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DFID Tells Montserratians: Begin to Stand on Your Own

By Helena Durand  

Chief Minister John Osborne and DFID's MNI Head Barry Kavanagh

Chief Minister John Osborne sees the decision by the Department For International Development (DFID) on Montserrat to reduce budgetary aid to the island as disastrous.

He said contrary to what DFID believes, the idea that Montserrat's is out of the crisis created by the eruption of the volcano cannot be further from the truth.

But Mr. Barry Kavanagh, Head of DFID here, denied in an interview with the Montserrat Reporter that the department was reducing budgetary aid because the government refused to raise taxes and increase tariffs on utilities.

 “We’re trying over the next five years to take government out of budgetary aid in a gradual process;" he said, "and the only way we can manage that between us, is that government raises more revenue through their own efforts, and that will involve some raising of taxes.”

It would also mean that the government would have to bring in the private sector and businesses to generate income, he said.

"We don’t actually expect them to come to zero in five years, but we expect them to make a serious effort, because we give them something like £7 million at the moment in budgetary aid and the idea is to take that down.”

He said that “about 50 percent of the government’s budget comes from DFID, 50 percent is from their own resources. The idea is to get the balance more in favor of government so that they will be more in control of their own affairs.”

In this financial year alone, he said, DFID hopes to spend £24.4 million “on everything from budgetary aid, the helicopter, the ferry; to different projects like police stations and roads.”

“Take water for example," Mr. Kavanagh said. "Water is subsidized almost 100 percent through budgetary aid, and the Water Authority receives an awful lot of money to keep it going."

That was one of the reasons, he explained, why one of DFID’s technocrats was placed there as general manager for a year, “to try to draw up a business plan towards reducing that subsidy in some way.”

Since an injection of traditional businesses by locals is unlikely because of the lack of demand for services, how then can they be asked to increase revenues?

“One way that strikes me immediately is that they should have an airstrip,” Mr. Kavanagh said. “If an airstrip is built, that will jump-start the economy, because there will be more tourists, there will be more confidence in Montserrat generally. Businessmen will come and go.”

That may be some time in coming. While no one denies that Montserrat is in dire need of an airstrip, there are disagreements as to where that airstrip should be.

The European Union has promised EC$10 million to the government if plans, estimates and feasibility studies for an airstrip can be finalized for Geralds by September 2001, Mr Kavanagh said.

If any other location is considered for the airstrip, temporary or otherwise, that $10 million will be withdrawn, he said. If that is the case the money may very well be withdrawn, as the Committee for the Redevelopment of Montserrat (CRM), experienced pilots, and residents of the area say ‘No’ to an airstrip being built at Geralds.

Mr. Kavanagh said he is confident that Geralds is ideal for an airstrip. “The Italian consultants are on island at the moment. They’ve got 6-7 weeks to do a study. They will look at Geralds and other areas that CRM come up with. I cannot preempt what they will come up with, but my own engineers in here would suggest that Geralds is the best thing and is something which can be done quickly.”

He minimized concerns about the potential risks of a 500-meter airstrip at Geralds.

 “Our engineers would disagree with that, and we expect the Italians to disagree with that.” he said. “But they are the experts, I’ll wait to see what the report comes up with."

"I can tell you this," he said. "The British government and the EU will not put money into an airstrip if it was dangerous. If it is unsafe, the Italians will tell us that.”

Could the pressure on the consultants to find Geralds a perfect site force them to agree? “No” says Mr. Kavanagh, “because there are set regulations. If Geralds is not suitable, it’s not suitable and it’s as simple as that, and it would save lives to say that.”

He said the people of Montserrat must understand that the helicopter and the ferry are costing over £100,000 per month in subsidies.

He pointed out that the ferry, capable of holding over 200 passengers, carried only 11 persons one day this week and that the helicopter “runs very rarely with a full company. We can’t continue like that” he said.

As for DFID's meeting all its operational costs, salaries and other wages from money sent as aid to the people of Montserrat, he said:

“All of the professionals who are here working for DFID are here for a particular purpose, to do something for Montserrat. I think it would be unfair to expect the British government to pay them separately from the funds that have been given to Montserrat; because in considering the budget, how much money to allocate, they take in the factor of how much we need for experts like engineers, and architects. In a year, two years time, there will be less experts here so there will be less money. It’s standard practice.”  

18-year-old Youth Dies after Accident

Eighteen-year-old Fredmon Meade of Davy Hill died of injuries suffered in an accident involving a bicycle earlier this month.

He was reportedly riding towards home when another young man allegedly jumped unto the road, collided with him causing him to fall off the bike.

He apparently sustained multiple injuries.

When he was taken to the hospital, it is alleged that young Meade refused to cooperate with the nurses there and let himself out of the hospital.

Some time after arriving home, a nurse called from the hospital to inquire about his welfare and was told that he was bleeding from his mouth and nose. An ambulance was immediately dispatched to the house and returned him to the hospital, where he was attended by a doctor. He reportedly later died from laceration to the brain.  

Anti-Racist Pledge Fuels British Election Rhetoric

Compiled from dispatches

London Sun Newspaper-- A pre-election move by Britain's Commission for Racial Equality asking candidates to pledge not to use racist language in the General Election campaign has become a central issue as the election approaches, with Labour spokesmen attacking members of the Conservative Party as "racist Tories."
More than 100 Tory MP’s – two thirds – have failed to sign the CRE pledge. That includes three who refused -- ex-minister Eric Forth, James Cran and John Townsend --  who accused immigrants and asylum seekers of undermining Britain’s society.

