A chicken pox epidemic triggered by Montserratians returning home from Britain forced authorities to close schools for another week, following the Easter break holidays, District Medical Officer Dr. Franklin Perkins said Monday.
"People who were especially returning from England brought back the virus because there is a high rate of infection among Montserratians in England," he said.

Dr. Perkins said it was the right time of year in that chicken pox is highly prevalent in late winter and early spring.
He said Montserratians would be easily susceptible to the virus, which never really had an outbreak in Montserrat before, so the natural body defense mechanism was not developed to ward off any future attacks.
Schools were scheduled to reopen Tuesday after the Easter break but government ordered that the closure be extended by another week as part of efforts to break the cycle of transmission of infection.
In a ZJB broadcast the Dr. Perkins noted that there was the likelihood of chicken pox leading to complications such as pneumonia and possibly even death.

Yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gordon Avery said: "We are confident that most people who have been exposed, either would have already had it or would be developing it within the next few days and that means that after that there wouldn't be very many susceptible people in the community," but did not rule out the slim possibility of a resurgence of the disease in the coming weeks.
To date there are well over 30 reported cases and Dr. Perkins said that the outbreak was regarded as an epidemic.

"That's a big number for our island. It's widespread because we are not accustomed to those numbers in any chicken-pox situation," he said, adding that families not yet showing signs of the disease have been interacting with those already infected.
He later told the Montserrat Reporter that previous cases were usually brought in by visitors to the island and although a vaccine, which is quite expensive, is available, the vaccination against chicken pox was not being considered here.
The incubation period of the virus is two to three weeks and residents are still being urged to stay home for at least 10 days after spotting the first rash.
It is hoped by medical authorities that this outbreak, the first of its kind, would serve to develop a natural body-defense mechanism among residents should the virus emerge again in months or years to come.

Montserrat Cricket Association president John Smith has expressed his pleasure at the selection of Young 15-year-old Lionel Baker to the West Indies Youth cricket team.

Following the breaking news late on Friday last week, Smith told the Reporter on Monday, "I am not surprised but very pleased," pointing out that it is the first time since 1996 that Montserrat is getting a place on the team.

Smith said he thought it noticeable that Baker was one of only two selections from the Leewards, the other selection going to Steve Liburd from St. Kitts.

The very quiet and shy looking young Baker, as he waited his turn to bat in the practice limited-over match at Salem on Monday, said that he is an all-rounder, and that he is hoping to pursue a career in cricket. "I am very happy and I just want to continue playing cricket and hope I do well," he said.

The WIndies youth team will travel to England to compete in the Cost Cutter World Cup Cricket Tournament in the United Kingdom in July-August.

Trinidad and Tobago captain Tishan Maraj will lead the 14-man squad.

The rest of the team, which includes six T&T players, are: Lendl Simmons, Aaron Ragoonath, Ravindranath Rampaul, Kavesh Kantasingh and Dinesh Ramdin, Xavier Marshall, Howard Powell, Krishmar Santookie, Assad Fudadin, Lionel Baker, Steve Liburd, Hemant Sunoo and Renaldo Parris. Reserves are Romel Small, Kurt Edwards and Seedan Nanton.

St Vincent, CANA - _ Workers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines staged a huge anti-government demonstration in the capital, Kingstown, on Thursday in their efforts to force the government of Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell to resign over the passage of a bill giving parliamentarians increased pay and benefits.
Several schools and city businesses were closed as protests against the government continued for the third straight day.
Since the demonstrations started three days ago, the prime minister has backed down on the issue saying the government has put the bill on hold to address some of the issues raised by the protesters.
But President of the National Labour Congress Fitz Jones, whose organisation is spearheading the demonstrations, says the main issue was the removal of the government.
Schools were among the major casualties, with several reporting just a handful of teachers showing up to work on the first day of classes after the Easter vacation. By Thursday, several schools and city businesses were closed.

Government departments were also hard hit by absenteeism.
The crisis in St. Vincent is being fuelled by opposition politicians and trade union leaders, angry over Parliament's approval a week ago of higher pensions and gratuities for MPs.

Jones said the business sector in general seemed to be sympathetic to the call for a shutdown of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, "but they're not openly supporting.... A number of them are actually closing their doors".
Media reports in Kingstown said a number of businesses, including banks, had been closed and their doors and windows were protected by hurricane shutters.
Early reports, too, said air traffic controllers who had called in sick the first three days of the week were back on the job.
The absenteeism at the airport had caused some delays in flights.
Ground transportation has also been in disarray, with minibus drivers on strike.

This week Minister of Communications & Works Rupert Weekes said at a press conference that while he was in England convalescing after his recent health checks, Mr. Mike Wood had confirmed that Her Majesty's Government will not give any further considerations to an airstrip/airport at Thatch Valley.

Exactly one year ago the Chief Minister told the people of Montserrat in a radio broadcast on the airport dilemma: "Even after the consultation the case that Thatch Valley is in fact the best site for an airport in Montserrat has been presented from all angles, and from all points of view. At every turn the response by the British has been an unqualified NO.

"From all the statements made to my ministers and myself, it is clear that in the existing situation no funding will ever be available for the construction of an airport at Thatch Valley. As a matter of fact it is clear that the only other airport facility which the British might now be considering for funding is a 400 meters grass strip at Geralds.

"So tonight I have to tell you that it is not now a question of which site is the best. Rather the question for all of us is, what can we get? The choice before us; either we take the refurbished W.H. Bramble, a grass strip at Geralds, or we get no airport at all. It is as simple as that. The Government would like to have the airport built at Thatch Valley, where it could, when necessary, be extended and where it will be absolutely safe from all volcanic activity."

Mr. Weekes has been the only other government minister/official who has spoken out on the issue. It is well known that in spite of their position on Bramble Airport even then, he had always opposed the idea of workers going to Bramble airport, "until the scientists assured him it was safe to do so," as he repeated during his press conference.

He is even more resolute that an airstrip of any kind at Geralds is a bad idea, since there are too many social implications. He pointed out the uprooting of families; no sporting complex, no education facility, the noise impact on the hospital and the environmental and safety factors such as adverse wind.

Just about everyone agrees that availability of a fixed-wing facility is fundamental to the island's future economic development, so much so that there are those who believe that such a facility should be accepted at Geralds.

On 30 March, 2000, Mr. Mike Wood, head, Overseas Territories Unit, referring to a conversation between Mr. George Foulkes and the Chief Minister, wrote to the Chief Minister as follows: "…the proposed airstrip at Gerald's. You asked that no further work should be done on this. '

"Clearly we must follow your instructions, but before we put to rest the best part of a month's work I should be grateful if you could confirm your wishes in writing. With no prospect of securing the capital for Thatch Valley, and with further delay anticipated in the proposed rehabilitation of Bramble Airport (we await the outcome of the risk assessment next month, but we may be talking about a further delay of 18 months or more) there would be no fixed-wing access to Montserrat for the foreseeable future. This would be unfortunate."

The message here is clear and obviously final, especially when one considers that the Government does not feel it has the power to go elsewhere and obtain funds for any project without direct assistance and approval from the mother country. And with this not forthcoming Mr. Wood knows that unless we accept an airstrip at Geralds there will be "no fixed-wing access to Montserrat for the foreseeable future."

Mr. Weekes said that the government intends to follow the lead of the public and private sector, that we should start the move towards Thatch Valley without the assistance from Britain.

It should be understood that any fixed-wing facility, be it at Geralds, Blakes, Bramble or Thatch Valley will not be forthcoming under two years. We now know as far as Bramble is concerned, that as the scientists have put it, "the hands of the clock have been turned backward," and we know that is at least three years now.

Could it be that government is prepared to lead the way to long term planning and independence? Will they be able to prove that better can be done in the area of housing provision. Indeed we can argue now that we are in a good position to stand proud in seven to 10 years' time.

We have to begin planning now like we have never before, not for the next 18 to 20 months (to election time) but much further away. We are into the third year of the three-year, £75-million package and we should not have to wait until 2001 to hear how it is intended to achieve some serious and important goals, HMG notwithstanding.

