.

‘Adoption’ Aids Families At Home and in Antigua

By Bennette Roach

Montserratian families living at home and in Antigua have been the beneficiaries of a benevolent program called "Adopt a Family".

The program was born from a need experienced by Mrs Vera Weekes during her visit to Montserrat in 1996. Mrs. Weekes said that she was moved when she noted the deteriorating economy after people who had relocated began having problems making ends meet. She returned to the U.S., and after describing her experience to several persons, the idea was born to focus on families.

She then began working with the Montserrat Progressive Society and Dr. J. A. Irish, who is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Research Center at Medgar Evers College in New York. Mrs. Weekes is the Outreach Coordinator at the Center.

"We distributed an appeal and there was much enthusiasm," Mrs. Weekes said. "We asked for money contributions only, rather than food and clothing."

The Montserrat Progressive Society, under the presidency of Ashton Daley, visited also in 1997, and the organisation raised funds for the purpose. Last year they made their first cash distributions, which ranged from $50 to $150, to 27 families in Montserrat and Antigua.

Mrs. Weekes was in Montserrat on Monday making a similar cash distribution, this time to over 77 families.

She said that Air Jamaica had also assisted by donating free tickets for travel to Antigua to register the beneficiaries and to make the distributions.

Second Brown & Root Manager Leaves Island After Seven Months

By Bennette Roach

Brown & Root, the international contracting firm, will lose Michael Dodd, its second Montserrat-based manager, who was due to leave Montserrat today.

The firm was contracted by the British Government to build houses in Montserrat to replace the shelters widely condemned as unfit for occupation, and ease the housing shortage created by the onslaught of Soufriere Hills volcano on the southern half of the island.

L - Michael Dodd, R - Andrew Fox

Mr. Dodd replaced Leo Bedford, the first manager to serve in Montserrat who left eight months ago. Dodd's departure came perhaps not as a surprise, because of recent problems that have plagued Brown & Root. That was not mentioned by any of those who recalled pleasant memories and diligence of the man during his stay in Montserrat at a farewell dinner hosted in his honour on Thursday night.

At the dinner, a few brief remarks were made by some present, including the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt, administration permanet secretary Claudia Roach, and Justin (Hero) Cassell. The master of ceremonies for the brief proceedings was Anthony Maloney, Brown & Root's public information officer.

Mr. Dodd’s duties will be taken over by a shy looking Andrew Fox, who serves the company as project engineer.

First-hand View Awes Visiting Mayor of Brent

By Bennette Roach

Her Worship the Mayor of Brent Council, Councilor Bertha Joseph, paid a three-day visit to Montserrat, during which time she endeared herself in the hearts of Montserratians and other residents of the island..

Councilor Joseph said that prior to coming to Montserrat, at the invitation of the honourable Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, she had been interested and working in the interest of Montserrat, but "no pictures or reports could truly describe what I have seen for myself since arriving here where the ravages and disaster of the volcano is concerned."

Councilor Joseph boasts of being mayor of the largest ethnic-diverse population in Europe. She was born in Dominica and is the mother of two sons, the youngest 18 years of age.

"I had to come here to see first hand for myself the devastation," she said, adding that initial reports of the disaster had her crying.

On Tuesday, she told the Reporter, "I will not hide that I was reduced to tears as I went around and saw the shock and the nightmare how people had to leave homes, which they have now lost, and seeing a broader view of the devastation."

Mayor Joseph with the Hon David Brandt

Responding to acting Governor Dr. Howard Fergus, who hosted a cocktail party in her honour Tuesday evening and who welcomed her formally to Montserrat, she said she does not intend to falter in her career as a politician. As evidence of her intention she remarked that she had increased her margin of victory each time she was elected to office. At the function she referred to the Montserratians in England who she knew have not given up returning home.

Alluding to what she had said earlier about being a lady of action, she said she would be taking back a "shopping list," which she will place before other elected officials, while she will continue her own efforts to assist in the raising of funds for Montserrat. She revealed that she had already been working closely with Rudi Page and Tony Wade on the Montserrat Volcano Fund.

Mayor Joseph with the Hon Adelina Tuitt

On Tuesday evening she made presentations to the Dr. Fergus, her hosts, Chief Minister and Mrs. David Brandt, Mrs. Tuitt and to her very dear friend, the Mighty Arrow, Phonsie Cassell. The honourable lady minister in turn presented to Councilor Joseph various items containing or made from Montserrat volcanic ash.

"Look to Bramble in Short Term, But a Better/Safer Site Five Years Hence"

It seems certain, although the idea should not be a forgotten one, that we will not see an airport or even an airstrip at Thatch Valley within the next five years at least. But that five years could become forever, unless our government and people make some effort to find and build the resources that would be necessary to undertake such a task.

The argument for this is simple. The answer was very obvious from the time the British Government first sent out their consultants, at the height of volcanic activity, with the slogan "Bramble is Best," and the doctored figures regarding an airport at one of three other locations -- Thatch Valley, Blakes and Geralds. Come what may, we would be forced back to Bramble airport for a long time.

It must be remembered that just prior to the volcano’s erupting, everything was ready to extend and improve the runway and facilities at Bramble to a tune of nearly $100 million. Nature probably did us a favour by intervening and now the scientists say that as we look ahead 30 years, the chances of a repeat performance from the volcano are only 25 percent. That obviously rules out as nonsense any idea of developing the location to anything bigger than it was prior to 1995.

Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair promised the Chief Minister of Montserrat an airport/airstrip (Governor Abbott says it was an airstrip) and so his civil servants have set about the task of providing Montserrat with a facility, but obviously at the least possible cost, the idea being that the British can say, "the prime minister has kept his promise."

Last year, when the government decided to consult with people on the idea of the location of an airport, the consultants, according to Messrs. Teuten and Gillette, delivered the wrong message. They said that Thatch Valley was never supposed to be in the equation, but following grueling discussions and questions it was discovered that none of the options presented could meet the costs presented and that their methods flawed. Either they were too much or too little, but Bramble seemed to have more honest estimates. Might that not have been the idea from the outset?

Montserrat needs some proper air traveling facility. The ferry operation is expensive and the helicopter service is even more expensive and cannot meet the traveling requirements, especially with the assumption that travel demands will increase in time, and Montserrat needs to rebuild its tourism trade to aid its diseased economy.

In the end, the only option that will be left to Montserrat for the immediate future, 12 to 18 months, is the rehabilitation of Bramble. By that time, if the volcano continues its trend of heading back to quietness as the scientists believe, the risks will be as they were prior to 1996, and probably little worse that anywhere else in Montserrat. Dr. Gill Norton of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory says that it is very remote that an eruption could take place any place else in Montserrat, none for two million to four million years further north, but never say never.