The pledge has been signed by two-thirds of Labour MPs, and 44 out of 47 Liberal Democrats. 

Commission Chairman Gurbux Singh admitted he was “disappointed” by the Tory response. But Labour’s pressing of the race issue backfired when it was revealed that nine Cabinet ministers had not signed. 

In a recent speech, Foreign Secretary Robin Cook accused William Hague of stroking up hatred with constant demand to send asylum seekers home.

A senior Tory party source said, “He is trying to smear us with the race tag to stop us exposing the complete hash they’ve made over asylum seekers.”  

EDITORIAL

"The Guide to Montserrat’s Future Is Contained in Critiques of the Past"

Sometime in May 1996, Sir Nicholas Bonsor, one of Britain's ministers visited Montserrat. After seeing Montserratians' determination to remain in Montserrat, in spite of the volcano, which was increasing in its ferocity, he concluded that the north of the island was safe.

He promised that the British Government would provide the necessary funding to develop the safe-north of the island so that life could go on in Montserrat.

Since then, Montserrat and its leaders have not come to grips with the fact, that there will always be difficulty for a country such as Britain, known throughout history for its subtlety, diplomacy and some other traits, may not appreciate that a people not endowed with riches still enjoy "a good lifestyle remote from the poorest of the poor."

Worse yet, what interest can they have in a few black people, whose requirements, in the wake of proportionately one of the worst disasters in the world, exceed what their benefactors thought they would be willing to invest for their care?

The evidence is well documented in reports, none of which were put together by Montserrat, instead ordered and gathered by the British themselves, but which are ignored and conveniently forgotten. There are the various reports of their parliamentary Select Committees.

The result of one report, as one writer describes it, "trenchant in its criticism of both the British and Montserrat government," recommends a "frank and impartial report to assess what had happened and what lessons could be learned" from the crisis to date.

That was late 1997 "in the wake of escalating hardships." Then came a report dated December 1999, covering the period up to November 1998, and even touching on key events up to the time of June 1999 when the report was being finalized.

After that came the Robin Cook White Paper, which clearly cites "the escalating volcanic activity in Montserrat," as one of the reasons for Britain to examine its relationship with its territories and come up with "A New Partnership."

Polly Pattullo authored the book, "Fire From the Mountain," which should be added to the reports and "must-reads" mentioned above. She wrote a year ago, May 5, 2000, ".the lessons learned from this unprecedented natural disaster.are only just beginning to be articulated. What is clear is that unfinished colonial business returns to haunt." Miss Pattullo was critiquing the DFID Evaluation report mentioned above.

It was Governor Savage, speaking for the British government, who said early in the crisis that there was no bottom to the purse of his government when it came to supporting Montserrat through the crisis.

Miss Pattullo observed, "while territories like Montserrat retain a "first call" on DFID's development programme, there is neither a budgetary ceiling nor agreed standards for provision of housing, education etc." These have led to frictions between Montserrat and Britain.

In these documents lie many of the answers in the approach to Montserrat's future, especially since it remains unresolved and people are questioning the resonance of their resilience. How to reduce dependency when the economy has collapsed? That question was always there, but now Britain is making demands after having totally taken advantage of a people unfortunate enough to have endured four years of some of the most incompetent leaders in our times. Just remember George Foulkes.

We listen to our new leaders making statements that aggravate our position in time, like "we do not know what we would have done without the British," and "independence is not something to expect in their lifetime." Is it possible that their lifetime will continue for only another five years or less? One good statement though, which they must take seriously, is that "it cannot be business as usual."

From our quarters we have been saying this since 1996. This should be our watchphrase  and put into practise beginning now.

As correctly stated by one of the seven who serve on the administration side of the Legislative Council on ZJB radio two nights ago, the whole recent political campaign was about how and who will more ably negotiate with Britain. Negotiate what? What do we take to the negotiating table? Our dignity and the facts found in those reports mentioned above. Those facts simply show that Britain and us have grossly mishandled the affairs of this country throughout the crisis, and independence is a desirable achievement. Britain wants that and we should want it too.

The answers and the way forward are not all clear but could be effectively strategised if every Montserratian - and especially our private sector, civil servants and government - were to read and familiarize themselves with what is contained in all those documents and reports mentioned above.  

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

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

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Learn To Be Untroubled Of Heart

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.  John 14:1  

Jesus may have spoken these words to people who were facing some type of anguish or deep sorrow- perhaps a death in the family.  The message is powerful consolation to all who have a sincere trust in the Lord's faithful love.  Yet we must remember that Jesus does promise untroubled lives, for we will have our share of troubles that swirl around us.  But he tells us we are not to have troubled hearts.  In the center of our existence we are to remain at peace. 

Picture yourself in a cozy, well-built and sealed luxury cabin high in the mountains.  It is bitter cold, and a blizzard is raging.  Inside, it is warm, quiet and peaceful, as you snuggle near the fireplace reading a book.  What a difference between the inside and the outside! The serenity inside is the way we are called to keep our hearts, Jesus says.  We are not to have troubled hearts, no matter how severe the storms all about us.  We need not have troubled hearts, if we place our trust and hope rightly, that is in God. 

Lord, thank you for the peace that trust in you brings.