The time is right for our government to fund, produce and market some investment proposals and projects, some of which will involve local investors to work alongside our developmental progress. It is time for initiatives, it is time that we understand that it cannot be business as usual. We have said this before but it is time we agree and act upon it.

Dear Editor,

The expatriate community, of which I am a member, has been abuzz with the revelation that a paid employee of the British Government was recently heard to complain in a public place, "We are spending $800,000 on six rich Americans" in Isles Bay.

Many of us in the expatriate community would appreciate answers to the following:

Does His Excellency endorse this outrageous distortion of reality as it relates to both the allocation and expenditure of funds on Isles Bay?

Is the complainant or anyone at Government House prepared to identify the physical improvements in Isles Bay that have been or will be created by this alleged "$800,000"?

Is anyone at Government House objective enough to distinguish between "six rich Americans" and the 34 existing villas in Isles Bay whose owners were promised restoration of utilities a year ago?

For the record, I have no idea what qualifies one for the contemptuous designation "rich American." If I ever qualified, that ceased to be the case 33 months ago. That's when my wife and I began paying budget-busting rent to live in someone else's house in Woodlands after we were evicted indefinitely by the British Government from a house to which the only volcanic calamities suffered in more than three years are the results of enforced neglect.

J. Donald Brandt

Woodlands/Foxes Bay

Comments: I enjoy so much being able to read all about how the island is doing in these years of stress. Montserratians have inspired and informed my spirit by showing what faith and steadfastness mean in the face of adversity and by "speaking truth to power."

Your future, I hope, will be as inspiring -- as you show the world how a feisty population makes a corner of their formerly whole, green and lush island a home for themselves and their neighbors who have carried their culture forward for their children in the best way possible.

While I am intrigued by the wry humor of a feature like "Limericks" or "Jus' Wondering," I am disappointed in the growing pettyness and judgmental, bitter, speculative negative writings about individuals. If the complaints are about those in power, I would still want to see objective and specific facts to illustrate -- even if they are not in my party or "camp." When individuals are attacked, I just feel that they should work it out with each other. How do I know what is true? I don't feel you want to air to the world speculative, destructive gossip.

I say this because I know how infallible our own perceptions are about "what it means" when someone either does something that is open to interpretation or when someone does not do something that we think they ought to -- a perceived slight. We attach a meaning to it, and unfortunately, we then grow to believe that meaning that we made up and can't separate the two. The only way to break that cycle is to ask yourself, "What do I really know about what happened" and "what is the story I made up about it?" Speak to the person in your life who you have a perceived problem with -- be authentic and honest and sincerely intend to have a positive outcome. This includes politicians, officials, teachers, family members, etc. The rest is destructive gossip. But hey, I still like the mischievous features.

Please show me your positivity, Montserrat. I drank from Runaway Ghaut and I care.

Barbara A. Cannas

Moses, the great man of God, had a weakness that made him feel he was unable to serve God effectively. Even though Moses was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses argued. Despite all the arguments, God still used him, but God also used Moses’ brother Aaron to complete the job God had asked Moses to do.

When God presents opportunities to serve, do we respond as Moses did, seeing only our weaknesses rather than our strengths? Or because of our unwillingness does God have to use someone else to serve in our place?

We tend to forget that even though we are weak, we have the power and might of God available to us when we step out in faith and serve as God asks. The more open we are to serve, the more powerfully God can use us. God is waiting to hear us say, " Here I am, Lord. Send me!"

Prayer: Dear God, grant us unwavering faith to serve you without question. Amen.

I will look beyond my weaknesses to see the strengths I have to offer God

Martha N. Wolowicz

Prayer Focus: Someone Hesitating To Answer God’s Call

The Montserrat Union of Teachers (MUT) is in the process of taking about 10 to 15 students to Martinique to represent Montserrat in the Caribbean Union of Teachers’ (CUT’s) 8^th Biennial Students’ Track and Field Championships.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MEET

The staging of the Track and Field Championships was a result of the CUT’s recognition of the need to provide the students in the region aged 8-15 years with some opportunities to participate in regional competitions. There was also a recognition that sports have a significant role to play in the process of regional integration. The championships were expected to bring together students and teachers of the region for a few days of friendly competition, camaraderie and corporation.

The first staging of the championships was in Barbados in 1986. The participating countries at this meet were Anguilla, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Granada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and host, Barbados. They competed for the Jean Perisco Trophy. Barbados made capital of the fact that they were at home and won the championships.

The success of the Inaugural Meet led to the decision that it should become a biennial affair. It was also agreed that the Championships would be organized and funded by the Teachers’ Union of the host country.

In 1988, St. Lucia hosted the championships at the Mindoo Phillip Park in Castries. These were seriously affected by persistent rain. With only one full day of competition completed, the championship trophy went for the second time to Barbados.

Guyana hosted the 1990 Championships at the popular Bourda Cricket Ground. At the end of very keen competition, first-time participants, Trinidad and Tobago, carried off the top prize. The excitement was fever pitch as the eventual winners were only evident in the two final events of the competition.

Trinidad and Tobago hosted the fourth staging of the meet in 1992. The Barbadians were eager to reclaim what they saw as their right, the championship trophy. Trinidad was determined not to give it up too easily. The rivalry made for exciting competition and, in the end, Barbados emerged victorious.

Two years later, in 1994, St. Kitts/Nevis hosted the Championships. Barbados came the most prepared and took the trophy home, yet again.

In 1996, the year of the Centennial Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the Meet returned to Barbados. Again, the students of this beautiful island were better prepared than the others and swept the Trophy for the fifth occasion.

In 1998, St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted the Championships. The students of Barbados again showed their superiority and walked away with the Trophy for the sixth time.

The Championships have been a breeding ground for some of the Caribbean’s most outstanding young track and field athletes. Many have moved onto the CAC Age Group Championships, the CAC Junior Championships, the Carifta Games, the CAC Senior Championships, the Pan American Games and, of course, the Olympic Games.

The likes of Obadele Thompson of Barbados, Najuma Fletcher of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ayanna Hutchinson and St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Sancho Lyttle come readily to mind.

MUT (with the help of the Sports Department on Montserrat) has used the recently conducted school sports to choose our representatives. We take this opportunity to thank the sports department for their continued help as they have agreed and have started to train some of the 23 students on our list. Letters have been sent out to parents of these students and to other individuals and groups in our community asking for support for this venture.

At this time the Montserrat Union of Teachers would like to inform the public that any other groups or individuals that may which to assist us could contact any executive member or may send their contribution to our box number 460, Brades. It will take US$60.00 to provide food and board for each student and another EC$600 for a return ticket to Martinique. All contributions, however small, will be appreciated.

MUT has never before been represented at the CUT games. It could possibly be considered ironical that MUT should take on such a venture, especially at this critical time in its life. We cannot do this without the help of all Montserrat. We call on one and all to support us as we fight not only to go where the path may lead, but also to go where there is no path and to leave a trail for others to follow. Teachers lead and inspire students to reach for the stars. The MUT’s Motto: United we stand divided we fall. Let’s work together for our students.

Ministry of Agriculture officials late yesterday confirmed from videos that a large cat that has been seen in the Silver Hills area may well be a Puma.

Veterinary surgeon Dr. Clifford Daniels said that this is not yet official, but has advised that people exercise caution if they should be in that vicinity. He said that the puma is not necessarily a dangerous or aggressive animal, but is very protective of its space or habitat.

The sightings and video were reportedly done by officials of the Montserrat National Trust, who say that the cat is, including its tail between three to five feet long and dark in colour, with white spots in its face.

Reaction at first to the reports were skeptical until the Ministry of Agriculture officials confirmed their own suspicions, after seeing the video, that the animal of the cat family was definitely not just a local "wild cat."

The big question being asked, is if this animal is really a puma, how did it make its way on the island? But one retired forester has said that he has seen something like that years ago during his tour of duty in the area.

Meantime officials from the Trust and the Agriculture Department are planning an expedition in the area in an effort to determine exactly what the animal is.

Tourism activity in Montserrat has been on the increase over the past month.

Over 100 persons took part in an expedition on board the Caledonian Cruise Line ship that visited the island on Tuesday, April 18, 2000.

