By Bennette Roach
Shoppers since Wednesday this week have discovered they cannot shop at Rams Emdee in Salem, but have seen instead a big 'Closed" sign behind the double panelled glass door that marks the entrance to the little super market.
Last week's front page story 'Osborne Closed Supermarket - Rams Next?' caused some reaction as some people failed to recognise the presentation of facts.
What turned out to be an overwhelming disagreement by residents with the Executive Council's decision by refusing to renew four of Rams' non-Montserratian employees and turning down completely two new ones, government must now know that the people it is claiming to protect, want to see things done fairly.
Mr. Manu Chandiramani, owner of Rams Emdee and commonly called 'Rams', said last week that he was being forced to close when he was given seven days and verbally told he would have to replace the seven Indians he employed with Montserratians.
Very close sources to the government said that it is the government's wish to make as many jobs as possible available to Montserratians, and that Rams' idea that he needs to have trustworthy people close to him is regarded as an insult to Montserratians.
Mr. Chandiramani wrote a letter to the government in an attempt to force a retraction of the government's position, but following a stern no, he eventually received a three-month stay to "re-organise" his business. A government official said that this period was requested by Rams, who later said he asked for this time to consider his options and reorganise himself.
However, in spite of this latest position, Rams closed his doors of the supermarket on Wednesday. He explains that two of the five approved for work permits were due to leave island shortly for vacation and otherwise. "That doesn't leave me with enough personnel to operate both the supermarket and the wholesale business, and presently I have to attend off-loading merchandise and attend to the warehouse," Manu said. This, he says left him with no option but to close, as he cannot operate with only three main helpers.
Responding to charges that he does not keep his work permits up to date, he says that he would not jeopardise the most important assets to his business. He says that these employees work hard and very willingly and that it is a learning experience for them.
Responding to another charge that he doesn't support local activities, he cites the Heineken Cricket League that he sponsors, and support he gives to the Ministry of Health, among many other things. He says it is not his style to go around publishing the good things that he does for the community.
"It is not that I don't trust Montserratians," he said: "Of the 25 locals I now employ, nine of them are supervisors, all my cashiers are Montserratians and they perform supervisory functions," he continued.
by Bennette Roach
The regional airline LIAT issued an advisory late last week on its services to Montserrat.
The disclaimer, which warns passengers of the risk involved in traveling to the island has some members of the traveling public worried.
After some early confusion on the matter, LIAT moved to set the record straight when they issued a press release. The release states that LIAT is advising the traveling public that due to a shift in volcanic activity in the northern area of the volcano all scheduled flight services into W. H. Bramble Airport will be subject to scientific advisory from the Airport Tower. The airline says the arrangement will be in place until further notice.
It appears that government ministers are taking credit for LIAT's publicity of the advisory which does not change in any way the policy practised by LIAT for several months now. The problem was that earlier the information LIAT and their pilots had been receiving was not the official position from the MVO, which did create confusion and a disatisfactory service.
Now LIAT advises that the airline will not be responsible for any passenger inconvenience experienced due to flight cancellations into Montserrat.
According to the release, LIAT along with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) will continue to monitor the situation closely and will relay further flight information as it becomes available.
Despite the recent activity at the volcano, scientists at the MVO continue to hold that the airport is safe, at least for now.
Meanwhile Montserrat Aviation Services (MAS) has moved its reservation offices into Salem, keeping its staff at the airport to a minimum.
"There Are Many Burning Issues"
It is quite some time since so many people have taken time to comment on an issue like they have on the Rams Emdee work permit issue.
One thing most notable, is that only one person of the many who chose to comment directly to the Reporter said that the Government's action of last week was fair. Upon discussion it was discovered that the opinion was based on misinformation. Even the government agreed that the time given to Mr. Chandiramani and Rams Emdee was iniquitous.
We must point out that this was the only issue the Reporter took up and commented upon, based only upon what was considered to be fair, whether the persons involved were Indians, Caricom nationals or from just next door islands. We reported the facts that existed at the time and nothing else.
Some of the questions that arose since we reported that 'work permit fiasco' are not unfounded in view of the reasons given, including those that are not made public. There are two other Indian-run supermarkets. Investigations may reveal some imbalance in the number of foreign workers to Montserratians, or the supervisory positions held by Montserratians. The questions then, as to whether they may, or why they haven't, come in for the same scrutiny and action, are very valid.
The Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne, in his opening statements as he addressed us on Radio Montserrat last night, did not apologize but acknowledged that many "have been anxious to hear from me and are complaining that I have not been using this media enough to keep you informed of government's activities, plans and programmes."
It is fantastic to get explanations and reports, but what an understatement, and the Chief Minister needs to know that while the issues he addressed were current and burning, there are the more burning and deeper issues of our very existence that he needs to inform and advise us about. He needs to know that it is no comfort to know that if the time comes plans are in place to evacuate us all off the island. There are many other pending catastrophes before we get to that point. And if we never get to that point, will the volcano go back to sleep and find us in the state we are at today?
When his supermarket closed, he made reference to 'when we go back to Plymouth', an indication of his mind-set on that issue. We have information that suggests that in a couple months, properties in the designated 'unsafe zone' will not be afforded insurance. There is a matter that will concern everyone. A committee to look into this situation is past urgent.
The airport issue is very serious, so what are the plans to provide a little landing strip for the Twin Otters, or for a passenger helicopter, if indeed we lose the use of Bramble airport?
Oh yes, the problems and issues we face are many and grave, and since there isn't even a government caucus, (the Chief has no use for a caucus and will not be guided), we cannot rely only on the four, or is it five?
Will LEDGCO be dissolved for incompetence
Dear Sir,
I was most distressed to read of the decision of the Government of Montserrat concerning the work permits for the personnel at Rams Emdee.
This seems to be a self-destructive act, at a time when the economy is teetering at the edge of collapse and the threat from the Volcano is now openly acknowledged to be threatening the Bramble Airport.
Rams Emdee is heavily patronized by all sections of the Montserrat community and will be sorely missed because he provides the best selection of goods at competitive prices.
I am sure I am not alone in wondering if this is a "First Strike' with Angelos and Victors next on the Hit List.
It is to be hoped that 'Mr. Rams" continues to operate his wholesale business with his skeleton staff, otherwise if the Bramble airport disappears under a pyroclastic flow, combined with a food crisis, a man-made disaster forcing a total Island evacuation will result that will eclipse all that the Volcano could achieve.
It is both utterly pathetic and frustrating to observe that as the pyros reach even closer to the Bramble airport, no effort is being made to even survey, let alone compulsorily purchase land and bulldoze an emergency airstrip across the northern tip from the north-west bluff through the Thatch Valley to Hells Gate, while infantile power politics is being employed with the work permits for Rams Emdee.
I am reminded of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.
It is depressing to note that the last two governments have been humiliated at the General Election and this one seems destined to repeat that history, providing there is still an electorate on island to vote.
