Foxes Bay Sand Mining Hailed and Condemned
Last week Environmental Minister the Honourable Austin Bramble announced on radio that Foxes Bay would be open to those who wish to use the sand off the beach there.
This move has been one of the most welcomed bits of news for those involved in the rebuilding and construction of homes in Montserrat, following the displacement and ravages caused by the volcanic activity that has plagued Montserrat from July 18, 1995, to now.
Environmentalists have expressed concern, along with homeowners, residents and well-wishers, at the long-term cost effectiveness of removing sand from the beaches. Architects and builders confirm that while the "bay sand" comes with some defects, "it is much cheaper than other sand, and it belongs to and comes from Montserrat."
There have been those who argue that the sand is not the best for use in construction. One overseas architect offers: "From a technical point of view, beach sand is unfit for most construction. It is not a matter of opinion... As already pointed out by someone else, the salt found in Montserrat beach sand is corrosive."
An added argument states: "If beach sand is used in the mortars and concrete of structural work, Montserratians are building early structural failure into their homes and places of work. Most likely, the failure will be demonstrated when the strength is most needed, as during hurricanes and earthquakes."
There are those who also argue the use of ghaut sand and material that has come from the volcano could also be mined in place of the sand, but local architects offer, "Ghaut sand has a different texture and, depending on where it is mined, is coarser and may not be at all suitable. When mixed with the volcanic material, it may even be too fine and also need to be washed."
The builders argue that what comes of the beaches now is also mixed with volcanic material, but has the benefit of being washed by the sea. They admit that we have grown accustomed to the use of sand, which can sometime shorten the life of paint on walls, but the "benefits from using the sand far outweigh the negatives."
One architect ventured to say, "It is the sand that makes Montserrat tick. It is used for plastering while the ghaut sand is used for concrete."
They all admit that the use of crusher dust is good but it is expensive and right now is not available.
Feelings have run high on the issue and one person, commenting on the reaction of
contributors on the Electronic Evergreen, said: "A lot of people on the EE only care
about Montserrat from the perspective of "Montserrat, The Way The Caribbean Used To
Be." For them, a few cosy bars and restaurants, some exotic cheeses and diet Coke
from Rams, perhaps a golf course and access to their villas would be quite sufficient.
"But those who really care, must be thinking further than that. Yes we want all that
too, but we have to think way beyond that. We have to start thinking about what sort of
country the next generation will inherit. We have to look beyond the present crisis and
develop an awareness of where we want to be and think about how to get there."
One onlooker from overseas recalls: "Since I am not in Montserrat and may not be
seeing things as they are, maybe the sand from Foxes Bay has always been used for
construction products and the sand is naturally replaced.
"However, I recall there was a new company in Montserrat that would be utilizing
volcanic ash in the production of concrete and masonry products. Is this company in
operation yet? Wouldn't this method and mix mean less need for sand and possibly less sand
mining at any of the island's beaches? With all the destruction that has already taken
place on the island, it would be nice to think there might be a better way to make the
much needed concrete and construction materials, than by importing sand, or destroying
Montserrat's beautiful beaches."
Governor, CM Talk Of Disaster Readiness And Exclusion Zone
By Bennette Roach
The National Disaster Advisory Council was called together on Wednesday afternoon this week to prepare for the 1999 hurricane season, which already has been predicted to be a busy one.
Both His Excellency Governor Abbott and the Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt were in attendance and both addressed the gathering.
Governor Abbott in his address seemed not very well briefed about Montserrat's past efforts in preparing for natural disasters, which took on new dimensions more than 10 years ago. Although he later praised the preparations for Hurricane Georges last year, he began with: "It is probably quite difficult to regard disasters projects in advance. I think there's a natural inclination to actually wait until a disaster strikes to truly focus on it…we in Montserrat have to learn from the past. We know from the disasters that have already struck us that we cannot wait on our laurels and because we've had some successes in the past, they must not be allowed to become tomorrow's failures."
The Governor immediately touched on the South of Belham (SOB) crisis and the recent meeting, admitting: "They brought to our attention some new aspects of the dimension south of the Belham Valley. There is no predetermined knowledge, whether it be ministers or governors or specialists groups, like the Volcano Executive Group (VEG), we are all able to learn from other people and by looking at a new dimension."
The Governor said that the SOB committee brought to "their" attention the problem of unavailability of insurance on properties there and the need to find another term in place of "Exclusion Zone." He said, "After conferring with ministers and the VEG we came up with a resolution and we intend in the future that it will be called "the Daytime Entry Zone."
This, he said, is slightly different from the Exclusion Zone - "there is a zone where there are medical reasons why people should not occupy it immediately, whereas there are scientific reasons why nobody should go within the Exclusion Zone."
The Governor then hoped that "this is the kind of thing you people will be doing in your little groups, looking at things with new eyes, fresh eyes and be prepared to come forward with those kinds of visionary thinking."
He expressed his gratitude for "the enormous contributions that many have made in the past."
Once again he praised his Emergency Department for what he termed "their continuance to demonstrate the need to be proactive.
"There is no need for waiting for a hurricane to happen and then trying to repair the damage," he cautioned.
The Chief Minister was invited to make remarks before they moved into the meat of the meeting and he also spoke to the SOB issues.
"It is true that we are in the hurricane season," Mr. Brandt said, "so that may be paramount on our minds, but in preparing for this season, we have to consider several things, for example:- as I speak, there is an Exclusion Zone, but that description puts certain areas at a major disadvantage."
He concurred with the Governor, saying that from a health point of view the Government will make an announcement changing the name "Exclusion Zone", primarily because of the insurance problem.
The Chief Minister spoke to the issue that upset many SOB residents who heard the Governor last week, focusing on all the problems involved in the rehabilitation of the areas SOB. These included the cost of the cleanup, the number of people ready and willing or intending to move back, and how to tackle the cleanup process. The CM said: "We have a duty to our citizens, because in fact they have spent money already. I would say that government will be clearing the road from Belham to Lover’s Lane shortly, so that people would be able to have greater and safer access.
"In respect of the re-occupation of those areas, we are going to take steps to see that some of these areas are cleaned up."
He discounted the Governor's position, "The argument has been made that it is only if we can find enough people to say they are going to go back into those areas, then the money would be spent. But, the Government’s point-of-view …and it should not depend on how many people are going back for us to help people to secure an asset which they have worked for and saved for all their life, and which they stand to lose."
Addressing the matter of disaster preparedness, and the use of churches as "shelters," as they were used extensively during the volcanic crisis, he said:
"It is then, indeed, the duty of Government to ensure these church buildings are properly rehabilitated so that we can truly call them the Temples of the Living God.
St Martin De Porres Church, and Salem Anglican Church
"It is also important to ensure that adequate preparation for any natural disaster is completed now and the relevant information should now be published."
He told the gathering that all the disasters affect not only government, not only you the committee, but also all Montserratians, since natural disasters are no respecters of persons, "and all of us have to be vigilant."
Addressing the committee directly, he told them: "You who are members of this committee, you have specific tasks to perform and the Government will give you every encouragement and every assistance that is necessary because any force of nature is awesome, and all that is required of us is to do our best."
Finally he voiced his government's appreciation: " The government values very much the work you are doing and have done. Please continue the good work, and let us all do our best," he concluded.
Election Commission Delivers Its Report
By Bennette Roach
Government House issued a press release yesterday in which His Excellency Governor Abbott expressed his indebtedness to "Dr. Howard Fergus, Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Assembly, Mr. Elton Georges, Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands, and Dr Neville Duncan of the University of the West Indies," for working on the recently established Elections Commission.
This is the second Electoral Commission that has been set up since the volcanic crisis began in mid-1995. In August 1996 Governor Frank Savage appointed a commission to enquire and examine the constitutional requirements to dissolve the Legislative Council and to hold elections within three months (after) and in the light of the ongoing volcanic crisis, to advise the Governor on a desirable way forward.