Over the Easter weekend several groups out of Antigua spent the whole weekend or Easter Monday on the island.

One of the groups, a Christian organization "Fishers of Men," arrived on island on Good Friday and camped at the Defence Force Headquarters. The group held a number of religious services in villages in the safe zone. According to reports, several members of the group of 30 persons, who range from pre-schoolers to adults, fell in love with the island and some were moved to tears when leaving the island.

According to one of the disbanded soldiers still living at the headquarters site, Montserrat's hospitality is alive and well.

On Easter Monday a larger number of about 60 persons came over for the day on a One-Day special organized by Jeni Tours, and another 15-20 visiting on their own.

However, about 25 –30 were reportedly unable to make the journey on the ferry. They were told the cut-off time of 6 a.m. had arrived. Adding to the misfortune, there were Montserratians trying to come to Montserrat.

Many, including government officials, are still bewildered by the term "cut-off time" for passengers waiting in line to be manifested for travel.

Information reaching the Montserrat Reporter suggest that many of the persons were waiting in the queue for over one hour to purchase tickets to board the ferry but could not. Their main complaint was that the process was far too slow.

In a press conference on Wednesday this week, Minister of Communications and Works, the Honourable Rupert Weeks, said that he will launch an investigation into the matter. He said that the reason given was that DFID had given firm instructions regarding the "cut-off time." That could not be valid, he suggested, since the agents handling the boat were not employed by DFID.

But one business person closely related to the ferry operations said that the ferry was now operating as a commercial venture and cannot continue to run late.

The agency management in Antigua hinted that they were very worried about instructions that his company received from "the British guys." He said instructions are that regardless of who is in the line, or how many, when cut-off time comes booking must be shut off.

The Chief Minister the Honourable David Brandt, who is also Minister of Tourism, has also expressed concern about what he terms as "the unfortunate incident."

Latest news reaching the Reporter is that meetings and consultations between operating parties are schedule for this weekend.

The Chief Minister promised to take into account the views of the MCC but argued that he was confident that most of the island's 5,000 residents would support him in the introduction of a lottery if an opinion poll were conducted.
He referred to the fact that Reverend Meade mentioned that the MCC was instrumental in having government in the 1980s discard a plan to introduce casino gambling here. He observed that there is a "vast difference" between the two forms of gambling.

Cable & Wireless is once again offering customers in the Caribbean region an opportunity to save money on international calls during the month of May.

This latest offer allows customers to call anywhere in the world, on any evening during the week in May, for US99 cents a minute or less, saving as much as 43 percent on the normal rate.

The promotion will run every evening Monday to Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. During these times, all direct dialed international calls made from fixed lines will be charged at weekend rates, making a call to the United States just EC$2.00 a minute, or EC$1.80 for Talkaway customers.

The promotion, which will run throughout the month of May, applies to customers in the Caribbean Islands of Anguilla, Antigua, BVI, Barbados, Cayman, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

With customers in 70 countries, Cable & Wireless is a major global telecommunications business with over 50,000 employees worldwide. Its international operations offer a range of services spanning broadband data and Internet access, fixed and mobile voice, as well as interactive entertainment and information.

Cable & Wireless’ priority for expansion is the fast-growing market for data and IP (Internet Protocol) services for business customers. Since November 1998, it has announced major investments in advanced networks in the US and Europe, the restructuring of Cable & Wireless Communications in the UK and has acquired full control of Cable & Wireless IDC in Japan to support this strategy. Cable & Wireless now holds a unique position in terms of global coverage to business customers.

According to Mrs. Camilla W. Watts, director, the Montserrat Red Cross held a very successful General Meeting on Tuesday, 8^th February, 2000.

Among several issues addressed, most discussions centered around the need to assist with the current juvenile problems.

As a result of the above it was decided to restart the counseling program. It was agreed this time to focus on teachers and parents - i.e. those who have most contact with the juvenile.

Dr. Carol Tuitt conducted counselling sessions during March 2000. Resultant on this, a Parent Support Group has been formed.

This group will be launched at a Joint Parent Teachers' Associations meeting on Wednesday 3rd May 2000 at the Brades' Pentecostal Church at 4:15 p m.

The ultra-modern Clare Hall Basketball Stadium in Antigua is one step nearer to completion.

Earlier this week workmen began laying the court itself before going on to pave the parking lot and other areas.

The semi-indoor stadium also has a brand new lighting system which, according to officials, will provide a near daylight effect on the court, thus providing players with very adequate light.

"We are now awaiting the completion of the changing rooms as well as the bathrooms and then we will be able to play ball soon after," one official said.

The new stadium has generated lots of excitement in Clare Hall and the surrounding areas. Presently residents have to travel to St. John's to enjoy a good game of basketball. That will change when the stadium is operational, as plans are already on the drawing board for the Clare Hall League and other inter-community games.

A moderately large crowd of spectators watched last year's second place winners in the Easter Monday Road Relay race, Fittest Man Club, as they took the relay baton across the finish line at Salem park on Easter Monday, under its new name 'Run Montserrat'.

Forty-five minutes had elapsed before the relay end-runner for Fittest Man Club, followed and encouraged by other club members and well-wishers, reached the finish. Following two minutes 37 seconds behind were last year's winners, Police.

The race, which started at Lookout for the first time, was so pleasing to the Honourable Chief Minister that he referred to it as "fantastic."

It was organised by the Sports Department, under the leadership of sports officer Fitzroy Buffonge. Participating were six teams: Trend Setters ( a Seventh Day Adventist team), MSS, MVO, Search and Rescue (Fire Department), Police, and Fittest Man Club, all of whom received prizes after Fittest Man Club and Police took first two spots in that order.

Governor Anthony Abbott and new Commissioner of Police Alexander Elder were among special guests witnessing the race and the fun races that followed. Later that day a limited 40 over cricket match was played on the grounds, which are being upgraded to host Leeward Islands cricket this year. The Governor and the Government of Montserrat are supporting the facility upgrade by giving funds to the undertaking.

The Chief Minister referred to encouraging sports tourism in Montserrat, and announced that it is the intention of his sports department to invite overseas participants for the race, next year.

The national cricket training squad continued their preparations for the annual regional tournament with two practice matches on the Easter Weekend. On Easter Monday Greenaway’s XI beat Williams XI by 43 runs as the batsmen continue to show good form. Fitzroy Beige Buffonge made 91 and Tyrone Charlie Greenaway 66 to lead Greenaway’s XI to 234.

Devon Williams took five for 13 and Ingram Richmond three for 22.

Despite 56 from Devon Williams, his team fell short by 43 runs, dismissed for 191. Fitzroy had the remarkable figures of eight overs, five maidens, four runs and four wickets. He was supported by Gregory Sagga Willock, who grabbed three for 22. The two-day game on Saturday and Sunday was drawn.

Scores: Greenaway’s XI 285 (David Jack Russell Layne 98, Sylvester Pointer Wade 44, Mark Stephanie 41, Ingram Richmond three for 40) and 46 without loss. Williams XI 149 (Devon Williams 62, Wade six for 24).

In other cricketing news, promising fast bowler Lionel Baker has been selected on the West Indies Under-15 team.

Baker is one of only two persons from the Leeward Islands who have gained selection following the regional tournament in Trinidad. He will travel with the West Indies team to England this summer for the Under-15 World Cup tournament.

International Cricket Umpire Basil Morgan has congratulated Baker.

He says Baker's inclusion in the West Indies team ensures the continued development of youths in local cricket.

Following are the scores in the Montserrat Basketball Association League over the Easter Weekend.

Saturday West Siders defeated Snipers 76 to 54. Leading scorers for West Siders: Crenston Buffonge 24 points, 10 rebounds, and Kwasi Ryan 20 points, six rebounds. For Snipers: Darius Buffonge scored 18 points and Darren O’ Garro 14. In game two Ghetto edged past Outlaws 46 to 45. Orson Dyer led all scorers with 28 points.

By Peter Adrien

Thank God for the defeat! I could hear you saying contradiction. No, it is neither a contradiction nor an absurdity. It is a rational thought produced by a balanced mind.

