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Retiree's Desperate Measures Reap Abuse First, Then Help

By Merrick Andrews

Traffic halted briefly and scores of onlookers stared in awe and puzzlement.
It was Friday, March 15 this year at around 9:30 am in front of the Bank of Montserrat in St. Peter’s.
On the roadside a 56-year-old woman attempted to sell her jewelry and shoes, while displaying a large sheet of paper, which read: “Urgent, shoes, jewelry…. Money needed urgently for surgical review.”
But her actions were short-lived.
The police – several of whom were already in the traffic – whisked away the woman to the casualty department of the Glendon Hospital.
“They (police) threw me in a police truck and bruised up my body,” she said, still puzzled as to why she was manhandled by the officers.
But Madge Donoghue was no mad woman.

Madge Donoghue 3 weeks after the attack and as a nurse before the attack

The retired psychiatric nurse said she resorted to a demonstration to attract the attention of the government to pay her plane fare and medical expenses to Trinidad for a surgical review.  “I wanted them to know how I may have had to obtain money to get follow-up (medical) treatment,” said Mrs. Donoghue.
On June 15, 2000, she was severely beaten by a male patient at a home for the elderly on the compound of the Glendon Hospital in St. John’s. Mrs. Donoghue developed complications afterwards and claimed she has had problems obtaining monetary support from the authorities to pay for travel and medical expenses.
Mrs. Donoghue is now suffering from the ordeal. She now uses crutch, as one leg is shorter than the other. She has a lump on her thigh and upper cheeks and she suffers from headaches and intermittent pounding in the ears.
In February, Mrs. Donoghue said the government paid for her MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and surgery expenses in Trinidad, but she still had to cover the plane, accommodation and food costs.
Two days before her demonstration she was turned down by the authorities when she sought their assistance. “They told me they had no money,” she said.
So, broke and unhappy, Mrs. Donoghue took to St. Peter’s to draw general attention to her problem.
But light came at the end of the tunnel later the same day after she had suffered so much embarrassment. Mrs. Donoghue said the government paid her plane fare and medical costs for a surgical review in Trinidad.
Also, the Community Services Department (CSD) through the medical authorities wrote a letter to Mrs. Donoghue’s physiotherapist in Antigua, stating that they would cover the costs of the treatment, which they did on Thursday, April 4.
But with more physiotherapist examinations coming up and uncertain about further help, Mrs. Donoghue has no more intentions to face the authorities, especially those at the CSD. “I am not going for any more humiliation,” she said. “They assisted me reluctantly and I don’t feel happy about going back.”
However, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services Eugene Skerritt, said Mrs. Donoghue was treated under “standard procedures”.
“We have a standard procedure for dealing with all cases,” he said, “so it actually requires doing an assessment and questions will have to be asked of anyone applying for assistance from the Community Services Department.”
He said Mrs. Donoghue might not have liked the repeated questions asked of her at the fact that they are familiar with her situation.
Mrs. Donoghue is a Trinidadian, who got married to a Montserratian. She left Trinidad in 1966 for England where she worked as a nurse for 22 years.
In 1988, she came to Montserrat and worked as a nurse until her retirement in January 2001.
But all her retirement monies has gone down the drain in the form of almost EC$10,000 of medical and travel expenses, which she said, should have been covered by the Montserrat government because she got injured on the job.
“I did nursing all my life and that’s why I feel so bad – how I was treated,” she said, while crediting two former chief medical officers and Acting Chief Minister Idabelle Meade for their assistance.
“If you had a new life to live, would you work again as a nurse in Montserrat?” she was asked.
“Not after the way they treated me,” she answered.

Police To Implement Measures To Stop Speeding
By Merrick Andrews

A number of measures will be implemented to stop the incidents of speeding by motorists, the Traffic Department of the Royal Montserrat Police Force said in a press release yesterday.
The new measures will include the use of Radar Speed Gun and visibility patrol. “Investigation into a number of traffic accidents strongly suggests elements of speeding and carelessness,” the police said.
An automobile accident in Judy Piece on Sunday, April 7, which left at least two persons injured, brings to 37 the number of road accidents in Montserrat since the start of the year, police said.
The police report that 26 accidents were reported in the corresponding period of last year, 30 in 2000 and 27 in 1999.
Two days before the accident in Judy Piece, police said, a car in St. John’s hit a man.
The man, whose name has not been released, sustained a badly broken leg and had to be airlifted to Guadeloupe for further medical assistance. Bystanders claim that the man was hit as a result of two cars racing.
It was also in St. John’s last year where Thomas O’Garro lost his legs after a Port Authority crane ran over him.
The police are urging motorists to drive carefully, especially in areas where road construction is being carried out.
“The Traffic Department (of the Royal Montserrat Police Force) is appealing to the motoring public to exercise extreme caution when traveling on the roads, especially in areas where road improvements are being carried out,” an officer said.
Thirteen accidents were reported last month, police said.
The police further report that 104 automobile accidents were reported last year, two less than 2000. In 1999, 101 accidents were recorded, without fatalities during that time.
Meanwhile, several insurance firms are concerned about the rising frequency of automobile accidents in Montserrat.
An insurance company spokesman said his firm is responsible for coverage of 13 accidents, worth over EC$250,000, and two persons may not have their policies revoked. 

Public Servant Faces Disciplinary Charges
By Merrick Andrew

Public servant and opinion writer Claude Gerald faces a charge of misconduct contrary to General Order 311 (ii) for an article published in the October 26, 2001 issue of The Montserrat Reporter newspaper.
The Department of Administration, in a letter to Mr. Gerald signed by Permanent Secretary Claudia C. Roach, said the article, titled ‘Whither Goeth the Public Service on Montserrat’, is a matter that is considered to be of an administrative nature and General Orders forbids civil servants from expressing a view on matters deemed to be administrative, in the press or any other media.
“The charge laid against you is one of general misconduct contrary to General Order 311 (ii) in that you published the article on a matter reasonable regarded as being of an administrative nature,” said Permanent Secretary Roach in a letter to Gerald.
In the article, Mr. Gerald scrutinized the operations of the Department of Administration. He pointed out, among other things, the pitfalls of the past and current management model.
A section of his article read: “The government of Montserrat is telegraphing the right signals through its advertised intention to lift the requirements for the job of Permanent Secretary, Administration (PSA) to an impressively high level. This is in light of the final imminent departure of Ms. Claudia Roach, who has had a six-year turbulent ride on an administrative flagship that is rudderless and disaster prone…. Public Service historians watching the dynamics in this sector in the last 20 years have lamented the shameful standards that have evolved. Standards are to management as a glove is to a hand and ‘standardlessness’ makes a mockery of standards.”
Gerald was scheduled to appear before the Public Service Commission yesterday.
“I find it difficult to understand how in a free and democratic society that protects freedom of expression and other innate rights that my commentary could give rise to the charge as outlined,” Mr. Gerald said in a letter responding to notice from the government.
Mr. Gerald described the Administration’s reaction to his article as “harassing” and he is prepared to fully express his rights at all times “with every muscle in my body”.
“I think that they are not realizing…that individuals have fundamental rights,” he said. “I think that in any organisation you need rules and regulations but those rules and regulations must be respectful of an individual. So, General Orders must be in keeping with those fundamental rights.”
Mr. Gerald, an agricultural economist is known to feature frank views on the workings of the society.

He is no stranger to controversy.
He was charged for publicly praising a fired Minister of Agriculture in his opening remarks at the 1999 Agricultural Exhibition. For that action, Mr Gerald lost his job as director of agriculture and is now placed at a desk in the Ministry of Finance.
He subsequently sued the governor, attorney general and the Public Service Commission on constitutional grounds. That case is expected to be resolved in the High Court.
Mr. Gerald’s case comes on the heels of workshops conducted by two international human rights consultants. The issue of General Orders and the relationship with the Constitution of Montserrat was discussed in the workshops.
“A man must be given an opportunity to say what is on his mind without fear, providing he doesn’t violate your person…. An individual must render views, which are in the public’s interest,” he said.

