The Natural History Centre building in Olveston, which was officially opened last Friday, is the site for the historical cricket exhibition being held in Montserrat this week.  The exhibition, part of the Vice Chancellor’s week of activities, is geared to give Montserratians a history of West Indian cricket and show them photos of West Indian cricket heroes.  

Dr. Howard Fergus, resident tutor for the University of the West Indies, told the Montserrat Reporter that UWI has been putting on such exhibitions in other countries where prestigious cricket games are played.

This Thursday at Salem Park South Africa will face UWI Vice Chancellor’s X1.

A new pitch has been set for the game, which, according to Mr. Basil Morgan who will umpire in the one - day match, is expected to be a good one, having stood the test to two matches already this week. Also umpiring in the one-day match of South Africa Vs UWI Vice Chancellor’s X1 is Ernest Hines of Guyana.  

The UWI’s team is made up of Darren Ganga – Captain, Curtley Ambrose, Devon Williams, Chandahl Paul, Ryan Hines, Sylvester Joseph, Runako Morton, Mahendra Nagootoo, Vishal Nagootoo, Leon Garrick, Ian Bradshaw and Junie Mitchum. Included also are Montserrat sons of the soil, Tyrone Greenaway, Devon Williams and Lionel Baker.

The South African squad consists of Captain Shaun Pollock, Daryl Cullinan, Herschelle Gibbs, Neil McKenzie, Mark Biucher, Makahaya Ntini, Allan Donald, Nicky Boje, Paul Adams, Jack Kemp, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Lance Kluesner, Andre Nel, Roger Telemachus, and Boeta Pippenaar.

The University, Dr. Fergus said, has been offering courses in West Indian Cricket in recent years, and are even now available. “This is in keeping with UWI’s aim to give studies in West Indian Cricket, especially at Cave Hill,” he said.

Among West Indian Cricket heroes in the exhibit is a score book featuring Montserrat’s very own Bennette Roach, Publisher and  Editor of the Montserrat Reporter, when he was the captain of his winning team in 1972.

by Bennette Roach

As the new session of Legislative Council opened on Friday last week, just days following the island's most recent general elections, the main business was the swearing-in of members to the new legislature.

All members took their oaths, including the ex-officio members, Attorney General Brian Cottle and Financial Secretary John Skerritt.

Along with that came the election of a speaker of the house and deputy speaker.

Dr. Howard Fergus, who retired from the speakership only a few weeks ago after serving non-stop for 25 years, took the oath again, this time as interim speaker, as did John Wilson as deputy speaker.

Joseph Meade, who missed being one of the nine elected, has been proposed by his political leader and is expected to be the substantive speaker.

Chief Minister John Osborne pledged just before the adjournment of the session to involve members of the opposition party in the decision-making process, suggesting also that the task at hand is not a simple one for a few people, especially that the islands is "budgetary aided."

"I am going to call on the members of the opposition, Mr. Speaker, to involve them in every aspect of any serious or important decision-making that will affect the lives of the people," he said, adding: "I am hereby giving them notice, Mr Speaker, for them to prepare themselves...that the government will be calling on them, depending on them to assist us and that party lines should not be the most important thing."

Mr. Reuben T. Meade, now leader of the two-member opposition, standing beside new-comer to the legislature, Mrs. Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, seemed somewhat tentative and cautious with his reply to the Chief Minister's suggestion.

"We from the opposition benches pledge to work in the best interest of the people of Montserrat at all times, and to provide a vibrant opposition while seeking to provide critical support to the government where necessary," Mr. Meade said.

Dr. Fergus, who earlier had said that he felt it a privilege to have served as Speaker of the House during which five legislators had been chief ministers at one point or another, had a few words of advice to give.

He urged the three government back-benchers, Messrs. Claude Hogan, Chedmund Browne and John Wilson, to let good reason prevail while being loyal to their party in contributing to decisions in the Legislative Council.
"You can be loyal to your party without definably acquiescing to everything the government does -- you can speak your mind, vote your conscience and offer critical support without fragmenting," the interim speaker said.
In a timely manner he recalled that one of the campaign issues was the need for Montserrat to improve relations with the British government, urging the nine elected legislators to engage in more "cross-party" consultation on national issues.
"Parliamentary solidarity is going to be necessary in our redevelopment process and the government must take the lead in cultivating this solidarity," he suggested.

The day before the new ministers in Chief Minister John Osborne, Dr. Lowell Lewis, Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe and Mrs. Idabelle Meade took their ministerial oaths following which they issued a release which revealed that it was their intention to split up the ministries, and also creating new posts of parliamentary secretaries, which would see two of the remaining party winners serving within them.

(See story New GOM Take Oaths of Office reprinted for correctness this week.)

The 2001 general elections have come and gone. The general elections, it was generally believed, would not take place until some time in 2002, but former ministers Adelina Tuitt and Rupert Weekes had other designs on Montserrat.