Fr. James McKarnes    

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Decolonization Seminar Lacks British Enthusiasm

Dear Editor:
The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization will conduct its annual seminar on the economic, political and constitutional development of the non-independent territories from 23 through 25th May 2001. The venue for the seminar is Havana, Cuba.
These U.N. seminars have been conducted since 1985 to assist the international community in reviewing the “state of play” of the development process in these territories which include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos Islands, Falkland Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Western Hemisphere.

Other territories include Gibraltar, Guam, American Samoa and New Caledonia.
Reports of the previous seminars, including a series of recommendations, are available from the United Nations. The 2001 session initiates the second decade approved by the General Assembly for the U.N. to concentrate on assisting these territories in their political and socio-economic development process.
It is important to note that the extent of participation in the seminars by the governments of the British territories, in particular, has been historically poor. Former chief ministers of several Caribbean territories have indicated publicly that the British Government has dissuaded (often forcefully) their governments from participating in these seminars to discuss their own development process. Yet, the Chief Minister of Gibraltar is encouraged to attend, and has done so throughout the decade of the '90s, because he takes a decidedly pro-British colonial position. This is, of course, blatantly unfair.
What do the British fear? That their stewardship of unilateralism in the colonies (orders in council and the like) in the 21st Century might be exposed? That their much-heralded “partnership” with the overseas -- but still dependent -- territories is illusory at best, and does not pass muster in any objective assessment of self-government? If these territories are so self-governing, why are the British preventing them from participating in this important United Nations process? What do the British have to hide, if they feel that these dependency relationships are so legitimate?
Let the territories attend the United Nations seminars and speak their mind. Isn’t this what democracy is supposed to be about?

Juan L. Otero

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

Fishing Tourney Renewal a Success

Peter Aymer caught the heaviest fish, a 47-pound wahoo, in the 9^th Montserrat Fishing Tournament on Monday; but it was Nick Ryan who broke the record when he hauled in his 11-pound Silk, surpassing the 9.5-pound record set by John Jarvis in 1989.

The prize for the heaviest total poundage went to Danny Sweeney and the crew of Jumping Jack, while one of the tournament organisers Bruce Farara won the first prize for his dolphin catch.  

Bruce Farara left and Danny Sweeney

The competition, which was held for the first time in five years, attracted 18 local and two overseas vessels.

Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe, Minister responsible for Fisheries, presented the gifts to winners of the competition. She expressed delight at the level of participation and the catch.  

Sweeney family with the Hon Annie Dyer-Howe

 “I am pleased to tell you that the government of Montserrat has just completed the project concept for the new fisheries facility in Little Bay," Mrs. Dyer-Howe said. "This is going to form part of the overall development plan for the development of Little Bay; and I’m happy to say that we will have better facilities for our fishermen in the future.”

She congratulated the participants of the tournament, particularly the local fishermen who, and thanked the fishermen from Antigua who participated, and Nevis for showing an interest in the activities.

The Labour Day competition was organised by the Fisheries Cooperatives. Mr. John Jeffers, Secretary of the Cooperative, praised the efforts of the private sector which provided gifts and overall support.

"This augurs well for the future," he said, "and it seems to me quite likely, that we may have to make some plans for a Montserrat Open Fishing Tournament later this year, which I think is good for our tourism industry and the overall development of Montserrat.”    

Illicit Entry Spurs Heliport Vigilance

A man believed to be mentally deranged breached security at Gerald’s Heliport last weekend, resulting in officers at the Control Tower being asked to be more alert when on the job, particularly when an aircraft is on the ground.

The request came from an official of the Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS) after

the man jumped over the fence and made his way onto the helicopter. He was well within the aircraft by the time the pilot and security officials were alerted

The man was subsequently removed from the helicopter by Security, Immigration, and MAS officials, and later escorted from the compound. He is believed to be the same person who had to be turned back as he tried to pass security to the waiting area to board the helicopter one recent Saturday morning.

An official said this is not likely to recur, especially now that Control Tower personnel are expected to be more alert.

Even so, the public is reminded that there is a procedure for gaining access to the helicopter. This includes purchasing a ticket from MAS and clearing Immigration and Security in the new terminal building.  

Property Records Updating Proceeds

The Inland Revenue Department has reported progress in a campaign to update its property tax records.

Valuation Officer Phillip Alexander said to date in excess of 180 properties have been recorded in Salem, Old Town, Olveston and surrounding areas.

Mr. Alexander said officers from the Department were focusing on recording details of properties in the Woodlands area and should reach Cheap End sometime this month. He said, the Department had mapped out the island and would move northwards to complete the procedure.

The recording process began late in March this year and is expected to be completed by June 21^st, 2001. Mr. Alexander expressed the hope that all other property owners would cooperate as did those with whom they dealt before.  

National Trust Opens Two-Week Workshops

The Montserrat National Trust will hold a two-week environmental workshop at its offices in Olveston beginning Monday, May 14. 

During the first week, a team drawn up from MALHE, DFID Montserrat, Kew Gardens, Leeds University, RSPB and the National Trust will prepare to give presentations to the public on topics such as garden design, propagation, composting, recycling, pollination, bee keeping and mountain flora. 

On Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, and again on Friday and Saturday, May 25 and 26, there will be open sessions in the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel. These will be free events open to all members of the public. We urge everyone to come out and take part, hear the presentations and share their knowledge.

See the programme at the National Trust for further details.