EDITORIAL

"A Year of NPLM 'Accomplishments' Leaves HMG the Most to Celebrate"

It is now just a year and two weeks since the NPLM Government became the fourth government since 1995 to take the reins of leadership for this volcanic stricken island, still fighting on to some degree, but struggling nevertheless to bring some progress, dignity and prosperity to Montserrat.

The NPLM government crashed to leadership the Honourable John Osborne, who had served three times before as Chief Minister, from 1978 until he was resoundingly ignored in November 1991. He and his team had promised that they would be better able to ‘negotiate’ with HMG to bring a higher standard of life, less burdensome and worrisome to Montserratians and other residents still living in Montserrat.

One of the issues that held much concern to the people, and one to which all contestants in the two-month election campaign paid some attention, was that of transportation and a fixed-wing facility to and from Montserrat – an airport. The new government tried to bring closure to the matter, which all agree is most vital to any development or progress that the island can make towards development.

But on this one single matter, the one they can take credit for, they have really only proved how backward their strategy or attitude has been in their ability to ‘negotiate’ on our behalf.

Often analysts and critics come out and attempt to capture the performance of a government after it has been in office for a year. This will not be any such attempt, despite the fact that the John Osborne government neglected to inform the print press that it was conducting a week of activities celebrating its election into office. This shows either that they have nothing to boast about, they are simply too ashamed to face the reality of a poor performance, of they are just unable to deliver. Just let the few who listen to radio hear about it; for the more discerning, it will pass before they are aware that they of the NPLM still exist.

That they are barely doing, by the way. While they try to keep some of their promises, such as organizing a salary increase for civil servants, the more important and internal plans and promises they made for the overall public good are almost in reverse. That might be fine if it were not affecting the leadership and conduct of government business and destroying some great minds and spirits in the meantime.

It is bothersome to listen, however, to the claims of progress within the 12 months since April 1, 2001. Bothersome because, with all honesty, except for the usual five or so, they will not find there has been anything meaningful; except perhaps the hardship and pressure being experienced because of a government so lacking in foresight that it could think Montserrat would be able to balance its own budget within a short period.

We are still waiting for a single project, including an airport facility, that this government can honestly claim as its contribution to take us into the future. Everything and anything that has been forthcoming within the last year had already been in the making from the David Brandt (unity-lacking) government, which included Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, Messrs Rupert Weekes, and Austin Bramble, who was succeeded by Brunel Meade. Ask any civil servant who should know. They will tell you, privately, "ununified as they were, they achieved more." And we can ask ourselves, "Was it easier then than now?"

After HMG easily fooled the NPLM with more autonomy (saddled with more rules, restrictions and reporting) but less aid, our Chief Minister awkwardly tells us that HMG found it difficult to spend serious money for fear that the volcano would render it useless soon enough.

How can this government take credit for the social welfare program that is still to be completed, the housing program, the road program?

Indeed this government would have achieved much if only they had been able to convince HMG to disregard the written assertion of Mike Wood, then Head of the Overseas Territories Unit: “the Secretary of State has asked me to stress once again DFID’s view that the north of the island now has most of the necessary basic infrastructure in place.”

That was early February 2001. Had they been able to disprove the message and the deception of Mr. Wood's sentence, there would have been much to boast about. They should have been able to convince HMG that there was very little to show for the money previously allocated by them for Montserrat since 1997; that £75 million over three years, as George Foulkes had announced and agreed to, was by no means enough to meet Montserrat’s reasonable needs. Had they done that, there would have been much to shout about

Let’s face it, that was really only £25 million per year, and when that was reduced to £24.4 in 2001/2 and to £17.0 million this year, an 8-year-old could most likely conclude the disaster which continues.

When that February four-page Mike Wood letter to the Government set out how they planned to proceed with Montserrat’s future, reducing the aid eventually to £7.5 million, David Brandt, in his last month in office, replied with a six-page letter, half of which dealt with the matter of housing. Part of that letter also dealt with the development plans to aid the private sector. The plans were already underway. Brandt wrote, “We are relying on your assistance to re-create the market conditions on island that will allow the sector to develop.”

But in that letter, most likely his last before he vacated office, Mr. Brandt complained, continuing in the vein for which he was probably most criticized and hated, about  “your continued reluctance to listen to local advice on developmental issues on Montserrat.”

When the NPLM government, or any government or any individual, can get HMG to do that, then is the time when claims of progress can be made. It will not be by submitting to false promises, and severe pressure to support projects with no resources. It is terrorizing for our government to agree to help fund a four-year-old promised “temporary’ airport at Geralds, where experts reportedly suspect there might be at least three accidents a year; an airport that is being thrusted upon us because it was the least expensive option and which is already costing more than originally estimated.

Worse, we learn that our representatives have had to agree to come back and not tell us the full truth of their discussions, but rather trick us into the hope of a promise to increase Geralds later on.

When will that stop and when will we be told that the real plan is the hope that some time within the next five years we will return to Bramble/Blackburne airport? We need to pray more fervently. 

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 or monrep@candw.ag.  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 

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Read: Psalm 88

The peace of God. will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

Genesis 43-46 

The 18^th-century author Samuel Johnson was noted for his wit, sensitivity, and cyclopedia knowledge. He found solitude depressing so he often tool in the poor and home less so that he could be surrounded by people. He also confessed that he had a deep fear of dying.

An Encyclopedia Britannica article, however, speaks of Johnson's "zest for living." It characterizes him as a "Christian moralist" with a strong conviction of the reality of sin and of the redemption provided through faith in Jesus Christ. It also says that 'his faith prevailed," for when he knew he was dying "he refused to take opiates because he had prayed that he might render his soul to God unclouded."

The article concludes, "Few men have left finer examples of the art of living than Samuel Johnson."

I have known many believers with a disposition like that. Most of them went through repeated cycles of joy and gloom. And when they were down, merely quoting Bible verses helped little because they were already aware of them. But they kept living for God and praying, and their faith prevailed. The "peace of God" filled their hearts (Philippians 4:7). That's good news for all of us, especially for those who go through times of doubt and despair.  -HVL

Whenever darkness grips your soul

And you are tempted to despair,

Remember Christ's unfailing love,

And trust His faithful, tender care. -Sper

WHEN LIFE IS FILLED WITH SHADOWS,

FACE THE SUNSHINE OF GOD'S LOVE. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What’s on your mind?

Letters, contributions, stories and commentaries
We wish to remind our readers, we welcome letters and commentaries.

Each submission must include the author’s name, address and daytime phone number to enable verification. 

All submissions will be edited for libel, brevity, clarity, grammar and propriety. Commentary and other articles should be written at a maximum 750 words and letters to the editor at a maximum 250 words. 

All submissions become the property of The Montserrat Reporter and each author should limit his or her submissions to one letter per topic.

Send your contributions to The Editor, The Montserrat Reporter, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat; or e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org or monrep@candw.ag.

Fax: (664) 491-2430. Tel. (664) 491-4715.

Briton Faults Media In Mideast Violence

Dear Editor,

The western media has a lot to answer for. It confuses and completely misrepresents what is going on the Occupied Palestine when it talks about a "peace process" all the time. There never was such a thing, and if there was, the Israeli made pretty sure that it didn't last. There is only justice and the rule of law. And right now, America and Britain are supporting an Israel that is in breach of 1967 UN resolutions, is brutally occupying Palestine and killing Arabs, and is refusing to allow Arab refugees back to their homes in what is now Israel. This is what people like George Bush and Tony Blair think is acceptable, and even support. Do they need a greater reason for people to hate them? The Arabs are left with no choice now because we refuse to allow them the justice they deserve. Long may the Intifada last - it has my 101-percent backing.
Bilal Pate,

London, UK

THE CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION AND EDUCATION

By Howard A. Fergus

The Constitutional Review Commission has been given a mandate to consult the people of Montserrat widely, as a basis for making recommendations for the revision of the Constitution.  While education was not mentioned, the Commission was under no delusion about the need for some form of popular orientation.  This is because as a subject, constitution does not readily excite people’s interest and imagination.  That attitude is not unique to Montserrat.

