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Scientists Would Add More Monitors as Volcano Activity Winds Down

By Bennette Roach

Scientists, in what they have hinted may well be their last appearance in full public discussion in Montserrat on the Soufriere Hills volcanic recent eruption, are hoping "for even more specialist monitoring" equipment for the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO).

The press discussion .took place last Saturday morning at ZJB and was broadcast live. It involved three scientists who had worked throughout the volcanic crisis here in Montserrat, each of them serving from time to time as head scientist at the Observatory. Co-hosting the discussion with Winston (Kafu) was myself, with David Lea, an independent journalist, videographer and photographer sitting in.

L to R Professor R.S.J. Sparks, Dr. W.P. Aspinall and Mr. R.A.E. Robertson

The three scientists were Professor R.S.J. Sparks, FRS, Chairman Department. of Geology, Bristol University, UK; Dr. W.P. Aspinall of Aspinall and Associates, UK; and Mr. R.A.E. Robertson, Interim Director, MVO/Seismic Research Unit, UWI, Trinidad.

Responding to questions on the most recent Scientific and Hazards Assessment of the volcano in respect of its future monitoring, Dr. Aspinall said: "What we are referring to here, 'if measures are in place to monitor the volcano,' are more specialist monitoring in terms of putting sensors on the dome itself, so we can monitor its stability, even something like a trip wire across the top of the ghaut, so that if a flow starts these would be specific monitoring designed to protect the people doing the radio work. It wouldn't be the general monitoring as extra precautionary measures for those going in to do any work" in the Bramble airport area.

He said this is what they were advising the authorities that would be needed to provide the best service by the MVO.

The radio discussion allowed calls from listeners and response to one about the risks with occupation at Bramble airport included this caution: "We as scientists will give our best opinions about volcano hazards involved. Of course the government then has to look at other benefits or other risks involved. So in respect to the issue of Bramble airport, what I would caution is not to jump too rapidly with comparisons with other areas in Montserrat that we have done risk assessments for because these risks assessments have to be used in the context of purpose, what the purpose was whether it was residential living, a vital industry, power station whatever or an airport."

Much of the discussion was centred around the possible use of the Bramble airport and responding to the question as to why the report shows a slightly higher risk measurement for residential areas in the Exclusion Zone. It was Dr. Aspinall who explained that the calculations were done taking several factors into consideration., such as the number of people who will occupy a given (hazardous) area for a particular duration, say 25 people for 8 hours per day as against 100 people or more for 24 hours a day, with the elderly, handicapped persons and children included.

The report says in respect of areas south of Belham: "It is plausible to assume that for the future at least only limited numbers of returning residents would be involved in each case (for present purposes upper limits to population numbers of 50. 200; 100; 100; 50 have been assumed for the identified areas respectively."

With respect to Cork Hill: 46. The boundary of the newly defined hazardous area passes through parts of Cork Hill as a consequence of applying the criteria described in section 14 to the pyroclastic flow deposit of 25 June 1997. Now that the magmatic eruption has stopped the probability that a dome collapse large enough to reach the same distance as June 25 has diminished significantly, but cannot be entirely ruled out. Controlled access to other areas south of the Belham valley through Cork Hill can be envisaged.

Referring to the model simulation which was operated by Dr. Baxter: "The model simulation indicates a less than 1 in 1,000 chance of suffering a fatality in Cork Hill in the next six months from this hazard, and a negligible risk (less than 1 in 1,000,000) of multiple casualties. The individual risk exposure would be classified as VERY LOW in this general area."

With regards to Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay and Isles Bay, the scientists declared that "These areas now fall outside the zone of high hazard identified," but drew attention to Dr. P. J. Baxter’s note on the ash hazard. (See story on page 2)

The situation was not the same for Bramble, for which the scientists drew up three scenarios.

1. For the worst case scenario, when no effective warning of sudden collapse is possible, AND the probability of a big collapse in the direction of the airport may be as high as 5% in six months (a conservative value decided by the group of experts in Trinidad), the potential loss of life risk exposure is as shown on the upper curve of Figure 6 - in this case, the IRPA for an individual worker may reach 1:650 p.a.

2. If it is assumed that there is no activity within the crater and that dome collapse occurs only because of an external trigger (such as a big _ regional earthquake . i.e. with a much lower probability of occurrence than in the worst case scenario above), AND if measures are in place to monitor the volcano such that there is perhaps a 50% chance of successfully detecting the start of collapse immediate warning, it is estimated that the IRPA for alerted workers would be much lower: about 1 :10,000 p.a.

3. If means were found to increase the probability of giving prompt warning of a triggered collapse to 90%, the risk exposure would be further reduced and an IRPA value as low as 1:16,000 p.a. might be achieved.

Late breaking news:

Full Access to Isles Bay, Daylight Only to Richmond Hill

1999 Budget Isn’t Open to Debate,

So Old Foes Tilt at Political Windmill

By Bennette Roach

Listeners to the 1999 budget presentation and the debate which ensued on Monday would probably sympathise with Chief Minister David Brandt and former Chief Minister Reuben Meade as they played politically on each other.

The reaction of many people was that there was less in the budget of reason for concern than would have been expected four or more years ago. It is felt that it was nothing more than a formality of presenting what Richard Teuten is prepared to allow or refuse, never mind that it is already agreed by Britain to make available £25million per year for the next three years. The Chief Minister and Minister of Finance Brandt had referred to other measures of relief but said, "we cannot simply introduce revenue-reducing measures, justifiable as they are. That has been indicated to us in no uncertain terms by the British Government."

Once you believed that, there was little left to talk about. Nevertheless the debate took all of two days, Monday and Tuesday.

The honourable Reuben Meade alone spoke for nearly three hours, touching on nearly every single paragraph in the budget. In some instances he was complimentary, while in others he said the government or the CM did not go far enough. At one point he called on all of themselves to put all political resentment aside and work together to forge Montserrat forward. But when he accused the government of not knowing what they were about, that encouraged the Chief Minister to spend most of his rebuttal and, to quote the Speaker of the House, "bring up his whole history".

In the presentation under "Fiscal Proposals," the CM said, "One of the aims of this budget statement is to build on the range of fiscal policies introduced in the 1998 budget…and so the measures to be outlined in this year's presentation cannot be taken in isolation of those implemented during the previous year. In fact, in some cases we shall only begin to see the effects during 1999."

Mr. Meade accused the CM of not telling the whole truth of the matter, while acknowledging that it is Britain who must force it upon us The CM had said : "A property tax review will have to be undertaken in 1999 aimed at ensuring market and other conditions. This is likely to lead to changes in property taxes which would mainly affect properties in the north."

Mr. Meade said this meant that taxpayers on Montserratians who having purchased lands at the new increased prices will have to face higher property taxes. Much of his presentation was of a similar tone. But entire debate was of little interest once one accepted the CM's declaration that "we are in granting aid" and "the British Government has made it clear that this must be done if we are to continue to receive funding for our programmes on Montserrat."

The former Chief Minister addressed such other issues as more income tax relief for those who remained to see Montserrat through the crisis and begin the rebuilding; the grace period negotiated with the Caribbean Development Bank, which he said ultimately is not beneficial, and the granting of more duty concessions to businesses, which impact more positively on the private sector.

The CM was critical of Mr. Meade's position on some of the issues, saying that "he should know better," and that his advice cannot be used on any issue because it is all wrong.

