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CM Brandt Presents 1999 Budget,

Explains Its Fiscal Limitations

"As a responsible Government influenced by the need for fiscal discipline, we cannot simply introduce revenue-reducing measures, justifiable as they are. That has been indicated to us in no uncertain terms by the British Government. They have made it absolutely clear that if we wish to reduce taxes in one area, we have to find ways of raising the same amount of revenue to off-set the reduction."

That was the honourable Chief Minister, in his capacity as Minister of Finance and Development, as he presented the island's 1999 budget to the legislature on Thursday evening.

The occasion is usually one of expectation and anxiety as people wait anxiously to learn first hand the fiscal plans for the current year. Their concerns are usually about new tax measures and generally about matters that will directly affect their own finances.

The attendance at the Legislative Council meeting was small compared to what can be expected when the Chief Minister's presentation comes up for debate at the next sitting of the legislature, booked to take place on Monday at 10.00 a.m.

In his speech the Minister of Finance delivered his address under three main headings: Domestic Economy, Sectoral Programmes and Projects and Public Finances, prefaced by International and Regional Issues and ending with a Conclusion.

Sections of interest to the public would be his outlines under the Sectoral Programmes and Projects and Public Finances.

Under Sectoral Programmes, he dealt with roads, port, water, health, education, housing settlements, physical development and land management, public service reform, information technology, sports and recreation, culture and agriculture, tourism and private enterprise.

Under Public Finances he did a fiscal review, spoke to the public debt, fiscal prospects, development expenditure and the area to which most would have paid attention, fiscal proposals.

On the Sectoral Programmes and Projects he reported briefly on the current status and indicated what further action is to be taken during 1999. "Air access to Montserrat remained limited to the helicopter service…it is our expectation that the building of a certified helicopter facility to meet International Civil Aviation standards and recommended practices would take place in 1999," the CM said, with no mention of an airport facility whatever in the budget address.

The Chief Minister said in response to the many complaints government has received in connection with the helicopter service, "the Ministry of Communications & Works has therefore implemented measures to improve the reservation and check-in system, and thus avoid future occurrences of this unfair practice."

The total budget to be spent on Montserrat for the current period is EC$169,329,640. Of this, the recurrent budget amount is $56,839,640. Ministries and Departments $56,399,500; with DFID $55,065,600 and Caricom $1,025,000.

This shows the total development expenditure from all sources for 1999 to be $112,490,100. "However it is technically incorrect to include DFID expenditure in the appropriation, since no GOM official is accounting for it, and its expenditure is not subject to audit by this island's Auditor-General," the CM carefully pointed out, expressing what recently has been causing some concern to government and opposition members alike.

It is expected that more of this will be discussed during the debate on Monday. Former Chief Minister Reuben Meade had earlier this week called on Mr. Brandt to include in his budget relief to Montserratians who remained in Montserrat throughout the crisis, such as duty concessions for household items, tax free salaries, and material assistance to people from south of Belham. Some of these matters were addressed, but the Chief Minister had some reasons why government was unable to do more. This appears in part at the beginning of this story. He further supported his Government’s desires to help Montserratians by quoting a letter of 18^th June, 1998, which said it was "criminal to require people to continue paying for houses which are no longer on the face of the earth…," mentioning that when others are approached on the matter, his government is constantly reminded that they are still collecting."

In his conclusion, the Chief Minister offered "the usual expression of gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat for the support we have continued to receive during the past year from numerous individuals and organizations." He made references to Department for International Development (DFID,) the European Union (EU), Caricom and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for their support.

Of DFID he said, "despite occasional differences, we remain fully appreciative of the major contribution that agency has made to our recent achievements."

Next week, after the debate, the Reporter hopes to enlist the help of one our finance editorial contributors to give a report and account or review of the budget.

The full text of the Budget can be found at: http://www.mratgov.com/budget_speech_1999.htm  (opens in a new window)

DFID RELEASE ON MONTSERRATIANS WISHING TO RETURN HOME

In his budget address the Chief Minister spoke to the issue of Montserratians who relocated during the volcanic crisis and wishing to return home.

This morning DFID confirmed the CM's remarks with a news release headed "Britain to introduce return air fare scheme for Montserratian Evacuees." The scheme comes with conditions requiring applicants to demonstrate their residency as at 18^th July, 1995; provide an address on the island where they will be able to live upon their return; show that they have been relocated for a period of at least six months; and provide written certification they do not have savings equivalent to more than EC$44,000.

The scheme, according to the news release from DFID, will be administered in Antigua by its office there and in the UK by the Montserrat Community Support Trust (MCST). The office in Antigua will be open to applicants living in other islands in the Caribbean. Registration is to begin after May 1 in the Caribbean and June 1 in the UK.

DFID advertises their web site where such and other information may be obtained: http://www.dfid.gov.uk.

What a Show! What an Experience!

As reported by Doug Darby

After months of planning and one postponement caused by Hurricane Georges, the long awaited "Many Happy Returns II (Take 2) Concert finally took place on Friday, March 19^th at Gerald’s Bottom.

What a great night it was! After eight straight days of 12-hour workdays put in by the unsung, dedicated crew led by Chris Runciman, and untold hours of volunteerism from local organizations to prepare the grounds, stage and sound system, the show got under way just around 7:45 PM. After Frederic Titus led performances by masquerade troops from the Brades and St. Augustine schools, and the Defence Force "No Fair" Iron Band announced the opening, the show got underway with an impromptu acoustic mini-set by Bimshaw. That was followed by truly inspired performances by each of the local Calypsonians, Hustler, Cupid, and Hero, all backed expertly by Montserrat’s own SOCA band, Silicosis.

Following brief speeches by the Honorable Governor Anthony Abbott and the Honorable Chief Minister David Brandt, the international aspect of the concert began with a fine performance by the traditional Irish music band, "Kissing Stone." Their music, so wonderfully and warmly received by an ever-growing audience of 3,000 or more, tied the concert to Montserrat’s Irish tradition and the week-long St. Patrick’s Day festivities that had been planned by Ernestine Cassell and the Tourist Board.