In any case there are other reasons why this comparative lack of zeal for constitutional debate may be marked in Montserrat.  People are grappling with the basic issues of food, shelter and housing, and constitution sounds like a recondite and abstract subject, divorced from their essential lives.  If it were linked to an impending election, the response might have been more vigorous.  Conscious of the issue of fundamental rights, a section of the Rastafarian community recognised the connection with the Constitution and was the first to visit with me as a Commissioner.  (In fact the whole business of Rights affects all of us and we need to ensure that all of the rights to which we are entitled are enshrined in and protected by the Constitution, whether we are civil servants, whether we speak on radio or in newspapers, or whether we are Mr. Ordinary Citizen with religious beliefs or whether we are persons likely to brush with law in some way).

Given this awareness, the Commission built education in its work from the outset.  The preliminary round of meetings, which started at the Salem Methodist Church on 18 February, was geared solely to education and explanation, not consultation.  Typically, a session took the form of presentations and dialogue on the nature of constitutions and on the structure and content of the Montserrat Constitution.  Hon. Chedmond Browne, in particular, was at pains to emphasise the importance of the constitutional review.

It is this same awareness that motivated us to discuss the Commission’s purpose with over 30 senior students at the Montserrat Secondary School and to a smaller number of officers of the Royal Montserrat Police.

The dissemination of literature is another aspect of the educational enterprise.  We produced and disseminated at these meetings a pamphlet which sets out some major constitutional issues which could be of interest.  A purpose of this material was to demystify and simplify the subject of constitution.  And yet, it must be stated that the most critical educational strategy is to have persons read the Constitution.  To assist this activity, we suggested a source for copies of the document, we purchased copies and placed them at the Public Library, and later we photocopied substantial extracts for handout and for posting to Montserratian groups abroad.  We have gone further and have compiled a list of issues which surfaced in the preliminary round and are now circulating these prior to and at the second round of dialogue.

Radio has also been utilised in the educational exercise.  Anticipating the work of the Constitutional Review, the UWI Centre mounted a three-part series on the subject of constitution.  Presenters and discussants included lawyers David Brandt and Jean Kelsick, social scientist and politician Claude Hogan and the Resident Tutor.  Both Mr. Brandt and Mr. Kelsick made pointed references to situations and examples in the island which illustrate how our people’s lives are affected by the Constitution in basic ways.  In addition Commissioner Peter White in the USA has created a Website.  No, the work of the Constitution is not being done in a corner.

Yet another radio discussion occurred, facilitated by ZJB.  On 5 March, 2002, we made presentations over the radio and fielded questions and comments from the public.  The feedback showed that large numbers were involved in this exercise.  It can be said that the education is inadequate but it cannot be correctly said that there has been no education on the Constitution.  What Montserratians need to do is to read the document.

On the matter of attendance at the meetings we are disappointed but not daunted, because we have active plans to go to Montserratian civil society – Nurses’ Association, Lions, Rotary, Rotoract, National Youth Council, St. Peters Community Action group, KIMIT, the Beulah Weslyan Holiness Church and Pacesetters are just some that we have already contacted and in some cases have firm appointments to meet.  We have also written to pivotal organisations such as The Montserrat Allied Workers Union, The Montserrat Christian Council, The Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bar Association, the Civil Service Association and the Montserrat Union of Teachers.  Our strategies for reaching significant populations in Montserrat are fairly comprehensive.  Consultation is the key and consultation there will be.

What we need is the co-operation of all; and I believe that the Montserratian, media including The Montserrat Reporter, will assist in getting the message out and in stimulating interest in the constitution.  Their commitment to democracy demands this, not to mention their role as agents of public education. 

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

C&W, Courtney Walsh In Special Partnership

Cable & Wireless West Indies has announced that it has entered into a special partnership with Test wickets world record holder Ambassador Courtney Walsh.
Under the agreement Mr. Walsh will be traveling across the English-speaking Caribbean and interacting with the region’s youth to motivate and inspire them in positive endeavors. The agreement will initially run for one year.

“This is not just about getting young people interested in playing cricket,” Ian Neita, senior vice president for sales and service at Cable & Wireless Jamaica (C&WJ), said in making the announcement at a press briefing. “This is more about providing a positive role model for our region’s youth. And what better person could we choose?”
He added, “Courtney is someone who is admired right around the world, not only for his cricketing prowess, but almost as much for the dignified manner in which he has always deported himself.”

Mr. Neita also pointed out that despite Mr. Walsh’s intensity on the field of play, his behaviour has always been impeccable.  

Mr. Walsh lauded C&W for the initiative and said that it provided him with a perfect vehicle with which to make a further contribution to the region.
The retired Jamaican cricketer also praised the company’s sponsoring of West Indies cricket for the past 17 years.
As part of the arrangement, Mr. Walsh will interact with the company’s employees and customers in different locations across the Caribbean. He will also undertake some commercial-type activities on the company’s behalf. 

Alan Campbell Here As New DFID Head

Alan Campbell, the new head of the Department for International Development (DFID)
in Montserrat, began his appointment on Monday, April 8.
The 44-year-old Briton, who becomes the fifth manager of DFID in Montserrat, said his goal for DFID “is the effective running of the office.”
He has nearly 27 years' experience with DFID (previously known as Overseas Development Administration); three of those years he worked on the Montserrat desk in the Overseas Territories Department as deputy programme manager.
Mr. Campbell replaces Barry Kavanagh, whose appointment ended on March 22.
Mr. Kavanagh moved on to take charge of a major in-country office expansion programme in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Mr. Kavanagh’s departure is part of a process whereby the DFID group in Montserrat will be halved, leaving four Montserratians and two United Kingdom-appointed staff in post.
The move represents a step towards realizing the twin goals of more self-determination by Montserrat and less direct management by DFID, Mr. Kavanagh had said in a joint statement from the government and DFID.
DFID is a UK Government department, working to promote sustainable development and eliminate world poverty.
DFID Montserrat was set up in 1997 to assist in the coordination and management of UK support during the volcanic crisis.
Since the onset of the crisis, DFID has committed over 135 million pounds to Montserrat. Much of the money has been used to establish basic infrastructure in the ‘safe’ northern areas of the island to help return some normalcy to economic and social life. 

UK OT Attorneys General To Meet Here Next Week

The 11^th Annual Conference of Attorneys General of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories will be held at the Vue Pointe Hotel from April 16 to 18.

The meeting will begin with an opening ceremony at the Vue Pointe Hotel at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6.
Governor Anthony Longrigg, Chief Minister John Osborne and Attorney General of England and Wales, Lord Goldsmith will deliver speeches during the Opening Ceremony.

Montserrat Debaters Place 2^nd to Anguilla

Montserrat took the runner-up spot behind champions Anguilla in the 30^th Leeward Islands Debating competition on April 4-7 at the Antigua State College.
The Montserrat team consisted of three students from the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) – 16-year-old fifth formers Steffinella Semper and Denise Gordon, and 17-year-old sixth former Cedricia Shiell.
MSS English teacher Yasmin White said Montserrat did creditably well after entering the competition for the first time since 1997 at the height of the volcanic crisis.
Miss White said Montserrat performed well despite competing against more experienced and older students.
In the final on Sunday, April 7 Montserrat debated the topic, “The HIV/AIDS Crisis now Confronting the Caribbean is Largely due to Ineffective Leadership”.
Montserrat defeated Antigua on Friday, April 5 to reach the final. In that match, Montserrat debated the topic, “The Recent Terrorists Attacks on U.S. Soil. Demonstrate Clearly U.S. Foreign Policy is Highly Untenable”.
“Despite the fact that we lost, we are true champions,” said Denise.
“It was a winning atmosphere even though we didn’t win,” said teammate Steffinella.

