Dumped Boulders Imperil Runaway Ghaut Trail Hikers
Rocks and boulders scour the side of the cliff down to the bed of the ghaut
On Labour Day holiday Monday this week, members of a prayer group led by Mrs. Verna Brandt narrowly escaped serious injury while trekking the National Trust created nature trail from Runaway Ghaut down to the beach just off the main road below and behind the Montserrat Secondary School.
Mrs. Brandt reported that on their way back from the beach, up the trail close to the main road at Runaway Ghaut, they heard and then saw boulders rushing down the side of the cliff towards them.
“We were right at the bottom when the rocks came tumbling down at a great speed,” Mrs. Brandt said. “We screamed, we tried to call out to the person above, but of course the load was already dumped, so we had to jump and get out of the way. A couple of us fell down but thank God we were not hurt,”
She said she complained to the Tourist Board and was told they will have to look into it, and probably put up a sign there saying “No Dumping,” since it is an established trail.
She lamented that the Tourist Board is encouraging tourists and locals to make use of it, and “we can’t do that if, at any time, people will be dumping things down there.”
Meanwhile Tony Maloney, Interim Director of the Montserrat National Trust, said he was not aware that the trail is affected by the area being used as a dump and added that they need to determine the history of the dumps, because “there is deliberately dumping.”
construction debris and garbage
He said it is an attractive trail that people are using, and that “we shouldn’t see a trail made hazardous by indiscriminate dumping by truckers.”
Mr. Maloney added that they will attempt to get the dumping stopped and that it was important that the public cooperates in this drive as it is harmful to the eco-tourism of the island.
Several persons including MP Reuben Meade noted that Public Works trucks have been the main culprit said. “The authorities should plant trees, perhaps neme or grape trees, along the border at the top of the slope to block and stabilize the area,” Mr. Meade said.
Permanent Secretary Jim Taylor at the Ministry of Communications and Works said he was unaware of any directive for their trucks to use the area as a dump and, “in fact we have prior to now taken the initiative of asking the Ministry of Agriculture to take steps in preventing that same area below the road from being undermined.”
Police, Fire Officers Report to the Public
section of the audience at the meeting
The Royal Montserrat Police Force (RMPF), in conjunction with the Community and Police Consultative Group, held their annual general meeting, at the Police Conference Room, Government Headquarters, Brades, on Tuesday evening.
Fire Chief, Leslie Sweeney and Inspector Woodley
At the 2½-hour meeting Police Force top brass and Fire Chief Leslie Sweeney presented their annual report for the period 2001-02, and gave an overview to the public of their departments’ work, achievements and shortcomings.
A lively question and answer period followed, allowing the public the opportunity to make suggestions and comments on the various issues presented.
A major highlight of the report period was Commissioner John Douglas’s appointment as commissioner, and his being the first to make a mission statement shortly after taking up the appointment on April 5, 2002.
This statement set out to develop the RMPF into an effective organization, which delivers a high quality and impartial service to the community it serves, whilst the vision is to deliver community policing to the population of Montserrat within five years.
In his address, the Commissioner highlighted major areas they have been working on including; domestic violence, child abuse, crime, security, development projects, training of officers in various aspects of policing, promotions of officers and a review of the present RMPF service.
He also noted the community work they have been involved with, including the Police and Fire Week, where monies from the various activities held were donated to local non-profit organizations.
Other officers making presentations were; Superintendent Steve Foster, Inspectors Ezra Greer and Ivan Duberry and Chief Fire Officer, Leslie Sweeney.
Acting Chief Minister Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe told the audience that locally, the police and their divisions “are critical agencies and must be given resources to provide the technical inputs to the process,” whilst at the regional level, “the police force must be involved in goal setting, as well as establishing joint positions with external entities in the OECS and CARICOM.”
Minister Dyer-Howe commended the police on their community policing efforts and urged them to develop their own “unique brand of community policing, a brand that can be modeled by other countries, I want us to boast of the lowest crime rate in the region, if not internationally,”she said.
"Media Evidence Grows that We Are Not Alone in Being Fooled"
An article in the New Yorker of May 3, 2003, by the well respected investigative reporter Seymour M Hersh, provided information suggesting that Donald Rumsfeld, led by his advisors, fooled America into believing certain “facts” regarding the eventual war with Iraq.
One heading given waas “How Rumsfeld fooled America.” Someone reacting to that said it ought to be “How Rumsfeld has been fooled by lots of people,” or “How long before the American people wake up…”
Now this week, after the BBC, for about a third time, aired a program on Montserrat in which several officials and others on Montserrat spoke candidly to one of their reporters, there has been much discussion. The surprise is, how come the sudden interest.
There could be several reasons for this: The recent judgment showing the unconstitutionality of the silencing of civil servants; the current and on-going matter of the last Evacuation Order from the areas surrounding the Belham Valley, and the lively activities surrounding matters in the legislature and political atmosphere in the island.
One thing is certain. Still very alive and well is our theory that the British government is spending “pocket change” on Montserrat and has not, up to now, spent anything on Montserrat that is of serious consequence or a developmental nature.
It is easy to deny this theory, and to say look at all the money being spent on Montserrat, but do we not know what the cost of one of the bombs that fell in Iraq, some funded by our esteemed benefactors. When compared with what has been spent in Montserrat in eight years and what is projected for the next three years, isn’t it time for us to ask “When is Montserrat going to wake up?” What can we do? you ask. Listen to the Governor questioning the wisdom of spending money when there is uncertainty as to what the volcano will do to Montserrat, and to the Chief Minister, after agreeing with all the actions of the Governor, voice his own doubts about the truth of the scientists. Check out the facts and come to the reality we face. And let’s remember the Chief Minister is said to be in England right now seeking increased and improved aid funding.
Former chief minister and lawyer David Brandt, in a conversation this week with the editor, captured our situation well: “I was shocked hearing the Governor give as the reason for the UK Government not giving us an adequate airport the fact that HMG is unsure whether the volcano will not destroy the north of the island, while the scientists have always said ‘the north of the island is safe,’ ” he said.
“The scientists are in charge of monitoring the volcano and are paid by the British ($2.5 million per year – the overall MVO $4.5million). The Governor is their immediate boss in Montserrat, so for him to suggest the north of the island is unsafe, means the scientists are telling him and the British that the north of the island is unsafe and telling us that it is safe.”
“In a letter (from the British Minister Amos responding for Minister Jack Straw), to the aggrieved evacuees, it said in effect that everything that the Governor knows, says and does about the volcano is with the concurrence of the Chief Minister.
“It is the very scientists who the CM says they do not trust. Yet it is upon their advice he and the Governor say they relied to evacuate people from their homes.
“I am left to conclude that both the CM and the British want to mash up the island so that we have to leave.”
“I am fortified in that view since the CM in that sameTV broadcast said he does not trust the scientist; so which foreign investor wants to come in when the CM and Governor say the north is not safe?”
The conversations across the island have all centered around this same theme, as we all try to take dead stock.
With all the distrust, saying one thing here and another thing there, doing one thing here and another thing there, who or what can we trust? It doesn’t take much to realize that much of what happens is to satisfy one thing, some pockets and then sustain until the pain and weight gets unbearable.
How can the CM say, because he thought it would be just the world outside hearing it, that he doesn’t believe the scientists and still agree with the governor to extend his emergency powers, claiming to be acting on the advice of the scientists?
The airport construction pillages along. It is nothing more, but as the TV program narrators put it, the money spent on Montserrat, whatever the amount, would be much more meaningful, if a little more ear is given.
But of course there is also this question of who trusts whom, or for that matter, also who is fooling whom? Who are the advisors and whom are they listening to? It is nothing more than a game of the healthy, or perhaps the wealthy! But it is our lives that are stake, the very lives that they cite as the central excuse; we just die more slowly than if we lie down at the base of the volcano.
In one of the Labour Speaks programes, the author puts our position well. “A declining aid framework in a country purported to be its child, a country where when it suits our benefactors they use their authority and impose upon us what our culture, morality and religious belief dictates is morally and spiritually wrong; a country which is caught in an economic stranglehold and which will die eventually if we the people cannot arrest the economic decline and put this country an a path that encompasses viability.
“…(O)ur economic situation has placed us in a very tenuous position but, as stated many times before, while we must be thankful we cannot bow down and be subservient to the point where we find ourselves going backwards instead of forward.”
Referring to the pittance spent in Montserrat and the current expenditure for Iraq’s oil the Labour Speaks author Hylroy Bramble echoes the point: “…who will now spend billions of dollars to help with the rebuilding processes of Iraq but cannot find it expedient to spend approximately £40 million so that we in Montserrat can build an airport that will meet our present and future needs. An airport that will have the capacity to help boost our economy.”
