It's £75 Million Tops For Three Years
The press conference called by His Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt for yesterday Thursday, June 11, 1998, at 10:30 a.m., was obviously to coincide with a release from Clare Short, Secretary of State for the International Development (DFID) in London unveiling new plans for the development of Montserrat.
L to R: HE Gov. Abbott, Hon. Chief Min. David Brandt, Director of Development Mrs Angela Greenaway
The press conference was called to unveil the sixth draft of the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP) for Montserrat titled 'Social and Economic Recovery Programme a Path to Sustainable Development - 1998 to 2002.
In London Clare Short said: "The Sustainable Development Plan, and our £75 million pledge, underline our commitment Montserrat."
She continued that the scale of the pledge reflects the devastation to the island and the constraints imposed on the private sector by continuing uncertainty about the volcano.
Meanwhile, HMG representative in Montserrat, Gov. Abbott, in his opening statement at the press conference said: "Secretary of State for International Development Clare Short, had agreed to a Resource Allocation for Montserrat of £75 million over the next three years."
And Chief Minister David Brandt in his opening said: "The pledge by the UK Government of £75 million to put Montserrat on the path to sustainable development represents a land-mark achievement by this Government in our continued struggle to maintain what we are convinced is a still viable Montserrat and for this we thank them."
The Sustainable Development Plan "identifies key policies needed to ensure an acceptable standard of welfare of those remaining on the island and to revive economic activity so that the dependence on aid is reduced."
The plan is to cover a three-year period from 1998/99 to 2000/2001 and is expected to be discussed by many Montserratians wherever they may be. Copies of the plan are being made available in the U.K., Antigua, St. Kitts/Nevis and the USVI and the USA.
While it is expected to be discussed in public forums, anyone interested is asked to submit their suggestions to various points in the countries mentioned or to the Development Unit at Fax No. 664-491-4632 or by e-mail to devunit@candw.ag.
The £75 million to be spent over the duration of the plan is expected to cover, according to DFID and the Governor, "all DFID expenditure related to Montserrat, including Budgetary Aid, Emergency Aid, Development Projects and assistance to evacuees. It seeks to provide sufficient resources, taking account of other donor support, to meet the reasonable needs of those who have chosen to remain on the island."
It was pointed out that this figure represents 25 percent more than the £59.3 million that had been spent or allocated to Montserrat from the first quarter of 1995 to 1997/98 (April - March).
The plan had just been handed to press members present, with copies especially handed to ZJB's Athema Daley by the Chief Minister with the request that the plan be discussed as far as possible on radio.
The press, not in a position to ask questions about the plan, sought clarification as to whether the £75 million included sums that were to be spent on evacuees outside of Montserrat. The Governor confirmed this while Mrs. Angela Greenaway, Director of the Development Unit, said that some projects already in motion are included in the planned sum.
The head table, which also included Mr. Martin Langan, DFID's accountant here in Montserrat, would not confirm directly that the £75 million was a finite figure even if other projects were developed during the three years.
The Governor in fact responded to a Bennette Roach question about the inclusion of funds for the construction of an airport, saying that if funds were required other than the sums set aside for this purpose from the European Union, it would have to be taken from the said £75 million.
DFID, in its statement, either deliberately attempting to mislead or in their exuberance to sell the £75 million plan, after stating that the funds would cover costs for evacuees wherever they were, said in their notes: "It represents an investment of £25,000 for every Montserratian currently on the island."
While the statement on its own is correct, the fact is that the money, by their own statements is intended to cover 11,000 or so Montserratians, which would make the investment £6,818 per capita or approximately EC$29,658 over three years or EC$9,886 per year.
DFID RELEASES VOLCANIC CRISIS EXPENDITURE
H E Governor Abbott answering questions at the press conference on the SDP referred to a document released right then by DFID which sets out in two pages its expenditure in and connected to Montserrat for the period 1995 to March, 1998.
It shows that £59,314,195 has been spent, but includes a sum of £16,358,105 for development with a life in excess of 10 years.
In a later issue the Reporter will discuss and print details of the document.
Plymouth Under Threat Of Being Flooded Out
by B. Roach
Plymouth to Gages
Mud flows now following the general path of the destructive pyroclastic flows
Photo By: Kevin West
The abandoned capital Plymouth is now under threat of being wiped out by mud flows, in the view of J. C. Komorowski, a French scientist currently working at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.
The town, which has been partially devastated by pyroclastic flows, is in danger of being buried by mud flows from the bare hills and river channels of the hills above it. The potential of this happening is high, according to the scientist.
Wider view of Plymouth showing the volcano in the background
"The main problem," Komorowski explained, "is that you have a large accumulation of unconsolidated volcanic debris in all the valleys from the volcano. The volcanic activity has also bared the vegetation close to the volcano. This means that any rainfall will not be absorbed by the debris and many areas will be eroded. These factors will combine together during the rains that are expected during the rainy season to effect a much more greater damage."
It has been reported that mud flows cause the highest rate of death in volcanic crises, even more than pyroclastic flows.
"Even a Smaller Montserrat Can't Allow Her Young to Forget Cricket"
As the volcano changes the face of Montserrat, it not only reshapes the land but also much of its character. So, too, its culture and sports are affected, if only as the result of the other changes.
For the first time since the crisis began in 1995, Montserrat will not participate this year in the Leeward Islands cricket tournament.
Last year at this time there were between six and seven thousand people still living in Montserrat, and cricket was still played in Salem. But all that changed between June and September as people were prevented from living in Foxes Bay, Cork Hill and Salem and forced right through the ports at the north end of the island. That created problems for most of the sports. With fewer people left to play, basketball, netball, tennis, football and, of course, cricket became almost extinct.
Bridge and golf, far less popular than any of the above sports, enjoyed more success on the regional scene. Montserrat bridge players took several OECS championships, while golfers ranked high in OECS and East Caribbean golf championships. But these games suffered too. Bridge doesn't require playing fields, but people became scarce for all the same reasons, and the golf course became part of the exclusion zone, forcing players to practise only on the occasional visit to neighbouring St. Kitts, Nevis or Antigua, always at great expense.
The players all try to maintain Montserrat's status by participating in some of the regional competitions. Guadeloupe even offered earlier this year to host a Montserrat open. Some territories assist by offering reduced participating fees to Montserrat players as a show of support to Montserrat.
It has been more true for cricket, as the Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) has given great assistance to Montserrat teams in recent tournaments to allow their participation.
This year one of our not-so celebrated cricketers, having represented Montserrat in the days when it meant something to be an ambassador for one's country, is celebrating 35 years of involvement in cricket. Having taken to cricket umpiring early in his cricketing career, Basil Morgan enjoys the road to regional success in this field. He has stood in one-day internationals and got there through the high standing reports he has received umpiring in regional matches. He is very close to being the first Montserratian and Leeward Islander to stand in a test match.He is no doubt the one who supplies ZJB with its cricket quiz questions as he maintains records of Montserrat's cricket history
Basil joins many in mourning the fact that Montserrat is not participating in the Leeward Islands cricket tournament this year despite the reasons and advice given to the Ministry of Sports as to why they should not. Among the reasons given were too few players and insufficient practise, but for those players who were making the effort, that might be just enough to discourage them from following a sport which has been traditional to Montserrat. Some of the better players have joined many others in the business of relocations and those who have continued the sport are reportedly doing well wherever they are. But just as it will be difficult if not impossible to do some of the things that were done in Montserrat and go to some of the places we used to, it may be even more difficult to get cricket going again at a level where we can reclaim a place in regional cricket.