Did you realize that we risked losing our blessing (of reflection) had we continued on the winning streak? Did you realize that we were beginning to lose our focus on team development, and some of our more gullible fans were beginning to sweep our batting deficiency under the carpet?
Well, the West Indies lost the final match in the three-match finals in the Triangular Tournament (including Zimbabwe) when they were beaten by Pakistan by four wickets at Port-of-Spain Trinidad on Easter Sunday, April 23, 2000.
West Indies was all out for 114 runs in 33 overs, the lowest total at the Queen's Park Oval. By capturing four wickets for 22 runs in his eight magical overs, the leggy Mushtaq Ahmed emerged as super star of the day.
The moment of joy for Pakistan came when Inzamam-ul-Haq thrashed Nixon Mclean to square cut for a four to hoist a four-wickets victory for Pakistan. Inzamam was not out after playing a gallant innings of 39, while Wasim Akram had scored a highly valuable 10 runs. More than the runs, it was his stay at the wicket in the moment of crisis that mattered.
Pakistan ultimately clinched the Trophy and achieved the distinction of winning a series in the Caribbean's. Though every victory is treated as a team effort, some players stand out for their remarkable performance. Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Wasim Akram are the pillars of this magnificent triumph.
Please don't misunderstand me. It has been a wonderful demonstration of spirit, guts and resilience by the new West Indies team. Following on the heels of surrender after surrender in New Zealand, the new West Indies team, after hinting that things had changed during the Test matches and the one-day internationals against Zimbabwe, has played like true
professionals, and we have nothing to regret. We all feared for the brittle West Indian team coming up against the talented Pakistanis, but the Windies out-pointed them in the preliminary round.
For the first time in many years, the West Indies are without a batsman of class and until one or two of the youngsters now on parade mature, or until Brian Lara is back and firing, the odds are against them taking on the best and defeating them. But so far, they have been doing well and the fans are happy. We are happy not only because the West Indies won six matches in a row, but also because of the way they went about the task of defeating their opponents.
What is the blessing? The defeat in the finals reminded us of our team's inability and its inherent weakness, in spite of the consecutive wins since Jimmy Adams assumed the leadership. The developments on the field of play last weekend spoke volumes, and one would hope that the decision-makers listened and learnt a lot.
The loss to Pakistan is blessing in disguise and is significant for the development of the team, as it would hopefully force the selectors and the new management to audit the performances in a rational manner and not be carried-away with the one-day victories.
And this is particularly important as captain Adams reflected poor judgment with respect to the problem of the team. He was wrong in the post-match interview with Michael Holding when he stated: "We have a group of players and we can play good cricket against just any body."

The analysis is poor and the appraisal is flawed. One can only hope that Jimmy Adams was merely making a statement of motivation to his disappointed team. One would hope that he was not reflecting the political culture (organizational and national), which has bedeviled, retarded and contributed to the underdevelopment of the Caribbean since decolonisation.
That is, the reflection of the political mind-set that cannot see beyond the existing mediocrity and backwardness.
Captain James Adams is wrong. Winning is very important for the West Indies team, but not the panacea. Tutko and Tosi in their book "Sports Psyching" teach that "Winning is, of course, more fun than losing, and the desire to win is nothing to be ashamed of. But when the desire to win becomes the sole source of gratification from a sport, then we are as impoverished as if the sole value in food was its taste and not the nutrition we also receive.' (Tutko and Tosi (1976:199)
Then the authors make the invaluable point: "Winning athletic contests, moreover, is not all it's cracked up to be even in terms of measuring quality of performance. There are lots of ways to win a game, not all of them involving skill. You can be lucky. Your opponent can be having an off day. We exaggerate the assertive factor in sports victories. Indeed most recreational athletics is won on the other person's mistakes as often as on one's own feats. Part of the problem is in how winners are determined.
"Winning, in the conventional sense, means making a better score. But the score is only one kind of measurement of the game, and it's a pretty thin substitute for the actual experience of playing."
We want to continue to win and to get back to our "winning ways" but we want to develop an internationally competitive team. That is to say, we must develop the West Indian cricket product, the differentiated product, that made us internationally competitive by strengthening our weakest link in the product design, the West Indian art of batsmanship. The absence of this art and science was again unmasked in all the games in the just concluded triangular tournament.

The new-look West Indies team has not been tested. Zimbabwe was an inexperienced lightweight and Pakistan, so far, has played like a light-heavy weight. This Pakistan team is a relatively weak batting team with a strong bowling combination. This is reflected in the fact that its bowling armoury largely determined the triangular tournament.

Pakistan won primarily on the basis of a superior bowling arsenal.
As I have argued time and time again, we want to develop world class batsmen like Australians, Ricky Pointing and Michael Slater; Pakistanis, Saeed Anwar and Inzaman-ul-Haq. But we shall not develop them through the abbreviated form of the game. The one-day games tend to de-skill the average craftsman. The statistics seem to suggest that those who do well in both form of the game (one-day and Test) are those who have mastered
the art and science of batting in the longer version of the game, the real thing.

The international batsmen who do well in both versions of the game include Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh, Ricky Pointing, Aravinda de Silva, Saeed Anwar, Jacques Kallis, Andy Flower, and Souray Ganguly and Inzamam-ul-Haq. They are all technically efficient batters and some are internationally experienced craftsmen.

<--- Richie Richardson, batted the 'West Indies Way'. (Photo:Peter Adrien).

It is only "men" and not "boys" who can flourish in any form of the game, whether it is Test Cricket, One-day Cricket or Max Cricket.
While I appreciate the argument made by Wasim Raja that the one-day game is an ideal environment for the inexperienced batter to develop confidence, I remain convinced that certain of our promising young batsmen should not be introduced to international cricket through the one-day version. The selectors should help their nurturing by selecting them for
the three-day, four-day and five-day games, where their schooling is more complete.
I firmly believe that our promising youngsters like Chris Gayle, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Narsingh Deonarine, should not be hurried into the shorter version of the game. As I noted previously, I am even more convinced that Ricardo Powell is a "bundle of talent" which will finally be developed when he is reserved for the real schooling environment - the three-day game, four-day game and the Test match.
The loss against Pakistan reminds us that the abbreviated form of the game tends to de-skill our technically deficient batsmen. It has called on us to rethink our game plan and reflect on our limitations for the upcoming Test series.
Let us concentrate on developing a technically efficient West Indian Team.

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

(Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is an information service produced and prepared in the office of the Chief Minister and published as a paid for service.)

On Wednesday April 26 the Honourable Minister of Communication and Works Mr. Rupert Weekes held a press conference to update Montserratians on the activities of his ministry and answer questions from the local media. At the press conference the minister said:

"The Ministry of Communications and Works continues to play a pivotal role in the redevelopment process of Montserrat. We have been active in areas such as road construction, road maintenance and repair. We have also been involved in construction and repair of culverts and bridges, maintenance and improvement in electricity supply, the distribution and network improvement in the water system, and sea and helicopter facilities.

"As the technical arm of Government of Montserrat my Ministry through the PWD is involved in the design and implementation and supervision of most Government projects. This section of the Ministry has been receiving technical assistance with DFID. It is evident that the workload in this area has significantly increased and continues to grow.

"As projects come on stream, therefore, in order for us to cope adequately with the demand, a building sector has been found to oversee the construction of Government-provided housing and other construction projects. In keeping with the Government of Montserrat’s aim to adequately equip public sector employees with the necessary skills and training to perform their duties effectively, several staff members have been granted fellowships and scholarships to study at recognized learning institutions overseas. The issue of merger of the water and electricity companies is still ongoing."

According to a press release from the OERU, the workshop, which will be held in each of the member countries, will measure the capacity of each territory to monitor all aspects of education reform.

Methods for monitoring education reform include assessing schools and ministries and evaluating stakeholder involvement.

The Fittest Man Club won the first ever Run Montserrat Easter Monday Relay. The club, which included veteran runner Herman "King" Lewis, won the race in 45 minutes. Police was second in a time of 47 minutes, 30 seconds, followed by the Fire Department at 48 minutes.

The race began at 6 o’clock in Lookout and continued south to Salem Park, watched by enthusiastic crowds. For their efforts the Fittest Man Club received trophies, medals, drinks and cash prizes. The teams that placed also received trophies, cash prizes and medals, while the other teams were presented with drinks. The Sports Department also presented a gift to the Montserrat Red Cross for supporting the race over the years.