Multi-million-dollar Plant To Process Grenada Nutmeg

ST. GEORGES, Grenada (Caribbean News Service) - The multi-billion-dollar nutmeg industry in Grenada is set to receive a big boost with this weekend’s official opening of W&W Spices Limited, an agro-high technology operation in the parish of St. Andrew.
Guest speaker and former Chief Minister of Montserrat David Brandt is among several leading businessmen from Montserrat who will be in attendance.

Montserrat-born entrepreneur Joel Webbe, the driving force behind this initiative, says the multi-million-dollar project has the potential to bring tremendous benefits to the host country.
According to Webbe, if all the nutmeg exported in 2000 were converted to myristic acid and glycerol, Grenada would stand to increase its export earnings to US$6 billion in value-added products, from the US$20 million it now earns from the export of the raw material.

Additionally, Webbe pointed out that 40 percent of Grenada’s nutmeg is fat and 85 percent of that fat is trimyristin - the byproduct that contains glycerol and myristic acid.

He believes those two components alone “can change the economics of Grenada in that it would allow Grenada to become one of the world’s largest cosmetics-producing countries and…simultaneously to become one of the world’s largest detergent producing countries.”

The W&W Spices president says the plant is also producing berry oil from Jamaica’s pimento and also has “an aggressive regional programme for the development of ginger.”

He feels the ‘marriage’ of technology to agriculture “will…lead an economic revival…within the region.”

Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, in hailing the W&W Spices initiative, said the establishment of the nutmeg processing facility would mark a new era in Grenada’s nutmeg industry.

Meanwhile, the principals of W&W Spices and the Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association GCNA  - set up to represent the interest of nutmeg farmers on the island - are locked in what analysts here describe as a battle for control of this vital industry.

Some members of the GCNA have expressed the view that the operations of W&W Spices pose a threat to the GCNA’s monopoly in the marketing of the product. 

Rotary Extends Deadline To Apply for Scholarship

The Rotary Club of Montserrat has extended the deadline for applicants to compete for one-year, full scholarships in the academic year 2003-04 for undergraduate or graduate study at any one of approximately 36 colleges and universities in the State of Georgia.  The filing date, originally slated to end today, Friday, has been extended to FRIDAY, MAY 3^RD.   Applicants can apply by sending their written expression of interest to any Rotarian.

The program, sponsored by the Georgia Rotary Scholarship Program, has been offering scholarships to international students between the ages of 18-25 since 1946 and has recently grown to where more than 90 scholarships are offered annually. 

This is the first year the Rotary Club of Montserrat has participated in the program. Two students, Adrian Edgecombe and Camille Archer, will take part by attending Morehouse College, and Wesleyan College respectively for the academic years 2002-03. 

Last year, the program provided scholarships to approximately 46 percent of those who applied, a uniquely high success ratio for students seeking scholarship assistance through competitive programs.

Prospective applicants can send their indication of interest to any Rotarian, including incoming officers for the club, Bennette Roach, Susan Edgecombe, Agatha Aspin, and Douglas Darby.  For further information any applicant who will be between the ages of 18-25 by August, 2003, can contact Douglas Darby at 491-5902 or darbyd@candw.ag or visit the Georgia Rotary Scholarship Program’s website at http://grsp.org. 

Committee Appointed to Review ZJB

A four-man committee has being appointed by the government to review the management and administrative arrangements for Radio Montserrat (ZJB).
The members of the Review Committee are Rev. Florence Daley, Salas Hamilton, Glenn Lewis and Chairperson, Keith “Stone” Greaves.
The committee is to submit its report in six weeks.
The Terms of Reference include:
1. Recommend a framework, which will promote professionalism, accountability
 and equity in the management and dissemination of information.
2. Examine the present structure, programming and staffing of the radio station and identify the human resource needs, skills, performance characteristics and remuneration that must be satisfied to achieve the objective (1) above.
3. Conduct an in-depth analysis of current programming and recommend the specific changes needed consistent with the recommendations proposed in other areas of operation.
4. Make recommendations regarding training requirements for the staff at the station.
5. Determine ways in which operational efficiencies can be achieved through
 collaboration with existing or proposed broadcast entities such as Local Access Television.
6. Identify and specify the financial and other resources necessary to support the implementation of recommendations.
The committee said they are interested in hearing from Montserratians at home and overseas on the subject.  

UWI Vice Chancellor Says Teachers Are Irreplaceable

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- Prof. Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), stressed the importance of culture as part of the education process in his opening address at last week's Jamaica Teachers’ Association conference on Education Administration and Supervision here.

The UWI Vice Chancellor said, “The teacher must continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the vigour of a system of learning, deliver the central message that must be forged concerning the type of citizens a society wishes to educate, or to ensure the continuity and progress of knowledge.”

Discussing the role of the teacher and information technology and their effect on education, Prof. Nettleford conceded that while aspects of information technology, such as the Internet, provide a wealth of information, they do not educate. “Information Technology cannot replace the teacher,” he emphasised, adding that teachers then should not only be well paid, but also be well educated. 

ECCB Sponsors Essay Competition

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will sponsor an essay competition for ECCB students between the ages of 15 and 18.
Participants have been invited to address the topic: “The impact of the Eastern Caribbean Currency (ECCU) of the events of September 11 in the USA reflects the region’s vulnerability to external stocks. Does this provide a case for greater integration and increased cohesion between the ECCU member states?
The essay competition is one of the ECCB’s Community Outreach projects.
Submission deadline is Friday, May 17. 
Essays must be submitted to the ECCB’s Agency Office in the participant’s respective territory, or the bank’s headquarters, P.O. Box 89, Basseterre, St. Kitts.  

Belize Adds Its Concern At Middle East Violence

BELMOPAN, Belize -- The Government of Belize has joined the international community in expressing grave concern at the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

It said the recent spate of violence, including suicide bombings in Israel and full-scale military aggression against defenseless Palestinians, can serve no purpose but to undermine the process toward a durable peace settlement.  It called the Israeli military attack against the Headquarters of the Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat repugnant, uncivilized and intolerable act.

Belize continues to support UN Security Council Resolution 1042 calling for an immediate ceasefire and for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian cities, including Ramallah, and agrees with the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan's criticism over Isreal's use of disproportionate lethal force, especially in civilian populated areas and his assertion that destroying the Palestinian Authority will not bring Israel closer to peace.

Belize urged the end of the occupation and echoed Secretary General Kofi Annan's call on both President Arafat and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "to take advantage of the outcome of the Arab League Summit in Beirut, which outlined a widely welcome vision for full peace in the region." 

Argentina Redeclares Its Claim to Falklands

USHAIA, Argentina  -- President Eduardo Duhalde on Tuesday marked the 20th anniversary of the start of the war for the Falkland Islands by declaring that Argentina will win them back from Britain, but with patience and perseverance rather than force.

At Tuesday's memorial ceremony in this far south ciy, President Duhalde told a gathering of war veterans that the islands are undeniably Argentine.

Meanwhile most Falkland islanders refrained from officially commemorating the event, preferring to mark the anniversary privately.

Few have good memories of 2 April 1982 - when hundreds of Argentine commandos arrived in the island's main town of Stanley, at the start of the 10-week war with Britain.

"The Malvinas are Argentina's" went the song that floated across the gathering of 1,200 war veterans here. The patriotic song, referring to the Falkland Islands by their Spanish name of Las Malvinas, concluded Tuesday's ceremony.

It was held exactly 20 years after the first Argentine troops arrived in Ushaia - when the town was used as a staging post for the original invasion.

