AN UNUSUAL BUDGET

By Bennette Roach

 

The Honorable Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, Bertrand B. Osborne delivered his first budget address in the Legislative Council last night, saying, "it is the largest ever in our history, but it will go only part of the way to meet the pressing needs of our country."

He may have expected to be accompanied only by his government ministers and back-bencher, David Brandt, along with other members of the Legislative Council and spectators, but the opposition members currently on Island were in attendance.

Mr. Osborne probably set the tone for his speech when he said after moving the second reading: "I recognize that I am moving this Bill at a time when our country is going through what must be the most perilous and most difficult period in its history."

There hasn't been time to get the reactions of critics, but it is expected that there will be much debate prior to, and when the contents of the budget speech are studied and debated beginning next Wednesday.

At first, and for some time it seemed that Mr. Osborne was delivering a report on the past year's activities and delivering a vote of thanks, but in the end it turned out that this was a balanced budget that showed an expenditure - recurrent as well as capital, estimated at $112,662,620.00. Mr. Osborne revealed that, "we had to seek assistance (from the British Government) in the amount of $27,260,000 which represents 47 per cent of total recurrent revenue."

"This ($112,662,620) is a substantial amount of money, and in order for our economy to derive the full benefit of this sum, we must spend it. The task is therefore ours to organize ourselves and work together."

He pointed out that last year we had to accept budgetary aid in the form of a special grant from Her Majesty's Government (HMG), revealing also that the assistance for this year's budget will also come from the 25 million pounds allocated to Montserrat for the volcanic crisis.

The budget did not show any new revenue or tax measures, but instead offered tax concessions and incentives on such items as building materials.

Mr. Osborne reported on the activities of all the Ministries and departments setting out the past year's achievements and plans for the current year.

He said that notwithstanding the volcanic activity, we continue to receive applications for incentives. During 1996, requests for business and investments-related information were received from 19 American and European companies. Fiscal incentives were extended to seven businesses, two of which were new ventures. New investment promotion literature was designed and disseminated by the Development Unit to prospective investors and investment promotion agencies. An INTERNET web site has been designed, thus allowing the Development Unit to do investment promotion on-line and be accessible to the INTERNET community. E-mail facilities were also established.

Recently, a study was undertaken to identify all of Government’s fees, charges, levies and taxes. It is envisaged that the information gained from such a study and the recommendations that will be made will enable Government to formulate an even more attractive and effective fiscal policy.

Government is also anxious to put in place special incentives to attract Montserratians back home. We know that there are many of our people who are now retired in other countries and who, if encouraged, will very likely decide to build retirement homes here despite the current volcanic activity. We are convinced that appropriate incentives and concessions, as available to citizens of neighboring islands, will be effective.

With emphasis on the construction of houses for and by relocated persons… government has moved to make construction materials available as cheaply as possible. Some items are already admitted free of duty and consumption tax but other items are subject to either duty or consumption tax or both

Bonus And Salary Increases

Mr. Osborne attempted to decrease the anxiety of civil servants, offering understanding that, "Public Servants have been working for six years without a pay increase. This is not a healthy situation and this government has moved to address the issue."

He announced that within the next four weeks, Government will pay Established Workers, Non-established Workers and Pensioners, an amount equivalent to one month’s salary, and it will be tax-free. "This is one way in which we are saying thank you to public servants, and we trust that it will be appreciated," he said.

Concessions On Taxes Arrears

Then to the general public. "The collections of outstanding taxes is an area on which much attention must be focused. Tax arrears are still too high - 8 percent… Personal Tax accounts for 58 percent, and property Tax accounts for 34 percent of the total. Government’s policy in relation to tax arrears is therefore geared towards encouraging individuals and companies presently in arrears to make prompt settlement. We have therefore developed a scheme through which persons who have tax arrears, and who pay up early, will have a waiver of the penalties and interests.

There was also a concession on Property Taxes, which provides homeowners from the declared ‘unsafe zones’ to pay only 10 percent of their 1997 property tax bill. Borderline properties in Foxes Bay and St. George’s Hill will receive a 25 percent waiver. In addition if taxes are paid by the due date there will be a further 5 percent discount.

In all, it was a budget which depends heavily on the assistance of the mother country, Britain, and one which intended that Montserratians will receive some concessions to assist them as they deal with the difficulties of the volcanic crisis.

Mr. Osborne concluded his address hoping, "not only will we reduce unemployment, but most of our tradesmen in our neighboring islands will return to assist the building process.

"At the national level we will develop alternate infrastructure in the north, so that normal life on this Emerald Isle can continue. It is necessary for individuals and businesses to develop alternatives as well - alternate living accommodations and even alternate skills - all in the interest of survival. This government understands and is offering every possible support."

Some 10 persons were arrested last Friday afternoon in Salem Center and charged with drug related offences.