While the muffled drumbeat for independence continues, a far more likely outcome to this observer is that the UK Government will give up on the Legislative Council (LEGCO) and dissolve it for incompetence.
Ghautsider
Dear Sir,
I feel compelled to take issue with you regarding an article captioned "Osborne Closed Supermarket - Rams Next? in last weeks issue of the Montserrat Reporter.
Now, anybody reading your sensational heading would automatically conclude that Osborne for whatever reason closed his supermarket and as a consequence was trying to close "Rams" as well. So must I conclude that next would be Kelsick's and so on down the line?
You know differently and this is another attempt to deceive and confuse. This is yellow journalism and is mischievous in the extreme.
The article stated that Rams had eight non-Montserratians who worked as supervisors. Not just eight non-Montserratians but eight Indians. Now you tell me why does Rams need eight Indians as Supervisors? What happen to Montserratians, are they not qualified and if not, what has Rams done in 27 years to get them qualified?
Are the locals satisfied to simply stack shelves and be cashiers with no prospect for upward mobility within the organisation? If as you say these Indians are all supervisors, the implication is that the majority of locals are dishonest and need constantly to be watched. If this deduction is true, then this is a serious indictment against us.
Mr Editor, the playing field is not level. My understanding is that these indentured labourers work very long hours, sometimes 12 hours, 16 hours with no overtime pay. They work on holidays and don't dare grunt or else they are put on the next flight out. Other businesses have to pay overtime ordinarily and double time on holidays, therefore, Rams is always out front.
The only thing at issue is that I would have afforded him more time to put his house in order, and I am reliably informed that he has requested and has been granted an extension of three months. This, to my mind is enough time for him to train local people as Supervisors.
This action is long overdue but could not have been done when politicians (it is said) would take their baskets to Rams on Friday afternoons and have them filled.
Hats off to a Government who is prepared to stand up for the interests of its people. Anyone saying otherwise is a traitor to Montserrat.
Levons E (John) Watts
Dear Editor:
Because I presumed to take issue with something published in your newspaper, the author invited me in your June 6 number to try on a couple of caps and draw the strings if any fit.
Allow me to share with all contributors to your publication, a lesson I learned from painful experience during more than 35 years as a journalist. The writer who berates a reader for misunderstanding what he wrote is rapping the wrong knuckles.
J Donald Brandt
Foxes Bay
The St. Patrick's Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. celebrates with pomp and style its 40th anniversary, at the Pelican Room of the Vue Pointe Hotel this Wednesday.
According to the Executive Director, Ms Roselyn Cassell, the ceremonial banquet is sold out. However, her one concern is that twelve specially invited guests as far away as the Cayman Islands and as close as Antigua may not be able to get into Montserrat, if there is any increase in volcanic activity.
The Regional and World Credit Union is expected to be represented at the function as a Director on the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU); as well as the President and two directors of the Board of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) should be in attendance. So too will be Leeward Islands Credit Union managers.
The Credit Union started as a church based co-operative within the Roman Catholic Church with less than 100 members on June 18, 1957, with the now Honorable Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne as its first president. It is now an island wide society with over 3,000 members. While some members have relocated to other islands most of them still have an on-going relationship with St. Patrick's through the network of regional Credit Unions.
This week, the Credit Union opened its mini-office in Salem center, to more comfortably accommodate its members. However the main office still operates at Olveston.
The Credit Union is built on the concept of development through pooling of resources. And this concept has been instrumental in the social and economic development of third world countries.
In the Caribbean, with just one million members Credit Unions have been able to mobilize savings from Caribbean peoples in excess of EC$ 2 billion in 55 years.
Ms Cassell said that the Credit Union is proud to have served Montserrat well for the past forty years and look forward to doing so for another forty years.
Brandt Promises Support for Residents
Member of Parliament, the Hon. David S. Brandt is calling on members of his constituency who are still living in the unsafe zone to leave immediately. Mr. Brandt is appealing to people in the central corridor from Farrells to Bramble's Village, whose lives are now threatened by pyroclastic flows.
The Windward representative is especially concerned about farmers who have to leave crops and animals behind and will suffer financially.
In a radio broadcast he says, "If on the advice of scientists you are called out of your homes and suffer loss, I think it is right and just that you be compensated for that loss. I will put the case that a place must be found for you to tether your animals and to contnue your farming in the safe zone. I will also put the case that a warehouse be built so that you can take out your valuables and save them."
Mr. Brandt is confident that he will get the full support of government on behalf of his constituents.
National Trust Walk and Cleanup Campaign
The Montserrat National Trust (MNT) mounted a successful cleanup campaign on Saturday, June 7, for villages in the designated safe zone. Over 250 persons donned T-shirts provided by the Trust for the early morning cleanup from Cork Hill to St. John's, and up to late Saturday evening, several bags of garbage were still being removed by trucks provided by Diamond Services Ltd.
President of the MNT, Mrs. Sarita Francis, was quite pleased with the increased interest of Montserratians towards environmental issues and pointed out that the idea for the cleanup came as a direct response to the garbage discussion previously carried by the Reporter.
Mrs. Gertude Shotte, chairperson of the Environmental Awareness Committee, expressed her special thanks to the individuals and organizations who participated in the cleanup. Mrs. Shotte also appealed to residents to use the garbage bins to dispose of their rubbish.
The cleanup campaign was the final activity marking Environmental Awareness Week, 1997.
The St. Patrick's Co-operative Credit Union (SPCCU) and the National Development Foundation (NDF) are making access easier for their customers and clients.
The organizations which have operated joint offices since the NDF opened its doors in 1988, moved a section of their business to the NDF building in Salem center where most of the island's commercial activity is concentrated.
The official opening of the office took place on Wednesday, June 11, and according to a press release from the organizations the office will facilitate counter services for transactions including deposits, withdrawals and collections. The main Credit Union and NDF functions will still be conducted at the main office in Olveston. The Salem office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays, and 8:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Royal Bank Lenders Enhance Skills
The quest for excellence in customer service at Royal Bank of Canada continues. A key component of Royal Bank's strategy for success is its commitment to the ongoing development of human resources at all levels.
Royal Bankers from the Bahamas, Barbados and the Eastern
Caribbean recently completed an intensive five day training
session, held in Barbados. Designed primarily for commercial
account managers, participants also included credit officers and
loan administration staff. 
Miss Carlene Riley, Manager of Credit/Loans at the Montserrat Branch was a participant.
The first part of the training was a two-day course entitled "Understanding the Entrepreneur," conducted by Ms. Carole Bulmer, Manager, Programs and Facilitation Services, and global entrepreneurship consultant, Mr Gene Luczkiw. Manager - Risk Management, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Mr Gerry Castanheiro, outlined the rationale behind the course:
"Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly important to the global and regional economies. Entrepreneurs have a unique set of needs and challenges, and if we at Royal Bank are to maintain or improve our position in the marketplace, we must ensure that our staff is equipped with the necessary skills to serve this growing niche."
