The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt convened a meeting Wednesday afternoon with the Hon. Rupert Weekes and Hon. Adelina Tuitt to prepare a joint statement with members of Montserrat Association of Architect and Engineers (MAAE), contractors and other interested persons for a later meeting with DFID.

In his very brief opening statement Mr. Brandt re-emphasized the position he and his government have taken in regards to award by DFID of Tendered jobs to off island firms instead of local ones.

He said, "It is the belief of the government that local contractors should be given priority once they have the competence and their prices are reasonable. We feel that local firms cannot be judged at the same price level and same playing field as foreign ones. We believe that local firms should be given an edge and we are here to discuss what type of specific proposal we should put forward so that this evening we could speak with one voice."

Other persons at that second meeting included Chief Minister Brandt, Minister Weekes, Financial Secretary Mr. CT John, Government Press Officer Cecil Cassell, Hilroy Bramble, members of the MAAE, contractors and other private sector persons.

In his statement at the second meeting, the CM said that many of the business persons on island had to relocate several times during the crisis and suppliers demand cash up front from our local merchants. The suppliers with whom they were dealing for years refuse them credit because they claim that Montserrat can blow up anytime.

He went on to point out that off island firms did not have to rebuild and most of the materials that we use are imported, so all we provide on island is services. If we can only provide services on island, Mr. Brandt observed, and DFID gives the services jobs to off island firms, how will we on Montserrat survive? How much of the £75 million will be spent locally, he asked.

The CM also pointed out that when the volcano destroyed the properties of the business owners, it did not destroy their debts, which they still owe and must repay to the banks.

Those at the meeting agreed that the government, others present and DFID all had the same goals and objectives, which are to make sure that maximum benefited be attained for the island from the development funds.

Speaker after speaker expressed the need for a partnership approach to the issues being discussed. Local businesses were asked to give value for money and DFID was asked to give the locals an advantage over foreign firms.

Some of the points proposed by the MAAE, and agreed in principal at the first and second meeting were:

1. Projects budgeted under $250.000 should be by direct appointment by Public Works Department.
2. All projects, unless otherwise stipulated by special clauses, should be advertised locally.
3. On all projects of over $1.5 million, local firms should get 15 percent advantage in tendering and foreign firms should pay the local taxes before they collect..
4. Local firms will be honest and indicate whether they can handle a particular job or if they may not be able to. It was also agreed that they will be allowed to source off island professional help to complete some jobs whenever the need arises.

It was also agreed in principal that these agreements should be reflected in other areas, whether it be trucking, hire of heavy equipment or even the purchasing of vehicles.

A special committee comprising Minister Weekes, Financial Secretary John, William Wall, Adrian Galloway, Kenneth Cassell Jr., Hilroy Bramble and Donald Romeo was selected to meet with DFID in one week.

Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), issued a statement this week in advance of the OECS'
19th anniversary on June 18, 2000.
The OECS was created with the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre on June 18, 1981, to support economic and social development of its Member Countries.

Dr. Mitchell conceded that the public is not always aware of the work of the OECS in facing the challenges that have confronted its members, particularly in more recent times in facing the challenges of globalisation and trade liberalisation.

The OECS Chairman singled out these areas of achievement:
* Reform of the telecommunications industry and reduction of telephone rates. In Grenada last month the five members of OECS Heads of Government established the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority, with the responsibility to monitor, regulate and provide technical support to Member States in all telecommunications matters.
* Development of the Eastern Caribbean Drug Service, soon to be renamed the OECS Joint Pharmaceuticals Procurement Service, to provide lower prices of pharmaceuticals in public health institutions, and other medical supplies on a similar basis.
* Working with the Canadian Government and the European Union in Educational Reform, to ensure that OECS education systems are equal to the demands of the new international economy.
* Support from the Government of France to improve services in Health Care, including less expensive access to medical facilities in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
* The World Bank Solid Waste Management Project, which reflects OECS commitment to environmental protection and preservation.
Dr. Mitchell said the Secretariat seeks to bring about greater co-ordination and more effective representation with CARICOM and other Caribbean groups, as well as in negotiations with the European Union and the World Trade Organisation.
The Secretariat is also in discussions with the U.S. Government through the U.S. Agency for International Development, with a view to securing additional support in trade policy matters.
The last OECS Heads of Government meeting decided to explore the possibility of bringing about an Economic Union among Member Countries.

Police are today conducting enquiries into the death of Delford Allen of Dyer Piece in St. John's, who allegedly jumped over a cliff this morning.

Police sources said that Delford Allen, who was described as mentally challenged, was on remand at HM Prison on a charge of wounding and was being taken to court this morning to have his condition reviewed.

According to police, he broke from them while being taken to court and ran towards the cliff. When he was later found he had apparently jumped to his death.

Deputy Commissioner Simon Morson told the Reporter that the police regret the loss of life, but enquiries are presently being conducted to verify the circumstances surrounding the death.

HM Prison in Brades

One of the issues Montserrat voters should expect to see in the upcoming election campaign is the question of Montserrat's future relationship with Britain.

Chief Minister David Brandt has on occasion given his personal view about independence, suggesting that Montserrat "is not in a position to seek that status at this point in time." Yet he has repeatedly come up with in statements and press conferences about the lack of autonomy for Montserrat and the powers of the Governor. Considering all that, it is difficult to follow why his government has ignored UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook's White Paper and HMG's statements which they shared in the Country Policy Plan signed some two years ago.

A major review between the Dependent Territories and the United Kingdom brought about the White Paper, which Mr. Cook said, "provides the basis for a renewed contract and modern partnership between the UK and the Dependent Territories." All of this, he continued, was to preserve the Dependent Territories' constitutional link with the UK. The statement on its own could not represent the discussions that must have prevailed before such a conclusion was formed, and so it is hoped that no one is misled that it stands on its own.