The current Commission was set up to advise on the conduct of the next general election and any interim by-elections. The Chairman of the Commission, is once again, the Hon Dr. Howard A. Fergus CBE.
The Governor said in his release that the commission "have consulted widely among the Montserratian community on island and overseas and have brought a great deal of collective wisdom and experience to the task."
He was announcing the completion of their report and its availability to the public. He said the the "report is an excellent and, I believe, far-reaching piece of work which suggests pragmatic solutions to the problems of ensuring that Montserrat continues to enjoy full democratic representation and participation in the present difficult circumstances."
The release said that the recommendations will require careful study both here and in London, "but I would hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the way forward by the end of this month," the Governor said.
The report opens with an Executive Summary with 12 points, among which are the following:
"The single-member, multi-constituency, first-past-the-post (FPP) electoral system be replaced by the single-constituency, electoral system under a modified FPP arrangement;
"Montserratians overseas whose names are on the 1996 voters' list be eligible for re-registration provided that they make a legal declaration of their "domicile" status, including their intention to reside in Montserrat;
"The special arrangement described immediately above be effective for the next general elections only, but subject to review thereafter;
"A Minister of Government be assigned portfolio responsibility for Montserratians overseas and budgetary provision be made for a desk in that Ministry;
"Nominated membership to the Legislative Council be abolished (this was not a unanimous decision of the Commission);
"Elected membership in the Legislative Council be increased from seven to nine, correspondingly."
Copies of the report are available at the Governor's Office upon request and may be read at the Public Library
See the full Summary in the Special Reading Section
"Those Who Misunderstand A Newspaper Don’t Read It"
Way back in the 80's, the Montserrat Printery Ltd., as printers of The Montserrat Reporter, was a joint defendant in libel suits brought by John Osborne former Chief Minister, and others, who won. Eventually, the Montserrat Printery Ltd., being a struggling but more organised business, became saddled with paying the debts, without any assistance whatsoever from the National Development Party (NDP), who owned the newspaper, Montserrat Reporter Ltd.
Some of the unoffending printers' assets were seized. The NDP and Montserrat Reporter Ltd. had no assets, and since we were found jointly and severally liable, the plaintiffs came after the printers.
Eventually, we felt that the only way to pay these debts was to try and make the newspaper, which also owed the Printery a very substantial sum of money in printing debts, viable enough to meet the payments. It was thus in 1994 that the printery began managing the newspaper.
We discovered that many people do not read the Reporter. That is true even to this day. They would not have noticed, of course, that the Reporter had changed its approach to reporting the news and affairs of the country, and was no longer the politically partisan paper it used to be.
For over a year now, the newspaper has been no longer under the management of Montserrat Printery Ltd.
It is our hope that readers have noticed the difference in a newspaper with extremely limited means, but which tries to report the news impartially and fairly, presents the views of the community, and now boasts the reputation of being told by representatives of every government that it is "against the government."
The Montserrat Reporter operates under new management and under its own name, with absolutely no affiliation to its former owners, which no longer exist.
There have been times when the paper was about to cease publication, after there were no resources left to drain. But the commitment to provide the island with a newspaper has been strong and at a critical point minimal support was provided, for a very short period, when it was recognised that Montserrat in the end would suffer without a newspaper.
We have discovered in the process, particularly without the necessary resources, how difficult it is to obtain information in Montserrat.
From time to time we have expressed our purpose and invited our readers to subscribe and submit their comments on any issue to the newspaper, explaining our policy to those who wish to do so.
Recently it has become more evident and seemingly more difficult to obtain information and even the understanding and support that keeps a newspaper functioning. We have discovered that folks have been told, deliberately or by mistake, that they have to pay for letters to the editor, as well as news items that keep the community informed of things that happen.
That simply is not true. Our strongest sense of purpose is educating and informing our community, and we are determined to improve upon this once sufficient resources to do so are available. In the meantime, we would like our readers to believe that this is Montserrat's own newspaper.
Dear Mr. Editor:
It is time to take our country back. 'Grant in aid' status or no. It don't even matter that the British Government seem to have appointed the Governor to the post of Chief Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister with full responsibility for Emergencies.
We cannot let this go on. We cannot let, allow, condone, suffer nor accept the kind of insane ranting, vitriolic abuse, paranoid haranguing and general showing-off that the Commissioner of Police visited upon the daughter of a Minister of Government.
It don't even matter if the young lady was in St John's, in Plymouth, inside the volcano crater or riding a pyroclastic flow down the side of the Soufriere Hills. It doesn't matter that she is a minister's daughter. Only that she is a person.
Who is this Commissioner of Police? You know him? No! Really. A lot of Montserratians don't know this man. And if you see him he just another British citizen here to run the government of the Governor. And if you seriously think about features, all the faces of the members of the Governor's government do tend to look alike. Who can tell who is who? Oh, and they say the same bout us.
But, my point is just because the Police Commissioner is given the temporary title of Governor's Enforcer IT DOES NOT, IT CAN NOT GIVE HIM THE RIGHT TO ABUSE THE CITIZENS OF MONTSERRAT JUST BECAUSE HE IS IN THE COMPANY OF HIS KITH AND KIN.
If a Montserratian ought not to have been in the Plymouth area showing the sights to her kith and kin, then, His Mightiness the Commissioner ought not to have been there showing the sights to his kith and kin. What is good for the TCO is good for the native.
But even more important, if the Commissioner of Police thought that Little Miss Minister's daughter was about to commit crime and mayhem in Plymouth, then, he should have identified himself, sought to determine if Miss Minister's daughter had been granted permission to be in Plymouth and what was her business.
If he felt that she was in danger then he should have so warned her and then removed himself and herself from this danger zone, because if she could have been swallowed by quick moving volcanic ash then, Duh! so could he and his kith and kin.
No matter what rhyme and reason the Governor or the Police Commissioner come up with, there can be none for the Commissioner of Police to blame to have displayed such disrespect for a native of Montserrat. It don't matter what ridiculous regulations he and the Governor put in place, his behavior can not be excused.
Infact the Commissioner of Police should apologize to Little Miss Minister's daughter. Indeed, he should be made to apologize to the people of Montserrat. You and I know that his abhorrent behavior had very little to do with the fact that Miss Young Lady was in Plymouth. It had everything to do with the fact that he was in the presence of his kith and kin and he wanted to show them how he controls the natives. And really now, who he going try to convince otherwise?.
Maybe he should hold counseling sessions with the police gentleman who coming so that he can learn people skills and receive some race sensitivity training.
But the most disturbing thing about this fracas is the fact that the Commissioner of Police must have been given this mandate to "dump on natives" by some implicit act, deed or authority. All around it can be seen by the behavior of his kith and kin. More and more of this kind of monstrous behavior is being observed. It is clear that we must move to take our country back. Should we hesitate any longer we will have created a kind of softer, gentler Caribbean version of apartheid. And in whatever form it comes apartheid is still apartheid.
It cannot be right for the Commissioner of Police to take his kith and kin on visits to Plymouth and have natives roundly abused by the self same Commissioner for visiting in their own country. It feels like one set of actions are allowable for TCO's and their kith and well……….you know………. apartheid.
Prudence-Really Upset
Police Officers Treatment Trigger Angry Response
Dear Sir,
I have read the David Edgecombe’s letter in your newspaper and I am so outraged by the conduct of the Governor, Commissioner of Police and the Attorney General that I move to express my views on this matter in writing.
It has been truly said that bad men prevail because good men see wrong and do nothing about it. We have thousands of good men and women in Montserrat and all of us should show our revulsion at the advantage that these three Englishmen have taken of Sergeant Barzey and Inspector Hazel.
