelson Fred Thompson. All instruments were played by one of the island's top musicians, Hodge Daley, while Elizabeth Piper did the background vocals; Steve Ryan did the recording’ the master CD was done by Dave Williams, and Chadd Cumberbatch did the design.

Lewis says the idea of a CD came about, "after the worst ever defeat by a West Indies team." Lewis says the West Indies team were not technically prepared to challenge South Africa, who were much more focused.

Lewis, who also won two school calypso titles at CAST in Jamaica, still thinks the guys can "rebound and at least come up with a draw" against the world champions, Australia. He thinks the guys need to get back to basics and be positive.

Lewis' music can now be heard on ZJB, ABS and ZDK in Antigua, and is a must for all cricket and calypso lovers. He is a senior electrical inspector in the Physical Planning Unit.

His music should be on the market in two weeks.

History, Culture, Education And the Nature of Man

By Dr. Roy F Lee

Generalisimo Franco of Spain, during his tenure of dictatorship, did not bother too much about searching for solutions. He believed in waiting things out; eventually solutions normally emerge. There is, however, a key point: one has to create the right environment if, as Franco’s approach would suggest, solutions do emerge ultimately.

In another approach, there are those who think of themselves as rational human beings who study the situation logically, systematically weighing all the factors before arriving at a decision. But it may be that such individuals are not quite as organized as they would like to believe. Substantially, under certain conditions, it is not education that is the major factor in determining behaviour; rather it is culture. And the urges toward cultural orthodoxy are often more potent than those of reason acquired in the halls of learning. When the educated appears to be just as much a fool as the uneducated, therein lies the reason.

History has seen the progress in the level of mankind’s education but when we look on the mistakes of the past and present it makes us wonder. We see from history, and today, the abnormalities of life. We see man’s inhumanity to man, the destruction of our natural resources, which must inevitably lead to disaster for the world, yet there are no reversions of the follies taking their tolls.

There were once the great forests of Central Asia that spread eastward to the Himalayas. To the north they went all the way to the Caspian, and in the west to the Mediterranean. In many parts of Africa, shrubbery and encroaching deserts have replaced much of the major forests of that great region of the earth. From before Christ to the present we have seen the degradation of life in our physical world – in the depletion or near destruction of the world’s forests, of the faunas in so many regions of the earth, and of the fish in our rivers and seas. All of those disasters had been occurring in conjunction with the significant progress in almost all aspects of human endeavour. In the fields of technology and the efficiency of human interaction, both in the physical surroundings and the social, progress has been nothing short of spectacular. But it has been progress on the one hand, and disaster on the other.

It has been of such proportions that almost all forms of nature’s handiwork – mankind and all forms of life, including the earth itself – are currently in mortal danger. Progress has been a two-edged sword, as with the Promethean gift of fire to man, providing a source for sustenance while at the same time wreaking havoc. One would be, or at least should be, able to expect that this paradoxical nature of progress should not be so evident in the human spirit. But when we look back into history, little if anything seems to have changed.

When the Greeks, that is, the Athenians in particular, conducted their version of democratic discourse, the moral turpitude in the public figure’s quest and thirst for power at all costs was obvious. Pericles, the Athenian statesman, general and orator had spoken of this during the Peloponnesian wars. (Peloponnesus being the peninsula forming the southern part of Greece.) Pericles had warned the Athenians that the difficulties in which they found themselves were substantially caused by the type of leaders they had been choosing.

They had chosen leaders who twisted and distorted the social and political environment, souring the public persona and making for a vengeful spirit among the populace. All of this placed the people firmly in the hands of manipulative leaders whose sole purpose was aggrandizement of power – the damage to the state of no consequence once their thirst was satiated.

Pericles then urged the Athenians to return to their roots and to rely on leaders with rural backgrounds not sullied with the greed and avarice for power so common among those who resided in the towns. The desire to serve the people out of a sense of public duty rather than the ambition for personal power and wealth was essential to proper governance, and this was difficult to find among the city folks.

We look at our current leaders in Montserrat and at Pericles and his world, and we know it is time to ponder.

The human spirit has been deformed to such an extent that the old Theban call (centuries before Christ) for more police, more prisons and harsher penalties are echoing today with so much venom and malice that an impartial observer from other parts would have difficulty distinguishing the prosecutor from the accused. The soul of man, as with his environment, has been raped and is lying in the dust. And there will be no reversion of the damage to the physical world until there is some healing in man’s wounded soul.

