School Stabbing Triggers Mutual Official Concern
By Merrick Andrews
Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) - Salem
As a result of a stabbing incident on Monday at the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Commissioner of Police John Douglas said he plans to meet with authorities at the school to plan and review strategies to stop students from carrying weapons.
Commissioner Douglas said more frequent
spot checks and random searches for weapons at the school will be among the
topics to be discussed in the meeting.
A specific date has not been set for the meeting as End of Year exams are
currently underway. Exams are scheduled to end about mid-way next week.
Mr. Douglas has also expressed concern that students are harming themselves and
carrying cellular phones at school, which is normally prohibited. “Children
should not be taking any offensive weapons to school. It shows that if they are
they have some ulterior motive,” he said.
P.S. MEHCS Eugene Skerritt, Police Commissioner John Douglas
Mr. Eugene Skerritt, permanent
secretary in the Ministry of Education, Health and Community Services, said the
matter will be “considered seriously”.
“My concern… is the fact that a knife and a stabbing was involved in the
whole incident which makes it a serious offense,” said Mr. Skerritt.
He said a Board Meeting will convene soon and a fair hearing will be given to
both sides as to what resulted in the incident and the necessary actions to be
taken.
Principal of MSS Ms. Kathleen Greenaway
and other officials at the school declined to comment on the matter.
On Monday at around midday, the police reported, two students, ages 15 and 16,
were allegedly fighting over a cellular phone, during which one of the students
was stabbed with a knife.
The victim received stab wounds to his
left chest and left arm and was treated at the hospital and discharged.
The student responsible for the stabbing was arrested and charged with wounding,
but was released on EC$1,000 bail later the same day.
“The incident is just unfortunate,” said Commissioner Douglas. "It’s just not something we condone.”
OECS
36th BI-ANNUAL SUMMIT ENDS IN BASSETERRE
The Head Table on the final day of the OECS Birthday Summit; Mr. Randolf Cato - OECS Chairman, Dr. Denzil Douglas, and Acting Director-General
HEADS
TO REVISIT THE TREATY OF BASSETERRE
Compiled
from dispatches
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts
-- The 36th Bi-Annual Summit of the Heads of Government of the
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ended here earlier yesterday
with the Heads promising to take another look at the Treaty of Basseterre, which
was signed some 21-years ago and gave birth to the OECS.
In a special
presentation at the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, Antigua and Barbuda's Prime
Minister Lester Bird gave a historical perspective of the sub-regional body and
called for a more competitive and marketing oriented approach if the
organization is to stave off the onslaught of Globalization.
The group also was addressed Tuesday by Montserrat Chief Minister John Osborne, whose delegation to the meeting included Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communications and Works, Mrs. Sarita Weekes, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Earl “Hustler” Browne, Calypso King of Montserrat, and well- known Dramatist, Chad Cumberbatch.
The 21st anniversary was commemorated with a Cultural Presentation during the Opening Ceremony. King Hustler and Chad Cumberbatch were Montserrat’s representatives at that show.
The OECS's planned
revisit to the Treaty is in an effort to make a stronger European
Union-style of confederation of states. In this regard, a three-man committee
will be appointed shortly, to deal with the matter.
Meanwhile, the Heads
have been given specific responsibilities in order to ensure the smooth and
efficient running of the organisation.
Anguilla's
Osborne Flemming - Tourism; Antigua
& Barbuda's Lester Bird - Information Technology, External Trade
and Economic Relations; The
British Virgin Island's Ralph O'Neal - Financial Services;
Dominica's Pierre Charles -Agriculture and Labour; Grenada's
Dr. Keith Mitchell - Science, Technology and Sports; Montserrat's
John Osborne - Disaster Preparedness and Management; St.
Lucia's Dr. Kenny Anthony - Justice and Security; St.
Vincent & The Grenadines' Dr. Ralph Gonsalves - Bananas, Economics and
the CSME, and St.
Kitts and Nevis' Dr. Denzil Douglas - Social Development and Health.
An anniversary celebration will also be
held in Dominica, where the Roseau-based OECS Export Development Unit (EDU) will
host an exhibition entitled, “A showcase of OECS Products”, at the new
Financial Centre.
The activities will also extend to St. Lucia, home of the OECS Secretariat,
where a 21st anniversary awards ceremony and dinner will be held on
Sunday, June 23.
In St. Maarten, meanwhile, Leader of Government
Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams sent congratulations
to the Secretariat in St. Lucia.
She also said she intends to continue to pursue OECS membership for St. Maarten
“We recognize the importance of a regional approach in dealing with problems that confront us all. Our Caribbean people demand from us that we work together in fostering sustainable socio-economic development for our nations and people," her letter said.
The OECS was founded on June 18, 1981, and has nine members: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Insufficient Evidence Dismisses Karen Allen’s Cannabis Case
By Merrick Andrews
With rent, utility bills to pay and
three children to feed, Ms. Karen Allen battled to survive on half-pay pay for
over two months.
With her reputation at stake, allegedly over the possession of 0.9 grams of
cannabis, the 31-year-old Rastafarian said she also battled psychologically.
But at around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, all that ended – for now.
Ms. Allen, the outreach officer of the
Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) who was charged with the possession of
cannabis, walked out of the Magistrate Court untarnished, after her case was
dismissed by Senior Magistrate Clifton Warner for lack of sufficient technical
evidence.
As soon as the case ended, Ms. Allen returned to her full-time job at the MVO,
where she began working October of last year. “I am happy it is over and done
with,” she told The Montserrat Reporter later.
Ms. Allen, who defended herself because
she couldn’t “acquire adequate (attorney) representation locally,” said
she believes she was given a fair trial.
“I feel vindicated as far as for the trial. I feel like I was tried fairly and
the system was utilized in a very effective and unbiased manner,” she added.
She said she has not made up her mind yet on whether to take legal action
against the police.
Commissioner of Police John Douglas declined to comment on the case.
The court rulings suggest that the
exhibit – the quantity of cannabis which the police said they found in her
bedroom in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 20 – might have been
tampered with.
The court ruled that the mark on the exhibit did not correspond with the mark on
the envelope which contained the exhibit. The lab analyst made the markings and
they are supposed to correspond.
The court said it is quite possible that the exhibit, which was tendered into
evidence may not have been the same item allegedly taken from Ms. Allen’s home
and which was taken to Antigua for analysts to exam.
Magistrate Warner also noted that the markings on the envelope were in fact
changed or there was a “super imposition”.
On May 23, the case was adjourned, as
the prosecutors were not ready with their evidence, the cannabis which was
undergoing forensic tests in Antigua to fully confirm the type of substance. The
trial was however rescheduled on June 10 to a day later.
Ms. Allen had pleaded not guilty when she appeared in court on Monday, April 22.
In the April 26 issue of The Reporter, she said Rastafarians are discriminated against by the local police force and she called the quantity of cannabis the police claimed to have found a “fabrication”.