Let me first say that if there was a scintilla of credible evidence to connect these Police Officers to the Barclays Bank robbery they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. On the contrary if there is no evidence to connect these men with the crime, then the persecution should cease immediately and full restitution made.
These two police officers were suspended on the 1st of June, 1998. Shortly afterwards the commissioner of police promoted other officers to the positions held by Barzey and Hazel. Having done so, the Commissioner of Police will find himself in a very embarrassing situation if the suspended officers were acquitted. It would mean having to demote those officers. Surely who would want to be embarrassed?
The officers are on suspension for over a year now and there is no indication that their trials will soon be over. While on suspension they are suffering hardships and financial loss. They have lost their homes, their personal effects and cannot maintain themselves on half pay.
While on suspension they are unable to seek alternate employment. They cannot travel. But that is not all, they were recently charged with criminal offences on the uncorroborative evidence of a convicted felon, Raphael Herbert. The same Raphael Herbert on his arrest upon being charged for the robbery, gave the police a voluntarily statement. At the time of his trial he said in effect that the police promised him amnesty, and that is why he said what they wanted to hear. The Judge did not believe him and sentenced him to prison.
From the above it must have been clear to the three, that if Herbert was promised freedom he could manufacture an interesting story. Herbert was promised freedom and he implicated these innocent officers. They were arrested on Herbert’s testimony, reportedly made before the Governor. Herbert was released from prison by the three white men and the innocent men were sent to prison.
One must remember that two of the accused, who were charged with the robbery gave evidence for the crown in exchange for freedom. The said accuseds were and are on island up to this day. If the officers were involved, the accused would have said so in the first instance. Since they were on island when Herbert implicated the police officers it would have been an easy thing for the police to ask them before they arrested the officers if they did take part in the robbery. Commissioner never took that step. He arrested the officers on the sole word of Herbert, got his friends and country men, the Governor and the Attorney General to pardon Herbert and then asked the Crown Witness if the police officers were involved. They then found out that were not involved and dropped the charges.
The three English men rushed to judgement. By doing this they damaged the reputation characters and career of these young officers for life. No money could give them back their good names.
What is more alarming is that the Commissioner finding that they were innocent of any criminal act, charged the officers disciplinarily and demanded a speedy trial. That was over a month ago. He has the right to try them himself or let a magistrate try them. I am told he was overheard saying that he now does not want Mr. Karney Osborne to try the case, because he might throw it out. He is reported to have said that he will import and wait for a new magistrate to try the case. If this is true, Montserratians could no longer trust the police, the AG and the Governor. The question must be asked why is the case not brought before the magistrate? Why the wait?
While the commissioner waits and gets his full salary, lives in a house with a swimming pool and drives air condition vehicle, these officers are scrunting on half pay. The officers cannot travel. WHERE IS THE JUSTICE?
I caution these officers not to expect any support from their former colleagues for several reasons:
(a) Some of them were promoted in their places and if they got back their jobs those who were promoted will have to be demoted
(b) Senior officers are afraid of the commissioner. They are being told they should retire because they are too old and he is older than most of them. Quite recently he has called on a top ranking an upstanding and competent career police officer and told him he had to resign by the following Monday. Following legal advice, he refused.
(c) He has reportedly informed another high ranking officer that she should be medically boarded.
Are the three English men making way to fill our police force with white men? We have passed that stage. The suspended officers should be immediately re-instated and paid huge monetary compensation. The air doesn’t smell good and something should be done about these three white men.
Keeping Watch.
Isles Bay Residents Express Appreciation
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Property Owners of Isles Bay, we would like to thank the Montserrat Water Authority for restoring water service to the residences in Isles Bay. This was an essential step toward meeting our objectives to rehabilitate our properties and resume occupancy in Isles Bay.
We appreciate the Water Authority’s effort and, as importantly, its continued commitment toward maintaining a high standard of service to Isles Bay.
We would also like to thank the Honourable Chief Minister, Mr. David Brandt, for his contribution to this accomplishment and his continued support and assistance in helping us to regain utilities, clean up the roadways, and resume occupancy in Isles Bay.
Sincerely,
The Property Owners of Isles Bay
In Spite of Our Circumstances
You show me the path of life. in your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are plea-
sures forevermore.
- Psalm 16: 11 (NRSV)
It was not the first time I had attended the Easter morning service. I had had that privilege before. However, it the first time I had worshiped on Easter in a wheelchair.
For many reasons I felt nervous in my new condition; I was particularly concerned that my constant shifting would be distracting to other worshipers. Nonetheless, my joy overcame my nervousness. Even though I could not walk and
was suffering a little pain and discomfort, I was absolutely sure that Jesus was showing me the way to a new life.
Although my future was uncertain, I felt the company of my Lord, which was much more powerful than any fear or pain. With God's presence my misgivings gave way to praise, and I was able to sing with joy to the risen Christ.
That Easter morning I began to understand that beyond our pain and physical limitations, there is life - whole and complete - that Jesus gives us each day. I now understand that fullness of life does not depend on favorable circum-
stances but on the presence of God's Spirit.
Prayer: Jesus, Lord of eternal life, help me to see that joy do s not depend on the circumstances of our earthly life but on your faithful company. Thank you for overcoming even the limitation of death. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Regardless of our limitations, God offers each of us fullness of life.
Graciela A. Murillo P (Cuernavaca, Medco)
Prayer Focus: THOSE ADJUSTING TO PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
Principal Nursing Officer (Pno) Re-Elected To Executive Of Regional Nursing Body (Rnb)
At the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Regional Nursing Body (RNB) held
in Turks and Caicos, May 23 to 27, Miss
Valerie
Lewis, Principal Nursing Officer, was re-elected to the Executive Committee to serve for
another year.
Several issues discussed at the Meeting included the direction of Nursing into the 21st century; Training Courses in Clinical Teaching; and increased communication among Regional Nursing Body members
Miss Lewis reports that the meeting was very informative and productive and ideas gained will be beneficial to the Nursing division in the development of some of its plans.
The Regional Nursing Body is a non-statutory, autonomous collaborative advisory organization established in 1972 by regional nurses.
It is administratively attached to the CARICOM Secretariat and is answerable to the CARICOM Conference of Ministers responsible for Health.
Initially the RNB was set up to assist the member territories to meet their needs in the field of Nursing Education. However, its role has since expanded and it now provides a forum for Principal /Chief Nursing Officers to plan, devise strategies and identify resources for the advancement of all areas of Nursing within the Region
Achievements in the areas of Nursing Education and Nursing Service are many and include:
UNICEF, Montserrat Renew Joint Program
Montserrat today joined other territories in the Caribbean in signing UNICEF's five-year Caribbean Multi-Country Programme of Cooperation (CMCPC).
The Master Plan of Operations (MPO) was signed at the Chief Minister's office by UNICEF's Caribbean Area Representative, Mr. Ndolamb Ngokwey, and the honourable David S. Brandt, Chief Minister, on behalf of the Government and people of Montserrat.
L-R: Mr. Ndolamb Ngokwey, Hon David S. Brandt
Heather Stewart
The MPO is the official document that details the nature of the programme of cooperation between the Government of Montserrat and UNICEF, during the period 1998-2002.
In a brief statement following the signing, Mr. Ngokwey acknowledged the Chief Minister's kind words of welcome to himself and Mrs. Heather Stewart, UNICEF's Project Officer in the region, who accompanied him on the tour. He pointed out that the cooperation between UNICEF and Montserrat has been working well, not without the obvious problems brought on by the volcano, but particularly in areas of immunization and nursery and early child care being provided to children.
Mr. Ngokwey remarked, like so many before him, that outside the picture is that Montserrat has been totally devastated, but "coming here, one finds that it is completely different."
Mrs. Stewart outlined in a brief question period that UNICEF was involved in the early child care and education of children, and promoting children's rights.