Now we know that we will get a developed heliport and there is talk about an upscaled service, but how could this be when it is already bemoaned that it is too expensive to operate a helicopter service. So we are offered Bramble, with an emergency airstrip at Geralds in the middle of a sporting complex.

Added to the complications is the fact that LIAT, the main suppliers of air service to Montserrat, says any place inland is a dangerous proposition. Therefore government should not to be asking the people of Montserrat to make decisions where there are no options. Rather they should guarantee that they will not authorise workers in the area until all conditions stipulated by the scientists are in place for their safety and for ascertaining the time necessary before passengers will be allowed the use of the facilities at Bramble. All of this, we know, will be based on how the current winding down of volcanic activity evolves.

In addition, they should let people know that none of these projects surrounding airport and airstrip are likely for another year or two. All the economics should be worked out for spending as little as possible on the Bramble rehabilitation and seriously looking at building an airport in the one other location possible sometime after the next five years. Opening up the northern tip of the island seems to offer so much, and it is time we show that we are serious about a future in Montserrat and that we can plan long term. 

Can’t Find the Phone Number? Good Luck When You Dial ‘411’

Dear Editor,

One of my favorite words in the English language is "oxymoron," the combination of any two words that are contradictory – one of the most popular and disrespectful examples is "military intelligence." At first glance, the words "customer" and "service" would not appear to fit the guideline.

Last Dec. 18, in response to warnings on Radio Montserrat, my wife and I went to Sweeney’s to fill out the required forms at Cable and Wireless for listing in the new telephone directory. Since we currently live in rented quarters, and our "permanent residence" is in Foxes Bay, we proposed to be listed as "Woodlands/Foxes Bay."

"You can’t do that," we were told. "You won’t be back in Foxes Bay before the next telephone directory is issued." Despite the fact that we found that statement a bit ludicrous, given the infrequency with which new phone books are issued, we agreed to have our listing confined to "Woodlands." We completed the form, signed it, and left, confident that we had met our obligations.

With this week’s issuance of the new telephone directory, we find that not only may we not be back in Foxes Bay before the next telephone directory is issued, our phone number in Woodlands – or Foxes Bay – also will not be listed before the next telephone directory is issued.

Our only consolation in this indefensible incompetence is that scores of other Montserrat customers of Cable and Wireless also have gone unlisted.

If Cable and Wireless had spent a fraction of the money it paid to assault our ears recently with those interminable "West Indies party" radio commercials, it could have bought the quality assurance necessary to issue a reliable telephone directory.

The words may not fit the classical definition, but at Cable and Wireless of Montserrat, "customer service" is an oxymoron.

J. Donald Brandt

491-2647

Woodlands/Foxes Bay

Library Acknowledges 1,500-book Donation

Dear Editor

The Public Library has received a donation of 1,500 books from the collection of the late Mr. Philip Augustus Michel (Teacher Philip).

The books were shipped from England on the Virgin Airways to the DFID office in Antigua for trans-shipment to Montserrat. Arrangements for transporting the books from Antigua to Montserrat was undertaken by the DFID office (Antigua) and clearing of the books on arrival was done by the Governor’s Office.

The Public Library acknowledges and is grateful to the Captain and crew of Atlantic Voyage, DFID(Antigua), and the Governor’s Office for their assistance in getting these books to us.

The donations of books are stored with other library materials off site because of limited space at our present location. However the library staff would make these materials accessible to the public.

Beatrice R. Allen

Librarian

In a book written in 1696, 1 found these statements: "Sharp afflictions are to the soul as a soaking rain to the house. We know not there are such holes in the roof till the shower comes, and then we see it drop down here and there. Perhaps we did not know that there were such unmortified cuts in our soul till the storms of affliction came, then we found unbelief, impatience, and fear dropping down in many places."

How true! Affliction. tests us and proves what sort of Christians we are. If there are defects in our spiritual armor, they will show up under the strain and pressure of trouble.

When the floodgates of distress are opened, it is then we echo with understanding the words of the psalmist, who exclaimed, "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck" (Ps.69:1). Yet we need not fear, for it is our loving Father who allows the waters to come, not to drown us but to cleanse us and help us to see where our life needs repairing.

Have you been through a storm? Have you been disturbed, irritated, faithless, fearful, or rebellious? Consider that God may have put you through this difficulty to reveal your spiritual needs. By prayer, faith, and yielding to the Holy Spirit, repair the "leaky roof." -HGB

God's way is the be-it way, though I may not see Why sot-rows and trials aft gather 'round me; He ever is seeking my gold to refine, So humbly I trust Him, my Savior divine. -Leech

Student Gems of Emerald Isle Are Sparkling in Barbados

Volcanic upheaval is destroying their homeland but it's not affecting Devere Dyett and Marion Estwick's appetite for academic success. Just before last Christmas, these Montserratian fifth-formers now in Barbados were among the toast of Foundation School students at the annual Speech Day.

For Devere, who entered the Christ Church school in second form, it was déjà vu. He has been a prize winner every year, placing first in class in all promotion exams. The 16-year-old was rewarded for good work overall, also taking awards in information technology, physics and English language.

His compatriot, who arrived at the start of fourth form, was also saluted for good work in form, copping a special award for maths. "I got the highest percentage (in math's) among all fourth-formers in the end of term exams," explained Marion. Both former students at Montserrat Secondary Schools said they have settled well in Barbados, despite the problems in their island, which has been teased by the Soufriere Hills volcano since July 1995.

"Work was fairly easy for me but socialisation was not the easiest," said Devere, whose mother was transferred to Barclays Bank in Barbados a week before the volcano rumbled into action. "I am sort of shy, so I didn't talk to many people when I first came. I think that's one reason I did so well. I spent a lot of time alone, studying."

Marion's parents opted to send her to Barbados after third form so she would have a stable environment for her CXC (Caribbean Examination Council) exams. Her Barbadian father, Darnley Estwick - once a policeman in Barbados - arranged for her to stay with his sister in Thornbury Hill, Christ Church.

"It's fine here," said the 16-year-old. "I have a cousin around my age and at school there are other students whom I met through my cousin. People were friendly and though there were some new subjects, I had no real problem.

"I miss home sometimes, especially when I reflect on the fun my friend and I used to have. Now they're all over, in England and America."

Marion's home in the village of Trials has been ravaged by the volcanic fall-out, with heat from pyroclastic flows melting the windows. Her parents now live in a government house in the north. Despite the topsy-turvy nature of life, their youngest child looked forward to going home for three weeks' holiday at Christmas.

"Often you don't remember there is a volcano," Marion said. "I think it's made us realise some important things. Before Hurricane Hugo, people were very materialistic but after that and now Soufriere, it's made us wise up and realise those things don't make you."