Commissioner of Police, Frank Hooper confirmed the arrests, saying that almost each week the police have been making arrests in the Salem area for similar offences and that there are several matters now pending before the courts. "Since February, the Police Drugs Task Force has been very pro-active and these arrests have brought their efforts to a head," he said.

Continuing to speak to the Reporter, he added that people have been providing good feed-back as a result of their efforts, adding also that the task force has been in operation since Mr. Crowther, former Commissioner, was in charge. Some officers have received training, the last having spent two weeks in a narcotics investigative course, at the Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Training Center in Jamaica, which was opened only in October last year.

He said that he is particularly concerned with the sale of marijuana to schoolchildren of 4th, 5th and 6th forms. He notes also that because of the relocation, it seems that parents do not have the same control over children who are spending late hours on the streets at night, particularly around the entertainment areas.

The Commissioner says that comparatively, because of the reduced population he would say that the use of marijuana on the island has been on the increase, while he has seen little evidence of the use of hard drugs.

He revealed that a report has just been sent to the Governor and the government on the current drug situation in Montserrat.

On the wider crime scene he says that on a comparative level, there is a percentage increase in crime mainly domestic crimes involving some violence, no doubt the result of stress and the closeness of people all living in a small area. Says Mr. Hooper, "The volcano is affecting the social fabric of the island."

The Commissioner took the opportunity to point out that he is the person in charge of the Fire and Rescue Unit, while Mr. Basil Walters is in charge of the operations. He was responding to the ‘Jus Wonderin’ as to why the keys for the new vehicles had been handed over to him.

"The Unit was established as a ‘Mass Casualty’ response, particularly to the volcano. They have a subsidiary responsibility, say in a major traffic accident, where special skills may be needed. They are not a unit to do everything. They are not there to even go searching for missing persons."

He also corrected the thought that the new ambulance was part of the Search and Rescue Unit. He said that it is being operated by the units who have First Aid training, under a service agreement with the Health Department. He said the ambulance is for general use.

The Commissioner in the interview revealed that new sirens had been installed and would be commissioned Thursday evening at 6 p.m. The sirens had been tested and can all now operate with different sounds, all at once in Salem, Plymouth and Harris, or wherever they are located, or separately. Residents would have heard the sirens being tested on Wednesday afternoon and again on Thursday evening.

GOVERNOR WINDING DOWN

By Bennette Roach

His Excellency Governor Savage called a press conference on Friday, April 18, 1997 at which he announced the name of his replacement as Governor who will take up duties here in mid September.

He is 56-year-old, Mr. Anthony (Tony) Abbott M.B.E. who is currently H.M.'s Consul General in Perth, Australia. He is married with four grown up children, ranging in age from 27 to 34. He has served previously in Khorramshahr, Helsinki, Lusaka, Madrid, Santiago, Lisbon, Calcutta and Sarajevo.

Governor Savage reported on Friday that he will take his vacation period in May and that Dr. Howard A. Fergus will act as Governor in his absence. When he returns he will end his extended term of office which will come to an end in early September.

The press interview, from which the Reporter was unfortunately absent, hardly evolved around the new Governor. The press took the opportunity to question Mr. Savage about his tour of duty and his feelings about the current status of the volcanic crisis in Montserrat.

Referring to recent appointments at his office, he says he is satisfied the manpower is now in place to help Montserrat cope with the volcanic crisis, making specific reference to the new assistant to the Governor. "We've been batting one short on the Governor's team. We are now up to the same level that we have in all the other dependent territories," he said.

While admitting that he has had support, he pointed out that it has always been temporary and now he thinks there are the right people in place. He expects that there will be increases in the aid management team, if the government of Montserrat wants it strengthened and there is a definable need.

He reported that he finally received a larger budget from head office and looks forward to addressing some more of the social needs in Montserrat and in particular to support youth activity.

The Governor emphasized that as long as one has ambitions, there is always more he wishes to achieve, pointing out: "There is always a popular misconception that the governor can decree things to be done. The British Government provides funding for things to be done, but it is the Montserrat government which bids for the projects, who determine the priorities and it is they as well as the community who must take programs forward."

Commenting on his continued dissatisfaction with how things have progressed, he reported his understanding that within the next two months, it is expected that all people sheltered in churches will be moved out into permanent housing or better shelter. He craved understanding from not being overly critical at the length of time it takes to bring programs on stream, saying, "When you look at the north of Montserrat it is fairly inhospitable," pointing to the difficulties experienced with sewage disposal.

Mr. Savage cautioned that he does not have a say in many of the programs which are conducted locally although he argues with the authorities who provide the funding to make them available. He says that the British government continues to address the social issues and that there are at least five persons on island presently researching the issues.