The Chief Minister, after welcoming the party, and thanking UNICEF for their involvement in aiding the development of children in Montserrat, expressed also the hope to the area representative that Montserrat will benefit first from its programs in direct consequences of its circumstances.
Six Shelterees Moved In Consolidating Transfer
This week the Emergency Department, under the management of Mr. Frankie Michael, transferred six residents from the private house which housed the International Country Club to a shelter in Brades.
The removal reportedly angered the residents, who claimed they had not been advised of the move and who had been quite comfortable in the location they had occupied since 1996.
Responding to the Reporter's enquiry about the authority’s policy not to put more people in shelters, Mr. Michael explained that this was not increasing the population of the shelters, which still stands around 300, but merely a transfer from one location to another. He said that some attempt was being made to consolidate the use of the shelters at the Brades, Davy Hill and Sweeneys locations.
"Besides the owners have been asking for the use of their property for some time," Mr. Michael said. He added that the residents had grown to like the location, but they had been advised about the move and in fact had been "packed and ready to go," when the time came for the move.
ECCB FOCUSSES ON DEBT MANAGEMENT
Basseterre, June 2, 1999
Improving the ability of ECCB member territories to manage their debt is the focus of a course scheduled for June 9 to 18 at the Ocean Terrace Inn in St Kitts.
The course will be attended by budget directors, deputy financial secretaries and senior officers who advise their finance of debt-related matters. It follows a workshop held last August at which participants identified the shortcomings of current debt management structures, and forms part of the ECCB's overall strategy to prepare member countries for the soon-to-be established Government Securities Market.
The course is being sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Facilitators will come from the Crown Agents in London, the World Bank Institute and the ECCB.
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
(Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is an information service produced and prepared in the office of the Chief Minister.)Cattle Shipment From Montserrat
The Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment is moving to alleviate the loose livestock problem on Montserrat.
As part of its initiatives, the Ministry is preparing to facilitate a shipment of cattle overseas.
In preparation for the shipment, the Ministry is conducting a survey of cattle available for shipment.
Agriculture Development Officer Justin Hero Cassell says there is a potential buyer for cattle and the individual will be visiting Montserrat soon.
He says the purpose of the survey is to find out what type of livestock will be available.
Mr. Cassell also says it is expected that the target number for the first shipment will be between 400 and 500 cattle.
Disaster Preparedness Advisory Meeting Held
Representatives from the public and private sectors on Montserrat held their first meeting of the Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council on Wednesday June 2.
The Advisory Council comprises members from critical government departments, as well as the Red Cross, the Royal Montserrat Defense and Police Forces, District chairmen, the Montserrat Amateur Radio Society, the Montserrat Christian Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory.
Disaster preparedness plans for each sector were presented to the meeting, and general discussions followed on key areas crucial to the overall state of readiness of Montserrat to deal with a hurricane.
Followup action is expected by the various sectors to further tighten up the planning process and the current state of readiness.
Montserrat , like other islands in the region, is getting ready for what has been described as a very active 1999 hurricane season.
Meanwhile, in his remarks to the opening of the meeting, His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott said effective disaster preparedness and management depend on the dedicated participation of the entire community.
Governor Abbott says everybody should know what is expected of them in case of a disaster.
He says it’s natural that in Montserrat, and this part of the world in general, that focus should be on hurricanes, but there lies the possibility of other natural disasters.
And in his presentation, The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt expressed the importance of being prepared for any form of natural disaster.
However, Chief Minister Brandt is adamant that the designation of areas south of Belham River Valley as the "Exclusion Zone" puts those particular areas at a major disadvantage.
He says it’s only from a health point of view that these areas are deemed unsafe.
Mr. Brandt says Government will make an announcement shortly changing the name "Exclusion Zone," because insurance companies are unwilling to provide cover on properties in this designated zone.
Montserrat Minister At Methodist Workshop
The Montserrat Circuit of the Methodist Church was represented at a recent Leeward Islands Enhancement Workshop in Antigua.
Superintendent Minister Reverend Joan Delsol Meade attended the week-long activity held at the Gilbert Centre.
Several topics were discussed at the workshop, including the role of the Superintendent Minister, psychological development, planting and nurturing new congregations and the expectations of the lay community.
Other areas addressed were profiling a Methodist Superintendent, managing personal development, and understanding restructuring.
The main resource persons included Reverend Cecil Brodie, a former chairman of the District; the Honourable Reverend Harold Gill, former Chairman of the Belize/Honduras District; Reverend William Watty, former Connectional President of the Methodist Circuit of the Caribbean and the Americas, and District President Reverend Dr. Clifton Niles.
Monlec’s Management, Workers Reach Wage Agreement
The wage dispute between the management of the lone electricity company on island (Monlec) and its workers has been amicably settled.
Monlec’s Manager Hilton Howson says an agreement has been reached on wages for its workers for 1999.
He says this was achieved following what he describes as "fruitful negotiations" conducted in a cordial atmosphere with the bargaining agent for the workers, the Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU).
The Monlec manager says he wants to thank the union publicly for the way in which it conducted itself during negotiations, and for understanding the company’s situation in this period of re-development in Montserrat.
Mr. Howson says management has agreed to a 5-percent increase across the board, plus increments based on merit.
The Monlec manager says in likely cases where workers are at the top of their salary scales, the requests will be looked into for 1999, and special payments will be awarded for outstanding work.
Mr. Howson says now that this latest development is in the past, it is time for the company to move on, with management and staff working together to serve their clients, and generally for the good of the island as a whole.
Montserrat for Commonwealth Photographic Awards Contest
Local photographers are invited to participate in a Commonwealth contest called the "Commonwealth Photographic Awards," in which thousands of pounds are at stake for the winners.
The competition is opened until September 1 and will cover photographs in black and white or colour.
Photographers are free to present their own interpretation of the theme, "Freedom," but only one print per entry is allowed.
Although the competition is opened to nationals from throughout the British Commonwealth, the photographs can be taken anywhere in the world.
The first prize is worth £2,000, with cash prizes for regional winners and 30 runners-up cash prizes.
Prints must be received by September 1 and should be sent to the Photo Awards, Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, 17 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1AA, England.
Most of the winning photographs will be featured in a television programme based on the awards, and made available for broadcast in the 50 countries of the Commonwealth, including Montserrat.
Montserrat Represented At St. Lucia Seminar
A recent Caribbean Regional Seminar was held in St. Lucia at which the Special Committee of 24 discussed the future political status of the remaining 17 non-self governing territories, of which Montserrat is a part.
The seminar on the International Decade of Eradication of Colonialism attracted representatives from Montserrat and the other remaining British dependencies in the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Parliamentary Representative for the Plymouth constituency Brunel Meade represented Montserrat at the St. Lucia seminar.
In a statement to the seminar, Mr. Meade highlighted the severe destruction wrought on Montserrat by the dangerous Soufriere Hills volcano, citing its negative impact on the social, political and economic well-being of the island.
The local MP emphasized that the island is now heavily dependent on Britain for budgetary assistance and capital aid recovery.
Mr. Meade also expressed the gratitude of the Government and people of Montserrat for Britain’s assistance, but said the reality is that the contemporary situation on the island has been coupled with deepened colonization, as well as social, economic and political dependency.
He strongly associated with the sentiments expressed by other presentations made on the need of the UN Special Committee in promoting more aggressive educational programmes on decolonization in non-self-governing territories such as Montserrat.
The Montserrat MP also supported a call for the strategic implementation of the decisions agreed in previous committee meetings on the issues of self-determination and education on decolonization of small non-self-governed states.
Mr. Meade says this lack of implementation of decisions by the committee has impacted negatively on its mandate. He says the programme on decolonization and self determination in Montserrat has been sporadic.
