‘Temporary’ GoM Headquarters Have Grown More ‘Permanent’
By Bennette Roach
Temporary Government Headquarters buildings at Brades
On March 12 this year the Reporter front-paged a story on the audit of the Temporary Government Headquarters buildings at Brades.
We quoted from the lone auditor's report: "The GHQ sub-project does not represent good value for money . . . payments were validly made, but the original GHQ estimate from Brown & Root omitted the (eventually significant) cost for erecting the buildings; reports to DFID by Brown & Root could have been clearer and better quantified."
We further quoted: "To some extent the costs can be attributed to an accounting reallocation (requested by DFID) of Brown & Root management fees and to the addition of the cost of land purchase. The land purchase was placed at £144,000.
The report concluded that the expenditure of £191,000 was partly avoidable, representing 10.7 per cent of the total overrun on the cost of the buildings. The rest, according to the report, was either "mainly unavoidable" or "unavoidable".
Montserrat's Chief Minister Mr. David Brandt had said of the report, "It was just a mere slap on the wrist and did not reflect the truth of the matter." He had said earlier that there were other reasons that suggest the report could not be genuine.
At the same time, the Chief Minister said that he could not approve the further spending of funds on the GHQ, for which he understood there were plans for an additional roof, adding that he "could not subscribe further to the waste."
Around May 19, 1999, a UK parliamentary report shows the right honourable Secretary of State Clare Short answering questions of Sir Alastair Goodland in Parliament.
She was asked what discussions she has had "with the Government of Montserrat about the cost and constructing time of the new Government headquarters temporary buildings?"
Mr. George Foulkes, the lady's under secretary, responded: "The original concept for the new Government Headquarters (GHQ)had been for a basic, only temporary facility. This was planned in the belief that the Government of Montserrat (GoM) would be able to re-establish itself in Plymouth. However, the subsequent escalation of volcanic activity meant that this would not be possible, at least in the foreseeable future.
"Therefore, the GHQ needed to be constructed in a more permanent fashion and with more extensive facilities than originally envisaged -- thus increasing the cost. An audit, earlier this year, found that most of the increases in cost were unavoidable."
Mr. Foulkes may have given his own spin but not the truth behind it. What he now confirms is the fear that many hold that the buildings will be more permanent than temporary. If the report even suggested that "the GHQ needed to be constructed in a more permanent fashion and with more extensive facilities than originally envisaged," as he puts it, it also stated that the GHQ does not represent good value for money.
Sir Alastair Goodland should have no difficulty realising that the whole truth was not forthcoming in Parliament when he reads in that Internal Audit Report, among others dealing with the systems set up to govern the project: "The local supervision of the sub-project by DFID was inadequate; the Terms of Reference of the DFID (Montserrat) Engineer are not clear with reference to works supervision duties; the contacts between DFID, B&R and GoM on the GHQ sub-project were neither systematic nor coherent; decisions and meetings were not always recorded."
The report somehow succinctly showed that the original cost was never the real intended cost of the buildings, stating, "Without a site decision, Browne & Root quoted a price of £760,000 to DFID Montserrat."
DFID had a delegated limit of approval, which stood at £750,000, and that is what Brown & Root went with.
No one ever mentioned until the audit that there was an additional £350,000 as management fees to be paid to Brown & Root. It must have been known at the beginning also that since a site was not yet chosen that there could have been additional moneys required for the temporary buildings.
Mr. Foulkes in his reply on May 19 also stated: "My officials have had on-going discussions with the GoM to ensure that the additional work is completed in the shortest possible time, commensurate with keeping the increased costs to a minimum."
Chief Minister Brandt said he had not gone back on his word about not spending any more moneys on the building. On Wednesday he hold the Reporter: "The overrun cost of the buildings had nothing to do with them being built of a more permanent nature. The buildings are not hurricane resistant and with the amount of government equipment that is located in these buildings, we have agreed to an expenditure to secure the buildings. Later it will be ready for anyone who wishes to use the buildings for an appropriate commercial venture."
Those words had barely fallen from the Chief Minister's mouth soon when a mild example of what could be forthcoming during this hurricane season presented itself. During and following a thunder storm which passed Wednesday evening, there was nothing but panic at the buildings. It is reported that the entire compound of buildings leaked everywhere possible, the roof, air conditioning units and electrical outlets. Staff in the presence of Mr. Richard Teuten, who was holding budgetary discussions with senior civil servants, reportedly scrambled to protect, computers, other equipment and documents.
It was late into yesterday before telephone calls were answered from any office at Government Headquarters.
Helicopter Views Confirm Volcano’s Hazardous Reach
By BennetteRoach
Dr. Gil Norton hosted Winston Kafu Cabey and myself to an observation flight on board the MVO helicopter yesterday afternoon. This followed my attempt to obtain from the deputy interim manager of the Observatory an up-to-date report of the volcano activity over which many have become perhaps overly concerned.
Dr. Norton had earlier submitted the following report.
"Activity at the volcano increased on the evening of 5th June. At 17:45 p.m., a large pyroclastic flow signal was recorded on all seismometers. The signal lasted for over 30 minutes at high amplitude on the Long Ground station and was followed by a further 20 minutes of low amplitude tremor.
"Visual observations from Salem, and from the MVO remote camera, showed that pyroclastic flows were mainly down the Tar River, but that there were also flows down Tuitt’s Ghaut. A large dark ash cloud moved west and north-westwards from the volcano, traveling as far north as Salem. Thunder and lightning was associated with the cloud, and there was complete darkness in Salem for a short period as ash started to fall.
"Observations from the helicopter on 6th June showed that there were new deposits in the Tar River as far as the sea, with new material covering about one half of the delta. There were also new deposits in Tuitt’s and White’s Ghaut, reaching to about 1.5 km down Tuitt’s Ghaut and about 2 km down White’s Ghaut. Fine grained surge material was also seen in the upper reaches of the White River. There was much fine ash in the Plymouth area, but no new pyroclastic flow material could be observed.