Hopefully Mr. Cook clears this up by saying: "It shows how a modern and effective partnership can be built on the foundation of ties that go back centuries. Working together on the proposals in the White Paper," he concludes, "I believe we can lay the basis for a modern partnership."

But the UK took the opportunity to either request or enforce some of their own desires upon the territories, some which the territories have tried to resist. What is not clear, however, or about which we hear nothing is Montserrat's position on these proposals and how we wish to proceed.

With the White Paper fresh in our minds, HMG signs an agreement with Montserrat in the last Country Policy Plan (CPP) as follows:

• the UK Government shares Montserrat objectives for achieving economic self-sustainability;
• the UK Government remains committed to the principle of self-determination with regard to Montserrat and to the other UK Overseas Territories and full independence when it is the clearly and constitutionally expressed wish of the people;
• the UK Government stands ready to review and revise the Constitution of Montserrat in consultation with the elected representatives. In this respect, the UK Government would welcome specific proposals, if any, from the Government of Montserrat for constitutional change.

We are indebted to a discussion that brings up this viewpoint. The USA, which left the British empire through revolution more than 200 hundred years ago, went on to become a superpower with a population now approaching 300 million. It is now perhaps the greatest industrial and commercial machine the world has ever known, with one of the planet's strongest and most democratic constitutions.

Canada, which had more land base and more resources to work with remains a poor cousin by comparison. Canada is just as dependent as it ever was, but now it looks to the entire industrialised world as its masters, especially the USA. It still blames Britain for its failures, but the truth is, its shortcomings today are of its own making.

Montserrat is a dependent territory (we should prefer the word colony), and should be poised at the brink of a rebirth after total devastation. We can head in one of two logical directions. It could remain a DT, but try to teach the British how better to foster their remaining colonial microstates. It is felt that the British people are ready for that, and with careful handling their leaders could also be persuaded. The other alternative would be total independence.
Many think, talk and prefer the middle ground, which leads to the disaster we can see and learn from modern day Canada. We cannot fail to agree that such a nation becomes like a child that can't grow up and assume responsibility for itself.
Do we have men and women called Montserratians who are willing to handle such delicate matters? Right now some people wince at the thought of what could lie ahead, and that includes the British. There has been much (most private and even restricted) discussion recently on matters surrounding these very issues, but we should note very carefully those persons who avoid them like a plague and turn to others who are determined to address them.

My mother was a thankful woman who, although she was sick for most of her married life, never ceased to praise the Lord. My father, a shoe- maker who never earned more than $12 a week, was a singing Christian. What a precious heritage! What blessed memories! It seems that with out all the gadgets and luxuries and appliances, our parents were far more thankful than we are today. Before each meal, we would ask God's blessing and read a portion of the Bible, and after the meal we would offer thanksgiving. It is a far cry from that day to this. How little we pray and when we do, how much of it is petition and how little is thanksgiving!

During World War II, many churches were kept open 24 hours a day so people could come and pray for loved ones on the battlefront. A caretaker in one of those churches noticed a boy who came in every day for about 10 minutes. After several weeks, the youngster came in and stayed on his knees much longer. The concerned caretaker spoke to him and asked why he was there so long. He replied,

" Each day I came here for a few minutes to ask God for bring my father home safely. This morning he did, so I hurried over here to thank the Lord for answering my prayers."

How thankful are we? -MRD

TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF PRAYER ARE "PLEASE" AND "THANK YOU."

Police have confirmed that a public servant was arrested and charged here for allegedly misappropriating moneys belonging to the Government of Montserrat.

Miss Beatrice Samuel a public servant was charged with the alleged misappropriation.

The police also say they are carrying out investigations related to the alleged issuing of naturalization and passports.

Miss Samuel was arrested on Saturday and subsequently released on bail.

His Excellency the Governor Anthony Abbott announced earlier this week that Monday, June 19, will be observed as a public holiday to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

A press release from the Governor's Office said that this is in accordance with the practice established last year, where Public Holidays falling on a weekend will be observed either on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

A ZJB news report this week said that women on Montserrat will be able to benefit from a Janet Cass Scholarship. The Janet Cass Scholarship will assist women in areas of education, day care services, travel-related education, and school uniforms.

The winner or winners of this award will be selected at the Caribbean Union of Teachers Executive Meeting, which will be held in Martinique July 6th and 7. The Montserrat Union of Teachers invites women interested in applying for the Janet Cass Scholarship to collect application forms from the Community Services Department. Forms should be filled out and returned to the Department by June 28.

The successful applicants will join the other two nominees from Montserrat and the winners will be announced on World Teachers Day.

The Governor's Office moved this week to a new location further south in Olveston, and the Legislative Council will have to find a new venue for its sittings.

On Tuesday this week, ZJB reported that His Excellency the Governor and his staff were settling into new offices. The report said that His Excellency had confirmed his general satisfaction at the new location, saying it offered several advantages. These include having all the sections under one roof, thereby providing a more efficient system, and having good facilities for meetings of the Executive Council and the Volcano executive group.

The Governor said that the office does not provide adequate space to facilitate meetings of the Legislative Council. "These meetings," he said, "will have to take place at another venue."

The new office is located in Olveston, down the road behind the Salem Police Station.

McChesney's will no longer be available for special or charitable events after the end of June, but the Governor said that his residence at Palmhurst will still provide a venue for such events.

The National Disaster Preparedness and Response and Advisory Committee met for the first time Wednesday since it became a legal entity.

The Committee was formally enacted under the Disaster Preparedness and Response Act 1999. It comprises managers and personnel from key public and private sectors involved with disaster preparedness and response.

The chairman, His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott, said in brief opening remarks Wednesday that this is a significant step forward from the two previous years.

He said with the enactment of the Disaster and Preparedness Act 1999, decisions dealing with disaster preparedness and prevention will be much easier… "you are now a formalised efficient committee and as such you have all the authority of the Government of Montserrat and the legislation that is required to give force to whatever decisions and whatever actions that you wish to take," he said.