The local MP said in the 1980’s, the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies here conducted an organized national awareness programme, but since then, except for the lone agitation of political activist Chedmond Browne, this process has not been continuous.
Mr. Meade concluded that the agenda and mission of this Special Committee of 24 has not sufficiently impacted on the process of decolonization in Montserrat.
Red Cross Assists In Disaster Planning
The Montserrat Branch of the British Red Cross is joining its counterparts across the region in preparing residents for the 1999 Atlantic hurricane season.
The Executive Director of the local Red Cross branch, Mrs. Camilla Watts, attended a Regional Conference in the Dominican Republic which focused on plans for the season.
Mrs. Watts said the Montserrat branch of the British Red Cross has joined other regional branches in launching a "Better be Ready" campaign during the month of June.
The campaign, which started on Tuesday, June 1, is stressing the urgency for individuals, families and the community at large to absorb life saving tips, and to take the necessary safety precautions.
The Montserrat branch of the British Red Cross is also encouraging residents to listen to local radio and watch local TV for information related to disaster response.
It is also assisting the local community to be in a state of preparedness before disaster strikes by having an established disaster plan, training volunteers, and by providing critical information to the public.
For the month of June, the Red Cross tips on local radio focus on disaster preparedness.
The repatriation programme which has been initiated by the British Government started on Tuesday, June 1.
Under the programme, Montserratians who relocated to the United Kingdom because of the volcanic crisis will have an opportunity to return home.
However, those wishing to return have to meet specific criteria in order to qualify for the programme.
Persons who qualify will be provided with an airline ticket to return home.
It has been reported, though, that not many Montserratians have taken up the offer at this early stage of the programme.
The Department of Community Services facilitated a series of workshops earlier this week which dealt with the Social Welfare Review for Montserrat.
The Social Review team is back on island and will be here until June 18 to further the local discussion on Social Welfare Review for Montserrat.
The workshops which started on Wednesday June 2 dealt with Social Welfare issues and formulated strategies pertaining to Means Testing and Social Reform.
The first workshop considered draft eligibility and entitlement criteria options and developed and debated options for a means test.
On Friday, June 4, participants confirmed the various options and drew and designed the means test.
A further two workshops on June 9 and 11 will discuss the merger of Civil Servants pension and Social Security, the impact of Social Welfare, and formulate strategies for alleviating hardship for people.
A cross section of persons from the public and private sector attended the workshops.
UNICEF Master Plan Of Operations Signed
UNICEF’s Caribbean Area Representative, Ndolamb Ngokwey, and the Honourable Chief Minister David S. Brandt were expected to sign a Master Plan of Operations (MPO) for Montserrat on Friday, June 4,1999.
The MPO is the official document that details the nature of the programme of cooperation between the Government of Montserrat and UNICEF during the period 1998-2002.
The Master Plan of Operations is normally signed by the Minister or Senior Government Officer responsible for coordinating UNICEF Programme of Cooperation, which in Montserrat is the Office of the Chief Minister, in liaison with the Ministry of Planning and the Development Unit.
UNICEF has just started the second year of implementation of its five-year Caribbean Multi-Country Programme of Cooperation (CMCPC), which was developed in collaboration with counterparts in Montserrat.
Mr. Ngokwey and UNICEF’s Project Officer, Mrs. Heather Stewart, were scheduled to spend Friday, June 4 on Montserrat.
They were, apart from the signing of the Master Plan of Operations, also scheduled to visit a number of institutions on island, including the Brades Nursery School and the Cudjoe Head and St. Peter’s Clinics.
The UNICEF officials were expected to pay a courtesy call on His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott and Mrs. Oslyn Jemmottee, the Director of Education.
A press conference was also scheduled just before the UNICEF officials depart for neighbouring Antigua.
Mr. Ngokwey will also be making similar visits to other territories within his responsibility, not only to familiarize himself with major issues facing children and their families within the region, but also for the purpose of having the Governments of each territory sign the Master Plan of Operations.
The Economic Benefits Of Disasters
Over the past two years I have written cheques and paid to property owners of Montserrat over 35 million dollars. This is possible because I work for an insurance company that settled volcanic damage claims on Montserrat. And while it might be a surprise to some, it is a fact that the combined volcano claims payments of the insurance companies that operated up to August 1997, exceed 100 million dollars.
Disasters are not new to Montserrat. In fact, the truth, from my prospective, is that some people including leaders are looking towards disasters as a means to financial fulfillment. Yet, there is an absolute lack of understanding with respect to the mechanisms that create financial spin off after disasters. As a result the big picture, and the mechanism that is in place to offset the physical effect of a disaster are often overlooked and not properly appreciated.
In my opinion, the big picture is that after a disaster, all financial assistance should be managed so that the greatest long term good is achieved for the greatest number of Nationals.
However to achieve this, leaders must be able to understand and appreciate the mechanisms for disaster recovery which exists in their country. These mechanisms usually are the Insurance Industry, the financial institutions, the aid machinery and the Governments actual and contingent fiscal policies.
As I mentioned earlier disasters are not new to Montserrat. We are so used to them that now we are the Caribbean most disaster hardened and financially conscious of the benefits of a disaster. We know from experience that insurance money and aid flow into a country after disasters. Yet we have not demonstrated in any meaningful way, that we know how to capitalise nationwide on this volcanic disaster, except to jostle for personal enrichment this is very unfortunate, because the amount of aid and insurance money has been significant. And if these funds were managed properly, economic stimulation of magnitude should be foreseeable for a few more years.
Incidentally, I have been an insurance claims clerk since 1989; so when I quote figures you can rely on them. And if like a "fierce dog" I want to snap at the heels of our commercial and political leaders; I am justified.
Following hurricane Hugo in 1989, the insurance industry pumped over 100 million dollars into Montserrat. In 1995, after hurricanes Luis and Marilyn the insurance industry paid about 10 million dollars to property owners.
These recurring financial spin-offs after a disaster are real. But just as real is the consequence for not understanding the mechanisms that create the money; or the consequence for not creating economic and fiscal incentives to maintain commercial activity for an extended period.
This should not be because it is not only after disasters that the mechanisms appear. They are working everyday in our country. The Banks lend money; the insurance industry settle claims; and the government use fiscal policies to correct and maintain economic activity. Yet it is this lack of awareness of the interaction among these institutions that cause economic embarrassment so soon after a disaster. Again, I remind you, the insurance industry paid more than 100 million dollars as financial compensation, over the past two years.
Shouldn't the government and the banks have known that the insurance money would have been paid?
And since the money have been paid, is there enough evidence to show that these funds will be managed for the greatest national good?
If you were to add the aid to the insurance money paid into Montserrat what would you see? Will you see a clear national plan to revive the Country?
Will you see a few people locked and logged on to the disaster, to see how much more money they can download from it. And even if you look ahead, do you see politicians - positioning themselves to personally dispense the aid funds and to create another national mockery?
Worse yet, will you see the silent majority, at home and abroad, giddy from dodging social and financial disaster; while the vocal minority impatiently waits on the next disaster to enrich themselves?
What the heck, why bother!
I should have captioned this article - The Economic consequence of misunderstanding the financial mechanism, which create balance and benefits following a disaster.
In Every Thing Give God Thanks
By John Bardis
We Montserratians have a lot to be thankful for but it does not mean we should turn a blind eye to shortcomings of those we say thank you to. No sir- not especially of those who think they are of superior mental capability.
The Man from Baker Hill says the British have given us much, but what? Has he looked closely at the gifts and the homage we had to pay to get them?
Let us take the Big Money Eater, the Government Headquarters. Nice is it Mr. Baker Hill? Everything in one place! The buildings are ovens, unfit to work in, especially in our glorious tropical summer weather. June to August will be genocide. Ask the Civil Servants who must endure the conditions. They'll tell you of the unbearable heat, but they still attempt to put in a full day’s labor as they did with the ash days, and the people's business goes on.