In his rebuttal the CM revealed that the honourable Brunel Meade has been engaged as an industrial advisor to the Chief Minister and the government, disagreeing with Mr. Meade’s charge that government is not using all the resources available to him. It was revealed also that government intended to use more local and regional technicians and engineers to replace the likes of Brown & Root or anyone else who could not know more about our very high standards of efficiency in building and construction.

Mr. Meade spoke out very strongly against the legalization of homosexuality proposed by Robin Cook in his White Paper on Britain's Dependent Territories. He spoke so strongly on the matter that it drew a further comment of ridicule from the Chief Minister, who himself had started the categorical "no" to acknowledging homosexuality laws in Montserrat.

THE HOUSING MORTGAGE SCHEME

All members of the house spoke to various issues of the budget, explaining otherwise important issues or expanding and criticising as seen fit. The first nominated member, the honouralbe D.R.V. Edwards, who is chairman of the Bank of Montserrat Ltd., was, on a motion from the House, required to brief the house on the non-existence of the long-awaited "housing mortgage scheme."

In September of 1997 Mr. George Foulkes was presented with the idea that Montserratians would like to be in a position to re-establish their own home and would be prepared to borrow funds to do this. The government had put forward a project and since then there have been repeated delays and excuses on the part of the British Government to support the scheme.

(D.R.V. Edwards Explains Mortgage Scheme Delays) see below

Many questions are asked regarding the attitude of the British Government in this particular matter and yesterday one businessman remarked that the answer is in the Robin Cook White Paper where it is said that the standard of living in some of the dependent territories is better than much of England.

IS IT DFID OR GOVERNOR ABBOT POSTURING?

Britain has pledged the sum of £75 million of financial assistance to Montserrat beginning in 1998 to run till 2001 in the wake of its volcanic crisis which began in July 1995. It is well known that The British Government has been accused, in the words of their own parliamentarians, of "bungling" the management of the crisis.

The Conservative Government, still in power when the crisis began in 1995, never really grasped what was going on. But the Labour Government, with the chance to review, cannot claim too much success in that it merely used a different approach to carry out what is now understood simply to be British policy. In fact it was very early on that Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, said that they could not change policies they met in place.

Yesterday the Governor released the following press release on "Uk Budgetary Aid To Montserrat - The Department for International Development (DFID) has announced that it will provide budgetary aid of 6.95 million pounds to support the Government of Montserrat's recurrent budget in 1999. This is significantly lower than 7.6 million pounds provided in 1998, reflecting a continued reduction in expenditure as the situation created by the volcanic crisis begins to stabilise."

This seems to represent the difference between what the Montserrat government hopes to raise on its own from taxes which Montserratians complain is burdensome. To begin with, according to the budget, recurrent expenditure this year amounts to $56.84 million, and locally raised recurrent revenue is estimated at $22.84 million, leaving exactly a $34-million shortfall.

The figures just don't seem to match, but the question is asked, "what is the objective of the release which seems to give the impression that Britain is providing additional funds to those already approved?

It has been pointed out before, and British officials have made this clear, that all funds to be used for projects, for budgetary aid or otherwise, will be from the account of the £75 million pounds. This is so whether the money is spent on behalf of Montserratians here or anywhere, including Britain.

D.R.V. Edwards Explains Mortgage Scheme Delays

"We've been dealing with the soft mortgage scheme now for approximately 18 months. And it is obviously much longer than one could have envisaged. Or one would have wished.

"The Bank of Montserrat Ltd. (BOML) worked on this program for some 12 months, meeting with government officials, meeting with Development Unit with officials at DFID official of the British government in devising program, and doing this with assistance of the economist from DFID.

"When we thought we answered all the questions -- some twice, some three times, some coming in numerous forms, and we are ready to move with the program after 12 months, we are suddenly told the matter would have to go out to tender, they could not permit the BOML to do it.

"It had to go out to tender with other banks in the region. The scheme that we had worked diligently on, night and day, was suddenly taken and given to the banks in the region to compete against the BOML, so in fact it went out to tender. I don't know whether that is unethical or immoral. We are considering whether we should not send a bill.

"BOML, being keenly interested, we tendered and I believe everyone have agreed, including the British official, that our tender was the most favourable. Quite apart from that, the Banks outside of Montserrat were offered more favourable terms than BOML in that the British insisted that BOML must bear some of the risks of this mortgage, and we agreed to take some of the risks, whereas the regional banks were not asked to do that. But in spite of all of this our bid was the most favourable of the lot.

"So what happened at that time, another excuse came up. They wanted an audited statement of the BOML.

BOML has a considerable amount of funds, which we want to use, opportunities to lend at this time are not as plentiful as all of us know and the mortgage program would mean a lot to the BOML.

"What we are asking the British to do is to guarantee a loan to the government of Montserrat. We are not asking for a grant, we are not asking for a loan. All they are being asked to do is to guarantee a loan to the government of Montserrat, who in turn would on-lend to the various people of Montserrat who wish to build a home which they are capable of financing a mortgage. We are not selling the BOML, all they are asked to is to guarantee a loan.

"One would have thought that given all these circumstances the BG would have been anxious to have BOML issue these mortgages so that they could help BOML and Montserrat. These are not houses we are building to give to people, these houses are going to be built by solid Montserratians who are capable of servicing these loans, people who have committed themselves to remain in Montserrat and to be a part of this community and contribute to the economy of Montserrat and in terms of employment.

"I can only assume that when the audited statement is received that some other excuse for procrastination will be found. I hope I am proved incorrect."

"The Mortgage Dance -- One Step Forward, Two Steps Back"

"What is the reason for all these audited statements and all these other conditions being posed on the Bank of Montserrat Ltd?"

The honourable D.R.V. (Frank) Edwards, first nominated member of the legislature, asked this question while addressing for the benefit of the House the issue of the elusive housing mortgage scheme promised by the British Government (BG)for nearly two years now. They have blocked Montserratians from the opportunity to begin building homes of their choice. (see page 1)

The story is told of an officer from the Governor's office who fainted, having given her maid a ride home from Isle's Bay to find that the house her domestic help lived in, if not comparable, was certainly as comfortable as the one she lived in.

Only those who share the feelings of the British will understand the attitude, reasons and excuses they have come up with to refuse to simply guarantee the meager sum of $14 million (just over £3.2 million) to be made available to Montserratian to begin the process of providing their own roof over their heads. It has been said before that the BG has the desire to keep us like beggars for a long time yet. It is quite difficult to take a different view, given their behaviour in several instances. What is the cost of a single bomb they are using in Yugoslavia? They are not being asked to come with any new funds? And are we to forget the waste we see around us every day?

Even if we accept Governor Abbott's point that it takes the BG anything like five years to produce money for projects approved, making Montserrat very fortunate to receive funds as quickly as it did, never mind it was during the crisis, it is still difficult to understand why it takes so long merely to provide a guarantee to a local bank. All kinds of conjectures have been made, such as the failure of the Montserrat Building Society, which suffered at the loss of insurance on homes lost in the crisis.

Of course much of the problem is because of our "grant in aid" status. Mr. Edwards said further on the issue, "You will recall when the MBS experienced some difficulty, we were told they could not assist them because they are a private company and they do not assist private companies. A bank of England official told us something a little different and wrote a report. We have never seen the report."