The Governor further said it is essential that proper plans be in place to deal with disaster preparedness and mitigation. He encouraged the group to find collective solutions to the challenges, which will emerge.

Also in attendance was Director of the Emergency Department Lt. Horatio Tuitt, who said that the increasing number and severity of natural disasters over the past decade demands that action be taken. This is to reduce the threat of natural disasters on the island's economy and the safety of citizens.

Mr Tuitt added that the national action plan is to help communities protect themselves by taking such action that would significantly reduce disruption and loss, enumerating steps as follows:

1. Preventive action that must be decided and acted upon at a community and individual level.
2. Private sector participation is vital, and
3. Longer term measures in investment such as building are essential.

He said, "The incentive is clear; a disaster resistant committee is able to bounce back from a natural disaster with far less lost of property and consequently much less cost, for every dollar spent in damage prevention, two dollars are saved in repairs. Colleagues, our message is simple -- be prepared and stay prepared because one ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

Following what is considered to be a successful first attempt since the volcanic crisis in 1995 to host a Leeward Islands tournament cricket match in Montserrat, the Montserrat Cricket Association have decided to charge a small admission fee for this weekend’s matches against St. Kitts.

The feedback received from those attending last week’s games against Antigua favoured an entrance fee in preference to a daily collection. There will therefore be a $5 charge for adults, whilst children can continue to attend free of charge.

Those paying admission will be issued with a raffle ticket with seven daily prizes of Paul Lewis’ CD "Demo," featuring the hit song "WIndies".

The Bermuda-based vessel Sir Eric Sharpe has been laying cables this week to form part of Cable and Wireless' Eastern Caribbean Fibre Network. One of the links will be created between Antigua and St. Kitts.

A news release says this was the original link between Montserrat and Antigua, which was damaged due to the volcanic activity. Cable & Wireless says it will be able to provide upgraded, additional service in the event of technical failure or natural disasters. It says traffic could be re-routed with limited interruption.

In Dominica, Dr. Young and Mr. Lee will meet with disaster officials, local historians, relocated Montserratians and members of the Dominican general public. The two MVO officials will also address the nation via a live Radio and TV broadcast Press Conference, after which they will meet with Fifth and Sixth form students from various schools across the island.

Since late last year, the MVO has embarked on an intense regional public education campaign, and as a result, from time to time, MVO officials will meet with relocated Montserratians, Disaster Officials and school students from around the region, bringing them up-to-date with first-hand information on the volcanic situation in Montserrat.

The MVO has already made official visits to the UK, Antigua and Tortola. After the Dominica trip, the next targeted islands will be St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

The meetings with regional disaster officials demonstrate the MVO’s foundation in being an organization of scientific excellence, not only serving Montserrat but also making available its expertise throughout the region and worldwide.

In a release yesterday, Press Officer Lee said that the MVO believes that it is necessary to try and avoid some of the inaccurate information that is around the region, and, "one of the ways in attempting to do so is to take first-hand information directly to our neighbouring countries."

He said that the feedback from relocated Montserratians already visited by the MVO demonstrates sincere gratitude and increased confidence in the monitoring capability of the scientists and their newly created information dissemination strategy.

Come next week, the nine-member Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will have a new regional newspaper.

OECS Advocate is to be published by the St. Lucia-based OECS Secretariat, which says the paper will provide a "much demanded" information link among the islands.

The monthly publication will include analysis of the region’s major news events, features on the people and places of the OECS, sports, and updates on the programmes and projects of the OECS Secretariat.

The inaugural issue is expected to review the first 100days in office of Dominica’s new Prime Minister Rosie Douglas, review the Grand Beach Accord, which settled the recent political crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, look at the recent split in Antigua’s parliamentary opposition, examine St. Kitts/Nevis preparation to host the first CARIFESTA in the OECS, and look ahead to St. Lucia’s Carnival.

OECS Director General Swinburne Lestrade will be joined on the list of columnists by veteran journalists Rickey Singh and Ainsley Sahai, as well as former Test cricketer and coach Andy Roberts.

The paper will also launch an OECS Club, a quiz corner, and a hurricane preparation page.

The Secretariat says the OECS Advocate has received the support of several regional businesses and institutions.

The OECS, which celebrates its 19th anniversary on June 18th, comprises Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts/Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A media launch for the OECS Advocate will be held in each Member State.

Jamaica, CANA - Jamaica's Mining and Energy Minister Bobby Pickersgill has announced the reduction of customs duty on imported solar water heaters from 20 percent to 5 percent as an incentive to promote the use of non-oil sources of energy.

Speaking in the 2000/2001 Sectoral Debate in the elected House of Representatives, the minister pointed to the country's high energy consumption, which cost more than US$2 billion over five years.

This, he said, required conservation of energy and diversification into local sources of energy.

He said members would be expected "to work together in promoting the use of solar energy equipment and products, from photovoltaics to solar water heaters."

The minister also disclosed that the PCJ, in conjunction with an overseas company and the state-run electricity provider, Jamaica Public Service Company, was at an advanced stage in the process leading to the development of a 20-megawatt wind farm at Wington in Manchester, central Jamaica.

In its drive to convert many charcoal users to a more environmentally friendly fuel, the PCJ had distributed some 5,000 liquid petroleum gas stoves island-wide through the Social Security Division of the Ministry of Labour, Mr. Pickersgill reported.

Noting that PETROJAM (an oil refinery) had, in several instances, partially absorbed the increased cost of oil imports, the minister said he was not satisfied that the state-run oil refinery's efforts to suppress fuel prices had always benefited the consumer to the extent expected.

Montserratians in the USA are feeling the squeeze of flight from the volcanic activities in their homeland since 1995.