The remaining three days were devoted to refreshing and updating lenders' skills in financial analysis. The course also focused on some of the bank's new marketing and customer service initiatives.
Participants also had the opportunity to mix socially and to meet Royal Bank of Canada managers from other areas, at a cocktail reception.
Commenting on the outcome of the training, Manager Human Resource Development, Mrs. Donna Stoute, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to the Training and Development of its Human Resources and expressed satisfaction with the success of this timely training.
Visit to Montserrat by Baroness Symons
Baroness Symons, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will visit Montserrat on 17 and 18 June.
The Minister is visiting the island to familiarise herself with the problems facing the Government and people of Montserrat as a result of the ongoing volcanic crisis.
The visit will be part of the Minister's first overseas tour since her appointment following the recent change of Government in the United Kingdom and her first visit to Montserrat. The Minister's programme will include meetings with His Excellency The Governor, The Hon Chief Minister, Ministers of Government and members of the Legislative Council. Visits to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, a number of shelters and some of the projects funded under British aid are also planned together with a tour of Plymouth.
Born in 1951 The Baroness Liz Symons was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office following the 1997 General Election. She has responsibility for North America and the Caribbean, Consular and Visa matters, and the Departments which administer the Diplomatic Service, with particular emphasis on securing greater representation for women and the ethnic minorities.
CFU Chief Jack Warner wants VOICES to perform in Antigua
by Keith ‘Stone’ Greaves
Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president, Austin "Jack" Warner continues to show a special liking for the courageous people of Montserrat in the midst of a volcanic crisis.
Warner, a Trinidadian, was so impressed with the performance of the local choral group "VOICES" on his recent visit ( his first) to Montserrat that he has sent a special invitation to the group to perform at the CFU Hall of Fame dinner and the Congress luncheon in Antigua on July 11 and 12, according to the local football association executive.
The Montserrat Football Association (MFA) has been asked to find out from the group if they will be available and to advise the CFU Executive so that the necessary arrangements including airfares and accommodation can be confirmed ahead of the events next month.
However, according to information from the MFA executive it is possible that some key members of "VOICES" may find it difficult to perform for the two functions. It has been suggested by a "Voices" official that a one-evening performance on July 12 might be more acceptable or a rescheduling to the activities which will be more accommodating for the group.
But Harold Taylor, CFU’s General Secretary and one of the two officials who accompanied Warner on his recent trip here, has indicated that arrangements and invitations have already been sent out and confirmed.
Warner told the local football body "it is such a pity that such a treasure (VOICES) was not discovered before the arrangement was made."
But the MFA like the CFU Executive really wants the group to perform in Antigua and as an executive member notes" this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that does not come a begging twice around."
Said the local official: " The group (VOICES) has been renditioned and accepted by one of the most powerful figures in the world’s greatest sporting organisations," an apparent reference to Jack Warner and his top position as a senior vice president of the International Football Federation (FIFA).
In encouraging VOICES to accept the CFU invitation, the MFA Executive adds that it will be a great opportunity for the rich cultural talent of Montserrat to be showcased in front of the scores of esteemed football officials from around the world, who will be present at both the Congress Luncheon and the Hall of Fame dinner. It is also believed that an invitation for "VOICES" to perform at the
1998 World Cup finals in France may be also on the cards, with tremendous international exposure and financial benefit.
The local officials believe such a development will have a major impact on the "cultural fraternity" and the community at large during the ongoing volcanic crisis.
An MFA official says the Montserrat government may be asked to intervene on behalf of group members who have regional commitments to be released at no financial loss to them.
Port Authority Makes Presentation to MSS
In a brief but impressive ceremony held in the science lab of the Montserrat Secondary School, gifts of an overhead projector and a sum of money were presented to Mrs. Claudette Weekes, head of the science department.
Speaking at the science fair held on May 27, Mrs. Weekes had pointed out that practically all the equipment used in the presentations had been borrowed. She wished aloud then for an overhead projector. That wish was granted almost immediately. Mr. Roosevelt Jemmotte, Manager of the Port Authority, and Miss Veronica Lee,, chairman of the Board, were present for the handing over of this very precious piece of equipment. Mrs. Weekes expressed the deep gratitude of the science department, and indeed of the entire school, for this timely gift.
At the same time, a donation of 80 pounds was presented to Mrs. Weekes to assist with the preparation of the science project which will be presented at a science camp to be held in St. Vincent in July.
The money had been sent by the Watford Afro Caribbean Association of West Herfordshire, England, to Mrs. Pat Ryan, a teacher at the school and former member of the association which celebrated its 21st year of existence in May, 1997.
Two male students from the Brades Primary School were guests at the June 11 luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Montserrat, at which time they were honored for their participation in a Rotary craft competition.
Krishna Humphries and Michael Silcott, the two pupils, were introduced to President Grace Cephas-Lewis and members of the club by Rotarian Carl Roberts, director of Rotary's Vocational Service committee, which organised the project.
He recalled that the objective of the month-long competition, which ended May 28, was to get at least 12 students between the ages of 9 and 11 to learn the craft of mat-making. It was hoped that the project would help them to put idle time to productive use.
Fewer than 12 started the project, Rotarian Roberts reported, but only Krishna Humphries and Michael Silcott were able to complete their mats. Each boy displayed the mat he had made using grass he had cut, dried and platted.
"I think they are commendable, Rotarian Roberts said of the young craftsmen, "and we should give them a round of applause," to which the club immediately responded. Each of the two students was given a " The Sky Is The Limit" T-shirt and a pen imprinted with The 4-Way Test of Rotary, as tokens of appreciation for their efforts. The presentations were made by Rotarian James Hixon, also a member of the Vocational Service committee, who told each boy, "I compliment you for your effort."
Roving Sports Editor
Jack came and he left but he must have brought something far more meaningful than promises of assistance because immediately, young men are kicking the ball again. What a breath of fresh air for our football, traditionally one of the leading sports on the Emerald Isle. Nothing is more invigorating than youthful energy.
What Jack seems to have brought was renewed hope for a game that was on the ropes, having lost much of its potential stars to basketball, a game we all admit has the advantage of too much formality through TV, but which is burdened with excessive informality locally. As Jack spoke at the Vue Pointe, it became obvious to us that payments to motivational speakers are not always wasted money. What Jack brought was the simple languge that told us that something special could happen here in Montserrat and that despite the volcano he had seen in his short tour a cadre of young people in key positions, which means that all aspects of life, including sports, have bright futures.
The boys and their coaches who use Salem Park early on a Saturday are in the early stage of development, but if they continue to train hard, with the level of commitment shown so far, they will form the nucleus of a strong team for local league matches and for regional competitions.
