A workshop intended to upgrade the bidding skills of contractors in Montserrat may have a much wider effect, by encouraging a raising of standards at a legislative level.

Christopher Imoisili, an entrepreneurship specialist with the Caribbean office of the International Labour Organisation was invited by the Montserratian government to hold the series of seminars. They took place from Monday through Thursday at Tropical Mansion Suites. Government requested the workshop in the belief that Montserratian contractors lacked the expertise to bid on medium to large contracts, many of which are coming available as the island’s infrastructure is rebuilt.

The gatherings confirmed that many contractors needed to brush up their bidding skills, but they also revealed that part of the problem is a lack of appropriate standards entrenched in Montserratian law. Now Imoisili and other members of his workshop team are preparing to send a communique to the Legislative Council, advising the politicians on ways to raise their own standards too.

"It was an eye-opener for everybody," Imoisili said Thursday, before his final seminar with local contractors. He explained that many of the international legal conventions needed to make the tendering process work properly have never been adopted in Montserrat. Others have been adopted only with modifications that reduce their effectiveness.

The ILO official confirmed that Montserrat is lagging behind other Caribbean states in this regard.

Adequate labour laws, and other legal instruments governing the way contractors do business, help ensure that all contractors apply the same standards when costing their bids. Otherwise unscrupulous or unprofessional contractors gain an advantage, because they are able to offer lower tenders by cutting corners in areas like health and safety, workers rights and perhaps even the quality of building materials.

"If there is no level playing field, it’s pretty difficult to think about professional bidding," said Imoisili.

One area in which the most responsible Montserratian contractors could find themselves at a disadvantage is in the management of migrant labour. Imoisili spent over half an hour on Wednesday evening explaining the rules and procedures for hiring and managing migrants. He pointed out that migrants have numerous rights enshrined in international legal conventions. These rights can include such things as offshore leave; help with accommodation; the right to join unions and so forth.

"The general principle is that whatever applies to the citizen should also apply to migrants," the ILO expert explained. Then he revealed, however, that some important international conventions were modified when adopted by past Montserratian legislators. As a result, it is difficult for contractors to know which rules to follow.

Another problem is that standard documents used by government and industry when accepting a tender, do not provide space for specific entries enabling the contractor to describe the extent to which he is complying with the legal conventions. The cost of treating migrant workers properly is simply lumped in with overall labour costs. This means the most responsible contractors could show much higher labour costs in their bids, even though their less professional competitors may be hiring as many or even more migrant workers, but not showing the cost of managing those workers properly.

A quantity surveyor, an architect and an engineer, each working under contract to the public works department here, attended the seminar Wednesday evening. They agreed that in the absence of normal international laws, they need to find ways to address these problems by building checks and balances into their tendering process. In short, the public works consultants will be looking at creative ways to identify bids from the most professional and responsible firms on the island.

Fifteen days of celebrations marking the new millennium are underway on the island. Dubbed the Paradise Regained Millennium Celebration 2000, the series of events are also referred to as a pilgrimage, intended to bring as many people as possible back to the island in the wake of the volcanic catastrophe.

The celebrations began last Saturday with face painting at St. Augustine’s School. That was the first appearance in the celebrations of Cynthia Saunders, a versatile entertainer from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Saunders appeared at the school in clown costume to entertain the children, but adults will also be able to enjoy her vocal talents in floor shows and concerts.

This weekend Saunders will appear at the Vue Point Hotel in a show called a Musical Extravaganza. She’ll be teamed with three other St. Thomas artists, Louis B. Taylor Jr., Vincent A. Wallace Jr. and Charles Lynch Jr. All three musicians are accomplished jazz performers.

Keyboard player Taylor says his first love is jazz, but he’s also performed in a variety of other disciplines including classical and ethnic ensembles. Perhaps his most spectacular claim to fame is as a one time backing artist for the legendary Cab Calloway.

Wallace is the bassist in the trio. He’s a self taught musician whose repertoire spans the fields of calypso and top forty hits, as well as pure jazz. He’s also a composer, and wrote the musical score for ZOOM, a nationally syndicated TV show for children.

Drummer Lynch is also an experienced sound technician, so in addition to keeping the beat for the trio’s jazz performances, he also takes a hands-on role in setting up a prefect amplification balance before the show starts. He played drums for the Broadway play, Bubbling Brown Sugar, and for saxophone players Freddy Barts and Eddie Shoe. His range of musical styles encompasses calypso, reggae, rock, folk and jazz.

Saunders was born in Hollywood, Flordia. She first learned to sing in church, then went on to perform in venues throughout that state before joining the performing crew aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. There she honed her skills as a singer with dance and jazz bands. The ship also took her to St. Thomas in the Virgin Isles, a place she decided to make her home.