Devere, too, spent Christmas in Montserrat with his relatives. His hometown, Richmond Hill, was among the last places evacuated but his residence remains intact. " It's disheartening to see the ash and all the houses that have been destroyed. I do miss home sometimes. Last year I was unable to visit because the volcano was pretty bad. That was a big disappointment," said the articulate youngster, who recently won a UNESCO- sponsored speech contest.

Now preparing for CXCs, next year, both he and Marion would like to return home after qualifying as a computer programmer and an accountant respectively. However, should the crisis continue, neither is averse to finding a future in Barbados.

Philip Michel’s Books Go to Montserrat Library

MAC89 have been instrumental in enabling the relatives of the late Philip Augustus Michel (Teacher Philip) to carry out his wish for some of his books to be given to the Montserrat Public Library.

The Executive Committee of MAC89, whose present Co-ordinator Beresford Lee-Moore is a relative of the late Mr. Michel, sorted the books from a collection of approximately 2,500. Virgin Airways transported the books to Antigua free of charge and the British High Commission in Antigua arranged for their onward transportation to Montserrat.

Philip Michel, who died in January this year, was born in Dominica on May 25, 1929, and came to live in Montserrat at an early age. He attended Plymouth Wesley School where he was an outstanding pupil and, on leaving school, became a teacher. Mr. Michel also excelled in cricket, successfully opening the batting for Montserrat in the Leeward Island Cricket Tournament for several years in the early 1950s.

Mr. Michel emigrated to England in 1955 and for the first few months worked as a bus conductor. He later became a teacher and for the last 25 years before his retirement worked at the Law Courts in the Strand, London. He obtained the LLB and a BSc in Economics.

During his lifetime Mr. Michel built up an extensive library on various subjects, which included books on cricket, gardening, law, philosophy and much more. Over 1,500 books have been donated to the Montserrat Public Library.

The Public Library expresses sincere thanks and appreciation to the relatives of the late Philip Augustus Michel for the wide range of books it has received. These books would make a useful addition to our library collection and assist in meeting the recreational and research needs of the users of the Public Library.

Job Opportunity In Montserrat

The April 11 Guardian Weekly advertises the following DFID job in Montserrat:

"Assistant Social Development Adviser responsible for providing social development advice to the Government of Montserrat development unit" (based in Montserrat)

"The basic requirements are a university-level qualification in social science, and a relevant higher degree. Substantial field research experience is essential. Must have had at least one year's experience of an overseas posting.

"Salary is in the range of pounds sterling 24,000 to 29,000, plus benefits, tax-free allowances etc.

"Must be a national of a European Economic Area member state or a Commonwealth citizen with right of abode and work in the UK. Initial appointment is for three years.

"More details at http://www.dfid.gov.uk or from group3a@dfid.gov.uk."

The provider of the above information asks? "Wouldn't it be nice if social development in Montserrat was assisted by a Montserratian?"

This provides free advertisement for DFID, but it is publicised in the interest of Montserratians, with the additional query as to why Dfid did not advertise this in Montserrat. The answer to the question has not been forthcoming from DFID Montserrat.

Actor, Publisher Due Awards For Honoring the Caribbean

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will honor distinguished actor Sir Sidney Poitier and Earl G. Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprises Magazine, at its 26^th Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball for their contributions to the Caribbean region.

The ball -a gala evening of the Caribbean décor, cuisine and music - will be held May 14, 1999, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

"CTO is honored to recognize two extraordinary individuals for their contributions to the Caribbean region and the world at large," said Jean Holder, secretary general of CTO. "Their achievements have brought honor to our region and for that reason, we bestow on them our Award of Excellence."

Proceeds of the Ball will be allocated towards marketing of the region, as well as tourism education and training programs. The gala, which brings together ministers of tourism, hoteliers, airline officials, media representatives, tour operators and members of the Caribbean community, is a culmination of CTO’s "Caribbean Week" festivities, taking place during the week of May 10.

CTO is a tourism development agency for 32 member governments and private sector companies with headquarters in Barbados and marketing operations in New York, London and Toronto. CTO achieves its tourism education and training mandate through an on-going program of technical and educational conferences and scholarships; and workshops and seminars at national and regional levels, which cover marketing, market research, product development, socio-cultural and environmental matters and statistics.

Montserrat Outplays Antigua Netballers

A victorious Montserrat netball squad returned from Antigua this weekend fresh from victory over a picked Antigua team. Scores in the match were Montserrat 27, the Antiguan team 11. Some superb shooting from Montserrat Goal Shooter Janice Ponde (22 goals from 27 attempts) supported by Goal Attack Rachel Collis (5 goals from 7 attempts) put the local girls over the top, and left netball enthusiasts amazed at the Montserrat team’s performance.

Montserrat and Barbuda were invited by the Antigua Netball Association to take part in their 1999 Opening Ceremony of the local league. The event was to be held last Thursday, but was postponed to Sunday due to heavy rain. Thanks to the intervention of the Hon. Guy Yearwood, Minister of Sport in Antigua, and the Hon. David Brandt, Chief Minister of Montserrat and Minister of Sport, the Montserrat squad was able to return to Antigua within two days for the Opening.

According to Coach Rachel Collis, the performance of the Montserrat squad was very encouraging. Given that it was the first time that the team was playing on a netball court in years since the volcanic crisis began, each individual player turned in an outstanding performance to make the victory a team effort. Collis singled out the near-perfect shooting of Janice Ponde as the main ingredient for the team’s success.

In introducing the team to the Antiguan public, and the small but appreciative group of Montserrat nationals living there, Collis thanked both Governments for the opportunity given the team, and the Antigua Netball Association for their assistance in the revitalization of Montserrat’s netball.

The full touring team was Janice Ponde (captain), Victoria Lindsay, Elva Sweeney, Venus Bass, Cherlyn Ryan-Hogan, Heather Lawrence, Arianna Daley, and Rachel Collis (Player/Coach).

Three beginners, Nadine Sweeney, Latoya Malone and Cassandra Skerritt, were taken on the tour to gain some experience.

Practice continues at the Brades Basketball Court until later this month when the netball court is expected to be completed.

Song For Montserrat Event Stirs New Promises of Help

The Song For Montserrat Project was launched recently in Trinidad and Tobago.

Representing Montserrat at the media event, which took place at the Holiday Inn on March 29, was Miss Anne Marie Dewar

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Daphne Phillips, and corporate sponsors BWIA, AIR Jamaica, Sunshine Awards, the United Nations Development Programme and several advertising agencies attended the launch.