Ms. Allen was born in Montserrat on
September 8, 1970, and taken to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, at three months
old. At the age of 18, she joined the U.S. Army, in which she served until 1998.
She later took up a job as a legal secretary at Morrison and Foerster LLP, an
international law firm in Washington DC.
She returned to Montserrat on April 25, 2000.
"Violent
Incident in School Inflicts A Wound We All Must Act to Heal"
How many people this week raised an eyebrow having learnt of a stabbing incident at the Montserrat Secondary School? How many just simply shrugged their shoulders in dismissal or perhaps frustration or considered it too trivial for concern? And then how many had no reaction at all and treated it as just another incident among the young, with no interest or concern whatsoever?
Whatever the circumstances and facts surrounding the incident, they were serious enough to cause criminal charges to be brought, although fortunately the victim did not have to be hospitalized following treatment for the injuries suffered. It isn’t that there is anyone who will not remember some fighting incident when they went to school when one or more student may have suffered injuries requiring treatment, even though such offensive instruments as knives were not used. It is the nature of man and the world to act with hostility towards one another, even without cause or reason sometimes.
It is bothersome, however, that principals and teachers seek to remain silent and withhold comment on incidents such as the one reported this week at our top school. There also seems to be a reluctance on the part of some head teachers to comment on anything, good or bad, that happens in the school.
On reflection, throughout the ages we have all heard adults express concern at the conduct of the young, and every year it is deplored as even more alarming. But as suggested, it is not that fighting in school or among humans is a novelty; what is now alarming is the reason or need for children to have such weapons as knives in their possession at school. Surely as the administration investigates the most recent incident, one of their concerns will be whether this is a first time occurrence or whether this has been developing into a practise.
Yes, the concern is that there are other incidents, some not necessarily violent, that take place in and around the school that call for serious attention. Incidents that are criminal in nature and which lead to the breakdown in the conduct of civil and social structures of a community.
It is easy these days to blame any infraction or anything that seems abnormal on the fallout from the stresses caused in the aftermath of the on-going volcanic crisis; a crisis that could be used to aid our development as we reconstruct and build an atmosphere conducive to successful living in a peaceful and tranquil country.
We hope that the investigations into this incident will lead to other investigations that will show that it is not fair to expect children or young adults to exercise responsibility when all around them they see who demand it of them acting irresponsibly.
This accusation is not directed only to teachers, but to parents and all authorities responsible for the welfare and upbringing of children. Children are quick learners. They see everything that take place around them, but they may not be able to figure out the good or bad of what they observe. The responsibility therefore lies firstly with the parents, and adults in authority to see that an atmosphere is provided where the children will not see a need to so readily go beyond the norms of existence to prepare to become productive and healthy adults.
It may seem strange, but the ignored little and subtle things are what cause worry and matter so much. The big things the children can tackle and deal with in their minds.
What we may often find, however, is that parents, who need to provide for themselves just to be able to send their children to school, forget that they are responsible for their children for about two thirds of each school day, and a higher percentage of time each week. What the school authorities need to be aware of, on the other hand, is that the time children spend under their care is when their minds are busiest, seeking to take in whatever is thrown at them or anything they observe for themselves. That requires planning and care.
Careful examination will show that the
lethargy in the way some things are conducted and the lack of attention to
seemingly unimportant areas by those in authority are far more reaching than one
suspects. Protective and corrective measures are needed, but a good
self-examination will go a long way in turning back what may seem to be well out
of hand. We may well find that the entire community is not as responsible as it
thinks it is.
Except
for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily
those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers.
Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles.
All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are
welcome. Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston,
Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org
or monrep@candw.ag. Manuscripts
will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope.
The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.
Jus
Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430
WHAT
KEEPS US GOING
READ: Philippians 3:1-11
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 16-19
Isaac Asimov tells the story of a rough ocean crossing during which a Mr. Jones became terribly seasick. At an especially rough time, a kind steward patted Mr. Jones on the shoulder and said, "I know, sir, that it seems awful. But remember, no one ever died of seasickness." Mr. Jones lifted his green countenance to the steward's concerned face and replied, "Oh, don't say that! It's only the wonderful hope of dying that keeps me alive."
There's more in Mr. Jones' words than a touch of irony. As a Christian, I hear echoes of Paul's words to the Philippians. He said that the wonderful hope of dying kept him going (Philippians 1:21-23). Yet he wasn't fearing. Paul's hope was rooted in Christ, who died on the cross for sinners, rose from the grave, ascended to heaven, and would one day take Paul into His presence.
How did this hope of seeing Christ, either at death or at the Lord's return, keep Paul going? It gave meaning to every moment. It gave him reason to live for Christ. It also gave him incentive to focus on others who needed his encouragement. He said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (v.21).
Father, thank You for the risen Christ. He is our reason for living. -MRD 11
A wonderful joy is now flooding my heart,
Giving assurance that will not depart.
My Savior is living and reigning above;
Life has rich meaning because of His love. -Bosch
THOSE WHO ARE PREPARED TO DIE
ARE MOST PREPARED TO LIVE
Montserratian
Abroad Is Still Tied to Home
Dear Editor,
Thanks for keeping me informed with
what's happening in the land of my birth. I do look forward to reading The
Reporter every week as I am in England in body, but my soul, heart and mind are
in Montserrat. I could never get used to this place, even though I have been
over here for the last nine years.
Keep up the good work, Bennette and staff.
TABU
Online
Reader Longs To Hear of St. Peters
Dear Editor,
I really like reading about Montserrat since I cannot be down there to see what's going on. I was disappointed to see that Montserrat lost the cricket match but when I saw my childhood friend in the paper, Zhuan Sweeney, I was really excited. I would really like to know what's going on in St. Peter’s, since I grew up in Rocklands. I would appreciate that thank you.
Edgar Osborne
SHEKUBAH12@HOTMAIL.COM
Commission of Inquiry Created To Probe Treasury Systems
A Commission of Inquiry is currently
underway to investigate what some term as irregularities in the collecting
system of the island’s Treasury Department.
The Commission of Inquiry was set up in April by Governor Anthony Longrigg, and
comprises a four-person committee, according to Mr. Richard Aspin, the
Governor’s press secretary.
The Treasury’s Accountant General, Mrs. Geraldine Cabey, was put on vacation leave to make way for investigations and pending results of the Inquiry, Mr. Aspin confirmed.
Mrs. Cabey, however, is not under any direct scrutiny, according to an insider, “as she was one of the persons who demanded the payment system to be regularized or upgraded.” Mrs. Cabey has declined to comment on the matter.
The Inquiry stemmed from questions raised by the Auditor General regarding fuel monies.
An official source said that
“accounting systems in the height of the volcanic crisis were very poor and
now that things are back to normal, they are trying to find the paper work to
account for the monies spent.”