Since then she has taken roles in musical comedy theatre, appearing in such well known shows as The Wiz and Sweet Charity, plus revues including A Tribute to Billie Holiday and A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

Saunders and the jazz trio will begin their show at the Vue Point at 8:00PM on Saturday, and will repeat the performance at the same time on Sunday.

Program of Events

Just over a couple weeks ago, His Excellency Governor Abbott stated to the audience in his feature address at the MSS 2000 speech day, that he had passed on proposals to the Montserrat Government relative to the 1989 Constitution which governs the island. He accused the government and the people of Montserrat of dealing with the less important issues of the proposal by HMG for a modernised partnership.

We have heard the present and former chief ministers, in the Honourables John Osborne, Reuben Meade and David Brandt, repeatedly being critical of the said Montserrat Constitution Order 1989 as it wrests far too much power away from local government and the legislature into the hands of the Governor.

The 1989 Constitution was thrown at Montserrat amidst protest from the government of the day and the people through representation which traveled to London for the purpose.

Dr. Lowel L. Lewis in his book 'Fight for the Constitution of Montserrat' copyrighted in 1995 wrote: "On the 5^th November, 1989, Hon. Mr. Tim Sainsbury MP, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and his team of officials visited Montserrat. We thought they had come to review our recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, which had hit us seven weeks before on the 17^th September. It was quite a surprise when the Government and members of the Legislative Council were presented with the draft of a new constitution scheduled to become law, by Order of Council, six weeks later on the 18^th December, 1989."

Dr. Lewis continued: "In modern times, constitutions have arisen from the people they govern, not handed down by outsiders, who are themselves not subject to its regulations. Democracy, which we claim to enjoy, demands that a constitution be drafted and passed into law by the elected representatives of a people.

In 1989, this principle was ignored, and our colonial masters swung a weapon at the people of Montserrat, our new constitution, a double-edged sword, which purported to protect the rights of people, while at the same time subjugating them to the rule and control of their master."

There are other important books historical and otherwise pertinent to Montserrat, but this is one book that should be read by every Montserratian, adult and child. It is compulsory for all politicians promoting themselves to lead this country come the next general election; it consists only 50 pages.

Her Majesty's Government (HMG) treated the 1989 as very urgent despite the fact that Montserrat had experienced its worst devastation to date only three months earlier and had hardly begun its recovery. But it may just be coincidence that early last year HMG proposed not only to Montserrat but all its dependent territories through Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, who said:

'We have completed a major review of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Dependent Territories. Its objectives were:

• to establish better and more effective communication between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Governments of the Dependent Territories;
• to improve the status of the residents of the Dependent Territories;
• and to ensure that the United Kingdom could discharge its international responsibilities in respect of those Territories."

He told parliament that the White Paper "sets out the basis for a modernised and strengthened partnership between the United Kingdom and our Overseas Territories."

Chief Minister Brandt not long ago spoke to the issue of the need for change in the structure of governance over Montserrat, and every now and then the matter gets a brief mention in the legislative council.

We may argue that there are other pressing matters, but governance of Montserrat out and in, ought not be shelved for anything else since everything else hinges on it anyway.

We have been calling on all our politicians to make this matter one of priority for their campaign and certainly the present government would be failing their responsibility to their people not to bring these matters to the fore for attention and discussion. The Governor should not be given the opportunity to bring proposals regarding our constitution to us. If this is so, perhaps we do not deserve better.

It cannot be reasonably denied that the world’s most effective and altruistic constitutions were all born out of revolution. The Napoleonic Code; the American Constitution and Declaration of Independence; and of course, the Magna Carta, were all the products of populist revolutionary thinking. This is not to say that we must have a constitution born out of violence or civil disobedience, but we must have a constitution that belongs to the people and not to any elite group of leaders, regardless of their birthplace.

The problem with constitutions imposed solely by leaders, is that they quickly evolve into the personal property of those politicians and bureaucrats. Provisions within them, intended to protect ordinary people, are gradually reinterpreted to protect and entrench the rights only of the leaders and their minions.

Of course there are matters for which the governor has sole responsibility, and this is not by way of curtailing or subduing those responsibilities, but rather to impress on our people the huge importance of looking after our own destiny. It is the key to our future.

Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34

My life has been spent collecting things of earthly value, things I thought I had to have. I have concerned myself with appearances, money, and getting ahead in our consumer-oriented society. A bigger house, more clothes, stocks, savings accounts- all had my attention. My focus was on "success." Everything else, including Jesus, was secondary. Even though I went to church, Jesus wasn't the center of my life. Material possessions and my job were at the center of my life.

In mid-life, it has occurred to me when I account for my earthly stay, Jesus won't measure me by the car I drove, the suits I wore, or the salary I received. Such riches have no value in God's kingdom except to the extent that they were used to further God's holy name. Did I use my job to help improve someone's life? Did I share my possessions with those in need? Did I use my education to spread the Good News? A more basic question would be: Did my works on earth have eternal value? The answer to that for me, I am sad to say, is no, at least up to this point.