According to a ZJB news report, Miss Dewar says the highlight was the showing of the video, which depicted sequences of each artiste performing the song against a backdrop of the erupting volcano.

Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, gave a brief address on behalf of all the artistes who performed.

He made a personal commitment to give further assistance, and said he felt assured that the other artists would do the same.

Miss Dewar says the audience expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister’s pledge to donate part of the proceeds raised by the project to disaster relief in Honduras.

She also says Montserrat was able to get across the message that it is still alive and well, and is now moving from a stage of crisis to development.

According to Miss Dewar, there was a lot of interest, especially by the corporate sponsors, in contributing to the development of Montserrat through similar projects.

Miss Dewar says the event also attracted huge media interest in Trinidad.

During the event, Dr. Hans Geiser, head of the UNDP in Trinidad, informed the audience that another fund-raising activity is being planned.

The event is for mid-June and will benefit Montserrat’s redevelopment thrust.

It will take the form of a huge open-air concert at which several artists will performed.

Miss Dewar advised Dr. Geiser that some Montserratian artistes and performing groups might be able to assist with such a production.

The idea for the Song For Montserrat fund-raising project came from Tony Hill of Air Jamaica.

It includes a song and video, which will go on sale shortly.

The song was written and co-produced by Gill Figarro and Joseph Browne. O Caribbean One hundred nineteen artistes participated in the recording.

WTO Banana Ruling Jolts Caribbean Isles

Compiled from Dispatches

Reaction in banana-producing islands in the Caribbean has been mixed after the World Trade Organisation ruled that the European Union's banana import

programme, which gives preferences to former British and French colonies, violates global trade rules.

Sources in Geneva said that the WTO arbitration panel also said the United States could impose $191.4 million of sanctions on European Union goods to compensate for trade.

In Trinidad, some trade officials predicted that the banana import ruling threatens the economies of the tiny eastern Caribbean islands. Others said it could force the islands to make their banana production more efficient.

The United States has insisted for years that the European Union rules discriminated against Central American growers where U.S. corporate giants such as Chiquita Brands International Inc. operate.

The pessimistic outlook was voiced in Port of Spain by Simon Molina-Duarte, secretary general of the Association of Caribbean

States, who pointed out: "The small Caribbean countries rely on bananas for their foreign exchange and it's not only a technical issue but a social, political and financial one."

Swinburne Lestrade, director general of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, was more optimistic. "We are committed toward making the industry more efficient," he said. "The industry can survive. The task has already begun and the challenges are greater. But this may serve to be a major impetus for the banana industry."

He said the European Union now has to decide whether it is possible to have a banana regime compatible with WTO rules, while Caribbean banana producers must become more efficient, increase the quality of their fruit and seek niche markets in Europe.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, headquartered in St. Lucia, includes four banana-exporting nations in the Windward Islands -- St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines -- with a combined population of 350,000.

Approximately 60 percent of those islands' foreign exchange earnings are derived from the banana industry, which is also a major source of employment, Mr. Lestrade said.

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), withheld comment until the WTO ruling is officially released before making a comment.

Rotary District Governor Says Grow to be of Greater Service

By Staff Correspondent

Harry Louis of Guadeloupe, governor of District 7030 of Rotary International, made his first official visit to Montserrat Wednesday to see firsthand the results of the island’s volcanic crisis and to urge the diminished Rotary Club of Montserrat to recruit new members and provide even greater service to the island.

RI District 7030 comprises 14 member countries, stretching from Antigua to Guyana, and 59 individual Rotary Clubs. The Rotary Club of Montserrat, once more than 30 members strong, has stubbornly remained active since the volcano’s disruptions with 11 members.

Before his visit, DG Louis had eagerly looked forward to joining the Rotary Club of Montserrat at its weekly brown bag luncheon meeting at Woodlands Beach, the club’s venue since the Soufriere Hills volcano closed the Vue Point Hotel, long the site of its regular weekly meetings.

Wednesday morning’s generous burst of ash from the volcano dumped liberal deposits of ash from Salem to St. Johns, ruling out any chance of a visiting governor’s being comfortably entertained at the Woodlands Beach pavilion.

That forced Julian Romeo, president of the local club and host to the visiting governor, to make a last-minute appeal to Rotarian John Silcott and his wife Theresa for alternate accommodations. DG Louis, 10 local and visiting Rotarians, and six members of the Rotaract Club of Montserrat, were comfortably accommodated and fed in the cool and ash-free dining room of Grandview at Baker Hill.

The key to DG Louis’ message to the local club came after he proudly announced the recent chartering of the region’s 59^th club. "It is good to have more Rotary Clubs," the district governor said, "but it is also good to have more Rotary in Rotarians."

He paid tribute to what he called the courageous people of Montserrat, both those who remained after the volcano became active and those abroad who are eager to return. He recalled what the government of Guadeloupe was prepared to do, early in the crisis, when complete evacuation of Montserrat was a genuine consideration.

He said Guadeloupe had identified those teachers with the best command of English in preparation for teaching Montserratian children who would be sent to Guadeloupe in the event of full-scale evacuation.

The same commitments to friendship and fellowship, he said, have been demonstrated repeatedly by Rotary Clubs both regionally and internationally to Montserrat's plight. He illustrated that by presenting a check for U.S. $79 to be used for local service to children, which had been sent to him by a Rotary Club in South Miami, Florida.

Julian Romeo & Harry Louis

In urging the local club to recruit new members, he confidently predicted that conditions on Montserrat can only get better and that Rotarians need the strength and numbers to speed the restoration of the island to normalcy.

He stressed the commitment of the current Rotary International president, Jim Lacy, to improving the lot of children worldwide. "If we strengthen our children," Mr. Louis said, "we strengthen our community." He reminded the club that this year’s theme of Rotary is "Follow Your Rotary Dream." It is President Lacy’s dream that children everywhere should have adequate housing, food and education, and that all should enjoy the compassion and love of caring adults and parents.

Some members of the local Rotoractors Club

He closed by asking local Rotarians, "What will your dreams be?" and challenged them to fulfill those dreams.

Fishermen Look Forward To Improved Facilities

Fishermen at Carrs Bay are looking forward to long-awaited improved facilities to enhance their operation.

The Fisheries Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment is spearheading a project to construct a Fisheries Complex, which will include cleaning, storage and marketing facilities.

Steps are also being taken to advance the construction of a ramp to facilitate the removal of boats from the water during periods of rough seas.

For some time now, fishermen in the area have suffered tremendous loss, particularly during the hurricane season when seas are rough.

Many of them complained of losing fish pots and other equipment and, in a number of cases, fishing boats.

Government to Make Decision on Baxter Ash Report

The Government of Montserrat is expected to make a decision in May of this year on the re-occupation of Isles Bay.