The systematic mass murders on the altar of religion, as in the Crusades of the 11^th century and later, the hubris of the illusion of racial superiority, as evidenced in the beastly and barbaric enslavement of man by man for profit, and the European exploitation by force of the less violent and greedy members of the human race in colonial hegemony are all manifestations of this wounded soul of man. The predator mentality of the colonialists, whether their victims were or are called colonies or dependent territories, is still the same.

The harshness of the white supremacist mentality from the 1600s on has not really changed for the British. When the British returned to the Falkland Islands there was no begging by the islanders – they were of the white race. In Montserrat, we had to beg and beg and beg, and must still beg.

And we look again at our leaders of the past and the present in Montserrat, and at Pericles and his world, and we should understand why there is no faith in our leadership.

Viv’s Greatest Asset: the Will To Win

and This Can Be Emulated

By James White Jr.

The debates that we have had (and I think concluded) on the merits of sound batting techniques and lightning speed reflexes, these debates, though interesting and enlightening in and of themselves, ought not to blind us to the real reason why we play: we play to win.

And so, while we agree that Sir Vivian Isaac Alexander Richards’ batting is one of a kind, and not to be emulated, we must recognize that it was Sir Viv’s will to win that gave his batting its special quality.

Let me cite you one example: West Indies versus India at Sabina Park, Jamaica, 1983. The game appears to be heading to a dull draw.

Anderson Montgomery (Andy) Roberts, however, engineers a collapse of the Indian batting, giving West Indies a ghost of a chance. We must score over 140 runs in 20 overs. And this is a test match, not a one-day game. So no limits on bowling or fielding apply.

West Indies begins a response where Cuthbert Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Leo Haynes are trying mightily to score runs, but it’s not happening. Meanwhile, we have been told that Viv is ill, with an injured shoulder.

Greenidge gets dismissed and Clive Hubert Lloyd, usually batting at number six, elevates himself to number three. He is indeed the fastest scorer in the team after Viv. But it is still not happening.

Kapil Dev and his men are bowling and fielding well and the overs are disappearing. Then Lloyd gets out - and all appears lost.

But not quite. Defying doctor’s orders and with Lloyd out in the middle and thus unable to stop him, Richards pads up and walks out to the middle. Thereby began one of the most astonishing and scintillating performances of the ‘Master Blaster’s’ career. Writhing over in pain after every shot, and taking pain killers which don’t seem to be doing much good, Richards launches an unbelievable assault against Kapil Dev and his bowlers.

Sixes and fours seem to flow off his bat with consumate ease - except that he’s bent over in pain after every one. Richards is finally out for 61 runs. West Indies thus wins the game with Peter Jeffery Dujon and Augustine (Gus) Logie putting on finishing touches to what the ‘Master Blaster’ had started.

Of this innings, former Pakistani skipper Imran Khan said it convinced him that statistics could never reveal the full measure of one Sir Vivian Isaac Alexander Richards.

What was in fact on display was something far more difficult to measure, an intangible quality, the will to win, the fires burning in the belly, even the odds seem insurmountable. It tells us why Germany’s greatest soccer player, Franz Beckenbauer, refused to leave the field with a broken hand in a World Cup final, or why Mr. Basketball Michael Jordan, sick like a dog, went into the Delta Centre in Utah and scored the winning basket.

They, like Richards, placed their skills at the service of a greater cause, the glory of the team - even when their bodies seemed to tell them its all over. How about you Mr. Brian Charles Lara ?

Again we see this in Richards’ captaincy of the West Indies. With a team that no longer had Lloyd (19 centuries in 175 innings) or Angelo Hilary (Larry) Gomes (9 centuries in 91 innings), Richards was left with a middle order batting lineup substantially weaker. (Logie 2 centuries in 78 innings, and Carl Hooper now (9 centuries in 132 innings were the replacements).

By 1987, two years into his captaincy, Richards also lost the services of Joel ‘Big Bird’ Garner and the Rolls Royce of fast bowling, Michael Holding, and never had had the services of Roberts and Colin Croft, who left West Indies cricket in 1983.

Sir Viv never really had four truly all-time great fast bowlers under his captaincy. But, with Malcom Marshall, considered the greatest of them all, and with the speedy development of Curtly Ambrose, Ian Bishop, Courtney Walsh, and with contributions also from Patrick Patterson, Winston Davis, Winston Benjamin, he attempted and succeeded to keep the West Indies flag flying high.