Could it be that BG does not want Montserratians to really prosper in any way during the crisis? The bank's chairman said further: "BOML is a public company. It is over 60 percent owned by the government of Montserrat. It has considerable funds. We have a number of persons ready to go on this loan. It would be of considerable benefit."

We have said before that the stones Clare Short throws may only be bigger than the ones she's given. Didn't she say very early that no one in Montserrat should benefit or profit from the advent of the crisis?

Or could it be that the BG is ensuring that all their resources go to constructing homes they are responsible to provide, rather than being made available to guarantee loans for private hire? The one thing we have come to understand, is that none of their actions are without reason, good, bad, wicked or indifferent.

-It’s the EASTER Weekend

Peace I leave with you,- my peace I give to you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

John 14:27

" Peace be unto you." Such a word comes from the mouth of our risen

Lord. His life on earth began with "peace' on earth goodwill towards men," and here in the upper room after his resurrection He gave His disciples this same word, "Peace." Certainly He would speak to each of us today, "Peace be unto you."

Jesus had overcome the world with its cruel hate. Now He stood a victorious Saviour. He had conquered the last enemy of humanity, death.

For Him death had held no sting. Neither had the grave been able to hold what was thought to be its victim. He had arisen from the dead. He stands now in the presence of his disciples and speaks comforting words to them.

Peace was the one word that would mean much to them. Now they hear it from the very lips of the Saviour. A calmness could steal over them like it did on the sea of Galilee during the storm when the waves heard these words, "Peace be still." His voice had been heard so many occasion by this little group of men, and they had seen evil spirit, disease, and nature itself obey His voice. Now it brought a peace, a calmness to them that only He could bring.

The world awaits a voice of peace today. It needs that voice. It must speak to produce a calmness, a peace that shall abide throughout every day. May we hear that voice say today, "Peace be unto you," and may it speak through us.

Prayer:

Eternal Father, make me an agent of peace in this troubled world and a spokesperson for You if it is Your Will, Amen.

Low-Risk Scientific Report Has a Bad News Attachment

Attached to the latest Scientific and Hazard Assessment Report of the Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat is an annexed report titled "Health Risk of Ash," contributed by Dr. P.J. Baxter.

In the face of the scientific report’s suggestion of very little risk for some areas south of Belham to be occupied, Dr. Baxter, from his point of view, would not wish to see people occupy these areas for many more months to come.

The doctor begins his brief report: "An analysis of ash samples from three recent events showed that the composition of the ash continues to be dominated by a fine, respirable fraction containing 15-25% cristobalite."

Dr. Baxter remarks that ash-cleanup should continue in the recently occupied areas where "ash falls less frequent and more modest in size than those during the magmatic period, air monitoring in Salem and Old Towne using the already established network of sites and DustTrak instruments should be continued in order to provide a record of exposure to the population, especially in the dry season."

He concludes, "A full assessment of the health risk of the ash deposits would be needed before consideration is given to reoccupation of any of the areas south of the Belham River."

The scientists, in their review of the report on ZJB on Saturday, made no reference whatever to this single page which is attached to the report, but it was very clear from their report that as far as the risks were concerned and as specified to the areas which fell outside the curve, direct impact of hazards from the volcano was very low.

However, it is very troubling to those who are looking forward to the order that gives the green light to begin the cleanup process for eventual full occupation in areas south of Belham.

Dr. Baxter continues his one page ash report:

"Although a cleanup operation might be contemplated in the least impacted areas, an unknown factor at present is the amount of fine ash being resuspended by the prevailing winds from the thick layers of ash on the slopes of the volcano and any other deposits upwind. An air monitoring study would be required to assess this problem as fine ash can be present in the air at unacceptable levels yet remain invisible to the naked eye.

"Large amounts of ash remain on the upper slopes of the volcano. Cleanup operations in the low-lying areas might not be effective because of the action of rainwater carrying ash downhill, thereby depositing it along the verges of roads and around houses where it would become trapped in grass and other vegetation.

"Resuspension of the fine ash in these deposits would occur once they were dry and impacted by human activity. A preliminary assessment is therefore needed to establish the extent to which the ash lying on the volcano can be remobilised by the wind or rain, including the role of revegetation of the ground in stabilising the existing deposits.

"Even ashfalls leaving thin deposits on the ground can, if repeated regularly enough, adversely affect air quality in areas of human activity."

So he concludes and warns: "It may therefore be inadvisable to pursue redevelopment in areas south of the Belham Valley whilst ashfalls are likely to continue."

It is no wonder that not a word has been heard so far this week about the excitement and the good news of the scientific report. If it is any consolation, not everyone in the medical field agrees that matters are as serious as Dr. Baxter advises. Sources also advise that other medical experts are prepared to say that the matter of the ash hazard is considerably overblown. So it may come down to whose word, in the absence of scientific proof, the authorities will accept.

New Antigua Beach Spot Offers Music and Cricket

Cricketing legend Richie Richardson and close friend David Folb have opened Lashings Beach Café & Inn at Sandhaven in Antigua.

Popular bands play there on the beach and Lashings beach cricket team plays there every Sunday. The team hopes soon to play the national Under 18 Montserrat team in a full one-day cricket game, with a beach cricket game the following day.

Lashings offers a full program of special events, including music, rugby, steel band and a series of parties. Montserratians staying overnight in Antigua are invited to inquire about Lashings special hotel rates.

Montserratian Takes Part In Y2K Training Program

Daphne Cassell represented the Government of Montserrat and the National Year 2000 Task Force at a regional year 2000 compliance training program held in Trinidad from March 22-26, 1999. The training program hosts and providers of technical assistance were the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Caribbean Development Bank, with the support of the Caricom Secretariat, the Regional Year 2000 Technical Coordination Committee and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

As a follow up to the Y2K compliance training, five consultants from both the Malta Information Technology and Training Services Ltd. and the Caribbean Development Bank will be visiting 19 countries in the region to review preparations, provide assistance and report on the National Action Plan and National Contingency Plan.

Mr. Alexander Borg of Malta Information Technology and Training Services is scheduled to visit Montserrat from April 18-22.

Catholic Schoolgirls Form Regional Relief Fund

"Lend A Hand to Our Caribbean Lands, Struck by Natural Disasters"

The islands of the Caribbean Region are regularly hit by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes and volcanoes. The outcome of these acts of nature is extremely devastating. Hundreds of lives are lost and many properties damaged. Because of this, people are faced with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Too often, relief from outside region is slow in coming, and, when one considers the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters in conjunction with global economic contractions, it seems safe to assume that aid to Third World Countries will be progressively harder to obtain. It is therefore necessary for us to help ourselves.

To this end the Providence Girls' Catholic School Royal Bank Young Leaders 1999 of Trinidad and Tobago have established a relief fund entitled " Caribbean Gayap." This fund is intended to serve both local and regional communities that have been affected by natural disasters. These enthusiastic third formers have embarked on a project that will inspire people to reach out a helping hand. They kindly ask that you assist in this venture by contributing to this fund, whether large or small. This contribution can be sent directly to any Royal Bank Branch, Account number 9117070558 in Trinidad.

Give All Your Assistance Please.

Return Airfare Scheme for Montserratian Evacuees

The British Government has announced a Return Airfare Scheme for Montserratian evacuees.