This will follow a visit by British scientist Dr. Peter Baxter of Cambridge University.

Dr. Baxter is expected to advise the authorities on what is required for the re-occupation of Isles Bay, which is the least affected of areas South of Belham.

Of importance to Dr. Baxter is the health risk of ash deposits.

He says although a clean-up operation might be contemplated in the least impacted areas, an unknown factor is the amount of fine ash being re-suspended by the prevailing winds from the slopes of the volcano, and any other deposits upwind.

Dr. Baxter says an air monitoring study would be required to assess this problem, because fine ash can be present in the air, though invisible to the naked eye.

He says it may therefore be inadvisable to pursue redevelopment in areas south of Belham, while ashfalls are likely to continue.

Insurance Premiums For Civil Servants Up

Civil servants are now paying higher insurance premiums under the government-financed scheme.

The Barbados Mutual Life Assurance Society has announced a minimal increase in premiums effective February 1^st, 1999.

The insurance company says the increase is necessary because of the steadily increasing cost of health care in general.

Premiums for the single person have been increased from $33.71 to $35.74, while that for the family has gone from $76.80 to $83.03.

The Government Health Insurance Scheme covers basic and major medicals, dental and visual check ups and treatment.

The cost of health care for each civil servant is paid for by the government of Montserrat.

However, each public servant is required to pay the premiums for their children and any additional family members who have been enlisted on the scheme.

Key Appointments In the Civil Service

The Government has moved to fill two important positions in the civil service.

A Director of Housing has taken up duties in the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment.

Sarita Francis, who was previously the Assistant Secretary in the Ministry, has now taken over the responsibilities as Director of Housing.

Her major role will be to implement Government’s policy as it pertains to housing, and to supervise and direct government’s housing programme, as it seeks to house thousands of persons displaced by the volcano.

The other key position is that of Chief Training Officer.

Anne Marie Dewar now holds that position.

Miss Dewar, like Mrs. Francis, is a former schoolteacher, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.

The government is placing more emphasis on human resource management this year and the appointment of Miss Dewar is seen as an important development in this area.

Montserrat Transport Board On Road Safety

There has been some concern in recent times that the island’s roads are becoming somewhat unsafe because of traffic problems.

Now, the Transport Board plans to deal with the problems head-on this year.

Chairman of the board, Police Commissioner Christopher Burgess, says the primary focus will be on road safety.

Mr. Burgess says some of the issues to be dealt with include speed limits, road signs, on-road parking and introducing one-way streets, particularly in Salem.

He says the Transport Board will also work closely with the Taxi and Bus drivers Association to work on matters such as bus stops and fares.

But Commissioner Burgess says the biggest problem to date is the on-road parking, where a number of vehicles are parked on the side of roads, which impedes the free and regular flow of traffic.

Meantime, the Department of Public Works, in collaboration with the Montserrat Police Force, have been moving away some of these vehicles to places such as the Salem Park, where they will be used as fill in the expansion project at the park.

Montserrat Volcano UK Fund-raiser

The Montserrat Volcano UK Fund in England is planning a number of fund-raising activities this summer in the United Kingdom.

The London-based organization is organizing a Montserratians and Friends Ireland Tour in August.

Head of the Fund, Tony Wade, hopes to use Montserrat’s rich cultural history and historical ties with Ireland to raise funds for Montserrat.

He plans to have a campaign known as the Montserrat European Cultural Expo ’99.

Rudi Page is one of the key organizers. He says the campaign begins with the tour to Ireland in early August.

Mr. Page says video footage will be used to put on a new, positive, forward-looking Montserrat with a new outlook.

He says there will be more exposure for Montserrat in June during the mid-summer festival, which will be attended by 50,000 people.

Philatelic Bureau Issues 1999-2000 Stamps

The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau continues to issue stamps from its 1999-2000 collection.

The Bureau has already released one set of maximum cards with and without stamps, depicting before and after scenes of volcanic eruption.

This will be followed by an issue of the Gerry Garcia stamp on April 9^th, and May 7^th, and is aimed at promoting stamp collection as a hobby by using unusual themes.

Another issue is Tropical Fruits of the Caribbean, depicting the Julie Mango, Papaya, Breadfruit, Lime and Ackee.

Dogs of the world, which will be issued on September 7th, will feature the Yorkshire Terrier, Welsh Corgi, King Charles Spaniel, Poodle and Beagle.

The Montserrat Philatelic Bureau also plans to focus on World Teachers Day, the World Wildlife Fund, the rebuilding effort and the millennium.

Meanwhile, the Bureau will take part in an exhibition in Germany on April 27^th.

On display will be the Bureau’s overprint of the its United Nations Stamp.

Tourism Boost for Montserrat

The cruise ship Caledonian Star will visit Montserrat later this month.

The ship is expected to dock at Port Little Bay on Saturday April 17^th, 1999.

On board will be the U.S.-based Linblad Special Expeditions, a group which includes scientists, biologists and geographers.

Passengers are expected to visit the Montserrat Volcano Observatory to learn first hand about the eruptions.

There will also be stops at the Lookout Housing Project and to a vantage point where they can view the destruction of the south of the island.

Meanwhile, Montserrat experienced an increase in tourist arrivals last year.

In 1998, 6.000 visitors came to the island, a slight increase over the previous year, when 5,000 people visited.

Visitor expenditure was estimated at $13 million, a 9-percent improvement over 1997.

The increase in visitor arrivals is due mainly to the perception that the island is now safe.

Tourist arrivals are expected to increase again this year, once more accommodation becomes available.

FCO Advises on Millennium Bug Problem

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London is advising British nationals who intend to be on Montserrat or anywhere outside the UK in late 1999 to early 2000 to be aware of difficulties arising from the millennium bug problem.

The FCO says some computer systems may fail because they are unable to process correctly information involving dates from 1^st January 2000.

This could lead to disruptions in a wide range of essential services.

These include air transport, telecommunications, financial services, power supplies, medical services and the distribution of food and other goods.

The Government of Montserrat has responded to the Y2K problem by establishing a Task Force.

Part of the Y2K Task Force’s mandate is to increase the awareness of the public and the private sector.

An Impassioned Call for Community Support in Caring for the Elderly

The Honourable Minister for Community Services has called for more community support for the elderly.

In a recent message to mark World Health Day, Mrs. Adelina Tuitt says relatives and the community can assist the government in taking care of the aged.

She says the government is giving support to several institutions, including the Hill View Home, Golden Years Home and the Margetson Memorial Home, and plans to build 50 special built homes at Lookout.

However, Minister Tuitt says, the government’s policy is not to institutionalize the elderly and is therefore calling on loved ones and the community to care for their elderly at home, with government’s support where possible.