Unresponsive Insurers Are Not Welcome Back
Dear Editor:
As our volcanic crisis moves into its third year, there is an air of expectancy pervading the population. When can we move back? When can we occupy our homes again? When and how can we replace our destroyed houses so we can once again have a home?
Central to the answer to many of these questions is the insurance factor. Why did they have to change the terms at the outset of the crisis? Why did they reduce their liability to just 60% and increase the excess to 5%? Why did they take our money all these years and when the very hazard for which we paid all this time appears, they run away and leave us?
We Montserratians have gotten a rotten deal from the insurance companies. Some left us stranded completely when the going got tough. Now that there is a glimmer of hope that things may be reverting to normal, are they preparing to come back? God forbid! No way they should be allowed to come back and exploit us in good times or better times. If they are out now, they should stay out. In fact, they just should not be allowed back in.
In a less obvious way, we are now being exploited by the insurance companies. We cannot get our claims settled. Yes, we met the adjusters. Yes, we signed the acceptance forms. Yes, our houses and our furniture have been destroyed or severely damaged. Yes, we need cash now to rebuild and replace furniture. But where is the cash? It takes six months and longer in too many cases to receive that eagerly awaited cheque.
If you enquire, you get the runaround. But the cheque is not forthcoming. Why are the insurance companies taking us for another ride? Did they not promise the Government that they would settle the claims quickly? Yes they did, but they are not living up to their promise. Again we are being exploited and we have little or no recourse.
Government needs to step in and help the many vulnerable insurance clients who cannot properly demand their rights from the insurance companies.
Is it right for the insurance companies to refuse to refund you that portion of the premium that was unused when they unilaterally and arbitrarily terminated coverage on 28th August 1997? Is the reason that once they have settled a claim for the period prior to August 1997 that you forfeit the refund? That of course cannot be right!
We have had lots of problems over the last three years or so, because of the volcanic crisis. Many are destitute because they have lost their homes and are renting or living in shelters. Many want to help themselves and build another house. Come on insurance companies, pay up promptly. Stop frustrating us and allow us to help ourselves.
Insured and Waiting
On What Legal, Moral Bases Does ECCB Victimize Public?
This letter first appeared in The Observer newspaper of Antigua about three weeks ago.
Dear Sir:
Clearly, the Governors of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) have found themselves on the horns of a dilemma with the theft of the 900,000 Eastern Caribbean dollars and have opted to have the general public pay the ultimate price for the Bank’s carelessness. The innocent general public is certainly entitled to a more logical, reasonable and acceptable explanation than that which has been expressed in the Bank’s various press releases. And in vain we seem to patiently wait.
It is my understanding that the notes were stolen from a vault in Montserrat’s Barclays Bank, which had been abandoned when Plymouth was declared an unsafe zone following increasing volcanic activity. It is also my understanding that the notes, though in the possession and custody of Barclays Bank, were in reality the property of ECCB, in that they had not yet been released into circulation. I assume that Barclays Bank was able, at some point, to safely remove its own moneys from its vaults. I assume too that ECCB had knowledge of that fact and in any event was aware that the abandonment of its property was common knowledge to certain members of staff of both Barclays and ECCB. Given the current state of human endeavour, was it unreasonable to factor in the temptation that this state of affairs presented to the unscrupulous?
Which begs the question: what was stolen? If the ECCB’s advisory that the notes are not legal tender is correct, then the thieves stole worthless printed paper and their indictments should reflect the value of the paper only.
But why are the notes not legal tender? It is beyond doubt that they appear in the correct and approved format; it is also beyond doubt that they are not forgeries. On what legal basis then must innocent holders of these notes be told that they have legitimately acquired something of no value which must be handed over to the police or their local bank without any form of recompense? And on what legal basis must businesses be told that they must now check all notes with the serial number "M" to ensure that they are not being paid in valueless notes? And if this legal basis is correct, then on what moral basis must the sins of omission by the ECCB become the burden of an unsuspecting public, especially in these hard times? Consider too that whilst it may be easy to halt continued commercial activity with these notes, there is precious little that can be done in respect of bank accounts which have been credited with these very notes, and which the banking system has since circulated amongst an innocent public.
If my analysis of the ECCB's press release is correct, it would appear that notes only become legal tender upon their "issue" or release into circulation. Then heaven help us all who know not whether the notes currently in our possession were in fact issued by the ECCB. Theoretically, these too can be declared illegal tender.
Justin Simon
St. Patrick's Evacuees View Devastated Village
The West Indies Guard Ship HMS Newcastle paid its last visit to Montserrat on its current tour of duty on June 1 and 2. The ship with 247 crew and captained by Commander Steve Kenny is coming to the end of a six-month tour of duty in the region.
Residents of St. Patrick's were taken by HMS Newcastle on a sea trip last week to view what remains of their volcano-destroyed village.
Chief Scientist Professor Steve Sparks of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and Deputy Chief Scientist Jill Norton were along to give professional commentary on what took place last December 26, when the village was completely destroyed.
"There is basically nothing left standing in St. Patrick's," Professor Sparks explained, "because of the Boxing Day eruptions. Even for the scientist it is quite incredible. It simply swept the houses away and all you see is foundations. You can see big tall iron posts which are completely bent over and walls of houses swept away. It will be really very dramatic."
It was an emotional experience for many with several persons in tears on their return as they saw the damage for the first time.
HMS Newcastle returns to England later this month and will be replaced by HMS Sheffield, which will also do a six-month tour of duty in the region.
Montserrat's Chief Minister, The Honourable David Brandt recently created history when he addressed the United Nations Special Committee in New York. This was a first for a Montserratian Head of Government and it was made possible under the provision made for representatives of elected governments of Non-Committee and its subcommittee in an official observer capacity.
Chief Minister Brandt updated the UN Special Committee on the status of Montserrat's recovery in light of destruction caused by the active Soufriere Hills Volcano. He gave details of the many challenges faced by Montserratians highlighting the issues of insurance companies canceling policies; loss of property; the matter of the Building Society paying 35 cents on the dollar; family separations and loss of life.
The Chief Minister sent the challenge to scientists, architects, engineers and persons studying technological developments to cash in on the opportunity of tapping in on the body of knowledge emanating from the volcanic crisis. He suggested that institutions like MIT, or Dr. Nicholas Negroponte, or the Communications master and humanitarian Ted Turner, may be willing to advise us about establishing programs that could benefit Montserrat and mankind. Brandt commented that we are not looking for handouts or charity but would like to explore the possibilities afforded by today's technological advancements to build a real 21st Century island. He said that Montserratians want to establish programs that can lead to economic viability and sustainability. He said that his Government looked forward to being able to meet soon and discuss such matters with UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO and UNEP.