Now we wait to see whether the vindicated John Osborne, who lost to Reuben Meade's NPP back in October 1991, will prove after a second attempt that it is a good thing to be rid of the David Brandt led coalition.

So in comes an almost subdued John Osborne as chief minister, with one old-timer in Margaret Annie Dyer-Howe and some brand-new ones, not all unfamiliar with political campaigning, but certainly as elected officials. The party in part campaigned successfully on a slogan of "Plenty love and money," which certainly didn't sound good to our British sustainers, but was accepted by the Montserrat electorate, who obviously were prepared to take their chances.

The first move by the John Osborne New People's Liberation Movement government executive was to shuffle around the various responsibilities of ministers and announce that in addition to creating at least one new responsibility, "Disaster Mitigation," they wished to create within two ministries two new posts termed "parliamentary secretaries." (See GOM Takes Oaths…page 2). Though not officially released, the chief minister had also suggested the possibility of creating a new ministry, making a total of five ministers, requiring an amendment to the "The Montserrat Constitution Order 1989." 

One of the changes in responsibilities shifted finance away from the chief minister to Mrs. Dyer-Howe, whose new responsibilities now include Finance, Trade, Agriculture and Environment. This is a good move on their part. Most are not unaware of some among opponents and detractors who believe that Mr. Osborne's history and previous clashes with the British Government might serve the island negatively. Besides the party explains that the changes are an effort to, "provide greater efficiency and co-ordination," in the running of government.

But even before this new government took office, our information was that they can expect stalls, delays and difficulties in  moving forward projects and programmes, even those already approved and in the pipeline. It is believed that the Department for International Development (DFID) is threatening to even withdraw some of the projects as no longer priorities. It also has been said that Mike Wood, DFID head of Montserrat affairs on the ground in London and due to leave that office shortly, has warned that there are ideas in the NPLM manifesto (which may soon be viewed on line at our website) which will never see the light of day.

All aside, the fact that former at least one of our former ministers was very acquiescent to everything British, very crucial to this island's survival is getting people to work and feed themselves. Some leading Britishers on island are known to be wondering aloud in social gatherings how Montserratians are still surviving when there is no work! Indeed, how come they haven't all cleared the island?

On top of that former chief minister Brandt had warned of the difficulty he faced in trying to stave off increases generally in utilities. It is believed that when this government meets with DFID they will run into challenging requests and suggestions immediately.

It is quite clear from all the rumblings, the whispers and the information available that somewhere it is still the wish that those of us left behind and those returning will be brought to our knees.

This government will do well to demand that representatives of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), generally responsible for Montserrat affairs, be present at these early meetings. In this case the Governor is the representative available on island, and we know he has not even been privy to some of the plans, proposals and activities that the moneyholders have had for and on this island.

We must bring these other vital stakeholders in our presence.

Except for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers.  Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles.  All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are welcome.  Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org.  Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope.  The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Jus Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430

Bittersweet The Songs of Holy Week

 I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:31  

Can you imagine Christmas without carols? No " Silent Night "? No " Joy to the World "? The sounds of Holy Week are equally essential: "Were you there when they crucified my lord?" Or , "O sacred head surrounded by crown of piercing thorn…"

 Such haunting words remind us that violence and death are huge and awful realities.  In Jesus' cross and death are crucified any and all human expectations that life is just a tiptoe through the tulips.

Jesus himself had the music of Israel, the psalms to hum every day. Praising God , giving thanks to God, remembering God's salvation :  these refrains touched his heart in his final days of earthly life as the cross and death quickly drew near 

What is your favorite song of the Passion? My own is a variation of the Philippians reading from Palm Sunday: "Jesus, Jesus, let all creation bend the knee to the Lord." This week I hope to sing it faithfully.

God of all music and prayer, bless me with a Holy Week song: bars I can hum, words I can sing, to honor Jesus, my Savior.

Fr. James Krings

Isaiah 50:4-9 • Psalm 69:8-10, 21-22, 31,33-34

Matthew 26:14-25

A View From the Outside - # 14

By Ken Walter  

Every traveler visiting a free country has the right to be treated by that country’s

fairly - without bias or prejudice, by knowledgeable and professional officials. In the 15 years that my wife and I have been coming to Montserrat we have never had an incident with any of these government agencies, until our most recent arrival on Monday, April 2nd.

Having just heard the new the Chief Minister’s goals to promote the volcano and other wonders of Montserrat for tourist development, I wish to share our “first hand” experience with you. For as we all know, first impressions will be so important to these new visitors.

My wife’s bags were the first off the helicopter so she proceeded to clear Immigration and then moved on to Customs. She had purchased three [3] bottles of liquor in the Departure lounge of the Antigua Airport [two - 750 ml bottles and one - 1 liter bottle]. The Customs Officer informed her she was only allowed two [2] bottles, duty free. She thought this would be promptly resolved when I caught up with her, for as husband & wife traveling together she would declare two [2] bottles and I one [1].