Members of the public who wish to learn more are asked to telephone the National Trust at 491-3086 to sign up for seminars which will be held from Monday to Friday, May 21-25, in the Trust offices in the recently completed replica building of the old Trust building from Plymouth days. 

These sessions are also free, but registration is necessary to make sure they are not oversubscribed.

The Montserrat National Trust would like to acknowledge the Environmental Policy Department of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, without whose generous funding this event would not be possible.

Meals on Wheels Soon to Serve Again

After several years in suspension because of the volcanic crisis, Montserrat's Meals on Wheels program will soon be providing hot meals once again to scores of persons here, thanks to the Rotary Club of Montserrat, the Community Services Department and the Department for International Development (DFID).

Meals on Wheels, a service with its roots in the Rotary Club of Montserrat some years ago, was turned into an individual company, although many Rotarians continued to work with the company.

As the volcanic crisis began to wind down, representatives of Meals on Wheels contacted the Rotary Club and offered to turn over to it considerable financial reserves with the understanding that the funds would be used only in service to elderly Montserratians.

Rotary club accepted that condition, but in the meantime discussions with Kay Jardine, Community Care Coordinator appointed in November of 1999 resulted in her interest in reviving the program.

Ms. Jardine whose responsibilities also include Home Care, and a Visiting Scheme, made a commitment to seek DFID funding for a purpose-built vehicle with which Meals on Wheels could be distributed.

DFID purchased the van, which is now on island, and which will deliver meals five times per week to at least 40 needy people as soon as the program gets underway.

At this point involvement has extended to include a number of a number of NGO’s, as well as the Community Services Department and the Rotary Club.

The purpose of the programme as it has been is to ensure that persons in the community who are unable to cook for themselves,  can access nutritious meals on a regular basis.

Funded for two years in the first instance, Meals On Wheels is expected to come on stream sometime this no later than June.  It will be operating out of the Community Centre in St. Peters, using the center’s kitchen facility.

Both Community Services and Rotary are soliciting volunteers as drivers and deliverers for the soon to be restored service.  

Governor Longrigg Arrival is Delayed

Government House announced this week that the arrival of Montserrat’s new substantive Governor Anthony J. Longrigg, CMG, has been delayed by a family bereavement.

He and Mrs. Longrigg are now expected to arrive Thursday, May 17.

Mr. Longrigg's swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held at 3:00 that afternoon.

Mr. Longrigg entered the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1972 and has served in Moscow, Madrid and Brasilia.

His interests include music, bridge and golf. His wife Jane enjoys teaching English. The couple have three daughters.

Workshop Focuses on What Tourists Expect

A three-day Customer Relations workshop for frontline tourism personnel was held this week, facilitated by Marie-Jose Edwards and including persons from the Port Authority, Immigration office, Custom Officers, representative of Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS) and tour operators. 

“They are the first people the visitors meet," Ms. Edwards said. "Therefore, they set the tone in terms of the visiting experience here. As you know, first impressions are lasting impressions.”

Workshop participants were reminded of phrases such as "the customer is always right, even if he is wrong," "it takes months to cultivate a customer, seconds to lose one," and "the majority of customers, never complain or seek redress, they just don’t come back."

The objectives of the workshop were to improve the knowledge and understanding of Montserrat’s tourism sector; set professional and quality standards, and maintain links with the Montserrat Tourist Board.

Product Development Officer of the National Tourist Board, Mrs. Donna M-Mae Tuitt, said this was the first in a series of workshops aimed at redeveloping the tourism sector, a recommendation made last November by Ms. Edwards after a training needs assessment. Ms. Edwards has been a consultant here over the last four months and is expected to be here for three more.

The workshop was a collaborative effort of the National Tourist Board and the National Development Foundation of Montserrat (NDFM). It was funded by the Caribbean Programme for Economic Competitiveness (CPEC).  

Nevis to Explore Using Wind as Energy Source

Nevis (GIS) -- The Government in Nevis grimly views the dangers posed by global warming that has led to a significant depletion of the ozone layer. Coupled with high fuel costs, the government is ready to look into the possibility of using wind power as an alternative source of energy.

Premier the Hon Mr. Vance Amory made the observation Wednesday after receiving a report by a Guadeloupe-based renewable energy research organisation, Institut de Cooperation Franco Caraibe, that had conducted a 15-month survey on wind potential on Nevis. The report indicated that Nevis has an inexhaustible wind potential and urged its tapping.

"I am certainly going to ask the Nevis Electricity Company (Nevlec) to do further investigation and we shall also do further discussions on the matter, to see where this could take us," Premier Amory said.  

Guyana Government Cuts Fuel Tax Again

Guyana: (GIS Guyana) - For the third time in 13 months, the Ministry of Finance has lowered tax in a bid to cut fuel costs

The Ministry said the move is made necessary by the high price of fuel and  increments in dealer's margin.  

Grenada Nutmeg Duel Continues

Grenada -- According to the Government Gazette, Grenadian nutmeg farmers will see an increase in prices for their nutmeg when next they go to buying depots across the island. 

This good news for farmers comes in the wake of an on-going struggle between The Grenada Cooperative Nutmeg Association (GCNA), one of the last vestiges of  government controlled agricultural sectors, and  Monsterriatian-born businessman Joel Webb, who owns and heads the private company Webb Spices.

Webb Spices' corporate plan is to set up and operate a nutmeg processing plant in Grenada.  The objective outside of capitalistic gain, is to better utilize nutmeg and all its spin off products like oils.