Did I Hear You? –Read Exodus 3:7-10; 5-19,22-23
Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all- Exodus 5:23 (KJV)
God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses assumed that as a result of God’s intervention, life would get better for the Israelites and they would eventually be free. But after Moses spoke to the pharaoh, life got worse.
“Did I hear your right?” could have been Moses’ question to the Almighty. Surely Moses wanted clarification: was he carrying out God’s request?
When I encounter hurdles, delays, people who don’t or won’t understand as I try to do what God wants, I feel like asking, “Why have you sent me, God?
But God calls us for the long term, in the best of interest of God’s people. God tells us, as Moses, to take one step at a time. In faith and obedience, we can continue to follow God’s direction even when we cannot see beyond the next step, even when we see no change in our circumstances.
Prayer: Dear God, encourage us in your service, as we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into tempetation: but deliver us from evil.” Amen
Thought for the Day
We see only a part, but God sees the whole. – Margaret Ann Holt (Virginia)
Prayer Focus: Discouraged Leaders
Claude Gerald Says, ‘I did not Apologize’
Dear Editor
Contrary to media reports generated by the assertion of former Governor Anthony Abbot in his uncontested affidavit tabled in the High Court, I did not apologize for my remarks at the December 1999 Agricultural Exhibition.
I do not apologize for actions committed deliberately, purposefully and consciously. I praised Mr. Austin Bramble as the immediate past Minister of Agriculture, who was fired days before the Exhibition. Mr. Bramble is a significant former leader, whose policies still redound to our benefit after three decades. He is an icon, an elder statesman and it is difficult to suppress attraction to his legacy. I was charged for ventilating those feelings and banished to a professional wilderness.
The Public Service Commission did not know what to do. They clearly wished to throw the book at me and talk me down. As they could not do so to the framers of the senseless charge shown to be unconstitutional. They wanted a way out. I held my ground that, “I am the Director, the Director is not me,” after being lectured that a Director should guard his public pronouncements. My official function takes its cue from me and not the reverse. I was resolute that my speech represents me, the architect of its contents, and it remains without any alteration, retraction or diminution.
I however pointed out that a confidante with whom I had discussed the emotive reaction to my speech convinced me on replaying the tape that I had not greeted Mr. Brunel Meade, Bramble’s replacement, as protocol demands, at the start of my address. I was devastated by the human error, as there was no intention to slight my Cavalla Hill school contemporary. The PSC was not even aware of that and I offered of my own volition to make that right, by explaining in writing that malice was never conceived.
It is uncertain how ex-Governor Abbot made that quantum leap to his conclusion that I was remorseful and penitent. What is certain, though, as my lawyers study the judgment that gives me victory and costs without damages, is that I will not allow anyone to take liberties with my rights or, without provocation, to commit career homicide. I will defend my honour and my career with every fibre of my body, marching victoriously to my Baghdad, expecting to raise that triumphant flag, tumbling forever the statue of political and administrative bungling.
I will prevail eventually, convinced as I am, that a life that is unexamined is one not worth living.
Claude Gerald
Dr. Lowell Lewis Expands On His Remarks in LegCo Debate
Dear Editor,
I write to request that you publish this letter, in which I
express concerns about quotations attributed to me in The Montserrat Reporter of
25th April, 2003.
The quotation from my presentation in The Legislative Council debate on the
report of the Constitution Commission was incomplete. The statement quoted
should have been "The constitution should be an instrument of liberation and
not an instrument of implementation of UK Foreign Office Policy."
Secondly, my reason for not supporting the bill for amendment of the penal code,
to allow the granting of a license to operate a lottery, was that I wished to
(a) have the definition of "Lottery" clearly stated,
(b) that an independent commission be set up to award the licenses, and
(c) that draft regulations to ensure a significant government tax and donations
to charitable organisations be presented with the bill.
Lastly, the comment I made regarding the Executive Council decision on the crown
land acquisition act, did not include the word "deceive" as published in your
newspaper. I believe that it would have also been appropriate for you to make
it quite clear to the public, that you did not get the document from me, and
that the day you asked me about the decision, was the first time I saw
that Executive Council decision memorandum. It is important for the public and
colleagues to know that the oath of Executive Council remains binding, even
after a member leaves post.
Mr. Editor, your newspaper is the only reliable weekly publication coming from
Montserrat. It is important that all your articles be accurate, and I encourage
you to maintain the highest standards of journalism.
Yours Sincerely
Lowell Lewis
Editor’s Note:
We welcome on behalf of the public Dr. Lewis’ explanation of his action.
However the word “deceive” he refers to was not attributed to him, but to “a former Minister of Government.” It did not say a “recent former Minister,” and Dr. Lewis is not the only “former Minister of Government.”
It would be mere speculation on anyone’s behalf to believe that the document was obtained through or from Dr. Lewis. In fact he did not even see the document except from the back as I read the contents to him and refused to let him hold it (to protect the source), since he might have been able to identify the source.
It is also our greatest endeavour to maintain the highest standards of journalism and to keep the articles we write accurate. We encourage our readers to inform us whenever they find substantial inaccuracies in our articles.)
Differing TV, Website Scenes Puzzle an Admirer in Botswana
Dear Editor,
I am completely astounded. Some time ago, but not that long ago, we saw a programme on television documenting the destruction of your beautiful island, which appeared to be buried under volcanic ash and debris, with the evacuation of all living beings from the island..
This morning I watched a debate on whether to build a newer and better runway to service the airport!!!!
Your website looks bright and cheerful, and no sign of any debris!
Please enlighten me. Is this an island group and was only one island affected by the volcanic eruption, or have you performed a mighty miracle and got your island back in shape within such a short period of time?
I hope the latter applies...a beautiful place.
Regards and thanks,
Sue van Straten Francistown Botswana AfricaPride, Oratory, Applause Follow CARICOM Torch of Unity Run
A feeling of pride and unity struck Montserratians, as they watched and followed four local athletes run with the CARICOM Torch of Unity through a section of Montserrat Thursday morning.
After the torch arrived on the helicopter at Geralds heliport, Vachel Murraine, a fire officer, began the first leg of the run. He passed the torch on to Valerie Samuel, Sports Department Coach, at the A&F Service Center at Sweeneys, who carried it to Victor’s Supermarket at Davy Hill.
Odingo Gordon collected it there and carried it into the Government Headquarters compound, where Dillon Browne, a student from the Special Needs Unit, carried it from the parking lot by the Fire Department across to the lawns of the compound.
The large crowd gathered in the inner section of the Government Headquarters compound gave Dillon rousing applause as he handed the torch over to Acting Chief Minister Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe.
Mrs. Dyer-Howe welcomed the presentation of the CARICOM Torch of Unity Run on the island and said, “It symbolizes the spirit of unity that binds the Caribbean community together on the 30th anniversary of this important regional movement.” She said it represented the vision of the Founding Fathers of CARICOM, “a vision that every Caribbean citizen must take on board and ensure that it is understood and shared by each of our children and grand children.”she said.
“Montserrat is extremely proud of its membership in CARICOM,” she said, noting that there are many people from other Caribbean countries living and working here to help in the rebuilding process of the island. She also cited the donation of 15 three-bedroom houses in the Lookout Community, “Caricom Village,” as another example.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were His Excellency Governor Anthony Longrigg, Ministers of Government John Wilson and Mrs. Idabelle Meade, senior government officials, students from the Montserrat Secondary School and the Brades, Lookout and St. Augustine Primary Schools, and members of the public.
Local steel pan player David Greenaway did a pan rendition of Trinidadian calypsonian ‘Black Stalin’s “Caribbean Man,”while four students from the three primary schools recited a poem on the need for regional unity.
Sports Officer Fitzroy Buffonge and the staff of the Chief Minister jointly coordinated the event.
The Torch of Unity Run is being held in celebration of CARICOM’s 30th anniversary, which will be observed in July this year, under the theme, “Integration-Our Key to Prosperity.”
The Torch was lit during the 14th Intercessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad on February 13, this year, and is expected to travel throughout all CARICOM States before going to its final destination in Jamaica, for the next Heads of Government conference.
The Torch left Montserrat this morning for Anguilla.
Hybrid Masqueraders Become Front Page News in St. Thomas
Montserrat’s Hybrid masqueraders were the star attraction at the 2003 St. Thomas Carnival.
So great was their impact that the masqueraders were featured on the front page of the May 3-4, 2003 Virgin Islands Daily News during the Children’s Parade last Friday in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Spokesman for the group and one of the dancers, Fitzroy Martin, told the Government Information Unit (GIU) that the trip was “overwhelming”.