We would like to claim some praise for having written in one of our previous columns, long before Jack's visit, that a meaningful football programme in Montserrat would cost $200,000 per year and that for the game to become fully part of our culture, primary school and youth leagues for village teams needed to be organized. We wrote that new playing areas needed to be built and that a programme for young girls must be a part of any future plan. We knew that such a large sum of money could only be available if someone smiled on us, but our point then was that if the football programme was to be competitive, there were no short cuts. We know that to beat your opponents you have to first match and then exceed their intensity at all levels - in investment, training, mental preparation, technical knowledge, national pride etc.
So now let us all reflect and recognise that what Jack brought was an opportunity for us to prove that Montserrat can expand the list of activities we perform that can be truly rated as top-class acts.
More next time and remember all chosen to represent Montserrat in sport are not on a joy ride but on national service.
Following the frustration of traveling with the
Leeward Islands team for seven matches in the Red Stripe without
breaking into the final eleven, 19-year-old leg spinner Angelo
Bass from St. John's made his First Class debut in the match
Leewards vs. Sri Lanka at the ARG on Sunday, June 8. Bass joined
fast bowlers Lesroy Weekes and Lesroy Irish as the players from
Montserrat who are actively competing at the penultimate level of
the game.
Bass used a combination of flight and turn to capture 1 wicket for 59 runs from 17 overs in the Sri Lanka first innings on a pitch that provided little assistance to bowlers. His first wicket was Sanjeeva Ranatunga, one of the young talented batsmen in the Sri Lanka lineup.
The first test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in the Cable and Wireless series begins at the ARG today. When the series moves to St. Vincent next weekend, the Windward Islands will host its inaugural test match, bringing the number of test playing venues in the West Indies to six.
The Montserrat cricket team continued its preparation for its second round Leeward Islands tournament match against the BVI with a two day practice match at Salem Park last weekend. This was part of the programme organized by team management to fill the void caused by a two-week layoff in the Tournament brought about by the extended West Indies domestic season that includes the current tour by World Cup champions, Sri Lanka.
Following the strong showing by Montserrat in the season opener aganist Antigua the previous weekend, the Devon Williams-led team is gearing up for its first full victories of the season against the BVI, a team they have dominated in five previous meetings.
The match at Salem provided much-needed practice for the front line batsmen and though leading bowlers Lesroy Irish, Angelo Bass, and Aurrell Kirnon were unavailble to provide a tougher test, half centuries made by Trevor Semper (95), McPherson Meade (81), Lawrence Daley (59), Earl Hyman (56) and Sammy Kirnon (55) should not be discounted. Amon Aymer also played a useful innings (42) as an opener and should be in contention for a place in the final 13 following the weaknesses at the top of the order in the Antigua match.
The talented middle order batsman, Zhuan Sweeney of MSS will miss the game in Tortola due to exam commitments and will be replaced at number six by Semper or 14-year-old Olson Murrain. The match is scheduled for the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds in Road Town, Tortola, beginning with the three-day fixture, June 19, 20 and 21, and the one day on June 22. The team will be anounced by the MCA on Monday, June 16.
Diabetes Treatment Review: How to Take Control
Diabetes rivals cancer and heart disease as the most debilitating disease in the modern world. It not only increases your risk of death by heart attack, but also systematically destroys your vision, kidneys and peripheral nerves, and is the leading cause of amputated limbs.
I believe that the current approach to diabetes is fundamentally flawed, and until it is corrected, conventional medicine will make no real progress with this disease. In fact, I don't think we've made significant progress since the discovery of insulin in 1917 - yet in my experience, diabetes responds very well to the right approach.
The treatment of diabetes has not changed appreciably in 50 years, and that's what we need to discuss now. I have explained this material in my book, Reversing Diabetes, which I recommend to any of you who have diabetes. What I discuss in brief here is discussed in detail in the book.
What's Wrong With Conventional Diabetes Treatment
The entire approach to diabetes is an almost neurotic fixation on lowering the blood sugar level, either with insulin or oral drugs such as Micronase, Glyberide, and Glucotrol. Incredibly, this pharmacological hammering of the blood sugar level is the only technique used by modern-day "experts" to treat diabetes, and totally ignores the fact that most diabetics produce too much of their own insulin.
Only 10 percent of diabetics actually have reduced production of insulin. They are called insulin-dependent (type I) diabetics, and likely will always need insulin replacement. However, 90% of diabetics have non insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes. Rather than an insulin deficiency, these patients produce two to three times the normal level, but the insulin simply doesn't work - a condition called insulin resistance.
We now know that excess insulin brought on by insulin resistance is not only associated with elevated blood sugar levels, but also with high blood pressure and increased rates of atherosclerosis.
Insulin therapy most often is not the best way to treat insulin resistance. Yet, physicians use insulin to treat patients with insulin resistance, which only worsens the problem.
Diabetics Should Eat More Complex Carbohydrates
The most effective treatment for insulin resistance is not new - it has been known
for about 60 years. It's a combination of a very low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate diet and physical exercise. Let's first examine the diet.
In the early 1930s, H.Q. Himsworth, M.D., demonstrated that if carbohydrates were taken out of the diet and replaced by either protein or fats, a person would quickly develop insulin resistance and diabetes. The diabetes would disappear once carbohydrates were returned to the diet. However, this fact did not fit the dogma then, nor does it today, which is: Since carbohydrates turn to glucose in the intestines, diabetics should avoid them. This is not only wrong, it's 180 degrees backward. Carbohydrate foods are therapy for diabetes.
I.M. Rabinowitch, M.D., understood this paradoxical principle, and in the 1930s published several studies demonstrating that patients could stop taking insulin if they were given high-carbohydrate diets. Even today, 60 years later, most diabetic patients are not told that the more complex carbohydrates they eat, such as breads, pastas, fruits and vegetables, the better their condition will become.
It's a Nutritional Wasting Disease. So Supplementation Is Essential
The biggest oversight of the current medical approach to diabetes is its failure to recognize that diabetes is a nutritional wasting disease. The elevated blood sugar level acts as an osmotic, diuretic by overwhelming the kidneys' ability to reabsorb glucose and other water-soluble nutrients. This is why diabetics experience increased urination. Consequently, diabetes causes massive losses of nutrients such as vitamins B-l, B-6 and B-12, and the minerals magnesium, zinc, and chromium.
Continued Next Week.
Following is this week's presentation of another activity among the Montserrat newsgroup on the Internet. It is a letter written by Ian Corker a Chartered Surveyor, Town Planner and Arbitrator, who worked in Montserrat for the Land Development Authority from 1982 to 1985. He has spent 18 years working overseas, 11 years in the Caribbean in Anguilla, Nevis, St. Vincent and Guyana.
He sought and received support and information from other members of the group.
Dear Ms Short,
Congratulations on your election victory and especially on your appointment as Minister at the Department of International Development. I write on behalf of the Montserrat Newsgroup - an Internet newsgroup which is dedicated to providing information on Montserrat. The members of this group include residents of Montserrat, Montserratian migrants, including migrants to the UK, people who have lived and worked in Montserrat, and others who just have an interest and concern about the island.