Should the deal become a reality, Grenada will be less dependent on the international market and will also reduce the unemployment line by creating a few hundred jobs.

But Webb Spices has met with strong resistance from the GCNA, which bases its opposition to the venture on its concern for Grenadian nutmeg farmers.  

Guyana Leaders Call For Peace

Guyana: (GIS Guyana) -- The Leaders of Guyana's two main political parties, the ruling Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/Civic) and the opposition Peoples National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), have issued a call to nationals to be calm and to assist the authorities in what ever way they can.

Both President Bharrat Jagdeo and Mr. Desmond Hoyte issued the joint call on Tuesday.

"We urge all Guyanese to remain calm and co-operate with the authorities. This will facilitate a quick return to normalcy which is necessary for developmental work to proceed."  

Antigua Opposition OK'd For Radio, TV Licences

Antigua, CANA -- Antigua and Barbuda's media landscape on Friday showed further signs of opening up with the decision by government to grant radio and television licences to a company affiliated with the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP).

At a High Court hearing into a constitutional motion filed by Crusader Publications and Broadcasting Ltd. into the delay in granting the licenses, Solicitor General Gertel Thom confirmed that in discussions with Lenworth Johnson, attorney for the company, the government had agreed to issue the licences.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is expected to meet and appoint Campbell Matthew as Telecommunications Officer, after which he is expected to issue the licences.
The matter was adjourned to May 25 for settlement.
This is the second time that the court has ruled in favour of the opening of more private radio stations, the first being in November last year when the Privy Council overturned rulings by the local High Court and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.  

Caribbean Teachers Rally to NYC Hiring

NEW YORK, CANA - New York City's Board of Education is hailing as a big success its first teacher recruitment drive in the Caribbean region.
"It was very overwhelming, it was beyond expectation," Grenadian Robert Antoine, coordinator of the Caribbean teacher initiative, told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) at the weekend.
"We did not know that so many teachers would turn up. It was very successful."
Mr. Antoine, who was part of an 11-member delegation that visited Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago over seven days recently, said that though the project was well publicized, they were stunned that Caribbean teachers were overly enthusiastic to teach in the city.
"From the time we landed in Barbados, we did not get a good break until we returned to New York," he said of the touring party.  

Guyana Police Probe Execution-style Killings

Guyana , CANA -- Police in Guyana were continuing an investigation this week into the execution-style killing of three persons in an area behind some East Coast Demerara villages.
The bodies of a 41-year-old fisherman and his 10-year-old son were found Sunday afternoon with gunshot wounds to the head near the man's bicycle and some shrimps he had apparently caught.
The third victim, a 25-year-old man from a neigbouring village, was found more than a mile away, also shot in the head.
Police Commissioner Laurie Lewis appealed on state television for calm, urging persons to go about their
business normally.

President Bharrat Jagdeo said during a Monday afternoon news conference that police patrols would be  intensified in the area. He said he was not declaring a state of emergency, but when questioned said that a curfew was a possibility.  

St. Lucia Hikes Aid To Banana Industry

St. Lucia, (GIS) -- More help is under way for the banana industry, with the start of what will eventually be a $22-million package of government assistance for farmers’ recovery efforts.

The Government of St. Lucia has made available the first tranche of a $3.5-million package of further assistance for banana farmers, releasing $2.5 million to the Banana Industry Trust (BIT) for on-lending to farmers.

The funds, which are aimed at helping banana farmers replant fields devastated by a prolonged drought and leaf spot disease, were originally promised in the April 5 budget address by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony.

In that address, the Finance Minister recalled that the Government of St. Lucia had already pumped over $100 million in direct support for the banana industry, since it was returned to democratic farmers control.

He underscored the current plight of banana farmers, resulting from low prices and adverse conditions and announced the new package of remedial assistance for the industry, the first phase of which seeks to help farmers to improve production and quality.  

LIAT Plans to Offer 100 Early Retirement

Antigua, CANA -- Regional airline LIAT (1974) Ltd. is considering offering 100 workers across the Caribbean early voluntary retirement packages to slash operational costs by at least 20 percent and make the airline more attractive to potential investors.
Chief Executive Officer Garry Cullen said that he was hopeful of getting the green light from the Board of Directors at their next meeting to be held in Antigua on May 22.
He said once agreement was reached on ways of finding the estimated EC$5 million one-off payment, arrangements could begin for the voluntary retirement package as early as next month.
Mr. Cullen said that although that sum of money would be a one-off payment, the company stood to save at least EC$6 million (US$2.22 million) in salaries and overhead expenses per year if all 100 accepted the offer, which would reduce LIAT's workforce to 750.

Antigua Opposition Says 'No' To Caribbean Court

Antigua, CANA - Antigua and Barbuda's Opposition Leader Baldwin Spencer is against the abolition of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final court of appeal because of apparently unfair decisions by the local High Court and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
"We are going to fight for the maintenance of that last court because we know that we can't easily get justice in this region (Caribbean)," Mr. Spencer said.
Rulings by Antigua and Barbuda's Industrial Court and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal that resulted in waterfront pensioners getting lower pensions, and 250 hotel workers being unfairly dismissed were subsequently overturned by the Privy Council.
Observer Publications, perceived by some as being a media outfit that is unsympathetic to the Antigua Labour Party (ALP) government, recently won reversal by the Privy Council of rulings against the granting of a radio licence
.According to Antigua and Barbuda's constitution, only a referendum can decide whether this twin-island state can abolish the Privy Council as the court of last resort.
The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat has assured that the independence of the CCJ would be guaranteed because judges would be selected by a Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission rather than by politicians.