A press release from the Department for International Development (DFID) said the United Kingdom would meet the travel costs of eligible Montserratian evacuees who wish return to Montserrat.

The scheme will be introduced on May 1^st for evacuees in the Caribbean and June 1^st for those living in the United Kingdom.

The press release states that the scheme will operate for a period of two years.

DFID says that the Evacuee Return Airfare Scheme fulfils the pledge made in September 1997 by International Development Minister George Foulkes.

The Minister pledged then that DFID would pay return airfares of any Montserratians who had relocated either to the UK or other Caribbean countries because of volcanic activity, and who wished to return to Montserrat, when conditions allowed.

DFID said the latest volcanic assessment shows there have been no magmatic eruptions for over a year, and the risk of a major volcanic eruption is now similar to other volcanic islands in the Caribbean.

Minister Foulkes says the scheme provides the opportunity for all Montserratian evacuees to consider the conditions on Montserrat, and make the decision on whether returning is in their best interest.

Eligible applicants will be provided with a one-way non-transferable economy class ticket from their current place of residence to Montserrat.

They will also receive an additional air freight allowance, travel costs to the airport and overnight subsistence costs in Antigua, where required.

With the introduction of the Evacuees Return Airfare Scheme, Britain will end the Assisted Passage Scheme, which enables Montserratians to move to the UK, and the Regional Relocation Scheme, which helps Montserratians relocate within the Caribbean region.

The Regional Relocation Scheme will end on April 30^th and the Assisted Passage Scheme on May 31^st.

Discussions on Air facility for Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat is still continuing discussions with the British Government on an air facility for the island.

Chief Minister David Brandt says discussions are focusing on an alternative to W. H. Bramble Airport, which has been destroyed by volcanic activity.

He says the British Government is proposing an emergency grass strip at a site yet to be finalized.

The Chief Minister says a small delegation, including the Honourable Minister for Communication and Works and a scientist, are holding talks with LIAT officials in Antigua.

He says the Government intends to hold further discussions with the public on the issue.

The European Union has allocated 8 million European Currency Units (ECU’s) to the Government of Montserrat for the development of an air facility.

In the meantime, Government intends to build a certified helicopter facility to meet international civil aviation standards.

This would allow for the setting up of charter operations and scheduled commercial flights.

The Government of Montserrat is also negotiating the establishment of a helicopter service between Montserrat and other neighbouring islands such as the Virgin Islands, Nevis and St. Kitts, in addition to the present connection to Antigua.

Application Suites Selected for Montserrat

Building on its strong presence in the public sector market, the Canada-based trading company Geac SmartEnterprises Solutions has announced that Montserrat and six other Caribbean territories have selected its SmartStream Financials and Human Resources application suites.

Along with Montserrat, Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will complete implementations of these SmartStream applications before the Year 2000, as part of a collaborative effort by the OECS Sub-region to reform the Eastern Caribbean governments’ administrative systems.

In addition, the government of Barbados selected Geac, based on an independent evaluation, and has successfully implemented SmartStream Financials to date.

The Caribbean island states joined the ranks of 330 public sector customers who have selected Geac’s software to improve the efficiency of their administrative processes and gain greater access to control over, and distribution of their enterprise information.

Colleen Niven, Vice-President of Worldwide Marketing for Geac SmartEnterprise Solutions, says the company’s tremendous success in the Caribbean provides further evidence of Geac’s strength in the public sector market.

Geac SmartEnterprise Solutions, the largest division of Geac Computer Corporation Ltd., provides mid- to large-size enterprises with advanced cross-platform financial, procurement, human resources, and reporting analysis systems.

Geac’s client/server (SmartStream) and mainframe (E Series and M Series) product suites enable organizations to streamline business processes and enhance information access throughout their enterprises.

Founded in 1971, Geac Computer Corporation Ltd. is a leading provider of mission critical enterprise applications, supplying industry specific software to 10 vertical markets as well as cross industry applications, comprised of financial, human resources and materials management software.

Headquartered in Markham, Canada, Geac has more than 90 offices in 16 countries, and serves customers in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Montserrat Participates in Legal Discussions

Montserrat has been participating in regional discussions on the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Regional leaders are pushing the Court of Justice as a replacement for the British Privy Council, the final court of appeal for Caribbean countries.

Attorney General Charles Eakins attended a recent meeting in Trinidad at which it was re-affirmed that there had been regional consensus for the establishment of a Caribbean Court of Justice as long as three decades ago..

At the Trinidad meeting, attorneys general from across the Caribbean also considered the reports of the working committee, established to consider and report on the capital and recurrent budgets for the Caribbean Court of Justice.

The Legal Affairs Committee also considered the legal implications of the decision by CARICOM Leaders to invest the Caribbean Court of Justice with original jurisdiction, in respect of the interpretation and application of the Treaty.

The Attorneys General also considered the draft Agreement establishing the Regional Justice Protection Programme, together with a draft Justice Protection Bill.

The fourth special meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee will be in May at a venue to be finalized.

Unlawful Entry into Unsafe Zone

The Royal Montserrat Police Force has repeated its call for residents to stay out of the unsafe zone.

The Police say it has been brought to their attention that persons are still entering the unsafe zone via the Belham and Trants gates without permission.

The lawmen say persons found in the Plymouth area without permission will be arrested and prosecuted.

In addition, the police say persons who are found unlawfully in Plymouth may be prevented from accessing the Exclusion Zone in the future, and will force the entire system to be reviewed.

The Police say at present permission is only granted to persons wishing to enter Cork Hill, Weekes, Delvins, St. George’s Hill, Foxes Bay and Richmond Hill on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 8 o’clock in the morning and 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

The Royal Montserrat Police Force says persons wishing to access these areas must first seek the permission of the Police, who will act on advice from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory on the state of volcanic activity.

A 5-percent Increase for Civil Servants

Civil servants are to receive a 5% increase in salary this year.

The increase was announced by the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt during the presentation of his 1999 budget in the Legislative Council on Thursday March 25^th.

Mr. Brandt said a comprehensive job evaluation review will be undertaken during the next 18 months.

He said the exercise will examine the level of work and responsibility assigned to individual positions in the service and make recommendations for ensuring that salary levels are commensurate with the demands of the job.

Civil servants last received a 30% across-the-board salary increase in 1997.

A Full-time Psychologist for Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat is planning to employ a full-time psychologist.

The appointment of a psychologist is part of the Ministry of Health’s Development Plan.

The ministry is getting assistance from Professor Alistair Ager of Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh.

Professor Ager says they are looking at ways in which the community could be served in the aftermath of the crisis, which has caused stress and difficulties.

He says the programme will not just look at the mental health needs of the island, but will help the general population to cope with very difficult circumstances

Brown & Root Revises Construction Fees

The British construction firm Brown & Root, which supervised the construction of the temporary Government Headquarters at Brades, has revised its fees.

A report on the BBC Caribbean News says the company has agreed to reduce its fees as a contribution to cost overrun.

This follows protests by the government of Montserrat over the final cost of the project, totaling 2.25 million pounds after an original estimate of 750,000 pounds sterling.

The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has called for a full inquiry into the project and has also called for the excess cost to be refunded.

There are also lingering doubts about the safety of the buildings and their protection against rainfall.

Some local officials have also expressed concerns that the complex would not be able to withstand hurricane force winds.

When contacted, Head of Brown & Root’s Office in Montserrat, Christopher Dodd, said he could not confirm the reduction.