Accordingly, I have begun to refocus my life, seeking and embracing matters of value to God rather than matters of value to people. Now I am seeking and embracing what has eternal value.

PRAYER: Merciful and loving God, I pledge to use all you have given me to glorify your holy name. Amen.

Do my works on earth have eternal value?

12 July 2000

Dear Sir

With reference to the article which appeared in the Montserrat Reporter dated 7 July 2000 concerning my departure from the post of MVO Director, I would like to correct several factual errors.

The statement reported to source from the Governor's Office stating that "no one told Dr Young that his infant could not come to Montserrat" bears no relation to the truth of the matter.

The contractual offer I received from British Geological Survey (BGS) to continue as MVO Director contained an explicit statement regarding the fate of your daughter as follows:

"your child, being under 12, is not allowed on Montserrat overnight under any circumstances"

Your article continues to report the Governor's Office as saying that the issue was one of medical insurance. There NEVER was an issue of medical insurance - in fact, my wife and daughter were both insured, on my own expense, completely independently of any medical coverage normally guaranteed by DFID for overseas postings. The possibility of signing a waiver absolving DFID of any responsibilities for health issues relating to my daughter was raised by me early in negotiations over my contract renewal, but DFID officials eventually decided that such a waiver would not be acceptable to them (even though they would have been able to dictate its terms).

There is also the impression given by the DFID spokesperson on Montserrat that BGS are free to offer their own terms and conditions for the posts they are now contracted to fill at MVO. The BGS Executive Director clearly indicated to me in a letter that the no-children policy is a contractual requirement of BGS as stipulated by DFID - BGS has not been given any freedom to overcome the DFID restrictions. He says:

"The terms of the contract between BGS and DFID specifically state that children of MVO staff will not be permitted residency on the island."

In this regard, Montserrat is certainly being singled out for especially harsh treatment. Of course, the BGS Executive Director is referring only to the children of MVO staff contracted by BGS - amongst children of the local Montserratian staff at the MVO there are a number of very healthy under 12s. My offer to work directly for the Government of Montserrat as a way to circumvent the rules was also refused by DFID.

There are numerous anomalies in the DFID position, which require detailed explanation. Why are the services of a pediatrician not employed for Montserratian children, given that DFID seem to think it is so important? Why have DFID delayed installation of a basic lightening system at the new heliport? Why is there not already a 24-hour evacuation facility in place for emergencies involving Montserratians, when such a system is so simple to operate? And why, given that pregnancy and childbirth are medically much more dangerous than once a child a is born, would my wife have been allowed to be pregnant and give birth on Montserrat under DFID rules?

My wife and I are deeply saddened that no solution to this bureaucratic nightmare was found. However, what is sadder is that DFID has still not answered the most important question. Don’t Montserratian children deserve the same level of medical attention as "DFID Kids"?

There can only be one reasonable and morally defensible answer to that question.

Yours truly,

Dear Sir:

Recently, the new electoral procedures for Montserrat have been published. I assume, that the intention was to create a truly democratic electoral system. However, there is one possible scenario in which the new system will have an undemocratic bias.

Assuming there are three political fractions, A, B and C, competing for votes. Fraction "A" shall be supported by 34 % of the voters, fraction "B" by 33% and fraction "C" by 33 %. In the election the supporters of fraction "A" will vote for nine candidates of fraction "A," the "B" voters will vote for nine "B" candidates and the "C" supporters will vote for their nine "C" candidates. As a result of this election all nine seats will be taken by candidates of fraction "A" who each have received a majority of 34% over candidates "B " (33%) and candidates "C" (33%). That means, the Legislative Council will be composed by 100 % of candidates of the "A" fraction who actually only represent 34% of the population. 66% of the voters will have no representation in the Legislative Council. The result will be even more lopsided if more political fractions compete for power, a scary possibility.

The problem above can be avoided if each voter has only one vote. The nine candidates with the most votes should be elected. No other part of the new electoral system needs to be changed. Anyhow, it is difficult to understand why every voter should have nine votes. The nine votes per voter do not carry more weight than one vote per voter would: In a population of 1,000 voters an individual voter with one vote will represent 0.1 % of the votes (1 of 1.000). If every voter in the same population has nine votes, the nine votes of a single voter still are 0.1% of the total (9 of 9.000). However, a single vote per voter will prevent the establishment of an oligarchy which might very well become reality in Montserrat if the nine-votes-per-voter system will be maintained.

The housing unit at the ministry of agriculture, land, housing and the environment is preparing to unveil the results of a study into ways to provide shelter and other services for the mentally ill.

A consultant called in to assist in the study, Dr. Janet La Granade, will present her findings at a workshop to be held at the Vue Point Hotel, July 21^st, starting at 10:00 AM.

"The findings of this study will feed into Montserrat’s Comprehensive Housing Strategy," said housing director, Sarita Francis, in an announcement issued this week.