"Clear views of the dome were obtained and a new scoop had been eroded into the dome above Tuitt’s Ghaut. A new ashy fumarole was visible in the base of this depression. There appeared to have been further erosion of the inside of the Tar River to Gages gully.
"Measurements of ash fall in Salem, Old Towne and areas south of Belham showed that up to 1 cm of ash had been deposited in Salem and Old Towne.
"Less ash fall was recorded in the Cork Hill area. Correlation spectrometer measurements today indicated that gas production was still low at 230 tonnes per day of sulphur dioxide. A smaller pyroclastic flow occurred at 10:30 p.m., with an ash cloud probably reaching no more than 10,000 feet.
"The events on 5 June occurred with no precursory activity, and so it is possible that similar events may occur in the future without any warning."
The scientist followed up her report with further comments following questions as to whether residents should be overly concerned that perhaps the volcano is about to regain it eruptive nature.
She said, "Activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano since 1st March 1999 has been characterized by occasional small to moderate pyroclastic flows, explosions and periods of ash venting. All of these types of events have occurred sporadically in the past 12 months, and are currently interpreted as residual activity (as defined in the February 1999 risk Assessment). There have been periods when the activity has been higher than at other times, and this type of activity and fluctuation is likely to continue for many more months or even years."
She recalled that in the summer of 1997, "we were recording hundreds or even up to 1,000 hybrid earthquakes per day, and these swarms were directly linked to major pyroclastic flows or explosions. Currently, there does occasionally seem to be a link between volcano-tectonic earthquakes and an increase in activity (e.g. on 22-23 May), but most of the recent explosions or pyroclastic flows have no earthquake activity leading up to the event."
Yesterday we were able to confirm her report and comments, the only exception being that we were unable to see the dome for the heavy cloud cover that existed following Wednesday evening’s thunder storm.
Kafu and I held long discussions and asked her many questions, daring even to ask about the reoccupation of Bramble Airport. Her comment on that included the warning that it is not in the MVO’s purview to advise on the like, but she was of the opinion that it would be nearly two years before this might take place.
We saw how the mudflows down to the airport had covered the entire Trants area, and Dr. Norton said if there was a sufficiently big collapse, pyroclastic flows and fallout from the volcano could reach the airport.
We saw during the flight that for the first time surges had gone past the Tar River estate house and actually engulfed one house in Long Ground. She pointed out that the surge was not as intense as previous ones, as the grass and shrubbery only appeared singed rather than burned. The same was evident over the flanks of Tuitts Ghaut.
She said while it was not impossible, "volcanic activity is not likely to impact the Belham Valley. With all that she said: "The events are extremely hazardous, as they happen without warning. Hence any of the ghauts surrounding the volcano are very dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. This includes Plymouth, where pyroclastic flows traveled to the sea without any warning in November 1998."
Chief Minister David Brandt hosted a cocktail party at his Olveston home last night to honour Richard Teuten's 21 months of service as head of Montserrat's financial affairs in London.
Hon. Financial Secretary C T John in characterizing the manner, some Montserratians if not all, thought of Richard Teuten, by recalling a ZJB Call-in program seeking out Montserrat disasters which took place in the month of September. One late caller said after it seemed the list exhausted to say there was one more.
The well attended invitees chuckled in appreciatiation when Mr. John concluded that the caller repeated to the confused ZJB host that the one other September disaster was Mr. Teuten.
There was a brief ceremony where the big-uns of the Ministry of Finance spoke following which Mr. Teuten accepted a gift of appreciation from Mrs. Angella Greenaway, director of the Development Unit who also chaired the proceedings.
Chief Minister and Minister of Finance, David Brandt said of Mr. Teuten that he appreciated his loyalty and hard working attitude. He said he would employ him to be his advisor if he had the finances available to him to do so. He said he has found him to be ready for his assignment and was available any time of day for consultation.
Financial Secretary John echoed the Chief Minister, sounding off sentiments that have been heard about for some time adding: "We've all been sharpened by working with this gentleman. We are glad you came and we are better off for it.
Teuten responded expressing appreciation for the kind words and the gift. He noted that with every visit he saw new faces of people who had returned to assist with the effort of rebuilding Montserrat, noting also his own favourable impression of the success of projects as well as the dedication and ambition of the people he had to work with in Montserrat.
It was revealed that he had at least one hobby, bird watching, and he expressed attaining his ambition to see the Montserrat oriole bird.
He said that out of the difficulties he has had trying to represent his Minister in England and the interests of Montserrat, he believes that both sides today are closer together.
He assured the gathering that it is not because he is going soft why he is moving on from the present job, but said that there were two jobs he went after, this one and the one he is going to, which left him little option, but to move on.
"The Evidence Grows Clearer, We Must Get Value for Money"
Many things have happened since July 1995, when the Soufriere Hills volcano began a new phase of eruption, that will change the course of the history of Montserrat. How Montserrat and those responsible for its very existence behave only the same history will judge. But we should never allow it to be said, when the history books are written, that Montserrat went backwards, economically, culturally, constitutionally or otherwise.
Sure there will be changes and interruptions of many kinds, but what must prevail is that everything in time will be better than it was before.
Some very important events are taking place right now and with every day it can become more intense. That is especially so if,as the writer who signed that letter to the editor last week as "Keeping Watch" says, 'bad men (bad things) prevail because good men see wrong and do nothing about it."
There is a problem with the saying, unless good men include those with discernment. Those who are able or are in a position to make a difference must be able to recognise the need for a difference.
