W&W Spices Launches Major Grenada Venture
By Bennette Roach
Part of Nutmeg factory
Deep in the hills of Grenada on Saturday, April
13, David Edgecombe, Montserratian-born playwright and lecturer at the
University of the Virgin Islands hailed the event as “the beginning of
economic liberation for the Caribbean” in his opening remarks as master of
ceremonies.
The event was the formal opening of W&W
Spices in Grenada, where Montserrat-born Joel Webbe said they “have designed
and built equipment, to manufacture and process value-added components of
nutmegs and other spices, which cannot be found any place else in the world.”
Joel Webbe and
David Edgecombe, David Brandt
Several people from all over the Caribbean,
including Montserrat, Trinidad & Tobago, and the United States had gathered
to witness and celebrate the occasion and the achievement of the Webbe family.
Former Chief Minister David Brandt, appearing as guest speaker, said the Webbe
family “has been through trials and tribulations,” but that “there’s no
force on earth powerful enough to stop an idea whose time has come.”
Mr. Brandt pointed out that Joel Webbe was forced
to take his W&W Electronic company from Montserrat and “that awful volcano
that continues to plague us…to Prime Minister Mitchell and Grenada, who, to
their eternal credit, laid out the welcome mat for Joel and a number of other
Montserratians, allowing them to live and work here (Grenada) since 1997.”
The featured speaker was Mr. Tony Browne, author,
TV journalist, film director, educator and motivational speaker from the USA,
who expressed regret that the W&W Spices venture was meeting opposition from
a few in Grenada, even while receiving the fullest backing and support from the
Grenada Government.
He noted the support of “the blacks of in North
America who earn $576 billion, equaling the 11th richest nation in the world,
spending 4 percent of our income with each other and 96 percent to people we
blame for our problem.”
One day prior to the opening, Mr. Browne was
instrumental in forming CATZ - Caribbean America Trade Zone, which has pledged
its fullest and guaranteed support to the ‘spices’ venture in Grenada.
Mr. Browne has a program, which is aired on PBS
television every Sunday afternoon. The Montserrat contingent all expressed the
hope that one day in the not too distant future Mr. Browne would have the
occasion to pass on to Montserrat a bit of the progressive nature of his wealthy
mind.
It was Joel himself who hailed the Caribbean mix
of those who make up W&W Spices, led by the brain of the whole venture,
General Manger, Leonard ‘Butch’ St. Bernard. He referred to all of them as
geniuses, and named them one by one, “They are mainly Grenadians, with a
sprinkling of Montserratians, three Guyanese and one Cuban. All Caribbean
people,” he said.
Chief Minister John Osborne and Deputy Chief
Minister Lowell Lewis were invited to attend but said previous commitments made
it impossible for them to do so.
This new venture was to see the Grenada nutmeg
farmers receive twice the previous income for their produce.
Webbe in a very powerful presentation called his
operation an “Economic and social transformation of Grenada. He added, “It
is time to walk away from the crocus bag mentality.
“We must stop exporting our nutmeg dressed up in crocus bags because it
brings back a crocus bag lifestyle. It is time to take it out of the crocus bag
- process it, dress it up in fine boxes that can bring us back gold and
diamonds.”
The W&W Spices president said the plant is also producing berry oil from
Jamaica’s pimento and also has “an aggressive regional programme for the
development of ginger.”
Mr. Webbe said Caribbean countries, in order to become financially strong, the
value added opportunity should not be exported.
He pointed to Jamaica who does not produce aluminum from its bauxite, nor
expensive berry oil from its pimento. He
also said Grenada is the world’s second largest producer of nutmegs, with 35%
of the global market, but the farmers are still poor and the country has low per
capita income. “We have failed to go beyond the level, which produces wealth,
by exporting our value-added opportunities.”
Mr. Webbe added that regional countries use their fortunes to build the British
Empire, and other world empire, but are not building their own. He backed his
statement with the fact that West Indies ginger sells on the world market, for
seven times the price of African and Asian ginger.
His wife Valerie, vice-president of the W&W group of companies had this to
say in support and to the nutmeg farmers: “Your children will walk hand in
hand with the elitists of this country who would want to put their foot on your
head and crush you for $1.50, today you are getting $3.00 and rising.”
George Brizan receives plaque from Mrs Valerie Webb - GM Leonard 'Butch' St Bernard
Mrs Webbe made the presentation of a plaque to
former Grenada Prime Minister George Brizan, who was being honoured for his
book, “Nutmeg. Grenada’s Black Gold” published in 1979, 23 years ago, in
which he expressed a number of visionary ideas.”
Mr. Brizan in his reply said it was the first
time he had been honoured in the 23 years since his book. As a contribution he
said: “In 1966 - 79 Grenada exported 53 million lbs of nutmeg which yielded a
total value added of 1 billion. Grenada received approximately $66 million. - 6%
with 94% value added went to countries outside GND.”
Mr. Brizan declared: “Grenada is not a poor
country but a country made poor.”
Following the ceremony which took place on the factory premises located in the midst and location of Nutmeg farms, it was followed by a reception.
Grenanda Minister of Agriculture, Claris Charles
Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada was among several government ministers and officials in attendance. He was moved to join in the speeches where along with his Minister of Agriculture Claris Charles, who earlier gave a moving history of the nutmeg in Grenada, pledged their support for the whole W&W Spices venture. He hoped that other products of Grenada such as cocoa might follow the Spices example.
Brades Airport Meeting Reports Foregone Conclusion – Geralds
By Bennette Roach
Following their airport safety and
confidence-building thrust meeting on January 30 this year to the public of
Montserrat for the construction of an airport at Geralds, the British consultant
firm of Halcrow met again Wednesday night at the Brades Pentecostal church to
deliver their inception report.
Their audience was bigger than that of January
30, as they told Montserrat in a presentation carried live by ZJB radio, that
all preliminary studies turned out satisfactorily as anticipated. These included
the wind studies concerning turbulence, which were conducted over a three-day
period. They were intended to provide an airborne assessment of the occurrence of
turbulent conditions as well as an exercise to model the island and prevailing
wind conditions in a wind tunnel. Among other studies reported on was the
geo-technical site investigation.
According to Bill Millington, all of these were
found to be favourable, which allows them to proceed to the design stage and
construction of a 500-metre runway at Geralds.
Mr. Millington told the meeting that it was
necessary to remove consideration of Twin Otter aircraft with short takeoff and
landing (STOL) capabilities, as this was not a necessary requirement of the type
of aircraft required for operation at the airport and would have unnecessarily
increased costs.
The 500-metre runway airport would have 2-30
metre strip ends, the best suited carrier for the airstrip being the 19-seater
de Havilland DHC6 "Twin Otter." It was reported unsuitable for the
Dornier 228, which is in use in the region, but more than suitable for Britten
Norman "Islander," which really only requires a 439-metre runway.
The burning question on the issue of safety and
usefulness to Montserrat of the Geralds airport was raised again, championed by
representatives of the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM). In
questioning the relevance of the meeting when the Government had already decided
and reported that the Geralds airport is a "no-other-choice" done
deal, they pointed out that they had just received a report of an Independent
Assessment of Potential Airport sites.