Francis said the workshop is important because it gives stakeholders a chance to influence government. She added, however, that there is more to the issue than housing. Patients need other services related directly to care.

Mr. Bruce Farara has been reelected for a fifth year as President of the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). The election took place at the Annual General Meeting of the Chamber held on July 11, 2000.

Other members elected to the board of directors are: Vice President: Mrs. Carol Osborne Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. Roselyn Cassell-Sealy, Directors: Mr. Bennette Roach, Mr. D.R.V.(Franklyn) Edwards, Mr. Kenneth Cassell and Mrs. Susan Edgecombe.

Several Discussions were held at the meeting and members were particularly interested in the outcome of the Chambers recent letter to His Excellency Governor Abbott concerning DFID’s position on not allowing the children of their employees who are under 12 years of age to live on Montserrat. The Chamber continues to be of the view that this regulation must be removed immediately in order to instill confidence in the rebuilding of Montserrat. Members have however agreed to wait the outcome of the report to be done by a team of medical experts expected to visit Montserrat at the end of July to access the situation.

A story published in the Montserrat Reporter last week, concerning the British government’s policy of not allowing its employees to bring children under twelve to the island, generated a minor storm in government circles.

Last week’s story resulted from a letter obtained by the newspaper, in which the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce wrote to the governor in defense of Dr. Simon Young. The doctor was recently replaced in his position as director of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, after he was unable to agree contract terms with the British Geological Survey.

The chamber took the position that the terms of Dr. Young’s contract were too onerous, because they did not allow him to bring his infant daughter into the country. Its letter called upon the governor to intervene and relax the regulations.

"The discriminating regulations should be removed entirely," the letter stated.

This week’s response from the Governor’s office published a concise answer to both the chamber’s letter and the Montserrat Reporter’s story.

"Clearly the question of whether or not Dr. Young’s baby daughter would be able to stay with her parents on Montserrat was a factor in the contract negotiations. However, although an interested party, the Governor’s Office had no direct input into these negotiations and is not therefore in a position to comment on them."

Dr. Norton said yesterday that her current employment with the MVO is open ended.

"I have to be back in the UK for the 10^th of September," she declared, explaining that she plans to get married there the following month. She said the BGS has offered to renew her posting at the MVO after her marriage, but she has not yet decided whether to accept the offer.

Kavanagh reiterated his statement from last week, drawing attention to the real problem and to its most likely solution. He agreed that DFID's policy of not allowing its employees to bring children under twelve to Montserrat is a bone of contention on the island. There are many people both in government and the private sector who find the policy disagreeable. The local DFID boss added, however, that a team of health policy experts will be on the island soon to review these civil service employment terms, and other health related matters relevant to the island.

Chief Minister, David Brandt, has put the wheels in motion for the revitalisation of the sport of basketball on Montserrat. Brandt, who is also Minister of Sports, met with individuals interested in basketball and later appointed a basketball steering group.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Minister of Lands and the Environment, Brunel Meade, who said the government is serious about sports on the island, and wants to help sports groups organise.

At one point in time, Montserrat led the way in Basketball in the Leeward Islands, coming to its peak in 1991. Since then basketball on Montserrat has been on a roller coaster ride, with no national team.

Member of the newly formed basketball Steering Group, Chelston Lee, says he expects his group to last only for a few weeks, because it intends to speedily put in place a new Montserrat Amateur Basketball Association (MABA). He says it is that Association that will deal with the critical issues and concerns associated with basketball on Montserrat.

In a press release issued July 12^th, Brandt said: "The Government of Montserrat pledges to do its part to revitalise basketball on Montserrat. It is now time for the basketball community to do its part in creating a strong partnership with the Chief Minister and Minister of Sports, the Hon David Brandt, and the Government of Montserrat."

David Graham has taken over as first secretary to Gov. Anthony Abbott. Graham replaces Bob Webb who will return to London with his wife Carmen.

At a reception last week bidding farewell to Webb and welcoming Graham, Gov. Abbott praised his outgoing secretary as one of the most compatible and efficient colleagues he’s ever had.

"He started out as an advisor and colleague, and he's been all of that and more. Both he and Carmen are now friends."

Gov. Abbott also welcomed Webb’s replacement, and his wife Ann.

"When first secretaries look even younger than policemen, I really must be getting old," the governor said of Graham. He added, however, that while younger than Webb, Graham already has a distinguished career in foreign service. He’s been stationed in Berlin, Munich, Warsaw, Seoul, and has served in visiting capacities throughout South America and the Caribbean, with special assignments in Antigua and Bermuda.

The clerk of the legislative council, Claudette Weekes, this week told young graduates from Brades School to never give up as they struggle toward their goals.

Weekes talked about the various groupings into which students are placed. These generally involve three levels: top students; average students and weak or remedial students. While she offered appropriate encouragement for those at the top of their classes, the legislative clerk also pointed out that people can end up in the lower groupings simply because they think more creatively, or are more questioning than the average person.