Two weeks ago we heard Governor Abbott virtually saying that the problem for people wishing to go back and rehabilitate areas south of Belham will be one of cost. We are witnessing a kind of strategy that, if allowed to go unchecked, will put us in the control of people who have absolutely no interest in the justice, culture, well-being and economic viability of Montserrat. Our Executive Council not being consulted when it ought to be, in more instances and ways than one; our police officers of all ranks being persecuted in different forms and fashion, like being asked to retire when the only people to replace them are inexperienced and men from completely different cultures; and the use of techniques to which some of us are too unaccustomed.
This week we rediscover how the British politicians responsible for allocating funds for spending on Montserrat's recovery are willing to downplay or brush aside the over-spending or misspending of those same funds. Perhaps that is because it is the politic thing for them to do. In focus here is the 'humonguous' cost of buildings, which to this day are not fit for occupancy, never mind that they house our ministers of government and civil servants.
Interestingly, the last reason that delayed the eventual hand-over of the "temporary" Government Headquarters was the fact that it was leaking. Finally, after many attempts and added great expense, civil servants who moved in had complained unendingly up to 3 o'clock Wednesday about the lack of space and comfort. That became panic Wednesday when, after a longer than normal -- at least for the last four years -- drought, the heavens opened with lightning and thunder and it was as though there was no roof over most of the "tin" buildings.
Mr. Richard Teuten, the man from Britain, who reportedly will soon leave the helm of having to okay the spending of allocated funds for us, may have been looking for an umbrella to conclude the several monetary discussions he and his team were having with our "negotiators."
The honourable Chief Minister David Brandt had told the Reporter not one hour earlier that the Honourable George Foulkes of Britain could not know what he was talking about when he suggested that the said buildings were of a more permanent nature.
With all that has happened, is happening and will continue to happen as a result of the volcanic crisis, in the end it is going to be up to us to take care of our future. Yet it is not they alone who are at fault here. We must recognise early that we are being strategised and bullied from many fronts. Let the Britons continue to cheat their own people, but we must not allow our people to be cheated in the process. That has to be our main goal and we must seek to get the best value for money and our future. The secrecy and the cover-up by politicians and/or civil servants have to cease. If it is their own inadequacies they are protecting, then those in charge must be pro-active. There must be changes of many kinds.
From all reports, it will not be surprising if there isn't a long face or two when Teuten goes. The question will be, will those faces be long for the same reasons?
The very welcome rains of Wednesday caused a blockage of the passage at the Belham Bridge. Six months ago when this happened, it was clear immediately, and then it was very much part of the Exclusion Zone and the gate above it was kept locked. Yesterday, up to lunch time, although the gate was open, the bridge was practically impassable to normal traffic, because no one bothered.
No wonder there is a jus wonderin about who was glad for the huge ash fall on Saturday!
Dear Mr. Editor:
We are a Christian people. We are a God fearing people. We are a law abiding people.
We do not cause ruckus (note to Mr Bardis). We do not hold riots. Never mind that the foreign press once said we had riots in Salem when like three angry rasta men did a "little thing" with a little fire and a couple of tires. If you recall, it was the other Commissioner of Police who was seen to have been physically shoving about other uniformed police men.
We are a weary people. We may be a disgruntled people. We are disenchanted people. But we are a law abiding people.
Rain come and wet down Tueten and crew, and civil servants too, in the new Government Headquarters. We don't riot. We don't fuss.
A past Chief Minister is known to have agreed to ship us all out of Montserrat and he did not even remember to tell us. We only ask him to resign.
Some Governor called us a mob. We didn't even bother to stone him.
Some Police Commissioner abuse a Minister's daughter. We don't ask Britain to recall him.
Some British Minister call us greedy on the "world stage", we ain't even take she on.
See, it must be like Arrow said: "Montserrat still nice".
We see the "nicer, gentler" form of Caribbean apartheid coming nearer and nearer everyday as each Montserratian comes personally face to face with it.
Tell me this, when they now give the Caribbean natives those silly little town cars to drive and they drive the air conditioned, rented Rav 4's, is this apartheid?
When they allow Brown and Root to build that substandard Davy Hill housing estate, is that apartheid?
When they tell you that they refuse to give you an airport unless it is built in the belly of the volcano, is that not like the kind of terrorism that Botha visited upon our brethren?
When they dump you off the helicopter because one of them decided to go up to Antigua for Kentucky, is that like….. you know?…..advantage?
All of that is bad. But imagine how much worse it is, for every resident Montserratian, to have to listen over and over, every day, to the same story. About how our fate, our life, our existence, our ability to own a home, our ability to continue in business, our ability to resettle in our village, the direction of our country, has been given, carte-blanche, to a few "wise men" and perhaps women who resided in England, in Antigua and/or Montserrat.
And then imagine we had this election, where we concerned ourselves about our right to vote and elected some representatives who now tell us that we have to submit the very essence of our beings to the whims and fancies of a couple of English men and women (perhaps they are actually children) who seem to get a kick out of telling us :"no".
This must be that part of the big conspiracy thing, when they are penalizing the natives for remaining here even as they sent their "long ships" to take us away.
We cannot go across Belham. It upsets the Governor. We can't go into Plymouth, it gives the Commissioner apoplexy. We can't have decent housing, it gives Brown and Root financial indigestion. We can't have a safe airport, we can't buy a ferry, it is not the way of the British funding process.
We must, however pay property taxes and we must pay back taxes even as all those migrated business men and property owners get away scot-free.
Why are we not filled with anger and hold riots and ruckus?
Why are we not in the trenches?
In the name of God, Why?
Prudence-Really Upset
MAWU General Secretary Responds
Dear Mr. Editor:
I had responded on the program labour speaks to letter of May 7, 1999, from an unemployed civil servant. However, I will respond through this medium.