According to Mr. Martin, the reception put on by the Montserrat Association of the Virgin Islands, with support from the Virgin Islands Council of the Arts, was “first class.”
He said the Montserrat masqueraders were involved in three major performances during their visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands last weekend.
The Hybrid masqueraders made a guest appearance on the Children’s Parade last Friday with about 35 other groups. Mr. Martin said the parade stretched for about one mile and a half and ran from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Montserratian masqueraders also performed during the Adult Parade, which involved about 52 traditional troupes and bands on Saturday.
The parade was broadcast live on both radio and television in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On Sunday, the Hybrid masqueraders gave a matinee performance for Montserratians living on St Thomas at Victor’s Hideaway Restaurant and Bar – a favourite ‘liming’ spot for Montserratians and nationals from other Caribbean islands. Victor’s Hideaway is owned and operated by Montserratian businessman Victor Sydney.
The Montserrat Association of the Virgin Islands was responsible for coordinating the matinee performance.
Fitzroy Martin told the GIU that the Hybrid masqueraders have an offer to perform on the other U.S. Virgin Island territory of St. John in February 2004.
“The offer came about after a lady saw us performing on St. Thomas on the television while she was on St. John. She came over to St. Thomas and asked us if we would be interested in performing on St. John early next year,” Mr. Martin said.
It was the masqueraders second visit to St Thomas, having performed on the island in 2001.
Mr. Martin said, “We were part of a Caribbean cultural session in the first trip, but the reception this time was a lot better; we were exposed to a lot more people, actually thousands of people, so mostly likely we expected to have a great time.
“The crowd was mostly astonished with the way we danced; it was very unique and different from their traditional dance; that is why we made such an impression on the Islanders,” he said.
Hybrid is one of only two masquerades groups still performing on Montserrat. The other is the all female group, the Brades PTA masqueraders.
Members of the Hybrid masqueraders expressed their gratitude to the government and people of the Virgin Islands, in particular the Montserrat Association of the Virgin Islands, for allowing them to perform during their carnival.
71-lb. Wahoo Captures Fishing Tourney Record
Scores of people turned out at Festival Village Monday afternoon to see the local fishermen bring in their catch of the day, one of the highlights of the 10th Montserrat Fishing Tournament on Labour Day.
The tournament was organised by the Montserrat Fishing Cooperative and sponsored by Carib Brewery Ltd. and the local business community.
The one-day tournament, which began at 5:30 a.m., attracted 16 boats and saw fishermen vying for prizes in the categories of 11 fish species, both deep sea and pelagic (open water) fish, and also for the most fish and the heaviest poundage in each of the two categories.
Danny Sweeney, captain of the Jumping Jack, broke the record for the heaviest Wahoo at 71 lbs., beating out Dr. Nick Fuller’s 1990 catch of 48 lbs. He also won in the category of the heaviest poundage for the pelagic fish.
Carlton O’Garro, captain of the J.J III won prizes for the heaviest poundage for deep-sea fish and also for catching the most deep sea fish.
Other prizewinners were Peter Aymer, captain of Sacrifice, who caught the largest and heaviest grouper (75 lbs), and James Boatswain, captain of the Rainbow Runner, who caught the largest shark.
Judges for the competition were, Melissa O’Garro, Norman Ryan, Bertrand Osborne and Clarence Greaves.
Minister of Agriculture Mrs. Annie Dyer-Howe presented the winners with their prizes.
John Jeffers, Fisheries Assistant at the Ministry of Agriculture, said he was pleased with the large turnout by the community and noted that even before the prizewinners were announced, many people rushed to buy the prize fish.
On exporting this tournament as an annual tourist event, Mr. Jeffers said they are thinking of returning to the two-day tournaments they used to have in the late before the volcano became active, where both overseas and local fishermen competed.
This, he said, would attract more visitors to the island and sell Montserrat.
C&W, Basil Morgan Give MSS Tickets For Antigua Final Test Cricket
The Montserrat Secondary School received a donation of 22 tickets from Cable & Wireless (Montserrat) and Montserrat International Cricket umpire, Mr. Basil Morgan on Tuesda, for the fourth and final test cricket test between West Indies and Australia in Antigua today.
In the two separate presentations made both by Mr. Morgan and Cable & Wireless, the first which was made by Mr. Morgan at the MSS compound, Mr. Morgan told the students that for the second year in a row he was very happy to make some tickets available to the school, "I want to give back something to the community. It is my little way of giving something back to the game that has done so much for me,” adding “Our aim should be to develop young minds," Mr. Morgan said.
Sports Officer Mr. Fitzroy Buffonge challenged the students to make good use of the tickets by attending the game and for those students who have an interest in cricket to learn from the professionals, “the trip should not be a joy ride but one that would be rewarding for you.”
MSS principal Kathleen L. Greenaway, in accepting the tickets, commended the effort of Mr. Morgan and said it was her desire to see budding young cricketers get the exposure to develop their skills on the island.”
She also praised the work of the Sports Department in coordinating the presentation, “I think it is a wonderful gesture of allowing students to see the test match in Antigua," Miss Greenaway said.
She also echoed the sentiments of the Sports Officer that it should not be just another trip to Antigua, but one that would be meaningful and a learning experience.
At the Cable & Wireless headquarters in Sweeneys, C&W Sales and Marketing representative Joseph Cassell, on behalf of the local company, made the presentation of tickets to MSS principal Ms. Kathleen L. Greenaway.
Mr. Cassell said, “Cable & Wireless is once more showing its commitment to Montserrat. We recognize that we have a social responsibility within the economy of Montserrat and as such this presentation simply marks another of the number of things that we have tried to ensure that we can provide good services to our country and to ensure also that our youths which form an integral part of the development of the country can be taken forward."
In addition to the tickets, Cable & Wireless has also provided meal allowances for the students.
Sports Officer Fitzroy Buffonge said, “It is the second year that Cable & Wireless is donating tickets to the MSS so that students at the school with an interest in cricket can actually witness a test match in Antigua.”
He added: “It is not when the economy of the country is strong and when things are good that you measure commitment, but it is when things are bad.”
“The Sports Department wants to say a hearty thank you to the company for their contributions to cricket development and Montserrat,” he said.
Ms. Greenaway extended her gratitude to Cable and Wireless, and said, “Again this company has shown itself to be true partners of education in Montserrat and particularly to the Montserrat Secondary School.”
One of the students said, “I am very thankful for the tickets. Now it’s more affordable for my parents to send me to see the game. All I need now is my passage and a little spending money.”
Montserrat’s New Potters Exhibit Wares to Acclaim
Only six weeks after Mrs. Idabelle Meade, the Hon. Minister of Education, Health and Community Services, hailed the new pottery project and the opening of its building opened, Ministers, the Governor and members of the public gathered Wednesday morning to view the end products.
In viewing the exhibits at Brades Primary School, Permanent Secretary Eugene Skerritt lit up with satisfaction and said, “I am absolutely pleased with the exhibition, remembering my concern for person in Montserrat and their willingness to take part in this project during its planning stage.”
“I was wondering if people would take advantage of this opportunity, knowing that they have the potential to produce good quality art work,” he said “However I am not surprised with the presentation produced here today.”
Mrs. Meade said, “The pottery students did an excellent job with the exhibits, they really put in a lot of time and effort and dedication into this exhibition,”
“Seeing the quality of work produced here,” she added, “the Community Services Department is hoping to start an evening class to accommodate those persons who works during the day and are interested in learning pottery.”
She urged the new potters, “Let your golden rule for this pottery business be that you will sell good merchandise at a reasonable profit and that you will treat your customers with courtesy and high regard so that they will always come back for more."
She called on local citizens and business people to support the pottery enterprise, because, she noted, in doing so "you are supporting the young people of Montserrat."
Robert Campbell, a Jamaican master potter, spent weeks teaching the new potters their craft. He made brief remarks on the history of pottery and its achievements and urged the people of Montserrat to support this regained art form.
Water Authority Begins Rationing Over Night
The Montserrat Water Authority (MWA) began rationing the water supply to various areas on the island on Wednesday.
MWA Emile Duberry said in a press release that the action was made necessary by the ongoing dry season, which has negatively impacted on the spring yield of the water source, thus causing water levels in the reservoirs to be extremely low.
He said that though various areas would be affected during the rationing period, “every effort would be maintain the supply at the Hospital.”