While in New York the Chief Minister met with Montserratian Dr. George Irish and invited him to represent Montserrat and follow up on discussions with the UN agencies. Dr. Irish is Professor of Latin American and Caribbean studies at a New York University and also advises the U.S. Government of Caribbean issues.
DFID Approves Move For Little Bay Dump Site
Clare Short, Secretary of State For International Development, has approved the spending of EC$1.25 million for the development of the dump site in New Windward intended to replace the currently used site at Little Bay.
Nearly two weeks ago, Acting Chief Minister Rupert Weekes told reporters this is a move to guard public health in Montserrat. Residents in the Davy Hill project have been complaining about a high infestation of flies, which is alleged to originate from the site at Little Bay.
"The new facility will handle the island's garbage and other solid waste," Mr. Weekes said. "The project will include repairing the road to the new site and clearing up the present site at Little Bay."
He earlier had critisised the slow pace at getting the site moved, because it posed a health threat to his constituents and had been awaiting approval for more than a year.
Another Son of the Soil Receives a Doctorate Degree
Sherman Weekes of Geralds Village has
successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis with the University of Reading, England.
Sherman's research on the Integrated management of root knot nematodes was carried out mainly in St. Kitts and was partly funded by CARDI. His research focussed on the use of the bacteria Pasteuria penetrans as a component in the integrated management of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) on vegetable farms in the Leeward Islands. This study involved the survey of vegetable farms in St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua and Montserrat for the occurrence of Pasteuria penetrans. In St. Kitts detailed studies were carried out on the manipulation of the soil environment to increase the suppressivness of soils to root knot nematodes. In addition, Filter Prees Mud and Bagasse the major by products of the sugar industry in St. Kitts were evaluated for their potential as antagonists of nematodes.
In 1976, Dr. Weekes received a Barclays Bank PLC scholarship to study agriculture in Trinidad. He graduated from the University of the West Indies in 1981 with a B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture and the Texaco Trinidad award for most outstanding Extension Student. He worked in Grenada with CARDI between 1981 and 1983. And was stationed in Montserrat from 1983 to 1986.
He received a commonwealth scholarship from the Government of Montserrat in 1986 to study Crop Protection at the University of Reading, where he graduated with a M.Sc (Distinction) in 1988. He returned to Montserrat in late 1988 and in December of that year was transferred to Nevis on the CARDATS project as Country Officer. In 1992 he was made CARDI Representative for St. Kitts and Nevis, a position which he still holds.
He registered with the University of Reading in 1994 for an unspecified higher degree which was upgraded to a PhD in 1994. In 1995 he was granted one year leave from Reading because of the destruction of CARDI offices and Lab facilities by hurricanes Luis and Marilyn. His studies were completed in March 1998.
Dr. Sherman Weekes is from a large family and is the younger brother of Patrick Weekes, building contractor here in Montserrat. He is married to Euphemia Weekes, IICA Coordinator for St. Kitts and Nevis and is the father of their three children.
He wishes to express thanks to all the farmers who cooperated in the research programme and CARDI for its financial support.
New Bulk Fill LPG Terminal Promised Soon at Carrs Bay
Construction of new LPG bulk terminal
In the hope of placating angry Montserratians who have been accused of unruly behaviour while attempting to procure propane/cooking gas, long in scarce supply, construction work on a bulk-filling-terminal at Carr's Bay is reported moving at a steady pace.
The shortage of LPG gas has been long-standing and the system for delivering the scarce commodity seemed wanting. Many reported having turned in their gas bottles for refilling last February and still waiting for cooking gas.
Chief Minister David S. Brandt said in a press conference last week that he takes the matter seriously and will appoint a committee to look into the problem.
The situation came to a head June 2 when a large crowd of people created a chaotic scene at Carrs Bay angrily haggling for scarce bottles of cooking gas.
"We should not be having so many people here," one angry customer said. "If we had people around the island then not so many persons would have to come here. There is only one third of the population in Montserrat, so we should not have that crisis here either."
"Montserratians are being reduced to dirt under this propane situation," a woman commented. "There are people who have come here five times and have not gotten one tank of gas. Is this what Montserrat is all about?"
A male customer proposed the simple solution of serving people on a first-come, first-served basis.
"They should have numbers," he said. "If they know that they have 100 gas tanks, then they should issue numbers from 1-100. That way people will take their turn at getting their gas. You can't have everybody just jamming down here and rushing like this. It does not make any sense. This can't work. There has to be a better system,"
One nurse said, "From a psychological point of view people are distressed. They are angry and they are showing aggressive behaviour – they are fighting and pushing."
Many describeded discouraging scenes of elderly persons being pushed aside and mothers with young children being neglected.
Mr. Franklyn Michael, head of the Emergency Department, which oversees the acquiring and delivery of LPG, said several weeks ago that a number of problems had arisen to hamper the delivery of bottled cooking gas on Montserrat. Mr. Michael said he expected early relief to the problems, which go back some weeks, to an accident involving a vessel from which several empty cylinders were lost.
"There was a deficiency in the number of cylinders," he said. "There was also a fire in Nevis which affected the LPG plant. We are not getting the number of cylinders back."
At that time, Mr. Michael said, his department obtained permission for an order of cylinders, which they had not yet received. "We expect to have those soon," he had said.
A press release dated June 2 from the Emergency Department announced that the new gas bottles would arrive on Montserrat later that week. They did not arrive because the ship was delayed but were expected on island by today.
In Nevis, meanwhile, Delta announced that it has increase the size of its terminal there to help deal with the Montserrat problem, and that Mr. Eric Kelsick, who had earlier departed Montserrat for Trinidad, has been employed in Nevis to run that terminal.
With completion of the new filling terminal at Carr's Bay, it is expected that cooking gas bottles will then be refilled at the site, eliminating the inconvenience, shortages and delays still being experienced by consumers. A tanker will be brought to Montserrat on a regular basis to refill the terninal tank.
Minister of Energy the Hon. Austin Bramble said the depressing delay in completing the bulk terminal at Carrs Bay arose because the Government of Montserrat did not have the resources to fund the project. That meant, he said, that funds had to be acquired from Her Majesty's Government, a task which he said is not very easy.
Last night two announcements were made by the emergency department announced plans to disburse propane that had just arrived on the island. Names and numbers were announced on radio ZJB of persons who could expect to pick up their tank of gas. It was also announced that to avoid traffic congestion the gas would be delivered from Little Bay and would be conducted under the guard of members of the Royal Montserrat Police Force.
The second announcement cancelled the first showing the operators' indifference of people's need for their consumption of the much needed commodity. The gas is now expected to be delivered no longer today or Saturday, but rather on Monday. The reason being that the gas was at the time of the announcement not yet off-loaded from the M/V Western Star.