I pity the predicament in which civil servants whether employed or unemployed find themselves. While it is definitely true that Mr. Labor Speaks represents workers, I wish to draw to your attention that my first loyalty in terms of representation is to the paying and non paying members of the Montserrat Allied Workers' Union. However, history has shown that we are not averse to assisting labour in general here in Montserrat and elsewhere when the need arises and we are asked to do so. Now, under pain of invoking the anger of some person or persons, I will say to you civil servants - you have the Civil Service Association to whom you pay union dues on a regular basis. It is time
you stand up and demand proper representation. The members of your executive, like you, are civil servants and like you, must be aware of the problems that confronts the membership. So get up and demand value for your money.
Be that as it may, I will now get to the root of your problems. The greater part of your problems stems from poor administration, poor implementation of the resource and allocation revue, poor representation and a total lack of concern by the elected government of Montserrat. Comrade, you cannot have pedal pushers who do not understand the rudiments of industrial relations, industrial democracy and human resource management being responsible for the management and implementation of policies and programs like the resource and allocation revue. Need I remind you, that in these instances, workers' representatives should be part and parcel of the entire process and must therefore be more vocal and vigorous, thereby ensuring proper representation. On the other hand, recently the chief minister alluded that the governor is responsible for civil servants. We all know this, therefore that statement in the context in which it was used was very irresponsible. The elected government of Montserrat is supposedly a government of the people, by the people, for the people. Therefore, they should ensure that there is fairness and equity in the implementation of such things like the RAR.
As is understood from other sources, nepotism and favoritism have and are still playing a major role in the hiring practices of civil servants. The letter to the editor stated, persons are walking straight off the helicopter and into senior positions. I will extend this to the ferry as well and the irony of the matter is that some of these persons are individuals who left even before the crisis began and had no intentions whatsoever of returning here to live, much less to work
MONTSERRATIANS AWAKE, WORK, UNITE
However, because of connections we now find these individuals working in the civil service. The same civil service that is being downsized under the guise of the RAR. The same civil service from which workers who decided never to leave their country despite its adversity and who stayed and braved the odds, were figuratively fired. The same civil service that could not absorb young workers. As I have being saying from way back, the RAR was poorly implemented. Looking back in retrospect, it could be said that it was done under a shroud of conceit, high - handedness and unfairness. Civil Servants of whatever status must ask the question, where was the civil service association during the implementation of this entire process.
Have we ever stopped and considered why we continue to experience a population decrease? Unemployment is one factor. Unemployment to which the government of Montserrat has been the greatest contributor and will continue to be so. The RAR was done in quick time. In any company, any work place there are workers who are retrainable. It is normal that when a company is downsizing as was done in the civil service, retrainable workers are trained to function in other job positions. In our case this was not done. Therefore, we found young workers who still had a lot left to contribute out of a job. No job, time to leave Montserrat and seek greener pastures.
Now to the point where retired civil servants are being employed over young and upcoming civil servants. As I stated in a recent program there are retirees who still have a lot to offer. However, I will maintain that young workers who so qualify have even more to offer. They should be given the opportunity to spread their wings so to speak. Retirees should be hired as consultants and advisors. The consultants and advisors who come from England and wherever should be replaced by our own. Nine out of ten times the final document to government from consultants is what our own technocrats have being advising, but no, this is not good enough. Therefore, Mr. Rogers is brought in to tell us what we already know. Let us utilise our own. It will leave the doors for permanent and pensionable jobs open to young and upcoming civil servants.
Comrade, it would seem that jobs are being created for persons who have no real allegiance to Montserrat, who have left and then coerced into returning with lucrative offers, while workers who stayed and worked got the shaft and the dirty end. While the civil service may have been streamlined on the one hand in terms of downsizing, it now needs to be streamlined for fairness. How can you be making persons from one position redundant and then rehiring others into the same positions under another name? It reeks of unfairness, nepotism and favoritism. The civil service is not a family or friend business, it is a public service offered to the people by the government and heavily subsidized by the people and should be kept this way. It is a fact that civil servants on
no pay leave were given a bomb deal when they were paid off, only to have the years spent on no pay leave discounted when their terminal benefits were being calculated. This was very misleading. It was the chief minister who was last year inviting persons to return home to work and even extended the invitation to others. Now that he has seen the error of his ways, he is now telling them there is no work here, but job positions are still being found for the chosen elect. Unemployed civil servant, I do agree that it is unfair and not only so, but unethical and discriminatory.
The Montserrat Allied Workers' Union does not represent civil servants, but it does have views on whatever affects workers and will openly and freely express them. I therefore call on the government of Montserrat to be pro active rather than being inactive even through the civil service might not be under your portfolio. Like everything else there are things that could be done through the executive council. Be what you should be, a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Hylroy L. Bramble
General Secretary
Montserrat Allied Workers' Union
Elections Commission Omission Is Explained
Dear Editor:
The Elections Commission Report observes that the Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU) was the only community organisation which made a submission to the Commission. In fact, the Montserrat Christian Council did send a thoughtful memorandum, although unfortunately it did not reach us. We thank the Council and apologise to it.
Howard A. Fergus (Dr.)
Chairman
WITHOUT EXCUSE
Read Romans 2:1-4
Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself , because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.
- Romans 2:1 (NRSV)
We can avoid being critical of others by keeping our eyes on Jesus.
More often than I would like to admit, I have been critical of other people. If their behavior did not measure up to my expectations, I would pass judgment. I have questioned their motives and their actions. Judgment seems to come easily; it seems natural. I have even been critical of others for being critical.
We judge others for many reasons. Whether we realize it or not, our motive is often to make ourselves look better. We can always find those worse off than ourselves; and standing next to them, we may look pretty good. We forget that others are not the standard; Jesus is. As we compare ourselves to Jesus, we see our shortcomings and failures. We see that we need God's mercy. I have found the source of my judgment problem. It is taking my eyes off Jesus and looking at others for comparison, if I keep my focus on Jesus, I find I am so occupied
with what God wants to do in me that I don't have time to judge others.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I take my eyes off you and pass judgment on others. Only you are in position to judge. Help us to lean on your mercy as I seek to correct my own faults. Amen.