Trophies were donated by the Montserrat Electricity Services Limited (MONLEC), Kenneth Allen Q.C. and the Sports Department.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt. also Minister of Sports, was impressed with the race, public support and the organization of the event. The CM, who delivered a brief address at the prize-giving ceremony after the race, congratulated the Sports Department for a job well done and challenge it to organize a much longer race next year. Miss Katrina Lee, Assistant Secretary in the Chief Mininister's office, presented the prize to the winners of the race.

Fittest Man Club Relay Team

MVO Relay Team

Trendsetters Relay Team

Fun races after the big race

The Honourable Minister of Education Health and Community Services Mrs. Adelina Tuitt has lauded Diamond Services for its interest in the welfare of the island’s children. Diamond Services, which is a solid waste management company, arranged for the eyes of at least 90 children to be checked recently by optometrists from Antigua. The team from Eye Land Optical spent one day here carrying out tests on the students from the two primary schools.

Head of Diamond Services Dr. Ronnie Cooper said that interest in the project came out of a private and public sector partnership in education conference in Jamaica earlier this month. He says the screening process will continue on a monthly basis until all children over the age of 7 are tested. The dermatologist says this would help determine if some children’s learning problems were caused by visual defects.

The Montserrat National Trust has won an award for its video "The History of Montserrat." The video, which was released earlier this year, was given an award of Distinction by Videographer Awards, a company based in Arlington, Texas. Judged out of 2,386 documentaries from the United States and several foreign countries, the video was judged to be the best among those submitted. A trophy will be forwarded to the Trust from Texas. The Trust wishes to thank all those persons who made the video and subsequent award possible. "The History of Montserrat; Its Challenges, Opportunities and Achievements" was produced in conjunction with the Forestry and Environmental Department. It documents the history of Montserrat starting from 500 AD, using photographs dating back to the 1890s.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has defended his proposal of last for a national lottery as a possible revenue earner for the government.

The Chief Minister said that while the Montserrat Christian Council is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the people, he is not only responsible for spiritual welfare but also for bread and butter issues. Rev. Joan Meade, President of the Montserrat Christian Council, said in an interview with CANA that the Council will meet to discuss the possible introduction of a national lottery here. She said the umbrella religious organization is likely to oppose the measure.

Rev. Meade said with the social situation here, the last thing Montserrat needs at the

moment is a national lottery which compounds the situation and leads people into

compulsive gambling. She believes this would encourage people to spend what they cannot afford.

The head of the MCC agrees that the lottery could be a source of funding for development projects but maintains that it is undesirable, pointing out that the MCC strongly opposed casino gambling when it was proposed here in the 1980’s.

She says the MCC was very instrumental then in sensitizing the public about casino

gambling and was successful in mobilizing opposition to the measure.

Mr. Brandt said in his view there is a difference between casino gambling, bingo and a national lottery. He said there is no evidence of abuse or addiction in the other islands where lottery has been played for many years now.

The training component of the Caribbean Overseas Territories Government Financial Management System gets under way this week.

The new financial system is designed to enhance the overall functioning of financial management within government. Although it would eventually involve all government departments only a few core departments such as Treasury, Finance and the Department of Administration are being involved initially. According to officials the new financial system will provide real time information resulting in better service for the public in terms of response time. Additionally the government information database should be more accurate, achieving a more cost effective and efficient administration.

A recently formed peer-counseling group is soon to establish a hot line service. Psychologist Dr. Carol Tuitt, who was instrumental in putting the group together, says the hot line service could be up and running within six to eight weeks. Representatives of parent-teacher association, which took part in a counseling programme last month organized by the Montserrat Red Cross, will run this service.

Nurses who took part in a nutrition workshop last week feel they have benefited from the experience. The workshop organized by the nutrition department and the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute, was the latest in a series of seminars on common hospital diets. The participants said they were impressed particularly by the counseling skills gained.

On Tuesday April 18 a cruise ship spent the day at Port Little Bay. A number of tours were organized and the leader of the expedition to Montserrat, Art Cooley, has given a commitment to make Montserrat a regular stop on their annual cruise.

The expedition on board the Caledonian Cruise Line brought over 100 visitors to the island. Cooley says Montserrat is a big attraction and will be a permanent fixture on their schedule.

The tourists decided to visit Montserrat despite the travel advisory issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. One of the many visitors, Peter Turner, from the United Kingdom, told reporters he would spread the word about Montserrat to his friends in the UK.

The visitors were taken on tours from Jack Boy Hill in the east to Richmond Hill in the south of the island. Trained and certified tour guides and bus drivers were among the many persons who were very happy to see cruise ship passengers again on Montserrat.

The visitors also interacted with science students of the Montserrat Secondary school and were entertained at the Old Mill ruins at Blakes Estate by our local masquerade and string band.

Health authorities are worried about an outbreak of chicken pox on the island. District Medical Doctor Dr. Franklyn Perkins, who is responsible for infectious diseases, said that almost 20 cases of the virus have been detected so far.

He says the cases have occurred all across the island from Lookout to Salem and the authorities are trying to prevent the spread of the disease by isolating infected cases. Dr. Perkins says the symptoms of chicken pox are bumps that appear on the body and itching. He says that because chicken pox is a virus there is no cure for the disease. However, he states that there are treatments for the itching such as calamine lotion and oatmeal bath.

In related news the Ministry of Education has delayed the re-start of primary and nursery schools and daycare centers because of the outbreak of chicken pox.

The Ministry says schools will reopen on the second of May. According to health officials the chicken pox epidemic has reached its peak and the children can return to school on Monday, and that although a few may be affected the risk is now minimal.

The National Development Foundation (NDF) has put just over EC $4 million into the local economy since May of 1998.

According to the NDF the grants were funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) through the Government of Montserrat. In a press release it says to date 123 businesses have received assistance and that more assistance is on the way for the business sector. Apart from loans, funds will be available in the not too distant future to facilitate training programmes as well as other forms of support under the DFID/Government of Montserrat grant funded programme.

In fulfilling its mandate of support to the business sector, the NDF has launched its Business Advisory Unit and will soon begin a series of media information programmes. The training and outreach programme, which runs up to September this year, is already in place as the NDF returns to its traditional high profile training agenda. A brochure of NDF’s activities over the next six months is being distributed to the business sector and the community at large.

Business Development Officer in the Business Advisory Unit Agatha Aspin says she is pleased with the initial response to the training activity so far. She has also indicated that two very special events for all persons in the business community will be coming on stream over the next six months in addition to the Skills Enhancement and Entrepreneurial Workshops.

Performer Randy Zunky Greenaway and Psychologist Dr. Carol Tuitt were in the twin-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis last week to present their latest CD and book, "Little Island, Live Volcano," which they co-authored.

Greenaway says his interaction with Montserratian children was very productive, and the responses were very interesting. The presentation was organized to reconnect Montserratian children in both St. Kitts and Nevis with their home country. It was sponsored by the Department for International Development under the Target Assistance for Relocated Montserratians (TAMEC) project.

General manager of Delta in Nevis Jerry Fernandez says an investigation will be carried on into the recent contamination of Montserrat's fuel supplies.

Two weeks ago vehicles on Montserrat developed a problem from contaminated gasoline sold at the only petrol station on island, A&F Services located in Sweeneys St Johns. Montserrat has been supplied with fuel from Delta in Nevis since the unset of the volcanic crises. Many problems developed in vehicles that used the diesel-contaminated gasoline

Speaking from his office in Charlestown, Mr. Fernandez said the investigation has been requested by the Emergency Department in Montserrat. He said, however, that Delta does not see any liability on its part.

Mr. Fernandez says the contamination was caused by gas mixing with diesel but the investigation will determine how and when it happened. He also said fuel from the same cargo shipment was delivered to other islands and no contamination occurred. The Honourable Chief Minister says the Governor’s Office has responsibility for the matter but said he would ensure that the results of the investigation are made public.

The Cultural department is moving ahead with plans for Montserrat’s participation in CARIFESTA VII in St. Kitts. Cultural Co-ordinator Rachel Collis says the committee charged with organizing Montserrat’s entry in the regional cultural extravaganza had a successful first meeting.