A former teacher, Weekes spoke of a little boy she called Joe, and told two tales of how the young lad stunned his teachers and fellow students with unusual answers to questions.

In the first example, she explained how Joe and his class were asked to say how many days of the week start with a ‘T’.

"Four teacher," she quoted Joe as replying. "Well, of course the class started to laugh. Teacher said: ‘Well how did you get that Joe?’ He said, ‘Teacher it is four: Tuesday, Thursday, today and tomorrow’."

On another occasion Joe was asked to reveal how many seconds there are in a year. As his fellow students laboured to add up all the 60-second minutes in a whole year, Joe’s hand shot up with an instant answer.

"His answer was twelve. When asked to explain he said: "The 2^nd of January, the 2^nd of December…there are twelve teacher.

"This is an interesting thought pattern, and it could be harnessed and used to best advantage"

Weekes explained that the most important ingredient of success is determination. The theme of her speech was ‘never give up’ and she insisted that it is the best advice for students regardless of their academic standing, because only through determination can the Joe’s of this world prove their contribution to be just as valuable as anyone else’s.

Mrs. Eileen Edwards, who has been principal of St. Augustine’s School for the past eleven years, and who has announced her retirement a number of times before, revealed Wednesday that Montserrat’s volcanic crisis was a factor in delaying her retirement.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in which 20 students from the middle school were given qualifications to enter Montserrat Secondary School, Mrs. Edwards said her retirement was first delayed by hurricane Hugo. No sooner had that crisis passed than Montserration students, parents and school staff faced the volcanic eruptions of 1996 and 1997.

St Augustine School, 2000 Graduates

"Hurricane Hugo complicated matters. Then came the volcano. I just could not run away," she told a crowd of dignitaries, parents and well-wishers at the Roman Catholic church in Salem. Then she announced her retirement yet again, and explained why this time she believes it will actually take place.

"We are beginning to come to grips with the various social changes thrust upon us by the volcano," she said. "The children are settling down again."

The retiring principal’s remarks were followed by a standing ovation.

Keynote speaker at the ceremonies was Miss Alfreda Meade OBE. She delivered a speech calling for the young graduates to identify their goals in school and life in general, and charging them to be studious and well behaved as they move on to secondary education.

"Montserrat needs all hands to the plough if we are going to reap a bountiful harvest in years to come," stated Miss Meade. Then she launched into a rousing oration on the subject of goals.

"Too many people are unsuccessful in life because they do not know where they are going or what they want to do," she warned. "If you feel inadequate or inferior you will never reach your goal; you will never realise your dreams. You must decide where you want to go and then get there."

Miss Meade added that goals can be changed or modified later: "But if there is no goal there can be no end."

Mrs. Edwards earlier gave thanks for the work of Father Larry Finnegan who will also be moving on at the end of the next school year. He has been with the parish and the school for seven years.

"Seven years ago God sent Father Larry to our shores to do a job that no one else could have done," the retiring principal explained, adding that he went on to perform with dignity and humility.

She also thanked Jim Lee for providing free computer training, and Gov. and Mrs. Anthony Abbott for donating five computers and holding parties for the children. She also reminded those present that the school is about to celebrate its 125^th anniversary.

St. Augustine School Dancers

On June 18, 2000, Mrs. Jean Carolyn Carty –Wade who hails from the island of Montserrat, was named Employee of the Year at the St. Croix District Office of the Insular Superintendent Annual Awards program.

She joined the Department of Education (Office of the Insular Superintendent) on May 3, 1982, with over twenty years of secretarial and managerial experience. Through dedication and professionalism, she earned several promotions to the positions of Administrative Secretary II, Administrative Officer I, Administrative Officer II and presently, Administrative Officer III. Currently, she manages the Office of the Insular Superintendent.

Always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, Mrs. Wade in her supportive role, coordinates special activities such as the Annual Retirees and Outstanding Teachers Recognition Ceremony and assist with organizing the reception for the Golden Anniversary of Christiansted High School.

Born under the sign of Libra, Mrs Wade has a very pleasant personality. Genuine, hardworking, dependable, her philosophy is that knowledge should be shared and so she willingly demonstrates her expertise whenever needed. Mrs. Wade strongly believes that all members of an organization should be appreciated, regardless of their position.

Her success is attributed to a strong religious background and her parents, who instilled in her the need to be respectful and always give thanks to the Almighty God .She treasures the love and encouragement received from her family and many friends.

A graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands with an Associate of Arts Degree (1994) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1998) in Business Administration. To further strengthen her leadership skills, Mrs. Wade has attended several seminars and workshops. She is the President of the Montserrat Emerald Association of St. Croix, Inc., and a member of the St Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir. She enjoys singing, playing tennis, walking, reading and cooking.