The study was “to determine whether, or how,
the immediate requirements for fixed-wing air access might be accomplished in
the context of the most appropriate long-term airport solution.” It was done
by a consulting firm, also from Britain, named Leading Edge Aviation Planning
Professionals and dated April 2002.
That Assessment concluded with a "clear
preference for development of the Blakes Estate site, noting that incompatible
development is already taking place (football stadium) which could jeopardize
its development for an airport.
“Old Quaw scored well below that of Blakes
Estate, but was ranked second, followed closely in third place by a site at
Thatch Valley.”
Of the proposed development of a 500-metre runway
at Gerald’s Bottom, the evaluation stated, "when evaluated against the
other three sites, all of which offered a long-term capability, (it) scored well
below the other three sites, and was ranked in fourth place.”
Minister Lowell Lewis, under whose ministry
responsibility for the airport falls, cited as his main reason for
government’s choice of staying with Geralds that of money and affordability.
CRM said at the meeting that because they recognize the increased cost for
construction of an airport, they have been seeking support funding to supplement
that which is already available.
The Minister welcomed the effort, but was
questioned as to whether there was a change of heart by government, which had
earlier said this would not be an acceptable arrangement as it would not be
supported by the British Government.
The meeting at Brades followed the government’s
return from London where they discussed, according to project manager Claude
Hogan, the same inception report delivered on Wednesday evening, upon which the
government made its "no-choice" decision to go ahead with the
construction of the airport at Geralds.
Between HMG, GoM and the European Union (EU), the
budget for the Geralds airport is $41.6 million, split into $18 million from the
EU and $23 million from HMG and GoM.
CM Osborne Lashes Out At Montserrat Reporter
By Merrick Andrews
Chief Minister John Osborne lashed out against
The Montserrat Reporter newspaper minutes before the start of a press conference
at his office in Brades on Tuesday.
Mr. Osborne described the newspaper as
“politically dishonest” and said he will not speak to the newspaper’s
editor, Bennette Roach, who was off island at the time he made the comments to
the newspaper’s reporter Merrick Andrews.
“I don’t want to speak to him,” said Mr. Osborne, without anyone asking
him.
Mr. Osborne made his comments prior to the press conference about his meetings
in Germany and the United Kingdom several weeks ago.
Journalists from the government-owned Radio Montserrat (ZJB), Family Radio,
People’s Television (PTV), the government’s press officer, The Montserrat
Reporter and a representative of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC),
covered the press conference.
When asked repeatedly to be specific, Minister Osborne told the attendees of the
press conference, including the media, that The Montserrat Reporter published
“a story last week that said the government is not doing anything”.
The Chief Minister added: “When it comes to politics the paper is dishonest
– politically dishonest,” he said in a calm tone.
“Are you the guy from Jamaica?” he asked The Montserrat Reporter’s
Andrews. “I hope you can make a difference to the paper,” he said.
Commenting later on the incident, the editor Bennette Roach said: “The
Montserrat Reporter does not write in favour of anyone politically. In our
Editorials we try to comment on the state of affairs and on matters affecting
our country as accurately as we can and particularly from information available
to us.
“It is extremely difficult to obtain information from the government, other
than the spin they provide only to their radio station, ZJB. Where information
is not provided it is our duty to report the facts as we know them. We challenge
anyone to disprove the stories that we report, and upon which our opinions are
based.
“Consequently to the Chief Minister’s unkind, unfounded and inaccurate
remarks, we are challenging him to explain to the people of Montserrat how the
Montserrat Reporter is ‘dishonest politically’ or challenging him to a press
conference or interview to explain to the people of Montserrat and the world how
the newspaper is ‘politically dishonest’. The editor’s Editorial views are
more often than not those of the people, and no one is bound by them. Different
opinions are more than welcome, and access to the Montserrat Reporter, backed by
facts, is open to anyone, including the Chief Minister and members of his
government.”
Keith “Greaves, a Montserrat stringer-correspondent, for the BBC said “it
was very unfortunate that the Chief Minister used the opportunity at a news
conference to lash out at an Editorial carried by The Reporter. If he had a
particular grouse he should have taken it to the editor. It could have been
handled in a more nice and professional way. I hope something like this
doesn’t happen again”.
"That
promised DFID-funded Airport Now Hinges on EU, and $10 million from GoM"
When Lawyer David Brandt took on the reign of
Chief Minister in September 1997, it was on the heels of protests of people
dissatisfied with the way they perceived that both the Governor at that time and
Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne were directing the affairs of the island. Their
protests arose mainly out of frustration and their need to see some hope for
continued existence on Montserrat.
Following the demands and recommendations at the
time of a pressure group, Mr. Brandt had promised to consult more with the
people on matters of the country. A “National Consultative Group” was
immediately formed. It functioned briefly and well, but disintegrated primarily
because of the massive evacuation that followed, piloted by the British
Government under perhaps the best run organization since the crisis, and which
reduced the island to about 2,500 inhabitants.
There was just one problem: the determination of
the few that Montserrat was home and as long as the scientists continued to say
that the north is safe, they were going to live in Montserrat. This posed a
problem for the British, as it continues to do so, especially since they have
never openly said that they will not keep Sir Nicholas Bonsor's May 1996 promise
to assist in developing the north for life to continue in Montserrat.
Unfortunately that promise has always been met
with a fear by HMG, and particularly the new Labour government, that Montserrat
will one day be rendered uninhabitable. That fear increased and became quite
real to them in the latter half of 1997, and to this day there has not been a
clear indication that their fear is dead. Chief Minister John Osborne, in whom
they found a very willing partner and follower, reminded us that they will not
spend money which they fear may be lost to the volcano.Consequently he preaches
that we have to accept what we get and be thankful on top of it.
The recent forum on Wednesday night to inform us
first hand about an airport for Montserrat is a case in point. The report which
Halcrow put together to convince them to give them $41.6 million to build an
airport at Gerald’s, still popularly believed to be unsafe for the operation
of Twin Otter aircrafts, was nothing more than a mass of self-vested information
for a people they believe gullible enough.
We are supposed not to notice, that even after
they told us that it would have been very difficult to build a “safe"
airport, safely capable to allow the operations of the Twin Otter aircraft, with
$41.6 million, they now find it is quite adequate to do so. This without
anything more than an oral yes but no guarantees that the airport will be thus
licensed by the regional authorities, but an assuring mention that the airport
will more than adequately take 9-seater aircraft.
It is not difficult to believe that the Governor
would have said "so what" to concerns that if all we will end up with
is an airport to accommodate 9-seater craft, particularly when we learn from our
Chief Minister that HMG said we "take it or leave it," and that it is
confirmed by other sources that Prime Minister Tony Blair and Minister Clare
Short have said exactly that.
Should we not observe that of the $41.6 million,
down from $48 million which Gibb had estimated, the European Union (EU) is
coming up with $18 million, while Montserrat now must join the British
Government to come up with $23 million, out of which we must put in $10 million?
The British Government is spending, therefore, only $13 million dollars, but is
not prepared even to match the EU to spend a little more that will give us a
real option with a future.
Minister Lowell Lewis, whose heart we know is in
the right place and who would love to see an airport that matches our hopes and
aspirations for safety and development, confirms that we have to find that $10
million.