Mrs. Tuitt says with a large portion of the population falling in the category of elderly, the government is moving to address their needs.

The theme for World Health Day was "Active Aging Makes the Difference."

And Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gordon Avery says at present a significant number of the population, about 10 percent, is over the age of 70.

He says this puts a strain on the health care system, but the Ministry is moving to address that.

The CMO says the community, which has been very supportive, can assist by inviting home the elderly for a few hours, or taking them for a drive.

He is also encouraging the elderly to keep active by either going for walks or taking up a hobby such as handicraft or backyard gardening.

Dr. Avery says those well enough should also consider working.

An Office of Cultural Affairs for Montserrat

The Government of Montserrat is to establish an Office of Cultural Affairs this year.

The role of the office is generally expected to revive and promote all aspects of Montserrat’s culture.

One of the challenges of the office will be the establishment of a memory bank project to support the documentation of Montserrat’s cultural heritage, both audio-visual and written.

The government also intends to appoint a Cultural Co-ordinator.

The Cultural Co-ordinator will be responsible for organizing and promoting cultural performances, designating a national dress and finalizing the selection of a national song.

Baroness Symons Comments On Contents of White Paper

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Minister for the Overseas Territories, Baroness Liz Symons, has been commenting on the Overseas Territories White paper.

In an article, Baroness Symons said, as she had told Chief Ministers in the Cayman Islands, in the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands recently, there were no surprises in the White Paper.

She said the White Paper on the Government’s policy towards the Overseas Territories, published on March 17^th, 1999, was the end of a comprehensive review.

Baroness Symons said the paper - "Partnership for Progress and Prosperity" - sets out the result. The Minister for the Overseas Territories said what is being sought is a modernized contract and a fresh partnership with the territories, to base it on a partnership of understanding, of rights and responsibilities.

Baroness Symons said the United Kingdom Government announced that it will give British Citizenship to those in the territories who want it on a non-reciprocal basis, as far as the right of abode is concerned.

She says it is an important step, addressing the most important grievance of many people in the Overseas Territories, with no strings attached. Baroness Symons emphasized that local immigration rules will remain in place, nor will British taxation rates or regimes be applied, and territories will retain the right of self-determination.

The Minister for the Overseas Territories points out that it is clear that any partnership involves obligations on both sides, stating that as long as the territories want to be British, they must accept high standards of government, of law and order and of probity in public life.

Baroness Symons says this is why the White Paper sets out ideas to improve regulation and operational standards in the financial industry, a key part of the economy in many of the territories.

She says the British Government wants to see the industries prosper, but they must operate in line with acceptable international standards. Baroness Symons says the territories must not be the weak link in the fight against crime and drugs, so they must be above reproach and their managers must work with the rest of the international community to combat international financial crime.

The Minister for the Overseas Territories says the UK expects the Governments of these territories to meet British standards on human rights. She says it remains a criminal offence in some Overseas Territories to take part in consensual homosexual acts in private, and some territories retain corporal and capital punishment.

Baroness Symons says on the eve of the 21st Century, it is being recognised that such laws are not only outmoded, they are widely regarded as inconsistent with the human rights citizens in all countries should expect to have.

She says it is important that the governments of the territories act to change them.

The White Paper establishes a new partnership between London and the Overseas Territories. And Baroness Symons says she’s delighted to be the first Minister for the Overseas Territories.

She says she wants to ensure that there will be a regular political dialogue with Overseas Territories leaders. Baroness Symons says she’ll be chairing a first meeting of a Council for the Territories, later this year, to which she will invite Chief Ministers and their equivalents to discuss a wide range of issues: tackling drugs crime, protecting the environment, constitutional development - all issues addressed in the White Paper.

Baroness Symons says a full agenda will be considered.

The British Minister for Overseas Territories says she hopes the White Paper will reassure people in the territories of the UK’s continuing commitment to them.

Completion of CARICOM Village Comes into Sharp Focus

A 10-member delegation from Barbados paid a recent one-day visit to Montserrat.

The team, led by head of the Barbados Defense Force, was on a fact-finding mission.

It assessed the present situation of the CARICOM Village and will then present a report to Prime Minister Owen Arthur.

The Village, which has been under construction since 1998, has been affected by a lack of funds, and Prime Minister Arthur had given an undertaking to assist.

CARICOM had committed itself to build 30 houses, but some member states have so far failed to make their contributions.

Minister of Housing P. Austin Bramble recently announced that the Caribbean Development Bank has committed $350,000 to complete the 15 houses that have been started.  

Flower Show Winner Looks Back and Ahead

Speaking after her overwhelming success at the recently held flower show, to a couple who helped inspire her, Mrs. Joyce Roach said:

"Caring for plants and creating floral arrangements have always been my hobby. I joined the Montserrat Horticultural Society in 1993. Before that, I attended basic floral arrangement classes with Mrs. Claudia Skerritt.

"Just around the time when the volcano started erupting in 1995, the MHS were invited to a flower show put on by the Barbados Horticultural Society. I attended along with three other members of the MHS. We were asked to do a display and our theme depicting volcanic activity in Montserrat, received first prize. Going to the Barbados Flower Show made us want to put more time into plants and flowers. I found it quite awesome.

"I returned home and got to work caring for plants and flowers and the mini-flower show put on by the MHS Easter weekend has been the fruits of hard work. I say thanks to the MHS. I will endeavor to keep my position over the years to come as long as God gives me strength. "

Meanwhile we received the following:

"...I wish for you to extend congratulatory greetings to the First Place Winner - Green Splendour.

The Flower Show was heartwarming. I am truly impressed.

"...I had written this poem and would like to dedicate this poem to the creator of ‘Green Splendour’. It is not edited.

"Keep up the good work of informing all of us across the seas of what’s happening in Montserrat, via the Internet.

The Power of Green

Along the garden path I strolled

Admiring all the flowers

I couldn’t help but notice

The splendour of their colours.

They bloomed in multi-colours

Of yellows, reds and blues

Carnations, roses, violets

Were all of different hues.

The sunflower and daffodils

Produced a golden light

Lilies, heathers, all combined

Oh what a lovely sight!

And as I strolled I noticed

The beauty of the lawn

A single colour dominates

Upon me it did dawn.

Arrested by this spell of green

I looked around to find

That shades of green were everywhere

On trees of every kind

Emerald, jade, olive, moss,

Forest, light and dark

The greens all worked in harmony

As happy as a lark.

To make the garden give pleasure

To all who stroll its way

Without the background green provides

The flowers have no sway.

Though multi-coloured they may be

From ‘neath, beside, between

All-shaped leaves and slender stems

Were dressed in robes of green.