Meanwhile, Miss Collis, has just returned from attending the Eleventh Meeting of the Regional Cultural Committee (RCC), held in Tortola April 17-18. High on the agenda of the two-day meeting was an update of plans for the staging of CARIFESTA VII, the Caribbean Festival of Arts and Culture, which will be held in St Kitts/Nevis from August 17 to 26.

The St Kitts/Nevis delegation, led by the Minister of Culture, Jacinth Henry-Martin, presented its report to the RCC for discussion and ratification.

Other important agenda items included the Free Movement of Artists and Cultural Workers within the region, the Caribbean Music Industry Development Project (CARMID), and EXPO 2000, which will be held in Hanover, Germany, later this year..

According to Miss Collis, Montserrat does not stand to benefit from the major regional culture development projects, viz, those mounted by CARIFORUM and UNESCO. CARIFORUM projects only apply to CARICOM member countries which are African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states and are financed mainly by the European Development Fund (EDF). Montserrat must apply for assistance from UNESCO through the United Kingdom, since it is not a direct member.

Montserrat, along with other member states, is invited to submit suitable candidates for Cultural Integration through Languages courses in the Latin American countries, and cultural heritage preservation and protection workshops which are being held throughout the year.

Resource person, Ms Carol Lawes, Culture Programme Manager for CARICOM, exhorted participants at the meeting to work hard on sensitizing their Ministers of Culture on the importance of attending meetings of the Forum of Ministers of Culture, accompanied by their officials responsible for Cultural Policy. Ms Lawes also called on Directors of Culture present to take advantage of opportunities offered for training, and for fostering the spirit of regional co-operation through cultural activities.

During the Twentieth Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community held in Port-of-Spain 4^th – 7^th July 1999, it was agreed that a regional cricket conference on all aspects of West Indian Cricket should be convened early in the year 2000 and should address, the following:

1. The reasons for the decline of the West Indian team.

The factors -- for example, television -- which currently motivate young people in the region, and their approach to cricket and other sports.

The approaches to the technical and intellectual development of West Indian cricketers at all levels.

2. The improvement of the structure of management and administration of cricket in the region.
3. The development of a strategic plan to restore the game to its pre-eminence among the people of the region, especially among the youth.

In order to ensure that all the peoples in the region are allowed to be involved in the way forward for West Indies Cricket, the Heads of Government Conference also agreed that National Sub-Committees must be established in each member state of CARICOM with the following main objectives:

1. To seek maximum public participation from the entire CARICOM citizens through radio call-in programmes, indoor schoolroom type meetings. Television footage and any other facilities offered by the media. Citizens are also invited to submit papers, memoranda etc.
2. To use the data collected from public fora etc. as referred above to compile a report, which will be presented to the Regional Conference in Barbados carded for 3^rd to 5^th, June 2000. The importance of full participation cannot therefore be underscored.
3. To engage the people of the region in focussed discussion in order to strengthen the community’s sense of ownership of the cricket culture.

Indeed West Indian scholars have written that West Indians have made their greatest single cultural investment in the culture of cricket. We have done so over a period of 200 years and have come to associate the game and its wider social relationships with our principal projects of nation building and identity formation.

Here on Montserrat the Office of the Chief Minister, Ministry responsible for Sports, brought together 22 persons for the extended cricket family as a Steering Committee and from this group a working Executive was named as follows:

Mr. Anthony Maloney Chairman, Mr. Joseph Meade Secretary, Mr. Keith Stone Greaves, Mr. John Smith, Mr. D R V Edwards, Mr. Fitzroy Buffonge

Persons can send in papers or memoranda to the Committee. To make it easier for persons to respond, people who find the meetings and radio programmes inadequate to express all their thoughts, may send a short note or an in-depth presentation via Fax #1-664-491-6780 or E-mail gismedia@candw.ag

A large cat has been sighted several times in the Silver Hills area. Recent video evidence has led Ministry of Agriculture Technicians to suspect that this animal maybe a puma. Further investigations are been carried out to confirm the identity of the animal and to decide on an appropriate course of action.

If it is a puma, they generally avoid human contact; however persons are advised to be careful when in that area. Anyone with information as to how this animal may have gotten to Montserrat, please contact Ministry of Agriculture at Telephone number 491-2546.

The Department's Veterinary Officer, Dr Clifford Daniels, returned to Montserrat on Tuesday from St Lucia. He traveled on the ship with the donkeys to ensure their comfortable passage. Crowds gathered at the port in St Lucia to witness the off loading of the animals.

While in St Lucia Dr Daniels investigated the possibility of shipping other farm animals there. A positive interest was shown in the importation of goats from Montserrat. The Department is continuing to seek markets aboard for the excess cattle on island.

1. Deworm within the month before and after giving birth.
2. Remove animals from contaminated pastures to that which was not grazed for 40-50 days.
3. Deworm at flushing period (two weeks before breeding).
4. Improve quality of nutrition.
5. Avoid over crowding.

If your management is of very high standard, then you can consider the following in general terms: -

1. Deworm animals every three months.
2. Deworm at the beginning and end of the rainy season; or
3. Deworm two or three weeks after the rainy period and just before the dry season.
4. Remember to clean the pens and do pasture rotations.

The interest generated by last year's Agriculture Exhibition has motivated many more households to become involved in backyard gardening. A recent survey has shown that the numbers of households involved in backyard gardening has doubled this year. The major contributing factor is the department's policy to "Grow more and eat more of what you grow," which was made possible by the technical support provided by the Department of Agriculture. This week several thousand seedlings of the common vegetables were distributed to farmers.

• Tomato Seedlings
• Cabbage Seedlings
• Sweet Pepper Seedlings
• Lettuce Seedlings

The Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Mr Brunel Meade, accompanied by Agriculture Development Officer, Mr Justin Cassell, visited a number of farms in Duck Pond, Underwood and Upper Blakes on Friday, April 28, 2000. This visit afforded the Minister with the opportunity to see what transpires on the farms.

Mr Meade encountered a number of farmers on their plots and engaged in very intense positive exchanges with them.

A video on stray dog control will be shown on Sunday, April 30, at 5:00 p.m. on local access. All dog owners and members of the community are urged to view this video

This week we will continue with the topic posture, and will focus on some steps to good posture.

Good posture entails the way you stand, sit and walk. But conscious attention to the way you hold your hand, direct your feet, and balance your body does not constitute the whole of good posture. Developing general health rates high in this matter.

The person who uses his muscles regularly and therefore has strong, firm muscles, will be able to hold his body erect.

When standing your feet should be parallel, about six inches apart.

Keep your head high, as if balancing a book on the head.

Keep your chest out.

Your stomach and hips firm.

Keep your weight slightly forward, over the balls of the feet and distributed evenly on each foot

Knees should be very lightly flexed not locked.

Abdomen and back should be as flat as possible.

When sitting always sit back in the chair, so that hips touch the back of the chair and the feet flat on the floor.

Sit tall

Keep your chest out and the neck in line with the upper back.

When walking keep knees an ankles limber, toes pointed straight ahead.

Keep legs close together.

Swing your legs forward from hip joints.

Lift your feet off the ground but don’t shuffle.

Keep head and chest high.

Keep shoulders free and easy

Ensure the heel touches the ground first in each step.

In closing, the greatest handicap to good posture is the wearing of poorly designed shoes. This mostly affects women. High-heeled shoes throw a person off balance.

In ordinary mechanics when one factor tend to throw a weight forward, there must be some other factor to counter balance it, else the center of gravity will be shifted. Shoes with high heels force the wearer to compensate by assuming unnatural positions.

Let us remember that good posture entails proper standing, sitting and walking practices and proper development of muscles.

Mrs. Paula Pollard is an Enrolled Nursing Assistant at the St John’s Hospital. After successfully completing her Secondary Education she enrolled in a Pre-Nursing Course in 1985 with the Adult Association and Continuing Education of Guyana, and graduated after successfully completing the course.