Meanwhile, Fire Chief Basil Walters, after viewing the chaos June 2, expressed concern with the lack of fire safety and precautions at the selling site.
"There is a strong smell of gas," he said. "The gas bottles are being opened. The people who are in charge are aware of it, but there are no fire precautions in the area. I have spoken to the people in charge of selling the gas. The whole situation is very dangerous."
Walters told reporters that he intends to take up the issue at a higher level.
PM Bird Urges ECCB To Make Good Victims of Stolen "Not Legal Tender"
The Honorable Lester Bird, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, last week called on the East Caribbean Central Bank to grant a conditional amnesty to people in Montserrat holding stolen money through no fault of their own.
Mr. Bird, who also is chairman for the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), said it is unfair for workers with families to feed and rent to pay to be unable to spend money they have legitimately earned.
He said such persons should be allowed to exchange the notes declared "not legal tender" at banks, taking with them proper identity and evidence of how they came to possess the illegal notes. He added that many workers in less fortunate circumstances, who have been paid with the illegal money, should not have to suffer.
Mr. Bird observed that the heist of nearly EC$1 million from the vault of Barclays Bank in abandoned Plymouth was a very sophisticated theft and an attempt at money laundering. He said he favors asking Interpol or Scotland Yard to help with the investigation. He also indicated that he would raise the matter at an upcoming OECS meeting in Tortola.
Former Montserratian Found Slain in Antigua
Ivon Green, 33, formerly of Kinsale, was found in Parham Village, Antigua, with his throat slashed and his stomach cut, police in Antigua announced earlier this week.
The body of Green was found near his home in Parham at approximately 3 p.m. last Friday.
While police are investigating the details of the slaying, rumors abound that it was one of revenge. Several months ago Green reportedly injured a family in a neighborly dispute.
He migrated to Antigua in the early '90s.
Road Resurfacing Work Is Progressing Rapidly
The resurfacing program on the Northern roads is moving ahead at a steady pace. Work resumed at Fogarthy when asphalt-spreading machinery began working there.
More than two kilometers of road from Forgathy to Carr's Bay have been done. Roadside drainage and curves are also being put in, some having been built prior to erection of the hot-mix plant.
Graders could be seen, even on weekends, at various stages of the work.
Word from the Public Works Department says more than two miles has been finished overall. More than three miles of road from Fogarthy to Nixons is being worked on at present.
One official at Public Works told reporters that road workers are being trained to operate new heavy-duty machinery.
"The program is on schedule. Although many of the workers are experienced they still need a little help in some areas." he said.
The road paver breaks down periodically, which creates delay in the program. It is reported that spares are still being kept at the Public Works storage area in Plymouth.
CDERA Begins Effort To Reunite Divided Families
The Caribbean Disaster Relief Agency (CDERA) this week announced a program aimed at connecting families who have been forced to separate due to the volcanic crisis.
Antigua-based information officer Theresa Daniel told reporters that the program will ensure that family members who have been relocated will know where other family members are located. Nearly two-thirds of the pre-volcanic population relocated due to the crisis.
"We know that lots of families have been separated," Ms. Daniel said. "They are not in contact with each other. We will be trying to establish a program that will bring families together. We want people who are looking for family members to contact us at the office of Disaster Preparedness."
UNICEF Assessing Evacuee Status in Caribbean Territories
United Nation International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has initiated a study of the status of relocated Montserratians in the Caribbean region. The study focuses on whether the social, educational and physical needs of the evacuees in the various territories are being adequately met.
A questionnaire of more than 40 questions is being used.
The assessment will also identify and prioritize the needs of those at risk, taking into consideration access to facilities and services.
Eight national consultants, including Montserratian psychologist Carol Tuitt, have been contracted to carry out the work. It is being undertaken in Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts-Nevis, Tortola, Dominica, and St. Martin.
A study estimates that there are some 2,721 relocated Montseratians located in the Caribbean region, of which 1,240 are based in Antigua.
Deacon Lenroy Cabey Ordained Priest for St. Johns Anglican Church
Deacon Lenroy Cabey, known to many Montserratians as artist, teacher, musician, has added another facet to his multitudinal portfolio. Mr. Cabey is now priest of the parish of St. Johns Anglican Church.
More than 200 well-wishers, parishioners, priests and supporters saw him ordained to the office on Friday, 5 June, 1998 at the St. Johns Cathedral in Antigua.
Preaching at the ordination service, theVenerable Rudolph Smitten, Archbishop of St. Kitts-Nevis, admonished the young priest to "take his new identity" seriously. He counseled Mr. Cabey to take the function of the priest as one of service, not "lording your exalted position over the flock."
The need to be a godly example, watching out for difficult members and avoiding too much emphasis on his position as priest were other counsels the young clergyman received.
Montserratian Miss Veronica Hixon, representing the parishes of St. Anthony and St. Patricks in Montserrat, delivered a token of appreciation to the newly ordained priest.
Quoting Paul's words to Timothy in 11 Timothy 5:1-5. Miss Hixon urged Mr. Cabey to be "Faithful in good works and guide the flock."
Representing St. Peters, Joseph Kirwan (Teacher King), delivered a gift to Mr. Cabey.
An Antigua-based choir, with which Mr. Cabey is deeply involved, also showed their appreciation for his ministry by delivering a token of their appreciation.
Overwhelmed by the occasion, the young clergyman thanked all the participants and supporters and assured them he will make up in future sermons for his loss of words.
The ordination was officiated by The Most Reverend The Honourable Orland Lindsay.
19-year-old Charged With Child Molestation
Rapheal Bramble, 19, appeared in the magistrate court this week to answer charges of sexually molesting a minor -- an 8-year-old. Bramble, who was charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, was released on bail. He is expected to appear before the magistrate again on Friday.
Evacuees in Antigua Offered Aid to Start New Businesses
The British High Commission in Antigua has started a new program aimed at helping relocated Montserratians to start their own businesses or receive training in a new trade or to enhance their existing skills. This program, however, has been met with some consternation from Montserratians there.
Officials in the Antigua-based Citizens and Friends (CFM) of Montserrat said they were not properly consulted as the official body representing the interest of relocated Montserratians about the program. A Petition, requesting more information from Doug Houston, head of DFID Antigua/Montserrat, and copied to DFID London was filed by the organization.
Informed sources claim the contact with the organization was made with only one person, Candia Williams, chairperson of CFM and head of the Montserrat Information Office in Antigua.
Meanwhile, a Trinidad Company have been contracted to manage and operate the program there. The Reporter understands, however, that Heather Tull, CEO of the company, has refused an offer to speak to members of CFM for unspecified reasons.
According to the High Commission release, a Business Information Unit has been set up to
"offer practical advice on new business opportunities in Antigua and how to successfully start and run a new enterprise."
The unit is also expected to manage a training voucher scheme, which will help those people "aiming to learn a new a trade and/or improve their existing skills to enhance their employment prospects."