In the Falkland Islands, though, the atmosphere was very different.

"It's a moment for reflection, certainly not celebration, that's for sure," said former teacher Phyl Rendell.

Britain and Argentina have long disputed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which are situated 350 miles (550 kilometres) from Argentina, but are populated almost entirely by people of British descent.

Twenty years on, the island's residents have not changed their views.

The Governor of the Falklands, Donald Lamont, said it will take time for people to be relaxed about Argentina.

"The breach of trust was pretty definitive. It's ingrained," he said.

He added that Britain remained "committed to the right of self determination for the islanders, and has made it clear that sovereignty is not for negotiation".

Niche Agro Market in UK For Caribbean Producers

Compiled from dispatches

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent -- Deputy Prime Minister Louis Straker reported Tuesday that the 3^rd UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum held in Guyana last week created a niche market in the United Kingdom for agro-processing with goal of supporting Caribbean agriculture.

Mr. Straker said that Governments of the region requested that the UK Government attempt to reallocate licenses that now favour Latin American producers to the advantage of banana producers of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Caribbean Ministers sought the UK’s support to stimulate a more entrepreneurial spirit within the region’s Private Sector, because the Private Sector needs to explore investment opportunities and to be more creative and innovative in meeting the challenges posed by globalisation.

The continuing loss of public sector workers, especially teachers and nurses, was another major issue discussed at the Ministerial meeting.

The Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Louis Straker said that the United Kingdom has agreed to support an assessment of the situation facing Caribbean countries and to explore ways to addressing the underlying causes.

Mr. Straker said that the migration of such public servants has had a significant negative impact on a number of regional countries.

The issue of HIV/AIDS was also high on the agenda, and the United Kingdom government has pledged its technical and monetary support for regional bodies such as the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre and The Pan American Health Organisation. 

SPORTS

Local Golfers Shine in St. Lucia Tournament

L to R: Ivan Hixon, Wilston Johnson, Kingsley Howe, Dwane Hixon, Leroy Daley

Montserrat golfers shone again on a sparkling new Cup Estate Golf Course in St. Lucia over the Easter Weekend.
The occasion was provided by the St. Lucia Amateur Golf Championships Open where nearly all eight Montserrat golfers received prizes for varying and outstanding performances. Leroy (Wanza) Daley and Kingsley Howe were outstanding, Daley taking first place honours in the men’s low gross and low net B flight with scores of 177 and 149.

Daley could not collect a prize in both categories, then it was another Montserratian, Dwane Hixon, who playing for the first time after a two year layoff took the 1^st low net prize in that category with a score of 156.

Kingsley Howe walked away with the 1^st low net prize with a score of 147 in the Seniors division which was won by the Antigua Stalwart Errol Samuel who chose to play in the senior division although he qualifies for the super-senior who grossed 157.

There were 1^st day and 2^nd day prizes and other Montserratians Ivan Hixon, Herman Francis and Wilston Johnson took various prizes.

The No. 1 and 2 spots in the A-flight were taken by two St. Lucians: Terry Verdant and Canice Louis, with gross scores of 157 and 162 respectively.

Fire Burn Pitbulls 25-19 In Basketball Knockout
By Merrick Andrews

The game was already decided from the first 10 minutes of the 30-minute game.
Trailing 12-1 at one period in the first half, defending champions Pitbulls made a valiant battle on the Brades basketball court on Saturday, April 6.
Pitbulls quickly ate up the deficit on Fire. But at the final whistle Fire came out 25-19 winners to dethrone the ‘Bulls’ and capture the 2002 Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association (MABA) Knockout competition.
President of the MABA and coach/player of Pitbulls Randolph Lewis said his team played poor defense early in the game which cost them the title.
“More or less it was a race against time,” said Lewis, 31, who top-scored for his team with eight points, one more than teammate Rudolph Lee.
“At one point, they (Fire) had 12 points and we only had one. That shows how much we came back into the game with some hard defense. Our defense was poor in the first half,” added Lewis, a guard/forward.
The first half ended 17-7 in Fire’s favour.
Pitbulls scored 12 points to Fire’s eight in the second half. “They are a team who is known to come back in the second half. They tried to set some traps for us, but we came out on top,” said captain and forward of Fire, Elbert Aaron, 27, who also commended his teammates for playing their roles well.
Top scorers for Fire were Nichon Weekes who bagged 12 points and Vachkel Murraine who copped seven.
“We played well because we got new players and we knew each other’s strength and weaknesses,” said Weekes, 23, a forward/guard and MVP of the league competition last year. “As last year’s champions you give them (Pitbulls) credit, but their best was not enough this time. We are confident and we will be looking forward to the (League) trophy.”
But this weekend, Pitbulls’ Lewis warns: “This is just the Knockout, on Saturday people will know who the true champions are.”
His cautious side said: “We are not taking anything away from Fire because they have a good team.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Works Dr. Lowell Lewis called for the display of proper discipline and sportsmanship in the competition at the Opening Ceremony on Saturday. He said these factors are necessary if the true benefits of the game are to be realised.
Saturday’s results of the preliminary matches played at 10 minutes per half at running time
Taz Westsiders defeat MSS Warriors 16-6
Fire def. Rebels 9-7
 Pitbulls def. Taz Westsiders 12-8
Schedule of League competition matches which starts this weekend
Games are played on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7pm at the Brades court
Friday: Pitbulls versus MSS Warriors; Rebels vs. Taz Westsiders
Saturday: Taz Westsiders vs. MSS Warriors; Fire vs. Pitbulls

LOVELY!

By Peter Adrien

They got it right!
The selectors got it right with respect to the basis for selection; the underlying criterion for selection in a trial tournament; the imperative for developing a winning team, and the immediate order of business for a team that has become the victim of any of the mediocre competitors.
And given the limitations, the selectors got the mix of players for the first test right. 

The conventional wisdom is that the battered team wins on home turf in order to atone for its sins, to appease its angry supporters, to reclaim its lost supporters and to strengthen the faith of its faithless fans. Michael Findlay is right: the immediate term objective is to win. And this is a necessary condition for long-term competitiveness.

The West Indies team must get back to its winning ways so as to integrate a society, which has been made more divisive (to a large extent, because of cricket) in the last few years. Contrary to the critics, it is cricket, which must cement us as a people.

Therefore the selectors are right. Some antagonists would argue that the selectors are purely thinking of the short-term. And others would contend that they do it out of fear. If there is any fear, it is a fear that grips us all. It is the fear of further failure. This is only the view of the simpleton for the long term is really a series of short effects, if they are properly co-ordinated. In 1998, we feared losing to England and in 2002, we dread losing to India.

One thing the selectors got right this time around, as they did in 1998, is the value of independent thought. They got it right in dealing with the vexing issue of nationalism and selection, particularly in overcoming the horse trading that has retarded the progress of our cricket team. They showed courage by rejecting the unspoken quota system that holds sway in the Caribbean decision making. And they exhibited common sense in giving the indigenous peoples their rightful place in the Caribbean scheme of things.
Lovely!
We have always thought that it demanded maturity, intellectual independence, manliness and rational thought to select a multi-state team. And we, particularly those of us from the small islands, have always found it divisive, irrational and disrespectful for hometown interest to transcend national (in this case, regional) interest in selecting the West Indies team.

The bowling attack selected against Michael Atherton’s brigade included the labeled rude-boy, Kenneth Benjamin (Antigua), ahead of the nice-boy, Ian Bishop (Trinidad). But they got it right. Kenny was the informed bowler, while Ian had been struggling despite his good test average. Franklyn Rose (Jamaica), who was no longer the dominant tear-away, was replaced with Nixon Mclean (St Vincent), the new-found tear-away.

But importantly, the team must win to arrest the spirit of dissension, parochialism and petty nationalism that trigger the social divide which continues to separate us as a people and impede the development of the Caribbean society. And this anti-systemic behaviour (fuelled by some notable sports journalists) is exacerbating the social and economic problems of a region writhing in adjustment pains.