Proud mother of two sons, Wallen and Walton and adoring grandmother of four, Wallen junior, Kyra, Wendell and Janeil.

Today (Tuesday 11, July 2000) is open day at the Foreign Office Overseas Territories Department in London. The open day is part of the city's 'String of Pearls Millennium Festival'.

Minister for Overseas Territories, Baroness Scotland, said during the day's opening ceremony "We have in the Overseas Territories our own String of Pearls. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the Overseas Territories. It also allows us to demonstrate the long and important relationship we share with them."

The open day programme includes a recital by Montserratian guitarist, Joe Fenton and there will be Montserratian stamps on display at a philatelic display. Other activities include children's debates and a meeting of the UK Overseas Conservation Forum.

St Kitts, CANA - Police were Thursday preparing to charge a 19-year-old man, nabbed during an army raid, with possession of arms and ammunition and the cultivation and possession of marijuana.

State-run radio quoted Deputy Police Commissioner Robert Jeffers as saying that Valentine Taylor would be prosecuted for the offences committed last Wednesday.

A detachment of soldiers from the St Kitts Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), engaged in an operation code-named "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," swooped down on the marijuana plantation in a hilly region of St Kitts after hearing gunfire.

There, they discovered a huge plantation of marijuana plants ranging between eight and 12 feet high, 7,000 marijuana seedlings and 8,000 dried seeds.

Taylor, who was allegedly found with two firearms and compatible ammunition, was detained and handed over to the police.

Wednesday's discovery followed one on Sunday last when over 1,200 marijuana plants between seven to 12 feet in height, and over 1,000 seedlings were found.

Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell made the announcement in St. George's Wednesday following his return from a three-week tour of Europe and Asia.

"To me that is very serious and the government has to get to the bottom of this particular issue. There is going to be an investigation," Dr Mitchell said.

Up to eight hundred dollars were taken out of teachers June salary for the days in May when they stayed away from the classrooms to press their demands for a pay hike.

However, it was revealed that teachers who worked during the strike were not paid their full salaries because of an error in compiling information on teachers who took industrial action.

"I have never been more embarrassed as a politician. This at the Ministry of Education to me is a very serious one and it goes to the order of good governance and stability and peace in the country.

"I do not have any difficulty defending any tough government action that is in the interest of the country, but I have difficulty defending incompetence and downright foolishness," Dr Mitchell said.

A threat by trade unions to engineer a wave of solidarity strikes was called off after Education Minister Augustine John announced that government would reimburse the nation's primary and secondary teachers no later than this Friday.

Jamaica, CANA - Jamaica's five-year-old University of Technology (UTech) on Wednesday installed well-known England-based Jamaican William "Bill" Morris as its first Chancellor.

Educator Dr Blossom O'Meally-Nelson was installed as Pro-Chancellor during a ceremony at the University's Old Hope Road Campus in Kingston.

UTech, formerly the College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST) was accorded university status on September 1, 1995 and fully-chartered on June 29, 1999.

Morris, considered among the more influential black men in Britain, has lived in that country for most of his life.

He has served on a wide range of national bodies including the Advisory Councils of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Independent Broadcasting Association (IBA) and was appointed to the Economic and Social Affairs Committee of the European Economic Community.

He was a member of the Labour Party's Conference Arrangements Committee for a number of years. He is currently a member of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, the Trade Union Congress General Council, the Prince's Business Trust, the Governing Councils of Nene and Atlantic Colleges and Luton and South Bank Universities, among others.

Dr. O'Meally-Nelson spent 16 years as an educator at the secondary and tertiary levels of Jamaica's educational system.

She participated in the development and implementation of the Diploma Programme for Teacher Education in collaboration with the Joint Board for Teacher Education and the University of the West Indies and has participated in a World Bank-sponsored programme for the training of school administrators.

She presided over Utech's transition to full university status.

Morris in his acceptance speech declared his hope that the UTech would be open to all Jamaicans without compromising high quality standards.

"The University of Technology must be open to everyone. It is my dream that UTech shall become the People's University providing equal opportunity for everyone," Morris said.

At the same time the university under his leadership would "work to build a paradigm of excellence and at the heart of our core values we shall seek to co-operate not to compete," he said.

Morris said his installation as Chancellor "represented one step in a journey that started in the hills of Manchester (his birthplace in deep rural central Jamaica)...."

Senator Burchell Whiteman, Jamaica's Education and Culture Minister, presented copies of the governing instrument of the university to Morris and O'Meally-Nelson.

The University also conferred the Doctor of Laws degree on Morris.

President of UTech, Dr Rae Davis, said the university was "fortunate to have the leadership support of two outstanding individuals with deep roots in our beloved country. The leadership of Mr. Morris and Dr. O'Meally-Nelson will create a synergy which will influence the development and prosperity of this deserving institution".

Davis reported that the university was making steady progress and had introduced far-reaching changes in its academic and staff-upgrading programmes.