The water supply will be interrupted in the following areas from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on this schedule:
Mr. Duberry pointed out that if the present schedule does not yield any significant improvements, the MWA “will find it necessary to ration water during the daylight hours, and if the situation improves, they will reduce rationing.”
UWI Jamaica Unit Donates $3,700 for Fergus Scholars
The University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Continuing Studies, with headquarters in Jamaica, has made a donation of EC$3,700 to the Sir Howard Fergus Scholarship Fund, according to a press release from the local School of Continuing Studies.
The release stated that UWI Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor Lawrence Carrington, in authorizing the donation, expressed his delight at the project and said, “We are both pleased and encouraged to learn of this worthy gesture.”
The Montserrat Festival Committee formally established the Fund on March 25 this year, with the aim of promoting academic and technical assistance to deserving applicants particularly in the disciplines of commerce and industry.
The New York Montserrat Progressive Society and the Montserrat Association of Montreal, Canada, two overseas-based Montserratian organizations, have already given donations to the foundations.
A public appeal has been made in support of the Fund.
Special Olympics Week Begins Here Tomorrow
The Montserrat Special Olympics group joins the rest of the Caribbean to celebrate Special Olympics week with weeklong activities beginning tomorrow.
Mrs. Heather Daley, president of the Special Olympics, group said the week of activities will open with a telethon on ZJB which begins at 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Rose Willock’s programme. Activities continue on Wednesday with a Bocce Tournament at the St. Peter’s Sports Ground, where representatives from the Fire Department, the Police Force and the Defense Force, as well as two Special Olympics athletes, will be participating in the tournament.”
“After the tournament eight athletes will leave Montserrat to compete in the Special Olympics games in St. Kitts on May 16,” she said.
The group will also be hosting a fund-raising drive for the uniforms and equipments for the Special Olympics athletes competing in St. Kitts. Funds were also donated by the Rotary Club and by restaurants in Montserrat.
Contributions Honored By Bank of Montserrat
As part of its 15th anniversary celebration, the Bank of Montserrat (BoM) honored four employees and former directors of the bank for outstanding service and dedication with plaques and gift vouchers.
Employees Walter Blake, James Cabey, Miss Valerie Daley and Miss Bernadette Matthew were honored for 13 years of service each, whilst directors John Wilson, D.R.V. (Frank) Edwards and Neville Kirwan were given awards for ten years of service each, and John Allen and Mrs. Theresa Silcott were both honored for eight years.
Mr. Gregory de Gannes, former bank manager, and Charles T. John, resident representative of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), also received awards.
The awards were given at a cocktail held on Saturday evening at the Goodlife Night Club, Little Bay.
After an invocation by Rev. Florence Daley, Chairman D.R.V. Edwards gave an overview of the bank’s assets and its achievements over the years, despite numerous adversities, especially during the onset of the volcanic crisis.
Mr. Edwards emphasised that the challenge for the bank “lies in meeting our obligation to the ECCB and realizing profits for our shareholders.” He said “the evidence is indisputable. The Bank of Montserrat has been playing a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the island in all sectors of the economy, providing finance for housing, commercial buildings, hotels, guest houses, machinery and working capital for the private sector.”
Charles T. John read a congratulatory note from the ECCB headquarters in St.Kitts.
Mrs. Margaret Dyer-Howe, Acting Chief Minister, said the Government of Montserrat “recognizes the sterling contribution of the bank in the development of the island.” She applauded the bank’s efforts to create a home loan plan, giving Montserratians at home and abroad the opportunity to have permanent housing, and acknowledged the bank’s contributions in serving the community through the promotion of youth, culture and education.
Future developments for the bank include its relocation from the present location at Hilltop to new premises at Brades before 2004, the installation of automated teller machines (ATM’s), and night and safety deposit boxes.
During last week, the bank held a number of activities to mark this milestone, including; a church service on Sunday, community day, where they provided meals for the elderly at the Lookout Community Center, and a customer appreciation day on Friday.
The Bank of Montserrat began operations on May 3, 1988, in the Wade Inn building in Plymouth under the helm of Hensey Fenton, who was the first manager and chairman.
Claudia Skerritt Attends Two-day Barbados Session
Claudia Skerritt, senior Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Chief Minister, is participating in the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) conference in Barbados from Wednesday to today.
The Bridsgetown conference, which is being hosted by the government of Barbados, has as its theme : “Caribbean Public Service Leadership and the Challenge of Globalization.”
A recently completed CAPAM survey of members identified globalization as one of the critical challenges facing public service leaders over the next five years.
In the Caribbean region, two developments are imminent that will significantly change national relationships and create a new environment for public service leaders.
The first is the formation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which will deepen the regional economic, social and political relationships.
This will have the effect of significant de-regulation to facilitate free movement of people, capital and services.
The second major development is the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), which is also scheduled for launch in 2005.
The FTAA will bring together countries in the Caribbean, North, Central and South America, in a new trading block.
The CAPAM organizers said: “ Against this background Caribbean public service leaders must begin to address the new demands on them and the region’s public services. They are now being called upon to lead in new environments, with new demands and expectations from stake holders.”
CARIFORUM, EU Sign Regional Strategy Project
GUYANA (CMC) -- The Caribbean Forum of the African, Caribbean
and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) signed a 57-million Euro (US$65-million)
agreement on Tuesday with the European Union that officials say underscored the
crucial role being played by Europe in the continuing development of the
Caribbean.
"The overall aim of the Regional Support Strategy is the beneficial integration
of the Caribbean region into the world economy through sustainable economic
growth, regional cohesion and stability and continued improvements in living
standards," Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Edwin Carrington
said as he signed the Regional Support Strategy Paper and Regional Indicative
Programme under the 9th European Development Fund.
"It is clear that this aim is very much in keeping with regional priorities, as
support for regional integration will assist in the establishment of a
harmonised economic space that will contribute to achieving greater
competitiveness," he added.
Mr. Carrington said that the agreement would make it easier for the Caribbean to
engage in a structural transformation and repositioning of its economy, to enter
into advantageous international trade negotiations, and ultimately to achieve
the central objective of the Cotonou Agreement - that of poverty reduction.
He said that the completion and full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market
and Economy by 2005 would go a long way towards offsetting the lack of
international competitiveness in a number of export sectors and give the region
the impetus to ease the constraints facing small economies and markets.
"It should also be noted here that there is already in place a Free Trade
Agreement between CARICOM and the other member of CARIFORUM, the Dominican
Republic underlining the intensification of the regional integration process,"
he added.
Mr. Carrington said that building upon a progressively harmonised economic
space, the strengthening of trade-related capacity should enable the Caribbean
region to play a full part in and take full advantage of international trade
negotiations, which involve the World Trade Organization (WTO) agenda, the Free
Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
negotiations with the European Union.
He said that also included in the new European agreement was assistance for the
region to fight against major vulnerabilities that pose serious constraints on
regional economic development and political and social stability.
CARICOM should reject US impunity agreements, says Amnesty
LONDON, CMC - Amnesty International is urging Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) Foreign Ministers, meeting in St. Vincent this week, to
support a common CARICOM position not to enter into impunity agreements with the
United States of America.
"No-one, regardless of their nationality, should have impunity for the worst
crimes known to humanity," said the human rights watchdog in a statement issued
on Wednesday.
CARICOM states are reportedly under immense pressure from the US to enter into
agreements committing them not to surrender US nationals accused of genocide,
crimes against humanity and war crimes to the new International Criminal Court.
Amnesty said in many cases, such as The Bahamas, the United States is
threatening to withdraw military assistance unless governments sign.
"These agreements are illegal as they violate the obligations of all states to
ensure that people accused of these crimes, as the most serious crimes under
international law, are brought to justice," Amnesty said.
"The US is demanding that any person accused of these crimes should be returned
to the US, without any commitment that they will be prosecuted by US courts. In
fact, in many cases the US will not be able to do so as US law does not include
many of the international crimes," it added.
Welcoming the vital contribution that the CARICOM members have made to the
establishment of the International Criminal Court, the organisation reminded the
Ministers of Foreign Affairs that, in 2009, consideration will be given to
giving the Court jurisdiction over the crime of "drug trafficking" and that any
impunity agreement entered into now could prevent investigations and
prosecutions of drug traffickers in the region in the future.
The International Criminal Court is in the process of being established and is
expected to become operational later this year.
CARICOM Foreign Ministers, attending the sixth meeting of the CARICOM Council of
Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), are discussing changes made to the
region's foreign policy strategy.
BWIA Agrees to T&T Conditions for Bailout
TRINIDAD (CMC) -- Cash-strapped airline BWIA has agreed to
provide the Trinidad and Tobago Government with a revision of its executive
compensation contracts as it accepted the conditions laid down by the Patrick
Manning administration for a multi-million-dollar finance package.