CM
Leads Montserrat Delegation to OECS
Chief Minister John A. Osborne left Montserrat this week to attend the 36th meeting of the OECS Authority in St Kitts, where addressed the assembly.
Chief Minister John A. Osborne, Mrs. Sarita Francis, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communications and Works
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communications and Works, Mrs. Sarita Francis, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Earl “Hustler” Browne, Calypso King of Montserrat, and well- known Dramatist, Chad Cumberbatch.
The OECS celebrated its 21st anniversary this week, which was commemorated with a Cultural Presentation during the Opening Ceremony. King Hustler and Chad Cumberbatch were Montserrat’s representatives at that show.
Police Warn Overloaded Sand Truckers
Commissioner of Police John Douglas is
appealing to contractors and truckers not to overload their vehicle with sand.
Mr. Douglas said he has observed that more truck drivers, especially, are
overloading their vehicles with sand, which often spills on the roads and
“makes driving uncomfortable and dangerous”.
He said if the trend continues the police may have to take corrective action.
“If they don’t desist they might have to be prosecuted,” he said. “This
can cause vehicles to skid and cause serious accidents.”
He said the sand usually remains on the road for a long time if there are no
heavy rains to wash away the material.
Mr.
Kingsley Howe has been awarded the MBE in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday
Honours List, according to a June 14 Government House press release.
The press release said Mr. Howe has been awarded the MBE for his contributions
to Montserrat as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance, where he has
performed outstandingly for many years.
In addition, the release said, Mr. Howe has been instrumental in training new
entrants to the Civil Service over a long period of time.
In April, another Montserratian, Ms. Sarah Allen, was awarded the MBE in the
Queen’s New Year’s Honours for her 36 years of contribution to the education
sector.
'Tiny Rat' Reportedly Bites Off Part of a Nose
By Merrick Andrews
Someone on Montserrat is now going
about without part of a left nostril, reportedly because a “tiny rat” bit it
off.
Police reported that Morris “Tiny Rat” Thomas bit off part of the left
nostril of David “Straffie” O’Garro during an altercation in Geralds at
about 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 15.
Commissioner of Police John Douglas said “Tiny Rat” Thomas was arrested and
charged with wounding, then released on bail.
Commissioner Douglas could not give the
amount of the bail nor the ages of the men, both of whom live in Geralds.
Mr. Douglas said "Tiny Rat" Thomas claimed to the police that he
reacted in self-defense because “Straffie” O’Garro attacked him with a
knife.
Mr. O'Garro was sent to the St. John’s Hospital, where he was admitted
overnight, but it was reported that doctors at the hospital said it was too late
to try to reattach the severed part of his nose.
Friends of the two men told The Montserrat Reporter that "Straffie"
O’Garro accosted "Tiny Ratt" Thomas and accused him of “spreading
rumors that he Straffie was ‘bullying’ (having sex) with goats,” followed
by an argument during which a knife was brandished.
It is further alleged that an argument developed between the two men, who blamed
each other over the ‘bullying rumor’, until a knife was brought into play.
The piece of severed nose is reportedly now in a bottle at the police station in
Salem.
Montserrat's
Volunteer Eye Surgeon Dies in U.S.
Dr Scott (centre) attends to a patient with other personnel
Dr. Dorothy Christie Scott, the 76-year-old ophthalmologist who annually volunteered expert eye care for Monserratians, particularly those suffering with cataracts, died July 13 in a hospital near Pittsburgh, Pa., after suffering a heart attack slightly earlier.
She and her husband, Glenwood, became regular visitors to Montserrat after their purchase of a home in Richmond Hill in 1970. Even after that home had to be abandoned because of the Soufriere Hills volcano, their visits continued every January, during which they stayed with friends while Dr. Scott treated patients.
In Pittsburgh, she performed clinical and teaching duties at St. Francis Hospital, and practiced and taught at the University of Pittsburgh. She officially retired in 1995.
For the past 10 years, Dr. Scott, who was skilled at cataract operations, arranged to bring to the island ophthalmology residents and experts, including the director of refractive surgery at University of Pittsburgh medical school, Dr. Deepinder Dhaliwal, to treat the vision problems of residents.
Glenwood Scott told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "She saw these people walking around, you could see their cataracts. Their eyes were white. They couldn't see."
After each annual visit, they would store their equipment and hope it would all work when they returned.
"The government is going to build a separate eye clinic in her name," Mr. Scott said, so the equipment will no longer have to be dismantled. He said he and St. Francis officials hope to continue the Montserrat program.
The Scotts were married for 43 years and had three children. The oldest, Teresa Anne, who was autistic, died in 1986. The Scotts had long worked with organizations such as the Parents League for Emotional Adjustment and the Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Children.
In addition to her husband, Dr. Scott's
survivors include a son, a daughter, and one grandchild.
Canada, OECS Venture Aims To Standardize Construction
Eastern Caribbean States receiving funds from the Government of Canada to develop their construction sectors, are adopting legislation and training to move forward.
The projects are at varying stages in seven OECS states.
Dominica’s Parliament has just passed the Physical Planning and Development Act which includes the harmonized OECS building code and regulations; the Act is coming up for its second reading in Grenada.
As part of the project skills training, programmes to upgrade workers in the construction industry have started in St. Kitts, Grenada, and Dominica and will commence in July in St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, and Montserrat.
Angela Brice, Deputy Project Manager of the Caribbean Programme for Economic Competitiveness (CPEC), explained that one of the objectives of the CIDA/CPEC-funded project is to help participating countries meet international building codes by ensuring that persons are aware of the code and are willing to comply with it.
The Building Code has already been adopted by the St. Lucia Parliament, while the legislation is being updated in St. Kitts Nevis.
Canada’s contribution to the construction programme is just over CDN$500,000, which represents 58 percent of the total investment, with the private sector and island Governments contributing the remainder.
CPEC Project Manager Melvin Edwards
said that the states have all been covered by the initiative intended to achieve
quality, safety, and competitiveness for the industry by improving the technical
and management capabilities of construction firms, their employees, and
regulatory agencies.
UK
Deputy Governors To Meet in Turks and Caicos
ROAD TOWN, Tortola – Deputy Governor Elton Georges, OBE, will attend the fifth annual meeting of Deputy Governors and Chief Secretaries of the UK Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda to be held in Turks and Caicos Islands on June 24th and 25th.
The first of these meetings was held on Tortola in May 1997, and since then meetings have been held annually, except in 1999, in Bermuda, Anguilla and Cayman Islands.
The meeting will be hosted by Hon. Cynthia Astwood, OBE, Chief Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Participants will discuss matters of common interest in their work in the territories.
As is usual, a member of the Overseas Territories Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will take part to update participants on developments in the UK and take back the views from the Territories.
Also expected to participate are Roger
Cousins and Tim Gurney, Deputy Governors, Anguilla and Bermuda, respectively,
Hon. James Ryan, MBE, JP, Chief Secretary, Cayman Islands, and David Graham,
Head of the Governor’s Office of Montserrat.