The Governor, in response to the question concerning that ability of the wooden structures to withstand hurricanes, said he did not share the view that the negative is true. "I have been repeatedly reassured by the government, that the family units have been constructed to withstand hurricanes and it is also my understanding that the dormitory type shelters are also so designed to meet standards required for the Caribbean."

The Governor paused to correct a story he said he had denied on several previous occasions. "When we moved people in September,1995, before hurricane Marilyn, it was not because of an impending hurricane, but because scientists advised that the danger from the volcano had receded and people would have been moved irrespective of whether the hurricane was coming or not. It did fortuitously allow us to get people out of very temporary accommodation."

This was not the only occasion when the Governor has had to deny that the authorities had moved people for reasons unrelated to the behavior of the volcano.

He was being questioned extensively on matters relating to the crisis management and at various times during the interview referred questions to the government and other authorities, saying at one point: "I'm not responsible for public works or ensuring that standards are being maintained, but as Governor I would say that any structure, irrespective of why it is being built, must meet building standards."

He maintained a position he has been heard to take in different ways on previous occasions, when he said partly in answer and in taking a position to questions put to him by Donald Romeo, Jr.: "I have tried to respond on most occasions positively, but you have to accept at some point that the Governor cannot be in charge of everything. When there is talk of Governors having more powers, everybody is up in arms, I always said, 'in Montserrat I have got more than sufficient powers that I need'. What we have to do is to get local officials to start using the power they've got to provide what is needed by the community. At times even the Governor cannot be aware of everything that is going on."

The Governor highlighted that we have now reached the stage where long-term planning must begin. He said, "we have to stop putting up wooden structures in the short term and start planning proper, decent housing for the people of Montserrat in the north, which will take longer because of the greater infrastructure that is required."

All that is left of Bertrand Osborne's first budget address in the Legislative Council is the debate, which Speaker of the House, Dr. Howard Fergus says he will lean to set a date, that will afford the voices of the minority to be heard. Thus the date was set, not at Monday as proposed by the Honorable Chief Minister, but Wednesday at 10.00 in the morning.

That sitting of the honorable house will not be as hypocritical as the one, when this new Council opened last November. For one thing opposition members will not wish to overlook such matters, not paying attention, but supporting matters which can back-fire in their faces. Matters like agreeing to the nomination of a member who lost his seat in several general elections. They will have a document which they can study and come armed with the necessary information to try and tear it to pieces.

In that document they will find little they can challenge, but they may find much that is omitted and they will surely try to show that not enough is being done. The Honorable former Chief Minister, Reuben Meade, will be able to gloat, and no doubt did for some long time last night, because the Chief Minister and Minister of Finance reviewed many things beginning in 1996 and found little to complain about from the previous administration. This could have been due partly, to the good side of his nature, but he will surely hear about it.

Businesses might feel that little or nothing has been said in way of support or appreciation for the efforts that they have made during the crisis, although little seems to be forthcoming from that direction in terms of the way forward. Workers outside of government employees might feel that the incentives and encouragement are not enough to make remaining in Montserrat worthwhile throughout the crisis.

Whatever position the opposition and critics may take, we must hope that it will all be channeled beyond the housing problem, which seems to be occupying everyone in authority's mind, to worthwhile and achievable goals to step us out through this crisis, and into the 21st century.

I am chided by an acquaintance for blatant irresponsibility in a letter published in the April 18 issue or the Reporter. My rebuker informs me, on the basis of first - hand knowledge, that the fatal injuries to a woman at the hands of her male companion, to which that letter alluded, were inflicted in an open field in broad daylight and that conditions in the shelters had absolutely no bearing on the incident.

My apologies to you and your subscribers. Please let me propose that any reader who found last week's letter at all credible reduce by one the number of casualties that it suggested might be remotely attributed to the volcanic crisis. Any who wish could substitute the instance of the woman in a Salem shelter, with whose case I am personally acquainted, who was stabbed in the back by a shelter occupant, underwent surgery and brief hospitalization, and was then returned to recuperate in the same shelter, where she was still to be found last week.

As a retired journalist, I sincerely regret this unprofessional lapse, especially since it is completely unnecessary to embroider the facts in order to demonstrate some of the malignant consequences of this active volcano.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) is carrying out an intensive program of activities to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. The planned events are designed to celebrate the university's past and present achievements, and focus on future imperatives.

The theme is "celebrating the past-charting the future" Staff, alumni and students of UWI will come together at various points during the year to participate in symposia, cultural events and cultural re-union. A major focus of the celebrations is the impact UWI has had, and continues to have, on the wider community through its programs, and the contributions of its graduates. In 1948, UWI opened its door to the first batch off 33 students admitted to study medicine. The University now has campuses in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad. It has a student body of over 18,000, working for first and advanced degrees in agriculture, engineering, medicine, the natural sciences, and the arts, education and nursing. In addition the university has a highly qualified staff of over 2,000 scholars, research workers, and trained support staff.