In response to lingering doubts about the safety of the buildings, Mr. Dodd said the complex survived winds of 115 miles per hour during Hurricane Georges in 1998.

As further protection, he says Brown & Root proposes to place a roof over the existing buildings.

Chief Minister Brandt delivers 1999 Budget

Montserrat’s Chief Minister and Minister of Economic Development,

David Brandt, unveiled a 169.3 million EC dollar budget, the largest ever fiscal package, in the House of Parliament on March 25^th, 1999.

The 1999 fiscal package, supported by a supplement in budgetary aid from the British Goverment, includes a number of tax concessions and measures to provide relief for individuals, while encouraging a higher level of economic activity on island.

In his presentation, which lasted just over two hours, Chief Minister Brandt, while he was keen on alleviating the hardships faced by resident Montserratians, zeroed in on the main programme activities and projects to be undertaken by his Government during this fiscal year. However, several of these would have started previously.

Mr. Brandt said generally the budget seeks to continue programmes as part of the redevelopment and rehabilitation thrust of Montserrat.

He says Government is rigorously pursuing these programmes.

The Montserratian leader said his Government will be looking to further improve on infrastructual development, Health, Roads, Education, Water, Housing, public sector reform, information technology, sports and recreation, agriculture, tourism, and culture, among others.

Mr. Brandt said there was a lot of improvement needed in every sector, in particular as far as housing is concerned. He said Government will be focusing on the rapid provision of adequate, permanent, affordable and comfortable housing for those who have been deprived of their homes as a result of the eruption of the volcano.

Chief Minister Brandt said in keeping with this, Government is in the process of establishing a well-organized and effective Housing Unit. He said it is expected that this organization will markedly improve the collection and coordination of statistics and information necessary for the preparation of housing projects for presentation to aid donor agencies. Mr. Brandt said such improvements will accelerate the process of erecting additional housing.

The Montserratian leader also alluded to the final scientific assessment for March 1999 which suggests that the most dangerous phase of volcanic activity may have passed.

He said this appears to confirm the general feeling which existed among residents of Montserrat during the past year, subsequently a good number of people have returned to the island.

Mr. Brandt said many more have expressed considerable interest in participating in the Voluntary Return Scheme which will assist Montserratians wishing to come back home from the UK. He said based on the scientists’ assessment which was discussed with ministers of Government on the week of March 21^st, government will be seriously investigating the overall feasibility of the reoccupation of some areas south of the Belham River Valley.

Chief Minister Brandt said while the scientific report does not rule out such reoccupation, health conditions must first be taken fully into consideration.

He said the levels of ash in those areas, and the potential effect on residents, must be fully assessed before a decision could be taken to reoccupy.

One of the most interesting highlights of the 1999 budget presentation was the announcement of a number of concessionary measures, including tax concessions for investors in commercial buildings, a reduction in personal income tax rates, a reduction in port charges, and exemption from duties on specialized equipment such as computers.

Chief Minister Brandt said the objective underlying these measures was not merely to provide relief for individuals, but to encourage a higher level of economic activity.

He made mention of specialized items of tools and equipment used by tradesmen for the creation of goods or the maintenance and repair of facilities. Mr. Brandt said Government is proposing to exempt these items from customs charges once the importer meets certain specified criteria.

In the budget presentation, it was also announced that a second measure will be introduced this year. This, the Chief Minister said will provide for duty-free treatment on certain household effects which were lost during the past three years, and which the owners would wish to replace. These are items needed for the basic functions of cooking, eating and sleeping.

At present, it was said this applied to properties from Plymouth south to

St. Patrick’s, and east to Long Ground, although Mr. Brandt said Government’s proposal was to have this policy apply to all properties.

The particular items will include cooking utensils, plates, cutlery, stoves, refrigerators, dining room tables and chairs, as well as beds, matresses and pillows.

The Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) which forms part of the Country

Policy Plan (CPP) includes a number of programmes vital to Montserrat’s recovery effort. The PSIP shows an allocation of anticipated donor funds for the period 1998-2000 of three-hundred and seventy-two million, four hundred and seventy-two thousand dollars, ($372,472m).

The greatest portion is provided by DFID. There are also capital estimates which break down sectoral expenditure into ministerial and departmental responsibilities, and indicate the amount amounts to be spent on projects directly executed and managed by the Government of Montserrat.

Overall, this amounts to fifty-six million, three-hundred and ninety-nine thousand, five-hundred dollars ($56,399,500). Forty percent of this amount will be spent by the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment, predominantly for housing activity.

A further fifty-six million and ninety-thousand, six-hundred dollars will be spent mainly by DFID. Thus the total development expenditure from all sources for 1999 is now expected to be one hundred and twelve million, four hundred and ninety thousand, one hundred dollars ($112,490,100)

There are conditions for the offer, by the British Government, of the sum of thirty-four million dollars ($34m) in budgetary aid for 1999. It will be used towards the funding of recurrent expenditure which this year amounts to fifty-six million, eight-hundred and forty thousand dollars ($56.84m).

Locally raised recurrent revenue is estimated at twenty-two million, eight-hundred and forty-one thousand dollars ($22.84m).

As far as revenue is concerned, it is expected that the greatest contributor to this area this year will be personal income tax with an estimated total of six million, four hundred thousand dollars ($6.4m). This represents 27 percent of total revenue.

A further 16 percent will come from customs service tax and 15 percent from consumption taxes. Two million, two hundred thousand dollars ($2.2m) will be derived from import duties.

In concluding, Mr. Brandt offer the usual expression of gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat for the continued support during the past year from numerous individuals and organizations including the Department for International Development (DFID), the European Union (EU), the Caribbean development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and Gil Figueroa and the other producers and performing artistes of the "Song for Montserrat."

He said all this indicates quite clearly that Government is commited to the total development of Montserrat and Montserratians, empowering the people and promoting good governance and democracy.

The 1999 fiscal package was later debated in the House of Parliament on March 29^th and 30^th and subsequently passed.

Among the matters debated were improved housing, transportation, and steps to assist small businesses and individual households among others.

Another topic that got some attention is the recently published white paper.

In its wake, Chief Minister Brandt announced that the Government is considering appointing a constitutional commission.

He said the white paper provides an opportunity for a full review of the constitutional relationship between the UK and the colony of Montserrat.

Debt Relief for Montserrat

The government of Montserrat has been granted debt relief by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

In his 1999 Budget address, the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt announced that the Government has been granted a moratorium on five major loans, totaling $18 million.

The moratoriums will be in effect until January 2001.

As a result of the moratoriums, foreign debt service payments in 1998 were only $200,000.

The Government of Montserrat, including the Bank of Montserrat and other agencies, still owe $27 million.

The government’s domestic debt stands at around $6 million, mainly treasury bonds.

FEATURES

Montserrat & Friends Ireland Tour 1999

Last December during a visit of the newly appointed fund-raiser of the Montserrat Volcano UK Fund which was launched earlier in October 1997; it was stated the aims of the fund was to assist the process of rebuilding the island, helping relieve hardship on the island, and aiding the resettlement of evacuees.

Mr. Rudi Page's visit was with Mr. Tony Wade, chairman of the fund. The visit was to further understand the needs and wishes of Montserratians in their quest to redevelop Montserrat. It was observed at that time that "Montserrat has a rich cultural history, popularly known as ‘The other Emerald Isle’, it being the only English-speaking Caribbean Island with historical ties with Ireland."