At the end of his captaincy, Sir Viv had captained the West Indies in 50 tests, won 27, lost eight and drew 15, so that although Lloyd remains the winningest captain with 74 tests, 36 wins, 12 losses and 26 draws, on a percentage basis, the ‘Master Blaster’s figures are almost a carbon copy of Lloyd’s, and in fact, actually exceed those of Lloyd by the smallest of percentage points.

It is the will to win that was Viv’s most compelling asset and one which Lara and his men can emulate, no matter what the pundits around the world might say.

Remember the saying -- where there’s a will, there’s always a way -- whether it be orthodox or unorthodox -- if the will is there, West Indies can beat the Australians.

It has been done before.

To Lara and the boys, good luck.  

David to Goliath

The new HQ’s costs were absurd,

But DFID you’ve not got the word.

Take your recent stealth audit,

Did you think we’d applaud it?

In London our voice will be heard.

The Empty Nest

Historians will some day record

That Montserrat once could afford,

With armed efforts to narrow

The escape stretch of Sparrow,

A one-thousand-dollar reward.

JUS' WONDERIN'

Jus wonderin why civil servants are not paid overtime and the days allocated for this purpose are not given when requested.

Jus wonderin why favoritism and nepotism are the criteria for the housing distribution.

Jus wonderin why Montserratians overseas are assigned houses here while some living on island are put on the waiting list.

Jus wonderin what will happen to the WHITE HOUSE at Geralds when the inmates are transferred to the Brades Complex.

Jus wonderin if and why the gas tanks are not replenished when low, instead of waiting until the supply is totally depleted.

Jus wonderin who and if it is the new thing, to use the Police Force as a stepping stone.

Jus wonderin how favourable the scientists latest report will be to Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if recent developments with the helicopter will change how matters are handled with the booking and priorities.

Jus wonderin why Montserratians do not realise that they do not have a right to fly on the helicopter especially that they do not pay a costed fare.

Jus wonderin why people other than those people who would normally be granted free passes or reduced fare if LIAT was operating the service, should be allowed free rides on the helicopter.

Jus wonderin if we will have to wiat three years or more to have an operable airstrip.

Jus wonderin why Isle's Bay, Foxes Bay, Richmond Hill and Cork Hill should be tied into the safety factors at Bramble airport.

Jus wonderin when the pyroclastic flows ran over Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay, Cork Hill and Isle's Bay.

Jus wonderin how fast the evaporation of the liquid waste takes place at Little Bay even when the sun is steaming hot.

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Caribbean Development Bank Audit

Engagement of Organisation and Management Consultants Operations Audit

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is undertaking a strategic planning exercise so as to position itself to meet the challenges of the new century. The exercise involves, inter alia, an operations audit, the objective of which is to provide CDB’s Management with the information necessary to identify opportunities for enhancing/maintaining CDB’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. This will include the development of proposals for changes in organisational structures, policies, procedures and processes, technical infrastructure and staff development programmes, where necessary.

CDB is hereby inviting qualified consulting firms or joint ventures interested in undertaking this operations audit to submit qualification information which should include details of similar assignments undertaken, organisation and staffing, curricular vitae of prospective staff who may be assigned for these services and information on financial capability, including audited financial statements for the last three years, which will be held in strict confidence. All qualification information submitted is required to be in English.

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised and have their principal places of business in one of the member countries of the CDB or the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and are more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or bona fide resident or residents of one more of the member countries of CDB or the Kingdom of the Netherlands or a body or bodies corporate meeting these requirements.

Consultants, whether acting singly or in joint ventures, are required to each submit a completed copy of a questionnaire and required documentation to Miss Fay Alleyne, Human Resources Officer, CDB at the address below. Copies of the questionnaire are available on CDB’s web site http://www.caribank.org.

After evaluation of the information submitted, a shortlist of consultants and/or joint ventures of consultants will be selected and invited to submit proposals for the provision of the services. The Terms of Reference for the study will be made available to the short-listed consultants.

All submissions are to be received at the address below by March 29, 1999. CDB shall not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and shall not be responsible for any cost incurred by the applicants.

^{CDB WORKSHOP}

^{The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be hosting a one-day Workshop for consultants from Caribbean regional member countries of CDB, on April 26, 1999 at the Hilton Hotel, Barbados.}