The show continued with a rousing performance by the 22-member strong London Community Gospel Choir. The Choir, led by Montserratian Rev. Bazil Meade, held its audience in the palm of its hand from the very first moment they took the stage, and they absolutely stole the show! Their voices soared, their harmonies thrilled, and their energy and on-stage choreography had everyone wanting to hear more!

And as if that was not enough, the show closed with the excitement generated by the first performance at home in seven years by ARROW with his full Multi-National Force Band. The energy level generated by Montserrat’s own international ambassador of SOCA music and his band was amazing. And as a grand finale, Arrow invited members of the Gospel Choir, as well as the other performers who had played that night, to join him on stage to sing his Montserrat anthem, "Montserrat Nice." It was quite a night!

The success of the concert only told part of the "Many Happy Returns" story. The international musicians and most of the journalists covering the concert, for publications including Reuters, BBC, Sky TV, Radio 5 Live, Caribbean Travel and Life, Express Newspapers and LIAT Islander among others, arrived on Wednesday, March 17^th, and had the chance to enjoy Montserratian hospitality for a few days.

They arrived with extraordinarily high levels of enthusiasm for their visit and they left on Saturday having maintained that energy and enthusiasm for Montserrat from their experiences here.

From their initial arrival at the Port (greeted by the sounds of the String Band) with wonderfully smooth and efficient treatment from Immigrations and Customs (one journalist unsolicitedly said he had never experienced such friendly clearance), to their living and travel arrangements, they all raved about how wonderful their Montserrat experience was.

While they were here, they stayed with volunteer host families, and while some of them shared rental vans provided for them, others were assigned to a van operated by Arthur Brooks. They were also treated to a tour of the island organized by the Tourist Board, a dinner at one of the bed and breakfasts, a beach barbecue at Woodlands and receptions at the Governor’s home and at a private residence. Having spoken to all the host families about their experiences with their guests and having watched as addresses were exchanged at the port upon departure, one can only imagine the extent of good will generated by the Many Happy Returns concert experience.

Beside the concert itself, the London Community Gospel Choir and "Kissing Stone" also performed for the residents of the Golden Years and Hill View Homes, as well as for the patients at the hospital. In addition, after everyone had gone and the concert was over, organizers of the concert, Mr. Peter Filleul and Chris Runciman, hosted seminars for performers and technicians to share their expertise and over 25 years’ experience each in different aspects of the music business.

Talk of "Many Happy Returns III" has already begun and it is hoped that future "Many Happy Returns" will happen. However, much planning, cooperation and sponsorship will be necessary. With continued support from international sponsors such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Guinness, and Gibson Musical Instruments, along with continued enthusiasm and willingness of the local community to support and sponsor the volunteer effort, Montserrat will be able to have more "Many Happy Returns" in the future. MHR II (Take 2) was quite a show! Quite an experience! 

By Angela Burns-Piper & Bennette Roach

"Towards a New Telecommunications Policy," "Rebalancing: What it Means and How Will it Work," Opening up the Market - The Bermuda Story," "The Millennium - How Ready are we?," "Products and Services - What's Here and What's Coming?" and "The Changing Role of Caribbean Journalists."

These were some of the issues discussed at a March 13 meeting at the Barbados Hilton, hosted by Cable & Wireless (C&W) and the Caribbean news Agency CANA.

The workshop was attended by Journalists/Reporters and C & W Marketing and Communications Representatives from the BVI, Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and the host country of Barbados.

The resource persons included Chief Executive of C & W BARTEL Trevor Clarke, Regional Media Consultant George John, the General Managers of C & W Anguilla and Bermuda, Sutcliffe Hodge and Eddie Saints respectively, Colin Little - Director/Sales & Marketing C & W Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, Patricia Henry - C & W's Millennium Programme Director, Mallik Penamatsa - Head of Products and Services C & W CAI, and General Manager of CANA Trevor Simpson.

The meeting was intended not only to update Journalists on the latest developments (technical and non-technical) in the telecommunications industry in the Caribbean, but also to afford C & W an opportunity to interface with media professionals to share the company's various perspectives on the state of telecommunications in this region.

"The idea was to have good faith input into the discussion of issues confronting the industry, so that solutions proposed will redound to the benefits of all the people of the Caribbean," said Pat Bynoe-Clarke, External Relations Manager of Cable & Wireless CAI.

Addressing the opening of the conference, Chief Executive of C & W BARTEL Trevor Clarke noted that Cable & Wireless is currently in discussion with the OECS on telecommunications reform and the company is pleased with the way the discussions are going.

In recent times, there have been several calls for the opening up of the market in this region, and a number of governments have taken action and given commitments to move this forward.

"We at Cable and Wireless believe that with the introduction of an efficient and independent regulatory body, the time will come when the markets will be opened, but this must be done on a fair and level playing field," said Mr Clarke.

Cable & Wireless currently operates in some of the world's most competitive environments, such as London and Hong Kong.

The C & W/BARTEL official noted that the telecommunications industry in the Caribbean, and indeed the world, is changing rapidly, and we in the Caribbean must make every effort to keep up with these changes.

Meantime, a call was made for the establishment of a Regional Press Council.

Veteran Caribbean Journalist George John, in his feature address, listed this as one of the urgent issues that should be examined as we look at the changing scene and the new concepts of journalism.

He contended that if the role of the journalist in this region has changed, the impact has been at the local level where such concerns as press freedom, political influence in the media, relationships between government and media are paramount.

Among the other issues he suggested that should be tackled regionally if they are to be resolved, are the need to sensitize Managers and Editors to the importance of regional news, the need for Caribbean Journalists to really know each other, and above all, the need for training, especially in the use of English.

The General Manager of C & W in Bermuda, Eddie Saints, spoke to the issue of opening up of the markets.

"Competition is here to stay and we welcome it, but the model and approach must be right to make it effective and last," he told the regional media practitioners in Barbados.