She then joined the New Amsterdam School of Nursing in September 1988 and pursued a one-year training as a Nursing Assistant. After competing training she graduated and registered with the Ministry of Health, Guyana. She was subsequently assigned to the National Psychiatric Hospital and completed a one-year training in Psychiatry. She also served for one year at the Port Mourant Cottage Hospital.

During her nursing career Mrs. Pollard served in the Medical Unit, Surgical Unit, Paediatric Unit, Emergency Unit, Eye Clinic, Operating Theatre and X-ray Department. Mrs. Pollard also pursued a one-year course in Food and Nutrition with the University of Guyana Institute of Adult and Continuing Education. Her career goal is to further her career in nursing and to specialize in Paediatric Nursing.

Menopause may be unavoidable, but that doesn't mean you have to endure the side effects. Lifestyle changes can help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. As a bonus, they reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. You've heard the advice before: stop smoking, exercise regularly, eat right, and reduce stress. Here's why these recommendations are so important during menopause and here are some ways to go about achieving them.

Stop Smoking
If you smoke, one of the best things you can do for yourself now is to STOP! Cigarette smoking is known to increase a woman's risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, and menopausal women are already at risk for both diseases because of reduced estrogen levels. Smoking can bring on menopause as much as two to three years earlier than it would naturally occur, putting a woman at even greater risk because she spends fewer years with the protective benefit of estrogen.

Exercise
Exercise in any form is helpful during menopause: Women who are active, for example, seem to experience fewer hot flashes than women who are inactive. As a woman gets older, she should pay attention to two particular types of exercise: weight-bearing exercise, such as strength training, which helps slow bone loss, and aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, which can lower the risk of developing heart disease.

The North American Menopause Society advocates at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every day. This can be as simple as walking quickly for two miles. To keep bones strong, build up to 30 minutes of weight training twice a week as well.

One study of 500 women found that 70 percent of thin and average-weight women gained weight during menopause, while 90 percent of overweight women did. In fact, one study found that professional athletes in menopause had to decrease their food intake by 300 calories a day to avoid gaining weight!

Being overweight puts you at increased risk for heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. It's not only excess weight that matters, but where you carry that extra weight. Fat around the waist and stomach is particularly dangerous for your heart. Our test can help you find out if the distribution of fat on your hips and waist poses a health risk.

Eat a Healthy Diet
At the turn of the last century, a menopausal woman could count on about five more years of life. Today she can look forward to 25 or 30 years or more. As a result, conditions that develop over time -- such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and hypertension -- begin to threaten. Many of these conditions are linked to eating habits.

Eating right is always important, but it can become more difficult as you reach menopause. First off, because of a slowing metabolism, you have to get more nutritional punch for your calories, or you're likely to gain weight. One way to do this is to follow the portion sizes and food choices in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Pyramid. Choose lower fat meat and dairy products and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Around the time of menopause, you need to be sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D, as a way to help stave off osteoporosis. After menopause, women on estrogen replacement therapy are advised to get 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. This jumps to 1,500 milligrams if they are not receiving hormone replacement therapy. The best sources of calcium are low-fat dairy products -- such as cheese, yogurt, and milk -- because they contain vitamin D and lactose, two substances that aid calcium absorption. Calcium is also available in canned fish with edible bones, such as salmon and sardines; dark-green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collard, and broccoli; and calcium-fortified foods, such as orange juice and breads made with calcium-fortified flour.

Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption. The best natural food sources are fish oils, butter, cream, egg yolk, and liver. Milk is the only food fortified with appreciable amounts of vitamin D. Getting about 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight two to three times a week can also meet your vitamin D needs.

Your need for iron may increase around the time of menopause. If you have heavy menstrual periods, you can lose as much as 20 milligrams of iron each month. (Before menopause you need about 15 milligrams of iron; after menopause, 10 milligrams.) Meat and other animal products have the most absorbable form of iron (called heme iron). Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and iron-fortified cereals have a less absorbable form, called non-heme iron.

If you start to feel unusually fatigued and are concerned about anemia, you may need iron. However, it is extremely important that you discuss this with your doctor first, for two reasons. First, anemia can have causes other than iron-deficiency. Second, iron supplements can damage the heart and other organs in people who have an iron-storage disorder called hemochromatosis -- and many people aren't even aware they have the disorder.

Some researchers believe that American women would be less prone to menopausal symptoms if their diets were modeled more closely after the Asian diet. (Asian women have fewer menopausal complaints.) This means restricting meat, keeping fat to under 20 percent of calories, eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and including at least one serving a day of tofu or a soy food.

Soy contains naturally occurring chemicals called phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), which the body converts into hormone-like substances. They are thought to have the same beneficial effects as estrogen and offer another way to combat some of the annoying symptoms caused by menopause, as well as potentially reducing the risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis. Foods believed to contain phytoestrogens include oilseeds, particularly linseed or flaxseed oil, and soybeans. The benefits and possible risks of phytoestrogens are still under study, but an Asian-type diet should pose no risk.

Finally, when planning your diet, keep in mind that there are a number of foods that are known to induce hot flashes. These include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks, and chocolate. You may find it helpful to avoid them.

Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking lots of water (eight glasses a day is recommended) will help your body function best. One way to do this is to buy a large plastic bottle of water and make yourself finish it by the end of the day.

Talk to Your Doctor About Supplements
There’s anecdotal evidence that certain vitamin and herbal supplements can help relieve menopausal symptoms, though to date there are few studies on their effectiveness. Some women swear by B-complex vitamins as a way to help fight dry skin and hair. Others have found that vitamin E taken orally (200-600 IU/day) can help relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The vitamin is present in vegetables oils, brown rice, wheat germ, and nuts. If you take a supplement, start at 50 IU per day and increase your dose, as needed, up to 400 IU.

Herbs, such as wild yam root, ginseng, peppermint tea, and the Chinese herb Dong Quai, are said to relieve some menopausal symptoms. Before taking herbs for menopausal symptoms, though, it's best to consult a licensed naturopath.

Reduce Stress
It may sound silly, but stress really can wreak havoc on your health. Along with physical changes that are occurring in your body during menopause, other life changes coincide to bring on new stresses for you to deal with. Learning to cope with this stress can help alleviate hot flashes for some women, as well as aid overall well-being. Some options for stress reduction include massage, exercise, meditation and yoga. Give them a try and see what works best for you. None of the options sound too bad! And the benefits can be astounding.

Anticipate Hot Flashes
If you're prone to hot flashes during menopause, be prepared: Dress in layers and choose natural fibers over synthetic ones. During a hot flash, think "cool" -- find a cool spot if possible and drink a cool beverage. Or take a cool shower. At night, make sure your bedroom is cool, too. It will help cut down on night sweats.

Pat ‘Belonger’ Ryan has produced her first CD, "Bilingual and Basic," which was launched on ZJB Radio recently. This new album is beautifully put together and is an outstanding addition to the local music available in Montserrat, with a variety of styles, rhythms and topics, including two songs in French.

All songs are composed and written by Belonger, who has entered the annual calypso competition several times, being the first woman to reach the finals in this mainly male area. Her lively melodies and gentle style of singing give her songs a special quality.

Belonger accompanies several of the songs herself on the cuatro (a miniature guitar), with instrumental backing for others being provided by Steve Ryan, Hodge Daley, Lenny Morgan and Andre West.

In calypso style, the first song, "Bring back Miss Goosie," looks back to the earlier days of the Festival season, when the traditional characters Miss Goosie and John Bull used to be spontaneous parts of the festivities.

Belonger expresses her regret that foreign culture is replacing these and other traditional aspects of Festival. This was Belonger’s first calypso, which she composed and sang back in 1988, when it reached the calypso finals.

The catchy song "Chewing gum" appears twice on the CD, the second time in French. Here in a light-hearted fashion Belonger expresses her disgust at the prevalence of this habit, especially when the gum is dropped in the wrong places. She uses the song to appeal to all to properly dispose of their "icky, tacky, sticky" chewing gum.

The other French song, "Montserrat," sings praises to the beauty of Montserrat. The inclusion of these two songs in French is sure to bring the language alive for students of French, and should also increase the appeal of the album to people on the French islands.