In 1998, when the selectors adopted a similar mature position in the selection of the team for the first test match against the touring English team, I commended them for their courage. And four years after, I am happy to congratulate the honourable men who at last have done something honourable.

Two discarded small island cricketers, opening batsman Stuart Williams and wicketkeeper/batsman Junior Murray, were recalled for the opening Test of five in the 2002 Cable & Wireless Series against India in Guyana. Neither has played Test cricket for the last three years. They, however, earn their place due to heavy scoring in the 2002 Busta Cricket Series, the West Indies first-class championship and trial series for the test team

But Sunday April 7, 2002, was a watershed in Caribbean history.  Adam Sanford, the Dominican seamer, became the first cricketer from one of the indigenous peoples (the Caribs) of the Caribbean to be picked for West Indies. 

Sanford, a Dominica-born fast bowler, who now resides in Antigua & Barbuda, earns his place in the squad following an impressive season in the Busta Cricket Series, in which he captured 41 wickets at 25.19 apiece in eight matches.     
 The army, which is being led by Captain Carl Hooper (Guyana) on the Bourda battlefield in this week’s first test match -- April 11-15 -- against the valiant Indians, includes Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Mahendra Nagamootoo (Guyana), Chris Gayle (Jamaica), Brian Lara, Mervyn Dillon (Trinidad), Adam Sanford, Stuart Williams (Leeward Islands), Junior Murray, Cameron Cuffy (Windward Islands). The reserves players are Marlon Black (Trinidad) and Ryan Hinds (Barbados).
The small islands earned four places. But it is sad that even when wisdom and good common sense take precedent, the proponents of Caribbean disunity are still incapable of showing maturity and intellectual honesty. Whether triggered by fear of further failure or by other considerations, the selectors by their action sought to weed out petty-nationalism and insularity from our ranks. And these are the critical developments that make for rebuilding an unbeatable team. These are the things that cement the people of the separate playing countries.

While India begins the five-test series as tournament favourites, as the tourists boast a more competitive bowling attack, we look forward to a very keenly contested series.

Well done, Mike Findlay! Congratulations Junior Murray! Best wishes Stuart Williams.

Peter Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a freelance photographer. He may be contacted at www.adreinsenterprise.com or at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com

PHOTO CAPTION: PHOTO CAPTION: Junior Murray rewarded for hard work (Photo: Peter Adrien)

Special Olympics Programme Returns to Montserrat

Montserrat has restarted its Special Olympics programme.
The Special Olympics programme was first implemented in Montserrat on March 1, 1995. Four months later, athletes Angela Irish and Adrian Lindsey won medals at an international event in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
“You may remember the successes the Red Cross had prior to the volcanic crisis; well with your help, we can raise this programme out of the ashes,” said Speech and Language Therapist Heather Daley (pictured below).
Mrs. Daley obtained full sponsorship from the Special Olympics North America to attend the Caribbean Business Meeting in Grand Cayman. Information from this meeting will enable her to facilitate the redevelopment of the Special Olympics programme in Montserrat.
She said the programme requires a lot of community and family involvement. “There will be a role for anyone, young or old, that is available to give some of their time, skills or other resources. Help is also needed for a range of fundraising activities. It is hoped that businesses on the island will find this a worthwhile cause and consider sponsorship and donations in the near future,” she said.
Coaches and trainers will be required for the introduction of Special Olympics sports such as aquatics, athletics, tennis and bocce. Training programmes will be available in May for coaches willing to take the challenge.
Mrs. Daley said: “It will be a real challenge to set up the programme but I am sure that there are many people on island who have a willingness to help those in the community that are often forgotten.”
She added that, “this will not be my programme but one for the whole community in Montserrat to take ownership of. We can show the other Caribbean islands how we really can 'rise out of the ashes' with this Special Olympics programme."

The Special Olympics was established in 1968 with a mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. It is designed for persons of eight years and older with moderate to severe learning difficulties, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness.
“It also helps them to demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community,” said Ms. Daley. 

FIFA’s Warner Lauds, Challenges Montserrat

Vice-President of the Federation for International Football Federations (FIFA) Jack Warner has challenged Montserrat to be independent with the construction of the football facilities underway.

“Let us therefore say, never, never again, should Montserrat ever play a World Cup match in Trinidad again. Never, never again must Montserrat look to Antigua as its home base for football,” said Mr. Warner.
“Let me hasten to say that the fortunes of football in Montserrat cannot be achieved by the Montserrat FA (Montserrat Football Association Inc.) alone. It has to be achieved based on the collective efforts of all – government, business and football,” he said.
He was speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, April 2, of the Montserrat Football Association Inc. (MFAI) Complex, Phase 1 at Blakes.

The FIFA Goal Project donated US$680,000 to Montserrat.
 MFAI spokesman James White Jr. said the development of the football complex is divided into three phases to be constructed over a four-year period.
The first phase involves the purchasing of land, excavation, and construction of the football pitch, access roads and the perimeter fencing. The second phase is the lighting of the complex valued at US$120,000. The third phase involves the construction of an administrative block, seating/stands and changing facilities.
“The project is a landmark for the sport of football, not only as a national pastime but in terms of taking the youngsters off the street – taking them away from social ills,” Mr. White said.
Mr. Warner, who is also the president of the Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF, said Montserrat is far ahead in terms of scheduling plans for development.
“I was here last July and I couldn’t believe in less than eight months they would have achieved what they have done,” he said at a press briefing at Tropical Mansion Suites shortly of the inauguration ceremony. “It is not normal that this is done, particularly in this part of the world – the Caribbean. I will not call any names but there are a lot of countries that after two years have not really moved halfway to this stage. And therefore I think you have to commend the drive initiatives, the enthusiasm, the people of Montserrat that they are able to achieve this in the shortest possible time.”

FEATURES

TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS

Bob Heim who was hired by the Montserrat Tourist Board as its Public Relations Representative in the US, has been making waves since his appointment by the Board.  In the recent past, Bob Heim has contacted a number of travel writers and press among others on behalf of the Tourist Board and has so far written a number of stories on Montserrat with input from the Tourist Board for various publications. 

Below are some of the newspapers, magazines and websites that articles were sent to:

Story material was sent to Wendy Underwood Canadian Travel Writer with contributions to such publications as Georgia Straight, DreamScapes, Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and Guestlife.  A story, which specifically featured villas on Montserrat, was sent to Eva Knapp writer of Mature Times and Senior Travel Tips.  A Montserrat Fishing Story was sent to a South Florida-based fishing-interest Columnist, Patricia Pouchurek.  Release and contact was also made with Martin Gay, travel contributor to Birmingham (AL) News. Summertime Getaway Stories of Montserrat were sent to the travel editor of Kalamazoo (MI) Gazette.  A selection of Montserrat Stories was sent to Mark Glass, contributor to the St. Louis (MO) Times and www.travel-watch on-line.

Results so far from previous articles:

Montserrat was featured in the January 7 column that appeared in 18 editions of Anton Community Newspapers reaching over 405,000 readers on Long Island, NY (a major market for Montserrat).  Again Montserrat was featured in EWA Newspaper, which reaches the biggest Caribbean market in the N.E. that has a total readership of over 3,000,000.  Another featured story appeared in the South West Messenger Group of newspapers, penetrating the Chicago market.  And Travel Weekly’s Caribbean E-letter featured updates following submitted text from Bob Heim.  

MAN FROM BAKER HILL

POT OF GOLD, GOLD MINE OR....GOLD DUST

Now that the final plan for Little Bay Town Centre is complete, every Montserratian should see it.  The Little Bay Town Plan should be placed on billboards on every street corner on Montserrat.

The government and the Chamber of Commerce should not be allowed' to hide from Montserratians the plans for this beautiful New City.