I found a garden bench and sat

I pondered on the scene

Where will floral beauty be

Without some pep from green?

The flowers too all seem to know

That their beauty may not be seen

That they may not get a second glance

Without the presence and POWER OF GREEN.

A Passion For Flowers

Miss Jeanelda Howson first entered the Montserrat Horticultural Society's Flower Show at its exception in 1992. She had several winning entries.

Since then, she has entered all the other competitions -- in 1993, 1994 and 1999 -- and has been given the nod from the judges for first, second and third places for several floral arrangements each year.

Her passion for flowers, she claims, has been long-standing. Having been born and raised in the country, planting flowers and arranging them are two favourite pastimes of hers.

Growing flowers is a healthy exercise, says Jeanelda. It has therapeutic value. That is why many people keep flower gardens at home, and why flowers are planted near hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and orphanages.

Attending to flowers gives physical, mental and emotional release to the body. Flowers are part of God's gift to creation to us, she remarked.

Miss Howson says thanks to the Holy Spirit, who keeps revealing new ideas for floral arrangement to her. She also sends thanks and a bouquet of flowers to Miss Claudia Skerritt, who really developed her potential for floral artistry by mounting classes in floral arrangement and organising flower shows.

Jeanelda's advice to every one is to accept God's gift of flowers to us by caring and beautifying our environment. Then, having accepted the gift, share that gift with others, by giving them their flowers while they are alive.

Montserratians Can’t Afford Costs of Lack of Leadership

My passport expires May l0, 1999. This means that I have less than one month to apply for a passport. And I am not really interested in a dependent territories passport. Will somebody please let me know how to get the British thing?

Putting all jokes aside, survival in Montserrat is really a serious matter.

Yet I cannot understand how Government officials could be so non-plussed.

There are many important matters which require immediate attention. For me these include cost of local produce, construction labour wage rates, production and quality standards, and transparent land policies to allow more people to benefit from the housing grant or subsidy.

On the high cost of local produce.

If the merchants can sell vegetables such as peas, corn and cabbage grown in the USA, cheaper than I can purchase the same vegetables grown locally, I would prefer to buy the imported vegetables. If, after adding the cost of transportation - which maybe for more than 1,000 miles - they are still able to sell the vegetables cheaper than local produce; then something is very wrong with the costing of local production. If the people of Montserrat cannot afford to buy the food produced in Montserrat, serious questions need to be asked.

On the cost of building houses.

If the working class people of Montserrat cannot afford to hire construction workers, how will they rebuild their houses? It is one thing to harp about quality, but quality without productivity will get us nowhere.

Besides, whenever productivity is low, costs escalate out of proportion with reasonableness. So with respect to the cost of housing, where are we going? And how will we get there?

On the cost and availability of land.

If the price of land is beyond the means of ordinary Montserratians, how will ordinary Montserratians ever be able to benefit from the housing grant or subsidy? Take a look at the Lookout development. The concept is here to stay. Nobody had to purchase land. Housing development is the surest way to get good quality, but cheaper properties. And even if we are not satisfied with Brown & Root, we could invite Caribbean Developers to come to Montserrat.

We can make it happen! We can have cheaper food, more people can own affordable houses, more people should benefit from the housing subsidy or grant.

As farfetched as the foregoing sounds, we can do it with informed and enlightened leadership. It is just not enough to say over and over that, Montserrat nice, Montserrat safe, Montserrat is paradise. We have to change the way we do some things. Less forums for the sake of forums - less emotionalism - less involvement by uninformed people. More doitism - more action. And for heaven's sake, politicians who will lead the nation from the front.

Now all I need before May l0, 1999, is a travel document - yet like the remaining Montserratians, I am here to stay. But who can live contentedly on an island where they cannot afford the price of house plots; or where they cannot afford the high cost of a house; or where they cannot afford the high cost of locally produced food, or when politicians are afraid to lead?

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

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

Tel. 0171-928-7861 or 0181-838-0126

 FARMERS CORNER

(Week Ending April 16, 1999)

By Justin "Hero" Cassell, Agricultural Development Officer

"Eat From the Land, Not from the Can"

In my capacity as Agricultural Development Officer, I would like to highlight a number of projects and programmes that would assist in restoration and the development of agriculture in Montserrat. These are as follows: -

1.Herbs and Spices: The focus in this area will be principally thyme and seasoning peppers. There is a good local market with limited export potential both in Antigua and St. Maarten. The focus here will be small farmers and backyard gardeners.

2.Pineapple: Pineapple was an important fruit in Montserrat, with production concentrated in the St. Patrick’s area. With the loss of planting material, emphasis will be placed on the importation of planting material from Guyana and establishing a bulking plot for the expansion of pineapple production in the north of the island. This project will require a few years for the attainment of adequate acreage for pineapple self-sufficiency. The Montserrat Black, which is a very sweet pineapple, will be the variety on which the project will focus.

3.Chicken – broilers: Chicken is a very important part of the local diet. Up to 1995 Montserrat produced up to 60 percent of the local demand for broiler meat. While the focus will not be on total self-sufficiency, it is imperative that we attain some level of production in this area again. The programme will focus on the establishment of several small broiler operations limiting the production of several 200-300 batch units for self-sufficiency in fresh whole chicken. Chicken parts will continue to be imported.

4.Backyard Gardening: The limitation of land in the north, coupled with the increasing number of persons who will be living on small plots, will provide for some focus on backyard gardens.With NDF support and participation, sponsored backyard garden competitions will be encouraged. This will also include school children who will be encouraged to have their own production at home. The poor condition of the soil in most of the areas of housing concentration will require the use of containers such as motor vehicle discarded tyres and boxes into which soil could be placed for the development of this programme. Some farmers will be encouraged to reconstruct soil through the addition of manure, compost and some topsoil. A modified hydroponics system will also be encouraged, working alongside the Rotary Club, which will sponsor this form of production.

5.Mini-agricultural fair (horticulture): Farmers should be encouraged to display their products for others to see. This brings out the pride of our farmers. To this end, a mini-agricultural fair/fun day will be organised with the assistance of the Montserrat Tourist Board as a co-sponsor. Preserves, farm produce, prepared food and craft will be displayed.

6.Banana and Plantain: The regeneration of banana and plantain production is important. This crop was grown extensively in Montserrat. It is important that we preserve the varieties in Montserrat and seek to be self-sufficient in banana and plantain once more. Suckers will be imported through CARDI from Dominica or St. Lucia and provided to farmers who show an interest in the crop. Areas such as the Olveston Mountain (Duck pond) area should be rehabilitated. Trees could also be established in small areas of the backyard farms where it is possible to do so.