One person who wishes to leave to visit his "unwell mother" had this to say in a post to members of the Electronic Evergreen:

"Temporary Protection Status, it's almost like pulling teeth and growing it back the same day just to get it. One's life is then held in a balance indefinitely. Is this the freedom that the land brings? My initial thoughts are, TPS is holding Montserratians in the U.S. in bondage, I think this is political hostage taking.

"Just imagine a person has an unwell mother who is going to celebrate her 75th birthday and cannot leave the country, otherwise that person will not be allowed back into the USA. There are many other situations that demand that people leave the U.S. for a short time and it becomes a heart ache every time.

"Do people's life disappear in the concrete jungles of the U.S. because of TPS?  Where is the freedom, protection and all the support that struggling people need? Although we are thankful for it I don't think we should crawl for it.

"I would be grateful if someone can explain the rationale behind these so-called 'rules'."

Six delegates from the Rotaract Club of Montserrat led by Incoming President, Ateshia Lewis, attended the fourteenth Annual Rotaract District Conference in Trinidad held from June 8 –12, 2000.

Reporting on their return to Montserrat president Lewis reports that at the conference the Rotaract Club of Montserrat was commended for its survival in the District despite the ongoing volcanic crisis and the migration of almost all its members.

In addition to several social events, participants attended training sessions which included the Role of Executive Member, Project and Time Management, Team Building, Communication, Marketing and Leadership Skills.

The highlight of the conference was the awards ceremony when the Montserrat Club won two prizes. It was awarded the prize for the Best Community Service Project and one for the Club with the Best Rotary/Rotaract Relationship.

Miss Lewis expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club, tendering on behalf of the Rotaract Club thanks to the Montserrat Rotary Club and especially their Rotary/Rotaract Laison Officer, Mr. Bruce Farara, for helping them to achieve their goals.

Montserrat is currently undergoing a Participatory Poverty Assessment (PPA) project. The project has now moved into a new phase.

Facilitators are currently going into the field to collect information to aid in the development of a Social Development Strategy aimed at helping people at various levels to help themselves.

Miss Katya Jobes, spokesperson and main resource person, for the project says that out of this field Research will come strategies and actions to attempt solve, some of the challenges as expressed by the people themselves.

According to Miss Jobes the material gathered in the field will be analysed and assessed in July among the facilitators, before used to develop strategies to be included in the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP)

The SDP is a 3 years government plan which affects which affects all the policies and programs which come out of government.

Montserrat. Born, Evangelist Brother Roger Wade, host of the Live from London, weekly program has recently acquired new counseling skills

According to Brother Wade he completed a study program in integrative Counseling and is putting his new skills into practice with the Newham Victim Support Organisation where he is currently employed.

On his return home to Montserrat Brother Wade hopes to help Montserratians with his new counseling skills.

The Ministry of Agriculture is currently conducting a tagging and animal census exercise.

According to Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Clifford Daniel’s there has been good response from some livestock owner although there are other who has not been forthcoming with the information needed. In addition, some livestock owners especially those with animals in the day time entry zone are also refusing to have their animals tagged

Highlighting the benefits of having the animals tagged, Dr Daniel’s said that this would help lesson disputes

Among owners when their animals venture into other pasture. In addition tagging would also help safeguard against animal theft.

Both the Tagging and census are been done simultaneously and according to Dr Daniel’s it is important to know how many animals are on the island and their location.

It is also important for disease monitoring in particular as the department would know where the animal are and be better able to isolate the sick animals to lesson the spread of animals diseases

The department of Agriculture is encouraging all livestock owners to fully cooperate in the program.

Success has been reported by the Darrell Wildlife Protection Trust in the USA in the breeding of the Montserrat. Mountain Chicken in captivity.

The Mountain Chickens were transferred to the Jersey Zoo last July to carry out the breeding program.

According to Forestry Advisor in the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Tony Hill, the first breeding success was announced last month and since then there has been more success. Forestry Officer James "Scriber" Daley says he is impressed with the timeliness of the breeding program.

The escalating number of break is in the day time entry zone is of growing concern.

To deal with the problem Police Commissioner Alexander Elder is seeking the support of the community.

He is asking persons seeking suspicious characters lacking around buildings in the day time entry zone to report it to the police immediately.

News of Montserrat coming out of England says that since the first rumblings of the Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat in July 1995, the island has experienced several major pyroclastic flows, complete destruction of the southern and eastern sections of the island (including the capital city Plymouth), and the relocation of approximately

two-thirds of the island population either to other Caribbean islands, the UK or North America.

Nearly five years after the first eruption, a panel of speakers in London will touch upon aspects of the crisis, focusing on the future of the island and its inhabitants.

Speakers include:

Janice Panton (Montserrat Government Office), Jane Furlonge and Daniel Daley (Montserrat Overseas People's Progressive Alliance), Polly Patullo (journalist/author of the book "Fire from the Mountain"), Gertrude Shott (Institute of Education), and Martin Lever (University of Manchester).

The program will be at the Jamaica Blue Coffee Shop, 18 Maddox Street, London W1, from 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m., Thursday 22nd June 2000

Delegates from the United Kingdom Overseas Territories attended a two-and-a-half day conference on Disaster Management from 30th May to 1st June in the British Virgin Islands.

The conference followed a Study on Disaster Management Capability in the Caribbean Overseas Territories and focused on the problems associated with disaster management and opportunities for mutual support.

Participants were drawn from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibralter, Montserrat, St Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, and two regional disaster management organisations, CDERA and PAHO.

Participants shared current practices in key areas of Disaster Management, and agreed to the re-establishment of a vehicle through which the Overseas Territories would provide mutual support to raise the standard of disaster management in each of the Territories, called the Network of Emergency Managers for Overseas Territories (NEMOT).

Draft terms of reference for a Disaster Management Adviser for the Overseas Territories, to be funded for an initial period of three years by the UK's Department for International Development, and ways in which co-ordination both with and within UK could be improved were also considered.