Mr. Saints made it clear that there are issues paramount to the opening up of the market, and these include re-balancing and Universal Service Obligation; equal access to customers and networks; effective administration of the telecommunications industry; legislation to support multi-carrier/service provide environment and governance over the industry; clear vision, direction for industry and players and tight control and clarity of license issuance, scope, obligation and deliverables.

He also said there are certain economic factors which need to be taken into consideration, such as the size of the market, pressures on costs, employment levels, the wealth of the country and its people, technology development and convergence and the degree of community support.

"In the rush to competition however, governments must take the time to prepare the environment for competition and have the right framework in place to support the chosen model for competition," the

C & W GM for Bermuda cautioned.

Colin Little, Director Sales & Marketing for Cable and Wireless in the Caribbean and the Atlantic, reported on a meeting in St Lucia earlier this month with Telecommunications Ministers from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States on the OECS and Telecommunications reform process.

Last October, OECS authorities put together a draft policy aimed at introducing competition, providing for a reduction in rates, the allocation of radio frequencies etc.

The C & W team was presented with the documents and heard governments' reasons and plans for the implementation of the reform.

In St Lucia two weeks ago, Mr. Little said, Cable & Wireless told the OECS Ministers that the company would be happy to work with them through this process, to seek the best possible model for telecommunications in the islands.

"Montserrat Needs to Talk Seriously With HMG’s Resident Spokesman"

There should be cause for wonder that after 18 months Governor Anthony Abbott has never seen it necessary to hold a full press conference. It must, however, be quickly acknowledged that he has held several private interviews and appeared at press conferences with the Chief Minister and visiting British Officials on other occasions.

Also, until last week the governor has always been available and answered questions on any matter.

Perhaps this is not official practice but rather the style of the individual, but it is certainly very different from that of Governor Savage.

This past week the Governor and his powers have come under attack from the Chief Minister and other commentators. Robin Cook's White Paper does not directly address the issue of constitutional change and upgrade. While the issue of British citizenship for Britain’s population of 150,000 in what are now called Overseas Territories seems attractive, there are matters which have caused concern among the residents.

In Montserrat the issue of legalising homosexuality among consenting adults and the lack of any direct constitutional change have received some attention, in the former case perhaps too much.

It may be that the matter becomes a non-issue, especially in that what it talks about is "homosexual acts between consenting adults in private," as Governor Abbott has pointed out. The argument that this already prevails in Montserrat, very privately, and that Montserratians have not shown any prejudice or hatred of any kind to those believed to practice the inclination, may be logical.

What needs to be done is that if Montserratians, a religious people, say they do not wish to legalise it, that must be stated by their government and the matter then left to HMG to do as it usually does -- what it pleases.

However, for Governor Abbott to tell people that "there is no link" between citizenship and the legalisation of homosexuality must be misleading. Mr. Cook presents a White Paper which sets down, in the Governor's own words,"responsibilities on both sides." What does he wish us to understand by that?

It is true that an individual may or may not choose British citizenship, but what happens if the people, through their government, say "we are not interested in citizenship within the terms of the White Paper"? We can only hope that Governor Abbott, who speaks for HMG, will be willing to answer this and other questions publicly and not privately.

The White Paper speaks to several other important issues, which have to be talked about more, such as:

• measures promoting more open, transparent and accountable government;
• improvements to the composition of legislatures and their operation;
• improving the effectiveness, efficiency, accountability and impartiality of the public service;
• the role of Overseas Territory Ministers and Executive Councils and their exercise of collective responsibility for government policy and decisions;
• respect for the rule of law and the constitution;
• the promotion of representative and participative government;
• freedom of speech and information;
• the provision of high standards of justice;

What is important to Montserrat is serious and sincere consideration in the months to come about what these discussions and changes could mean for us, so that we need not dwell any further on a single issue, but to take a position and move on to the others.

For instance, the matter of "respect for the rule of law and the constitution" should be taken up. We must push for changes to it to match up with the other plans being discussed.

And let us not forget the matter of "the provision of high standards of justice." There is cause for concern, and surely where a people is being controlled by outsiders, it cannot meet some of the expressions by HMG.

The requests made to the HMG 10 years ago should be revisited and, as part of this new partnership, a new constitution written. Chief Minister Brandt has said that his government intends to take action in this regard, but it must be turned into action quickly.

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

GRACE IS BANGING ON OUR DOOR

 There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being Luke 18:2

A parable is a pearl of wisdom set in a particular context by the evangelist for pastoral purposes. We have to remove the jewel from the context in order to get at the reality proposed by the parable, which shocks us into an experience of who we are and what motivates our conduct.

We are the unjust judge. The widow represents the kingdom of God - grace that is constantly banging on our door, morning, noon and night, pleading, "Do me justice." Or more specially, "How about spending some time in prayer? How about forgiving your enemy? How about seeking reconciliation with the members of your family? How about helping someone in need?"

Or again, "Accept the dark side of your personality. Take note of the feelings that hinder your relationships, your efforts to forgive and not to judge. Where are they coming from?" These are the things that the divine widow has in mind when she pleads, "Do me justice!" In other words, " compassionate as your heavenly Father is compassionate."

NEWS BRIEFS

Dominica Disaster Simulation Draws 2 Montserrat Participants

Two officers from the Emergency Department are to represent Montserrat in a regional simulation exercise.

The activity, dubbed Unity Exercise 199 or UNEX – 1 ’99, will be carried out by the Regional Security System in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and the Pan American Health Organization.

Logistics Officer Horatio Tuitt and Patricia Farrell, who will deal with shelter management, are to participate in the exercise.

UNEX 99 is to practice and assess Dominica’s ability to respond to a national disaster caused by seismic activity leading to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in order to enhance the country’s disaster management capability.

During the exercise, several functional areas of the Dominica Disaster Plan, including the EOC Management and Operations, evacuation, search and rescue and Communications, will be evaluated.

The emergency response functions being tested have been targeted for regional support to enhance Dominica’s capability to respond to situations that may arise out of the present volcanic crisis.