A loan under the scheme, with a ceiling of $50,000, is also available to persons wishing to go into business. The release did not mention terms and conditions or where the loans could be obtained.
The Reporter was also informed that two financial institutions chosen to run the scheme, Barclays Bank and National Development Foundation, are yet to receive money from the British government.
According to officials at the NDF, no agreement of interest rate has yet been made. Montserratians nonetheless are being advised to fill out applications and proceed to the banks involved in the scheme.
Counselor Reveals Problems Met by Evacuees in London
Crisis Intervention Counselor Bob Mennear of London visited Montserrat last week to get a first hand impression of what he heard from many London-based volcano evacuees.
Mr. Mennear, who works with Travel Care at Heathrow, last year took on the job to meet planeloads of Montserratians who have been flown to London. He said the evacuees, who appeared sunny and calm, had a lot of hidden trauma and uncertainty.
"If you lost your home, city or town, you are going to be very traumatized," he said. "Montserratians did so." He said the immediate need then was to get the evacuees into housing as fast as they could.
"The psychological impact of being displaced is really quite profound," he explained. "The stress involved in the loss of one's entire existence is likely to have a variety of effects on different people. This includes suicide and early death in the elderly. It is quite difficult to come from the Caribbean, where you can sit on your veranda watching the world go by, to sitting staring out a window on the 20th floor of an apartment building. This contrast must be intolerable."
Mr. Mennear feels that Montserratians who had to flee their volcano-ravaged island are in a worst state than refugees.
"If you are a refugee for political reasons, there is always a chance that you can go back," he said. "Whatever the reason you had to leave, that can change. Even if you can't go back, you can show children pictures of where you came from. For Montserratians there is no possibility for the little ones who grow up in Britain to ever see the place where their parents and grandparents grew up."
Travel Care is a non-profit organization with the specific objective of helping troubled travelers in Britain's International Airport, Heathrow.
Joan Perdita Johnson Earns B.A. with Honors
Congratulations are in order for Miss Joan Perdita Johnson who
has just recently graduated from the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U. S.
Virgin Islands.
Ms. Johnson completed the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Accounting "Magna Cum Laude."
While pursuing her studies she was on the National Dean's List, a member of the Golden Key Honor Society and Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
We take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Johnson and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Red Cross Reports Arrival Of Wardrobes for Davy Hill
The Montserrat Red Cross has reported that they have recently received 50 specially constructed wardrobes for the occupants of the houses at the Davy Hill project.
Mrs. Margaret Abbott, wife of His Excellency Gov. Anthony Abbott, obtained a total of 250 of these wardrobes as a gift from the manufacturers, Lloyd Pascal & Co. Ltd. of Birmingham, England. Mrs. Abbott had earlier heard of the lack of storage facilities at the Davy Hill houses and made a special appeal to the manufacturers, who kindly donated 250 and delivered them free to the location of choice in England, to be forwarded to Montserrat.
The first consignment of 50 were shipped courtesy of the British Red Cross through their head office in London and all have now been distributed. The remaining 200 will be brought to the island by the West Indies Guardship, HMS Sheffield, when it comes to Montserrat on its tour of duty later in the summer.
Lack of Golf Course Fails To Daunt 2 Montserratians
Faced with no golf course and few resources for practise, Montserrat golfers were still able to come away from the 54-hole St. Kitts Amateur Golf Association Open over the Whit weekend with some limited success.
Ivan (Pocket) Hixon and Herman (Cupid) Frances took 3rd place low net in Flight 0-9 and 2nd low net in Flight 10-19 respectively. Hixon placed 5th In the tournament overall, which fielded 130 players.
Meanwhile St. Lucia has announced the hosting of the 1998 Heineken OECS and St. Lucia Golf Championships at Sandals, St. Lucia, over 36 holes on July 25 and 26.
The tournament can accommodate 112 players, who must submit entries by July 17, 1998. It will feature various categories of Men, Seniors, Ladies with Flights of 9 and under, 10 - 19; 20 - 36, Senior Men, Super Senior Men and Ladies.
The Entry Fee of US$75 will include: Green Fees for 3 days; Continental breakfast and Lunch on tournament days. Golf Carts and Caddies are available but will be extra.
The St. Lucia Golf Association has also provided information on several suggested accommodation packages.
Chief Minister Meets Montserratians in USVI
The importance of Radio Montserrat and the need for assistance for Montserratians relocated to Caribbean territories other than Antigua were among issues discussed with the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt when he visited Montserrat Associations in the U.S. Virgin Islands last weekend. Mr. Brandt met with the Montserrat Emerald Association of St. Croix on 5th June, and the Montserrat Association of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas - St. John Chapter, on 7th June.
Scores of Montserratians turned out to the meetings and were updated on Government's development plans for the north of Montserrat. The Chief Minister gave an account of the ongoing housing projects, the Sustainable Development Plan and progress regarding infrastructure.
Members of the associations requested improved communications links with Montserrat and inquired about the status of Radio ZJB. They felt that an information vacuum has existed since ZJB has not been heard in the U.S Virgin Islands after its relocation from Plymouth.
The point was also made that Montserratians relocated to Caribbean territories other than Antigua needed assistance. It was argued that such persons were in situations just as critical as those in Antigua. Other inquiries concerned the acquisition of land; compensation for loss of property; the lessening of duty on medical equipment and the situations regarding the Montserrat Building Society and East Caribbean Central Bank currency stocks in Montserrat.
Many indicated a willingness to return home, and the Chief Minister said that he looked forward to their presence in Montserrat to assist with the rebuilding of the island.
Landbase Bows Out of Plan To Develop a New Capital
Landbase International Ltd., an international real estate consulting, finance, and development company, last week withdrew its offer to develop and finance the proposed new capital for Montserrat.
Williston H. Clover, president of Landbase, on a visit to Montserrat on 28th May, stated:
"Our interest in Montserrat goes all the way back to 1988 when we submitted our ideas for the development of Little Bay, and we have invested a lot of time and energy in trying to move forward. Now, after another year of correspondence, visits, and meetings, both in Montserrat and in London , there was still an obvious lack of response from both the British and Montserratian governments."
Mr. Clover also stated that intense workloads with the company's involvement in other areas of the world made it almost impossible to continue to put energy into a project that had made no apparent progress.
He commented, " I have been impressed with some of the Ministers from The Government of Montserrat, representatives of private enterprise and British officials with whom I've met, and I understand that it is entirely reasonable for them to prefer to have British developers and contractors involved in the effort. In our most recent visit to Montserrat, the elected and appointed officials were generous with their time, and hopefully understood the conditions which have prompted our withdrawal. Because of the relationship we have with your island and our desire to see the best for its leadership and its people, I am still willing to offer my assistance as a non-paid consultant to the Government of Montserrat. And, of course, Landbase will remain involved with the development of Woodlands Inn."
Aspects of the original Landbase plan, including a not-for-profit British Trust to raise money for the new Montserrat capital, will remain intact. Any further negotiations that may take place will be undertaken by Bru Pearce, who is taking a leave of absence from Landbase in order to continue with the project.