Participants will meet in a year's time to review progress on the establishment of the Network and mutual support activities.

Participants expressed gratitude to the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands, in particular the Office of Disaster Preparedness, for their assistance in making the conference a success.

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Police and fire officials are continuing investigations into an early morning blaze that destroyed one of Antigua's popular night houses.

A spokesman from the St. John's Fire Station said, "the fire call came at about 4:55 a.m. indicating that Skells on Fort Road was on fire. Two fire tenders were immediately dispatched and upon arrival found the wooden building engulfed in flames."

The blaze lasted several hours aided by a gusty, east wind.

Skells had 17 apartments and was home to several "ladies of the night." Officials reported no injuries, and confirmed that all the occupants are accounted for.

This was the 212^th fire for the year.

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- Commissioner of police Trueheart Smith is expressing delight over the capture of another escaped prisoner, Attiba Chiddick.

Chiddick was part of a quintet that made a dash for freedom on May 17 this year, after jumping the high eastern wall of the country's lone prison. Two of the escapees were captured within minutes of the jailbreak. However, Chiddick, Charlesworth Christopher and Jay Peters remained at large until Chiddick's capture in the Clare Hall Area on Tuesday.

"We have not eased up in our pursuit of the escapees," Commissioner Smith said. "There have been several reports of sightings and Chiddick's capture is testimony to the fact that our men are on the job."

He said he is very hopeful of his men capturing the remaining two prisoners still on the run.

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua -- The St. Kitts and Nevis Government is calling on Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the United States of America, for particulars on the unauthorised removal of Dwayne Bridgewater from the State.

Attorney General Delano Bart told newsmen here Saturday that diplomatic notes have already been dispatched to St. John's and Washington, seeking clarification on the matter.

Mrs. Bridgewater, wife of the seized man, alerted the Government to the fate of her husband via a statement given to the police on Wednesday.

Mr. Bart said the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has a constitutional duty to ensure that all citizens are protected from arbitrary acts in the country of their birth, adding that his government is pursuing the matter.

Last week the St. Kitts and Nevis Police denied having had anything to do with the matter which involved U.S. Federal Agents. However, U.S. authorities claim that law enforcement officials in St. Kitts, are well versed in the operations of the Drug Enforcement Administration and other U.S. law officers in the country.

When asked if the St. Kitts and Nevis Police knew of the Bridgewater kidnapped-style arrest, the reply came, "of course they did."

The government has appointed a special committee to look into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Bridgewater, who was brought to Antigua prior to being flown to the United States to face narcotics charges.

According to reports, Bridgewater was arrested by FBI/DEA agents just outside of the 12-mile economic zone of St. Kitts and Nevis, while allegedly on his way, to cement a deal, handcuffed, ferried to Antigua, where a U.S. aircraft whisked him away to the U.S.

The government of Prime Minister Lester Bird, who is also the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, is awaiting the outcome of the St. Kitts and Nevis report before issuing a statement.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Hurricane activity is cyclical and this year's mode is high with seven hurricanes predicted, three of them major, renowned forecaster William Gray told the U. S. Governor's Hurricane Conference Friday.

"We're in a new era of major storms," Prof. Gray told the closing session of the annual weeklong event. "It's not that they'll be more intense, just that there will be more frequent categories three, four and five. We've had a great pickup in these major storms."

While Atlantic hurricanes are potential hazards to vast areas of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, his emphasis in Friday's conference was primarily on Florida and East Coast U.S. population centers.

Prof. Gray said the heightened activity is not due to global warming, but rather is a natural occurrence that fluctuates with Atlantic Ocean circulation changes. One circulation pattern usually lasts between 20 and 40 years.

Circulation depends on salinity. When the salt builds up in the North Atlantic Ocean, circulation is faster, the Atlantic gets warmer and there are more storms, Gray said.

Today is more like the 1930s through the 1950s, the last really active period.

"You can't tell when and where they'll go but you can give people the odds," Prof. Gray said, predicting 11 named Atlantic storms this season.

Winds start at 110 mph for category three storms; 130 mph for category four storms and 155 mph for category five.

Storms with more than 110 mph sustained winds at the surface account for 85 percent of the damage done by hurricanes, said Prof. Gray, a Colorado State University professor.

The last five years has ushered in the new era with a big increase of 20 major storms, a four-to-one increase from the previous five years.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has been notified of attempts being made to circulate EC$10 and EC$20 notes in Trinidad and Tobago. We wish to advise all persons, especially traders and others doing business in Trinidad, to be on the lookout when accepting EC currency of all denominations.

The public is reminded that counterfeit notes have no value, and that persons in possession of them may be prosecuted. You are therefore urged to exercise caution, particularly at night and in dimly lit situations, and to look out for the following security features when accepting notes:

On the front right hand side of a genuine note a security thread is incorporated into the paper. The thread can be clearly seen through the paper.

Genuine bank notes are printed on special paper that gives them a unique feel. Each genuine note bears a different serial number, printed vertically on the left hand side and horizontally on the right hand side of the notes. No two notes ever have the same serial number.

On the front left hand side of any genuine note, a watermark of Queen Elizabeth can only be seen when the note is held up to the light.

Persons who think they may come into possession of counterfeit notes should take them to the nearest police station.

Former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts is calling for a change in the WIndies new ball attack.

Roberts’ call is made in the inaugural issue of the OECS Advocate newspaper for which he is a sports columnist. The paper is due to be launched next week.

"I would like to see Reon King or one of the young fast bowlers given the new ball along with either Curtly Ambrose or Courtney Walsh," Roberts says in his column.

He recalls the period after 1968 when the great Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith retired and the West Indies struggled to find a pace attack which could bowl out a team twice. He says King, Franklyn Rose, or McLean will have to take charge eventually, so why not have them do it now that there are experienced hands to guide them.