“No” we were informed, the quantity was now being measured not in bottles but in ounces, we were allowed only 40 ounces each and even her two bottles were over this limit. Next we were asked to leave the Customs counter and adjourn to the Customs Office. Here we were informed that we had 96 ounces and are only allowed 80. “No problem” I said, “just calculate the cost of the Duty so we can pay and be on our way, as we have a friend outside who has come to pick us up and we do not wish to keep him waiting” [this process was already taking too much time]. We are informed the total to be $49.80! To insure there is no misunderstanding, I repeated “If we only had one bottle each there would be no Duty?” and the answer is  “Yes”.

Next I ask the question “Why would I be expected to pay $49.80 in Duty alone for a bottle of rum I can buy anywhere on Montserrat for under $30?” No satisfactory answer was provided. So I said “That being the case, if I leave this bottle of rum with you, so we each have only one bottle under 40 ounces, then can we be on our way?” That was agreeable and away we went!

All the above said, let me conclude with the following:

1.  My confidence in the level of professionalism exhibited by Montserrat’s Customs Department has been shaken. This is simply unacceptable in a free world country and especially one that aspires to develop as a tourist destination in a very competitive marketplace!

2.  I have heard similar “horror” stories from many others -- expats and Montserratians alike over the years, so ours clearly was not an isolated incident. Chief Minister Osborne, may I respectfully suggest that it would be to your island’s decided advantage for you to get your arm around this situation ASAP. I am sure you know word of mouth referrals are one of the most powerful forms of advertising - pro & con. Montserrat has so much to offer the Caribbean traveler, but not if this is the way your government officials are going to greet/treat arriving guests.

3.       Were is our bottle of rum now?

4.  Those of you that have followed my “Views From the Outside” articles over the years know that being negative about Montserrat is not my style. I remain as optimistic as ever, promoting this unique island and it’s wonderful people every chance I get. I felt sharing our “bad” experience, with a new government taking office, presented itself as a learning opportunity and hope all will accept it as such.  

These “Views From the Outside” are presented as motivational food for thought. As a manufacturing industry veteran, entrepreneur, and business consultant 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.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory in a press release, has assured the public that notwithstanding the public holidays ahead, the Soufriere Hills Volcano continues to be monitored 24 hours a day.

However, the public is advised that the Observatory will be closed on Thursday April 12^th, but will be opened between the hours of 3:00pm and 4;00pm on Friday April 13 and Monday April 16^th. The purpose for the one- hour opening is to afford stay-over visitors to Montserrat the chance to visit MVO headquarters on the public holidays.

The MVO is also reminding persons that groups larger than ten persons must make arrangements with the MVO before arrival at the MVO premises. Smaller groups or single individuals the release states “can simply turn up on regular working days for the MVO’s single daily tour which begins at 3:30pm. 

M.S. Osborne, Montserrat’s main cement supplier, has announced that contractors and home-builders will soon be paying more for cement. That word comes in advance of the next shipment, which is due to arrive on island by April 17, 2001.  The price of a bag of cement will rise 95 cents, to $16.60, while a pallet of 35 bags will be $563, an increase of $40.00.

Operations Manager Mr. Nigel Osborne told the Montserrat Reporter that the increases are necessary because their suppliers in Trinidad have increased their prices. However, he said,  “I do not foresee any immediate further increases unless there are some drastic changes and the suppliers increase their prices again.”

Meanwhile, cement can be bought at the old prices if buyers act now, Mr. Osborne said.  

By Helena Durand

The Tax Inspector’s Course, which began two months ago, officially ended last Friday certifying five course participants.  The five newly certified Tax Inspector’s are Venus Bramble, Arketa Duberry, Roland Irish, Charlotte Morgan and Blondel White.

Among topics covered at the course were Principles of Account, Income Tax Case Laws, Auditing and Investigation, and Examination of Accounts.  The training in these areas was to realize, among other things, greater customer satisfaction and improved employee morale.

At the official opening of the Tax Inspector’s Course, Mr. John Skerritt, Hon. Financial Secretary, quoted Adam Smith’s book "Wealth of Nations" by saying, “there is no art which one Government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people.” That, he said, was both true and inevitable, as all public policies and programmes have costs which must be borne by those "who can afford." He said it is an important art, “if the government intends to be in a position to finance its public services.”

Taxation, he said, is therefore an important government policy tool.

Tax in most countries, including Montserrat, he said, is the largest contributor to local revenue. In Montserrat, he said, “over 80 percent of Government Revenues” come from taxes. “Every time the public demands an additional service, the money must be found to pay for it. The price of free education to an individual student is a cost to the country as a whole, and the same is true for health. These are basic but vital services that must be available to all whether or not they can afford it," Mr. Skerritt said.