Thought for the day
Thomas R. Fletcher (West Virginia)
Prayer Focus: TO REALIZE MY OWN IMPERFECTIONS
Basseterre, St. Kitts -- Economic and financial data member territories and information relating to the operations of the ECCB are only two of the features of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank's web site, HTTP://WWW.ECCB-CENTRALBANK.ORG. launched on Tuesday June 8.
WWW.ECCB-CENTRALBANK.ORG provides quarterly tables on central government fiscal operations, the consumer price index, selected trade statistics and visitor arrivals. Annually produced data include the balance of payments and selected economic indicators. Commercial banking statistics produced quarterly and annually will also be available at WWW.ECCB-CENTRALBANK.ORG.Other features of the site include foreign exchange rates, speeches by ECCB Governor K. Dwight Venner, job opportunities at the central bank, research papers, and basic information on each of the eight ECCB member territories.
The ECCB member countries are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and The Grenadines. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank is one of only four multi-state central banks in the world.
Five-Star Luxury Resort Looks to the Caribbean
MIAMI, Fla. (June 4) – The newly formed Splash Resorts, calling itself the world’s first line of five-star-luxury, full-service all-inclusive resorts, is actively seeking opportunities to purchase, manage and operate resorts and hotels in the Caribbean, Latin America and along the West Coast of Florida.
Splash Resorts recently announced plans to operate and manage its first property, a 200-suite golf and spa resort in Baja California, Mexico. The announcement was made by Carlos F. del Pino, chairman and chief executive officer of Sequoia International Hospitality Corp., parent company of Splash.
Splash Resorts will own, operate and manage first-class all-inclusive resort properties throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America and the United States. The company’s expressed goal is "to establish a long-lasting bond with our clients and customers – of all ages and interests."
Splash Resorts will build and operate the highest level of guest accommodations, amenities and services, and a highly trained staff. "We intend to create a relaxed atmosphere in all of our resorts," del Pino said, "where our guests can do as much – or as little – as they choose, and expectations are consistently exceeded."
Clare Short Responds, But Question Remains
In a Parliament Report on May 19, the Right Honourable Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development, revealed to her colleagues that the Country Policy Plan (CPP), signed in January this year, includes a project to rehabilitate existing school facilities, but that the actual details of this project are still being prepared by the GoM.
She was responding a question which asked what plans her Department had to provide assistance for information technology in schools in Montserrat.
The Hon. Chief Minister David Brandt said that this project had been submitted quite some time ago. "In fact," he said' "the project was turned down and that is why we have had to go begging computers for the school."
Exclusion Zone Mortgages Now Eyed for Repayment
The Secretary of State for International Development Miss Clare Short was asked recently in Parliament what discussions she has had with the Government of Montserrat about mortgages on properties in the Exclusion Zone.
She replied: "We have agreed that the Government of Montserrat can reschedule mortgage payments owed to them on properties in the Exclusion Zone, on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the ability of each borrower to meet the repayment schedule."
One person, who cannot see the roof of their property in the deep Exclusion Zone, says this is unconscionable for the Government or anyone to ask for repayment of any moneys owed on properties they have lost completely through no act of their own.
On another note, the honourable Minister said that they have spent between 1997/99 £3.5 million on consultancies, and "We have budgeted £1.8 million for the current year."
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
C&W Recovers Fibre Optic Cable
The Cable and Wireless ship Sir Eric Sharp spent June 9 to June 11 in the waters off Montserrat’s northwestern coast.
While in the island’s waters, the ship’s crew, along with members of the local Cable and Wireless networking team, worked on recovering the Fibre Optic Cable that was connected between St. Kitts and Montserrat.
The connectivity was lost because of the relocation of Cable and Wireless’ operation/equipment to Sweeney’s.
At present, Montserrat does not have a fibre optic link.
Prior to the start of volcanic activity, Montserrat had fibre optic links with Guadeloupe, Antigua and St. Kitts.
The three days of work is part of preparations for a likely cable re-link to Montserrat.
Chief Medical Officer Warns of High Ash Levels
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Gordon Avery has issued a warning of high ash levels in the Salem area following a recent heavy ashfall.
Dr. Avery says the monitor in Salem has recorded high levels of ash in the air.
The Chief Medical Officer says the levels are likely to remain high for several days, unless there is heavy rainfall to dampen the ash.
Dr. Avery is advising anyone residing in Salem or surrounding areas or those visiting the area to wear an ash mask.
He says although everyone should take heed to the advice, it is especially important for those persons who have respiratory problems.
The Chief Medical Officer says masks can be obtained from the Salem clinic, where there is an additional supply, or any other clinic.
Community Services School Leavers’ Programme
The Department of Community Services is organizing a School Leavers’ Programme to improve students’ knowledge base on career opportunities.
The programme will take the form of a three-day information workshop and a one-month attachment to a department or company, which offers a career that the school leavers are interested in pursuing.
The workshop is expected to provide information on choosing a career, applying for jobs, planning further education and accessing scholarships.
The workshop will take place at the government Training Centre in Brades from June 28 to 30.
Meanwhile, the Department of Community Services is finalizing plans for school leavers to be attached to various business places and offices.
Each school leaver is expected to spend at least one month observing and, where possible, getting hands-on experience in the area of their choice.
The Department of Community Services is also looking at the possibility of arranging off-island attachments if the fields in which the school leavers are interested are not available on Montserrat.
Education Ministry Officials Visit Montserrat-UK Projects
The Honourable Minister for Education, Health and Community Services, Mrs. Adelina Tuitt, is in the United Kingdom visiting projects that affect relocated Montserratians there.
Minister Tuitt is accompanied on her UK trip by Education Planning Officer Alric Taylor.