Mr. Clover mentioned that the original plan to have the new town owned by a trust to benefit the people of Montserrat was not likely to survive without a continuing, concerted effort.
Landbase is an international company with offices in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Mexico. It has accomplished activities in more than 60 countries. It is one of the few organizations in the world with
experience in developing integrated new cities and entire villages based on tourism, with prior directly related experience in Mexico, Morocco, Egypt and the Dominican Republic.
Fellow Broadcasters Honor Rose Willock
Rose Willock, manager of Radio Montserrat, was honored May 29
with the first Queen's Award for Exceptional Contribution to Public Service Broadcasting
at the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association's annual general conference in Gibraltar.
The association said in a statement issued in London that Ms. Willock had struggled to keep the island's only radio station running after the Soufriere Hills volcano roared to life in July 1995.
The Commonwealth Broadcasting Association groups former British colonies and dependencies.
200 Government Vacancies To Be Filled Even as Some Redundancies Are Made
The Resource Allocation Review, designed to restructure the civil service to suit the needs of the island, reveals that there are some 200 posts to be filled in the government service while a number of redundancies need to be made.
Persons made redundant are assured that they can reapply for vacant positions. Anne-Marie Dewar, Senior Assistant Secretary in the Department of Administration, said redundancy "is not burning bridges."
She explained:
"By offering redundancy to public officers, particular those who go on no-pay leave and are able to return to the island to work, this is not a burning of bridges for them. They will be paid, they will receive terminal benefits and gratuity for their years of service. If they have served for seven years or more. They may be able to have their pension deferred as well as receiving an immediate gratuity.
"Accepting redundancy on this particular exercise does not debar any public officer from reapplying to the public service.
"The opportunity will be open for public servants, where there are vacancies, whether for their old jobs are for new jobs."
She said there has been a good response from a letter sent out for vacancies to be filled. She said persons on-leave on and off island have responded positively.
Highlighting the fact there is no knowledge where many Montserratians relocated to, she said: "The responses have been coming in overwhelming numbers. We have done everything we can to find where officers are."
Bahamas Give Arrow Living Legend Award
Arrow in concert
World Soca Monarch Arrow was recently declared a living legend when the Bahamas Tourist Board gave him its coveted "Living Legend Award" there on Friday, May 29. The award, which was bestowed upon the in Bahamas last Friday Night. The award and the music festival at which it was given both honored Arrow's contribution to the distinctive musical art form.
In accepting the award, Arrow said, "I feel very honoured to get this reward, particularly that I am getting the award while I am alive. So many other artists have been awarded after they are dead. This award also acts as an impetus for a lot of young singers in the Caribbean who are trying to make it."
Arrow said he suspects his hit song "hot, hot, hot," played an integral part in winning the award.
Building materials and prefabricated parts for the 'Caricom Village' arrive from Cuba
Some 25 pre-fabricated houses were off loaded at Little Bay Jetty last week end.
These long-awaited houses will be erected at the Caricom Village at Look Out. But the majority of people were almost shocked into disbelief when it was observed that these were not concrete pre-cast slabs but cement, cement blocks and doors and windows. The motor vessel Cerilic off landed thousands of blocks and bags of cement creating storage problems for port officials, as there were ships waiting in line to dock to off load their cargo.
An advance team of 5 members of the Jamaica Defence Force arrived yesterday to make preparation for the erection of the houses. Some 20 more soldiers from Jamaica and 9 from Guyana are expected to arrive soon to start work.
Anele Barzey
Why can’t things be done in an orderly manner? Why do people have to push, shove, bark and use their choicest words from deep down in their vocabulary to make them appear VERY MACHO? Poor us lesser folk who have to endure all these indignities.
You go to the bank and you have got to stand in line and wait your turn. You wait in line to pay the water rate, the electricity and telephone bills, You wait in line at the gas station. Why can’t you wait in line for cooking gas?
No, it is better for the attendant to stand on a pedestal, look around and pick out the chosen ones, leaving the poor folk standing as close to the attendant as possible but still overlooked; and after many frustrating hours, the words ring out, "GAS DONE!" How comforting, you go back home, you can’t cook.
I guess it would be much better if everybody were able to afford electric stoves because MONLEC lets one know when electricity would be off and when it would be on again. Therefore nobody would be pushing and shoving. Yes the electricity bills would be higher, but your blood pressure would not be very high – no doctor bills – you would not be pushed and shoved. You would be able to cook your time would not be wasted. You would save something – keep a coal pot and some coals as a standby.
Just imagine, some people have been out of cooking gas for weeks, then good friends come to their rescue with the hope that when cooking gas becomes available, the GOOD SAMARITAN would receive their cooking gas. Alas no such luck, because people are overlooked.
Importers collect empties and should give the customer a numbered slip with his or her name on it and the number of empties that person took in; then when the gas is received and there is only X number of 20lbs cylinders where X is 200 and there are 500 applicants ask the customers from 1 to 200 to come and collect cylinders, noting that customers with more than two empties on their slip can collect two at any one time. The others will be delivered at the next shipment. This will allow some poor folk to get even one cylinder from that batch; the same holds good for the 100lbs cylinders.
It would be easier for all concerned if the 20lbs were distributed on a different day to that of the 100lbs. That would certainly lessen the chaos, lower the blood pressure, and less time would be wasted.
You Laugh in Disbelief Know That You are not alone
If every now and then, you find yourself laughing instead of worrying when you try to understand the state of money affairs on Montserrat, you are not alone. If, at the end of every conversation involving the robbery, you laugh, you too are not alone. And if amidst the embarrassment and pain you laugh without being able to explain your reactions, you are not alone. We feel the same as you do.
If you find yourself paying more attention to the people suspected of the crime, rather than the crime itself, you are not alone either. Even if you are trying to understand how, looking good, looking respectable, hard-working, not the type of persons you expect could commit such a crime, and if you still can’t understand, you are not alone.
And if because you are confused, you think some of the suspects are part of the leadership of the ruling political party, have no fear, you are in good company, you are not alone.
If as a family member or friend of the accused, you are in shock, you too are not alone. We understand, none of us has escaped the horrible feelings. All of us have been there before, we have had family members and friends who committed crimes. Even some of us have had near misses where, either family members or ourselves just avoided the long arm of the law. So carry your shock and embarrassment with an awareness that you will never be alone. We hurt as you do, we are in shock as you are. Even so, we shall stand by you in every line, with buckets of moral support. Even though we might be talking about your loved ones on every street corner, carry no guilty feelings, just understand we have been there before. You are not going to be alone.
To my friends, our friends, the suspects, you have distanced yourself from us, you have let us down. Yet, we will continue to seek understanding, even though at present we fail to find understanding for your actions.
Nevertheless we recognise that in the struggle to keep greed behind need and need before want, you get into serious trouble. We hope though that in the long run, even from your place of respite, you will lead Montserrat in the battle to put in perspective the love for money, power, greed, wants and needs. But in the meantime, spare us the agony of a lengthy trial, speak the truth, quietly but quickly and be assured, you will never be alone. Our prayers will always be with you.