7.Tree crops: Tree crops such as mango, orange, grapefruit, lime, pawpaw, avocado, golden apple, cashew and sugar apple will be encouraged. Working with outside agencies and organisations will foster this.

8.Reduction in the threat of loose livestock: The debilitating effect of loose livestock on agricultural production is well known. Working with the livestock owners and working with the suggestions of the conflict resolution workshop, owners of livestock will be assisted in a more proper management of their animals. Too often, farmers have been keeping too large a flock and the programme will take some time but it is achievable.

9.Improving the profile of agriculture: Through the use of radio programmes, newspaper articles, and Farmers Corner, a process of improving the profile of agriculture will be introduced. Encouraging school children to farming through monthly lectures in the schools; field trip for school children to increase their awareness of agriculture will be avenues for encouraging a new breed of farmers. The impetus here will be backyard farming as a starting point.

10.New Farmers: Introducing more business-oriented people and firms into agriculture will be targeted. Some of these persons or firms will be in a position to establish an investment in larger acreages, not only of crops but also tree crops and banana production.

11.Lettuce: Lettuce is an easy crop to produce. There will be a concentration on this crop as well. Backyard gardening lends itself easily to this crop.

Backyard Farmers Registration

The department of Agriculture will carry out a house to house survey with the view to registering persons already involved in Backyard Gardening and those wishing to get involved.

The registration will commence on Monday April 19, 1999. Interested persons are asked to cooperate with this effort by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Platonic friendship — the interval between the introduction and the first kiss. — Sophie Irene Loeb
How we Achieve Both

The problem inherent in this paradox is that for any marriage to be a success, it must somehow bridge this gap and fuse together conflicting opposites. A marriage requires both fire and water in order to be a success. Any truly successful marriage must perforce distill the contradictory ingredients of passion and intimacy. We do indeed want our spouse to be both our lover and our best friend. And this is what kosher sex is all about.

For kosher sex is passionate lovemaking that leads to intimacy.
There are moments in our life when we want novelty, romance, passion, and excitement. We want our spouse to whisk us to Katmandu for a romantic weekend. We want to jump from hotel to hotel, ripping each other’s clothes off, laughing giddily together as we stroll down the Champs Elysee hand in hand. But there is another side to marriage as well.

After a couple of weeks of hotels and living on airplanes, we want to come home to the serenity, comfort, and predictability of our own home. At least in half of our lives we wish not for novelty but for sameness. We want a marriage where we can talk and exchange thoughts. We want companionship and friendship. We wish to share our life with a spouse who not only makes us careen through the rafters of the ceiling, but grow intellectually and emotionally, someone with whom we can not only rush to the bedroom, but with whom we can build an entire home. In short, we desire calmness amid the frequent storms.

No marriage is truly successful or fulfilling unless both these opposites are accommodated. But fire and water cancel each other out. So how can we achieve both simultaneously?

Joining Fiery and Watery Love

Recognizing this dilemma, the Bible, more than three millennia ago, ingeniously offered the following solution. Every month, there must be two weeks devoted to physical love, and two weeks devoted to intellectual communication and emotional intimacy. And what better cycle to follow than the exact rhythm of the female body itself. While husband and wife are permitted to indulge in sex for two weeks, they will forge deep emotional bonds. They unite physically and feel close emotionally. Their passionate physical life deepens their emotion and feeling for each other. Sex for pleasure is an end in itself. But kosher sex is a journey whose destination is a couple who feel joined not only by the same roof or children, but especially through the enjoyment and pleasure they constantly give each other.

When the woman’s menses begin, their two weeks are up — just before monotony sets in. They must separate for the five days of menstruation and for seven days thereafter and maintain a strict period of sexual abstinence.

During this period they will be able to capitalize on everything that has been achieved in their physical union, transmuting the relationship onto a deeper emotional and intellectual plane. They develop the friendship side of their marriage and they focus on discovering the personality rather than the flesh.
Feeding off each other’s minds rather than bodies, they talk instead of caress, share secrets instead of kiss, and discuss each other’s workday. Focusing on the broader aspects of their life outside of the bedroom, they can discuss the children, their plans for a family holiday, their business relationships, and their relationship with their respective parents. It is a rhythm that is healthy for the woman and accords with the natural impulses that accompany menstruation. Many women have an innate aversion to sex during menstruation.

A period of abstention allows the wall of the uterus to rebuild itself and affords a woman an opportunity of not having to accommodate her husband sexually at a time of physical discomfort.

As the days pass and they begin to hunger for each other, they don’t immediately follow their instincts and grab each other. Rather, they allow their nonphysical communication to build up into an intense longing. To be Continued

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

The airport of choice is still Bramble.

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin who will fill in the marine supply gap now that the handsome Avontuur will no longer be making regular visits to Montserrat.

Jus wonderin if there will be a full replacement for Brown & Root’s Mike Dodd, or whether Brown & Root will be next to leave.

Jus wonderin why LIAT chooses Bramble but will ask Carib Airways pilots to provide the service.

Jus wonderin if Montserrat will have anything like reliable air service before it no longer has a ferry.

Jus wonderin why removing ash and rock from what used to be the golf course stopped being a long-delayed step in the right direction to theft of private property.

Jus wonderin how many file cabinets of paper work will have to be created for each applicant for duty-free replacement of professional tools or household goods lost to the volcano.

Jus wonderin in the Governor and Chief of Police are afraid to fulfill their responsibility to conduct an inquest into the deaths of Montserratians on August 4, 1997.

Jus wonderin if it is true that termites have infested the temporary Government Headquarters buildings.

Jus wonderin how this empty coffin seen in the photograph ended up at this old bridge off Old Mayfield Bridge Road in Olveston.

Jus wonderin if any truth was discovered about the airplanes that allegedly landed at Bramble since it was closed on June 25, 1997 and if they are still landing there.

C&W Year 2000 Readiness Statement

BANK OF MONTSERRAT LIMITED

Dear Valued Customer,

Preparing for the Year 2000

As we are approaching the Year 2000, there are a number of computer related issues which, potentially we both may have to face and we trust that you have taken steps to ensure your own Y2K readiness.

During the last 12 months, we have been actively addressing and preparing ourselves to provide you with a continuous service. In this regard, we want to assure you that we have taken steps to ensure that by July 1999 we will be Year 2000 compliant. Thereafter, we will be testing our readiness on a continuous basis.

In addition to the above precautions, we have also made arrangements for alternative measures to service your banking needs, in the unlikely event that we experience any difficulty with our computers. Please be assured that we will be proactive in doing whatever is necessary to take care of your banking requirements.

We will be ensuring that we continue to deserve the confidence, which you have shown in us over the years.

Your Bank…Your Future.

MANAGMENT