BVI
Governor's Office Strengthened by FCO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola – In recognition of the British Virgin Island’s continuing social and economic growth, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has made a number of changes in respect of Diplomatic Service Staff in the Governor’s Office.
The diplomatic rank of the Governor was increased more than four years ago to reflect BVI’s growing regional and international importance and is now a senior grade position.
Mr. Malcolm Kirk, currently the Governor’s Private Secretary for External Affairs, has been promoted to First Secretary in the Diplomatic Service and from June 15 will fill a new post as Head of the Governor’s Office. He will be responsible for liaison between UK and BVI Government Departments for external affairs and on all other matters within the Governor’s special responsibilities with the exception of BVI Public Service issues. This is separate from, and in addition to, the assistance which the Deputy Governor renders to the Governor pursuant to Section 5A of the Constitution.
Mr. Stuart Smith arrived in the BVI on June 15 to fill the position of Staff Officer in the Governor’s Office, transferred from a previous Diplomatic Service posting in Rio de Janeiro.
Mrs. Erica Smith Penn, the Governor’s
Private Secretary, and Clerk of Executive Council, who will shortly be
transferring on promotion to another position in the BVI Public Service, will
retain full responsibility for all BVI internal matters, including public
Service issues. The gradings and
responsibilities of other UK and BVI staff in the Governor’s Office remain
unchanged.
Heavy
Rains Devastate Jamaica's Agriculture
KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Three weeks of heavy rains have inflicted estimated agricultural losses of $578.15 million on some 17,974 farmers island wide, according to the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).
Three parishes -- Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and St. Catherine -- were hardest hit, with livestock and crop losses amounting to approximately $251 million; $97 million and $28 million respectively.
Albert Shand, Executive Director of RADA, said that extensive losses have also been reported in other parishes.
The broiler industry was severely affected, especially in the parish of Clarendon, with losses estimated at over $40 million. In the goat industry, 6,300 head were lost in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. The overall loss in livestock has been estimated at $82 million, including broilers, goats, pigs, cattle and fish. The number of livestock farmers affected is over 3,000.
Mr. Shand said that field officers would investigate farmers who suffered losses to determine what assistance should be provided.
An initial allocation of $21 million will be used to purchase fertilizers, chickens, chicken feed, seeds and assorted chemicals. Over 7,000 farmers are set to benefit.
Jamaica
Stresses Infotech To Drive Economic Growth
KINGSTON,
Jamaica -- Minister of Industry, Commerce and Technology Phillip Paulwell said
recently that the Government is placing emphasis on the development of the
information and communication technology (ICT) sector as the basis for economic
growth.
He was speaking at the official opening of Digital Technology Int. in Kingston.
“There are many facets to the ICT industry and we are exploring all of them,” he said.
“If you are in manufacturing, tourism…you name it, ICT is what is going to enable you to maintain competitiveness. Also in other related areas, such as education, health care and so on, it is ICT that is going to drive the progress,” Mr. Paulwell said.
As a result of the country’s increasing competitiveness in the industry, he encouraged young people to aim for the top once they get into the sector.
H said the Government is seeking to
reduce its dependence on overseas help in the industry and as such it was
imperative that quality graduates emerged from the island’s institutions.
BVI Police Commissioner Retires after 32-Yr. Service
ROAD TOWN, Tortola - Government House has announced that Commissioner of Police Vernon Malone retired from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force on June 15 after 33 years of service.
His Excellency Governor Frank J. Savage. CMG, LVO, OBE, paid tribute to the Commissioner at the Queen’s Birthday parade on Monday, June 3, and thanked him for his long and dedicated service to the Community in the British Virgin Islands.
Governor Savage appointed Deputy
Commissioner of Police Barry Webb as Acting Commissioner of Police and
Superintendent Reynell Frazer as Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, on the
recommendation of the Public Service Commission.
The appointments took effect from June 16.
Jamaica Vows Strict Control Of Pension Fund Management
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- Finance and
Planning Minister Dr. Omar Davies has said that the Financial Services
Commission will begin formally licensing persons or organizations involved in
the management of pension funds.
Speaking at the official opening of the GSB Co-operative Credit Union branch in
Kingston on June 6, Dr. Davies said it has been established that the same “fit
and proper” criteria governing deposit-taking institutions or insurance
companies would also be applied to those who manage pension funds.
He suggested that the GSB could embark on a programme to assist members in
planning for retirement. “Not just in terms of how you handle those savings,
but how you can add to your basic pension, that is, saving additionally towards
retirement age. Very few persons have specialized in that and I think that’s
an area where the credit union movement is admirably suited to provide help,”
he said.
Jamaicans Told Crime Retards the Economy
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- President of
the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Oliver Clarke has said that
Jamaica could not achieve economic growth without a significant reduction in the
crime rate.
Speaking against the background of the record murder rate last year, Mr. Clarke
said the private sector intended to work as an intermediary between the two
political parties to encourage additional expenditure in areas that would help
reduce crime.
The PSOJ President, speaking at the PSOJ’s annual Economic Seminar at the
Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston, said, “Our four areas of concentration
this year are trying to do something about the high level of crime in Jamaica,
the level of corruption, job creation and the trade negotiations that are
coming.”
Mr. Clarke urged the private sector to get involved in the fight against the
drug trade, which has been the fastest growing industry over the last 36 months.
Port Royal Put on List Of Vital Cultural Sites
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) -- Port Royal,
the only sunken town in the western hemisphere, along with shipwrecks sitting on
the ocean floor, are among a host of sites which may soon be protected under the
Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
Drafted by the United Nations Economic, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
(UNESCO) in November 2001, the Convention provides for the protection from
exploitation, “all traces of human existence having a cultural, historical or
archaeological character which have been partially or totally under water,
periodically or continuously, for at least 100 years”.
The Convention is not yet in force, as at least 20 countries need to ratify the
provisions of the agreement before it can take effect. UNESCO hopes that the
Convention will be ratified during the First International Meeting for the
Americas on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, which is being
held this week at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston.
Health Ministry Embarks On Education Programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): The Ministry
of Health has embarked on a special education programme focusing on water
safety, control of diarrhoea, vector control and general sanitation.
Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse, director of Emergency Disaster and Special Services,
said the health education programme was focused at the community level, with the
distribution of over 50,000 ‘Making Water Safe’ brochures and fliers to
date. She noted that since the recent flood rains, there has been increased
breeding of vectors.
“Jamaica has many of the species of
mosquitoes, which are able to transmit dengue fever, malaria and viral
encephalitis. Special emphasis has been placed on this area,” she said, noting
that the percentage of households testing positive for the Aedes Egypti
mosquito, which transmits dengue fever, had risen from 56 percent to over 80
percent since the start of the rains.