Page hoped to use this fact as part of his plans to achieve his goals for raising funds for Montserrat. He plans to have a campaign known as the Montserrat European Cultural Expo ‘99 during several months of next year, which he will take to Ireland.

These plans are well on the way and it is expected that Montserratians will participate in a big way as he moves forward to assist the island.

Some local organisations have already expressed plans to travel to Ireland for the occasion.

Presented is a form to be used by persons wishing to make this trip to Ireland.

DUBLIN…………GALWAY…………LIMERICK

Day 1

August 5^th - Flight from Heathrow to Dublin 5^th E1155: 0955/1110.

Lunch and sight seeing tour of Dublin - Evening reception. Accommodation: Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.

Day 2

August 6^th - Depart to Galway - sightseeing - evening reception. Accommodation: The Galway Bay Golf & Country Club Hotel, Galway.

Day 3

August 7^th - Visit Feakle International traditional music festival - evening reception.

Accommodation: The Galway Bay Golf & Country Hotel, Galway.

Day 4

August 8^th - Depart Galway for Limerick sightseeing - Accommodation: Morrisons Island Hotel, Limerick.

Day 5

August 9^th - Return flight from Cork to Heathrow 9^th August Flight E1182: 1855/2010

• Four nights hotel accommodation with full Irish breakfast daily.

• Driver guide for the duration of the tour.

• Admissions to - Trinity College, St. Patricks Cathedral, Dvblinia, Guinness Hopstore, Kylemore Abbey, Blarney Castle, University College Galway and St Marys Cathedral in Limerick

………………………………...….TEAR AND RETURN……………………………………

All inclusive cost: £345.00 per person, double occupancy (single room supplement: £70.00)

Final Balance £270.00

Cheques payable to: Montserrat Volcano (UK) Fund

 FARMERS CORNER

(Week Ending March 19, 1999)

By Justin "Hero" Cassell, Agricultural Development Officer

New Breed of Backyard Gardeners

Since the devastation of the more productive vegetable growing areas, a new breed of backyard gardeners have emerged. This is as a direct response to the Ministry of Agriculture’s awareness drive for persons to grow more food and to eat more of what they grow.

Three such backyard producers are Alphonsus "Arrow" Cassell of Lime Kiln Bay, Catherine Mary Tuitt (P.C) of Olveston and Lorenzo "Limy" Cassell of Geralds. Over the past several weeks these persons have been able to supply friends and the local supermarkets with fresh homegrown vegetables.

Vegetable Outlets

Locally grown vegetables can be sold to and purchased at the following outlets: -

Ellie Edgecombe's Green Market - St Peters

Inspector James Green Market - Salem

Enid White’s Green Market - Banks

New Farms at Upper Blakes

The Ministry of Agriculture played a facilitating role in negotiating the lease arrangements between farmers and the landlord of Blakes Estate. Approximately 40 acres of land is being leased, of which 25 acres are cultivated by some 15 farmers with plots ranging from 1-5 acres in size.

The soil and moisture conditions at Upper Blakes, where the farmlands are located, were described by visiting CARDI representative Mr Hayden Blades as most ideal. Mr Blades was quite impressed with the high quality of cabbages and broccoli produced in the area.

Available this Week

The following seedlings are now available at the Brades Nursery: -

Vegetables: Cabbages, Tomatoes, Sweet Peppers

Fruit Trees: Grapefruits, Citrus Rootstocks, Oranges, West Indian Limes

Ornamental Plants: A wide variety available.

Checking on the Oriole (Icterus Oberi)

The national bird the Montserrat Oriole (Icterus Oberi), the only species of its type in the entire world, is another wild species that is being monitored by the Forestry Unit, the purpose being to determine what effects the volcanic eruptions of the past 3 ¾ years have had on the population.

The monitoring is undertaken four times a year: -

* March - pre-breeding season

* June - breeding season

* September - post breeding season

* December - breeding season

The sampling is being carried out in the Center Hills. Mr James "Scriba" Daley has reported that the current population is now estimated to be over 5,000 birds.

The national bird and national flower, the Heliconia, co-exist. The Oriole nests beneath the leaves of the Heliconia and also finds its food there. The Forest Unit is also conducting an analysis of the Heliconia plant to determine the effects of ash and acid rain on its growth and development

DFID - Help Us to Sustainability And Save Our Diminishing Trees

A most interesting situation was brought to my attention a few days ago which needs to be shared with my Montserratian brothers and sisters and anyone who cares for the sustainability of the island's forest.

Don Romeo and I have shared similar views as well as contrary ones. The now defunct Basement Project was a positive which events along with political self-interest killed. He has another also related to housing.

Don is of the view that the Montserrat Government should import construction props to be used by anyone for a small fee. Whether you are on the self-build, soft mortgage, or whatever, when you need props you rent at a fee from government. The idea is very sound. You lose the props, you pay the full cost! Why does this make sense? And how does it impact on sustainability?

We are building a lot of houses Montserrat style and as in the past we are cutting trees in our reduced forest to use as props to hold up concrete decking. It saves us money today, but what will be the cost next month, next year, and the next five years? Can we continue cutting trees at this rapid pace with the much-reduced forest we have? No way!

As Don says, this is something, the Housing People should have thought about in their planning. You know Housing and Environment all come under the same complexes but there is no co-ordination, no long-term planning. The right hand does not know what the left is doing.

Don is of the view that if he went to the Hon. Minister he may not get an audience or be fobbed off. Why? He has been to so many officials about so many issues that most of these people have developed a siege mentality and not only avoid him, but give him very little credence to his suggestions.

Despite the areas he and I have had different opinions on, I think that most of you would agree, this is a very good idea, which must be taken up at once. Getting DFID to finance this is a project they cannot refuse. If the minister has any conviction about this and the long-term impact it could have, he cannot talk about his hands being tied.

I see first hand the props around me. Three houses and the logs sitting on the three sites. How many more wherever building is going on? How many more trees are planned to be cut? Your guess may be better than mine, but we cannot allow this to continue with these new realities. Let us put Don Romeo's idea to work. His interest is in the good of us all.

Paradise Abroad

By Norma Walter

Ken and I are home, shoveling snow instead of ash. Frankly, we would rather shovel the ash while it is still happening in Montserrat. But, of course, we are happy to be home with our boys, see our neighbors and friends again, and of course our Treadwell church family.

We are in constant touch with our Emerald Isle home, via the internet. So, reports of the ashings and the concert were received almost immediately. At least now we don’t feel quite as removed as we did before our four-month stay. Our new home in Lime Kiln continues to give us the pleasure of knowing we have a piece of the Emerald Isle that is actually ours to live in when we return.

We look at our pictures and slides with great pleasure. Our friends and relatives are amazed and now very curious. Hopefully each time we show the pictures and give our little talks, we will spark some real interest in a visit by someone who didn’t know much about the Emerald Isle before (except for the devastation as seen in some old National Geographic films on TV.) Our son, Kevin, is certainly planning his next visit when we’re on island again. He has a date with Wolf Krebs to do a dive. He couldn’t do it when he was down in February because the sea was too rough to risk it that week. We have other friends who want to know the cost of a flight down and how to make connections. There is excitement among people who enjoy traveling and who especially enjoy the kind of "eco" sites that will greet them in Montserrat.