A salary review for all management and employees was part of the conditions for
the Government to provide TT$116.8 million (US$19.46 million) to bail out the
airline.
BWIA is also to review and revise the executive compensation contracts and all
other salaries and allowances, with effect from April 1, 2003."
In January the airline retrenched 617 workers as part of an initial plan to save
the company and receive a TT$13-million (US$2.1-million) package from the
Government.
In a joint statement published in the media a week ago Thursday, BWIA has
undertaken to provide Government "before the end of July" with the revision of
the executive compensation contracts and salaries and allowances of all other
staff "to take effect from April 1, 2003 and the status prior to that date".
"BWIA will, before the end of next week, present to Government its revised
policy on free and rebated travel by BWIA staff and retirees, with particular
reference to its management of such facilities designed to eliminate denied
boarding to revenue passengers," the statement said.
The joint statement followed a meeting on Wednesday between a Cabinet-appointed
committee led by Public Administration and Information Minister Dr. Lennie Saith
and a committee of the BWIA Board of Directors.
According to the statement, the two parties also agreed "The Board of Directors
of BWIA will, before the end of July, advise Government of the decision of the
private sector shareholders regarding participation in the interim financing and
of the interest of any new shareholders whom they may seek."
The statement said that the two committees would "continue to meet as necessary
in a joint effort to return the airline to viability," even as it acknowledged
that "this cannot be achieved unless all those dependent on BWIA co-operate
fully in this initiative."
St. Lucia planning '1000 Man' march
St. Lucia, CMC - St. Lucia is to stage a "1000 Man March" on
June14, described by organisers as "a small step towards the formidable task of
making men realise that a productive life starts with the inculcation of good
family values".
In the lead up to next month's march through the streets of the capital,
Castries, a number of formal activities are being planned, geared towards
getting as many men as possible to participate.
Committee Chairman Pastor Benedict Jn Baptiste noted that the island's new
prison facility has a capacity to hold 500 inmates, but the current population
stands at 490. Except for 12 women, the majority of the inmates are men, at an
average age of 20, he said.
"This is a powerful indication of the crisis affecting a large number of young
men and the massive effort it will take to make them responsible, caring
citizens," he said.
"We want men to stand up and be counted," Pastor Ben said, noting that getting
men interested in spiritual and constructive activity was a major challenge
today.
The march has been endorsed by Gender Relations and Family Affairs Minister
Sarah Flood Beaubrun who said that the 1000 Man March was consistent with her
Ministry's plans for guiding and helping young or troubled males to be better
citizens.
"Men are reluctant to come out with their problems because of their macho image.
That is where a Men's Resource Center can help. We have been grappling with the
idea of mobilizing men, that's why we are keen on supporting the march," she
added.
She also welcomed the committee's longer-term plan for the creation of an
institution to help counsel and guide men with domestic and personal problems.
Guy Mayers, President of the St. Lucia Chamber of Industry and Commerce, which
is also involved in the planning of the march, acknowledged that the support of
women was crucial in obtaining support of men for the march.
"We know that without the support of the ladies we would not get men to come out
and march," he said.
Trinidad minority opposition party launches new civil group
Trinidad, CMC - The minority opposition National Team Unity (NTU)
has launched a new organization it says is dedicated to "building a new Trinidad
and Tobago".
NTU leader and former Attorney General Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj launched the
Movement for Social Transformation and National Redemption over the weekend,
saying it would comprise citizens from all walks of life, races, religion and
political affiliation.
"We will be a watchdog organization. We will support what is right and we will
fight against what is wrong. We will use whatever expertise in the group to help
the poor and the less privileged and those who are unable to help themselves,"
Maharaj said.
Maharaj, whose NTU opted not to contest the October 7 general elections, told
the launch that both the Government and the main opposition United National
Congress (UNC) were behaving like "spoilt brats" in the handling of critical
affairs and issues such as crime affecting the nation.
Maharaj said the two main political organisations here wanted to "take their bat
and ball home because they cannot have their own way".
He said as a result of such an attitude the country was suffering from a number
of problems, including the adverse consequences from the illegal drugs trade
that was destroying the lives of the persons in society.
"Crime is now totally out of control and daily our citizens are being murdered.
The health sector is in crisis. Our doctors and nurses are forced to take
industrial action because of the inability of the government to deal
expeditiously with the issues that are creating the problems."
"The existing in Parliament encourages and facilitates the Government to be
dictatorial. The Opposition has disabled itself from making the Government
properly account to the people for acts of governmental corruption, abuse or
misuse of power, political patronage or nepotism," he added.
Trinidad police blame drugs, drinking for rising road deaths
Trinidad, CMC - Trinidad and Tobago authorities on Monday
blamed a combination of factors, including drugs and drinking, for the rising
death toll on the nation's highways.
Over the weekend, five people lost their lives in road accidents, pushing the
tally to 78 for the year.
Randolph Goorasingh 24, and Ian Mohammed, 23, died when their vehicle crashed
into another vehicle after Goorasingh lost control of the car. Three other
passengers in the vehicle were also injured.
Police said that the youths were on their way to the Point Fortin celebrations
in south Trinidad on Saturday night when the accident occurred.
"These accidents are consistent with a combination of speed, inexperience, drugs
and drinks, selfishness and that's the reality," Assistant Commissioner of
Police Deochan Gosine was quoted in the media here as saying.
Earlier, three men were killed in separate road accidents, including Wendell
George, 28, who died after a blown out tyre resulted in him losing control and
the car crashing into a ditch along the Churchill Roosevelt highway, east of
here.
Gosine told reporters that police had established several roadblocks over the
last weekend particularly to deal with the Point Fortin Borough Day
celebrations, but to little avail.
"What more can we do?" he said, while renewing his appeal to the public to obey
the Highway Code.
Last week, five people, including three Venezuelan nationals, were killed when a
truck ploughed into their vehicle along the highway in East Trinidad.
The driver, Wiltshire Modeste, 57, has since appeared before a magistrate
charged with five counts of manslaughter.
Cable & Wireless CEO Errald Miller Resigns
JAMAICA (CMC) -- Errald Miller, Chief Executive Officer of
Cable & Wireless West Indies Region, has resigned from the company with
immediate effect, slightly more than two years after he was appointed to the top
job.
A statement from Cable & Wireless Jamaica Limited on Monday morning announced
Mr. Miller's departure but give no reason for his sudden move, saying, however,
that it
was a personal one.
Robert Lerwill, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless Regional, said of Mr. Miller’s
departure, “Errald has had an illustrious career with Cable & Wireless and has
made an important contribution to the Caribbean businesses for which I would
personally like to thank him.”
Mr. Miller will remain at the company for a short period to
assist in a smooth transition.
As a result of Miller's departure, there will be changes to the management of
the major business entities, which comprise Cable & Wireless West Indies, the
Jamaican operations as well as those in the Eastern Caribbean and Northern
Region, the company said.
Gary Barrow, President of Cable & Wireless Jamaica, will immediately begin
reporting directly to the CEO Lerwill, while the Executive Vice-Presidents of
the Eastern Caribbean and Northern Regions will report to James Cheesewright,
Chief Operating Officer of Cable& Wireless Regional.
Mr. Miller had served Cable & Wireless for 31 years.
Uncertainty Dogs Dominica Unions
DOMINICA (CMC) -- The President of the Public Service Union (PSU),
Sonia Williams, told members Monday to remain united in the face of numerous
challenges facing the union.
In her May Day address, Ms. Williams said public servants were now faced with
pay cuts, job uncertainty, as well as thr0eats on the lives of the leadership of
their Union.
"We can safely say our pay is not equal to our labor," she said.
Ms. Williams said the PSU is also concerned that the standard
of living of public officers continues to deteriorate, adding that the jobs of
public officers were no longer secure.
"As we look forward to budget day 2003, workers await with much apprehension and
uncertainty, wondering how much more sacrifice they will be expected to make,
and at what expense.
"Now more than ever, public officers must stay together. We cannot allow
challenges to frustrate or divide," she said.
Addressing a PSU rally here on Monday, General Secretary Thomas Letang lashed
out at government parliamentarians who suggested that trade union demonstrations
could be linked to terrorism. Parliament passed a new Anti-terrorism Act last
week.
"When in our efforts to fight terrorism, we link terrorism to demonstrations by
a union and we cannot stand and say that this nonsense should not even go to
parliament, something is wrong!" Mr. Letang told union members.
The PSU continues to voice its dissatisfaction over government's decision to
deduct monies from members' salaries for the days out on strike last February.