The staging of UNEX – 1 99 will reflect the region’s capacity to plan, organize and execute an exercise that utilizes only Caribbean resources and funding.

Virgin Islands Montserratians Come Home to Visit, Celebrate

Several members of the Montserrat Emerald Association of the Virgin Islands were on island last weekend.

The group planned its visit to celebrate St. Patrick’s Week including the Many Happy Returns Concert.

The group said the Association has been working hard raising funds to help Montserratians both here and in the Virgin Islands and expressed plesure with the recovery of the island after the destruction caused by the volcano.

Cable & Wireless Targets Millennium Bug

Sweeney’s¾ "Cable & Wireless is fully aware of the huge potential impact of the millennium problem and is actively engaged in addressing it to ensure a secure and stable service to customers up to, during and beyond the Year 2000," says Interim General Manager Neville Dublin.

The Cable & Wireless Millennium Readiness Programme for the Caribbean region commenced in March 1997 to ensure that Cable & Wireless and its regional business units are prepared well in advance for the new millennium. Millennium readiness means that a variety of date dependent network equipment, together with the supporting computer applications and business equipment, all have to be remedied to recognise dates before, during and after the change of the century. To date Cable & Wireless Montserrat has achieved full compliance on its core systems.

"Our core systems comprise the billing and customer services systems; financial systems; local area network and transmission systems, including our international switches," Millennium Project Manager and Head of Operations and Internal Resources, Clifton Riley explains.

"In other words, we have made our core systems millennium ready (that is, they will work up to, during and after 1^st January 2000)."

Mr. Riley says that Cable & Wireless is in the process of making the payphone network and voicemail system millennium ready. Mr. Riley also pointed out that the company is taking action to deal with the forthcoming Year 2000-risk date of 9th April 1999. This is the 99^th day of the year and some people believe that this could cause disruption in systems where the ordinal date is used. An ordinal date is the date expressed as the number of the day and the year. For example, the 1^st January = day 1. Therefore for this year, the 9^th April is expressed as the 99^th day of 1999 and some systems will read it as 99/99 (or 99/1999).

According to Mr. Riley, Cable & Wireless has already drawn up a contingency plan and implemented measures to minimise any possible disruption to service. The next step, Mr. Riley adds, is to communicate to customers the progress of the Cable & Wireless Millennium Readiness programme. Over the next eight months, Cable & Wireless will embark on a series of communications initiatives to inform and educate the general public and its customers about the Millennium Problem.

Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated communications and a major global carrier of communications traffic: Internet, data, voice and video. Its businesses around the world offer a range of services spanning interactive entertainment and information, broadband data, Internet access and broadcast television, as well as fixed and mobile service. With 17 million customers in 70 countries, Cable & Wireless is one of the world’s largest carriers of international traffic, provides mobile communications in more than 30 countries and operates the world’s largest, most advanced cableship fleet.

Radio Program Callers Want Island’s Culture Protected

Montserrat’s Cultural is still alive but needs to be protected and preserved.

That was the general consensus on the radio panel discussion last Thursday.

Most callers acknowledged that the island’s heritage will not go into extinction but will continue to be affected by a lack of funding.

Among the suggestions from the distinguished panel and the listening audience were for the introduction of national symbols and a cultural calendar, the declaration of a national day, a national song, the appointment of a cultural co-ordinator, the construction of a cultural center and revival of Local Access television.

Ann Marie Dewar, a highly rated musician, performer and choir leader, says the island’s culture is far from dead. Another member of the panel, Pat Ryan, says the obvious interest in culture needs to be harnessed.

Following the concert, acclaimed to have been a success, Chief Minister David Brandt said he believed that culture was very much alive and on the move from the local performances he saw.

Many Happy Returns II Provides Workshops Too

In conjunction with the Montserrat Tourist Board, in a bid to build on the success of the St. Patrick’s Week and the Many Happy Return Concert, Peter Filleul and Chris Runciman, two of the architects of the concert, conducted workshops this week for musicians, composers and technicians.

Peter Filleul on Tuesday evening hosted a seminar entitled "The Secret Ways of the Music Business." Mr. Filleul introduced the session with a presentation showing the basic industry structures, followed by discussion of specific topics including: Music as a Career or Hobby, Songwriting, Recording, Music Publishing, Collection Societies, Industry Contracts, Artist Management, Live Performance, Music Business Organisations and New Technologies.

The informal program included a very short break for light refreshments, along with a question and answer session with discussions.

The following evening the seminar continued with Chris Runciman on "Performance Technology: sound and lights."

Mr. Runciman demonstrated Rigging and using PA sound and lights. He gave a presentation about "Health and Safety on the Stage" and provided time for questions about the equipment that the Montserrat Music Fund's "Equipment Quest" had brought to the island.

The session was designed particularly for sound engineers, stage electricians, stage managers and crew members.

Peter Filleul Listens to feedback

According to the organizers, the purpose of this technical workshop was to qualify experienced persons in the proper handling and preservation of the equipment brought to Montserrat from the Equipment Quest Phase of Many Happy Returns.

Both sessions took place as planned in the conference room at McChesney’s.

Montserrat and other Caribbean Islands are being warned against an outbreak of dengue fever.

The warning comes from the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Both organizations have advised that cases of dengue fever are still occurring in the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Health here says St. Kitt’s, Nevis and Barbados are the nearest islands to Montserrat with confirmed cases.

The Ministry of Health says it has not had any recent cases of dengue fever on Montserrat, although during the recent flu epidemics, some people thought they might have had the disease.

The Ministry says Montserrat has had some serious dengue epidemics in the not too distant past, (e.g in 1994).

In an effort to reduce the spread, the Ministry of Health is advising residents to visit the clinic or a private doctor as soon as dengue fever is suspected.

Unfortunately, it is said that there is no specific treatment for the virus, so persons who contract the fever will have to battle it with a home remedy.

Residents should therefore be on the lookout for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which is black and has white harp markings on the back.