While we were on Montserrat Kevin taped the most recent National Geographic show here at home for us. We had not seen this one and it did give a positive spin to life and hope for the future on Montserrat. There were also excellent shots of the volcanic activity that caused all the misery. But the ending impression was a very positive one. Thank goodness!

So now I am content planning all the touches that will make the Lime Kiln house OUR HOME. How I look forward to working in the gardens, and perhaps planting a few vegetables for Carolyn and John Keller to use in their kitchen when we have to leave again. John has agreed to do some creative things with the vegetation that is currently on the property, and we can’t wait to see it on our return. Such a talented man, is John. And such a wonderful friend and neighbor, is Carolyn.

Spring is now fast approaching in Treadwell, and there is no lovelier place on earth when everything is born anew here after a hard winter. The birds are so vocal as they return to us. The crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils are poking their heads through the snow as it melts on a sunny 50-degree day. And everyone smiles when the sun shines. Until you live in a place where almost every day is literally a gray day, you can’t imagine what it means when the sun begins to shine again.

After being on Montserrat during the winter, I found myself getting depressed when we came home to the gray days. I don’t even mind the snow if I can see the sunshine now and then. Yesterday and today were glorious, and it gives you a new sense of awakening. So, since we can’t be on Montserrat now, there is no other place on earth we would rather be than Treadwell -- " PARADISE ABROAD!"

About Mr. Robin Cook’s White Paper, Why Now?

By Cheddy Browne

By 1960, the sun had begun to set on the British Empire.

The "Winds of Change" had become reality. Africans were throwing off their colonial yoke and marching towards Independence. Momentum was on the side of revolutionary action. The Colonial Masters -- England, France, Holland, Spain, Portugal and the USA -- were unable to stem the tide. On every front, organised unified revolutionary activists outmaneuvered them.

In the United Nations, a Resolution was passed in the General Assembly in 1960 stating that by the year 2000 there would be no colonies left. All countries then holding colonies were to take steps to insure that their colonies were prepared to move towards and take their independence.

To insure that this Resolution was carried out, The Decolonisation Committee was formed.

The British Government refused to ratify the Resolution. Unable to halt a People's Right to Determine Their Own Destiny, England proposed an amended Resolution in 1971.

This one stated that by the year 2000 all remaining colonies would be seen to be moving towards independence.

To carry through its proposal, a system was set up for the remaining smaller islands. For a brief moment, England appeared to be following the Resolution that it proposed. A system known as Associated Statehood allowed an island to take charge of its internal affairs. Moving out of GRANT-IN-AID Status was the next step. Satisfying the financial constraints, the issue would enter the political arena. If a political platform that called for Independence from England won the election, Independence could be had.

All the remaining islands with progressive and visionary leaders immediately seized the opportunity and applied for Associated Statehood Status.

On the economic front, British bankers found a loophole to bypass British banking laws by using the Queen's property -- the Isles of Wright and Man -- and Off-Shore Banking came into being.

Suddenly, the colonies newly classified as deadweight, and useless to the "motherland," offered new potential for further economic exploitation.

In 1973, Montserrat's Chief Minister P. Austin Bramble made a unilateral decision on the island's future. He proclaimed that Montserrat would not be seeking Associated Statehood Status. He said that the future of Montserrat lay in its colonial relationship with England.

The Chief Ministers of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands also took similar positions.

The British Government quickly and quietly announced that the Associated Statehood Status was no longer an option for the remaining colonies.

So when Mr. Robin Cook in his White Paper states,"the review concluded that the UK should not seek to influence opinion in the territories about independence," one can begin to understand the reason for the reversal.

The fact that the decision took place in 1973 -- and not 1987 as he states -- should also show the full extent of political posturing that this White Paper displays.

Time passed. Anti-Colonial momentum came to a halt.

The remaining Colonies, small, distant, and seemingly quite insignificant, with spineless leaders who lacked vision or direction, were forgotten.

By the 80's the Colonial Masters were once again in control of global dynamics.

The Decolonisation Committee was initially fully funded and free to investigate, assist and encourage independence activity in the remaining Colonies. Gradually the Committee's flexibility was reduced.

Direct contact between the Committee and the Colonies now became "interpreted" as interference in the internal affairs of the Administering Power.

The Colonial Masters now submitted reports on their Colonies’ Independence progress.

Invitations to meetings on Decolonisation no longer went to the Colonial governments. They were now sent to the administering power to forward to their Colonies, at their discretion.

In 1993 England responded to the Committee's invitation to Montserrat to attend the yearly Decolonisation meeting by simply responding that Montserrat had no interest in attending this meeting.

Soon after Britain had rejected Associated Statehood as an option, the Off-Shore-Banking Sector of The Caymans and Bermuda took off. Along with the economic upturn of the islands came an influx of British expatriates to take charge and run the industry. The British Virgin Islands soon followed, and over the next 20 years (1975-1995) the British population increased to the point where they have come close to equaling the local population.

In all three colonies, British expatriates and British firms totally dominate and control the Off-Shore-Banking Industry.

P. Austin Bramble lost office before he could establish the system according to British dictates in Montserrat.

The new Administration set up a system that involved no British expatriates and took off behind the other three.

With their Crown Colony of Hong Kong in the East, the Caymans in the Caribbean, and the Bank of England in London, the British Off-Shore industry dominated and controlled the money market in that Sector.

Quietly, England became the world leader in Money Laundering. In the early years before other governments became aware of the potential and use of liquid cash flows England enjoyed a Monopoly. Its tiny colonies dotted across the globe created an untraceable maze.

Cable & Wireless's monopoly in communication gave British interests total control in the industry.

Once again the Colonies became lucrative potential that bore abundant fruit, ripe for exploitation.

The flow -- just like in the days of rum, sugar and slaves -- of "illegal" liquid cash was going directly from the Colonies to England.

At present, despite slick media coverage on divesting, the British government still holds controlling interest in Cable & Wireless, which is an integral part of the Off-Shore-Banking Industry. So, when Mr.Cook states in his White Paper, "As participants in the new global order and the new global economy . . . the globalisation of international finance means that we cannot tolerate a weak link anywhere in the chain without exposing investors everywhere to risk," the picture becomes even clearer.

Liquid cash generated through Money Laundering is only legal when used to oil the machinery for the new global order. Any players that are not members of our exclusive club will suffer the consequences if they enter our domain.  They will be held accountable and charged with corruption.

The year 2000 is fast approaching.  For the past five years, the Colonial Masters presented their reason why the Decolonisation Committee mandate should cease.  Their Argument goes like this: If, after 40 years of decolonisation activity, the Colonies have not changed their Status, it is obvious that they prefer to remain Colonies.

Mr.Cook in his White Paper states, "It is a striking measure of the degree to which the Dependent Territories value that partnership that none of their Governments expressed any desire during the review for independence." One can understand why this needs to be said at the highest political level. His choice of words will be picked up and repeated in every press release that addresses this issue, now or in the future. True or false, having said them, those words now become Truth.

What Mr. Cook has tactfully left unsaid is that for the past 20 years, the British overtly and covertly discouraged, subverted, and opposed all independence activities in the remaining Colonies.