Feature speaker at the closing ceremony was former Financial Secretary Mr. Charles T. John. Mr. John told the participants that they had come to another milestone, which marked an important step in the pursuit of their life’s career.

He noted that having attained a certain level of achievement they were now better equipped to carry out their duties at the Inland Revenue Department.  Having said that, however, he gave them nine detailed pointers to “help” them along their way.

Firstly he congratulated them on their attendance, and advised them, “Do not become swell-headed and think that you now know more than the Comptroller or his deputy. In your enthusiasm to demonstrate how much you have learnt,” he told them, “do not become too conceited to listen and be guided by your senior officers.”

Secondly he reminded them that in the performance of their duties, they will interact with people and that every person is to be treated in a pleasant and civil manner. “The fact that you are the government official must not make you short-tempered or show-off or otherwise obnoxious.”

Thirdly he pointed out that although their work would bring them into contact with people, “it brings you into a fairly extensive knowledge of people’s business -- people’s financial affairs. Let me tell you here and now that the strictest confidentiality must be observed at all times.”

In his fourth point he touched on the topic of fairness, reminding the Tax Inspectors that they were to treat all cases assigned to them as fairly as possible. “Do not fall into the trap of being lenient to friends or being hard on someone whom you think you do not like.”

In pointer number five, he told them that generally most people do not like to pay taxes, but that most people in Montserrat would deal with them in a straightforward manner. He noted, however, that such would not be everyone’s disposition, as there are “those who will seek to confuse the issues as they try to avoid paying their just dues according to law. That is why you have been trained, so that you can spot the inconsistencies and where they are beyond your competence, refer them to more senior and experienced staff.”

In the sixth place he pointed out to them that as civil servants they are expected to understand the framework of the Civil Service and operate within it.  “You are also expected to carry out the policies of the government, whether or not it is the government for whom you voted, and whether or not you like the policy that you are required to carry out. The true mark of a professional civil servant is that those policies with which he disagrees are carried out with the same zeal and precision as those with which he whole-heartedly agrees.”

On the seventh count he encouraged them to approach their work in a serious and meticulous manner. Mr. John also said that mistakes would happen, but that they were to be kept at a minimum. Taxation, he said, is in no way similar to a popularity contest. “Do not expect people to kiss the ground on which you walk.”

“Take an interest," he said, "in the work of the whole unit. Read tax magazines and grasp every opportunity to learn more.”

Arketa Duberry was awarded a prize for accounting, while Blondel White was given a prize for best overall performance.  Trinidadian born Mrs. Rose Byam was the course Director.  A former Commissioner of the Inland Revenue in Trinidad and Tobago, she is a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants of the United Kingdom, and the Chartered Accountants Association of Trinidad and Tobago.  She is currently employed as a consultant with the firm Price Waterhouse Coopers and Lybrand.  

Grenada, CANA - Scores of new companies have already applied to compete in a newly liberalising telecommunications market in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), according to St. Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Minister Cedric Liburd.

Mr. Liburd was in St. George's at the weekend representing the Minister of Telecommunications at the signing of an agreement between the OECS governments and Cable & Wireless for full liberalisation of telecommunications in a year and a half.

OECS officials are not listing the names of the companies at this time but say they represent the regional and international markets.
"We cannot announce the names at this time but there is a process," Mr. Liburd announced during a news conference, which was not attended by the four OECS Prime Ministers who took part in the signing.
 "The NTRC (National Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) is the local body responsible for receiving the application.They are going to look at the applications, which will be sent to ECTEL (Eastern Caribbean Telecommunication Authority) seeking advice from ECTEL, and we are hoping that out of all the applications we would be able to come up with a few of them," he said.  

The signing of an agreement between five governments in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Cable & Wireless in Grenada last Saturday has ended decades of Cable & Wireless monopoly in the region, and officially clears the path for ordinary citizens to be afforded the advantage of competition and access to Information Technology.

The Memorandum of Understanding is geared at governing the process by which agreements are reached during the transition period leading up to full liberalization in about 18 months time. It identifies two phases in the transition to full competition. 

During Phase 1, there will be competition in domestic mobile/cellular, Internet services (but with restrictions on voice services), customer premises equipment, resale of international switched minutes using Cable & Wireless network, and VSAT (satellite) facilities to serve call centre/data entry businesses.

Phase 2 will mark the beginning of full facilities-based international competition. During Phase 1 of the agreement, the OECS contracting states and Cable & Wireless will act to prevent and stop bypass of Cable & Wireless' network.

The sub-region’s newest Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was performing his first official function away from home, after his recent landslide victory at the polls.

Other heads of government in attendance included St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, St. Kitts/Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, and Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell.  Dominica was represented by Hon. Reginald  Austrie, Minister of Communication and Works,. Cable & Wireless’ chief negotiator Errald Miller represented the telecommunications company.