The Land Development Authority (LDA) the statutory body over which the Honourable Reuben Meade was fired from his ministerial post in March, will soon be back on track. The Authority was the source of much controversy several weeks ago when the former Minister of Agriculture, suspended its operations. Meade had said he took the action because of lack of funding.

New Minister of Agriculture the Honorable P. Austin Bramble says the LDA continues to function with a smaller staff. However he has announced plans for additional trained staff and funding.

With the Atlantic Hurricane Season less than two months away the government is looking at hazards facing Plymouth and other evacuated communities. Deforestation of areas near the volcano has increased the hazard of mudflows.

Scientists believe the mudflows will be dangerous because of the amount of debris which have accumulated at the volcano. Areas of particular concern are Fort Ghaut in Plymouth and Aymer’s Ghaut in Kinsale, which are already choked with volcanic debris.

A committee has been established to look at the hazard, and the Department of Public Works is doing an assessment of important infrastructure in the unsafe zone. These include roads, bridges, and public buildings. Meanwhile head scientist Dr. Simon Young says the MVO will do its own assessment of the mud flow hazard.

The stress management workshop for men, organized by Community Services Department, is on again, but with a difference focus. The workshop was planned originally to accommodate the general public. However the department says it will now cater for security personnel the Royal Montserrat Defence Force and the Police. The sessions begin earlier this week at the Red Cross headquarters in Woodlands and will continue every Wednesday for the next 4 weeks. Guidance Counselor Blondina Howes will be the main facilitator.

The newly formed Canadian Association of Montserrat (CAM) continues to meet regularly.

At its last meeting members heard reports and continued to plan future activities.

They hope that on Sunday, April 27, 12 senior citizens from one of the shelters are to be treated to a picnic at Woodlands. They hope to repeat this project so that they may in some small way, relieve the day to day routine of the shelter residents.

The association is also asking that if anyone has a second hand stove or refrigerator, not in use, they will be glad to arrange pick up of it, to deliver to a shelter in need.

The association meets on the second Monday of every month and their next meeting will be May 12 at the relocated home of Jill & Merv Barnes in Old Towne. It will be in the form of a Pot Luck supper.

Montserrat is taking part in a review of the Basic Needs Trust Funds (BNTF), third and fourth programs. A three-member delegations, is participating in the review and implementation workshop in Barbados. The delegation includes local BNTF Project Steering Committee chairperson Angela Greenaway, Project Manager Christopher Lee and Community Worker Elizabeth Corbette. The participants will consider the status of both programs, problems affecting implementation, and proposed actions to rectify the problems. The workshop has attracted participants from seven Caribbean countries, which need increased assistance to fight poverty. The Caribbean Development Bank, which runs BNTF has, approved US$18 million for the program. For a three-year period up to 1999, the BNTF will target the region's poor in areas of health and day care, water and sanitation, transportation and education.

The Montserrat Aid Committee in England, MAC 89, has stepped forward once again, to assist persons who relocated to United Kingdom. The Montserratian committee has developed an information leaflet for Montserratians who propose to relocate to England. It provides information on accommodation, income, education, and health benefits.

Approximately 1,000 Montserratians have relocated to England since the scheme was introduced one year ago. Among the benefits received by those who relocate are: income support, entry into schools and colleges, and various free medical benefits. Persons who go on the scheme seeking jobs, are required to carry evidence of qualification and experience. Within two weeks of arrival in the United Kingdom, persons are also encouraged to visit several government departments, including the homeless unit, the benefits agency, job center, local education department, schools, colleges, and a doctor.

The Montserrat Water Authority has announced plans for testing drinking water on the Island. A vulnerability analysis of the drinking water will be done as a result of recent disasters such as seismic events and hurricanes.

The study will be done with assistance from the Pan American Health Organization. (PAHO). The purpose of the study is to determine precautionary measures and to plan necessary intervention in case of damage resulting from the volcano, earthquakes, and hurricane events.

According to the MWA this will reduce the vulnerability of the water supply system, in order to lessen the risk of vector-borne diseases. PAHO has had a long and successful relationship with the Montserrat Water Authority.

In a radio broadcast this week the following was put to head scientist Simon Young.

"Negative publicity by the international media could result in further decline of the vital tourism industry. Television programs in the United States of America have labeled the Soufriere Hills volcano as one of the deadliest volcanoes in the world. According to authorities, this could deter even the most adventurous tourists from visiting the island. The negative press coverage is forcing the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to review its policy in dealing with visiting journalist.

Mr. Young replied: "We have a very close monitoring system here. The population has been relocated, and there is a very limited number of people at essential services in Plymouth. The whole monitoring and emergency procedures that are in place by the administration and the scientists here on Montserrat means that it is not dangerous to the public, in this instance.