Finally, Montserratians, if somehow you cannot separate the suspects from the leadership of the political parties, don’t feel badly, you are not alone. But if you believe, as the "Good Book" says, that a nation gets the leaders it deserves, or if you believe, as I do, that a nation takes on the character of its leaders, then may the Lord have mercy on Montserrat.
What Parents Should Know About The Child Molester
By Darnley Estwick
Recent studies reveal data that sexual attraction to children occurs in three age groups: in adolescence, in the mid to late thirties, and the late fifties. Contrary to the most common popular belief, the old-age group is considered to be the smallest one. These groups are different in many ways and should not be classified as a single entity.
In the case of sexual attraction to young girls, the adolescent group consists of persons who have been retarded in their sexual and emotional development and who are therefore unable to adjust to the opposite sex (girls) of their own age.
For the group in the mid- or late thirties, the majority of the men are married or have been. But because of some irresponsible and frustrating behaviour in their relationships, sexual or otherwise, with adult females, they regress (return to) and find sexual gratification in immature sex play rather than risk the demands of adult intercourse.
The older age group is determined by loneliness, and impotence. Their sexual exploits with children tend to remove these (men) from their lonely state, and the sexual impulse is revived as a result of the relationship.
Of great importance is the relationship between the child molester and the chi1d; and the role the latter plays in the offence. According to experts on this subject, all studies have shown conclusively that in the majority of cases the child and the man know each other. They are either related or the molester is a friend of the family, or a neighbour who shares the same environment. The majority of molestation cases are therefore said to take place in the home of the man and or in the home of the child. (To be continued)
For every bridge or span
Safe movement was the plan;
But here great minds foresee,
When Belham's gone, there'll be
One less checkpoint to man.
MONDAY JUNE 15th
GEMINI (21 May - 20 June) Others will get the better of you, if you let them. Of course,
their mistakes could turn out to your advantage. However, even though your work and
personal judgements are helping you to see things more clearly, don' t spoil your chances
by making an impatient move.
CANCER (21 June - 22 July) The moment Mercury lends you a big boost of confidence, the
Moon in Aries guarantees an argument. You've some very good ideas and practical plans, but
test them out before you go further. Meanwhile, if you ignore your talent, so will others.
Whatever else happens, stick to your principles.
LEO (23 July - 22 Aug) Take a chance. Be more open and direct with those who seem to be
hiding their true intentions. Either way you've nothing to lose, because you've nothing to
be secretive about. Though certain changes continue to effect your ambitions, at least
you'll be able to make more of a creative gift.
VIRGO (23 Aug - 22 Sept) If you're unable to work out the meaning of someone's attitude,
look no further than yourself. However, one grudge doesn't deserve another. If you're
being as flexible as the situation will allow, then you're not to blame. According to the
planets, you'll shortly be the focus of someone's favour.
LIBRA (23 Sept - 22 Oct) A frequently occurring desire won't budge until you do something
about it. Once you've taken action, you'll soon see things begin to improve. However, you
will have to tolerate an obstacle. This week's planets reveal an ideal phase for making a
fresh start. This in turn will ease your anxieties.
SCORPIO (23 Oct - 20 Nov) Regardless of what you have been led to believe, it's not only
you that's had an emotional raw deal, others have too. Although you probably won't get
thanked, you can accomplish a lot by drawing on your inner reserves of strength. Already,
Saturn's entry into your where-do-I-go-from-here outlook, is beginning to take effect
SAGITTARIUS (21 Nov - 21 Dec) The effects of Mars on your relationships and the way others
have been confronting you, has not made life easy. Also, Saturn has begun to make its
mark, bringing new duties, limitations and hard work. If you accept this planet's capacity
to make you try harder for what you want, life will run freely.
CAPRICORN (22 Dec - 20 Jan) Instead of trying to control too many external situations, try
dominating your own destiny and you'll get far more done. Your ruler Saturn could make you
take life far too seriously. Continue to learn the art of relaxation and getting into some
leisure fun.
AQUARIUS (21 Jan - 18 Feb) It may take until next month for you to solve a puzzle about
what someone really intends, but until then, don't force the issue. A window of change is
about to open and there will be an opportunity to enhance some of your material values.
Creative work will be rewarded.
PISCES (19 Feb - 20 Mar) The moods of others will be affecting the way you feel towards
them, so try to keep the peace within you. Planetary activity in the sign of Cancer
indicates that you'll need to take a firm grip on your emotions. If you aim to make the
right impression, you'll achieve a satisfying result.
ARIES (21 Mar - 19 Apr) Laughter and tension dominate home and worklife discussions.
Mercury enters sensitive Cancer, and the Moon in your own sign pushes you into some
unlikely conversations. Be bold. Be daring. Don't be a pessimist and someone will delight
you. Something you begin will have to change, but it will prove useful in the long-run.
TAURUS (20 Apr - 20 May) It will be easier to make up your mind about what you're buying
for your home. It'll also prove profitable if you're trying out a new way to earn more
money. Your ruler Venus in your own sign, urges you to work hard at a creative interest.
Meanwhile, take a proposal seriously.
To realize the value of one year: Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one hour: Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of one minute: Ask the person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second: Ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.
Children's Rights in Plain English
A Unicef Production
Article 1 -- Everyone under 18 years of age has all the rights in this convention .
Article 2 -- You have these rights, whoever you are whatever your parents are, whatever colour you are, whatever sex or religion you are, whatever language you speak, whether you have a disability, or if you are rich or poor.
Article 3 -- Whenever an adult has anything to do with you, he or she should do what is best for you.
Article 6 -- Everyone should recognize that you have the right to live.
Article 7 -- You have the right to have a name, and when you are born your name, your parents' names and the date should be written down. You have the right to a nationality, and the right to know and be cared for by your parents.
Article 9 -- You should not be separated from your parents unless it is for your own good. For instance, your parents may be hurting you or not taking care of you. Also, if your parents decide to live apart, you will have to live with one or the other of them, but you have the right to contact both parents easily.
Article 10 -- If you and your parents are living in separate countries, you have the right to get back together and live in the same place.
Article 11 -- You should not be kidnapped, and, if you are, the government should try their hardest to get you back.
Article 12 -- Whenever adults make a decision that will affect you in any way, you have the right to give your opinion, and the adults have to take that seriously.
Article 13 -- You have the right to find out things and say what you think through speaking, writing, making art etc, unless it breaks the rights of others.
Article 14 -- You have the right to think what you like and be whatever religion you want to be. Your parents should help you learn what isright and wrong.
Article 15 -- You have the right to meet, make friends with and make clubs with other people, unless it breaks the rights of others.
Article 16 -- You have the right to a private life. For instance, you can keep a diary that other people are not allowed to see.
Article 17 -- You have the right to collect information from radios, newspapers, television, books etc, from all around the world. Adults should make sure that you get information you can understand.
Article 18 -- Both of your parents should be involved in bringing you up and they should do what is best for you.