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis -- The newly formed Nevis Tourism Authority is going all out to sell Nevis as a brand name destination, offering familiarisation trips for journalists and tour operators from North America and Europe.

Chief executive officer Ms. Helen Kidd recently returned from New York, where she and other members of the Nevis tourism industry took part in a presentation to the Society of American Travel Writers, part of a series of events organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) to mark its 50^th anniversary.

The April 3 meeting at the Marriott Marquis in New York City saw more than 200 writers meet with members of the Caribbean hotel industry.

"Overall, I think the response was very positive in terms of Nevis’ exposure and I am looking forward to encouraging some press people to come . . . probably later in the year," Ms Kidd said.

The new authority has been organising familiarisation trips for both travel agents and tour operators, among them British Airways and Kuoni Travel. Nevis Tourism Authority’s CEO said some agents will arrive on May 5 and another group towards the end of the month.

"In addition to that," she said, "we have organised a couple of familiarisation trips out of North America, mainly from the north eastern sector at this point."

The authority is attempting at the same time to boost the summer business, which is generally poor at present.

To overcome the misconception held by many Americans, particularly in the northern states, that the Caribbean is too hot in summer, the authority will use the slogan "Summer in the Caribbean – Chill out in the Caribbean." Meanwhile, the Nevis Tourism Authority is working on a marketing/strategic plan, which will be finalised within  two weeks. Ms. Kidd said, "I would like to give a draft copy to the hoteliers and the attraction people, whose input I will welcome. They have said they would be encouraged as well."  

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CANA - Guyana fire officials are investigating a major fire that swept through the main business district on Monday afternoon and destroyed at least six businesses and dwelling places, causing financial loss estimated at millions of dollars. The fire, of unknown origin, is said to be one of the largest to hit Georgetown in recent years. It started shortly after 5 p.m. at the A.H & L Kissoon Furniture Store at the corner of Camp and Robb Street.
That business was owned by the Kissoon family, which suffered major losses last year when fire gutted The Park Hotel, in another part of the city.

Emergency crews battled the fire as President Bharrat Jagdeo was at the President’s Office announcing his Cabinet, some 20 days after the People's Progressive Party/Civic's victory at the March 19 elections.
Four commercial buildings and other enterprises were destroyed in the blaze, which lasted hours into the night. Power to the area was cut shortly after the fire started and up to early Tuesday had not been restored. The Guyana Fire Service was hampered by poor water supply.

Thousands of persons turned up to watch the inferno and riot police and other ranks had their hands full, controlling the crowd. The dead body of a female, with gun shot wounds, was removed from near the fire scene. An investigation has been launched into the death.  

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CANA -- The main opposition People's National Congress/Reform Party waged its fifth of protests Tuesday demanding the reversal of the appointment of Dr. Roger Luncheon as Head of the Presidential Secretariat.

Tuesday's protests came a day after President Bharrat Jagdeo of the People's Progressive Party/Civic announced his Cabinet following the party's victory at the March 19 elections.
The PNC/R and the Guyana Public Service Union are demanding that the HPS position be filled by a career public servant and not a political appointee. The PNC/R at the weekend had announced that it would stage a massive street march on Tuesday and General Secretary Oscar Clarke said Monday night that "nothing" would prevent the party from having the march.

Party Chairman Robert Corbin and member Jerome Khan were among 27 persons arrested during a violent clash on Monday with police outside the Presidential Secretariat. They were released late Monday. Police fired shots and whipped demonstrators with batons in an effort to break up the demonstration and arrested the PNC/R leaders.
The party said it will continue to protest Dr. Luncheon's reappointment and other injustices.  

HAVANA, CANA/PL -- At the opening ceremony of the fourth meeting of the Joint Economic and Scientific Technical Collaboration Commission, Cuba and Grenada repeated their desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Marta Lomas, Cuban minister for Foreign Investment and Economic Collaboration, and Grenada's Foreign Affairs Minister Ervin Nimrod co-chaired the meeting, which ended Wednesday.
Mr. Lomas said that ties between both countries were growing in construction, public health, education, and other sectors. He said that remodelling of the Saint Georges Hospital, in Grenada, with Cuban participation, will have a positive impact on the welfare of the Grenadian population.
Currently, a Cuban medical brigade is serving in Grenada, as well as technical education and Spanish language teachers.
Both countries maintain an important exchange in the field of culture, and collaborate in sectors such as human resources, agriculture, fishing, sports, tourism, trade, investments and social services.
Grenadian Foreign Affairs Minister Nimrod called links between Cuba and his country as excellent, based on cooperation and mutual respect, and he reasserted Grenada's solidarity with Cuba in the struggle to lift the U.S. economic blockade of this Caribbean island.  