There are those of us right here in Montserrat
who believe in and want an airport badly. To those who want so badly in spite of
the risks the CRM have been highlighting, why don’t we join them and ask the
scientists to work out for us the risk statistics like those they have provided
for us with respect to Foxes Bay, Cork Hill and other areas which are seemingly
livable save for the risk statistics provided by them.?
It is quite likely then that W H Bramble (Blackburne)
Airport, which hasn’t seen any real threats since 1997, seems to be a good
option along with the temporary and
emergency strip at Geralds and a reduced helicopter service.
The problem with all of this, as was highlighted
on Wednesday night, is that to this day HMG has subtly, deliberately and
stubbornly resisted any development of the island except what will prepare the
island to be a haven for themselves, refusing to allow us to develop any options
but the ones that suit them.
We can do no more right now than hope for the
best and wait for the change from being fooled
by kisses on both cheeks, while provision for much needed aid is halved each
year till it dwindles to zero in two years. All the while we continue to be
drowned by delayed consultancies which end up providing reports that tell us
nothing can be done because the perceived infrastructure, resources or otherwise
are not available for any given project.
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
A NEW START
Read Psalm 103:1-13
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow
to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8 (NIV)
In June of 1995 I was riding in a car after work.
Suddenly, I saw dreadful flames on my left. Before I could think, I was
surrounded by flames a petrol car alongside us had caught fire.
I almost panicked when I could not open the door on my side of the car.
I had to squeeze myself between the steering wheel and the driver's seat
after the driver had jumped out. I landed on the steps of a shop and badly
fractured my wrist.
The break took two months to heal, and when the
cast was removed, I had to work to use my right hand.
I had to learn my writing skills all over again.
As I sat one Sunday afternoon reflecting on this
experience, I realized how many times I have broken my relationship with the
Lord Because of My sins. By saving
me through the flames and healing my hand, God gave me a chance to make a new
start to work and walk in faithfulness. God
gives us many second chances, healing us and holding back judgment until our
hearts turn in repentance.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving us many chances to serve you and to make a new start.
Help us to share your healing touch by offering second chances to those
we meet. Amen
Thought for
the Day
God continually offers all of us a new start.
Claudius K. Tewari (uttar Pradesh, India)
Prayer Focus: THOSE RECOVERING AFTER ACCIDENT
Rift Growing Between CM and David Brandt
By Merrick Andrews
Chief Minister John Osborne and Former Chief Minister David Brandt
Former Chief Minister David Brandt
(pictured right)
has come out
in defense against statements criticizing him and his former government made by
Chief Minister John Osborne at the opening ceremony of the new fire station in
Brades on Monday, April 15.
“If what he said about withholding funds is correct, how could I get twice
what he was able to negotiate for someone who loved and kissed him?” said Mr.
Brandt, who served as Chief Minister from September 1997 to March 2001.
Mr. Osborne had said at the opening ceremony amid silence that Secretary of
State for Department for International Development (DFID) Clare Short told him
“that the best thing that Montserrat has ever done was to get rid of the
(last) government”.
Mr. Osborne also had said: “When Montserrat was Montserrat with 11,000 people,
we never got this (a real fire station). I just wonder what is the consideration
now that we have 5,000 people that we are getting things like this. I think I
must take the opportunity to remind you that a lot of projects were there before
we come now. But the funds were not available and would not have been made
available and she (Clare Short) told us – Dr. Lewis and Claude Hogan – in
Birmingham why she was not sending the money for us.”
The Chief Minister said Clare Short told him at a meeting on November 15 last
year “in front of her two ministers that she’s going to give instructions to
remove the restrictions (made by) the last government.
Mr. Osborne also told the gathering that he was complimented for his work
running the government. “Is you all why we getting the funds because if you
all didn’t change the government. The funds would not have been coming,” he
said.
Mr. Brandt, who also defended himself and his former government on radio, said:
“I am not surprised that John Osborne said that Clare Short told him that she
liked him and complimented the manner in which he is running the government
because everything that Clare Short tells him to do, which is against the
interest of the people of Montserrat, he immediately implements it.”
Mr. Brand said examples are that the present government raised water rates, fuel
rate, electricity, and land taxes, ferry and helicopter fares, which his
government resisted.
“He has agreed with her not to provide houses for Montserratians who had left
the island because of the volcanic crisis. All of these I refused to do,” said
Mr. Brandt. “He has even agreed to put $10 million in the airport project –
a project which the majority of Montserratians do not want, and money we do not
have. This will inevitably result in more pressure through taxes and result in a
further depopulation of Montserrat.”
Mr. Brandt said when he was in power he obtained $25 million per year and a
promise to assist “my government to obtain additional funds when I would not
sign the Country Policy Plans (CPP)”.
Mr. Brandt added: “He was able to get £13 million for this year, out of which
he agreed to spend EC$5 million on the EOC. If what he said about withholding
funds is correct, how could I get twice what he was able to negotiate for, from
someone who loved and kissed him? How could Clare Short withhold aid from a
destitute people because she dislikes the leader?”
U.S. Accounts for Most Montserratian Deportees
The United States (U.S.) is responsible for the
most deportees to Montserrat, Commissioner of Police John Douglas has disclosed.
Mr. Douglas said that 29 Montserratians were
deported over a period of five years. Even though he did not give a specific
number, he said that most of those Montserratians were deported by the U.S.
Three Montserratians have been deported since the start of the year, he said,
all three from the U.S.
“By our standard (the population of the island) it’s a reasonable share
(significant number),” he told The Montserrat Reporter.
Montserrat’s population is at least 4,000.
Mr. Douglas said Canada and Caribbean islands account for a smaller portion of
the deportees – most of whom are deported for drug-related matters and theft.
The commissioner pointed out that the U.S. has become more vigilant than ever in
immigrant matters since the September 11 terrorist attacks that killed over
5,000 people.
However, the commissioner advises deported Montserratians to start a new life.
“We would like them to get back in the country and don’t carry on the
trend,” Mr. Douglas said. “We want to get them back in society, get them
back to work and get them to a better way of life.”
He advise deported Montserratians not to encourage other residents to follow
their bad habits, like setting up criminal gangs – an act which is becoming prevalent in many other
countries.
In Jamaica and Trinidad, for example, the Governments and police forces blame
deportees for a significant number of gang- and drug-related crimes.
On the other side of the coin, Mr. Douglas said, Montserrat has not deported
anyone in recent memory or since the start of the volcanic crisis in 1995.
He said non-Montserratians are sent home to their respective countries as a
result of some fault, which caused their stay not to be extended.
Mr. Douglas was sworn in as the new commissioner of police on Wednesday, March
20 this year. He replaced Scotsman Alexander Elder, and was promoted to
Commissioner from Superintendent of Operations.
Modern French Sailor Conquers with Music
By Merrick Andrews
On August 1, 2001, he set out for the Atlantic
Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Unlike Christopher Columbus, who sailed to prove that the world was round, with
a treasure of new lands and hopes of building new life, Frenchman Thierry
Petit’s mission was to ‘invade’ Third World countries with his music –
somehow.
And unlike Columbus, who had hundreds of men armed with pistols, swords and
daggers, Mr. Petit was armed with a double bass.