Antigua-born Roberts began his illustrious career in 1974 at the head of a long line of pace bowlers who helped the West Indies dominate international cricket for about 15 years.

The OECS Advocate newspaper will be published by the OECS Secretariat in St. Lucia, which plans to release it simultaneously in all nine OECS Member Countries.

The WIndies are favourites! Contrary to the English bookmakers, I would like to join fellow West Indians Michael Holding and Colin Croft in predicting a series victory for the colonial boys in the Mother country.

Yes, I make the West Indies favourites to win the current five-Test series, which bowled off on Thursday June 15 at Edgbaston.

"Man for man, they have the edge over England in ability, particularly now that Brian Lara has started making runs. And their build-up has gone well." "It is clear that by bringing Mark Ealham and Robert Croft, a swing bowler and an off-spinner, into their squad, England seem to be sticking to the theory that the West Indies are vulnerable to medium-pacers, but they have been rolling them out against us for donkey's years without ever beating us. It is the same with spin." (Holding, 2000).

The English selectors and many of our West Indian fans believe that we can't play slow bowling.

The English gamble is that Robert Croft would cause problems for the many left handers in the West Indies team -- Brian Lara, Jimmy Adams, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ridley Jacobs and Curtly Ambrose. But Shane Warne, the greatest spinner in the game, has had only one good performance against the West Indies.

The historical evidence shows that on the teams which have beaten the West Indies recently, the wicket-takers have been genuine fast bowlers. The wicket-takers have been Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock in South Africa, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in Pakistan, Glenn McGrath in Australia. That is why England have almost no chance of winning the Test encounter unless Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick (arguably the best seam bowler in England) can conjure a number of exceptional performances.

Frankly, a bowling armoury with Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Reon King and Franklyn Rose should make it very uncomfortable for the English batsmen. Nixon Mclean has done very well so far in the English condition, taking four wickets for 64 off 17 overs against the Zimbabweans and demolishing the Glamorgan batsmen to give the WIndies an unlikely victory. But Franklyn Rose is bound to be preferred over him because he is the only bowler who swings the ball through the air.

The West Indian quickies have adjusted quickly. The performances of Nixon Mclean, Reon King and Corey Collymore at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, were excellent. They kept the ball up to the bat on a strict line and length. King and Mclean were good and Collymore certainly looked the part on a sluggish surface with his busy, skiddy action.

This is very good news for the West Indian supporters. Let’s face it. When you consider that the big three -- Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose and Franklyn Rose -- were resting for this game it just shows that there is depth and firepower once again in the West Indies fast bowling department. This is a definite encouragement for Adams and the new management.

The most worrisome problem however is the batting line-up. And the tour management would have to make a serious decision with respect to who will partner Campbell. But up to press time, if I had the job to take the critical decision, I would not open the batting with Wavell Hinds, contrary to popular opinion. With Adrian Griffith not having made his claim to partner Sherwin Campbell, I would even prefer to open with Shivnarine Chanderpaul. He is patient and experienced and technically sound. After all, he has opened the batting before and has batted consistently at number three.

Wavell Hinds has learnt quickly. He was the only batsman to prosper at Cardiff against Glamorgan because he perceived that to adapt he would have to bat out of the crease, play forward to the pitch of the ball and only drive when the ball is right under his nose. He reminded us of two great West Indian batsmen who were brilliant at shot selection on any surface -- Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge.

As the informed batsman, I would prefer him to bat at number three to link the head of the team with the body.

Ideally, my preference for the opening position would be Chris Gayle. While his inclusion will mean the omission of talented and confident Ramnaresh Sarwan, particularly after a productive debut, I enter the first battle with my best soldiers at the top. Ted Dexter said Sarwan is "good enough for me and I look forward to seeing him in action." But it would not really be an injustice choosing Gayle over the youthful Indo-West Indian.

David Lloyd, who covered the match against Glamorgan noted: "Another youngster who looked the part for the West Indies was Chris Gayle. He did not score many but got into good positions and played with a straight bat." Chris Gayle is a bundle of talent and a technically correct opening batsman who scored 623 runs in the Busta Cup this year. It is sad to leave out the youngster but this reflects the bright future of our international team and the re-making of our West Indian batsmanship.

Despite the mouthing that Brian Lara got after his first match performance, even his critics are silent now. After his 176 against Zimbabwe, he has vowed to dominate the series this summer. He is very confident and is playing very well. The arrogance that we always detected in his batting when he is in nick is very evident.

Brian Lara made a timely return to form before the first cricket test against England, firing a 93-ball century against Zimbabwe in the final warm-up match at Arundel on June 10. Coming in after the new ball bowler Neil Johnson did the early damages, claiming Adrian Griffith and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the former West Indies skipper and double world record holder came in and not only weathered the storm but dominated the proceedings.

He made his eagerly awaited entry shortly after lunch with his side toiling on 55 for two from 40 overs and entertained the large crowd present at the picturesque West Sussex venue, hitting five sixes and 25 boundaries off just 163 balls – dispelling doubts about his form since his return after a four-month break from the game. He had scored just 13 runs in his four previous first-class knocks.

We don't expect him to scale the heights he reached in 1994, but he is still good enough to pile up hundreds against any bowling at the Test match level. And with that confidence there could be many others to be scored against a non-lethal English attack.

If I were in charge the soldiers in the Edgbaston battle would have been (in batting order) Sherwin Campbell, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara, James Adams, Ridley Jacobs, Franklyn Rose, Curtly Ambrose, Reon King and Courtney Walsh.

But what are the strong points of the opposing warriors? England is ready to do battle against the West Indies. And after a good series against the Zimbabweans, they feel that they have the best chance in beating West Indies since 1969.