Trinidad Installs New Catholic Archbishop

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad,  CANA -- American-born Edward J Gilbert was installed as the ninth Archbishop of Trinidad and Tobago last Saturday during a two-hour canonical service at the Port of Spain Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Bishop Gilbert replaced Archbishop Anthony Pantin, a native Trinidadian, who died last March after serving as head of the Catholic Church here for 32 years.
The new Archbishop, who came following a similar tenure of office in Roseau, Dominica, said he plans to continue the work left off by Archbishop Pantin.
The appointment of a non-Trinidadian came as a major surprise and attracted some criticism.
 Outspoken local priest, Father Clyde Harvey, described the appointment as an "insult" to the twin-island Republic and the Caribbean.
In his homily delivered before a packed congregation comprising local political and church leaders and Catholic leaders from many Caribbean countries, Archbishop Gilbert extended an olive branch to those who have reservations about his appointment.
"As a sign of my commitment to this process of collaborative ministry, I hereby reinstate the council of priests, the archdiocese and pastoral council, the archdiocese and financial council," adding that he planned to meet with them beginning Monday.
"We shall develop our agenda together, we shall enter into patient dialogue together, we shall develop our pastoral plan together and we shall pursue that pastoral plan together," he said.
Fatherr Harvey said, "I have nothing against Bishop Gilbert as a person, He is a very charming man. I had no illusions about the likelihood of my becoming archbishop.
"However, I never thought I would see this archdiocese made part of the process of recolonisation of our people, American-style. I can only sympathise with Bishop Gilbert who must be aware that his appointment can be interpreted this way."  

St. Vincent PM Vows To Root Out Corruption

St.Vincent, CANA - St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has assured public workers that his administration would fulfill a pledge to ferret out corruption in past administrations.
He also pledged that government would establish mechanisms to ensure accountability from elected officials and senior public officers.
The prime minister was speaking last weekend at a rally staged by the Organisation in Defense of Democracy (ODD) to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the historic Grand Beach Accord which shortened the life of the then Sir James Mitchell administration.
Components of the ODD informed Dr. Gonsalves before the large gathering in the capital, Kingstown, that they were waiting on his government's fulfillment of its pledge.  

Trinidadian Charged With Killing of Four

Trinidad, CANA -- A 39-year-old Trinidadian man appeared in a Magistrate's Court Wednesday charged with hacking to death four persons, including a handicapped child, last Saturday
Harrilal Matthew appeared before Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar at the Arima Magistrate court in the eastern region charged with chopping to death the 62-year-old grandmother, Kathleen Garcia, her 27-year-old daughter-in-law, Alicia James, James' 4-year-old daughter, Giselle, and 9-year-old son, Dillon, who was confined to a wheelchair.
Before the police arrived, Mrs. Garcia's son Lincoln, who had been in his garden some distance away, arrived home to find the chopped bodies of his family.
Raymond Garcia, the 77-year-old grandfather, had been selling vegetables at a market when he was called home.
Matthew was questioned by police for most of this week before being charged.  

Nevis Government Given Video Camera for News

The partnership between the Nevis Government's Press and Public Relations Department and Cable TV of Nevis was further strengthened Wednesday morning, when the cable company donated a model digital video camera to the department for the gathering of local news, the Government Information Service reported.

Malcolm Guishard, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Government Information and Public Relations and Telecommunications, accepted the US$2,235 camera from Cable TV's Managing Director, Lee Bertman.

Caption to the attached picture: Manager of Cable TV of Nevis, Mrs. Carlyn Lawrence-Barzey (left) hands over the camera to Mr. Malcolm Guishard.  

Trinidad Wins Discount For Anti-HIV Drugs

Trinidad, CANA -- HIV-infected persons in Trinidad and Tobago will soon be able to buy anti-retroviral drugs at a reduced price of 10 percent of the cost, the Express newspaper reported last Friday.
The newspaper quoted Health Minister, Dr Hamza Rafeeq, as saying that his ministry was on the verge of sealing a deal with local pharmacuetical companies that would allow HIV-infected persons access to drugs at an estimated TT$6,000 (US$952) annually.
The "cocktail" of three drugs used to prolong the lives of infected persons would normally costs TT$60,000 (US$9,523) per year.
The Express said the agreement was reached only last week and the ministry plans to start buying the drugs in two month's time.
 It is estimated that some 17,000 people are HIV-infected in Trinidad and Tobago's 1.3-million population.
Dr Rafeeq said his ministry hoped to treat 1,000 people after the first batch of drugs was purchased. He appealed for private sector assistance so that all infected persons could be treated as quickly as possible.  

St. Lucia Hikes Aid To Banana Industry

St. Lucia, (GIS) -- More help is under way for the banana industry, with the start of what will eventually be a $22-million package of government assistance for farmers’ recovery efforts.

The Government of St. Lucia has made available the first tranche of a $3.5-million package of further assistance for banana farmers, releasing $2.5 million to the Banana Industry Trust (BIT) for on-lending to farmers.

The funds, which are aimed at helping banana farmers replant fields devastated by a prolonged drought and leaf spot disease, were originally promised in the April 5 budget address by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony.