During his personal mission across the moody seas in a 22-year-old 10-metre long
sailboat named Octobasse, Mr. Petit also discovered the Emerald Isle –
Montserrat.
It was just earlier this week that he came to the “nice” island and fell in
love with it. “It’s the first I am seeing an active volcano,” he said
beaming.
Above: Thierry Petit and Stacia Richard speaking with the Reporter's Merrick Andrews and Bennette Roach
Right: Thierry Petit entertains at Government House
Mr. Petit is a 40-year-old Frenchman from Montpellier, France who doesn’t
speak fluent English. “Oh, I can’t speak proper English!” he said, shaking
his head with narrowed eyes, when he found it difficult to express himself in
English.
But what he can’t say in English, he makes up through playing music from his
double bass, which rests on him like a big sister.
Mr. Petit, who plays professionally for the National Orchestra in France, has
been sailing to many Caribbean islands to play music, mainly with school
children.
He is actually on his Sabbatical or time-off. In France, employees are allowed a
long period off work without pay but are still guaranteed job security. “I am
very happy for the experience,” he said.
Mr. Petit was invited to play his double bass instrument on Tuesday evening at
the reception for Attorneys General of United Kingdom Overseas Territories at
the Governor’s Residence.
Mr. Petit, who has been playing professionally for the past 18 years, said he
also played music at three schools on the island.
During his journey he was not alone.
He met 35-year-old American Stacia Richard, her husband Stephane and their two
children, ages six and eight, in the Canary Islands. She said they sailed out
just to explore the different islands of the Caribbean. Mrs. Richard’s
husband, a marine salesman, is also on his time-off. Mrs. Richard is a housewife
who lives with her family in Brittany, France.
The bunch began their voyage on July last year and are planning to return in
May.
After meeting with Mr. Petit they became his “fan club.”
“He has had a big influence on our son,” said Mrs. Richards.
Mr. Petit stores information and accomplishments written in French from his
treks across the seas on his personal web site, www.octobasse.fr.fm.
“I think it has been wonderful,” said Mrs. Richard of the whole experience.
“I have been lucky to follow him (Mr. Petit) along the way.”
Berlin Tourism
Trip Pleases CM Osborne
Chief Minister John Osborne said he made “some
sound contacts” on his March trip to the annual World Trade Fair in Berlin,
Germany, which should result in increased tourist arrivals in the near future.
Mr. Osborne made the disclosure at a press conference held at his office on
Tuesday, April 16.
“The general attendance at the Fair was modest in comparison to previous
years, possibly due to the world reaction to the September 11 events,” Mr.
Osborne said. “In spite of this, I was able to make sound contacts which
should result in increased tourist arrivals over the coming years,
Mr. Osborne said he had discussions with Mr. Jean Holder, secretary general of
the Caribbean Tourism Organisation. “We therefore discussed how our own
tourism development plans will dovetail into this document to ensure that there
is common ground in terms of what the Government of Montserrat wants to achieve
and what is envisioned for the region.”
Mr. Osborne said they also examined the possibility of CTO playing a more active
role in the promotional efforts of Montserrat.
The Chief Minister also said he had a fruitful discussion with the director of
marketing for LIAT. “With the imminent development of the airport facilities
on Montserrat, it is important that we get LIAT on board now," he said.
Montserrat’s tourism representative in Germany has secured for Montserrat the
Royal Clipper, a 148-passenger Cruise Liner, which will have its first call to
Montserrat on April 16, 2003, Mr. Osborne said, adding that there will be 12
calls for the year.
He said he also met with a “highly-credited” German photographer, Michael
Friedel, who has been commissioned to write a book on Star Clippers in which he
will devote a chapter to Montserrat.
“It is clear to me that any country that is serious about tourism has to
maintain a presence in the international arena," Mr. Osborne said.
"Attendance at these types of events is critical for Montserrat if we are
to increase overall visitors to the island.”.
MCSA, MAWU Seek to Aid Workers Injured On The Job
The Montserrat Civil Service Association (MCSA) and Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU) are recommending that the government create legislation for the treatment of people who get damaged on the job.
Easton Farrell, president of the MCSA and MAWU General Secretary Hylroy Bramble
The two organisations voiced their support in light of the situation of Madge
Donoghue, a retired psychiatric nurse, who was severely injured on the job by a
patient gone berserk on June 15, 2000.
“There have to be some protections for these kind of people, they have to be
some legislation that should be provided for treating somebody who gets damaged
on the job,” said Easton Farrell, president of the MCSA.
General Secretary of MAWU Hylroy Bramble echoed the same sentiments.
“In all fairness to Mrs. Donoghue,
she was injured on the job, and therefore the Government of Montserrat should
meet all medical expenses relating to the injury that took place.”
Mrs. Donoghue, a Trinidadian married to a Montserratian, was 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 mainly for transportation
and food expenses. She suffers from headaches, intermittent pounding in the
ears, and one leg is shorter than the other. She now uses a crutch as a result
of a recent surgery.
Last month she attracted more public attention when she demonstrated in St.
Peter’s.
Mr. Farrell described Mrs. Donoghue’s ordeal as “unfortunate for somebody
who has served the government and who was injured on the job and then left at
the mercies of nobody.”
He added: “There’s nothing in place to compensate for long-term damage in
regards to being injured on the job. There have been patients like her who had
to exert large medical bills after getting injured on the job.”
Mr. Bramble said: “This kind of case will always reoccur in the absence of
proper health and safety standards and the absence of accompanying legislation
to regulate these standards.”
However, a government official source said Mrs.
Donoghue’s case should be dealt with by the Montserrat Government’s
Administration Department, as the Community Services Department has done enough.
The source also quoted General Order 1010 to support his stand on the matter.
General Order 1010 reads: “If an
officer is killed or injured as a result of an accident while he is on duty an
immediate investigation will be made. The Permanent Secretary or head of
department will ask for the appointment of a board of inquiry to investigate
circumstances of the accident and to determine whether the accident took place
when the officer was on duty, whether it resulted directly from that duty and
whether the officer was himself/herself to blame in any way.
“The Board will be appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Administration and
will include a medical officer and a senior officer of the Ministry or
Department in which the officer was employed. The Board’s report will be sent
through the chief medical officer to the Permanent Secretary or head of
department of the officer, who will forward it with his recommendations to the
Permanent Secretary, Administration.”
The source added: “We wish the entire matter will be brought to closure,
however there’s nothing else that can be done from that end (Community
Services Department).”
In the April 12 issue of The Montserrat Reporter, Permanent Secretary in the
Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services Eugene Skerritt said Mrs.
Donoghue was treated under “standard procedures.”
Meanwhile, Mrs. Donoghue, who is a former member of the MCSA, said she recently
received monetary donations from the Montserrat Nurses Association (MNA) and the
local Red Cross.
Mrs. Donoghue, who is also a former member of the MNA, said she would be doing a
follow-up medical examination in Trinidad next month.
Montserrat Opens
A Real Fire Station
Montserrat has taken another important step in
its rebuilding efforts.
On Monday, the island’s first purpose-built fire station was officially opened
at the Government Headquarters in Brades.
The Department for International Development (DFID) financed the $1.8-million
facility.