In fact, every visitor to Montserrat should be greeted with the new Little Bay plans, boldly displayed at the Seaport or at the Heliport.

Even in Antigua and in St. Kitts, people should be able to see Montserrat's New Town Plans displayed at their air and sea ports.

Recently, the Chamber of Commerce and the Government announced that they would cooperate fully for the advancement of the new Montserrat. Hence, together they must embrace modernization; and must be held responsible for every decision that will, in the future, affect the pride and sensibilities of the young people.

Somehow for the time being, they must stop talking about tourist attraction of the ruins of buried Plymouth and begin to give Montserratians something more than Brades Road for a Town. Together the Chamber of Commerce and the Government must put the present and future generations of Montserratians ahead of selfishness and ignorance.

The Chamber of Commerce must assume responsible leadership to show and tell the world whether Montserrat will remain just a three-legged Pot of Gold, only for its 3 - 69 members. 0r they can allow the world to laugh at them as they continue to higgly-piggly carve up the roadside into unsafe entranceways for Chamber members shops. '

Are they not able to see that Brades Road is almost an empty Pot of Gold?

Similarly, the Government of Montserrat must embark on a mission to show and tell the world, especially Montserratians at home and abroad, that Montserrat can become a Gold Mine. Hence, the Government must publicly declare the acceptance of Little Bay as the new town centre. The Government must embrace the concept and announce that it will methodically establish its permanent offices at Little Bay; refusing to lease any building unless it is constructed at Little Bay. In short, the Government must encourage the people to accept the most modern Caribbean Town; a town that can revive our social fervor.

Are we not liable to see that Little Bay is a bubbling Gold Mine?

What is this  "Pot of Gold" in the context of our redevelopment? Nothing!

To visualize Montserrat simply as a Pot of Gold, you have to be a long, long ago entrepreneur with shopkeeper-like mentality, one of those people whose mindset cannot go beyond a Pot of Gold for me, myself and I.

People of that mentality will not wait for orderly development of any plans whereby many can share in the renewed wealth of the island. Those people are afraid of losing the advantage which we gave them in Plymouth. They still cannot understand that no one is interested in competing with them. They, like racehorses, have on blinkers. They cannot see around them. Hence they have not noticed that no other airline ticketing agents have sprung up, or that no more hardware stores have arrived. No, they are so busy cajoling and enticing each other to join in the race of the higgly-piggly that they have not noticed. No!

No other drugstores have dropped out of the sky. Suntex Bakery and Pipe'rs Drugstore will not come back. There will not be any other stationery store. But most importantly, do they not trust us the people, even though, we are the ones who have supported them in Plymouth, at Salem,

at St. Peters, and even at Brades? And we will support them at Little Bay too, if only they wait just a little while longer. If only they are prepared to give us a modern town... and receive the long-term benefits of a gold mine. But no, they want the almost empty pot of gold now.

And what is this Gold Mine in the context of our redevelopment? Everything!

There can never be a doubt in anyone's mind that sustained construction brings economic and social growth. So, there is sustained construction in the plans for the Little Bay Town Centre. That is the gold mine! If we all admit that the present Government Headquarters Buildings are substandard and temporary, then why not construct the new Headquarters, one department at a time, at Little Bay? The Move can take 10 years, or as long as we want, but we should start as soon as possible to bring sustained economic and social growth.

The Chamber of Commerce members, who are in the business of building and renting office space, can demand a long-term commitment from the Government to lease each new building. In fact, Montserratians at home and abroad should be encouraged to invest in the Little Bay Town Plan.

This new partnership will speed up the process to modernization.  And I am sure Britain will fast track the construction of the infrastructure at Little Bay, if we would only show our willingness to start there.

That is the gold mine. People can form partnerships and share in the renewed wealth of the island;  Because as long as there will be a Montserrat  we will need Government offices.  Come on people, insist on Little Bay and enjoy your gold mine.  Go to Little Bay and build.

You do not need cash, the land is free - take advantage of our gold mine.

And what about the gold dust??

Well, if the Chamber of Commerce members continue to selfishly grab and grovel for their Pot of Gold on Brades Road, and if the Government does not stamp its acceptance on the Little Bay Town Centre, just as it has done on the Gerald's Airport project, then modernization, economic and social revival will continue to slip away from Montserrat.

Yes, while the Gold of Little Bay, somehow, like volcanic dust, is blowing away, the young people of Montserrat are being blighted by the ignorance of The Chamber of Commerce.

And just as the evacuees from Montserrat are scattered all over, so will the wealth of Montserrat be scattered all over, invested in Antigua, Nevis and Anguilla.

The potential wealth and happiness of Montserratians would only be gold dust on the wind, blowing into our eyes, forever burning and blurring our vision away from modernization.

Fellow Montserratians, how do you plead? POT OF GOLD, for Chambers members only, “Gold Mine” at Little Bay, for all Montserratians, or “Goldish volcanic dust” blurring our vision and condemning us to the world of the ignoramus?   

Let Us Refocus St. Patrick Day Celebrations

By Claude Gerald

Recent events have highlighted the paradox of St. Patrick’s Day to Montserrat.

We commemorate on the one hand an aborted insurrection against organized bondage and at the same time demonstrate a level of passivity in our day-to-day existence that pales by comparison. The occasion has descended to just another holiday designed to bolster certain commercial interests and to wire us more deeply in our ‘think and do nothing’ comfort zone.

The wider meaning of that historic event escapes our consciousness: one that says that instead we must resurrect the real combative spirit of our ancestors so as to lift and embolden the inners of our being. They were purposeful in their resolve to over throw a system of governance that deterred growth and development, whilst subjecting the ordinary to unspeakable hardships that equated the human with mere property-chattels to exchange on the market. They were ready to act in a just cause and face the consequences and lived and died for a higher and noble purpose. They had a philosophy on life, a belief system that emphasized the sovereignty and power of an unfettered populace.

They possessed no significant weapons to storm the foundations of the system. But they planned, with commitment, to use what they had in the interest of freedom and justice. Dialogue and moral suasion could not have been entertained so the freedom fighters employed secret strategies and the element of surprise. They failed as their own squealed on the plan; plotters were lynched and the rest is history.

Events then bring events now into sharp focus. Conscious that our forefathers recognized the link between the value of organizing and growth of the human spirit and assuming that they keep watch over their beloved island, could the actions of our various groupings and associations bring a sense of pride to their roving eyes? How would the so-called Civil Service Association fare in their estimation? It is plain that it would get a failing grade without doubt and condemned to a way of life that the ancestors were seeking to eradicate in the first place. ‘Take the lot, Massa and lynch them on the altar of fear and indifference’ is the likely intonation from the long dead.

The Association is soul-less and formless, being victimized by a massive coronary and withered by a stroke. Its leaders hardly bark much less bite and you wonder how come we have reached this parlous state in our evolution. Social scientists with a sense of history need to provide an explanation for this sense of apathy and selfishness. Were the freedom fighters then, simply an isolated bunch and the whisper mongers then a treacherous majority? Our past must inform us.

Our ancestors set a tremendous pace and we fail to take the baton. There are growing yet overcomeable grievances that negatively affect the state of play and yet we talk around them as if nothing mattered. To think that the leadership has failed to capitalize on the momentum set and the potential across all sectors to reverse the appointment of a high-ranking public servant of low rank continues to confound thinking. The thought that we tried and backed off indicates a fractured character and is perhaps even worse than the failure itself. Leaders of the Association seem uncomfortable with controversy and would prefer to bid a hasty retreat when confronted. The proverbial sand offers comfort as they burrow deeper in its bowels. Can you think of any Union Leadership in any Caribbean island so bereft of purpose or even a rank and file member that lacks the guts to toss the leadership on its head? Lesser forms of life show much greater organization and unity of purpose.

Clearly our action resembles the uncommitted farmer who plants the seed in fertile surroundings but fail to water and nourish since foods of questionable quality can be imported from shores other than our own. 