St. Lucia, CANA – Last week Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony presented to Parliament a tax-free EC$857 million (US$319 million) budget which he said effects one of the most significant reductions in direct taxes in over 10 years.
Dr. Anthony said the estimates, which are 18 percent higher than those of last year's budget, broke new ground with an increase in the taxable threshold from EC$10,000 to EC$12,000.  The finance minister said this means that more than 3,543 income earners will benefit from the government's tax relief measures in the first year.  "In other words an individual who earned an annual income of EC$12,000 or EC$1,000 per month and who paid taxes on EC$2,000 will in income year 2001 be exempted from the payment of income tax," the Finance Minister said. 

He said the combined reduction of property and income tax was a clear indication of the government's resolve to reducing the tax burden and of its commitment to ensuring that more money remains in the hands of income earners.  In his 3½-hour presentation Dr. Anthony also outlined a series of other tax breaks and deductions, despite admitting to a deceleration in the rate of economic growth from 3.5 percent in 1999 to 0.7 percent in 2000.

St. Lucia, CANA - St. Lucia Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said the new Caribbean airline, Caribbean Star, may soon begin operation out of St. Lucia following the demise of EC Xpress.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Dr. Anthony said that the Antigua-based Caribbean Star is about to start operations in and out of St. Lucia. Caribbean Star began operations to some Caribbean destinations quite recently, but had had not yet secured landing rights to operate here. An application by the airline is before the local Civil Aviation Authority, but consideration was delayed by the failure of the Antigua and Barbuda authorities to grant reciprocal landing rights in Antigua to St. Lucia-based EC Xpress.

Antigua Prime Minister Lester Bird informed his St. Lucia counterpart earlier this month that he had instructed the relevant ministry to grant landing rights to EC Xpress for Antigua and Barbuda, the government statement noted.  However, a spokesman for EC Xpress said that prior to closing operations on March 31, they had received no such authorisation.
Reacting to the decision of EC Xpress to terminate its Eastern Caribbean operations, Prime Minister Anthony said that while government was naturally disappointed at the loss of jobs, this was the result of competing market forces in the sub-region's aviation sector. 

Dr. Anthony said his administration "is naturally concerned about the plight of the 70 employees of EC Xpress" and it has been assured that adequate arrangements have been made for their future welfare.  

The chance of a major hurricane hitting the U. S. coast this hurricane season is about 65 percent says Dr. William Gray of Colorado State University, who has had some success in the prediction of tropical storms over the years.

The 2001 season, he said, is expected to produce 10 ‘named’ storms, six of which will become hurricanes.

The past few years have been active for Atlantic hurricanes, being influenced by a ‘La Nina’ cool water event in the Pacific that tends to fuel hurricanes. However, El Nino, the warm water phenomenon  in the eastern Pacific Ocean, generally inhibits Atlantic hurricane formation by producing westerly winds in the upper troposphere that cut the tops off tropical storms, preventing them from growing. 

The average hurricane season produces 9.3 named storms, 5.8 hurricanes and 2.2 major hurricanes.  The busy 2000 hurricane season saw 14 tropical storms, eight of which became hurricanes.

The hurricane season runs from June 1-November 30.  

St. Vincent, CANA - Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Arnhim Eustace has rejected an olive branch held out by new Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who called for co-operation in the interest of the country.
Dr. Gonsalves made the call for co-operation in a public address last Sunday, after an ecumenical service and swearing in ceremony for 13 members of Cabinet at Victoria Park in the capital, Kingstown. 

Mr. Eustace made it clear, however, that there would be no co-operation with the new government except in cases where the action coincides with the policy of his New Democratic Party, defeated in last week's general election. 

"I have no intention of going along with Dr Gonsalves, I do not believe that his offer is genuine, I believe his offer is designed to lull us into sleep and destroy the New Democratic Party," Mr. Eustace told a large crowd of party supporters at a public rally in the capital, Kingstown. "If he presents a bill to Parliament which is in accordance with the New Democratic Party policies, then I will support such a bill but in terms of a general co-operation, I will not be participating in any co-operation with Dr. Gonsalves"
He reminded supporters at the party's first public function since the March 28 general election, which the NDP lost by a 12-3 margin, that the Unity Labour Party had promised to make the country ungovernable after the ULP narrowly lost the June 1998 polls (8 seats to 7).
Mr. Eustace held onto his East Kingstown seat by a margin of 40 votes.  .

An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale with a depth of 35 kilometers was felt across Dominica over last weekend. It was also felt in the region extending between Antigua in the north to Grenada in the South.

Cecil Shillingford, Dominica’s Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, said the earthquake originated 15.86 degrees north and 60.68 degrees west, east of Marie Galante, a small French island situated a few miles north of Dominica.

The tremor was felt most strongly in the island’s north.  In recent years, it had been residents in the south of Dominica who had become most anxious about a spate of tremors bothering disaster officials there. 