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, July 13, CANA - The Offshore Finance Authority in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Thursday revoked the licenses of six offshore banks in an immediate response to an advisory issued hours earlier by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Finance Minister Arnhim Eustace said.

"In conformity with the requirements of the International Bank Act (1996) the Offshore Finance Authority has written to six banks revoking their licenses. This is the first phase of the exercise," Eustace told journalists at a midday news conference Thursday.

He said several meetings were held with the agents representing the offshore banks since last August in a bid to persuade them to comply with the banking laws; some complied and some had not.

"In this matter the time for moral suasion on the part of the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is now at an end," the minister said.

The finance minister also disclosed that he had recently received "additional confidential information from the international community which gives rise to further concerns," hence the swift action to revoke the licenses of the banks, whose identities were not disclosed.

Some of the 15 banks registered here were described as being "very lax".

In their compliance with the International Banks Act refusing to make quarterly statements of account, submit audited financial statements and other lapses.

The U.S. advisory came a mere two weeks after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) listed this country and four others in the region as non-cooperative in the fight against money laundering.

It followed, as well, on the heels of an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report which accused Caribbean offshore jurisdictions of having harmful tax policies.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Eustace said, had taken several steps to improve its regulatory and supervisory mechanisms dealing with the offshore sector.

He added that next week, legislation would be introduced into parliament seeking to amend existing legislation as actions to clean up the sector continue.

A consultant was also hired to identify shortcomings and conduct staff training, he added.

Steps are likely to be taken to make changes to the Confidentiality Act whose presence, reportedly, was of concern to the FATF ensuring that the privacy of clients is maintained even as the complaining countries and institution are provided with information to help crack down on criminal activity.

The act currently allowed for disclosure of information to authorities in cases where someone has been charged in a court of law, it does not permit for "fishing expeditions where somebody just asks for information on a client in the offshore sector" and it's provided, Eustace explained.

"What is really important is ensuring that we restore some level of confidence in the offshore sector so that investors, wherever they are, recognize that we are prepared to take action in accordance with the law," Eustace said.

He also made reference to the French government's threat of sanctions.

None of this could adversely affect the Public Sector programme if carried out correctly.

West Indies is in trouble! Yes, Windies is in trouble and could be knocked out this weekend. The West Indies is on a losing streak following their winning streak. Since the loss to England at Lord’s, fortunes have changed. Having lost two games against the unbeatable Zimbabweans, they must do something exceptional – beat England convincingly – if they are to remain in the 2000 NatWest Triangular Tournament, which includes Zimbabwe and England.

The near-demoralised team faces its toughest challenge, at a time when its confidence is near its lowest. They need to remain in the competition to make it into the finals, and to win the finals in order to rejuvenate themselves for the real battle in August. They must beat England decisively at the Chester-le-Street.

Why have they failed? The West Indies team has failed repeatedly in the limited-overs tournament in England, because its technical and management teams have deviated from the norm of the limited-over game and have repeatedly taken decisions that depart from the scientific approach to the game. Coach Roger Harper, Assistant Coach Jeffrey Dujon and Captain Jimmy Adams have set in train the conditions for a losing streak, caused unnecessary suffering on the touring team through their apparent lack of technical knowledge of the shorter version of the game, and the their dysfunctional decisions that have been consequent on these technical inadequacies.

Cricket is an art and a science. We all recognize that "cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties" and that it indeed has features peculiar with games, particularly a certain measure of luck. But to a large extent, cricket, like any other sporting activity, is played according to a specific science. It is a science insofar as it has specific methodological approaches, which must be applied and replicated in order to ensure specific results.

The game is scientific because it is played under specific laws, rules and procedures, and these principles must be observed in order to ensure success. Even if these rules and laws governing the game are subject or modified by the physical conditions, volatility and variability in the weather patterns, disobedience to the principles oftentimes negatively influence the results. And the repeated departure from the punitive rules contribute to persistent failures, low productivity and low team morale. Even technical and management teams, which have persistently deviated from the science of the game, have contributed to the destruction of their formidable teams.

Both the longer form of the game (three-day, four-day and Test matches) and the shorter version of the game (one-day match, limited-over match and the Max cricket) are guided by separate laws, rules and procedures. The longer version of the game, the real games, are guided by the principles related to the development of the mastery of the art and science of the game, virtues such as occupation, application, resilience, tenacity, experimentation and warfare. And under favourable conditions, that is, conditions related to the weather, the pitch and the competition, the competitors may, if it is in the interest of the team, entertain the crowd. But winning is the driving force, as national supremacy is what is at stake.

Adaptation to the shorter version of the game demands mastery of the art and craft of batting, bowling and fielding under pressure, versatility and improvisation, the ability to adapt to the varying demands of the several phases of the short game and the understanding and application of the rules of the game.