Our Benefactors are most reluctant to release funds, so that adequate Air Conditioning can be installed by our local experts to relieve the inhumane working conditions. C.S.A where are you?
Just like the Look Out thing, the contractor put in Gravel Roads and Parking Lots. But there is more traffic Monday to Friday than at Look Out. The Wheels break up the stuff and then the wind does its thing. Much of the office equipment breaks down. Is it ash from the Central Zone or the daily dust they are getting every day since occupation of the new site? Perhaps the imminent scientist- British at that can tell us.
What I am sure she will not tell us is the level of health hazard the daily dose of dust is to the people, working at Brades. You see, this can be directly attributed to the shoddy work of an English Company, and they will never be put in a position to be held responsible for any health problem caused by poor work.
A bit closer to home and our wonderful chief Minister was this past week throwing stones and hiding his hand rather than giving thanks. Some time ago as remembered by a few, civil servants were promised a 20% increase in 1998. They are now getting 5% in 1999 because there is some unhappiness the CM is saying that Civil Servants should take the matter to the Governor although it is the elected government that pays.
The honorable gentleman has seemingly forgotten that it is the work of Civil Servants that keeps his elected by Civil Servants also government functioning. Does he really wants for Civil Servants to have the governor as both Head and PayMaster? Does he understand what he suggests? Or, is it that I have a Runaway imagination?
If Civil Servants both worked for and are paid by the governor, then there would be no need for the C.M. and others, would there? Is this what the C.M. wants? Is he about to lay down to WHITE HALL and its officiendos?
Mr. CM, whereas there is no demonstration and tyre burning over the poor working conditions at Brades, but grumbles about the crumbs falling from the table, Mr. Chief Minister be thankful that a Ruckus isn’t going on in your backyard as yet. Give Thanks rather than play games with people’s lives and livelihood.
Desreen Silcott
RN, RM, CERT.ADMW., DIP., PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
Nurse Desreen Farell-Silcott graduated from the Glendon Hospital School of Nursing in 1986 as a Staff Nurse Midwife following training in General Nursing and Midwifery respectively.
As a Staff Nurse Midwife, Mrs. Silcott worked on all the wards in the Glendon Hospital, but was mainly assigned to the Medical and Surgical Wards.
Recognizing the need for continued education, she pursued and successfully completed the Certificate in Public Administration offered through UWI School of Continuing Studies from 1987-1989.
In September 1989, Nurse Silcott was transferred to Community Nursing Services as the District Nurse/midwife for the Bethel Health Centre.
Whilst on the district, Mrs. Silcott became aware of the important roles and functions of the District Nurse; and functioned as client advocate, change agent, adviser and role model. .
In 1990, Nurse Silcott was sent for specialist nursing training at the West Indies School of Public Health in Jamaica. Upon successful completion of the course, she was awarded the Diploma in Community Health Nursing as well as the first prize for academic performance and first prize for Community Study.
Upon her return to Montserrat, she was appointed as Public Health Nurse with responsibility for the Eastern and Southern health districts. Nurse Silcott has a repertoire of knowledge and skills, having been exposed to training in chronic non-communicable disease management, communicable disease management, including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, disaster preparedness, counselling, expanded programme on immunization, sexual and reproductive health and adolescent health, to name a few.
Mrs Silcott currently holds the position of Community Nursing Manager, and is responsible for the overall management of the Community Nursing Services.
COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
Community Health Service is regarded world-wide as the primary or first level of health care. At this level services are co-ordinated and delivered by specially trained staff, at strategically positioned health centres, at a cost that the individual, family and community can afford. As a result 99.8% of the services offered are free at the point of delivery.
The goal of the Community Health Service in Montserrat is to develop, provide and maintain health standards, using the Primary Health Care approach; to ensure quality care to clients, family and the community as a whole.
By using the Primary Health Care approach, we strive to prevent people from getting sick, or to ensure that clients achieve wellness or a level of health that would enable them to function at their best. It involves collaboration with the family, community, other members of the health team, governmental and non-governmental agencies. It also involves health promotion, disease prevention and control programs, as well as rehabilitation.
As stated above, a wide range of services is provide at community level. These include:
As I mentioned immunization, we will be introducing two (2) new vaccines into our infant immunization schedule later this year. They are Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B or Hib vaccines. You will learn more about this next month.
Diabetes and Hypertension Management Clinics. Diabetes and Hypertension are the two (2) most common chronic non-communicable diseases that we have in Montserrat. As a result, each health centre conducts a weekly management clinic. At district level, we educate the client, family and the community about these diseases. They cannot be cured by man, but they can be controlled through changes in lifestyle such as regular physical exercise, alterations in diet, reduction in or stoppage of cigarette smoking and alcohol intake, weight control and finally adherence to medication as prescribed. For this year and the future, we intend to make these services more comprehensive. Visit your health centre and see for yourself.
To be Continued
Top 7 Tips on How Customers Want to be Sold:
This comes from a class project research just finished. The class was "Customer Client Relationships" for a Telecomm Masters Degree at the University of Denver. It is possible that not every single idea is completely pertinent to every business.
Today’s customers are sophisticated and highly educated of their needs. The following guidelines can help vendors run a checklist in preparing themselves to meet their prospective customers. This checklist can help vendors succeed to accomplish a sale, be customer-centered and to keep a loyal customer. The benefits to reap can go beyond the one customer satisfaction to encompass the success of a vendor in becoming a market leader.
1) Know your customer well before meeting them. What is the customer’s product line? What is the customer’s mission statement and culture? What kind of systems does the customers already have installed in their network? Is the customer already a client of us, the vendor? What kind of support systems does the customer anticipate the vendor to provide? For any of the previous questions, vendors should prepare themselves with accurate and up-to-date answers.
2) Know your products well. The customer expects the vendor to know their products and further be able to fully differentiate their product line from competitors. Further, the customer expects the vendor to be able to communicate these differences clearly with no ambiguity. "Best Practices," by Arthur Andersen, tells us that "the foundation of a successful sales effort is knowledge of customer’s needs and an ability to communicate how your products and services best fit those needs. What training system does your company use to educate your salespeople and service technicians on (a) identifying customers’ key needs and (b) differentiating your products and services from those of the competition?"
3) Radiate your company’s image. "Best Practices" provides an insight into building the vendor’s image. Andersen says: "How do you go about building a positive image for your company and its product? How do you help potential customers understand that they need your products and services?" That is very true! Often an unheard of vendor finds it very hard to reach customers. Customers, especially large corporations, usually consider well-known and reputable vendors first. It is the vendor’s responsibility to know how and where to build and deliver such an image.
4) Deliver what you promise plus 1 percent. Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. For an exercise, try to put yourself in your customer’s shoes when they do not get what they were promised at the sales meeting. The customer expects a service no matter what department of the vendor’s organization gets involved in the product delivery. Your product has to live up to your customers’ expectations within the boundaries of your product’s advertised and sold capabilities. Often, promises stop short soon after the vendor has collected their bills! As for the 1-percent "Raving Fans" advice, customers will always appreciate your continuous improvements to your products and services as long as you keep delivering at the same level of perfection.
5) Be prepared when you meet the customer. It is one of the deadly sins of loosing customers in "MindSpring’s 14 Deadly Sins," by Jason Zigmont, "Preparation is essential to a successful demo, sales call or the like. Time is precious. If you go into a meeting unprepared, you will waste everyone’s time and lose the respect of the people you meet with."
6) Place key emphasis on your account team. The customer expects the vendor ’s account team to be:
Friendly --To know about previous contact sessions and be able to continue a session from where it was left off; able to provide immediate resolution of a service or support call; able to provide accurate commitments; able to provide accurate information.