In the year 2000, the Decolonisation Committee mandate will come to an end. The Colonial Masters have not fulfilled either the Radical 1960 or the Conservative 1971 Resolution.  With the exception of Hong Kong, which escaped through China's strength, the remaining Colonies have neither become independent nor do they appear to be moving towards independence. Just the opposite has taken place.  Now, without the well-calculated worry of 5 million Chinese rushing to their shores, England has offered the remaining colonies an ultimatum vaguely disguised as a Partnership. This Partnership will sign, seal and deliver the remaining colonies to their Colonial Master.

So when Mr.Cook in his White Paper states,"They all want to preserve the constitutional link with the United Kingdom," one has to wonder just who "they" in this statement refers to. Because further on in his political posturing he continues, "Our strong preference is that the Overseas Territories should enact the necessary reforms themselves, but we are ready to make such reforms by Order in Council if they fail to do so."

They want to retain their links, but they will be forced to retain them if they don't do so of their own free will.  Change your laws and become British citizens, or we will change your laws and make you British citizens.

The British have carefully planned and carried out this timetable that started in the 70's, with their secret agreement to return Hong Kong to China in 1997.   For the British the objective will be finalised in the year 2000.  They have carefully and tacitly circumvented the UN mandate with full compliance of their Partners.  They have covered all the contingencies to insure the validity of their arguments.  They have submitted reports for the last 15 years that show no movement by the Colonies towards independence.  Before the year 2000 they would have changed the status of the remaining Colonies to solidify and seal their arguments.

In the words of Mr.Cook, "We have re-established Britain as a leading international player, prepared to take tough decisions to deal with complex and pointed international difficulties." -- "For Britain, the Overseas Territories are a significant element in its national and international identity . . . and within Britain's new international role." -- "As participants in the new global order and the new global economy."  Or, we once again have delusory visions of empire.

With the remaining Colonies as scattered military outposts producing lucrative economic returns, we can once again relive our delusions.  The role for the remaining colonies is clear.  Lost and forgotten, battered by nature and the shackles of Colonial control, lack of vision and lackluster leaders, they never even had a chance to fathom the depths of the web that ensnares them. They never had a chance to understand their full worth and potential.  They will be the last Colonies of the Colonial era, and the first Colonies in the New World Global and Economic Order.

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Can make yesterday’s goat today’s hero.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin if it is true that the improved Heliport strip at Geralds the CM talked about in the budget is an air strip with the word 'Emergency' in front of it.

Jus wonderin if an emergency air strip at Geralds will satisfy Prime Minister Tony Blair's promise to give Montserrat an airport.

Jus wonderin if Mr. Teuten is beaming after finally getting his way, getting all he wanted said in the Budget.

Jus wonderin if it is true that there are phone scammers who lost their jobs.

Jus wonderin why the 'Bran New' helicopter breaks down so fast.

Jus wonderin if we will really see the island's ministers marching in one cause.

Just wonderin why the British put on hold the soft mortgage loan, if its because it is a local financial institution like Building Society.

Just wonderin why the 2000 Millennium Christmas Festival didn't get mention in the 1999-2000 Budget.

Jus wonderin if the CM was really making references to Educated Donkeys during the budget farce.

Jus wonderin if there is too sudden a rapid evacuation of scientists at the MVO, planned, forced or voluntary.

Jus wonderin if ANU is living up to the name LA.

Jus wonderin why so many people vomit these days on the ferry between Montserrat and Antigua.

Jus wonderin if it is caused by the rough seas or the Ship.

Jus wonderin why people are complaining about the fluctuation of their electricity bills.

Jus wonderin if the donkeys shipped to Haiti are used in Tin Stuff.

Administrative Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Administrative Officer, Montserrat Volcano Observatory

• Knowledge of financial and human resource management.
• Ability to assume responsibility, use initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Computer literacy.
• Good leadership skills.

Either:

• A Diploma in one of the following: Finance, Accounting, Management, Business Administration or
• Appropriate experience in Accounting or Business Management or
• Any other qualification accepted by the Board

The Administrative Officer will be directly responsible to the Director, for the proper performance of his/her duties, which will include: -

Supervise administrative and support staff.

Personal Assistant to the Director:

• manage correspondence for the Director’s office,
• maintain follow up systems for the Director to take action,
• set up appointments and make logistical arrangements for meetings organised by the Director,
• research background information required for meetings and prepare briefs for the Director,
• type correspondence, drafts and manuscripts as required by the Director,
• provide confidential secretarial services for the Director.

Responsible for the office procedures and systems of the Observatory including:

• management of internal supplies and consumables,
• filing system,
• office equipment inventories and use logs,

Maintenance of accounting records.

• Responsible for management of all funds placed within his/her control.
• Perform all reconciliations.

Make logistical arrangements for staff overseas travel.

To establish and maintain a systematic follow up procedure for the dissemination of information to all staff.

Perform any other official duties, reasonable incidental to the above duties, that may be assigned by the Director.

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificate should be forwarded to:

Applications, which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.

Information Officer

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Information Officer, Montserrat Volcano Observatory

• Must have good knowledge of English, adequate oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assume responsibility, use initiative and perform tasks satisfactorily, with minimal supervision.
• Must be computer literate.

Either:

• A Degree/Diploma in one of the following: Media Studies, Mass Communications, Management or a related field or
• Long experience in mass media techniques with demonstrated capacity to execute public awareness programmes, especially programmes based on scientific literature, or
• Any other qualification accepted by the Board.

The Information Officer will be directly responsible to the Director for the proper performance of his/her duties, which will include:-

• Responsible for all aspects of the MVO media activities.
• Advise the Director about media related requirements, activities and programmes.
• Liase with the Government Information Officer, Emergency Department and other agencies to develop and maintain an effective multimedia campaign aimed at the continued education of residents and visitors as regards the volcanic situation.
• Develop, maintain and update an MVO archive of audio-visual material on the eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano.
• Spearhead the continuous documentation of the management of the crisis from an MVO standpoint.
• Make logistical arrangements for the involvement of the MVO personnel in media activities.
• Responsible for the production and presentation of the MVO information on Local Access Television.
• Liase with such local organisations as the Director may determine from time to time.
• Perform any other duties, reasonably incidental to the above duties, that may be assigned by the Director.

Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Applications stating qualifications and experience with the names and addresses of two (2) referees as well as certified copies of certificate should be forwarded to:

Applications, which do not meet the minimum requirements indicated above, will not be acknowledged.

COLONY OF MONTSERRAT

A.D. 1998

CROWN TITLE ACT

NOTICE

Twenty (20) years ago legislation was passed which required all persons who had a claim to the ownership of land on Montserrat to claim that land so that their ownership of it could be adjudicated upon. There still remains a significant amount of unclaimed land on Montserrat. Land which remains unclaimed is already deemed to belong to the Crown, although a claimant may still prove that the land is his/hers if the evidence exists. Given the volcanic crisis on Montserrat and the shortage of land that has resulted, it is critical that the ownership of all land be identified with certainty.

The purpose of the Crown Title Act is to bring certainty to land ownership. The Act will come into force on 1st February 1999.

Claimants to unclaimed land have until 1st February 2000 in which to submit their claims. 

Claims will be adjudicated upon by the Land Adjudication office.

No claim to land which is received more than one year after the Crown Title Act comes into force will be entertained.

Land which remains unclaimed for more than one year after the Crown Title Act comes into force will vest absolutelyin the Crown.