"They (government) believe that by not paying salaries for the period we
protested, that would have destroyed the union," he said. "But I have news for
them, it has strengthened
us, and if we have to do it again we will.
"We recognised that many before us sacrificed not only salaries but their
lives. So we are prepared to sacrifice a few days work," he added.
Dominica AG Bewails Frequency of Strikes
DOMINICA (CMC) -- Attorney General Henry Dyer said Monday
government is concerned about the frequency of strikes here in recent times.
In a Labour Day address, Mr. Dyer noted that there were three strikes in 2001,
compared to nine last year, with the operations of both government and the
private sector also affected by a number of strikes this year, mainly over pay
and working conditions.
"I wish to echo a national call for industrial peace and stability," he said.
He also called for a peaceful settlement to the current dispute between the
Waterfront and Allied Workers Union and the Dominica Port Authority, while
stating that workers should understand their role at a time when sacrifices need
to be made.
"We have to recognise that our country need us more and we should try to ensure
that industrial peace is maintained, to ensure stability and to attract
investments," he said.
He also thanked the trade unions and employers' representatives who have served
on the various industrial relations committees for their efforts in attempting
to take the country forward.
Mr. Dyer said their recommendations were being considered with a view to
implementation. He thanked all employees for their sacrifice towards the
country's fiscal stabilisation and economic recovery programme.
"Your efforts shall certainly redound to your future prosperity," he said.
Early polls in Antigua and Barbuda?
ST.JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC -Prime Minister Lester Bird has given
the biggest hint of his intention to call a general election in Antigua and
Barbuda by year end.
He says the polls, constitutionally due next year, would be held as soon as the
voter re-registration process scheduled is completed by September.
The Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda recently signed a US500.000
dollar agreement with the Jamaica Electoral Commission (JEC) to assist in
upgrading the islands' electoral system that will include the first-time use of
voter identification cards.
Both the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (A&BLP) and the main opposition
United Progressive Party (UPP) have started selecting candidates for the
election that is constitutionally due by March next year.
St. Vincent Launches Probe Into Shipyard Project’s Costs
ST. VINCENT (CMC) -- Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has
given an assurance that the recently-launched commission of inquiry into the
Ottley Hall Development Project will not be a witch hunt, but a "truth hunt" to
get to the bottom of what happened at the controversial shipyard project.
The project, for which loan financing was guaranteed by the previous New
Democratic Party (NDP) administration through an Italian bank, has been shrouded
in allegations of financial impropriety, with a recent audit revealing that
while it was worth at most EC$20 million (US$7.5 million), more than EC$150
million (US$56.4 million) was spent to bring it into operation.
Speaking at the official launch of the commission of inquiry here last week,
Prime Minister Gonsalves pointed out that large sums of money had been spent on
the project - much more that what it is currently valued at - adding that
government had a moral and political duty to find out what went wrong.
While stating that the government has no role in the Commission except to ensure
that administrative and support systems were in place, Dr. Gonsalves said the
government would not flinch from carrying out the recommendations of the
Commission in which it has a juridical responsibility.
He made it clear that finding the truth in such a complex matter was not a cheap
exercise, as it would involve several countries and continents.
Sole Commissioner Justice Ephraim Georges, in remarks at this official launch,
indicated that the Commission would need the effort and cooperation of all
persons involved, especially the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to
complete the inquiry on time.
Justice Georges also called on persons with information regarding the project to
come forward.
He pointed out that the Commission of Inquiry was not a court of law, but a
co-operative activity to get to the root of the Ottley Hall failure.
The Senior Counsel to the Commission is prominent Dominica attorney Anthony
Astaphan, who will be assisted by Vincentian lawyer Joseph Delves.
The Commission is not expected to begin public hearings before early July.
Officials said this would give the investigators time to conduct investigations
here and abroad.
St. Kitts Prepares for 33rd Meeting Of Caribbean Development Bank
ST. KITTS -- The coordinating committee for the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank began making final plans this week for the May 14 official opening.
Governors and officials of the well-known regional institution, which has funded many developmental projects in St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean countries, will review the Bank’s performance and discuss its future plans and programmes when they meet May 14 and 15 at the St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Casino.
Delegates are expected from the member countries and institutions of the Caribbean Development Bank, while representatives from countries such as the United States, Japan, Nigeria and Cuba are expected to attend as observers. Institutions such as the World Bank, UNESCO, and the FAO are expected also to be present.
Among the key functions that surround the 33rd meeting will be the William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, to be presented by Sir George Alleyne, Director Emeritus of the Pan American Health Organization, on Tuesday, May 13, at the Conference Centre of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank.
Several social events form part of the 33rd meeting of the CDB Board of Governors, including a St. Kitts and Nevis Government-hosted cocktail reception and cultural evening at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Possible Study Could Help Protect Saba Bank Fisheries
SABA (SGIS) – Leader of Government and Commissioner Will Johnson was recently told that former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles Don Martina will be attending a meeting in June organized by Conservation International (CI).
Commissioner Johnson told the Saba Government Information Service (SGIS) that CI might finance a study concerning the Saba Bank and the island Saba.
“The study would be good for our plans in having Saba as an island nominated as a World Heritage Site. Another important point that this study will be addressing are ships that moor on the Saba Bank and those that transit the Saba Bank on their way to another port.
“The persons who may carry out the study if it is financed will be Dr. Paul Hoetjes and Dr. Mike Smith. For ships that are transiting the Saba Bank, the idea would be to create a sea corridor.
“Our fishermen have invested a lot in the fishing sector. Ships passing through the Saba Bank cause thousands of dollars in damages from the lost of fish and lobster traps.
“This matter has to be addressed and if the study is financed, this is the first step in dealing with this problem,” Mr. Johnson said.
Plans to build its first ever airport for the remote Atlantic
Island of Saint Helena have taken a major step forward. British companies and
organisations interested in the project were invited to register their interest
by the deadline of May 2nd, with a decision expected later this year.
An airstrip is regarded as necessary to halt the decline in its economy and
its population of five thousand. Many of the islanders have been immigrating to
other parts of the world, especially the Falkland Islands, to seek jobs and a
better life.
The airport is projected to be built by 2008, to allow air services to Cape
Town, taking only four hours, compared with five days by sea.
The Governor of this British Overseas Territory, Mr David Hollamby, says that
an air strip is the only way to reverse the Island's decline and that technical
advance now make it technically feasible.
He says Saint Helena has been losing population fast. Salaries are low and the
cost of living is not cheap as it relies on costly imports. Its few exports
include tuna, and coffee. But there is valuable potential for tourism, whose
attractions include fishing,
diving and golf. A new hotel is needed to make tourism viable and generate
funds to help pay for the airport. So interest is expected from hotel operators
as well as civil engineers. The tender process is being overseen by a London
management consultancy, GIC.
The Governor says: ''The only way I feel we can start the economy picking up
again is by having better access and building sustainable tourism''.
The estimated cost of this challenging construction project is forty-million
pounds (about sixty million dollars). The British Government has agreed to
contribute twenty-six million pounds (about 40 million dollars), which would be
the cost of replacing the present mail ship by 2010.
Saint Helena has always previously been linked to the rest of the world by sea
since its discovery more than five hundred years ago by the Portuguese. It
became famous as the place where Napoleon was exiled and died in 1821.
It became an important staging post for ships with up to 1,500 vessels a year
calling during its busiest period. Up to 1977 the British territory relied upon
regular visits from the Union-Castle mailships sailing between Southampton and
South Africa. In recent years it has been served by a single ship subsidised by
the British government, calling only a few times a year.
Ascension Island, the essential staging post for the air link from the United
Kingdom to the Falkland Islands, is administered from Saint Helena.
Banana Exports Reduced Across Windward Islands
ST. LUCIA (CMC) -- The banana-producing Windward Islands have
recorded a drop in exports for the first quarter of this year compared to last
year.
Latest figures released by the Windward Islands Banana Development and Exporting
Company (WIBDECO) for the January to March review period reflect total exports
of 17,589 tonnes compared to 28,361 tonnes for the same period last year.
As a result, the islands are expected to earn EC$22.2 million (US$8.48 million)
down from EC$31.3 million (US$11.9 million) for the first three months of last
year.
Of the four islands, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, whose exports
fell by nearly 50 percent each, appeared to be hardest-hit by drought conditions
that plagued the industry at the start of the year.
In the case of St. Vincent and the Grenadines exports fell from 10, 256 tonnes
to 5,401 tonnes this year, while Dominica's dipped to 2,792 tonnes this year
compared to 5,055 tonnes last year.