Chief Fire Officer Leslie Sweeney said in his overview of Montserrat’s fire
and rescue service that a purpose-built fire station facility is a commitment to
the future development of Montserrat.
“We can boast for the first time of having our resources in one area,” said
Mr. Sweeney. “I have already seen an improvement in discipline and morale
among staff members…. This facility will enhance our capability to achieve
success in our fire prevention and safety programme for the people of
Montserrat.”
The fire station now employs 22 men and is equipped with five fire trucks.
Mr. Sweeney added that as Montserrat look towards the building of a new airport,
“it must be realized that modern training equipment will be a necessity. Thus,
we are anticipating government’s assistance in helping us acquire these”.
Mr. Sweeney, a 19-year fire service veteran, spoke of the “most testing and
trying” conditions under which the service operated in the past, especially
after the eruption of the volcano. “During this period of high volcanic
activity, constant washing of the schools, hospitals and the streets did not
make our job any easier,” he said, “but we managed with our minimal staff,
which sometimes was down to nine.”
Senior Fire Officer Andre West said the new fire station would enable the men to work more comfortably and provide more quality service. “That’s a part of motivation – being more comfortable,” said Mr. West, an 11-year veteran of the fire service.
New Facility is
Opened For Psychiatric Patients
Governor Anthony Longrigg handed over the Secure
Facility for Psychiatric Patients at the St. John’s Hospital to health
officials today.
The facility was built by a grant of EC$35,000 from the Governor’s Office Good
Government Fund (GGF) by Lenjoy Construction Ltd.
A Government House press release said the project was completed “ahead of
schedule and within budget”.
The facility will cater to the needs of psychiatric patients on the island in a
secure environment, the press release said.
Principal nursing officer Valerie Lewis said: “This secure room came out of a
project for the enhancement of care for the mentally challenged. We have many
plans and this is the first step.”
She added: “It is very important. It’s something we’ve been asking for
sometime. Our concern is for the safety of our patients and we thank the
government for their assistance.”
Government Officially Presents Court Record Computer Project
The Court Records Computerization Project was
officially handed over at a ceremony held at the Brades Courtroom in Brades on
Wednesday.
Gov Longrigg cuts the ribbons
The project was funded by the Good Government
Fund (GGF) and handed over by the Governor’s Office.
Costing £61,304 (EC$232,956), the project has provided equipment for the
computerization of High Court records in Montserrat from 1990 to the present and
for the implementation of Civil Procedure Rules 2000.
The project provided four computers, three printers, three work centres for
clerical officers and leather chairs for judge’s chambers and computer
software for the Judicial Enforcement Management Systems (JEMS).
Investiture Ceremony To Honor 3 on Tuesday
An investiture ceremony for three Montserratians
will be held at Government House on Tuesday, April 23, starting at 5:30 p.m.
The awardees are Sarah Allen, Gerodine Mason and Pastor Abraham Riley, a press
release said Tuesday.
Miss Allen, a resident of Lookout, will receive her MBE, awarded in the
Queen’s 2002 New Year’s Honours List. She will receive her award for her
services to education, youth and culture.
Miss Mason and Pastor Riley will both receive the Montserrat Certificate and
Badge of Honour. Miss Mason’s award will honour her contributions to the Girl
Guide Movement and local culture.
Pastor Riley will be honored for his contributions to the community as a
Minister of Religion and for his service on several committees.
Meanwhile, Ms. Eileen Edwards will not be present to collect her Montserrat
Certificate and Badge of Honour, according to Richard Aspin, the Governor’s
press officer.
Mr. Aspin said she would be off island on the date of the investiture ceremony.
Ms Edwards, who already has an MBE, is a recipient of the Montserrat Certificate
and Badge of Honour.
She is recognized for her contribution to education, having served as the
Principal of St. Augustine Primary school for 11 years after her retirement from
the Civil Service.
Montserrat’s Redevelopment Impresses UK Attorney General
Attorney General of England and Wales Lord
Goldsmith said he is impressed by the amount of work that has already been done
to redevelop Montserrat.
Lord Goldsmith was speaking Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the three-day
Annual Conference of Attorneys General of the United Kingdom Overseas
Territories at the Vue Pointe Hotel.
The conference, which was in its 11th staging, brought together
Attorneys General from 14 United Kingdom Overseas Territories. They are Anguilla,
Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn Islands, St. Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,
Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (Cyprus) and Turks and Caicos
Islands.
“Of course there is still much to do, but given what is being achieved in a
relatively short space of time I am very happy to share the optimism about the
future with both His Excellency the Governor (Anthony Longrigg) and the Chief
Minister (John Osborne),” Lord Goldsmith said.
He added: “And I hope that this conference will send, as His Excellency says,
the clear signal for others that Montserrat has the local expertise and
facilities to support a thriving small island economy and a clear message that
Montserrat is open for business.”
Chief Minister John Osborne, in his address, said Montserrat “has always been
and will always be an island that promotes individual freedoms and economic
prosperity, while at the same time ensuring that Government can be an instrument
of collective actions for development as a means of serving the broader public
interest”.
Mr. Osborne mentioned the Constitution Commission, which he said is a process
the Government hopes would set out the parameters for a more meaningful and
improved partnership between them, the United Kingdom Government and the people
of Montserrat.
Antigua's PM
Insists His Ministers Are Untainted
Medical Benefits Scheme building
ST.
JOHN'S, Antigua -- Prime Minister Lester Bird says officers in his government
but not ministers may be culpable in alleged abuses in Antigua and Barbuda's
Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS).
In an
interview on the British Broadcasting Service (BBC), Mr. Bird defended his
colleagues against allegations of misbehavior that have been made during the
sitting of a Public Inquiry into the operations of the MBS. The inquiry followed
a Forensic Audit which the government had ordered after a local newspaper
alleged that all was not well at the scheme.
The
Prime Minister noted that some attempts have been made to implicate one of his
minister's, but said, "I think anybody who attended that hearing would
realise that there is no basis for that attempt."
Mr.
Bird, who has been accused of keeping silent on the hearings thus far, said he does
not wish to pass judgement on the matter while the Commissioners are doing their
work. He cautioned, however, that there are those who are putting "spins on
this . . . all those who are opposed to the government."
"If
any of my ministers are involved in any hanky panky they will not remain part of
my government," Mr. Bird said.
Photo:
1. The COI Sitting at Multi-purpose Cultural Center in St. John's.
2. The MBS Office in St. John's
Digital photo by Norman "Gus"
Thomas
St. Maarten
Takes Aim At Puerto Rico Tourism
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Island
Government of St. Maarten and the private sector will embark upon a US$100,000
marketing campaign in Puerto Rico within
the next two weeks, funded by the 911 Emergency Marketing Program.
The campaign will cover a two-month period, May
and June, while the package deals being arranged by the private sector entities
will be valid through September 2.
Ms. Regina Labega, Director of
Tourism/Chairperson of the 911 Steering Committee, told the Government
Information Service (GIS), on Tuesday that the Puerto Rican market is an
attractive market for the island because of its proximity, as well as the
airlift out of the Caribbean Spanish-speaking U.S. territory.