Antigua, CANA - The privately owned regional airline, Caribbean Star, may move its headquarters from Antigua to Barbados, a senior official of the company confirmed on Friday.

Sandra Scotland, Director of Sales and Marketing, said the Barbados government had approached the airline with a proposal to relocate its headquarters to Bridgetown.  Ms. Scotland said she had no further details beyond what the airline's owner Allen Stanford, an American billionaire living in Antigua, was quoted as saying in the Antigua Sun newspaper, which he owns.  She said that even if the airline's headquarters are relocated, the maintenance and flight operations would stay in Antigua.

Caribbean Star's consideration of the Barbados government proposal comes at a time when its closest competitor, LIAT (1974) Ltd., plans to re-introduce an operational hub in Bridgetown on June 1.
Chief Executive Officer Gilles Filiatreault was quoted in the Antigua Sun as saying the management team of Caribbean Star was actively considering the proposal by the Barbados government.  The newspaper report said that if the carrier moves to Bridgetown, at least 70 workers of Caribbean Star in Antigua will lose their jobs, while a similar number of persons will be employed in Barbados.  

It was not unexpected that the first significant post election act of the new government, would be to devise ways to share the vast powers and salaries among their successful party members. So then their plans to raise the salary of some of the ministers without portfolio, under the guise of calling them Parliamentary Secretaries, is not even an issue.

The issue is whether the government will have to dabble with the Constitution to appoint some elected party members as Parliamentary Secretaries.

And if we have to dabble with the Constitution, should we do so just to give some of the ministers without portfolio an increased salary? Or should we consider more relevant constitutional matters at the same time?

I think that we should grab the bull by its horns and review our Constitution rather than dabble in it every now and then. For instance, a casual analysis of the elections (including the dissolution, the campaign, the election day strategies and the result) would indicate that the Constitution begs to be discussed with a view towards some sort of amendment.

Of course this is my opinion, and I almost hope that I am wrong in my analysis of the elections. But I believe people want a fixed date for elections. That is, the election date should be the same time every four or so years. This would allow all politicians and people ample time to organise themselves for each election. A matter as important as an election should never be left to a chief minister's convenience.

I also believe that people want to elect representatives to parliament -- representatives who will work together to manage the affairs of the island. It should not be that after election day five of the nine candidates have no meaningful role in the running of the island, except to rubber stamp the will of the four ministers. I have my doubts about party politics and the usefulness of oppositions. Parliamentarians should be able to work together for their country.

In fact, I believe the people want modernisation. And modernisation demands that all parliamentarians be collectively responsible for the affairs of the island. Modernisation also demands that all parliamentarians receive adequate compensation commensurate with their responsibilities. It should never be that a parliamentarian receives less salary than a civil servant. An assistant Permanent Secretary should not earn more salary than an elected parliamentary representative.

I am sure that even the victors of the election would agree with some aspects of my analysis. And it is that the more discerning voters voted differently from the grass roots voters. It was as if two distinct sets of people voted on election day. One group, the discerning "talented tenth," wanted to send a message to future politicians. The message was that they are interested in parliamentary representatives who are capable of working together for the good of the island, and not just for the good of the party.

By the same reasoning, I believe that the losers of the elections would also agree with me, that there were no definitive issues over which they lost the elections. But they failed to sufficiently raise the hopes of the grass roots, the other group of voters who saw things mostly in the short term. And most importantly, they allowed the grassroots to feel that there were two classes of people on Montserrat.

So then, if my analysis of the elections is even remotely correct, should we dabble with the Constitution just to raise the salary of some elected party members?

Clearly I must say no. But if we have to mess with the Constitution, let us do it right, starting now, this year 2001. Let us have a constitutional review that could reflect the wishes of the "talented tenth" of the electorate; and one that could modernise Montserrat politically, economically and socially for all of us.

THE REALITIES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

By Sharmen D Thompson RN, RMN, Cert., BSc (Hons) Community Psychiatric Nurse

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) celebrated World Health Day on April 7, focusing on the theme, "MENTAL HEALTH: Stop Exclusion - Dare to Care." A number of activities planned for the day included a walkathon by the nurses, a feature address by Dr. Sonia Meade, Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, and a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Police, Prison, Psychology, and Mental Health.

Professionals responsible for mental health care are aware that: The pervasive effects of social exclusion resulting from stigma and discrimination and the outdated nature of many mental institutions prevents people in need from seeking treatment. In addition to this a large number of people in our society are of the misconception that mental and brain

disorders are just a figment of one's imagination.

In reality, however, they are real illnesses that cause suffering and disability. "Pull yourself up - it's all in your imagination." How often have we heard that?