Both Mrs. Tuitt and Mr. Taylor have been meeting with Volunteer Director of Fund-raising for the Montserrat-UK Fund, Rudi Page.
Mr. Page says the Montserrat team will also visit several key projects, including the Leah Pultz School in Holsden, where the official Pathfinder project was launched.
He also says the Ministry of Education officials will visit a training enterprise council to look at a special education business programme.
Montserrat Secondary School graduates in the UK, who need to gain valuable job skills at college and university levels for subsequent employment, stand to benefit from the programme.
Mr. Page says both Minister Tuitt and Mr. Taylor will attend a festival this weekend featuring several Montserratian and regional artistes, including the Oriole String Band and a Keep Montserrat Alive drama production.
Hospital Upgrade Progressing Smoothly
Progress is being made in upgrading the facilities at the Hospital in St. John’s.
Work is currently being conducted to convert old classrooms into a casualty block.
The upgraded block will also house the X-ray Department, the Nursing Administration offices and public lavatories.
All work being carried out at the hospital is done by locally based contractors only.
Melvin Tebbutt of DFID Montserrat, who is undertaking the management of the project, says overhead utility lines will be transferred to an underground location along with water pipes.
Venrick Forrester of the Public Works Department is the Clerk of Works on the project.
Mr. Tebbutt says Mr. Forrester has exhibited a tremendous effort to ensure high quality output.
The DFID Representative also wishes to thank the staff of the hospital for their consideration and patience with the rate of work on the project.
The BBC programme Caribbean Magazine says the city of Chicago, in promotion of its Millennium Party, is inviting people from every country across the globe to attend.
And at least two Montserratians will be given the opportunity to celebrate the change of the millennium in the United States of America.
Officials in Chicago say they have invited persons from 194 of the 223 countries and protectorates on earth.
No representatives have been invited as yet from 29 countries and protectorates, including some Caribbean states.
But, Montserrat is among other Caribbean countries expected to receive an invitation for representation.
The other countries include Anguilla, Antigua/Barbuda, Aruba, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, the Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts/ Nevis and St. Lucia.
A one-day Housing Symposium will take place at McChesney’s Estate in Olveston next Wednesday, June16.
Organized by the Ministry of Housing, the Symposium will focus on a future housing strategy for Montserrat.
A cross-section of the Montserrat Community is expected to participate.
Participants will hear an overview of Montserrat’s housing situation, take part in discussions on land policy, housing allocations, housing design and type, low-cost housing options for single persons and those without children, and the impact of the Social Welfare Review on housing.
Participants will also divide into working groups to consider the role of non-governmental organizations, land policy and roles for the private sector and statutory bodies.
Local resource persons and at least one from the government of Barbados will lead the discussions on the various topics.
His Excellency Governor Anthony Abbott is expected to make a short presentation at the opening of the symposium.
The Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Trade and the Environment, P. Austin Bramble, will deliver the keynote speech.
Nationals Scheduled for 1999 Farm Workers’ Programme
Montserrat is finalizing plans to send off a number of workers to Canada for the 1999 Farm Workers’ Programme.
The Department of Labour has confirmed that over 20 workers who are part of the Annual Canadian Farm Workers’ Programme will be returning there to work on farms this year.
Elijah Silcott of the Labour Department says additional persons in the agricultural sector are being invited to register for the programme.
He says the tasks to be undertaken by farm workers include picking fresh fruits and vegetables and processing tobacco.
The Labour Department is encouraging persons wishing to participate in the Canadian Seasonal Farm Workers’ Programme to contact the department as soon as possible.
Possible Reoccupation South Of Belham
The Honourable Chief Minister David Brandt has moved to assure residents that appropriate steps will be taken to prepare areas south of Belham for reoccupation.
Mr. Brandt says the potential for residential tourism in those areas is quite high, especially in Isles Bay Hill.
Chief Minister Brandt also says his Government will make every effort to accommodate any number of residents who wish to return to areas as far south as Richmond Hill.
He says in respect of the reoccupation of these areas at some time, the government feels it’s necessary to ensure that some of these areas are cleaned up.
Mr. Brandt says the argument has been made that it is only if government can find enough people to say they are going to go back into those areas, then the money would be spent.
But, he says, the Government’s point-of-view is that they have an obligation to those people who have spent their money.
Chief Minister Brandt says it should not depend on how many people are going back for Government to help people to secure an asset which they have worked for and saved for all their lives, and which they stand to lose.
The Montserratian leader says those who are native or permanent residents of Montserrat have a relationship with this island which is unique.
Mr. Brandt says those who have come to the island temporarily may not understand or appreciate the feelings of those on island about what it means to live on Montserrat..
RMDF Commander Responds to Rumours
The Commanding Officer of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) has moved to clear the air on rumours about the force.
Major Michael Duberry says the RMDF is too important for members to be left wondering about what is true and what is false.
The Commanding Officer says all the reasonable needs of the RMDF have been met by the Ministry of Finance during the period of embodiment.
Major Duberry says in 1997 the Ministry of Finance spent over $2 million on wages, food and utility bills for the Royal Montserrat Defence Force.
He says additional sums of money were spent on uniforms and transportation.
Commanding Officer Duberry says contrary to some reports, the RMDF received assistance to construct buildings at the base.
He also says the disembodiment started in January of this year and will end on June 30.
However, Major Duberry says, because of housing constraints, members will be allowed to reside at the RMDF base in Parcel Piece beyond the end of this month.
He says those who remain will be there under new arrangements.
Major Duberry also says special attention will be paid to the housing needs of members of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force.
New Tropical Suites Hotel Expected to Boost Tourism
Tourism on Montserrat will receive a timely boost with a target date set for the opening of the new Tropical Suites Hotel which is under construction in Sweeney’s.
Owner Emmanuel Galloway says the opening is scheduled to coincide with the upcoming winter tourist season, which starts in October.