Tourism--related businesses on St. Maarten,
travel agents in Puerto Rican and American Eagle are developing a package to
attract potential visitors. American Eagle has offered a round-trip fare
of US$99 excluding taxes through September 2. Five hotel properties on the
island have shown interest in participating in the special summer promotion in
Puerto Rico.
The promotional campaign will target middle class
travelers and niche markets such as honeymooners, active sports and
eco-tourism.
Grenada
Completes New Education Plan
GEORGETOWN, Grenada -- The Ministry of Education
said Tuesday it has completed its plan for the development of education in the
first decade of the 21st century.
The Strategic Plan for Educational Enhancement
and Development covers the period 2002 to 2010 and outlines the major
educational priorities of the Government of Grenada. It maps out a specific
programme of investments and interventions aimed at enabling the education
system to respond to current and future challenges.
The Plan was in preparation for two years, during
which wide-ranging public consultations were held at the community level and at
the national level, including the National Consultation on Education in November
2000.
This is the first time in the history of Grenada
that a comprehensive educational development plan has been produced for the
ordered development of the system. It
enables the Government to present clearly identified priorities and action plans
which are within national development priorities.
The Plan has been approved by Cabinet and has
already been presented to the World Bank.
3,000-passsenger
Cruise Ship Visits Antigua for First Time
ST.
JOHN'S, Antigua --Cruise tourism in Antigua and Barbuda got a major boost
Wednesday when the Adventure of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship,
docked at the Heritage Quay Port in St. John's just a few minutes after 7 a.m.
Port
and Customs Officials and curious onlookers were on hand to welcome the
ship's captain and crew as it made its inaugural visit to the country. At
an official reception later that day Prime Minister Lester Bird won high praise
from the Captain and other officials of the Adventure of the Seas.
Speaking
at a special reception aboard the 15-story luxury liner, Alfred Sanchez,
Director of Government Relations for Royal Caribbean International (RCI), said,
he was impressed with what he sees in Antigua and Barbuda..
"I
have to say that in my experience, there is not another island in the entire
Caribbean that is spending as much time, effort, money and energy in every facet
of the community," Mr. Sanchez said, adding that, Prime Minister Lester
Bird deserves a hand for his leadership in charting the course for the country's
modern development.
Last
year the Lester Bird Administration (LBA) spent over 20 million dollars in
dredging the port in a bid to improve the facility, allowing for the visits of
the Voyager class ships such as the Adventure of the Seas and
others.
Adventure
of the Seas, owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International out of
Miami, Florida, has been described
as a revolutionary marvel of naval engineering that brings a whole new world of
elegance and class to the cruise industry.
The
ship's featured highlights include an Ice-Skating Rink; a Royal
Promenade; Rock Climbing Wall, a Five-Story Theatre and a Ship-Shape Fitness
Center, just to name a few.
The
Adventure of the Seas has a passenger capacity of 3,114; a gross
tonnage of 138,000; a length of 1,020 feet, a draft of 25 feet and a cruising
speed of 23.7 knots.
The
ship will be sailing the Southern Caribbean year-round.
Tourism
officials here expressed delight in having the Adventure of the Seas in town
with its weekly visits, calling it good news for Antigua and Barbuda's cruise
tourism product.
Photo:
1. Turbines churning the giant size ship, steams into St. John's Harbour.
Digital photo by Norman "Gus"
Thomas
ECSE Listed
Company Declares Added Dividend
Shareholders
of the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company Limited, ECFH, will continue to
reap benefits from their investment when they receive dividends on their shares
next week. The Board of the ECFH has declared a final dividend of $0.50 per
share on ordinary shares. Payments will be made to holders of record on April 19, 2002.
For the financial year ended December 31, 2001, the total dividends
declared now stands at $0.75 per share. The company
had earlier declared an interim dividend of $0.25 per share.
East
Caribbean Financial Holding Company Limited is one of two companies which have
been trading on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange from the start of
operations in October 2001. Since then some 18,163 ECFH shares with a value of
EC$128,156.90 have changed hands.
General
Manager of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange Baljit Vohra says he hopes
that payment of the dividend will signal to prospective investors that benefits
can be derived from investing in companies
that are listed on the ECSE.
The
other listed company, Bank of Nevis, paid dividends in January 2002 of $0.30 per
share to its shareholders.
Caribbean Special Olympians Invited To St. Thomas Event
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- Representatives from
nine Caribbean Special Olympics organisations traveled to St. Thomas this week
to witness the launching of a new luxury cruise liner on Wednesday.
Steve Nielsen, vice president of Caribbean and Atlantic Shore Operations for
Princess Cruise Lines, invited the special athletes, including representatives
from St. Kitts and Nevis, to attend the launching ceremony of Princess Cruise
Lines' "Golden Princess."
Odessa Warner and Josephine Hodge represented St. Kitts and Nevis.
Both athletes have recorded success at the World Games in the past and have
accumulated two gold and five silver medals.
At the naming ceremony the Special Olympics athletes were introduced and
presented with a cheque.
In related news, St. Kitts National Director of Special Olympics Clarice Cotton
has been elected to serve on the Caribbean Leadership Council for Special
Olympics.
Ms. Cotton was elected to the regional body at the annual Special Olympics
Business Meeting held last week in Trinidad. She will serve a three-year term
and will oversee affairs of Caribbean Special Olympics and development of the
sporting programmes.
Meanwhile, Montserrat who is in the process of restarting its Special Olympics
programme will not be participating in the launching of the new luxury cruise
liner.
Heather Daley, who is one of the main facilitators of the Special Olympics
programme, said Montserrat would not have been invited to the event because they
are not fully established and have limited or no funds.
By Peter Adrien
Yes man! That’s the way I like it. And that’s
the way you like it.
The 1970s hit disco single "That’s The Way I Like It” by Kool & The
Gang accurately speaks to the reaction of the Caribbean people both here and
abroad to the brilliant performance of the West Indian cricketers in their first
encounter with the touring Indians at Bourda, Guyana on April 11-14, 2002.
Even the intervention of the rains, which brought the contest to a premature
end, did not dampen that sentiment but were perceived by many as a re-baptism
into the old life – playing cricket the West Indian Way. And the outstanding
performance of Captain Carl Hooper, affectionately called “Kool Carl” and
“Sir Carl,” signaled his anointing as a Caribbean leader, thus giving
greater social relevance to the reference with Kool & The Gang.
Kool & The
Gang originated in the Jersey City projects. They were teenagers, studying Miles
Davis albums and James Brown singles, jamming in basements, partying for the
people in a swirl of Black consciousness. In 1969 they made their first record.
Still teenagers, and full of confidence, they named that first record after
themselves. Their confidence and creativity produced a string of
loose-but-tight, "fun" records, culminating in the Pop Chart smash
"Jungle Boogie." Kool & The Gang didn't need a singer then: the
horns were the lead voice; the fans chanted along. Kool & The Gang found a
special sound at the unique intersection of jazz, r& b, funk and pop. From
the loose groove of "Funky Stuff" to the wild stomp of "Jungle
Boogie," the gentle romance of "Cherish" to the elegant disco of
"Ladies Night," and the street-smart chant "Hollywood
Swinging" to the international anthem, "Celebration," it's an
extraordinary sweep of popular music.