I am sure you are aware that for the last few years Montserrat has been affected by an active volcano. The volcanic activity has made the capital and the south of the island unsafe. Many of the original residents have left the island and the population has decreased from about 12,000 in 1985 to 7,000 now. Britain has provided assistance to Montserrat in the form of 25 million pounds of aid, which, amongst other things, has gone to provide emergency shelter, technical assistance and development in the north, which is regarded as being relatively safe. Several members of the newsgroup have expressed concerns about several matters and we would be grateful if you could tell me and the rest of the newsgroup, your governments plans for Montserrat and its people. In particular we would be interested to know what action your Government intends to take on the following points:
Temporary Housing
It is my understanding that many people who had to abandon there houses in the south are still in very poor and unsanitary accommodations. The shelter that has been supplied is more like greenhouses and far too hot during the day. The shelters are overcrowded and sanitation is a problem. We understand that 100 people have been housed in a church for almost two years.
Evacuation
Some 5,000 people have already left Montserrat, but 7,000 still remain. Many of those remaining do not wish to leave unless thEY absolutely have to. But there is a real possibility that the whole population may have to leave if the volcano becomes critical. The previous Government did provide some assistance with evacuation, but it was hedged about with all sorts of conditions. In particular Montserratians would find it very difficult to obtain any sort of benefit and they are only allowed to remain for two years. I understand that Bernie Grant has raised concerns for the status of Montserratian migrants and their problems in obtaining social security in the UK. In particular I understand that people are told that they will receive assistance when talking to British officials in Montserrat, but are unable to obtain it when they come to the UK. Apparently this is because they volunteered to come to the UK, although if they had stayed they would have been in the danger zone or living in a greenhouse for two years?
Personally, I would have thought that most Montserratians would have preferred evacuation to other Caribbean islands rather than the UK. But evacuation within the Caribbean still involves costs for transport, housing and living, plus questions of Montserratians taking local jobs.
However, two other British DTs (Anguilla and BVI) are close by, I would be interested to know what plans have been made with these DTs in case of an emergency?
Citizenship
I would also be grateful for your views on the question of citizenship. As you are aware, Montserrat is a dependent territory. Although Montserratians have British Passports, these are marked to show that they are from a dependent territory and they have no right of abode in the UK. Having also lived in Anguilla, another DT, I have heard many stories of how DT passport holders are treated when coming to Britain. None of these stories make me proud to be British.
It is interesting to contrast Britain and France in the Caribbean. Guadeloupe is a French Department and the people are French, can vote in French elections. They also have rights to French health care, social security and education. In contrast the citizens of our DTs have none of these. They are neither independent nor truly British. It is no surprise that many of them are so bitter. Isn't this precisely the moral foreign policy Robin Cook is talking about? If you would like any more information on this or any other matter within my area of expertise, I would be more than happy to provide it on a voluntary consultative capacity. A copy of my c.v. is attached for your information.
Yours sincerely
Ian Corker
I watch the Oprah Show. So I know when something is politically correct. And before you tell me that I ain't no Oprah, just let me tell you that I know that.
Long ago a calypsonian sang that a deputy is essential. But is it politically correct for the deputy to impose on the man responsible for transportation?
And even as we know that the airport is vulnerable, is it politically correct for our own people to act in a manner so as to encourage LIAT to formally declare Montserrat an "almost-no-fly-zone"?
And, is it politically correct to attack furniture to ensure that our grandchildren can know that we visited with Bill?
Our own calypsonian told us "Montserrat in crisis".
But even we didn't know that in this crisis time that it could be politically correct for Montserrat to withhold seven work permits when seven times seven hundred Montserratians are working all over the World.
We all know how the country not running, so it can't be politically correct to criticize the Government.
We read the Reporter mostly every week, so everybody know how the Editor don't know it is definitely politically incorrect to write a negative newspaper.
And even as I accept that I ain't no Oprah, just let me tell you as she would tell all, that it is politically incorrect for you to attack my sentiments as I am politically correct to express them in a still somewhat democratic country.
Effects of pyroclastic flows in upper Tuitt's Ghaut
It's been another moderately active week at the Soufriere Hills volcano, with high levels of concern about the prospect of more pyroclastic flows in the northern ghauts. However the situation has stabilised somewhat, with the flows in Tuitt' s Ghaut not traveling any further than last Thursday (5 June), and some pyroclastic flows being diverted into the Tar River valley. The scientists have warned that the dome is larger than ever before, with a lot of material piled up on the northern side of the crater, and therefore there is a serious risk of a collapse of the dome sending pyroclastic flows into the northern ghauts and affecting nearby villages. The authorities have warned of the dangers to human life in these areas, and the revised risk map recognises the increased risk in areas such as Harris, Bethel and Bramble, which are now in Zone A.
The airport has also been a topic of much discussion and concern in Montserrat, as it was designated as Zone C on the risk map and the authorities warned of the increased risk of pyroclastic flows getting that far. The most likely scenario is that pyroclastic flows will not affect the airport in the near future, but the scientists cannot rule out a sudden large event. The flows in Tuitt's Ghaut have already covered a distance equal to reaching the sea in the Tar River valley, and larger flows are certainly possible. In light of the increased risk, the authorities adopted measures to minimise the number of people at the airport, and ensure that the airport staff and traveling public were aware of the dangers and able to evacuate quickly if necessary.
A police checkpoint was established at Trant's Bay on Wednesday, and only airport staff, scientists and people with tickets are being allowed access to the airport. A new siren is being installed, and MVO staff have established an observation post at the airport during operational hours, so that there is always a scientist on hand to advise the airport authorities should a rapid evacuation become necessary.
The volcano has been cloudy for most of the week, once again restricting the work of the MVO and preventing the scientists from getting an accurate picture of the size of the dome. Last Sunday aftemoon the clouds lifted for a while, allowing good views of the dome, and many residents expressed surprise at the si~e of the dome and the amount of growth on the northern side of the crater.
The volcanic activity continues in a cyclical pattem, with pulses of increased rockfall and pyroclastic flows occurring at regular intervals, with about 16 hours between the start of each episode. The pulses are related to small amounts of swelling and deflation which are detected by a new instrument installed in one of the huts on Chances Peak. This tiltmeter sends information to the MVO continuously by radio, and suggests that the pressure within the dome is fluctuating in a regular fashion. The pulses of activity have continued all week, and there have also been a few long-period earthquakes. These earthquakes come and go, and were quite common a few weeks ago. Many of them seem to shake the surface of the dome, and dislodge rockfalls which sometimes tum into pyroclastic flows.