The batting will be carried by the experienced and in-formed Mike Atherton, Mark Ramprakash, Nasser Hussein, Nick Knight, Graham Hick and wicket-keeper/batsman Alec Stewart. Stewart has always done very well against West Indian pace attack and would be expected to produce the goods this time around. When put together as a team, this is possibly the best combination that the selectors could assemble from English County cricket.

And we expect them to give the West Indies a run for their money. Should the West Indians lose their fight, their inspiration, their determination, their never-say-die attitude that made them prevail over Zimbabwe and Pakistan, they could be humbled in the motherland.

One concern that the West Indies team would have to work very hard on is poor fielding. The pre-match preparation was static and lacklustre, which surfaced again during the game. This was the only negative that the commentators saw.

The team gives the impression of togetherness. They have a strong backbone of established players in Sherwin Campbell, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Lara, Adams, Rose, Walsh and Ambrose and the emerging youngsters look highly talented.

Both England and the West Indies are committed to re-establishing their position in international cricket and this five-Test series should be enthralling. Walsh marches on towards 500 Test wickets, Ambrose is in sight of 400. Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart will play their 100th Test and are neck and neck in pursuit of 7,000 Test runs. The battle has begun and the war will be hard fought.

Now let’s go to Edgbaston for the first battle.

PHOTO CAPTION: Windies captain Jimmy Adams receives check for beating Pakistan ((photo: Peter Adrien)

All over the world, children with tear-stained cheeks and broken hearts are asking the question, "Mommy! Where is my daddy?"

The misunderstanding of the responsibility of fatherhood is cited as the root of several problems in our society today. A survey of several students and adults revealed a sense of loss and disappointment due to the lack of a strong loving father in their lives. Despite all the views being debated, it is clear to see that fathers must consider it their moral obligation to provide spiritual leadership to their families. Caribbean men can no longer hide behind the curtain, and use slavery as an excuse for unfaithfulness and immoral behaviour.

As men, our deepest human needs are a basic part of who we are as a person, but it is discipline and control of self that truly defines who we are, and gives value to ourselves and those we come into contact with.

Let us test ourselves as fathers by asking ourselves a few questions.

• Do we provide adequately for our families spiritually, financially, physically?
• Are we committed to our relationship, our spouse and children?
• Is your family happy when you are present at home or thankful when you are away?
• Do you correct with love or anger?
• Do you have a listening ear or are you quick to criticise?
• Are you strong yet gentle, firm yet tender?
• Do you have a forgiving heart?
• Are you thankful, kind and loving, or fussy and overbearing?

There are some men who are doing a very good job of fathering but a poor job of being fathers. Having several children with several different women cannot be considered as great achievement. Spending time with friends at the neglect of time with spouse and children or family must be discouraged.

Fatherhood is service, leadership and discipleship. It is a vocation which dictates absolute unselfish and generous love. It must be a love that seeks primarily to fullfil not our own needs but the needs of our family. If we are to witness the changes in our society that we are longing for, honesty, trust, truthfulness and kindness must be considered as important qualities for all men.

As fathers let us seek to praise rather than to be praised, heal rather than to be healed. We must move from self-centered desire to a creative responsive love for our children and their mothers. A great father understands true love and sacrifice. Fathers let us be truly present at home.

Let us stand up for what is right and just. Our emotional connection and our thoughtfulness for our family should allow them to truly give reverence to us with all honesty as we celebrate this Fathers Day.

Eugene D. Skerritt

Drug abuse is the use of a drug for non-therapeutic effect (not used for a remedy) especially one for which it was not prescribed or intended.

It may lead to organ damage, disturbed pattern of behavior and addiction.

Some of the most commonly abused drugs are marijuana (weed), cocaine, heroine, alcohol, LSD, caffeine, barbiturates, inhalants and steroids.

When these drugs are abused, they incur criminal penalty; there are also increased risks for physical, social and psychological harm.

Drug addiction is a condition characterised by an overwhelming desire to continue taking a drug to which one has become habituated through repeated consumption because it produces a particular effect, usually an alteration of mental activity, attitude or outlook.

Marijuana affects your mind and behavior by causing confusion and inability to carry out tasks, decreasing sense of time, impairing short-term memory, and creating vpanic reaction.

High doses cause delusions (fixed, firm, false belief), hallucinations (seeing, smelling, feeling or hearing things that do not result from external stimulus) and flash backs. One may become anxious or apathetic (absence or suppression of emotion, feeling or concern perception.

It has these additional effects:

Immune Systems: Increases risk of infection and diseases due to decreased immune responses.

Sexual Organ: Reduces hormone level, reduces fertility in both men and women.

Fetus: Crosses the placenta and can cause growth retardation and other complications in the unborn child, also delay development after birth. Marijuana is also secreted in the breast milk of a breast-feeding mother.

Heart and Blood: Reduces oxygen delivery to heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, thus causing complications, increases heart rates.

Lungs: Smoking marijuana leads to bronchial irritation and inflammation leading to an increased risk of bronchitis and other disorders, possibly cancer.

Look for: Rolling papers, pipes, dried plant material, odor of burnt plant material.

Physical Symptoms: Red eyes, dry mouth, reduced concentration, altered perception, abnormal coordination, constant laughing, hunger, drowsy, hyperactivity, black lips, discoloured finger tips.

Facts about marijuana

1. Know the law: Marijuana is an illegal substance; you can face a heavy fine and jail time. If found in the company of others using drugs or in the possession of drugs you can be charged with a criminal offense.
2. Get the facts right: You do not function normally and cannot do anything that requires concentration under the influence of marijuana.
3. Play it safe: One incident of drug use could make you do something that you will regret for a lifetime.
4. Keep your edge: Drug use can ruin your looks, make you depressed and contribute to slippery grades.
5. Do the smart thing: Using drugs puts your health, education, family ties and social life at risk.
6. Face your problems: Using drugs wouldn't help you escape your problems; it would only create more.
7. Be a real friend: If you know someone with a drug problem, be part of the solution, urge your friend to get help.
8. Be aware of the risk: Using drugs increases the risk of injury in car crashes, falls, burns, drowning and suicide.
9. Stay informed: Marijuana has been shown to lower sperm count in men and increases the risk of infertility in women.
10. Be smart: DO NOT START, STAY DRUG FREE

Marijuana blocks the message going to your brain and alters your perceptions and emotions, vision, hearing and coordination.