7) Listen to your customers’ complaints. Not only responding to complaints but also vendors should proactively call upon their customers. As advised by the "Raving Fans," know how to listen to your customers, not just the music but also the lyrics. Periodically, you need to check on your customers. ‘No news is good news’ is the worst ideology to follow for a customer’s satisfaction check. When customers are silent, you can’t assume they are satisfied. Often customers don’t bother to report problems with your product, they are already looking at someone else’s product line!
This Top7Business article was Submitted By Zuheir Mheir, Sr. Engineer of MCI WorldCom.
By Justin Cassell, A.D.O
EAT from the LAND not from the CAN
Promoting Backyard Gardening : "A little bit of space can grow a lot of food"
The Pink Mealybug was first detected in Montserrat in 1997. The only known method of control is by the use of a biological agent; the Lady Bird, a natural predator of the Pink Mealybug. The Department of Agriculture have been releasing Lady Birds in areas of infestation throughout the island.
THE PINK HIBISCUS MEALYBUG
What is the Pink Mealybug?
What do Mealybugs Infest?
Why are Pink Mealybugs a Pest?
WHAT IS MULCHING?
With the extended dry spell that we are experiencing on island, farmers are encouraged to mulch their crops
A mulch is a layer of non-living material placed over the surface of the soil. In addition to the other purposes which it serves (to be described below) mulch serves physically to smother the weeds and to cut them off from direct sunlight. In order to achieve a smothering effect, the mulch to be relatively resistant to plant penetration. Where grass or crop residue is used as mulch, it has to be in a relatively thick layer. Mulches consisting of a continuous layer of paper or opaque plastic are usually very effective for weed control.
In addition to controlling weeds, mulching also serves to:
Diminished Risk South of Belham Replaced by New Reasons for Delay
(Editor’s Note: This is an abbreviated version of a report originally sent May 27
by E-mail to 69 families both locally and abroad with properties or interests in the areas
represented by the South of Belham Committee and who have expressed support for its
efforts. It is one person’s report of the Committee representatives’ meeting
with representatives of Government held May 24.)
By Douglas Darby
I purposely delayed writing this more than 24 hours, hoping my memory would temper my
reaction and allow me to write something more favorable. Unfortunately I don’t think
it worked.
This is nothing more than my impressions. It is not necessarily the official view of the
Committee, nor have I discussed this with other representatives. I have, however, compared
my reactions with other members before writing this.
The meeting was Monday, May 24, at McChesney’s. In attendance were Governor Tony
Abbott, Chief Minister David Brandt, DFID representative Doug Houston, and Mr. Bob Webb
from the Governor’s staff. Committee representatives in attendance were Joe Meade,
Eustace Dyer, Hyacinth Bramble Brown, Bruce Farara, Andy Burk, Joe Morson, Jerry Bramble,
Charles Bagley and Douglas Darby.
(The first part reporting what WAS accomplished in the meeting has already been covered
in the Reporter and by a press release issued by the Committee.)
Now on to what was not said and the risks we now face as outlined at this meeting.
After the first meeting with government in December, we necessarily had to wait for the
results of the scientific meeting held in Trinidad before we could expect to see any move
toward cleanup and restoration of utilities and infrastructure South of Belham.
We were told that the British would not spend a penny in any area defined as in "The
Exclusion Zone" and that our areas could not escape Exclusion Zone status until after
that meeting. It is now three months since that meeting.
The MVO scientists produced The Hazard Report 10½ weeks ago acknowledging that our areas
were no longer at volcanic risk. At that time the scientists made their recommendations
for re-delineation of risk areas that excluded practically our entire areas from their
definition of a high-risk zone. The government response was creation of a "Daytime
Entry Zone," which acknowledged the decreased volcanic risk by allowing access. But
it did NOT take our areas (with the possible exception of Isles Bay) out of the Exclusion
Zone, where they remain today.
All of the negative implications, including limitations on availability of insurance
and funding, remain in place. It is a hopeful sign that the governor made note of this
concern and will take up the effort to have this changed. However, today, although the
volcanic risk has been ruled out as a reason to wait, we have been placed in the same
position of waiting as we were in December.
We are asked again to wait until a vaguely defined date, this time for an air monitoring study to be done by Dr. Peter Baxter’s staff. [The first study is to last till the end of June but, as the Governor stated, the results of that study, though due in mid July, will, most likely, "after the usual delays," not be available till some time near the end of July at best].
It is anybody’s guess why this was not originally anticipated as a possible
requirement and why it was not suggested at an earlier date. However, the result of this
is that another reason officially to do very little or nothing was put in place
immediately after the volcanic risks to the areas were eliminated.
To be fair, the essential need to restore water to the areas for preliminary cleanup
during the waiting period has been recognized, and some degree of water service has been
placed in many areas from Isles Bay to Delvins. So some progress is being made.
The Water Authority has been quite diligent and their efforts to restore water are
recognized. However, what will happen next and when remains to be seen
Now, let’s attempt to outline the procedure for potentially funding the cleanup and
restoration of utilities and infrastructure South of Belham. As described, the Government
of Montserrat must make requests to DFID that state their priorities before DFID will
consider funding. That’s not to say that DFID would approve the request (and we will
get to this VERY IMPORTANT POINT LATER) but the request must come from GoM first.
The Country Policy Plan mentioned no funding for any areas in the South of Belham, because SOB was in the defined Exclusion Zone and therefore could not be considered for funding. So now any funding for cleanup and restoration of infrastructure and utilities must be taken out of funds previously budgeted for projects within each ministry of the Government of Montserrat.
That effectively creates an US vs.THEM scenario that pits new projects for the South of
Belham against already funded projects elsewhere. It thus becomes a very difficult
political choice for GoM to recommend funding to protect our properties.
Now on to the potentially most damaging information presented to the Committee at the
meeting. As outlined by the Governor and DFID, funding for cleanup and restoration of
utilities is expected to be subjected to a "COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS" before
consideration for approval.
Ignoring the potential for delay while these "analyses" are compiled and studied, the most serious implication is that if cleanup and restoration of utilities and infrastructure do not pass this test in any area, funding will not be approved.
The example presented by the Governor was: Suppose that the cost of cleanup for Isles Bay is projected to be $750,000 and they determine that only three families wish to go back. That is not "cost effective," since it would be cheaper for government to build houses, as if providing housing is the only justification for spending money South of Belham.
Taking this argument to its logical conclusion, if DFID decides -- based on parameters
not defined at the meeting but implied -- that it is not "cost effective" to
restore utilities and infrastructure and/or clean up any of our areas, then they appear to
be comfortable with allowing your property, spared from destruction by volcanic action, to
be destroyed by decisive neglect!
Governor Abbott also told the meeting that government has approached the Red Cross to do a
survey to find out how many people want to return to our areas. What expertise the Red
Cross has to be the authority on this matter is, of course, open to question. And of
course, the answers to be given to any such survey will be 100-percent dependent upon the
questionnaire’s wording and the ability of the surveyor to contact ALL the
appropriate persons, including people off island in locations all over the world.
It would seem as though the Red Cross does not have the appropriate expertise nor is
there any reason to believe that a questionnaire will be prepared that will ask the
appropriate questions. More importantly, it is disconcerting to believe that the
authorities expect to determine the economic fate of South of Belham based on a static
survey done before any surveyed person can see signs of progress toward his return or
believe in an officially projected timetable for restoration.
Any determination should also consider the potential for reoccupation of the areas to
positively impact Montserrat’s economic future -- through increased employment
opportunities, restoration of a tourism infrastructure, and the ability of Montserratians
to reclaim their heritage once utilities and infrastructure are restored.
It must also acknowledge government’s responsibility to property owners.
Assuming that the scientists, whom the authorities so willingly followed when it came to
shrinking the island’s inhabitable areas, are correct in their opinion that the
volcanic threat is most likely over, then the natural conditions in our areas will only
improve over time and the reasons to return will only increase.