Measurements of the gas output from the volcano continue, and show quite high values of about 600 tonnes per day of sulphur dioxide. Some of the rainfall in the north of the island recently has been quite acidic, because the gas mixes with the clouds and makes acid. The winds have turned a bit further to the west this week, though, and so the rain water quality has improved again. As usual, the changes in the rainwater have not got through to the drinking water supply, and tests by the Montserrat Water Authority in conjunction with MVO show that the drinking water is still of high quality.
The volcano remains in a dangerous state. Hopefully, the activity in the Tar River will continue, perhaps with larger collapses to the east easing the pressure on the northern slopes. The trademark of the Soufriere Hills volcano, however, is sudden and often unexpected changes, so the scientists and residents of Montserrat are once again watching closely, and waiting for the next chapter in the volcanic story.
by Carol Osborne
Although I have been silent for a few weeks I now feel compelled to put pen to paper to applaud the Montserrat National Trust.
Last Saturday morning over 200 volunteers armed with black plastic bags and a great attitude scoured our roadsides for over four hours. Sponsored by the Montserrat Tourist Board, Barclay's Bank, Diamond Services, the Golden Arches Restaurant and many other caring citizens, this "Walk and Clean" exercise was truly commendable. Young and old showed us how important our environment is.
To highlight this awareness it was suggested that attractive garbage bins could be placed at popular liming spots or even dotted throughout the countryside to remind us of our responsibility to keep our beautiful island tidy.
Another educational effort by the Montserrat National Trust in conjunction with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is the publication entitled "Seismicity News". This informative newsletter appealed to young and old and provided answers to hundreds of our endless questions. Unfortunately funding for this is no longer available. The last issue was funded by the Montserrat Tourist Board at a cost of $2,000 and new sponsorship is now being urgently sought.
The Montserrat National Trust would be happy to hear from any interested persons. President Sarita Francis will gladly accept donations to continue the newsletter, receive garbage bins to paint up and place strategically around Montserrat or just listen to suggestions. She loves to chat about the environment!
By
Man From Baker Hill
Your Honour, Judge Fairness, I beg you to dismiss the charges and counter charges brought by both the plaintiff and the defendant.
I, self-appointed chairman of the one man jury, report thus:
Your honour, instruct Rams and the Government to sit together with a sense of purpose. They must acknowledge the truth; they must accept reality; and they must ask themselves pertinent questions in order to arrive at a solution beneficial to Rarns and the public.
Your honour, the truth is Montserrat does not have capable supervisors willing to do the type of work which is necessary to run a successful supermarket. Our culture and traditions prohibit us from allowing our trainable children to work comfortably in the supermarket environment.
Your honour, it is common sense to expect that Rams will want his own people to work for him. Wanting your own, training your own, and putting your own people in key positions is the essence of survival for business or country.
That your honour is the truth, and I only wish that Montserrat will do the same for its people.
Your honour the reality is.... our work ethic is flawed? Ask a Montserratian to work an extra half hour; he will tell you, he has to catch the bus, or he has to go and play tennis. He might even tell you that he cannot miss the ball game on TV.
Tell a Montserratian to do a little extra; he will tell you that he is not killing himself for anybody.
Your honour, the reality is we still look down on certain types of work. We will never encourage our children to work in stores. Hence we never select and train them for the important positions in the merchandising industry. Our people have no role model in the merchandising industry. We see mostly family-run businesses or small, small businesses - shopkeeper style. And these do not attract our young people.
Your honour, the reality is in spite of our desire to occupy key positions in every business place on Montserrat, we have been too busy to look at the merchandising sector. We train public administrators, agriculturists, economists, technicians, environmentalists, and social scientists. And these days we are taken up with the informatics.
Your honour, Judge Fairness, even though we can boast of our success records in O'level passes, we fail to encourage and train our children to occupy positions in the lucrative merchandising industry -positions such as sales persons, purchasers and delivery personnel.
Your honour, the question therefore is:
Are Montserratians willing to become managers and supervisors of Supermarkets? Maybe! But your honour these positions require much more than training. You must have something special in you; just as any other profession, you must have an understanding of and a love for the work.
To be a supervisor or manager with a supermarket you have to be willing to put in extra time at work. Many evenings you will have to forego the extra nocturnal activities. In addition you will need the support and understanding of family and friends. Even if you are educated, you must be prepared to lift boxes and to pack shelves way into the night; and still be at work early the following morning to provide the services necessary.
Your honour, the situation at Rams with respect to work permits and other labour laws compliance is not clear. We do not understand whether or not Rams had been allowed to operate outside of the law. However, we hope that in the future, the laws will be carried out fairly on all businessmen.
Your honour, we know that when people become angry, tempers flare and tongues will let loose painful words. But are we to understand that Rams and other big business houses are operating without an adequate sense of trust for Montserratians? If this is so, then, not to be trusted will be very insulting and painful to Montserratians shoppers and workers.
As a Montserratian I want to point out ... that Montserratians are citizens of the earth. We are no different to shoppers all over the world. Like every other country, there are good and bad among us pilferers, shoplifters, liars, lazy workers, honest and faithful workers, hardworking and trainable workers.
Your honour, please inform the merchants that shoplifting and pilferage are normal risks of their trade. These risks are common in every corner of the globe. Merchants must accept these risks or else leave the earth. As businessmen they must put the necessary controls in place to minimize their losses. They must identify and select responsible employees; and be able over a period of time to quantify these risks in ways which are acceptable to the tax authorities.
They must also be aware that the laws of Montserrat will protect them against all criminal elements; whether it is the shoplifter, the pilferer, the dishonest employee or the deliberate break-and-enter thief. There is absolutely no need to show and tell us that we are not trustworthy.
Your honour, I want to impress upon Montserratians that it is time to shed some of the traditions and culture that contribute to our flawed work ethic. Nothing comes without hard work and the belief that we can if we try. We have to create an environment in which Montserratians are willing to do all kinds of work in all types of business in the interest of survival. Finally your honour, Judge Fairness, I beg you again please dismiss the charges against Rams .. Leave the Indians alone. Time will sort things out in our favour. That is, if Montserratians are willing to trust and support one another.
Dear Dr. King
I am still in love with a man whom I broke off with. He now has a girlfriend (he was just lonely) but is also still in love with me.
The problem is, the woman is a nice person and he doesn't want to hurt her especially since they are early in their relationship. We both feel we should wait and see if we could join together maybe a few years later.
Should I wait or find someone? If I do meet someone else, do you think I will fall out of love with my former boyfriend? I know it will take a while to fall in love with two people at the same time. I don't know. I guess I'm just confused.
Dear Confused:
I believe I too am somewhat confused. You suggest that your loved one does not love the girl he is with at the moment? Aren't you encouraging him in a dishonest relationship while you stand by waiting for him to come back to you? Why don't you both just get back together now? And, aren't you more than casual about a matter which can hurt the three of you?
Dear Dr. King:
I have AIDS. Should I tell my girlfriend she might have it or wait until she finds out? I believe I contracted it one night when I had a one night stand with another woman. I only found this out last week. Either way she finds out, I know it will be the end of us for sure.