Many of the songs have serious themes. The calypso "Time for a Change" strongly upholds women’s unique contributions to society, and appeals for their recognition; while "Caribbean Unity" appeals for team spirit within and between the various islands, with its catchy refrain "forget ‘bout the party, vote for the man."

Religion is not forgotten, and the beautifully reverent song, "Lord of the Universe," written after the passage of Hurricane Hugo, gives a spiritual slant to the album. In a different style again, one of my favourites is the evocative song "Sailing on a Dream."

The light-hearted calypso "What’s in a name" points to how some of the Caribbean islands, as well as places in Montserrat, got their names, reminding us that a name is "part of your identity," and the album ends with an amusing look at "arthuritis."

Belonger’s calypsoes and other songs, with their thoughtful lyrics and lively melodies, have been giving pleasure to many over the years. This is an enchanting and enriching collection of songs, making an ideal gift or souvenir of Montserrat.

By Ken Walter

We are back on island again, after a year’s absence and now not just as visitors but finally as homeowners (remember we have been coming to Montserrat since 1986). While we share everyone’s concerns regarding the new dome growth and the uncertainties that this change encompasses, we are equally encouraged by all the wonderfully positive changes we have seen – completion of the "Tropical Mansion Suites" hotel, upgrading at the Port, new water mains, the Vue Pointe coming back to life, etc., etc. -- and, as always, the courage and enthusiasm of the Montserratian people. Regrettably we are discouraged by what appears to be the lack of a strategic plan to address redevelopment of your tourism industry. Oh, you say, this will never happen, just look at what Britain did to us recently by issuing the latest travel advisory.

The reality here is that the type of ecotourtist that would consider Montserrat as a potential destination doesn’t care a twit about travel advisories. These are folks who regularly risk life and limb seeking excitement. These are people who go white water rafting, bungie jumping, exploring caves, etc. If anything, a "travel advisory" makes the destination that much more appealing. To those people who are currently empowered as decision makers I have to say that if your intentions are to make this island into another typical Caribbean vacation island, you need to re-evaluate this train of thought. For the foreseeable future it’s simply not going to happen. Montserrat doesn’t (nor did you ever) have the infrastructure to succeed in this highly competitive arena – no miles of white sand beaches, no airport capable of handling large jet aircraft, no fully equipped resort/conference facilities (with gambling, niteclub acts, parasailing, wind surfing lessons, 18-hole golf course, children's day care facilities, etc.) and the list continues on, but I will not bore you with that which you already know.

I applaud the efforts of your government leaders to try and obtain as much aid as possible from England. The issue at hand is not what Britain is or isn’t going to do, the issue is what is Montserrat going to do. Where is your strategic plan? How far along are you in developing a national volcano park? What are the policies, rules and regulations that are being considered for park use by tourists? What are the policies, rules and regulations that are being considered for park use by Montserratian businesses?

How do you justify your outrage at England for issuing a travel advisory when you are doing the very same thing yourselves? If I were a tourist currently on island, you can be assured that the attraction that has brought me is the volcano. But in the interest of protecting my safety if I want to go exploring, I am met with all kinds of warning signs, police that will either deny me access or arrest me if I hike south of the Belham River! PLEASE do not reply by telling me I can hire a taxi for a tour. I am an ecotourist, remember, and driving up Garibaldi Hill and standing at the lookout site, while presenting a wonderful vista, doesn’t cut it if that’s all that I can do, or as close as I am allowed to go. Let me set the record straight. I am not advocating being irresponsible or putting the safety and well-being of visitors at risk. I simply wish to point out the contradiction that seems to exist on this issue.

In business, when dealing with a problem we do "worst case possible evaluations". If we apply this management tool to the current situation in Montserrat then we must accept that the volcano is not in repose, and if I have my scientific terminology correct, the volcano has been reassessed " permanently active."

Discouraging to be sure, but we need to move on with our "worst case" exercise and evaluate what this means. While I do not mean to minimize the exercise, there are two very basic facts to consider: One, that people have lived and continue to live in close proximity to volcanoes around the world, and in many of these situations they have been doing so for very extended periods of time; two, that our world is not a perfect place, that life is fraught with danger and so, whether you live in London and deal with the hazards of air pollution, or on Montserrat with volcanic ash, you learn to cope and survive.

The courageous people of Montserrat have already demonstrated their ability to cope with worst case scenarios – Hurricane Hugo and the volcano crises to date. The lesson here is to appreciate the help others can provide, BUT accept the fact that ultimately the responsibility for Montserrat’s future must be borne on the shoulders of the Montserratian people. Have the courage to elect those government officials who have this island's best interests in mind, give the boot to all who do not have the vision, knowledge and experience to accomplish your/their goals. And all of you must have the strength of your convictions to insure you will be proud of the legacy that you leave for future generations of Montsrratians.

These "Views From the Outside" are presented as motivational food for thought. As an entrepreneur and business veteran with over 35 years of hands-on management experience, I feel I can speak with some authority. My goal is to hopefully generate some of the sparks that kindle the desire to act proactively - now, not reactively after opportunities are lost.

Adolescence is a time of rapid and profound psychological and biological development, during which sexual maturation and major changes in the body size and configuration occur.

These physical changes, plus a growing sense of urgency to establish a personal identity, produce considerable stress for a typical adolescent.

There are three major development tasks of adolescence, which must be established in order to mature normally:

• Establishing a personal and sexual identity.

• Becoming increasingly autonomous from the family.

• Dealing with the biological and psychological changes of puberty.

Behavioral or emotional disorders typical of adolescence:

• Steady decline in school performance

• Persistent social withdrawal

• Acting out

• Suicidal thoughts

• Truancy

• Impaired reality

• Stealing

• Delusion

Management:

This is taught most effectively by example, but there is also the need to explain the principles to the young person.

Parents/Guardians or those dealing with adolescent must:

• Identify the problem

• Focus on the problem

• Attack the problem, not the person

• Listen with an open mind

• Treat a person's feeling with respect

• Take responsibility for your actions

Is the mot important skill in dealing with adolescence. Unfortunately most people think of communication as talking and miss the most important element, "Listening." While the adult may not agree with the adolescent's viewpoint, they need to be sure they understand it before responding. Adolescents need to feel that they are heard and that their view and feelings are respected.

Jus wonderin why de power locking off so fast.

Jus wonderin if HE’s vehicles are family ones why they are seen so often now night and day.

Jus wonderin who is aware that the black bird is back attacking people in the vicinity of the RBC.

Jus wonderin if no one from the traffic department notice that some of those line needs to be placed on the other side of the stretch of road at Carrs Bay, since motorist can’t tell how close they are to the gutter.

Jus wonderin if the Guyanese no satisfy with money, house, land and property why she waiting still to put de old man in his grave.

Jus wonderin if de rolling stone don’t know that coaster is here to stay.

Jus wonderin why de editor is never on time.

Jus wonderin what bla, bla, bla, meant on the news.

Jus wonderin when jus wonderin goin quit wonderin and start confirming.

Jus wonderin if too late will be our cry.

Jus wonderin if the minister for Communication & Woks is finally breaking his long silence

Jus wonderin' if the Runaway Ghaut Beautification Project should be extended to include the Big Yellow Bus that's been uglying up its near Salem Campus location (like it belongs there) for as long as a Governor's term.

Jus wonderin why are they trying so hard to stop people from coming to Montserrat, when is not the Travel advisory, it is now Mountain Lion in the so call safe zone, and ferry cut-off time and lyin on AA.

Jus wonderin why the British trying so hard to Brainwash we Montserratians.

Jus wonderin who really think we stupid or something.

Jus wonderin how many person on Montserrat don't support they own.

Jus wonderin if some of those old vehicles on the road pass the inspection for license for the year 2000.

Jus wonderin why the low class are been penalize for driving with one light and some Secretaries driving with less than one eye.

Jus wonderin why the main road to PWD and Gov't H'qters have the most pot holes.

Jus wonderin if that 'humongous' waste disposal problem at Lookout going to be solved soon before diseases take over down there.

Waste Treatment plant at Lookout

Jus wonderin if it is true DFID subsidising the Reporter.

Jus wonderin if the undertakers have to go to England to get business.

Jus wonderin how and when that cat got here, especially that they say cats can't swim.