St. Lucia exported 9,293 tonnes of fruit, compared to 12,906 tonnes for the same
period last year while Grenada recorded 103 tonnes compared with 145 tonnes last
year.
Twelve Cricket Legends Inducted To New West Indies Hall of Fame
ANTIGUUA -- Prime
Ministers Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Lester Bird of Antigua and Barbuda,
Pierre Charles of Dominica, Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Keith
Mitchell of Grenada and Acting Chief Minister Mrs. Anne Dyer Howe of Montserrat,
attended the official opening this week of the Sticky Wicket's West Indies
Cricket Hall of Fame at the Stanford Cricket Ground at Coolidge.
They joined a large gathering of international, regional and local celebrities,
including Governor General Sir James Carlisle and hundreds of sports fans.
Among 12 West Indies Cricket legends inducted into the Hall of Fame were three of Antigua and Barbuda's outstanding cricketers, Sir Vivian A. Richards, Anderson (Andy) Montgomery Everson Roberts C.B.E. and Ambassador Curtley Elconn Ambrose G.C.M.
The other inductees were Lancelot Richard Gibbs C.C.H., George Alphonso Headly M.B.E. O.J., Michael Anthony Holding C.D., Brian Charles Lara H.B.M., Clive Hubert Lloyd C.B.E. O.R. C.C.H., Malcolm Denzil Marshall S.C.M., Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers O.C., H.E. Courtney Andrew Walsh O.J. G.O.M. and Sir Everton de Courcey Weekes K.C.M.G.
Prime
Minister Bird called the occasion a seminal moment in the history of West Indies
cricket, as "nothing like this has ever happened before." Mr. Bird complimented
investor R. Allen Stanford for his vision and confidence in the people of the
Caribbean in building the Hall of Fame.
The
featured speaker, former West Indies Cricket Team Guyana-born Captain Clive
Lloyd said he was delighted and honoured to be in the presence of the
outstanding cricketers whose phenomenal achievement has rendered them worth of
enshrinement in the hallowed halls of the Sticky Wicket.
Remarks were also given by R. Allen Stanford, Chairman and CEO of the Stanford Financial Group of Companies (SFG), while well-known cricket commentator and sports writer Tony Cozier was the Master of Ceremonies.
Twelve gold busts of the inductees were unveiled.
Jamaica PM Dismisses Foes Of Regional
Court of Justice
JAMAICA (CMC) -- Prime Minister P.J. Patterson
dismissed criticisms of the proposed Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday
but failed to respond to calls being made here for a referendum on its
establishment.
In bringing the resolution on the CCJ to Parliament, Mr. Patterson said he was
seeking the support of both the House of Representatives and the Senate before
moving ahead with the ratification process.
The resolution urges members of the parliament to express support for Jamaica's
immediate ratification of the CCJ Agreement, despite strong objection from local
interest groups, including the Jamaica Bar Association, which argue that the CCJ
should not replace the UK-based Privy Council as Jamaica's highest court of
appeal, without the people having an opportunity to vote on the matter in a
referendum.
But Mr. Patterson emphasised that ratification of the agreement, as has already
been done by the governments of Barbados, Belize, Guyana, St. Lucia and Trinidad
and Tobago, does not signify Jamaica's automatic membership in the regional
court.
He said, however, it would ensure the country's participation in the preparatory
process for the setting up of the court.
The Trinidad-headquartered CCJ, which is to come into being by the end of this
year, will also act as disputes adjudicator under the proposed Caribbean Single
Market and Economy.
In his address to the House, Prime Minister Patterson dismissed claims that the
CCJ was an after-thought and brushed aside suggestions that the Government was
moving to impose capital punishment.
In response to concerns raised about funding for the court, the Prime Minister
sought to give an assurance that it was secure.
He said the sum of US$12 million would be made available initially to kick start
the CCJ, with the remaining US$88 million of the US$100 million needed to keep
the court operational, to be placed in a trust fund from which annual yields
will fund the court's operations.
Of the total figure, Jamaica is expected to provide US$27 million, but this
amount will be advanced under an arrangement with the Caribbean Development Bank
to be repaid by the Jamaican Government.
St. Kitts Young People Urged to Avoid Drugs
ST. KITTS (CMC) --St. Kitts-Nevis Minister of Youth Affairs
Jacinth Henry-Martin has called on young people here to stop using drugs and
adopt a more positive lifestyle.
"The use of drugs is not good for your mental health (and) not good for your
physical health," she said as she addressed 350 members of the Seventh Day
Adventist Pathfinders attending the grand finale of the annual Congressorie over
the last weekend.
The theme of the weekend camp was "I am healthy and compassionate."
"If you know of young persons who are using marijuana, young persons who are
using crack cocaine, young persons who are smoking, even a mere cigarette; young
persons who are over indulging in drinking alcohol just because they can get it,
then such a young person is headed on a path of nowhere, physically and
mentally," she said.
"When we see young persons doing things that are positive, when we see young
persons striving to live Christian lives, when we see young persons doing things
that their peers can look towards emulating, then we have to applaud them, we
have to commend them and we have to let them know that they are on the right
path," she added.
But the Youth Minister said that while she was not in the habit of bashing young
people, "it is a fact that very often young persons involve themselves in things
that we cannot applaud."
"Things that we should not applaud because when something is wrong, it cannot be
right and when something is wrong, we should denounce it," she added.
Antigua’s PM Bird Asks Electorate for
Third Term
Compiled from dispatches
ANTIGUA -- With general elections widely expected to be called
this year, Prime Minister Lester Bird appealed to members of the electorate on
Monday for a third term in office.
"Stick with me. Stick with Lester and we shall show them (the opposition) how to
run a country," Mr. Bird told a Labour Day rally, jointly organised by his
ruling Antigua Labour Party (ALP) and the Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU).
Mr. Bird has said the polls, constitutionally due next year,
would be held as soon as the voter re-registration process scheduled is
completed by September.
The Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda recently signed a US$500,000
agreement with the Jamaica Electoral Commission (JEC) to assist in upgrading the
islands' electoral system that will include the first-time use of voter
identification cards.
Both the ALP and the main opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) have started
selecting candidates for the election that is constitutionally due by March next
year.
Also at Monday’s rally, AT&LU President Wigley George appealed
for members' support for the ALP, while expressing confidence that the party
could rescue the economy, which has been feeling the effects of an international
recession.
"Labour is alive and well if the ALP is still given an opportunity (to) rescue
Antigua and Barbuda from the doldrums of the economic (situation) we are in
right now," said Mr. George.
With government currently facing difficulty in meeting its April pay roll, Mr.
George also called on workers to be patient and understanding. He told workers
that a sacrifice was being made by government to keep them employed.
"We have the lowest unemployment in the Eastern Caribbean and that's because
the government decided that it is dignifying to work and we must employ people
even though it is hard for us," Mr. Bird said.
"Hold fast, hold strain. Victory is coming," he told the rally.
The union boss also urged Antigua workers to equip themselves with the skills
necessary to survive within the context of the Caribbean Single Market & Economy
(CSME), due to come into force in 2005.
Meantime, police were forced to intervene to avert a clash between red t-shirt
clad supporters of the AT&LU/ALP and the blue t-shirt clad Antigua & Barbuda
Workers' Union (ABWU), who support the opposition United Progressive Party, in
the capital St. John's.
Police Commissioner Elton Martin spoke to the leaders of the two rallies and it
was decided that the ABWU/UPP would hold back their rally, until the AT&LU/ALP
rally moved out of the area.
It was the first time in more than 35 years of Labour Day rallies that the two
unions were involved in a confrontation after the ABWU was formed out of a
breakaway faction of the AT&LU in the 1960s.
A NEW PRODUCT FOR MONTSERRAT
Montserrat now has a new product being added to the Tourism Industry. The Community Services Department and the Basic Needs Trust Fund in the Development Unit sponsored a pottery project, which will run for four months in the first instance. So far, eleven (11) persons were trained in the art of pottery making. The students were given hands-on training in creating properly finished ceramics items. Production skills were also taught to finish specific quantities of items in a timely fashion while maintaining the same quality on all pieces.
Following the training period, the ceramists/potters held a Pottery Exhibition on Wednesday, May 7, at the Brades Primary School. In the opening ceremony the facilitator, Jamaican born Robert Campbell, stated that “all items made are from clay and this is a good way of re-writing Montserrat’s History in the art/craft form lost by the volcano.” “The items are indigenous pottery - unique to Montserrat, created by Montserratians.”