Guilty
Dear Guilty:
Of course you MUST tell your girl-friend. Your doctor must know about this, so involve him/her in revealing this to your girl friend. It doesn't have to be the end of your relationship and even it is, you may be dealing with several lives, not just your own. Remember, she may not have contracted it yet, so why are you waiting? Don't you love her?
By Glen Lewis
Tides
Tides on EARTH are caused by the gravitational attractions of both the moon and the sun (the moon provides about 70 percent of the attraction, and sun provides about 30 percent.
When the sun and moon line up at NEW MOON (NM) or FULL MOON (FM) their tidal forces add together, producing tides for which the difference in elevation between high and low tides is especially large. These tides are called Spring tides. When the SUN and MOON are at right angles ( during First and Last quarter moons). the tidal forces of the two bodies tend to cancel each other out, resulting in tides for which the elevation between high and low tides is especially small, called Neap tides.
About once every year a New Moon and Full Moon happen near the time of PERIGEE, which is the time when the moon is closest to the Earth. This results in especially high spring tides, since the moon's gravitational force is at its maximun.
The dates for these exceptionally high tides for 1997 can be predicted from the tables below:
1997
MONTH NM/FM PERIGEE MERcury CONJ VENus CONJ
January NM 9 10 1
FM 23
February NM 7 7
FM 22
March NM 8 8
FM 24
April NM 7 5 25 2
FM 22
May NM 6 3
FM 22 29
June NM 5
FM 20 24
July NM 4
FM 19 21
August NM 3
FM 18 19 31
Sept. NM 1
FM 16 16
October NM
FM 15 14
NM 31
November FM 14 12
NM 29
December FM 13 9 12
NM 29
Jus wonderin if the north of Montserrat is safe, how come we have the most dangerous volcano in the world? Jus wonderin if the rest of the MVO team agree with that statement.
Jus wonderin if it is a good idea to change the head scientist every four weeks and how government supported Mr. Governor with that one.
And can't help wonderin how many potential visitors are influenced not to come to Montserrat.
Jus wonderin why PWD is responsible for emptying the septic tanks instead of the Environment Health Department.
Jus wonderin if a pit to dump the liquid waste into cannot be dug until soak is found, like one at St. Johns shelter.
Jus wonderin if the ex-CM. met his match on the Whites land issue.
Can't help wonderin if he gave us all the facts about the payment of the land.
And jus wonderin why the CM did not mention in his radio broadcast the price that was paid for the land.
Jus wonderin how much of the 100 million dollars is already spent and when the public will be given some account of it.
Jus wonderin if the new, expensive vehicles the British officials are driving were taken from that aid money.
Jus wonderin what Rams means by saying he needs his Indian supervisors because he must have persons he can trust.
Jus wonderin if there are opposition politicians advising Manu.
Jus wonderin how long Rams will be closed.
Jus wonderin if our airport has to close, does government have something in place for sea transport from Montserrat to Antigua, so people can catch flights from there.
Jus wonderin if it is not the Minister of Communications who makes representation in Antigua regarding our airport, and, is it true that plans are made for the female minister to represent Montserrat at the next Attorney Generals meeting?
Jus wonderin if the Executive Council and the Labor Department are trying to force Rams Emdee to hire Montserratians who lost their jobs when M.S. Osborne Ltd. closed its supermarket.
Jus wonderin if government is only keeping us here so that they can still have a job and power.
Text of radio address by the Hon. Bertrand B. Osborne
Fellow Montserratians:
It is a little while since I have addressed you, except on a few occasions when I was interviewed on my return from meetings or conferences overseas and also when I spoke to you about the recent increase in volcanic activity.
I know that many of you have been anxious to hear from me and are complaining that I have not been using this media enough to keep you informed of Government's activities, plans and programmes. I also know that you have been hearing of some decisions and actions taken by Government and are anxious to get more details and reasons for such actions.
First of all, let me convey to you greetings from relatives and friends in Montreal, Toronto and St.Thomas. I had the real pleasure in recent weeks to meet and have discussions with the Montserrat Associations in these three locations and I can tell you that large numbers came to the meetings and it was indeed great being with them. They were very pleased to see me and to get first-hand information on the situation at home and also details of projects and other activities in relation to the volcanic crisis.
My wife and I were guests at the Annual Banquet of the Association in St. Thomas last Saturday night and this was indeed a gala occasion. Two persons were specially honoured by the Association. A Mr. Edward Thomas, who is an outstanding personality in St. Thomas and who is also a friend of the Montserrat Association. The second person was Ms. Annie Meade, formerly of Trials, who has served the association in many roles and with great distinction. I was very happy to be with the group on this truly auspicious occasion.
Grant of $6,000,000.00
Let me now give you some information which I am sure you will be pleased to hear. Government has been saying for a few months now that funds would come from the British Government to enable us to provide materials to many more relocated persons who would like to build modest homes in the safe area and also materials to relocated persons who have already started to build but who need further supplies to complete those buildings. A grant of EC$6,300,000.00 which Government applied for, has now been approved with a few conditions. These are being worked on and hopefully by next week, many of you who have been waiting for a long time will be able to get purchase orders for materials. These will be issued by the Land Development Authority and you will soon be advised when to call at their office.
Efforts are being made to deal with all applicants as quickly and as efficiently as possible. However, this has to be done in a controlled and organised manner. Everyone could not be served next week, for instance, or even the week after. I am therefore appealing to you to continue to be patient. The good thing is that Government is now in a position to help many more of you and we want to do so in an orderly manner. Please co-operate fully with the officials at the Ministry of Agriculture and Housing, and the Land Development Authority.
In the meantime, work is still progressing on the construction of family units and dormitories. The 19 units at Drummonds will soon be occupied. Eight units have been completed at Cheap End in St. Peters and five more at Hope. Two eight-room dormitories have been completed at St. John's and one of three dormitories being built in Salem has been completed. Funding for 19 units at Drummonds was secured from the European Union, and the other units and dormitories mentioned have been financed by the British Government.
More units will soon be started. We have received further funding from the European Union that will enable us to build another 16 units or a combination of units or dormitories. Additional British funds will enable us to continue the construction of more units and I am also very pleased to announce that work has started at Judy Piece, where a number of permanent houses will be built. The area has been surveyed. The site layout is being worked on and we hope that it will not be long again before the road works and construction start. This project is also being financed by the British Government.
WHITE'S LAND-FILL ISSUE
I would now like to refer to the payment recently made to the Bramble family for the landfill site at White's. A lot has been said by opposition politicians on this matter, inferring that Government was persuaded to make payment by Mr. Austin Bramble, who is now a Minister of this Government, and that the money should have been spent on housing instead of payment for the land. They have been saying so at public meetings and on the radio station.