Montserrat is dying spiritually and the gods would not act unless we do. And no god would interfere with the freewill of people whose values are valueless and whose choices deepen ineptness. We continue to ignore important historical precedents that can knit us together as a people of a certain destiny. We send no positive messages to the up and coming. In fact we promote fearfulness and cowardice as though our very lives depended on the will of those we fear. Authority is to be respected but not feared. And authority respects the fearless and will tolerate reasonable positions that are backed by enterprise and determination. We must set the pace for our rulers by our actions lest we self consume and perish.

Money and materialism has invaded our psyche driving us deeper into a wasteland from which subsequent generations would find no sustenance. The Association promotes no personal code of right action, no compass and therefore no principle that helps to foster the direction its members take. Me-ism and raise- of- pay dominates our souls to the detriment of all else.

And as St. Patrick’s Day comes and goes, so too does our will to self-determinate. 

Claude Gerald is an agricultural economist with an abiding interest in the social, economic and political affairs of Montserrat. E-mail ceegee15@hotmail.com

YOUR HISTORY IN SMALL DOSES

By Howard A. Fergus, UWI

UWI Educating Leaders

The University of the West Indies, which started in 1948, has made an outstanding contribution to human resource training in the region.  In Montserrat, you will find UWI-trained graduates and certificate holders in nearly every significant unit or department of government and the private sector - from agriculture to audit, from media to MONLEC from Council to Cable & Wireless, from education to development, from treasury to labour and more.  They are making valuable contributions in the island’s economic, social and cultural life.

UWI graduates are found in the very highest positions of political leadership in the region.  Presently there are seven Prime Ministers in the region who are UWI graduates: Hon. Patrick Manning (Trinidad and Tobago), Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony (St. Lucia), the Hon. Owen Arthur (Barbados), Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas (St. Kitts & Nevis), Dr. the Hon. Keith Mitchell (Grenada) and the Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson (Jamaica).

Montserrat does not appear in this august list, but we are among only three of our countries with two former political leaders who are UWI graduates.  The Montserratians are former Chief Ministers Messrs. Reuben Meade and David Brandt.  Others in this category are Sir. Erskine Sandiford (Barbados), Sir Nicholas Brathwaite (Grenada) and Dr. Kennedy Simmonds (St. Kitts-Nevis).

Allergists Recommend Nasal Spray That Avoids Negative Side Effects

Newstream dispatch

With the majority of Americans now taking at least one type of medication each week, including over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines, leading allergists in a review paper published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings this month advised allergy sufferers and their physicians to consider a nasal allergy treatment that will not interact with other medications or produce unwanted side effects.
"Our review of the literature showed that cromolyn sodium, or NasalCrom Nasal Spray, which has been studied for more than 20 years, can be an effective agent for preventing and alleviating nasal allergic rhinitis symptoms, and it is also one of the safest non-prescription allergy medications," said Dr. Paul H. Ratner, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, and lead author of the paper, "The Use of Intranasal Cromolyn Sodium in Allergic Rhinitis."

Experts estimate that nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, affect more than 35 million Americans, including six million children, and that its symptoms can significantly impair work productivity and school performance, as well as affect quality of life. Furthermore, several medications used to treat nasal allergies, such as over-the-counter sedating antihistamines and oral decongestants, can cause unwanted, and for some patients, even dangerous side effects.

Certain patients, particularly young children, the elderly, and people with other medical conditions, such as hypertension, heart disease, or diabetes are at particular risk of experiencing side effects or unwanted drug interactions, the authors said.

"These concerns, coupled with Americans' increasing use of medications, prompted our recommendations to physicians to be aware of the other medications that their allergy patients may be taking," said Dr. Ratner.

A recent survey reported in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than 80 percent of the U.S. adult population took at least one medication in the preceding week and 25 percent took at least five. Medications included prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins and herbal remedies.

Initially introduced in 1983 as a prescription medication, NasalCrom became available over the counter in 1997 for adults and children 6 and older, and in 2001 was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in children 2 to 5 years old.

NasalCrom does not produce any of the side effects that may be associated with some antihistamines such as drowsiness, and decongestants that may result in sleeplessness or jitteriness. NasalCrom is a non-systemic, non-steroidal therapy that can be safely used in combination with other medications.  

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Noblesse Oblige

The weight of his baggage was high,

But Barry insisted it fly;

Still don't be absurd,

DFID pays for that bird,

Mere passenger rules don't apply.

Guess What's on TV

Cable TV lists with pride

All of the links they provide,

But those willing to pay,

Each month hear them say,

Sorry, there's no TV guide.   

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin if the man them now realize that AIDS in Montserrat and when dey go out and get it them carry it home to them wife and girlfriend.

Jus wonderin if its true it gat man them in Lookout who love to curse them wife so nasty.

Jus wonderin if the executive members of the cricket association really carrying out their duties.

Jus wonderin why the lady of culture resign from her duty.

Jus wonderin if there should be concern about this harboring house is in Judy Piece

Jus wonderin about them men carry out them wife or girlfriend and left them in one corner and gone

Jus wonderin if the husband and wife know what their vows says and does the man and woman them out there know what the Bible says about breaking up people marriages.

Jus wonderin which minister signed the gag order in England prepared by the civil servant.

Jus wonderin if that certain person knows that people a wonder about he too and if a true he is another Queen Elizabeth.

Jus wonderin why the exhibition only last for two days when there wes so much to view.

Jus wonderin if the wonderer agree it was better than the one before.

Jus wonderin if we the Montserratians see wha a go on in the Middle East.

Jus wonderin why so much immorality in such a small country, a wha devil on a rampage?

Jus wonderin if the man them a hear the song plenty fish in a the sea.

Jus wonderin if you have to fish de bird when a de bird should fish de fish.

Jus wonderin if we know 4,000 people a nothing to get AIDS.

Jus wonderin if we ga die like fly in a this country with AIDS if them man and them woman na behave

like responsible human being.

Jus wonderin if that certain man who know who he is knows what effect it have on Montserratians.

Jus wonderin why the bird fly away north and who are the bird victims.

Jus wonderin if Monlec really pass on the true savings from the reduced prices Delta now charging for fuel.

Jus wonderin if dem who a drive dem car so fast believe in the de song I believe I can fly for truth.

Jus wonderin wha de police a do about dem who a cause accident so often.

Jus wonderin who will be de lucky one to catch dat bird.

Jus wonderin if widening de road ga gave dem more space to drive reckless.

Jus wonderin when dem go start developing Little Bay as dey say that would be de town.

Jus wonderin if dem decided to put it at Brades instead.

Jus wonderin why every plan have to be so off sided and de other way around.

Jus wonderin why you have to spend almost all de money in order to get you check change in a dat wicked Salem supermarket.

Jus wonderin if they know dat they should show support to the many people who support them.

Jus wonderin about dat smaller supermarket out North dat is so willing to help people.

Jus wonderin if the world is coming to a end, see wha went on in de USA and now in the Middle East.

Jus wonderin if Montserratians see how fortunate they are, that is why everyone should be treated equally, it doesn’t matter where dem come from, all a we a human being.

Jus wonderin why di former nurse have to go through su much fi get money and help from this ya govunment.

Jus like to big up di MSS students fa making  Montserrat proud.

Jus wonderin if MSS boss dem no care if their achievements get big up for the rest to see.

Jus wonderin if the government going to support de the special Olympics programme.

Jus wonderin why de newspaper never publish last week.

Jus wonderin when ZJB listeners will stap complaining.

Jus wonderin if anybody listen to the jazz program on Family FM

Jus wonderin if jazz mek u fall asleep.

Jus wonderin why dat pressman does not party.

Jus wonderin if he is becoming like his boss.

Jus wonderin why dat senior officer man don’t clean his house after earning such a big salary to afford a helper.

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