One of their
hit singles was "That’s the way I Like It." And that sentiment
captured the mood of the people about the performance of the home team in the
first Test match against India played at Bourda, which ended in a draw when the
last day was washed out. The West Indies batting first amassed 501 runs and
India replied with 395 for the loss of seven wickets. The pitch to large extent
was a deciding factor.
Docile and flat, it was really a batting paradise.
"Sir Carl" was the star, if not the King. Carl Hooper amassed 233, his
maiden double-century; Shivnarine Chanderpaul recorded his highest score, 140;
Ramnaresh Sarwan, compact and elegant in the top-order, made a half-century. The
leggie Mahendra Nagamootoo was crafty. Bowling cleverly, he troubled the batsmen
and took the prize wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.
Since
Hooper’s return to Test cricket, up to the first innings of the First Test
against India, the WI captain has scored 1,100 runs in 13 Tests at an average of
52.38. While giving of his best, he has not always produced as often as he
should.
And he would have been dropped from the team if I were a selector.
Maybe I was too impatient. There have been times when old demons seemed to haunt
him, like on the tour of Sri Lanka in November when he averaged just 27.83,
while Brian Lara managed 114.66 in the 3-0 Sri Lankan whitewash.
Carl Hooper
attributed his New Birth and renewed strength to his transformation and family.
He said in his interview with Garth Wattley:
“I see each day as a blessing as opposed to seeing the problems that
I’m confronted with… I think I am better as a player, I think I’m a better
individual right now… My wife is a very positive and religious person and I
think she probably would be my number one fan…. I think I’ve been fortunate
and blessed in many ways that I’m in a position where I can have my family
with me on cricket tours and so on.” His wife, Australia-born Constance,
and young son Carl Junior are with him everywhere he travels and everywhere he
plays. They smile, cry and rejoice with him. That is what a man needs to
succeed.
It is really
not amazing then why Hooper is so focussed. He has found the source of success
– Jesus Christ. This is indeed a positive message to the young and old alike.
If we are to transform Caribbean societies which are being torn apart by
globalisation, liberalisation and secularization, we would have to make the
spiritual engine power the development process.
At the end of
the first encounter, both teams will come away from this match with many
positives. There is everything to play for in the ongoing clash at the Queen's
Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. With the Guyana players having
done well in their backyard, Brian Lara, “The Prince” and champion batsman,
would be hoping to maintain that trend in his backyard.
The
captain’s faith should catalyze the team. He reminded us: “My faith is still
strong with this team. It’s still strong with the ability of these players and
my own ability…I think I’ve done the best that I could have possibly done
given the team that I’ve had to work with.”
Could the
Captain’s faith inspire the Prince, Brian Lara, to reign supreme in his
backyard?
Peter
Adrien is a Central Banker, an author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a
freelance photographer. He may be contacted Peter at www.adreinsenterprise.com
or at e-mail: info@adriensenterprises.com
Montserrat Cricket Names Trial Squad
The Montserrat Cricket Association (MCA) has
named the 26 players selected in the 2002 Trials.
The squad includes 14 players from last year’s national team.
The players are Dereck Levi, Leon Greenaway, Gregory Willock, (from the Cudjoe-Head
local cricket team); Gary Barzey, Sylvester Greenaway, Cecil Lake, Dexter
Stephanie, Darren Sweeney, Davon Williams, Trevor Semper (Eastern Salem);
Kenville ‘Sam’ Fenton, Jaron Harris, McPherson Meade, Garnett Thompson,
Dolston Tuitt, Zhuan Sweeney (Montserrat Secondary School); Wendel Fenton,
Nester Piper (Police/Fire); Lionel Baker, Adrian Carty, Cavil Greenaway, Tyrone
Greenaway, Jeff Lane, Mark Stephanie, Sylvester Wade and Damion White (St.
John’s).
The 26 players are divided into two teams and will contest each other up to the
weekend before the start of the Leeward Islands Cricket competition that begins
on May 24.
Montserrat placed fourth in last year’s competition, won by Antigua.
The breakdown of players in two teams
Match starts this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Salem Park
Davon Williams XI – Davon Williams (Captain), Mark Stephanie, Trevor Semper,
Jeff Lane, Damion White, Dolston Tuitt, Gary Barzey, Darren Sweeney, Sylvester
Wade, Kenville Fenton, Sylvester Greenaway, Dereck Levi and Cavel Greenaway.
Zhuan Sweeney XI – Zhuan Sweeney (Capt.), McPherson Meade, Nester Piper,
Garnet Thompson, Tyrone Greenaway, Jaron Harris, Gregory Willock, Cecil Lake,
Lionel Baker, Adrian Carty, Dextor Stephanie, Wendel Fenton and Leon Greenaway.
The MCA Cricket Selection Policy states: “It is expected that at least four
youth players be included in the 16-man squad. At least two should be in the
final 11.
Fire Destroys Pitbulls Again, 37-29, in League Opener
Randolph Lewis thought it would have been the
other way around.
Lewis, coach and player of Pitbulls, shrugged off his team’s 25-19 loss to
Fire in the 2002 Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association (MABA) Knockout
competition on April 6, and pumped his chest high for the League. “This is
just the Knockout, on Saturday people will know who the true champions are,”
he had said after the Knockout loss.
But it was no different on Saturday, April 13, when his team, the defending
champions, succumbed 37-29 to Fire in their first game of the League season at
the Brades court.
Game statistics show that Fire dominated. The half-time score read 21-13.
Lewis and Rudolph Lee were the best scorers, with
nine points each for Pitbulls.
Fire’s captain and forward Elbert Aaron top-scored with 14 points, one more
than last year’s League MVP Nichon Weekes.
In the other game on Saturday, MSS Warriors turned the tables to defeat Taz
Westsiders 22-18, after a narrow 14-13 half-time lead.
Taz had defeated Warriors 16-6 in the prelims of the Knockout competition.
Results from Friday, April 12 matches:
Game 1: Pitbulls defeated MSS Warriors 80-43 after a 35-23 half-time lead.
Game 2: Rebels defeated Taz Westsiders 57-51 after a 29-24 half-time lead.
Schedule of League competition matches which start this weekend
Games are played on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7pm at the Brades court.
Friday: MSS Warriors vs. Fire;
Pitbulls vs. Rebels
Saturday: MSS Warriors vs. Rebels;
Fire vs. Taz Westsiders
Recently Concluded ITB Trade Show, A Success
The recently concluded International Tourism
Exchange, the ITB Trade Show, held in Berlin, Germany was heralded a success
despite the somewhat modest attendance by visitors to the various booths as
compared to previous years. Many
people highlighted the September 11 atrocities and the resulting slowdown in the
developed economies as possible reasons for the slow pace of the show this year.
Gleaned from the Show however, were several sound
contacts, which were made with Tour Operators, Travel Agents, the Press and
persons with general interest in the island.
The Chairman, Mr Eddie Edgecombe, had an
interview with CVM Television Ltd. A Jamaican Television Station where he highlighted the
on-going developments on Montserrat and the fact that Montserrat remains open
for business. The interview will be aired in May of this year.
Hon. Chief Minister, John Osborne and Director of
Development, Angela Greenaway, had meetings with Mr Jean Holder and Mr Luther
Miller of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).