"Now it would be a very dangerous volcano, as I just said, if people were still living in their homes and unaware of what a volcano could do. So I think the outside media have picked up on that fact that the capital town of Montserrat is so close to an active volcano, and are trying to make a story out of that, and it's unfortunate. We try and assist them in terms of giving them scientific information and give them access to the Observatory.

"And you know we've recently actually revised, in detailed discussions amongst those of us who act as chief scientists here on the island, during last week, and we've actually revised our procedures in terms of dealing with media, to try and avoid such situations occurring again in the future. Because as we know, there has been negative impact on Montserrat, and that's obviously not our intention ever to do that, so we have revised our procedures somewhat and we hope to be able to avoid such situations occurring in the future."

Dr. Young has no doubt found himself in a serious spot on the issue. There is a U.S. television program, which has been aired on more than one occasion, and newspaper articles, which show him and quote him respectively, as saying that 'this volcano is the most dangerous volcano in the world.'

The Reporter has, on earlier occasions, taken issue with statements that had been going out from the MVO and other officials associated with the volcano, giving a death-like picture of the situation in Montserrat. This was done some time ago, and it might be fair now to say that the scientists and some officials have put their act together and must now do all they can to recoup the situation.

Earlier this week, with Peoples Progressive Party (PPA) leader, John Osborne and National Progressive Party (NPP), Reuben Meade both off Island, Brunel Meade, the remaining member of the opposition, speaking on his own behalf, said that he will return to parliament in response to his constituents and will participate in the budget debate following the budget presentation by Bertrand Osborne the Honourable Chief Minister and Minister of Finance last night.

He and the other members of the opposition had vowed not to return to the House unless P. Austin Bramble's appointment as a minister of government was revoked. They walked out of the House on March 28. They sent a letter to the Chief Minister dated March 24, 1997, copied to the Secretary of State, the Foreign Secretary, the Governor and Speaker of the Legislative Council. The letter stated in part:

"We the opposition members of the Legislative Council are gravely dissatisfied with the state of the democratic process in Montserrat.

"Mr. Bramble has been leader of all of the parties with which he has been affiliated and has been repeatedly reject by the people in 1978, 1987 and 1996. Over a 23-year period, Mr. Bramble won his seat only in 1983. This is a clear indication that the people do not wish to have him hold political office.

"The members of the opposition have firmly resolved that so long as Mr. P. Austin Bramble sits in the House as a minister of government permanently, we will not participate in an undemocratic Legislative Council."

David Brandt, member for Windward, has welcomed the decision to return of the opposition members, who he said in the first instance had miscalculated. "They thought they had more political support than they in fact had, and secondly it had been shown very clearly that they lacked judgment on a matter of fundamental importance.

"I will continue to advocate that they must use whatever energies they have constructively for the benefit of Montserrat. If they continue to protest it will come to naught, just as this first step in their protest has come to naught, and they have taken my advice already in that they have gone back into the house."

On Thursday night both Reuben Meade, former Chief Minister, and Brunel Meade took their seats in the House during the budget presentation, which was postponed for debate on Wednesday morning at 10.00 a.m. John Osborne member for Northwestern is out of the territory, but is expected to return in time for the budget debate.

The Government has put in place two fuel storage tanks in the north of the Island. The tanks with a combined fuel supply of 40,000 gallons are located at Carrs Bay. They are part of Montserrat's emergency reponse. The tanks provided by the Emergency Aid Department (EMAD) will contain diesel and gasoline. John Adlum of EMAD says there are plans to increase the fuel supply in the north by another 40,000 gallons.

Montserrat is to receive more assistance from the Government and people of Puerto Rico. Last week Puerto Rico donated over 7,000 pounds relief supplies including items for the Red Cross, the school feeding program, and geriatric shelters.

American Eagle which transported the goods to Montserrat is planning another trip. Its president Tom Del Valle has also promised to include a feature on Montserrat on its In-flight magazine. The article, to be written by a Montserratian, will be seen by thousands of people who travel on American Eagle every day. Passengers will be asked to make donations to help the island.

The Government of Puerto Rico is also willing to help in areas of technical co-operation and trade. They are particularly interested in education, agriculture, and sports.

Six staff members at Radio Montserrat participated in a one-week on-the-job training program, sponsored by the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and UNESCO, held at ZJB's relocated studio site in Olveston and conducted by well-known Caribbean broadcaster Jones Madeira.

Mr. Madeira said at the beginning of the course that the five-day training program is designed to develop skills that will help in providing the flow of information during the crisis.

Commenting on the program at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office Eugene Skerritt, said, "The training fits in well with government's objective of formulating a strategy for Montserrat's development into the next century." He added that the training program is important for staff and self-development.