Dr. Bullock DuCasse said a
comprehensive vector control programme was implemented with main activities
being source reduction, oiling of affected drains and pools of water and fogging
and spraying. She indicated that vehicles, equipment and supplies were deployed
and distributed to the five parishes declared disaster areas by the Prime
Minister.
Included are 12 pick-up trucks, 20 fogging machines, A-bate and protective
equipment, 60 spray pumps, 120 respirators and 12 drums of the insecticide,
Malathion. Biological agents have also been introduced for larvicidal control.
She said there had been no disease outbreak or increase in gastroenteritis or
fever.
U.S. Olympic Hurdler Davenport Dead at 59
American Willie Davenport, one of the
few athletes to compete in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, died from a
heart attack on Monday.
He was 59.
Davenport collapsed while changing planes at O'Hare International Airport in
Chicago, the medical examiner's office at Cook County said on Tuesday.
The Alabama-born athlete competed in four Olympic Games as a 110-metre hurdler,
with his crowning moment coming when he won gold in Mexico City in 1968.
He did it in a record-equalling time of 13.3 seconds and he described it as his
perfect race.
"From the first step, the gun, I knew I had won the race," he once
said.
"It was perhaps the only race I ever ran that way, but that first step was
so perfect, right on the money." He also competed at the Summer Games in
1964, 1972 and 1976 - where he won bronze - as a hurdler.
In 1980 he became only the eighth American to compete in both Olympic forms when
he was part of the USA four-man bobsled team that finished seventh at the Winter
Games in Lake Placid.
He joined Jeff Gadley as the first black Olympic bobsledders.
Davenport, who was born on 8 June, 1943, in Troy, Alabama, was still competing
as an athlete in 1984 and made a late bid for the Olympic team, but was
prevented by injury.
After retiring from competition Davenport became an officer in the U.S. Army and
was due to retire this year.
He was elected to the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1982 and the U.S.
Olympic Hall of Fame in 1990.
England’s Biggest Test: 4-Time Winner Brazil
Compiled from dispatches
England is just hours away from facing
Brazil in what is arguably the biggest game of the World Cup so far.
The two sides have not met in the World Cup since their epic encounter in
Guadalajara in 1970.
But England will go into their most important game for 12 years - when Bobby
Robson's side lost to West Germany in the semi-finals of Italia 90 - full of
confidence. Sven-Goran Eriksson's men have been lifted by the news that Michael
Owen and Paul Scholes will be fit to face the Brazilians.
And England will also have Owen Hargreaves and Darius Vassell available, with
both players recovering from injuries.
Eriksson is expected to stick with the same 11 players who started against
Denmark in the second round.
For Brazil, defender Lucio resumed training on Thursday and is expected to make
the starting line-up.
The build-up to the game has reached fever pitch as fans in England, Brazil and
across the world prepare to support their teams.
A television audience of 30 million in England alone is expected to watch the
eagerly-awaited game, while the global figure could reach one billion.
With the pre-tournament favourites - Italy, Argentina, France and Portugal -
having crashed out, there will be no better chance for the victors of Friday's
clash to go on to win the World Cup.
Despite concerns about Brazil's defence, the legendary Pele is backing his
country to prevail over the ever-improving English.
"Everybody knows Brazil have big problems in defence," he told the
BBC. "But we have two or three players who can make the difference, like
Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo."
However, England coach Eriksson is relishing the prospect of facing the
four-times world champions.
He said: "The World Cup quarter-final against Brazil is a very exciting
occasion. I'm looking forward to it very much. Brazil attack with lots of
players.
"We will have to defend very well, but we will not win the game only by
defending, we must attack as well."
Brazil’s midfielder Juninho has dismissed any notion that Brazil will
concentrate on defence to contain the threat posed by England's Michael Owen and
David Beckham. Brazil, who have won all four of their matches at the tournament,
have received lavish praise for their forward play but have been criticised for
a tendency to leave gaps in defence.
However, ahead of today's quarter-final in Shizuoka, Juninho said the Brazilians
would persist with the same tactics.
"We have to play the same way we always do," the former Middlesbrough
star said. "We know the England side is strong but Brazil will have to
continue to attack. "Beckham and Michael Owen are great players but we have
to watch all 11, not just one or two players.
"We know we have to play excellent football to win the match."
Juninho, the only one of Brazil's squad to have experienced football in England,
is not certain of a place in the starting line-up and could be replaced by
Ricardinho. Rivaldo, who along with Ronaldo has scored in every game so far, is
certain to start and predicted that the encounter with England would not go to
extra time or the drama of a penalty shoot-out.
"I think there will be more than
one goal and probably it will be over in the 90 minutes," he said.
"And if we win the game against England we should then be favourites
because we would have won five games out of five.
"Every player dreams of playing in a match such as this and I feel
privileged to be playing."
Rivaldo, who trained with the rest of the squad for more than an hour on
Thursday, also urged the Japanese to turn out in numbers and lend their support
for Brazil in an area which contains thousands of people with Brazilian
ancestry.
"It's good to have the Japanese support," said Rivaldo
"Since Japan are no longer in the cup a lot of their fans have come around
to supporting Brazil."
Montserrat Cricketers Hoping To Make Amends vs. Antigua
By Merrick Andrews
After failing to capture an all-victory
performance against St. Kitts at home last month, Montserrat are hoping to make
amends against defending champions Antigua this weekend, after restricting the
visitors to 275 all out yesterday at Salem Park in the start of the three-day
match in the Leeward Islands cricket competition.
This weekend, they should be under more pressure, not for playing at home, but
because of their under-par performances especially in the three-days in previous
matches, and also the fact that they drew their first home match against St.
Kitts.
In a match that began 140 minutes late because of rain, Montserrat made sure
that Antigua did not hit the 300 mark in the first episode, as St. Kitts did
with 339 in an eventual drawn encounter.
The Montserratians also restricted the potential centurions – even by one
runs, with Earl Waldron top-scoring for Antigua with 99, which included 12 fours
and one six.
Making up the backbone of the Antiguan batting total were Gregg Skepple 63,
Chester Joseph 39 not out and Ian Tittle 34.
Montserrat’s rising star Lionel Baker continued to lead his team’s bowling,
snaring 3 for 42 off 10.5 overs. Sylvester Wade took 2 for 64 off 17 overs.
Adrian Carty, Dexter Stephanie, McPherson Meade and Trevor Semper captured one
wicket apiece.
The Antiguans were relieved somewhat when captain and aggressive batsman Davon
Williams did not play on Thursday.
In a pre-game interview, Antigua’s coach Rolston Otto said: "We don’t
underestimate the abilities of the Montserrat team. We know they have Davon
Williams and he is capable of doing wonders. As a matter of fact, last year he
scored a 150-odd against us, so we are definitely aware of his capabilities.”
Despite playing at home and being expected to perform better than before,
Montserrat is really a sheep in a wolf’s playground. Antigua are very strong,
especially in the batting lineup, with Waldron and Skepple, who did feature in
yesterday’s game.