The Environmental Health Department should be notified once the mosquito is spotted.

In addition, residents have been urged to keep the mosquito population under control by draining all static sources of water from their premises.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito is commonly found in old tyres, tin cans and other sources of water around the house.

Meanwhile, scientists are trying new strategy to eradicate dengue fever.

A new programme, sponsored by the governments of the United Kingdom and Australia, has been successful in reducing the risk of dengue fever in parts of Vietnam.

The Australian Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and Pacific, an aid organization, recently completed a three-year programme using the mesocyclops crustacean, which is about one millimetre long, and devours the larvae of the mosquitoes that carry dengue fever.

Researchers say that the results look promising. The programme appears to have rid the northern Vietnamese province of Phan Boi of the larvae, and there was a 75-percent success rate in other provinces.

The non-governmental Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the Vietnam National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology were the organizations involved in co-ordinating drops of the organism into mosquito breeding areas such as wells, water tanks, and household water containers.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory has made changes to its public information programme.

Effective Monday March 22nd the MVO discontinued its daily report on the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

In a press release the MVO stated that for some time now there have been very few changes in the state of the volcano.

Given the level of volcanic activity currently experienced and the reduced threat to persons living in the currently occupied areas of Montserrat, the MVO decided to discontinue the presentation of the daily report.

The MVO says in order to ensure that the public is still provided with timely information on the volcano, a weekly report would now be prepared to be read on Radio Montserrat every Friday.

If there is significant volcanic event, which warrants alerting the public, a special report or press release will be issued.

Interim Director Richie Robertson says as activity decreases further, there would be more changes in both the reporting system and the mode of operation of the MVO.

It is expected that the monthly scientific reports would evolve to quarterly reports.

In addition, the regular working hours of the MVO would soon change from the current 24-hour shift system to a normal 8-to-4 operation.

An alarm system, which alerts MVO staff to any marked increase in activity outside this period, is currently being tested.

Despite these changes and the reduction in activity, Mr. Robertson says the MVO will remain vigilant in its efforts to provide early warning of potential damaging volcanic events.

Caribbean Development Bank Economic Review of Montserrat

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has been reflecting on Montserrat's economic performance, along with other regional economies, as part of highlights of its review of 1998, and prospects for 1999.

In a release, the CDB says as far as country performance is concerned, economic activity in Montserrat during 1998 centered on the reconstruction effort, which was geared toward relocating persons from the overcrowded shelters.

The Bank says returning nationals led to a 14-percent increase in population in 1998.

The release states that the redevelopment process is expected to take some time and will be largely funded by the UK Government through the Department for International Development (DFID).

The CDB also points to the fact that major eruptions at the Soufriere Hills Volcano are receding and that confidence is slowly returning to the island.

However, the Bank says although the British Government is providing resources for redevelopment, the task of rebuilding is a mammoth one; and it is likely to take a considerable number of years before the island can be restored to its pre-1995 status as a middle income economy.

CDERA Launches Montserrat Reconnection Programme

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank and Cable and Wireless (Antigua and Barbuda), has launched a Reconnection Programme for relocated Montserratians.

The programme is part of activities under the Montserrat Evacuees Project.

The Montserrat Evacuees Project, which is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is designed to help relocated Montserratians adjust to their new environment.

The official launching of the Reconnection Programme on Wednesday, March 17^th, 1999, saw Cable and Wireless (Antigua and Barbuda) hand over a toll-free telephone service to the project for a period of one year.

The line will allow relocated Montserratians in six Caribbean territories to call free of cost to obtain information on relatives and loved ones from whom they have been separated during the height of the volcanic crisis on the island.

Relocated Montserratians in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica and those still on Montserrat are the ones expected to benefit the most from the use of this new service.

During the launching of the programme in St. John’s, CDERA’s Information Manager Donovan Gentles told the gathering the event reflects the kind of cooperation and consultation that is inevitable if the limited resources are to be optimized in support of Caribbean neighbours in times of emergency.

Cable and Wireless Marketing Manager Colin James said the communications company is committed to the people of Montserrat, to families, and the region, and stands ready and willing to assist in ventures of this nature.

More than half of Montserrat’s population evacuated the island since the onset of volcanic activity in July 1995. Residents have relocated to the United Kingdom and neighbouring Caribbean territories.

As a result, contact with friends and loved ones has been lost in many cases.

The Reconnection Programme hopes to address this issue by locating and, in some instances, providing the opportunity for reconnecting.

The programme will also afford at least 20 Montserratians travel opportunities to reconnect with family and or loved ones. A student of the Montserrat Secondary School, Sasha Cabey, is the first to benefit under this component of the programme.

She has been provided an airline ticket to reconnect with her father who has been residing in St. Maarten since 1995.

Mr. Gentles has invited carriers in the region, which operate between Antigua, Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and Tortola, to offer their support so that more Montserratians can benefit.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), which is implementing the Montserrat Evacuees Project, says the Reconnection Programme is aimed at keeping the Montserratian family and community in tact, despite the numerous challenges of relocation.

Interested persons are invited to use both the toll-free line or the project E-mail address <evacueeproject@hotmail.com> to obtain information on the whereabouts of their relatives.

For more Information Contact:

e-mail : cdera@caribsurf.com

Or

e-mail: evacueeproject@hotmail.com

Pest Management Agriculture Workshop

The Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI) will be hosting a two-day workshop for farmers and agricultural technicians later this month.

The workshop, carded for March 29^th and 30^th at the St. Peter’s Church Hall, is one of three which will be held during the year.

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) workshop is designed to further improve the pest management skills of farmers.

This area of crop production is significant to the farmer in order to reduce crop loss.

The environmentally friendly Integrated Pest Management concept is now used worldwide in developing countries, not only in vegetable production, but also in the ornamental and forestry sub-sector.

IPM is a mix of chemical, natural enemies and cultural design which gives the farmer a cheap and more sustainable package for pest control.

It is geared primarily towards giving farmers alternate means of pest control.