On Friday the ZJB program staff has expressed its appreciation for the one-week training program at a closing ceremony when a 15-minute production was put on for the visiting guests, as a show of the training gained during the week.

Speaking on behalf of the six participants, announcer Jevan Robinson says skills were acquired and enforced during the exercise.

A new team for WNBC-TV New York, visited Montserrat April 22 and 23. Their main purpose was to gather information relating to the volcanic situation here which will form a story on Montserrat for their 11p.m. Report on WNBC-TV.

While on island, they met with and interviewed a number of persons including the Chief Minister, MVO scientists, persons in the shelters and the media. The story will be aired May 18 and 19 on WNBC-TV, Channel 28 (local channel) at 11:00pm.

Talking About Being Fair (Roving Sports Editor)

There has been much talk by commentators within the Leeward Islands about former test players Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall, criticizing them for only recognizing talent and potential in their own countries and in the traditional ‘big islands’ of West Indies Cricket (Trinidad, Guyana etc.).

Why would anyone from the Leeward Islands argue with or criticize these former players when the Leewards Islands Cricket Association (LICA) continues to allow selectors to select a team which is primarily based on whether players are from Nevis, Antigua, or St. Kitts? If former test players like Andy Roberts, Winston Benjamin, and Viv Richards can only come to the forefront and speak honestly about the young talent in our sub-region, the situation will be much better for the future of our team.

This year’s L.I. team for the Red Stripe Cup was not selected on talent or youth prospects, but on a country of birth basis, which falls right into the selectors program to have as many players as possible from their own country play for the L.I. team.

In the Leewards training camp this year, there were three players of whom I would like to make special reference.

Lesroy Irish (25). Right arm fast bowler, Montserrat. This young man has been the fastest and most consistent bowler in the L.I. for the past four seasons and yet he has not been given a chance by the selectors. Also, our former test players have not seen fit to publicize that in their opinion he has the ability to be the next Curtly Ambrose in the West Indies team.

Alex Adams (20). Right handed batsman, Anguilla. All I would like to say about this is that if Sylvester ‘Bouncing’ Joseph of Antigua is being given a chance because he has potential, then we should make the bold move and drop Keith Arthurton, since in the eyes of the West Indian selectors, and rightfully so, he can only play for the over-40 team, and play young Adams.

Angelo Bass (19). Right arm leg spinner, Montserrat. Fresh from the L.I. youth team in the Northern Telecom West Indies Under-19 tournament, this young man is fast developing into one of the most feared bowlers in the Leewards. But despite the growing respect for Bass among L.I. batsmen, in the eyes of the selectors he has not done enough to get into the Leewards team ahead of Ronald Powell and Warrington Phillip, who have no future beyond Red Stripe Cup cricket. Bass captured 23 wickets in the 1996 L.I. tournament and 11 in the training camp, the most by any bowler, but he still has not been given a chance in the senior team.

So why then do we wonder why the Leeward Islands players are not being recognized at the highest level? It is because the crop of players we are exposing possess neither the youth nor sufficient talent to go any further. I leave all to ponder what will happen next.

Centuries by Trevor Semper, Fitzroy Buffonge, and Tyrone Greenaway were the main batting performances in the Montserrat Mills two-day cricket league last weekend.

Semper, a young batsman who is in his first season with Eastern, having transferred from the now defunct Lee’s Cricket Club, scored his second century for the season. He has played within his limitations to compile a number of useful scores in the Heineken and Montserrat Mills leagues.

Greenaway, the 19-year-old allrounder who captained the successful Montserrat Under-19 team in the just concluded Leeward Islands youth tournament in St. Croix, mixed a tight defence with a number of scintillating shots to reach his century with the last pair at the crease.

Results of matches.

At Salem Park, Eastern beat Police by 166 runs. Eastern 253 (T. Semper 117, L. Irish 38, O. Laborde 5 for 67. K. Hyman 3 for 66), and 196 for 5 declared (F. Buffonge 100 not out, G. Willock 35).

Police 194 (P. Ryan 65 not out, K. Hyman 36, A. Bass 4 for 59, L. Irish 3 for 45) and 89 (A. Bass 4 for 26, L. Irish 3 for 14).

At Lansen Park, MSS beat Cork Hill by an innings and 11 runs. Cork Hill 94 (S. Roach 25, G. Kirnon 25, E. Johnson 3 for 27) and 185 (A. Aymer 47, A. Charles 34, E. Johnson 4 for 48, N. Gerald 4 for 50).

MSS 290 (T. Greenaway 109 not out, O. Murrain 42, M. Meade 31, S. Kirnon 6 for 91).

Meanwhile, the format for the final weekend of the Montserrat Mills League has been altered by the MCA to allow the Montserrat Under-19 team to play Eastern. Three one-day matches will replace the two two-day matches that were originally scheduled. The Sunday game at Salem Park will be followed by a closing ceremony at which representatives of the Ministry of Sports, the MCA executive, and the sponsors, Montserrat Mills Ltd., will make short presentations.