With a date set for the opening of the hotel, it is anticipated that visitors from North America, Canada and Europe will choose Montserrat as their destination for hibernation during the winter months.
When completed, the Tropical Suites Hotel will have 18 single- and double-occupancy rooms, plus conference facilities.
There will also be restaurant and bar facilities on the ground floor, a parking area and a swimming pool with gazebo.
Mr. Galloway says the western block of 12 rooms is more advanced, with the Marmoran plastering in peach and yellow already applied to that particular wing of the hotel.
He says in about two weeks it is anticipated that tiling would start in that block, while the rest of the work continues as usual.
Mr. Galloway says, although the windows for the hotel were imported, he’s making sure that the doors are constructed by local tradesmen in an effort to help stimulate the island’s economy.
By Pat Ryan
Come fly with me, come fly with me
But ah want to fly from Thatch Valley
Bramble Airport in the 'no go' zone
Where the jumbies making their home
Ah want to fly
But ah fraid to fly from dey
Sandemanetary.
OBEAH !! Culture Unadulterated
I still have very vivid memories of my contacts with the obeahman, even though it began and ended before I reached the age of 10. I did not understand all that went on at that time, but as I grew older, I found the experiences interesting and I often use them as a good source of entertainment.
As a teenager though, I used to ask my mother why the obeahman visited our house at the time he did. She always replied in this fashion: "Do not ask me any questions. It was just my mind, and besides I promised the Lord to serve him for life if he made me well."
On one occasion, after hearing me ask the question, my father decided to give his version. He told me that at the time, even though he was living in England, everybody urged him to visit the obeahman, "to take my dead Aunt off my mother". He explained that before he went to the obeahman he was visited in a dream by my Aunt. In the dream my aunt asked him how could she, who loved her sister (my mother) so much while she was alive, try to do her harm now she was dead. He said that he realised the whole affair was foolishness, and instead of wasting money on obeah, he sent the money to feed his children.
Although obeah is possibly the unadulterated part of our heritage, the advice of my parents kept me in good stead. As a result my response to obeah will always be, it’s foolishness, it’s all in your mind.
Now the real story.
My mother was ill; people said that jumbie was on her.
One day I arrived home from Cavalla Hill School to our house full of people. The faces were familiar, except for a tall black man wearing a very heavy silver bracelet on one hand and a string around his neck with a few beads. I was taken to a bedroom and bathed in a bath pan of funny-smelling, black-looking water. (To this day I always associate obeah with dirty looking water in bath pan).
All my little cousins also had their baths in the same pan of water. After the baths, a hole was dug in the centre of the front yard and the water poured into it. A stool of dutch grass was planted on the spot. We were warned not to remove the grass, because it was there to keep ghosts from entering our house. And for months, we were sweeping yard, but no one dared to pull up the dutch grass.
Everybody in the yard skin well wash, but "ma" still sick. Somebody got a dream to say that "you all stop the jumbie from entering through the front, but the back still open."
Oh gosh, the obeah man again. On his next visit he instructed the family to get all the dead woman’s clothes, no matter who got them or how nice they were. We had to burn them at the back of the house. The clothes were found. It was not difficult, the dead woman was our aunt, she lived next door - and in those days there weren't much clothes anyway.
Clothes burn, skin wash, front and back of house guarded and protected, but mama still not getting better. The obeah man conclude that the guard in the back was put in place with the ghost still in the yard; she the ghost now live in the latrine.
All this time - nobody in the yard eating food unless they have a burning piece of charcoal in the plate, or the food piping hot with pepper. At night nobody going outside to peepee alone. And if you outside pee-ing you are saying- excuse me please, excuse me please, until you’re finished.
Yes, the jumbie lock up in the yard, free to move from the latrine to the house. And you know the obeah man "had was to" bottle the jumbie. He came one Sunday, with a green cola bottle. I saw it with my eyes. I saw him go into the latrine. Whatever he did, I cannot say. But he came out with the bottle corked. The jumbie well bottled, Whatever he did with the green cola bottle. I don't know. But for sure I saw him leave with the bottle. And to this day nobody ever see my dead aunt again. And my mama got better. She would say because she prayed to God.
My fans, this has been my personal experience with obeah. My parents explained it away as mind over matter and foolishness. I have known many Montserratians who spent fortunes on obeah - because they too believed. You can laugh all you want to at Antigua. Whether it is foolishness or just mind over matter, it is still culture, unadulterated.
By Ken Walter
It has been three months since I left Montserrat. With each new edition of The Montserrat Reporter received I am encouraged by the ever increasing number of articles covering some new positive story - a new green grocer in Salem, the return of Cricket, expansion of the petroleum storage and handling facilities, etc.
Clearly Montserrat has embarked on the journey back from crisis and chaos. While this will be a difficult journey with much work to be done, I know that the people of Montserrat are up to the task.
With this in mind I would like to offer a vision for Montserrat's consideration. As there seems absolutely no doubt that the areas overrun by pyroclastic flows will never be allowed to be redeveloped, then nationalize these areas as a volcano park. Think of the business development, employment and revenue generation possibilities!
As a national park there would be controlled development to insure park integrity and controlled access to insure visitor safety. There would be the opportunity to charge entrance fees and sell concession licenses to Montserratian entrepreneurs wishing to establish tourist-related businesses within the park -- food, drink, souvenirs, etc., as well tour guide services. The burden of management would not have to be assumed by government, as this function could be leased out, providing yet another revenue source. The possibilities are endless.
Montserrat was never a mass tourist destination, will never be and hopefully never wants to be. With this in mind this scheme makes even more sense, as it becomes the anchor in developing Montserrat as a niche market.
Such development, though, cannot be allowed to take place in a haphazard manner. There needs to be a master development plan to insure this park and all the ancillary support functions compliment each other and are specifically targeted to the "Eco" and adventure tourist market. As Montserrat will probably have limited access and accommodation facilities for many years, and because you will want to attract those individuals who will generate the least impact on the island and your culture, a niche marketing plan will also be essential.