In Antigua’s last match, at home against Anguilla, Waldron hit 159 in the same
innings that Skepple mustered 128. Antigua went on to defeat Anguilla in two
days by an innings and 283 runs.
They also won the one-day match, batting first and make 261 in 38 overs, then
bowling out Anguilla, 56 for 5.
Antigua also has former West Indies rep and captain Sylvester Joseph to do some
damage, and some sharp fast bowlers in Dane Weston, Curtis Roberts and Curl
Simon. Up to yesterdays match, Roberts was his team’s leading wicket taker
with 11. Weston (10) and Sean Bailey (9).
However, coach Otto believes his bowlers are not performing to full scratch. He
said they are not “bowling to the required line and length that they’ve
being asked to do.”
Otto said on the other hand his batsmen need more consistency.
Overall, he said: “We came here as a team and we know what we are capable of
doing; so far we have being doing pretty well, we have won all three matches but
the fact remains we have not been playing to our true potential.”
Antigua experienced a tough time against hosts Combined Virgin Islands team in
their first encounter; but eventual won outright.
It was also a similar experience when they hosted St. Kitts, to whom they lost
their first innings before mustering an outright win.
Antigua’s easiest victory so far is against Anguilla.
Montserrat however lost to Anguilla by three-wickets over two weeks ago and this
points out in clear favour of Antigua this weekend.
Coach Fitzroy Buffonge said in a pre-game interview that he hopes the batsmen
will pull together. “We have not done too well so far. We’ve lost two games
and we are hoping to rebuild the bridge in this match. I hope the guys can bat
better. The bowling is all right it’s just the batting. If they can get it
right, it will be all right. I always aim high; I am looking for over 300.”
This weekend Montserrat will bank on the talent of Zhuan Sweeney, who captained
Thursday’s opening day in the absence of Williams. Sweeney has consistently
batted top and among the top figures for Montserrat. He is expected to get
support from Mark Stephanie, Tyrone Greenaway and Sylvester Greenaway.
Teams
Montserrat: Davon Williams (captain), Zhuan Sweeney (vice captain), McPherson
Meade, Mark Stephanie, Dexter Stephanie, Trevor Semper, Tyrone Greenaway, Jeff
Lane, Dereck Levi, Sylvester Wade, Sylvester Greenaway, Lionel Baker, Gregory
Willock, Jeron Harris and Kenville Fenton. Officials Cedric Shiell (team
manager), Fitzroy Buffonge (coach), Kenton Weekes Jr. (physiotherapist),
Sylvester Allen (scorer).
Antigua: Sylvester Joseph (captain), Earl Waldron, Ian Tittle, Sean Bailey,
Chester Joseph, Curl Simon, Adlaide Blake, Randy James, Dane Weston, Gregg
Skepple, Anthony Martin, Bertel Baltimore, Curtis Roberts and Austin Richards.
Officials Veron Edwards (team manager), Rolston Otto (coach) and Katian Edwards
(scorer).
By
Peter Adrien
Will the West Indies cricket team seek revenge for the 1999 whitewash? Will Carl Hooper and his men of war repay the Kiwis for the drubbing that they received at their hands the last time they played in unfamiliar territory? Deep down in our hearts, we hope that they will. And I want to be at the battlefields when they do. Revenge would it be particularly sweet on the new battleground in Grenada.
The Maroons have been very daring against the Black Caps in their recent encounters. They have demonstrated guts, defiance and fight against the Kiwis. On Sunday June 16, our Buffalo Soldiers fought like lions and changed the fortune of the final ODI in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Kiwis, having scored 291, thought that they had batted themselves into an unbeatable position, but the Windies took the fight to them and wrested the prize from them. The result was a memorable victory and a historic development for the local cricketing venue. The closely fought battle will never be forgotten. The Maroons immortalised the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground when the came from behind and clinched victory with four wickets in hand.
Whatever umpiring mistake might have denied Captain Stephen Fleming maximum use of his ace bowler, Paul Hitchcock, in the final over, the developments can in no way take anything away from the clinical and gladiatorial performance of the West Indies team. Led by the wounded but defiant soldier, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the West Indies powered 15 runs off the final over, bowled by Daryl Tuffey, to clinch a convincing, if not, commanding four wickets win, amassing 295/6 in reply to New Zealand 291. That is the mettle that we had been looking for from the Windies – the do-or-die attitude that reflects the fighting spirit that typified the West Indian peasants and ex-slaves when defeat was staring them in the face. The Maroons accepted the challenge of scoring almost six runs per over and fought the Kiwis like West Indians. Not even the loss of Brian Lara and Carl Hopper could tardy their spirits. That was marvelous. Bravo!
The question is: Can they carry that form and attitude into the two test matches, the first which has begun at Kensington in Barbados? They have shown evidence of persistent growth since coming from Asia where they were beaten by both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They outplayed, outperformed and outclassed India in the recently concluded test series, beating their opponents, two matches to one. The batting looks good, although the world-class batsman, Brain Lara, is not firing. The bowling, though weak and limited, has shown promise, resilience and purpose. Pedro Collins has shown maturity; Mervyn Dillon has exhibited seniority; Cameron Cuffy remains economical if not threatening.
Can Captain Carl Hooper and his team avenge the beating that they received on unfamiliar territory? Can they avenge the Kiwis’ whitewash? The West Indies team was “whitewashed” by the Kiwis at Wellington, when the Kiwis were aided somewhat by the umpires but were beaten inside four days by an innings and 105 runs, losing the two Test series, 0-2.
In less than two years, the West Indies team had lost ten consecutive battles on enemy turf. They had been “blackwashed” by South Africa; “brownwashed” by Pakistan and “whitewashed” by New Zealand.
A spirit of despondency rested on the Caribbean society. I remember writing in my column of December 28, 1999: “Many are asking me the question: 'Have faith in what?' I answer, have faith in the West Indies team. What is faith? We find the answer in Christian theology: 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' Hebrews 11:1. Christian theology teaches us that faith is the substance or the material or the reality of what we hoped for or longed for. But even if the evidence or the proof of that reality is visible, the basis for the longing is established.” I concluded: “Beaten, bruised and brutalised, Caribbean people must have faith!"
Now, at least we have some basis for hope. The team’s performances against India and against New Zealand in the ODI give evidence of a competitive spirit. And this makes us hopeful that we will see the evidence of a team having turned the long corner started since 1991.
Yes, there is hope. In the batting department, the Captain looked purposeful and led from the front with the flashing blade. Shivnarine Chanderpaul is reflecting the resilience, tenacity, toughness and sense of responsibility that encourage us to anchor our hope on greater future gratification. We must be prepared to give the young and inexperienced players a chance to learn and blossom. We have a stock of talents to re-engineer our batting line up. There are young talented batters like Wavell Hinds, Ryan Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle to compete for places in the team.