They now await the outcome of the meetings, where they discussed the
possibility of including the specific Montserrat product on the CTO Website and
a Regional Tourism Strategic Plan, which was mandated by member governments.
Meetings were also held with Mr David Stuart,
Director of Marketing, LIAT, who was given an update on plans for
reestablishment of fixed wing services to Montserrat. LIAT would be kept
informed of developments with regards to the airport project in Montserrat and
an invitation was thrown out to LIAT representatives to visit Montserrat where
further discussions will take place. Mr
Stuart promises to include an up-to-date article in the next issue of LIAT’s
in-flight magazine, as Montserrat is presently left out of this magazine.
Mr Scarlett of Caribbean Star Airlines also
discussed with the Chief Minister and Director of Development his visit to
Montserrat in the recent past where he investigated the island’s future plans
for the airport development. He
confirmed they are in the process of acquiring Twin Otter planes, which could
service the Montserrat Route, if necessary.
The Montserrat Tourist Board’s Representative
in Germany, Capt. JHG Friedrichs, was able to secure a timetable for the Royal
Clipper, a 148 passenger Cruise Liner, which is planning 12 calls to Montserrat
from 16th April 2003.
Finally, a highly accredited German photographer,
Mr Michael Friedel, has been commissioned to write a book on Star Clippers where
he will devote one chapter to Montserrat.
Arrest Them!
Arrest them, lock them up and throw away the
keys.
For marauding the landscape, raping and laying
bare the soil at Brades, jail them.
For the pornographic exposure of the beautiful
Brades scenery - charge them with indecent assault.
Those town planners!
And bulldozer operators! Charge
them with robbery for scavenging the Brades landscape.
The merchant and truckers raided Brades and have
destroyed our natural beauty. And for that, I'm so angry that I am asking the authorities
to issue a warrant for their arrest, including every architect, builder or
designer who shall sit by without uttering a word of condemnation for the
senseless rape of Brades landscape.
My God, how could David Payne, who made such
wonderful use of Woodsville, not comment on the marauding of Brades?
How could Ken Cassell, who innovatively created
Arrows past and present, accept the slaughter of Brades? Arrest him for
compliance with the butchers… if ever he had prior knowledge.
How could Iverson Galloway blindfold himself from
the pirates who are digging at Brades for the Brown Pot of Gold?
Mr. Galloway speak out, or else accept exile from Montserrat.
Before the town planners and the Chamber members
dig Montserrat into hell in order to find a building foundation, I issue a
challenge to the architects and draftsmen to create their impressions of modern
buildings for Little Bay and Brades. I
beg the architects to lead us indirectly, but professionally.
Before we forget the order and beauty of Dagenham,
Richmond Hill or Parsons, please create some architect's impressions with
modernization as a guide for new Montserrat.
Montserratians please look sensibly at Little Bay
-- and even Brades Road. But in the meantime let us encourage those who can help
us. Let us join with the British
Government and George Martin in the creation and development of the Little Bay
town and Social Centre.
I also challenge the Chamber of Commerce to
declare what types of factory-like commercial buildings they will put on Brades.
Furthermore, I beg them to commit the country to offices and socially
friendly structures at Little Bay.
I, the man, will fight to the death for
liberation of Montserrat from passive ignorance. Collectively we can do better.
So the challenge is also out to all manner of
artists and practical builders to immediately design and display sensible
impressions of the New Centres for business in the North.
Montserratians, professionals, do not waste your
talents as the Chamber members have wasted the pretty red, brown and yellow soil
of Brades Road.
Architects of Montserrat, you are the leaders,
stamp your authority on the landscape of Montserrat.
Do not make it possible for the next generation
of architects to burn effigies of you for disgracing the profession
Concerned Montserratians, this matter of land
abuse and inferior design is as important as the airport issue; become involved,
stand up -- speak up and speak out. Shout
it out! Tell the merchants to stop the abuse of our landscape.
Montserratians, join with me and publicly
criticize the land butchers, the land rapist and marauders now.
Numbers Game
In case Geralds concerns you a lot,
HMG's hirelings say, "Worry not."
But when they're asked to define,
Is planeload 19 or nine?
It is curtly dismissed with, "So what?"
The Odd Couple
They're quite a remarkable pair,
And Britons are walking on air.
DFID's purse is the catch
In the heaven-made match
Of Montserrat's CM and Clare.
Jus wonderin if they're so small, it takes other
people to make you feel big?
Jus wonderin if people ever hear do unto other as
you would have them do unto you.
Jus wonderin what the real reason to have the
prison built so large.
Jus wonderin if they need anymore female prison
warders.
Jus wonderin if the Minister likes his new staff.
Jus wonderin if authority should check how some
so called baby sitters and make them clean their property.
Jus wonderin if that cook shop owner out north
know that people think the shop looking shabby.
Jus wonderin if Jus wonderin is peeping too and
it needs glasses.
Jus wonderin why some men think they could use
and abuse good women.
Jus wonderin if they know that them always get a
woman to take advantage of them in de end.
Jus wonderin if de airport a go ever get a run
off since de long argument nar come to an end.
Jus wonderin if we do have a airport if everyone
will be able to pay de flight fare.
Jus wonderin now that them find out de Montserrat
passport can't carry them to any other European country, if some a them ga stop
mek style on de British passport
Jus wonderin if de foreigner knows it’s because
of their so called passport that why they get treated like dat sometimes.
Jus wonderin if de ferry fare a go drop.
Jus wonderin if dem no know de lower de fare de
more people ga use these transport.
Jus wonderin if they don't know what the
Government says goes.
Jus wonderin who really is in charge, if is
palitishun u civil servant.
Jus wonderin why the young musicians on
Montserrat aren't being given any exposure.
Jus wonderin why and if they notice that so many
young people are unemployed.
Jus wonderin if education no free and if it
really so costly on Montserrat.
Jus wonderin if we don't realise that it's God's
world and not ours.
Jus wonderin why de airplane is only a nineteen
seater
Jus wonderin what does our youth's future looks
like after school.
Jus wonderin if and when they will have a
Technical College on Montserrat.
Jus wonderin why we need more prison warder and
still claiming Montserrat crime free.
Jus wonderin when West Indies will ever play like
back a whole decade ago.
Jus wonderin if putting the airport at Gerald's
is another accident waiting to happen.
Jus wonderin if they really planin to use twin
otter or smaller aircraft and if so why the trickery.
Jus wonderin if they don’t know lying back fire
some time or the other even if not pan them.
Jus wonderin if we na have enough road accident
on Montserrat, if dey want air accident to take over.
Jus wonderin what 's the big upset and the delay
about the digging at Brades.
Jus wonderin if at the end of it all is
development and it don't matter if it Brades or Little Bay
Jus wonderin if it's just like that you arrest
people for de developing of de Island
Jus wonderin why there always some conflict every
time there some development on the Island
Jus wonderin if we really want to go forward or
backward and if we have to follow de British tricks on that.
Jus wonderin if Volcano na cause enough
corruption on Island, so now we de people have to go and create more.
Jus wonderin how he could say de editor lie and
he admit at other conference that most of what is done was started before him.
Jus wonderin after that volcanic explosion is not
enough for testing of them faith.
Jus wonderin when some international security
will be enhanced on the ferry.
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