The concept of IPM contributes to a reduction in the use of synthetic pesticides, is sustainable and allows for safe food production.

Montserrat Looks To Rebuild Tourism

In spite of the devastation caused by the Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat is working to rebuild its shattered tourism industry.

Last weekend, dozens of musicians gathered here for the Many Happy Returns II concert at Gerald’s Park.

It’s the hope of the organizers that the show would be a demonstration to the world that the island is returning to normal.

The musicians played for about six hours Friday night to a crowd of about 2,500 people, more than half of the existing population here.

Among the many were Montserratians making their first visit back since the Soufriere Hills volcano forced them to flee their homeland for havens in other Caribbean islands and beyond.

After dancing and making merry for hours on Friday night, residents and visitors alike enjoyed beach picnics and parties, visited the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and viewed the devastation on Saturday.

Rev. Bazil Meade, who brought his London Community Gospel Choir to the island’s concert, said "It’s a dream I’ve had for a number of years, to bring the choir here. Now my dream is going to come true."

Mr. Meade moved to London from Montserrat at the age of 9 years. His choir has sung with George Michael and Elton John and on the soundtrack of the movie "The Lion King."

The other performers included the Soca Ambassador of the world Arrow, whose 1983 hit "Hot, Hot, Hot" is often called the Soca national anthem; Kissing Stone, an Irish musical trio, and a host of local artistes.

Director of Tourism Ernestine Cassell said, "We’ve been knocked down, but we’ll fight back to get Montserrat back on its feet."

Up until about four years ago, Montserrat had carved out a tourism niche as a quiet paradise where some 30,000 visitors per year came to stay in exotic villas and hotel rooms for a taste of a real "old fashioned" Caribbean without glitz and mega-resorts.

For years, this island paradise also had been a favourite of musicians.

George Martin ran his Air Studios on Montserrat from 1979 to 1992, hosting Elton John, Paul McCartney, Sting and Jimmy Buffet, who sang the pre-empted Rendition, "I don’t know where I’m gonna go when the volcano blow."

Life changed dramatically in July 1995, when the Soufriere Hills roared back to life.

Since then two-thirds of the "Emerald Isle of the West" has been devastated by pyroclastic flows and surges.

But things have been slowly but surely returning to normal in the North of the island. The population has climbed up to about 4,500 and scientists have said the volcano may have seen the worst of its eruptions.

However, the volcano itself may prove the key to a Montserrat tourism renaissance.

Tourism officials said they have been focusing on developing adventure and eco-tourism.

Although no hotels are now open, Montserratian tourism officials anticipate the opening of an 18-suite upscale hotel by July, to add to 16 bed and breakfast rooms now operating.

The number of tourists from 1997 to 1998 increased from 5,000 visitors to just over 6,000.

In recent months, tourism officials have seen visitors staying for two or three days rather than taking the one-hour ferry ride from nearby Antigua to view the volcano for a day.

Montserrat Observes World TB Day

Montserrat joined the rest of the world March 24^th, 1999, in observing World Tuberculosis Day.

Although no major activities were planned, the Ministry of Health issued a call on residents not to forget about the threat of the dreaded disease.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gordon Avery says tuberculosis is not a major problem in Montserrat, as only a few cases have been discovered over the last 10 years.

He says the good control of tuberculosis on Montserrat is due to the long-standing programme of offering BCG vaccine to all newborns shortly after birth.

Dr. Avery says the good record can also be attributed to the eternal vigilance that is kept by doctors and nurses who investigate any illness thought to be tuberculosis.

He says some people, particularly those around the age of 60, are more at risk of developing TB than others.

The CMO says these persons may have been exposed to TB when they were younger, even though they never had any signs of it.

In addition, Dr. Avery says persons living in a close contact community are also at potentially higher risk of developing TB.

This includes people in shelters, old people’s residences and the old people’s wards in hospitals.

Dr. Avery says the Ministry of Health also has a watch out for children who may be at risk in school or when they become into close contact with elderly relatives.

Relocated Montserratians Called to Form Associations

A call for relocated Montserratians in Caribbean islands to form associations is coming from the Co-ordinator of the Targeted Assistance Programme for Relocated Montserratians in the Caribbean, Antiguan Anthony "Mamba" Liverpool.

Liverpool says through representative bodies Montserratians in the various regional territories will be better able to articulate their concerns.

He says these organizations will also provide mutual support, since many Montserratians are facing difficulties with housing and unemployment.

The Targeted Assistance Programme is aimed at helping vulnerable Montserratians in the region.

It is funded by the Department For International Development DFID.

Rotary Club of Montserrat Advances Hydroponics

The Rotary Club of Montserrat is moving to initiate a hydroponics programme on island.

At present, Rotary is funding a consultation to sensitize interested farmers on Montserrat about the technology.

Taking into account that the north of the island does not have very fertile soil, it is thought that the appropriate people be taught the new technology.

Over the past eight years there have been a number of small projects on island.

Prior to 1997, several small units operated in the Groves, Kitchen Table (then owned by Owen Butler), Lewis Enterprises in Richmond Hill, Raymond Prawl in Woodlands, David Lea (St. Peter’s), Simon Kwame Matti (Palm Loop) and Bill and Anne-Marie Tolliver in Woodlands.

Rotary has secured the services of Montserratian Glenn Lewis to assist with establishing several units on Montserrat again.

Mr. Lewis, who has just recently completed a 3,000-square-foot project in Bird Rock, St. Kitts, says the goal is to eliminate the importation of such crops as lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.

He says these are usually scarce in Montserrat.

Mr. Lewis says he feels the time has come for Montserrat to become self-sufficient in these crops.

FEATURES

Look at the Whole White Paper,

Not Just One Controversial Issue

By Man from Baker Hill

I wish that I could join in the debate about the passport issue, but first I must shed myself of the thin mental shackles with respect to homosexuality.

I will never be able to live in a world where there are no homosexuals. I will never ever be able to live in any country where there are no homosexuals.