Now what are my predictions? I see a very keen contest for supremacy. The developments in the one-day games do not truly reflect the anticipated assaults in the two Test matches. The Black Caps will come charging and will not give an inch. The Maroons will fight manfully. For both teams, where one department fails, the other department will provide support.
Thinking with my head and not my heart, I think the odds are in favour of the Maroons. But the two teams have many things in common, and the home team could lose the war, if they fail to apply themselves from the very first ball.
Peter Adrien is a Central Banker, an
author, a syndicated sports commentator, and a freelance photographer. He may be
contacted Peter at e-mail: Adriens@caribsurf.com
or visit his website www.adriensenterprises.com
PHOTO CAPTION: Pedro Collins could make a difference (Photo: WICB)
Spanish Olympic Champion In Treatment for Brain Disease
Former Olympic 1,500-metre gold
medallist Fermin Cacho is recovering in hospital from the brain disease
encephalitis, according to the Spanish news agency Europa Press.
The 33-year-old athlete, who won the gold at the 1992 Barcelona Games, was
admitted on Monday.
He is said to be out of danger and
making favourable progress but will need to remain in hospital for up to two
more weeks.
"It was a terrible shock, but we were lucky because they were able to deal
with it in time," said the athlete's wife Susana.
She confirmed he will miss the European championships in Munich in August.
"It is a blow because he was looking forward to it," she said.
"He was in good shape and training at full tilt and this has been a stroke
of really bad luck, although he has also been lucky in a way because at least he
is alright now," she said.
Cacho is the most successful Spanish track and field athlete ever.
As well as his gold in Barcelona, he claimed the silver in the 1,500m at the
Atlanta Olympics in 1996, won the European championships in 1994 and was
runner-up in the 1993 and 1997 world championships.
Maurice Greene Pulls Out of World Cup
World 100 metres record holder Maurice
Greene has decided not to run at the World Cup in Madrid in September in favour
of a rest.
He said: "It is going to be late in the season, and I don't want to have a
very long season this year.
"I am gearing for next year and I
want to have a little break (after the Golden League season in Europe) and get
back and get ready for next year."
His 2003 season will include some indoor races, but Greene said he was uncertain
how many.
He is running in the 100 metres at this weekend's US championships, then flying
to Europe on Monday for the start of the Golden League season in Oslo on 28
June.
By
Rachel Collis
Both visitors and hosts alike hail the
visit to Nevis over the weekend of some 300 Montserratians to watch the one-day
cricket encounter, Nevis vs. Montserrat, as a tremendous success.
This trip can be called a big coup for tourism, and especially sport
tourism.
According to Tyrone O’Flaherty, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, the presence of the Montserrat contingent in Nevis was a very bright spot for cricket and visitor arrival to Nevis, and must be reciprocated at the earliest opportunity. Mr. O’Flaherty, a one-time Modern Languages teacher at the Montserrat Secondary School, and entertainer in the late 70’s-early 80’s, was full of praise for the Montserratians and their good-natured approach to the match being played, especially in light of the fact that we were losing the match.
Premier of Nevis Vance Amory said he was pleasantly surprised at the crowd of Montserratians who had arrived despite the inclement weather. He apologized for the almost zero attendance of the Nevisians at the match, and credited their non-appearance to the fact that most of them were in church. Though a few did wander in later in the match, it was confirmed that cricket was no longer popular in Nevis and that crowd attendance was very small.
It was very heartening to hear all who took the ferry trip across declare that the visit was a success. Some have even called for similar trips to be undertaken in the future, calling them morale boosting and very stimulating given the torturous times in which we presently live.
The fact that Montserrat lost the match did not put a damper on the day’s activities. Some of the visitors who had friends and relatives in Nevis were able to visit with them, while others took quick sightseeing trips around the island.
Some of the most telling things coming out of this weekend trip are worth noting at this point: Nevisians’ concept of us as being a sad people who are being terrorized by an active volcano has been revised.
Despite our problems we are still a free-spirited people. The beauty of all this is that the passenger list for the ferry read like a United Nations assembly – we were many and varied races and nationalities, all with the aim of cheering on the Montserrat team and having a wonderful day in Nevis.
The ferry can be put to greater use than it is at the moment. Captain Louis and his crew were very accommodating and appreciative of our presence.
Opale Express at Port Little Bay
We love cricket more than most in the region. If attendance is one of the criteria for the awarding of matches, then why aren’t we getting our fair share? Our presence at Grove Park was as though we were the home team. All the cheers were for the Montserrat team. When a six or a four was hit, when a wicket fell, it was we who cheered. We ruled the music system. It was our people who danced and sang and cheered. We left Grove Park reluctantly in the rain, all the while singing and dancing.
When the contingent arrived at the gate at Grove Park, the Nevis Cricket Association official’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. When we later teased him, he readily admitted that he had not seen such attendance in years, and the income earned would cover his expenses for a long time to come. In fact, he was using the old Busta Cup tickets as our admission, and constantly repeating $10 for you, $10 for you, you too, $10 for you. The restaurant next to the Park also had a good day. Due to the non-availability of food vendors, we were forced to patronize this one establishment. After eating what we were served, we sought and got promises from the food experts on the trip that next time they would be ‘walking’ with the coal pot, seasoned chicken, and flour for muffins.
The bottom line is that we had a good time. We enjoyed our day’s visit to Nevis, and it will go down as one of the best for a long time to come. Praise must go to the Montserrat Cricket Association for conceiving the idea, and especially the staff of MAS and the Immigration Department. Everything went well with their proper organization. True, we would have liked to win the match. We still don’t know if our presence there "frighten arf" the boys. We do know that they were very happy to see us, and travelled back with us. Not even the fact that some of us went to New ‘Yark” because of the rough seas on the return journey could shake our good feeling that we had a good time. I was told that the sea was calm compared to the norm. I didn’t quite see how that was possible, given the hard time that I, and others like me, had. I have even overheard those same ones talking about the next time, and whether that would be the end of this month when Montserrat travels to the Virgin Islands for its final match of the Tournament.
Anyone who doubts that last weekend was not one of the best project memorandums that could be written for the revival of tourism in Montserrat, would not have been on the trip. True, it was outward, but it reveals the measure of the possibilities. Sport unifies a nation. It brings joy to all. It heightens national pride. It makes a country suddenly loom large on the international horizon. This is what is going to happen to the country that wins the World Cup. And however long this phase might last, we have to be ready to capture the moment. We were tourists in Nevis. Without much effort on their part, they became fortunate benefactors of our goodwill. We can all try to understand what it would have been like had they been prepared for our visit. Premier Amory is a shrewd politician and understands the significance, small as it may seem, of the Montserrat visit to his economy. Permanent Secretary O’Flaherty is an astute civil servant who understands the importance of guiding his Minister towards a reciprocal arrangement for these visits. I sense that we will be enjoying an even closer relationship with Nevisians in the future – cricket or no cricket.