However, if inaction remains the short term approach, or if funding isn’t approved
based on an ability to declare it not "cost effective," then our properties will
not survive the neglect posed by what appears to be the willingness of authorities to
ignore the rights of property owners by potentially refusing to fund the restoration of
utilities and cleanup.
One has to wonder where Montserrat would be today if past overseers of this island had
held the point of view expressed today. In what arguably might have been the beginning of
Montserrat’s most dynamic years of economic growth and prosperity, history records
that only 32 houses had been built two years after the decision in 1960 to open up the
west coast to real estate development. What would have happened to Montserrat if the same
myopic view of "cost effectiveness" in the short run had been applied to
projects then?
And what about post Hurricane Hugo? If "cost effectiveness" analysis had been applied to all the restoration done at that time, how much would have been done? What motivated those charged with the decision to restore the island after Hugo?
I suspect it was an understanding that restoration would bring redevelopment and the
potential opportunity for the island to resurrect or perhaps even improve its economy long
term; and secondly, a recognition of government’s internationally understood
obligation to honor the rights of property owners who developed their properties on the
expectation that government would provide essential services under normalized
circumstances.
Of course, recent extraordinary times have disrupted ordinary obligations. However, those
times are winding down and it is inevitable that natural conditions will return to normal
over time. So to suspect that funding may not be forthcoming now due to potential
subjection to "cost/benefit analysis" does not necessarily mean that it would
not be forthcoming at some time in the future.
That will not, however, be particularly relevant to you, today’s property owner, because a future date will be too late for you. Your economic investment will have been lost to deterioration due to today’s decisions if the approach outlined in this meeting and espoused by the overseers of our future prevails.
What makes this all the more disappointing is a comparison made to the South of Belham Committee’s first meeting with Government in December. To quote from the minutes of that meeting: "In his opening remarks, Governor Abbott stated that government’s policy is to retrieve as much property and buildings in the defined SOB areas as possible. … The Government greeted no initiative of the Committee in negative terms and the overall implication given was that the interests of the Committee do not differ greatly from Government."
After this most recent meeting we were left with the feeling that what was being
outlined were reasons why things might not get done rather than assurances that ways will
be found to get them done. And we were left with no definitive or anticipated timetables
for anything more to occur in Isles Bay or in any other area South of Belham that would
allow anyone to better plan their futures.
In summary, we left the meeting knowing precious little more than we did before. And what
we did learn was focused primarily on policies that could potentially hinder, not aid, the
timely restoration of utilities or the cleanup of any areas South of Belham.
The only potentially bright spot remained Isles Bay, where there appears to be hope
that cleanup and restoration of utilities other than water, which has been restored, may
occur in a timely manner.
Even here, no assurances were given that anything more will absolutely happen or that a
decision could not come down that cleanup does not meet the "cost effectiveness"
analysis and, therefore, would not occur at all.
I sincerely hope that I have misinterpreted some of the proceedings at this meeting. I would love nothing more than to be able to write again and point out the mistakes in my interpretations. I look forward to that opportunity.
Until that time, it appears that we have a lot of work to do before we can feel confident that everything that can be done to preserve the value of South of Belham properties will be done. Or that it will be done in a manner that affords anyone the opportunity to plan their future based on projected and specific timetables for action.
E-mail: darbyd@candw.ag
Montserratians & Friends Ireland Tour 1999
5 - 9 AUGUST
DUBLIN…………GALWAY…………LIMERICK
Day 1
August 5th - Flight from Heathrow to Dublin 5th E1155: 0955/1110.
Lunch and sight seeing tour of Dublin - Evening reception. Accommodation: Green Isle Hotel, Dublin.
Day 2
August 6th - Depart to Galway - sightseeing - evening reception. Accommodation: The Galway Bay Golf & Country Club Hotel, Galway.
Day 3
August 7th - Visit Feakle International traditional music festival - evening reception.
Accommodation: The Galway Bay Golf & Country Hotel, Galway.
Day 4
August 8th - Depart Galway for Limerick sightseeing - Accommodation: Morrisons Island Hotel, Limerick.
Day 5
August 9th - Return flight from Cork to Heathrow 9th August Flight E1182: 1855/2010
Inclusive fares include:
………………………………...….TEAR AND RETURN……………………………………
All inclusive cost: £345.00 per person, double occupancy (single room supplement: £70.00)
Please enclose deposit of £75.00 per person.
Final Balance £270.00
Cheques payable to: Montserrat Volcano (UK) Fund
Send to: Montserrat Volcano (UK) Fund
5 Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7XW
Tel. 0171-928-7861 or 0181-838-0126
Wherefore, Romeo?
Last year’s runoff flood at Carr’s Bay
Washed up one more snail-paced delay,
However hard one may try
To keep one’s goods high and dry,
It still lacks official OK.
Times Change
Britannia’s proud anthem boasts "rule."
Tony Blair’s Britannia is "cool."
Here in stark Montserrat,
A dependent have-not,
The apt modifier is "cruel."
Jus' Wonderin' whose driveway was blocked by the produce stand built on in Salem Johnny's ( Mecca Fashion) land.
Jus wonderin how many people either can qualify or will figure out that they DO from
the Customs Duties and Consumption Tax Exemption Order 1999, made by the Governor in
Council under Section 17-2 of the Customs Duties and Consumption Tax Act # 8 of 1995 also
makes provisions, for the replacement of destroyed moveable household property.
Jus wonderin how this will "ease the burden of residents brought on by volcanic
activity and provide some relief to individuals."
Jus wonderin why the minister's goats have been allowed to devour all the grass that public works paid to have planted at the foot of Fogarthy Hill.
Jus wonderin when the current block houses and Force 10 houses will be finished and occupied.
Jus wonderin in these are still 'emergency houses'.
Jus wonderin if Governor really loves Montserrat or just the sunshine and comfort.
Jus wonderin if Dr. Abbott will be the medical practitioner carrying out the medical checks on people before Cork Hill is occupied.
Jus wonderin if it is true and why the Commissioner has asked so many of the newly promoted police officers to resign.
Jus wonderin if only some of the government ministers have blanket permission to visit the 'unsafe zone'.
Jus wonderin where and how the new pair of lovers fit in the recent appointments at the 'greenish elephant' establishment.
Just wonderin if it isn't robbery and more robbery when some employers are paying their employees as little as $3.00 per hour.
Jus wonderin when Mr. Labour Speaks is going to address the issue of the foreign workers and especially the female workers who are being exploited by some local employers.
Jus wonderin why so much money is wasted by P.W.D. having over ten men removing the grass cover from the soft shoulder of the hardly used airport road exposing the surface to be washed out, when there are thousands of pot holes to be repaired.
Jus wonderin why Labour Speaks did not respond to the letter sent to him in the Reporter.
Jus wonderin if the Health Minister sees the rotten fruit and vegetables in the super markets.
Jus wonderin if RAMS sells mops, he might want to test them on the super market floors first.
Jus wonderin if the Mighty Accident, accidentally use green verbs so frequently on the VUM VUM radio show.
Jus wonderin if Mr Acci should not bow out from talking and stick to singing.
Jus wonderin' if the "Antigua vacationers" being encouraged to visit Montserrat will come to enjoy the sand mining at Foxes Bay?
Jus wondering if the same "Antigua vacationers" will enjoy their day trip that starts at the Heritage Quay Office for Immigrations and Customs (once they find it) and ends with the same in Montserrat. No signs, lines, help, instructions or organization.
Jus wondering why there's no waste receptacle outside the service windows at the post office.
Place: Woodlands Beach Road
Block 12/3 Parcel 63 - 0.3 Acre 13,068 Sq. Ft.
For Further Information, Contact:
Mr Tony Meade
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org
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