The facts are straightforward and there is nothing much I need to say. The land was taken up by Government over 10 years ago. The Government of Mr. Reuben Meade formally acquired it in l994 and payment was due since then. The reason why payment was not made was because of a disagreement on price between Government and the Bramble family. Last year, the Bramble family finally agreed to accept the price offered by Government. Even though conditions regarding the appropriate use of the land had changed since the volcanic crisis started, our Attorney General and the legal advisor of the Dependent Territories Secretariat in Barbados ruled that the price offered when the land was acquired had to be paid.
This Government's decision to do so was made in the presence of Mr. Reuben Meade when he was a Minister of our Government. Mr. Meade is also fully aware that this payment has in no way affected funds being made available to us for housing. I was, therefore, very surprised, although I really should not have been, knowing the man, to hear him condemning the payment to the Brambles.
One fact I would like to highlight, however, is that the provision for this payment was clearly shown in Government's Estimates of Expenditure for l997. The Estimates were debated and approved in the Legislative Council at the end of April and not one member of the opposition questioned it. It is a clear indication, in my opinion, that opposition members did not study the Estimates and therefore did not properly represent you, the people of Central, Plymouth and North Western, in the Budget Debate. They were so busy walking in and out of the Council that they apparently had no time to bother with that. You should question them on this and ensure that from now on they represent you fully in Council rather than waste time on the matter of the nominated member, which they could do nothing about.
Now, the Rams Work Permit Issue
It was brought to the attention of Government in April this year that Rams has about eight employees of Indian descent working for him and that none of them had valid work permits. Our first reaction was that they should be stopped immediately, as the Managing Director knew the rules fully well and this was a blatant violation of the laws of Montserrat. It was decided, however, to get further details and to allow the company to submit formal applications.
When the applications came in, it was discovered that the number was seven - five of whom previously had permits which expired on December 3 last, l996. The other two came to the island and started working without even applying for permits, one since last December. The applications also revealed that one employee was a Manager, four were supervisors, one a warehouse assistant and the other, a super market assistant - an 18-year-old boy.
There was a question on each form which was not answered. The question was: "What efforts have been made to fill the job locally?" When the Minister of Labour asked that this question be answered, this is what the Managing Director wrote:
"The position occupied bt the named person , requires supervision of goods in the warehouse and supermarket. The person therefore holds keys to the premises and handles cash, etc. I have to employ a person who I can trust."
"I have to employ a person whom I can trust" he said. In other words, what the Managing Director is saying, and it seems quite clear to me, that he does not trust any Montserratian? What greater insult can any employer or company making all their money from the people of Montserrat, hurl at our people. What greater insult? Why then should we issue permits for persons who are clearly no better qualified and in many cases, far less qualified, than hundreds of Montserratians who are currently out of work. Is it because Rams trust them and not any of us? If this was the policy of the John Osborne Government and the Reuben Meade Government, it will certainly not be the policy of this Government. Many other companies of foreign ownership have come here and have employed locals in top positions and have found them to be very trustworthy.
Let me say here, that there has been no change in the formal Work Permit policy. I will also like to emphasize that this Government will be as liberal as possible in granting permits to our fellow CARICOM citizens, so there should be no undue fear in this group. Already, the citizens of Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis do not require work permits. We also recognize that certain development projects and industries will require work permits for persons from outside the region, but we cannot accept that a retail and/or wholesale business in Montserrat at the present time, with unemployment as high as it is, should be given seven or more permits.
On June 2, Executive Council decided that after 28 tears in operation on island, the company could have trained or found, if it wanted to, capable and trustworthy supervisors, and that posts of warehouse and supermarket assistants could easily be filled by local persons. Therefore, only the Manager was granted a work permit. The others were given seven days before ceasing work.
Since the, Government was advised that although most persons agree with out decision, more time should have been given to the company to replace those employees who were not granted permits. On my return from overseas, the matter was reviewed. In doing so, I asked the Managing Director of Rams how much time he would need to reorganise his business and he told me that he would need at least three months to decide what to do. Government therefore agreed to grant permits for three months to the four supervisors but not to the assistants.
There are many capable and trustworthy Montserratians and Rams and other companies or businesses operating here must give them a chance. That is the message of our action.
I understand that Rams has closed his supermarket in Salem. He certainly didn't have to, but we have no control over that. The company is not being victimized. We want them to trust and respect local workers. We trust that you, their local employees, will appreciate that what Government is doing should redound to the benefit of Montserratians. We believe that the company, with the assistance of some misguided politicians, is trying some pressure tactics but we hope that they will soon come round to the reality that the company is doing business in Montserrat and that Montserratians, and especially you, the company's long-time employees and other capable persons, should be given a chance to hold senior positions and be trusted.
Station Manager’s Response to Reuben Meade’s Accusation
There was an obvious misrepresentation of the facts in respect of the Radio Station’s response to Mr. Meade’s proposed broadcast.
Radio Montserrat is within its rights through its editorial policy to consider suitable opportunities for response in good time especially as it relates to any proposed broadcast of a controversial nature. This is fundamental to the Station's editorial policy in efforts to maintain impartiality and fairness.
When this request was made of Mr. Meade, he refused saying he would withdraw his statement. This he did. Radio Montserrat throughout its 45 years of broadcasting has been doing so without an articulated National Broadcasting policy. However the Radio Station has an editorial policy which is based on the concept of free speech and the freedom of the media which are fundamental to a democratic society.
Radio Montserrat's editorial policy also embodies a social responsibility aspect of media behaviour governed by professional ethics.
Fundamental to this concept is the notion of impartiality which the station struggles to define for the most part by ensuring that the station serves the nation as a whole recognising and responding to a variety of tastes, views and perspectives.
The station because of its structure and ownership has to struggle to maintain that concept of impartiality and fairness especially when its bid to maintain timely response is challenged.
To misrepresent the facts of this most recent episode with its political implications on the one hand and the desire of the Radio station to uphold its professional ethics on the other only serve to place a greater burden on the Station to maintain its credibility. It also creates a strain on its staff not to become victims.
The above response from The Manager of Radio Montserrat is in relation to a news report from the BBC which was aired yesterday morning (Thursday) in which Mr. Reuben Meade claims he was denied access to Radio Montserrat.
MV Freda W.
With all machinery including main engine 405 H. P.
Rebuilt new March 1996.
Class Bureau - Excellent condition.
3 generators, all Lister Blackstone engines.
Speed 10.5- 11 knots.
Port of Registry, London, England.
Gross tonnage 428.
Dead weight 600.
Crew quarters, kitchen and storage rebuilt new.
Includes: 15 ton telescopic crane Mac Gregor, hatch covers, 2 hatches - I hole.
Fax. 664 - 491 - 3010. Great Western Shipping Co. Ltd. PO Box 56, Plymouth Montserrat.Negotiable - asking price US $400.000
Present trading-Caribbean.
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
This sample site was created by West Computer Works. Please read Disclaimer.