In that address, the Finance Minister recalled that the Government of St. Lucia had already pumped over $100 million in direct support for the banana industry, since it was returned to democratic farmers control.

He underscored the current plight of banana farmers, resulting from low prices and adverse conditions and announced the new package of remedial assistance for the industry, the first phase of which seeks to help farmers to improve production and quality.  

Herbal Practitioners Plan July Conference

St. Lucia, CANA -- A wide range of issues is down for discussion at the 4th International Symposium of the Caribbean Association of Researcher and Herbal Practitioners (CARAPA), which will take place in St. Lucia from July 19-22.
The Association has invited papers on topics ranging from integrating the traditional herbal practices (bush doctor) into the mainstream health system to training to self regulation and ethics of herbal practitioners.
In addition to the many presentations and discussions, there will be an exhibition of related products and services. The exhibition will feature local and foreign exhibitors and will be coordinated by the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association (SLISBA).  

Air Jamaica Not Ready To Return to Antigua

Antigua, CANA - Air Jamaica, one of the Caribbean's largest international carriers, is not prepared to resume flights to Antigua unless the facilities at the airport are improved and the number of passengers increases, according to airline Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gordon 'Butch' Stewart.
Following Mr. Stewart's announcement, Antigua Barbuda Investments (ABI) Group, which manages Jolly Beach Resort, said the bathroom facilities at the V.C. Bird International Airport were being refurbished at a cost of over EC$500,000 (US$185,185).
Mr. Stewart stated his position at the May 7 to 8 International Tourism Symposium organised by the privately owned Observer Publications Group.  

US Visa Applicants Need Appointments

Barbados, CANA - Anyone applying in person for a non-immigrant visa at the United States Embassy in Bridgetown between June 4 and August 30, 2001, must have a scheduled appointment, the Embassy said last week.
"No one will be admitted into the building for non-immigrant visa applications without proof of an appointment," the Embassy said in a statement.
It said appointments can be made from May 14 by calling the Tourist Visa Appointment Hotline at (246) 228-6340, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The hotline is strictly for appointments, and no visa questions will be answered on it.

Mail-in visa applications will not be affected by this system, the Embassy said.  

St. Vincent Firms Applaud Tax Break

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CANA - The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce has welcomed tax concessions announced by government last week and President, Martin La Borde said business owners are already taking advantage of the reprieve.
"A check with leading accounting firms indicate that businesses are already calling into them to bring their arrears up to date," Mr. La Borde said.
Early last week, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, announced reductions of 75 percent and 90 percent on interest and penalties on company taxes, personal income tax, motor vehicle licenses and drivers licenses, some dating back before 1997.
The concessions apply during May, which has been declared tax concession month. Mr. La Borde told the Caribbean News Agency Friday that the move was a positive one in that both the government and business owners stand to benefit.
 The Chamber president confirmed the Prime Minister's statement that persons had been staying away from the Department because of the size of their arrears.
Persons who make use of the concessions are also assured that they can work out arrangements with the Inland Revenue Department to pay their outstanding 10 percent on a scheduled basis.

30 Families Homeless After Jamaica Blaze

Jamaica, CANA - A fire destroyed 20 small wooden homes in a poor section of Kingston last Friday, leaving over 30 families homeless.
According to the Observer newspaper, four units from the Jamaica Fire Brigade put out the huge blaze at around 5 p.m., two hours after it started.
It is not clear how the fire started, though a television report alleged it was sparked by a boy playing with matches.  

SPORTS

FEATURES/OPINION

Caricom States Urged to Ratify Court to Fight Political Crimes

By Keith "Stone" Greaves  

Regional governments were urged to move swiftly to ratify the treaty that would activate the International Criminal Court --during a ratification and implementation workshop for Caribbean countries in Kingston, Jamaica.

The four-day meeting brought together representatives of regional governments, non-governmental organisations (NGO's) and media personnel.

The treaty to establish the ICC is called the Rome Statute, because it was agreed to in Rome, Italy, in July 1998, with 120 nations voting in favour, seven voting against, and 21 abstaining.

The ICC will not be a reality, however, until 60 nations have ratified the treaty. For many, ratification requires passing a bill in parliament.

Brigitte Suhr, a lawyer with the International Justice Program (Human Rights Watch) based in New York, told journalists during the Kingston conference that 30 countries including three from the Caribbean have ratified the treaty, while more than 190 have signed it, the first step towards ratification. Belize, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago are the regional states that have ratified the treaty to date. Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti,

Jamaica and St Lucia have signed. Officials expect the remaining 30 ratifications by mid 2002.

The International Criminal Court is to be a permanent international tribunal with a permanent seat in the Hague. It would try individuals responsible for the most serious international crimes: war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Any individual, regardless of civilian or military status or official position, could be brought to trial, but then only when national courts have failed to prosecute the individual. Each country would retain primary responsibility to prosecute serious international crimes. The ICC would step in only as a last resort.

The ICC would differ from the International Court of Justice (World Court) and other existing international tribunals. The World Court is an organ of the United Nations and hears disputes among countries. The ICC would not be an organ of the UN and would try individuals only.

Judges and Prosecutor of the Court would be elected by secret ballot by the Assembly of State Parties, by at least two-thirds of the voting states. 

Among the penalties the ICC could impose would be imprisonment for up to 30 years -- in exceptionally grave cases, to life in prison -- a fine or forfeiture of proceeds of a crime.The ICC would not impose the death penalty.