MENTAL DISORDERS ARE REAL

Mental illnesses and brain disorders provoke suffering, cause disability, and can shorten life, as we have seen from episodes of depression resulting from a heart attack, liver disease resulting from alcohol dependence or even suicide. The existence of mental and brain disorders often remain hidden, voluntarily by patient or simply unrecognized as a real illness by the person and his or her relatives.

Yet the underlying abnormal substructure of many disorders has been identified by images of the brain. Thus, to ignore their existence is akin to denying that cancer exists because we are unable to see abnormal cells without a microscope. Mental illnesses can be diagnosed and treated before it is too late.

LOCKING UP THE MENTALLY ILL IS NOT THE ANSWER

Be realistic; people with mental illness can function and should not be isolated or restricted. The treatment of mental illness is most often associated with mental hospitals. Institutions that violate basic human rights, stripping one's dignity through inhumane care, still exist today. Too often abandonment, confinement, or isolation can be seen as the only solution when confronted with an ill person. Yet the facts show that people suffering from mental illness or brain disorder can improve and contribute to society. There are many possible treatments available: there are also better and more appropriate conditions in which these treatments can be provided. With your support the mentally ill can be cared for in their very communities and homes,  

May this weekend of genuflection

Adhere to its holy direction;

This plea is expressed

Lest the island be 'blessed'

With a volcanic resurrection.

The new CM told Mr. Meade,

My team and Montserrat's need,

Is that you share the load

As we move down the road;

Now let's watch. Can it succeed?  

Jus wonderin bout de Montserratian men and dem, wha so good and wha bad bout dem. 

Jus wonderin wha wrong wid de Montserratian women dem why dem and dem man can't get along.

Jus wonderin why dem just fight so much.

Jus wonderin what eyes no see and heart no grief why dem young girls a go on so.

Jus wonderin who is that female officer who a beg for love.

Jus wonderin who is that officer who can't get along wid the other officer dem in a de salt mine.

Jus wonderin why did officer scorn e own self so much dat e no want even one fly fu touch e.

Jus wonderin if de nurse up by casualty know that one smile pan she face would stop frighten de patients and dem.

Jus wonderin why de jail man officer a carse so much problem in a dat place.

 Jus wonderin if I say I luv you and you say I do too wha dat have to do with any officer

Jus wonderin if house #12 a one ranch house in a de housing development.

Jus wonderin wha so special bout house #12 why every cat, dog and mouse an all go deh.

Jus wonderin if a blind de Montserrat women dem blind so why dem can't get a grip.

Jus wonderin  if love was a joke what is romance and roses.

Jus wonderin how the loosing party feel.

Jus wonderin if they were really campaigning against each other.

Jus wonderin if the country gan fan dad to worse now.

Jus wonderin wha the campaign bill dem look like and if they all can pay them.

Jus wonderin if the heavy roller a go still roll.

Jus wonderin how that certain Education minister feel.

Jus wonderin how soon we go get the Plenty Love an Money.

Jus wonderin if it will be Play Little More once again.

Jus wonderin if the NPP leader get any message.

Jus wonderin how the ministries will be divided eventually.

Jus wonderin if dey a go keep their promises dat dem mek during elections.

Jus wonderin how Brit'n a go deal wid de man who bouas dat e lie to dem and fool dem.

Jus wonderin if every bady want ministry how dem a go deal wid dat.

Jus wonderin wa denm a go do wid de oder two.

Jus wonderin if dem a go give back de loosers dem, dem jab.

Jus wonderin if dem andustand what party really mean now.

Jus wonderin if NPP wil go to sleep sleep until next election.

Jus wonderin about all dem politicians who no win how dem a go do.

Jus wonderin why me luv jus wonderin, because jus wonderin put one smile pan face and happiness in a me heart, so jus wonderin, Big up.

Jus wonderin why everybody look so sad every mornin when dem get up these days.

Jus wonderin what is wrong with these young kids now a days why dem a misbehave so.

Jus wonderin wha a de reason wha dem so lazy and hot headed.

Jus wonderin wha dey want to know bout the fan who love jus wonderin so.

Jus wonderin who is de fan and way e come from.

 Jus wonderin why dey wnt to know so much about de fan.

 Jus wonderin if it is for real why jus wonderin men send jus wonderin over the internet.

Jus wonderin about beauty and de beast and de lion and de monkey.

Jus wonderin wha is wrong  with de pork and de beef why me can't get none to eat because me luv um so.

Jus wondrein if dey are up for sale, why de price so high and we can't pay.

Jus wonderin wha happen to the MSS Schol girls dem, why dem a get so nuff.

Jus wonderin if de parent and dem a get soft or what  because dem a ley de kids and dem get way.

Jus wonderin if jus wonderin a go put love words in a jus wonderin for some of dese people who do not have what it takes?

Jus wonderin one ting, a jus wonderin run tings.

Jus wonderin if ZJB announcers were no satisfied with the election results so much that they were still announcing the polling stations on Tuesday.