More importantly, I have never lived one day of my life in Montserrat when there were no homosexuals living here. There have always been homosexuals in positions of influence on Montserrat.

On any Sunday, I doubt there could be a Church Service where no homosexuals are in attendance. And if you are in doubt, just look over your shoulders next time you are in Church. You could never be very sure what is the true lifestyle of your friend.

My first recollection of homosexuality was in 1962 at Cavalla Hill Primary School. My head teacher was a homosexual. We called them "Bullmen" back then, because the word homosexual was not in use in Montserrat. But let me tell you, my head teacher never hid the fact that he was that way inclined. He harassed every senior boy in the school. He made us engage in every form of physical training especially the bend over touch your toes. He tickled and touched whoever he liked. And if a pupil protested in a rude manner he would be flogged. Yet I cannot recall any young man from Cavalla Hill School who gave in to homosexual behaviour. Mind you, many of the senior boys left school before the age of 15. But I will say again.... we did not bend down.

I can recall an incident that happened in 1968. I was awaiting transportation to enable me to participate in a Secondary School cricket match. My ex head teacher, then at the Brades Primary School, picked me up at Cudjoe Head and gave me a ride to Sturge Park. As I entered the car and sat on the seat, he said to me, "your sausage is on my sausage." At first I did not understand; but he insisted "your sausage is on my sausage. I then recognised that I was sitting on something on the car seat. As I eased, it really was a piece of sausage on the seat. And to my head Teacher, my sausage was on his sausage. I smiled, removed his sausage and we drove all the way to Sturge Park, incident free.

Less than two years ago, a friend from my Primary School days told me that the Organist in his Church was harassing him to have a homosexual relationship. We had a great laugh over the matter - and agreed that God bless our Primary school teacher. Because he exposed us to the behaviour very early in our lives, as a result we learned that no matter the circumstances we did not have to bend down.

Now let us face reality. If one dozen homosexual couples visit Montserrat to build or buy houses, who will turn them back? Who will refuse to sell them the best houses? Who will refuse to represent them in the legal aspect of the title transfer? Who will refuse their contributions at the collection plate?

Even as we fuss over the passport issue, more than 3,000 Montserratians have gone to live in the UK, where homosexuality is legalised. Many more of us have visited and lived in the U.S.A., where the relationship is legalised....

Will that make any of them become more of a homosexual than they want to be?

Sshh, keep quiet. Listen to me, I am only whispering. You don't have anything to fear if you are not so inclined; if you're not lazy; if you are not greedy and you choose your company.

Don't say that I say! But this is no laughing matter. Many Montserratians have walked the trail. Young and old, male and female, they bent down. They are still bending down. And for heaven sake, I am only telling you this because I know you can keep a secret; don't tell anybody else. Never condemn a man's ways before you try it.

So let’s cut the political and emotional crap, be objective. Consider the benefits of British citizenship -- to the greatest number of Montserratians -- and get on with the economic redevelopment of the island.

Count me in. I am in favour of the white paper -- and all it stands for -- because the benefits far outweigh the ills.

THE BEGINNING OF THE COOK WHITE PAPER

1.1 Britain's links with the Overseas Territories are long-standing and important. The relationship is rooted in a shared history: but it moves forward, too, in partnership.

For Britain, the Overseas Territories are a significant element in its national and international identity, and an important responsibility. For the Overseas Territories, their links with Britain are significant too: but so is their individual character and diversity. This intertwined relationship is strong and constant. But it is subtle and

changing too. A new and modern partnership between Britain and the Overseas Territories must reflect this relationship. It must be a partnership for progress and prosperity.

1.2 The Government is committed to modernisation.

Modernisation is at the core of its vision, its direction, and its policies. We are applying this process of modernisation systematically - to the economy, to the health service, to education, to crime prevention and to jobs.

Modernisation is at the heart of our approach to renewing the framework of Britain: to new representational arrangements in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and London, and to new administrative arrangements in England.

We are recasting the constitutional settlement to bring power closer to people.

1.3 We are also reforming our relations with the rest of the world. We have ended Britain's isolation in Europe, with increasingly tangible results. We have re-established Britain as a leading international player, prepared to take tough decisions to deal with complex and pointed international difficulties - and where necessary, to back them up with action.

1.4 Britain's mutual relationship with the Overseas Territories must be seen in this context: within the overall framework of modernisation and reform, and within Britain's new international role. As participants in the new global order and the new global economy, the Overseas Territories themselves must embrace reform and modernisation. And in its relationships with the Overseas Territories, Britain must ensure that its structures and its practices are reformed and modernised. The relationship between Britain and the Overseas Territories needs to be effective and efficient, free and fair. It needs to be based on decency and democracy. Both Britain and the Overseas Territories have much to contribute to each other. They have done so in the past. They must continue to do so now, and in the future.

FARMERS CORNER

(Week Ending March 19, 1999)

By Justin "Hero" Cassell, Agricultural Development Officer

EAT from the LAND - NOT from the CAN

Mountain Chicken Population Monitored

The Forestry Division is spearheading the monitoring of Mountain Chicken in habitats in northern mountain range. The object of the exercise to monitor changes in the abundance, not throughout the entire distribution range of the Mountain Chicken on island, but from a detailed study of a small but representative sample of Mountain Chicken sites.

For this purpose 18 transects were marked out and systematically subjected to a Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and an Aural Encounter Survey (AES). These transects cover a broad range of species distribution range, including areas severely polluted by volcanic ash and acid rain. Forest Rangers visit the transects nightly. The activity involves listening to sounds, capturing and weighing the frogs.

According to Wildlife Officer Mr. James "Scriber" Daley, the indications are that the volcanic activity has had some effect on the frogs, but their conditions have improved with the decline in volcanic activity on island.

Import License Necessary

Regulations regarding the importation of vegetables, which were suspended during the peak period of the volcanic crisis, were re-introduced on 15^th March 1999.

Anyone wishing to import vegetables must now obtain a license to do so. Vegetables ordered without a license will be refused entry. Vegetables on the stop list at this time are cabbages and carrots, as adequate quantities of these vegetables are now locally available.