Article 19 -- No one should hurt you in any way. Adults should make sure that you are protected from abuse, violence and neglect. Even your parents have no right to hurt you.
Article 20 -- If you do not have any parents, or if it is not safe for you to live with your parents, you have the right to special protection and help.
Article 21 -- If you have to be adopted, adults should make sure that everything is arranged in the way that is best for you.
Article 22 -- If you are a refugee (meaning you have to leave your own country because it is not safe for you to live there) you have the right to special protection and help.
Article 23 -- If you are disabled, either mentally or physically, you have the right to special care and education to help you grow up in the same way as other children.
Article 24 -- You have a right to good health. This means that you should have professional care and medicines when you are sick. Adults should try their hardest to make sure that children do not get sick in the first place by feeding and taking good care of them.
Article 27 --You have the right to a good enough "standard of living." This means that parents have the responsibility to make sure you have food, clothes, a place to live. etc. If parents cannot afford this, the government should help.
Article 28 -- You have a right to education. Primary education must be free and you must go to primary school. You should also be able to go to secondary school.
Article 29 -- The purpose of your education is to develop your personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to the fullest. Education should also prepare you to live responsibly and peacefully, in a free society, understanding the rights of other people, and respecting the environment.
Article 30 -- If you come from a minority group, you have the right to enjoy your own culture, practise your own religion and use your own religion and use your own language.
Article 31 -- You have a right to play.
Article 32 -- You have the right to be protected from working in places or conditions that are likely to damage your health or get in the way of your education. If somebody is making money out of your work, you should be paid fairly.
Article 33 -- You have the right to be protected from illegal drugs and from the business of making and selling drugs.
Article 34 -- You have the right to be protected from sexual abuse. This means that nobody can do anything to your body that you do not want them to do, such as touching you or taking pictures of you or making you say things that you don't want to say.
Article 35 -- No one is allowed to kidnap or sell you.
Article 37 -- Even if you do something wrong, no one is allowed to punish you in a way that humiliates you or hurts you badly. You should never be put in prison except as a last resort, and, if you are put in prison, you have the right to special care and regular visits with your family.
Article 38 -- You have a right to protection in times of war. If you are under fifteen, you should never have to be in an army or take part in a battle.
Article 39 -- If you have been hurt or neglected in any way, for instance in a war, you have the right to special care and treatment.
Article 40 --You have the right to defend yourself if you have been accused of committing a crime. The police and the lawyers and judges in court should treat you with respect and make sure you understand everything that is going on.
Article 42 -- All adults and all children should know about this Convention. You have a right to learn about your rights and adults should learn about them too.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child has 54 articles in all, but most of the rest are about how adults and governments should work together to make sure all children get all their rights.
You might want to read the Convention yourself. Talk about it with your friends, your parents and your teachers. By telling other people about children's rights, you will be helping other children too. The more people understand that children have rights, the more likely they are to help everyone get what they need to grow up healthy, and safe, and free.
Jus wonderin if the mini-motorcycle motorcars just imported by our aid managers aren’t another waste of money.
Jus wonderin when the cumbersome customs tariffs and procedures will be simplified as promised.
Jus wonderin when the much-needed new telephone directory will become available.
Jus wonderin if Montserratians really joined the British engineers with the decision to let the Belham Bridge go.
Jus wonderin, if a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, why a new aid line between DFID and Brown & Root runs through Australia.
Jus wonderin which building in the new Government complex will be officially labeled "Hurricane Shelter."
Jus wonderin why taxi drivers and merchants in Antigua will not accept EC currency from Montserratians even when they are shown the ECCB list of serial numbers declared ‘illegal tender.’
Jus wonderin why ECCB has not answered the Reporter’s questions
Jus wonderin what British scientists will document the long-term health risks of mud to be.
Jus wonderin how long "Belham is best" would remain a watchword after Montserratians had accepted a modest airstrip at Geralds.
Jus wonderin how much Montserrat’s smooth new road surfaces will extend the working life of automobiles and how an understaffed Royal Montserrat Police Force will suppress the likelihood of excessive speeds.
June 1, 1998
UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT’s
(DEPARTMENT for INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT)
EMERGENCY HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
By Brown & Root Ltd
Brown & Root on behalf of DFID is pleased to announce that Phase 3 of the United Kingdom Government’s Emergency Housing Project, managed by Brown & Root Ltd is due to commence in June. This third phase is sub-divided into two components identified as 3A, which are System Built houses and 3B which are Block Built houses.
The 3A components will comprise 100 units in the following categories:
76 x 1 bedroom houses
22 x 2 bedrooms houses
2 x 3 bedrooms houses
The 3B segment will comprise of:
26 x 1 bedroom houses
10 x 2 bedrooms houses
14 x 3 bedrooms houses
The Australian company Force 10 which won the contract to supply the 100 pre-engineered System Built houses for the 3A component spent from 27th to 29th May 1998 on island revisiting the Lookout Yard site where the houses will be erected. Extensive discussions were held on a wide range of technical and other logistical details with the project architect Mr. Ken Cassell and officials from Brown & Root Ltd.
Mr. Brian Ford Force 10 Montserrat Project Manager emphasized that his company’s product is entirely suitable for the Montserrat environment. It meets the criteria for fast erection, and more importantly, withstands sustained hurricane winds in excess of 165 MPH. He further emphasized that the company will maintain a continuous presence on Montserrat during and after construction through their local agent Mr. John E Ryan of Ryan Investments an established contractor in the construction field. Force 10 has already established a very successful Caribbean presence especially in the USVI and Aruba.
Contracts for the 50 blockwork houses identified, as 3B will be available to local contractors with all materials where possible supplied by the local merchants.
The design for the blockwork houses, was produced by local architect Alford Dyett & Associates and will be different from the first 50 blockwork house which were completed on Friday April 24th. Each unit will be slightly larger with emphasis on ease and speed of build, and cost effectiveness. It is intended to introduce an appropriate level of modern building materials and techniques, which could benefit the construction industry of Montserrat.
Sewage for the additional 150 units will be discharged into the existing Sewage Treatment Plant at Lookout. The plant was designed with sufficient capacity to accommodate these houses, the Caricom Village, as well as the adjoining school complex and other commercial buildings carded for the Lookout Yard site.
The infrastructure for this housing, land, roads, electricity and water, is already being carried out under the DFID funded housing project.
It is projected that the construction period for Phase 3 will be as follows:
3A – 1st August to 30th November
3B – 14th June to 30th November
Phase 3 will provide employment for 150 skilled tradesmen and when completed will bring the number of units built under the Department for International Development’s Emergency Housing Project to two hundred and fifty. It is projected that Phase 3 will provide comfortable, permanent accommodation for in excess of 400 people.
The design, specification and selection of products and material for the Phase 3 Projects was by mutual agreement of the Working Group comprising the Government of Montserrat (GOM), Department for International Development (DFID), local architects and building contractors and Brown & Root Ltd.
Leo Bedford
Project Manager
BROWN & ROOT LTD
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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