This plan specifically needs to address the sales strategy Montserrat will use to guarantee that the limited number of tourists attracted to the island each year are a good sell, thus insuring that a maximum number of dollars will be spent on island and, equally important, that every visitor leaves the island feeling their expectations were exceeded.
The generation of such a National Park can address many issues. Not only will the income derived from the venture offset the costs of the park development infrastructure, but also should be sufficient to fund facilities such as cultural and information centers. Such centers would be not only for the benefit of tourists, but Montserrations as well. While the primary operation of the park should be designed to satisfy "Eco" and adventure tourists, there would be a natural crossover for the scientific community as well. Thus the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and the National Park combined could become a Mecca for the scientific community. The wonderful aspect of this is that the presence of the scientists continues to enhance the credibility of the park, thus insuring its long term attraction.
I would like to suggest that Montserratians be allowed to share in the profits of the park enterprise by having the government issue stock, the same as is done by public corporations. Clearly as this park succeeds it should be the people of Montserrat who benefit, and as dividends are paid and the value of the stock increases what a wonderful legacy this would be. Dividends saved could be used to pay for college educations, or stock inherited or given as a gift could be sold to pay for a new home or as start up capital for a new business, again the possibilities are endless.
On the assumption that much of the property to be nationalized was (and therefore still is) under private ownership, these owners need to compensated. This could be accomplished at the time of the initial stock offering with the government providing stock -- at the value of the initial offering price -- to the landowners of record. If the total number of shares given is comparable in value to the pre-volcano assessed/market value of the property, this would be fair compensation and surely more than what the owners could ever hope to receive without this scheme (Note: credit for this idea belongs to others).
The potential for Montserrat to use the volcano to its long term benefit is boundless. The opportunity for your wonderful island to retain its culture and values, without further sacrifice, is there for the taking. The time for Montserrat to commence its strategic planning, with a goal to exceed your pre-volcano standard of living and quality of life, is at hand.
I offer the above vision for consideration. If it has merit, who will take on the parenting role of nurturing the plan to fruition? I should like to conclude by nominating Governor Abbott and Chief Minister Brandt to jointly chair (by virtue of their respective offices) the project and this newspaper to keep us informed of their progress.
These "Views From the Outside" are presented as motivational food for thought. As an entrepreneur and business veteran with over 35 years of hands-on management experience, I feel I can speak with some authority. My goal is to hopefully generate some of the sparks that kindle the desire to act proactively - now, not reactively after opportunities are lost.
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
By Justin Cassell, A.D.O
EAT from the LAND not from the CAN
$74,000 More for Blakes Project
Funding to the tune of $310,000 was provided from DFID’s Emergency Funds for the first phase of the Blakes project. A further $74,000 to continue infrastructural development work has been approved from the Remedial Works Allocation Special Project Funding within the Government of Montserrat 1999 recurrent budget.
PHASE II
Information pertaining to tendering will be available at the Department of Agriculture week beginning June 14.
PLANTING DELAYS
The extended dry season has resulted in planting delays on most farms throughout the island. In many instances land preparations on plot have been completed but farmers without irrigation who depend solely on rainfall are unable to start their crops. Farmers are, however, encouraged to commence weed control measures on their plots, whether it be chemical or manual.
FARMERS ASSOCIATION PRICE LIST FOR VEGETABLE SEEDS
MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS
DARK RED BEET $22.60 $27.40
CONST/CABBAGE $35.55 $43.10
TROPIC/CABBAGE $43.15 $52.30
DORADO CANTALOUPE $143.35 $173.75
DANVER CARROTS $11.95 $14.50
ANDROS CARROTS $27.30 $33.10
TROPIC/CUCUMBER $24.45 $29.65
QUEST CUCUMBER $30.50 $36.95
EMPEROR LETTUCE $29.65 $36.00
C/SPINELESS OKRAS $7.80 $9.50
G/RIVER PARSLEY $16.55 $20.10
W/B’NUT SQUASH $18.20 $22.05
K/R/G SW PEPPER $29.90 $36.25
CAPTAIN TOMATO $157.80 $191.25
CRIM/SW W/MELON $18.85 $22.90
SUGAR/BY W/MELON $13.15 $15.95
FISHERIES WORKSHOP HELD
The Fisheries Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and the Environment recently organized and held a workshop on entry, analysis and reporting techniques for fisheries catch and effort data, which are collected daily. Staff of the fisheries unit as well as clerical staff in the Ministry of Agriculture benefited from the training, which was facilitated by Ms. Williana Joseph, Fisheries Officer in the Department of Fisheries, St Lucia. The training will enable the fisheries unit to better analyze the status of the fishery in an effort to improve the management of the sector.
FISHERMAN’S TIP
Now that the hurricane season has begun fishermen are urged to listen to the weather forecast as often as possible.
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
Aid Delayed
At last, when an answer was sought,
George Foulkes seemed a trifle distraught,
Because DFID, it seems,
Finds that soft mortgage schemes
Are harder than anyone thought.
Cost/Benefit Analysis
The folks SOB are uncowed.
"When will our return be allowed?"
HMG is intent,
Such funds should not be spent
Until it’s assured of a crowd.
Jus wonderin who was delighted over the huge ash fall on Saturday!
Jus wonderin if the top civil servants have learnt anything from Mr. Teuten.
Jus wonderin if they are willing to put what they learnt into practise.
Jus wonderin what will happen to the GHQ buildings now that it is discovered that they still leak so badly.
Jus wonderin if the Chief Minister still believes that the buildings can be made hurricane safe without spending another small fortune for what might still disappear.
Jus wonderin how long temporary is for the British politicians where Montserrat is concerned in respect of buildings
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: editor@montserratreporter.org
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