Rachel Collis holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management and Administration.
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Managers
The practical pathway to leadership.
Exceptional managers have that "special something" that sets them apart from the crowd. It's not as mysterious as it sounds. Most of the time, that "special something" is the sheer determination to maintain positive habits of success. Do you want to join the ranks of highly effective managers? You can start with these seven proven career-boosters.
1.
Increase Your Self-Discipline
If you are like most people, you find it easy to do bang-up job when you are in
high spirits. The real test comes when you are not feeling motivated or
particularly energetic. Are these good enough reasons to snap at customers or
behave like a nasty martyr at work? No!
As manager, like it or not, you are a
role model. You set the standard when it comes to personal behavior, so make
sure that standard is high. A moment of impulsiveness can tear down years of
hard work when it comes to your career and reputation. According to Daniel
Goleman, author of Working With Emotional Intelligence (Bantam Doubleday
Dell, 2000), self-control reveals itself in the absence of emotional fireworks.
The signs of self-control include "being unfazed under stress or handling a
hostile person without lashing out in return."
Good managers don't throw their weight around or rely on intimidation to get results.
2.
Show Consistent Kindness
Good managers don't throw their weight around or rely on intimidation to get
results. Do you? Any job--especially management positions--involves the support
and assistance of others. You can't perform effectively as a one-man band. Thus,
it is foolish to burn bridges and alienate co-workers.
And, whether you need them or not, treating others poorly will affect your self-esteem. Can you feel good about yourself if you are upsetting or neglecting others? If you don't feel good about yourself, how effective can you be?
One impressive manager, Rita, was aware of the power of this habit. Rita always made it a point to say "good morning" to the clerical staff. Her department was large, but this did not deter her from interacting with everyone. She would arrive at the office early every morning to chat with the file clerks and receptionist. Talk about a feeling of respect! Rita knew that many of these "lower level" employees were the first (and sometimes only) ones with whom a potential customer would interact. The more encouragement and esteem they felt, the more pride they would take in their day-to-day duties. Many of these employees called Rita "the best manager we ever had."
3.
Stretch Goals
What if the following words came out of an airplane loudspeaker: "Folks, I
have good news and bad news. The bad news is we have lost our direction finder
and one engine. The good news is we have a tail wind, so wherever we're going we
will get there at a rate of 600 miles an hour." The bad news certainly
outweighs the good, right? So it is with your career. Without goals that are
clear in your mind--goals to which you are firmly committed--your career flight
plan is tragically flawed. Working at a frenzied pace does not amount to much if
you don't have a clear vision of the end result you are striving to achieve.
High-impact managers must take goal-setting seriously. Your staff expects it, and studies show that the majority of managers fall short in this area. A recent survey polled 7,800 workers, and more than half of them (58 percent) believe that management does a poor job setting goals. How can you avoid this? Write your personal goals and work area goals down. Place them in a visible area so that you--and others--can be reminded of them daily. Writing goals down greatly elevates the likelihood they will be met, but only 5 percent of employees have actually developed this habit.
To
be continued
SPORTS TOURISM
In an effort to keeping Sports Tourism alive, Montserrat continues to embark on various sporting activities such as cricket, basketball, track and field and foot ball which have lured a modest number of people to Montserrat to witness friendly matches between the island and other islanders. This sporting spirit which the island possesses is being taken further a-field as the Montserrat Football Association embarks on an international football friendly against Bhutan, a country nestled high in the eastern Himalayas. Highlights of this match will be aired live on World Cup final day.
The 17-man squad who traveled to Bhutan on Wednesday June 19 will have the opportunity not only to be exposed to an international match, but also to be exposed to a country steeped in culture and history. This is a rare opportunity which will especially help others to see that Montserrat is alive and well and will hopefully open more doors for Montserrat in the sporting arena.
The dedicated football facility being
built at Blakes will become the arena for future football matches where the team
will showcase some of the tips and experiences gained from this trip.
Requiescat
A bit of sad news, Montserrat,
The passing of one owed a lot;
The treatment was free
For you who still see,
Thanks to the late Dr. Scott.
'False
Information'?
To critics CM's much averse,
Dismissing them all as perverse.
On the airport his ploy
Didn't fly with Hylroy,
Who spelled it out chapter and
verse.
Jus wonderin if them in authority don't see de road that lead to public Works is in a terrible state and on top of that there a white Pick-Up park in this outrageous condition.
Jus wonderin what really is going on in de Secondary School.
Jus wonderin if a cellular phone our youths really warring over.
Jus wonderin if they do realize what happen there was seriously out of order.
Jus wonderin what serious actions are going to be taken against these students so this type of behaviour wouldn't be exercise again.
Jus wonderin why de volcano would always be there.
Jus wonderin why dey treating de Police so.
Jus wonderin who is the next super, inspector and sergeant.
Jus wonderin if it is he who does no work will get it.
Jus wonderin why they not considering all dem Police that do all dat work for all those years.
Jus wonderin who is inferior.
Jus wonderin if you have the brains to do an exam, if that should be the only way to move upwards.
Jus wonderin why dey treating de officer dat act so long, is it because she no bright pan de paper.
Jus wonderin if the one that have the last say would make the change.
Jus wonderin why de ladies were behaving so at the park, on the boat and in Nevis.
Jus wonderin who was peeping and was making the calls from their cellular.
Jus wonderin who did and who didn’t enjoy their father's day.
Jus wonderin what the mother had to do with not telling her son to look after his child.
Jus wonderin if the truth really does touch their conscience.
Jus wonderin who the father or fathers are who did not remember that they had children.
Jus wonderin if when a man thinks that because he could make children make him a man.
Jus wonderin if they don't know that responsibility is VAST and begin from inception.
Jus
wonderin who are de two Antiguans running de place.
Jus
wonderin if dey lead the hottest duo friendship on Montserrat.
Jus
wonderin if Good Life will ever get boring.
Jus
wonderin if we will ever hear that speech at the OECS birthday meeting in St.
Kitts.
Jus
wonderin if Montserrat will begin to feature again at OECS and Caricom meetings.
Jus
wonderin how de plans coming to change how we do tings in de country.
Jus
wonderin why de Customs want to bring back onerous dealings to clear goods.
Jus
wonderin why de bureaucracy is only about making things difficult rather than
efficient.
Jus
wonderin if they don’t know time is money if is becarse dem get pay fu wiastin
it.
Jus
wonderin what is that little thing the Montserrat cricket team missing.
Jus
wonderin if it is that national pride and if we can’t learn from the for
example Anguilla and Nevis.
Jus
wonderin if we don’t know that just wanting nationhood will make us a more
responsible people.
Current Vacancies <--- Click Here
Current Ads and Notices <--- Click Here
Legal Notices <--- Click Here
Land Claims <--- Click Here
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org
This site is maintained by West Computer Works. Please read Disclaimer.