Several pairs of mountain chicken were sent from Montserrat to the Jersey Zoo as part of the Montserrat/Durrel Wildlife Trust breeding in captivity program. On arrival at the Jersey Zoo, environmental conditions similar to those that exist in the species natural habitats on Montserrat were created. Chief Forestry and Natural Resources Advisor Tony Hill and Wildlife Officer James 'Scriber" Daley have confirmed that one has produced tadpoles, while another is showing signs of nesting.

Examination of the rainfall figures from at least three (3) of the major farming areas have shown an increase in the amount of rainfall this April to that of last year as illustrated in the table below: -

As part of the extension program a wide variety of vegetable seedlings are produced on a regular basis at the Brades Nursery. These seedlings are especially produced as a backup supply for households involved in backyard gardening, and on occasions for larger farmers. The following seedlings are currently available:

• Sweet Pepper Seedlings
• Egg Plant Seedlings
• Cabbages Seedlings
• Lettuce Seedlings

Farm fresh produce of the following crops are available at the various outlets and from the farmers themselves: -

• Carrot
• Sweet Pepper
• Christophene
• Lettuce
• Sweet Potato
• Cucumber
• String Beans
• Pumpkin

Ministry of Agriculture and the Farmers Association are accepting requests for Irish potato planting material. Farmers who intend to grow this crop are asked to provide relevant information to Mr, Claude Brown of the Farmers Association and Mr. Anthony Breedy, Agriculture Extension Officer. This must include the acreages to be planted and number of pounds of seed potato required. The deadline for accepting requests is June 30, 2000.

The Department of Agriculture continues to engage in discussions and research in the area of Agro-Industrial development so that opportunities for stronger linkages between Agro-Industrial endeavors and primary agricultural production can be identified.

• June 8^th Completion of Forestry Work Program
• June 16^th Extension Program
• June 24^th Agro-Industrial Development
• June 29^th Fisheries Unit Work Program

Jus wonderin how much it will cost to get this (Governor's) newsletter to cover the same amount of people like the Reporter?
Jus' wondering how Montserrat now have three banks - RBC, BOM and BMW.
Jus' wondering if they don't sell season salt in Guyana and why people have to travel to Montserrat to steal it from Rams.
Jus wondering why the shoe man lost his pots to a foreigner and if a local girlfriend would have treated him so.

Jus wonderin if the people who writes "Jus Wonderin" are the victims of the crimes.

Jus wonderin why people believe that Montserratians outside don’t' need information and should not get information even though they are not voting.

Jus wonderin what really happen to the GIS pages why they are they still not part of the newspaper.

Jus wonderin if they don't know that the paper is not complete without government information, especially for those abroad.

Jus wonderin why DFID no pack up dem Georgie Bundle and go if they so worried about the news that get out about dem.

Jus wonderin if they don't know they are doing more harm than good and that they can't stop the newspaper from print.

Jus wonderin why the Lady who say she got her foot damage by the donkey in Look Out did not go to the owner instead of going to the men at Agriculture to shoot de donkey.

Jus wonderin if a only one person have donkey out a Look Out.

Jus wonderin why de neaga dem at bottom Lookout a try fu outdo de res ua we wid grudgeness.

Jus wonderin if the big truck driver house in Lookout is MSS new school.

Jus wonderin what that now popular driver was riding in Salem bushes, if it was a donkey or a Horse.

Jus wonderin if the stables out of business.

Jus wonderin why that Inspector on the force cannot speak to the driver about the offences when dealing with the shoe man worker.

Jus wonderin if it's true the pharmacy boss got rid of the port worker when the man came back.

Jus wonderin if the cake woman at the Emergency building has a direct line to do her own business.

Jus wonderin where the C.O.S. is these days if he gone south.

Jus wonderin when gardeners are going to be penalized for using vacant lots at the side of the road right across from where they work as dumping grounds for their work.

Jus wonderin if the boulders at Belham could be used to make an effective breakwater at Little Bay or Carr's Bay.

Jus wonderin why the EOC worker who lives in Manjack is having an affair with the young boy who lives in Look Out.

Jus wonderin if Mr Fix It knows that pleasure really loves him.

Just wonderin who say Montserratians in England are just wondering why Montserratians in Montserrat are biting the hand that feed them.
Jus wonderin why the Chief Minister, Minister of Agri, Minister of PWD are drifting down slowly.

Jus wonderin if it’s because she have her own two troubles to tangle with why the lady Minister is up.

Jus wonderin if listenin to that commentator at home about the cricket can make me never interested about going to the park.

Jus wonderin why there were so much criticism from the former coach that got everybody angry.

Jus wonderin if the cricket had a little more team spirit if things wouldn’t have turned out better.

Jus wonderin if it’s not shameful to see that Montserrat just scrape out of money scandal and now this even bigger than the bank money.

Jus wonderin if the lady from Davy Hill should get back her $4000.00 or be arrested also.

Jus wonderin if the head is not doing the work properly.

Jus wonderin if a white man has to come to clean up the offices at the Government Headquarters.

Jus wonderin if some one started to spend the monies just to blackmail those men.

Jus wonderin if this is not time really longer than twine.

Jus wonderin what next that British have on their planning board for us or is it over now.

Jus wonderin if the volcano is good for some and bad for some, richer for some poorer for some.

Jus wonderin how much more consultants' faces and names would be shown up before the year ends.

Jus wonderin if this country would ever make a positive head start.