Pottery items such as those seen at the Exhibition are of a high standard and will add to the other souvenir items available for sale. Among the items on display were bottles, fish, candle holders, flower pots, mugs, birds, the Clock Tower, jewelry cases, plates, vases among others. Tourists often look at detail, quality, finish, uniqueness and price when buying products, and with these attributes present, the items could be sure of a market. Another unique feature of this project is the team’s ability to make custom made products.
Initially, the items made will be placed at outlets for sale such as the Montserrat National Trust. It is hoped that visitors will be able to see first-hand the art of pottery making, which will be made available from their location in Brades (next to the Land Development Authority’s Office). This could eventually be a stop on the island tour, thereby adding to the unique visitor experience.
The pottery building is opened Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Telephone contact is currently through Community Services Department on (664) 491 3895.
The MVO and Experimenter Bias; Finding What You Expect to Find
By Expat
Definition of Experimenter or Expectation Bias: The argument draws a conclusion from data that has been influenced by the expectations and hopes of the person(s) collecting the data. In most cases this influence is unconscious and unintentional, but there have also been cases of outright fraud. Tainting of data may be due to such mistakes as rounding up or rounding down to favor a certain result, or treating ambiguous results as favoring the preferred result.
In Behavioral and Natural Science Research classes, warnings about Experimenter Bias (EB) are standard in the curriculum. Since this phenomenon is so well known and documented, one would assume that all scientific researchers and technicians have been cautioned about the pitfalls of EB during their educational careers.
Experimenter Bias is also called the Rosenthal Effect or the Pygmalion Effect. In a classic paper published in the 1960s Rosenthal randomly selected students and assigned them white lab rats that were supposedly either very bright or very dull in their ability to run a maze in record time. In reality, the rats were all from the same genetic pool and had not been selectively bred for maze running ability. Students who were assigned the bright lab rats found that the rats did indeed run the maze at remarkable speed. On the other hand, students who were assigned the dull rats discovered that their rats were indeed dull and slow-witted when running the maze. The students’ results were consistent with their expectation or bias. They did not set out to be dishonest; they observed and recorded and found just what they were expecting.
In another classic experiment Rosenthal told teachers that certain students were either very bright or merely ordinary. The students were assigned to the bright or ordinary group on a random basis. Teachers found that the bright students were very bright and the ordinary students were just that – ordinary. The teachers found the results they expected to find. Again, the teachers did not deliberately cheat, but they proved beyond a doubt that they were human.
Even when experimenters are aware of potential bias, the results can still be biased. This was clearly pointed out in a classic experiment in hypnosis. [Science, September 18, 1964, Vol. 145, No. 3638, pages 1330-1331]
Natural and medical scientific research is not immune to Experimenter Bias. Drug trials are typically run using what is called a double blind, testing a placebo (phony drug) against the drug that is being tested. One research team will design the experiment and another team will distribute the drugs to test subjects. The word blind is used because the second team doesn’t know which patients are being given the real drugs or the phony drugs. Numerous scandals have been reported in drug test trials because the blind effect was somehow breached and either the patients were influenced by the researchers or the results were influenced by the results the experimenters hoped to see.
In Montserrat we have a hybrid of Behavioral Science and Natural Science in the periodic risk assessment evaluation from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO). The staff of the MVO is in Montserrat because they have been trained to study volcanoes, specifically active volcanoes. Perhaps for most of the staff another major eruption similar to the one that turned Plymouth into a ghost town would be exciting to observe and study. If asked about all the possible scenarios of what the volcano might do in the future based on its known past history, they have constructed a hypothetical fantasy of what might happen in a worst case scenario.
It is very easy to see how the MVO’s desire to watch a larger or expanded eruption would result in an unconsciously biased risk assessment. As Dr Wolf Krebs has pointed out, the very nature of the risk assessment process can lead to Voodoo Statistics.
The problem with the risk assessment is that no independent reviewers with no vested interest in the continuing eruption have been brought in to evaluate the data or the data collection methods. And no independent reviewers have evaluated the data collection methods or research bias of the MVO staff.
Bad science happens even by well-intentioned scientists when they are too close to their research subject. If a cancer researcher develops a drug which he has spent years perfecting, he is wise to design a double blind study so that there can be no doubt that his drug does what he claims it will do.
For some reason, the assistant to Baroness Amos, in responding to a letter addressed to Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, appears to believe that a major eruption of the volcano could happen at any time, with no warning. In his reply to the petition of homeowners and residents of Montserrat, he makes the following statement: “Large pyroclastic flows can occur without warning. On past experience they could reach the Belham area within 3 minutes.”
Is the above statement based on information from the MVO? This statement screams EXPERIMENTER BIAS! Or is it really WISHFUL THINKING?
Not one individual listed in the MVO risk assessment is without bias. Information is supplied by the MVO to others who have a vested interest in a major eruption. From other sources, perhaps equally biased, we learn that the eruption would have to be even larger than the one that devastated Plymouth and environs.
Potential Problems with Gathering Data:
Collecting data without appropriate controls.
Omitting controls others have pointed out.
Using inappropriate sample sizes.
Selecting what to observe.
Failing to see events or seeing nonexistent ones.
Failing to preserve data for a suitable length of time.
www.cuyamaca.net/bruce.thompson/Fallacies/bias.asp F
Congratulations Bank of Montserrat
I wish to pass on my congratulations and best wishes to Bank of Montserrat Ltd.. This certainly is a FIRST which should be praised by all Montserratians.
The vision which propelled Bank of Montserrat Ltd. into existence, causing the bank to be another of our success stories, is significant.
Who would have imagined such an accomplishment?
Once again the skeptics, who could not give this noble vision a chance to succeed, were disappointed.
The Chairman, the members of staff, and Hensey Fenton in particular, should feel extremely proud.
To establish a bank and see it through for 15 years, making it successful, inspires me.
Vision, hitched securely to persistence, determination and commitment, will always crush obstacles, challenges and difficulties on its way to ensuring success.
This major accomplishment speaks volumes about Montserratians, a tiny place, a tiny population, with big visions and major accomplishments. Is this the way to identify Montserrat?
Congratulations Bank of Montserrat Ltd. Your track record puts you up there with the best of the best.”
Joel Webbe W&WPrized Exhibition
Potter Robert Campbell’s ways
Have earned him Montserrat’s praise;
His skills he conveyed
To locals who made
Works that quite simply amaze.
Communiqué to ZJB
Listeners are growing inclined
To tell Local News never mind,
First it’s frustrating,
Then irritating,
When ‘inserts’ are so hard to find.
Jus wonderin why it seems some of de teachers at de MSS school so disorganized, that the children must be practicing what they seeing.
Jus wonderin why if some people don’t respect the media workers and can’t understand that they also got a job and a boss.
Jus wonderin how long dey feel they can put off de media people from giving the information the public deserve.
Jus wonderin if is true some de bank finally recognizing service and some people get car as dey gift fuh wuking so long at de bank.
Jus wonderin why some of them Guyanese women bringing all dem bad habits to volcano affected beautiful beautiful island.
Jus wonderin if they know they making it bad fuh them own people.
Jus wonderin if some caters don’t know that serving finger foods don’t necessarily mean picking it up from the tray with your fingers.
Jus wonderin if some of de host on de cocktail circuit don’t know that cocktails does tek a certain form.
Jus wonderin why those who stay here, have to pay.
Jus wonderin if the tender board people got in a bit over dealing with rich foreign companies and they know what they about.
Jus wonderin if there was lack of knowledge on some matters and telling a story.
Jus wonderin if its true some of the foreigner contractors having second thoughts about doing jobs in Montserrat.
Jus wonderin why the tendering taking so long, if its to distract people, while somebody already get pick.
Jus wonderin if the DfID man was ashamed, why he say he trying to be diplomatic.
Jus wonderin why the light and water people don’t stop estimating the cost and read the meter properly.
Jus wonderin when the people will get the mobile Library.
Jus wonderin if hiking on the trails could be nothing more than a possible death trap these days.
Jus wonderin if we need more than dump sites since people using the wrong places as a dump.
Jus wonderin if there are any laws against dumping just any and any where.
Jus wonderin if with all the hard wuk we boys in black and white doing, HMG will give them more money.
Jus wonderin if this Caricom business of unity mean anything to most people.
Jus wonderin how HE looking so bright these days if he get amos from straws and the CM.
Jus wonderin if HE and the expat community back on friendly terms yet or it stretch further.
Jus wonderin how come CM and company gone away fuh so long on official business and we not even hear a peep out of them from London.
Jus wonderin if there is any clash up there and if they still getting a looking from the ex.
Jus wonderin if all mothers will be happy this weekend.
Jus wonderin wish to send greetings to all mothers and say no jus wonderins for you this weekend.
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