Eastern has already won the league with 48 points from four wins and the new schedule of matches is as follows.

Saturday, April 26. Eastern vs. Pyroclastic - Salem Park. MSS vs. Police - Lansen Park

Sunday, April 27. Eastern vs. Montserrat Under 19/MSS - Salem Park. Closing ceremony 6:00 p.m.

On a television program, which specializes in reuniting families who have been apart for many years. Mrs. Wilkins had never met her brother-in-law and had not seen her sister for 53 years. There were scores of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews to be met. When Mrs. Wilkins telephoned her daughter in Spanish Pointe to let her know of her safe arrival she was excited. She said that they were being treated as royalty.

For many years Mrs. Wilkins has been involved with providing assistance to the Christmas Party for Police Officers' children and always helped at police functions. This trip was a much-needed change of scene for her.

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'Talk to me', Montserrat Reporter, P.O. Box 306, Plymouth, Montserrat.

I'm in love with a guy who I am also pregnant for. Unfortunately another woman is involved. The other woman knows about me too. We both refuse to give up this guy. Things have become very embarrassing since I sometimes pass them together or see them together and I'm too ashamed and afraid to go up to him to say anything. We have spoken about this problem several times but for some reason he refuses to let go of her or me. I do not want to be caught up in this kind of web but I want the best for my baby. He wants the child too. Should I stay with this guy and hope he leaves this woman or get on with my life, which would be difficult to do considering that my heart and my baby are involved?

I get the distinct feeling that my boyfriend wants to give me 'the boot'. Although I've asked him many times if he is unhappy with the relationship, he says that he wants to be with me and that he has a lot on his mind. Yet I can't help getting this gut feeling that he is not happy with me. P.S. I am sure that there is no other woman involved.

Health Wise from Health & Healing

You've stopped menstruating and now your hot flashes are severe enough to induce you to see your gynecologist. You've also experienced some discomfort during love- making. "Why suffer?" your doctor asks. The next thing you know, you're being told to embark on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Besides relieving your symptoms, the doctor says, HRT (a combination of estrogen and synthetic progesterone, called progestins) will protect you against longer-term health problems, particularly osteoporosis and heart disease. Nevertheless, you hesitate. What about the risk of breast cancer? What about the side effects? Aren't there any natural ways to relieve you symptoms? If you're in a quandary over HRT, I don't blame you. This is an extremely complicated issue! For one thing, long-term studies testing current HRT treatments are still in the works. But both Dr. Whitaker and I want you to know this. You do not have to "medicalize" menopause. You have options other than hormone drugs for relieving menopause symptoms. We'll consider them in this special supplement, and if any appeal to you, I'd urge that you find a health-care practitioner who can help you tailor an "alternative" menopause program - that meets your specific needs. But first, let's look at.

Your body produces two main hormones during your child-bearing years, estrogen and progesterone. As you reach your mid-40s, your ovaries gradually produce less and less of hormones and, as a result, your monthly menstrual period disappears. Around menopause (age 48 to 52), your ratio of estrogen to progesterone fluctuates wildly between high and low, which can cause a number of symptoms, including:

Hot flashes. These are one of the common and uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. They involve feelings of extreme heat that may last as long as five minutes. They often occur at night, leaving you feeling fatigued and irritable the next day.

Vaginal dryness and thinning. As your estrogen levels drop, your vaginal walls become thinner and drier. The cervix and vagina secrete less mucus, and, over time, the vagina actually shrinks and becomes shorter and narrower at the opening. Urinary tract infections can develop, because the walls of the urethra also become thinner and drier. With the loss of estrogen, your uterus, vagina and bladder can lose muscle tone, causing those organs to prolapse. Bladder prolapse can cause incontinence.

Depression, mood swing and stress. Around menopause you may notice that you aren't handling stress as well as you used to, that you are more irritable toward family, friends and co-workers, and that you are less able to feel joy.

What You Won't Be Told About HRT If you complain to your doctor about any one of these menopausal symptoms, chances are he or she will write a prescription for one of the most popular drugs in the country-Premarin-a conjugated oral estrogen made from pregnant mare's urine. If you have an intact uterus, you will also be given Provera, a synthetic form of progesterone (progestins) needed to retard overgrowth of the uterine lining, which can lead to uterine cancer. (Your doctor will not prescribe HRT, though, if you have had breast cancer or endometrial cancer, which are fueled by estrogen, or liver disease.)

At this point, you may ask your doctor about the pros and cons of HRT. There is no question that HRT rapidly decreases or eliminates classic menopausal symptoms, but it is not a cure, as your symptoms will reappear if you stop taking HRT. But if your doctor assures you that HRT prevents osteoporosis and heart disease, you should know that the jury is still out on HRT's protective benefits against these diseases.