IPM Workshop

The Ministry of Agriculture and CARDI will be hosting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Workshop on 29 March – 30^th March, 1999, at the St Peters Anglican Church Hall. A review of the workshop will be carried in this column next week.

Brades Nursery

Seedlings of the following vegetables and fruit trees are currently available; these include Eggplants, Cabbages and West Indian Limes. In the next two weeks seedlings of common vegetables will be available.

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Pretending it doesn’t exist.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus Wonderin about The Montserrat Government UK Office at Lauderdale House, 30b Wimpole St, London W1M 7AE. What is this office? Who is actually there on the spot?

Jus wonderin if this is actually an office of the Montserrat Government?

Jus wonderin if people in Montserrat know their government has an office in London?

Jus wonderin if it is true that they are going to soon cut down on the men doing road maintenance.

Jus wonderin if they are going to wait for tragedy to strike before doing something about the severely over crowded school buses.

Jus wonderin if all a prisoner has to do is say he is sorry for his offences for the Governor to reduce his jail sentence to hours of community service.

Jus wonderin if it is at Public Works the last pardoned prisoner will do his community work.

Jus wonderin why the issue of getting British passports has to come with a package of legalizing homosexuality.

Jus wonderin if future arrangements under the new partnership arrangement offered by Robin Cooke will take away some of the power that the Governor has.

Jus wonderin why the ministers do not tell the people that they really don't have much power to do anything and little say in anything.

Jus wonderin who will undertake to explain the Montserrat Constitution as it now stands.

Jus wonderin if rumors are true that the package to the UK will cease as of month end.

Jus wonderin if the issue of legalizing homosexuality is a like it or not situation or give and take.

Jus wonderin what have we done to receive such radical treatment.

Jus wonderin what United Nations will do when the Overseas Territories do not get independence by next year.

Jus wonderin why the Barber had to loose his black sheep.

Jus wonderin why some people who have driving license can't drive.

Jus wonderin why some people no-know how fu tek care u dem bran new car.

Jus wonderin if its not time to start 'Confirming' and stop the 'Acting'.

Jus wonderin how long before the next batch of houses will be ready.

Jus wonderin 'HOW LONG WE MUST WAIT', how long we must wait' for houses? 

Bank of Montserrat Shares

The following Bank of Montserrat Shares were reported lost.

Administrative Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Administrative Officer, Montserrat Volcano Observatory

• Knowledge of financial and human resource management.
• Ability to assume responsibility, use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Computer literacy.
• Good leadership skills.

Either:

• A Diploma in one of the following: Finance, Accounting, Management, Business Administration or
• Appropriate experience in Accounting or Business Management or
• Any other qualification accepted by the Board

The Administrative Officer will be directly responsible to the Director, for the proper performance of his/her duties, which will include: -

Supervise administrative and support staff.

Personal Assistant to the Director:

• manage correspondence for the Director’s office,
• maintain follow up systems for the Director to take action,
• set up appointments and make logistical arrangements for meetings organised by the Director,
• research background information required for meetings and prepare briefs for the Director,
• type correspondence, drafts and manuscripts as required by the Director,
• provide confidential secretarial services for the Director.

Responsible for the office procedures and systems of the Observatory including:

• management of internal supplies and consumables,
• filing system,
• office equipment inventories and use logs,

Maintenance of accounting records.

• Responsible for management of all funds placed within his/her control.
• Perform all reconciliations.

Make logistical arrangements for staff overseas travel.

To establish and maintain a systematic follow up procedure for the dissemination of information to all staff.

Perform any other official duties, reasonable incidental to the above duties, that may be assigned by the Director.

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificate should be forwarded to:

Applications, which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.

Information Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Information Officer, Montserrat Volcano Observatory

• Must have good knowledge of English, adequate oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assume responsibility, use initiative and perform tasks satisfactorily, with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literate.

Either:

• A Degree/Diploma in one of the following: Media Studies, Mass Communications, Management or a related field or
• Long experience in mass media techniques with demonstrated capacity to execute public awareness programmes, especially programmes based on scientific literature, or
• Any other qualification accepted by the Board.

The Information Officer will be directly responsible to the Director for the proper performance of his/her duties, which will include:-

• Responsible for all aspects of the MVO media activities.
• Advise the Director about media related requirements, activities and programmes.
• Liase with the Government Information Officer, Emergency Department and other agencies to develop and maintain an effective multimedia campaign aimed at the continued education of residents and visitors as regards the volcanic situation.
• Develop, maintain and update an MVO archive of audio-visual material on the eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano.
• Spearhead the continuous documentation of the management of the crisis from an MVO standpoint.
• Make logistical arrangements for the involvement of the MVO personnel in media activities.
• Responsible for the production and presentation of the MVO information on Local Access Television.
• Liase with such local organisations as the Director may determine from time to time.
• Perform any other duties, reasonably incidental to the above duties, that may be assigned by the Director.

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificate should be forwarded to:

Applications, which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.

COLONY OF MONTSERRAT

A.D. 1998

CROWN TITLE ACT

NOTICE

Twenty (20) years ago legislation was passed which required all persons who had a claim to the ownership of land on Montserrat to claim that land so that their ownership of it could be adjudicated upon. There still remains a significant amount of unclaimed land on Montserrat. Land which remains unclaimed is already deemed to belong to the Crown, although a claimant may still prove that the land is his/hers if the evidence exists. Given the volcanic crisis on Montserrat and the shortage of land that has resulted, it is critical that the ownership of all land be identified with certainty.

The purpose of the Crown Title Act is to bring certainty to land ownership. The Act will come into force on 1st February 1999.

Claimants to unclaimed land have until 1st February 2000 in which to submit their claims. 

Claims will be adjudicated upon by the Land Adjudication office.

No claim to land which is received more than one year after the Crown Title Act comes into force will be entertained.

Land which remains unclaimed for more than one year after the Crown Title Act comes into force will vest absolutelyin the Crown.