Some aspects of the proposed court are ground-breaking in terms of international law. They include: recognition of sexual violence as a war crime, special services to victims and witnesses, and the court's independence from the UN Security Council.

The ICC's creation has had its share of controversy. Most notably, the U.S. government opposed the ICC, arguing it challenges the country's judicial sovereignty and may expose its armed forces personnel to politically motivated trials.

Proponents of the court counter that checks and balances are built into the process. Still, some U.S. legislators have introduced a bill that would withdraw military assistance to countries that ratify the ICC treaty. President Clinton signed the Rome Treaty last December 31, just hours ahead of the deadline. Senate ratification is not expected soon.

Financing of the International Criminal Court is still under negotiation.

A three-judge panel would be elected (not appointed) hear the trial and pass judgment. There would be no right to trial by jury. There would be 18 judges, a prosecutor and a deputy prosecutor.

Under the ICC treaty, heads of state would not be immune from prosecution, there would be no statute of limitations and states could be required to extradite their nationals to face prosecution.

The Jamaica conference was a joint project of the Rights and Democracy International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (R&D),

International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (ICCLR), The Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS) and the Canadian Network for an International Criminal Court c/o The World Federalists of Canada.

The United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD) also provided support for the workshop.  

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Dance of the Hours

Daytime entry is not a quick drive,

It depends on just when you arrive;

Should they open the gate

Fifty-five minutes late,

It's still  'Come out by two forty-five.'

Exodus II

More of our people are quittin'

Antigua and movin' to Britain;

The reason, once there,

More generous care

That DFID has not underwritten.  

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin why the officer at Community Services inviting the young police officer to so many Sunday afternoon parties.

Jus wonderin if they were dancing too close Sunday night at AG’s party.

Jus wonderin if she shouldn’t help the police officer to sort out his marriage.

Jus wonderin which media staff was the center of attraction at the fishing tournament.

Jus wonderin if it is true the tour guides here not showing interest in redevelopment.

Jus wonderin which day is really the day of worship.

Jus wonderin if time has no wings, how can it fly so fast.

Jus wonderin if there is nothing better than teaching those young people to handle guns so early.

Jus wonderin if they don’t know they may be creating the island’s Achilles heels.

Jus wonderin why Eve was counting Adams ribs after he came home late.

Jus wonderin who is threatening to get rid of the tourist head.

Jus wonderin if they already have the British national to replace the person.

Jus wonderin why all the business place are crying out so.

Jus wonderin if people a really plan fu lef sooner than we think.

Jus wonderin if the British plan fan so long is finally working.

Jus wonderin if its too early to hear from the X chief.

Jus wonderin if it is true that DFID workers are buying properties as soon as they become available.

Jus wonderin why we have so many actors in the government services and police force.

Jus wonderin if the barber is still reversing.

Jus wonderin if things are really that bad why everyone face is so long.

Jus wonderin who will step in to help us.

Jus wonderin who now is the minister of silence.

Jus wonderin if Kinsale people are really people of little words.

Jus wonderin if someone will lend me $55.00 to buy my mother something for Mother's Day.

Jus wonderin who should be blamed for the accident.

Jus wonderin if and when this airport thing is going to materialise.

Just wonderin if we need to start training our radio announcers how to read more.

Jus wonderin why the bank is still taking $3.00 per month from our savings.

Jus wondering if they do not know that we cannot even afford to pay a cent.

Jus wonderin if only when they have competition our fishermen can catch fish.

Jus wonderin if a special prayer from the Mothers on their day will help the country.

Jus wonderin if the parents of the young girls are encouraging them to work their emotions to help out with the hard times.

Jus wonderin if the boys will be next.

Jus wonderin if it is true that 85% of the construction workers are foreigners.

Jus wonderin what extra burden and effect that is having on the local economy.

Jus wonderin why the girls in Salem charging so much for the little five minutes stress reliever.

Jus wonderin if that is why the DFID staff stay here for their stress busters instead of going to Antigua.

Jus wonderin if their business is the only one that can raise its prices.

Jus wonderin if it is true that the protection man is the pimp or don of the business.

Jus wonderin if the volcano finish with that, or it know that we really can't take any more pressure..

Jus wonderin where my next dollar will come from.

Jus wonderin if the police at the country's entrance is really working favourably with the girls.

Jus wonderin who will be the next PS if the chief office and in Personnel.

Jus wonderin if they will give the action man another contract.

Jus wonderin if everybody now have a space to rent.

Jus wonderin who really stop the wedding and if there will be a wedding soon.

Jus wonderin which senior one at the hotel will tryin to be the manager when she can't count and speak to the guests.

Jus wonderin if the three pregnant women will give birth to three baby boys to complete their father left off.

Jus wonderin if the fairy godmother from the school rear her own godson for herself.

Jus wonderin if the bus driver change woman from his cousin at emergency to a Guyanese.

Jus wonderin why the fairy godmother use her godson for herself and go to Anglican church every Sunday.

Jus wonderin if gas and electricity bills will cook and shock us into our graves.

Jus wonderin when we will get the plenty LOVE & MONEY.

Jus wonderin if they following DFID orders what next  they plan to increase on us.

Jus wonderin if the doc might make more money from treating us than from his political office.

Jus wonderin if I should stop wonderin and wish all mothers a Happy Mothers Day.

Jus wonderin if all mothers would be pampered and given the special love and care they deserve.  

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