At the start of this week, activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano was at a low level and on Wednesday morning the alert level was dropped to AMBER. However, scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) reported that the activity could escalate at any time.

The MVO seismic stations, quiet for the early part of the week, then recorded increased rockfall activity for the rest of the week. In the 24 hour period finishing at 7 am yesterday (Thursday) scientists reported more rockfall signals than at any other time this year. These rockfalls are because of the rapid crumbling of the south-western face of the dome.

The rockfalls caused an almost permanent ash plume for the latter part of the week and this plume travelled many miles outside of Montserrat. Prevailing winds blowing from the southeast caused ash to be blown to the northwest, resulting in ash falls in many areas of the safe zone. Large amounts of ash have been reported in Plymouth and points south, as well as in Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay, Delvins, Cork Hill, Isles Bay, Old Towne, Olveston and Woodlands.

Scientists and health officials are warning everyone to wear their ash masks when visiting ashy areas or when cleaning ash from their property.

Earthquake activity for most of the week was dominated by long-period events and in addition there was another regional earthquake recorded at the MVO; this was close to Trinidad & Tobago, the second in as many weeks.

Some clear weather during the week allowed dome surveys to be carried out. The active part of the dome is situated above Galway's Wall, which has now changed shape drastically because of pyroclastic flows over it and into the White River Valley. The flows have reached about 50 metres from the sea at O'Garro's.

Mid week it was announced that GPS and EDM tests on the St George's Hill - Windy Hill - Farrells triangle show a long-term trend of shortening. These lines are measured on an ongoing basis to see if the mountain is bulging outwards due to the volcanic activity.

Scientists this week have started to predict areas that would be affected by mudflows if there were excessive rain during the upcoming hurricane season which starts on June 1st. This is because there is a very large amount of ash and volcanic debris in the upper reaches of many of the island's ghauts and this is likely to wash down when rain falls. The Public Works Department is about to start a major clean-out of Fort, Ghaut which is almost filled to capacity. (GIS)

Innocence Abroad

Drat the foreign TV!

What they say

Is driving our tourists away.

To refute them, we've voted

For the Simon they quoted.

"Most dangerous"?

Not true! No way!

Jus wonderin what part jus wonderin played in the police big drug bust last Friday.

Jus wonderin if the 'new pharmacies' in Salem will soon be closed.

Jus wonderin why the man had to run and leave his clothes in the car.

Jus wonderin why seven prison officers have left Her Majesty's Prison Service.

Jus wonderin what made the opposition in Parliament change their minds about boycotting Parliamentary proceedings.

Jus wonderin who will be our new F.S.

Jus wonderin who the boss man is who chooses the girls to work overtime other than normal.

Jus wonderin if when the little black girls do not go to school they get in all kind of accidents.

Jus wonderin when the volcanic activities will be shown on local TV.

Jus wonderin if the volcano is to be blamed too for all the divorce cases before the court.

Jus wonderin why the male secretaries were not given flowers like their female counterparts.

Jus wonderin why some of the men in the shelters refuse to shower more than once a week.

The Montserrat Building Society Limited Is Now Making Loans Available To Purchase Land For Residential And Commercial Properties.

Get More Information from the Offices in Palm Loop.

Opening Hours: (During Relocation)

• Monday-Thursday - 8:30a.m. - 2:00p.m.
• Friday - 8:30a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Salary in the scale EC$2,563 - EC$3,408

One year contract (renewable)

Since the start of volcanic activity in 1995, the Caribbean Conference of Churches, a regional ecumenical organization based in Barbados, and Christian Aid UK, the official relief agency of the British and Irish Churches, have been providing assistance to the Montserrat Christian Council, a local grouping of six churches in Montserrat, to the crisis caused by the present volcanic activity. This first year of collaboration prioritized the provision of emergency relief and assistance to the poorest communities. Joint efforts are now underway to improve the ability of the Montserrat Christian Council to assist people in need and to address the island's long term problems.

• To assist the Montserrat Christian Council in the implementation of emergency, development and advocacy programmes developed in response to the crisis created by the volcanic activity on the island and to collaborate with relevant bodies.
• The appointee will be responsible for implementing, managing and reporting on the emergency and development programme of the council, and for liaison and coordination with church, governmental, and non-governmental and community based organizations.

• Applicants should be university graduates and should have at least three years experience working organizations in Montserrat or in other Caribbean territories.
• Applicants should also have substantial experience of programme development and management, advocacy and coordination, and the ability to work with wide variety of people.
• Applicants will also be expected to provide support for the immediate and long-term programmes established be the MCC, and identify and develop new initiatives for funding.

For a detailed job description and application form, please contact the Montserrat Christian Council at

Tel: 491-5223

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

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