The batting approach in the limited-over game is based on the three slot approach – the first 15 overs; the middle 20-40 overs and; the last 10 overs. The objective is to score as many runs in the first slot when the fielding restrictions are enforced. Some teams like Sri Lanka have scored as many as 90 or more runs in that slot. The middle slot requires quick running between the wickets to turn ones into twos and twos into threes. The sixes and fours are bonuses. The final slot is festival time, where the sluggers and hitters take the runs how they come. Some teams have scored as many as a 100 runs in the final ten overs. That is the science of the limited overs batting.

The dysfunctional batting approach has been the most evident in the last two games. First, the problem showed itself in the very selection of the team. When the selectors opted to include Adrian Griffith, to open the innings, they showed a misunderstanding of the demands of the shorter version of the game. Griffith and Gayle put on 33 for the first wicket in 11.1 overs.

Second, by choosing to bat the experienced Brian Lara, at number five, and sending him in the 29^th over, the technical staff squandered an opportunity to bat Zimbabwe out of the game. Even if Lara took the score from 101 to 222, by the time he left (having scored 60 off 63 balls), there were only 2.1 overs left. At the end they only accumulated 232 runs. Brian Lara must bat at number three.

Third, the decision to bat Chris Gayle in the opening position is not tactical. The more experienced Ridley Jacobs, who has occupied that position very successfully in the past, should launch the attack against the bowling in order to take advantage of the first fifteen overs. Jacobs and Hinds should open the batting, with Hinds being the pinch-hitter and Jacobs bringing together a mixture of controlled hitting and occupation.

Four, Ricardo Powell (although I don’t support his inclusion in the limited overs team), being an explosive player, should be positioned at Number four. He, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Jimmy Adams should occupy the middle to take advantage of the 20-40 over slot.

Fifth, the choice of four pace bowlers is definitely faulty, as the science of letting the ball fly onto the batsman in the shorter version of the game is not always functional on good pitches. There is need for at least two bowlers who could change the pace and trajectory of the ball in order to restrict stroke play. In fact, Chris Gayle’s successful slow bowling in both matches has emphasised that fact. Mahendra Nagamootoo, the leggie who can also bat very well, would be the obvious partner.

Moreover, Nagamootoo’s inclusion would give the team three able batters at the end to take advantage of the last ten overs. Corey Collymore would make way for Reon King, the most economical of the young pacers in the limited version.

My ideal team in batting order to overcome England in "Mission Improbable" would be Ridley Jacobs, Wavell Hinds, Brian Lara, Ricardo Powell, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Jimmy Adams, Mahendra Nagamootoo, Franklyn Rose, Nixon McLean and Reon King.

It is possible if the technical men make the right decision.

PHOTO CAPTION: Roger Harper, West Indies Coach (Photo: Peter Adrien)

Williams Sisters: No. 1 Ranking Could Be Due Next Year

By ROBERT WOODWARD .c Reuters

WIMBLEDON, England (July 10) -- Venus and Serena Williams said Monday one of them would be world No. 1 early next year and they would target the Australian and French Opens to achieve that goal.

After winning the women's doubles title at Wimbledon, the American sisters said they were only going to get better and the rest of the women's tour had better watch out.

"We're serious and we mean business," said younger sister Serena after their 6-3, 6-2 defeat of Julie Halard-Decugis of France and Ai Sugiyama of Japan in the rain-delayed final.

Venus, 20, won the singles title at Wimbledon on Saturday and Serena the U.S. Open title last year.

"That's two out of four -- it's getting pretty scary but we like it," said the 18-year-old Serena.

"We can definitely get a lot better, we're not even playing our best tennis at the moment -- there's a lot of room for improvement," the two sisters said, interrupting each other constantly in the post-match news conference.

Venus is now third in the world rankings, behind Martina Hingis and Lindsay Davenport, the woman she beat Saturday. Serena was seeded eighth at Wimbledon.

Venus said it would not matter to her if she or Serena, whom she beat in the Wimbledon semifinals, won the titles.

"Sharing or having them will be the same," she said.

They both pinpointed the U.S. Open title as the one Grand Slam title they would like to win and said they thought it was unlikely, after they were both injured earlier this year, that either of them would be world number one in 2000.

But next year, when under the 12-month ranking system they will have very few points to defend in the early part of the year, they will go all out for the top spot.

"Definitely, it's a personal goal. I/we both really want to be number one," they said, again talking through each other.

"We've had a few hurdles to jump, we're on our way, we believe in ourselves," said Venus. "Next year we start with the Australian Open and the French.

"We can basically beat all the players out there and we are now playing a little bit more consistently," said Serena.

"We're both out to get all we can, we're really greedy."

Montserrat’s drama contribution to Carifesta V1, "Woman & Men & Women"

Impressed the surprisingly large crowd at ‘The little Carib Theatre’ on Wednesday night.

There is no doubt that the plays success, lays in its simplicity. With no distraction from overdone props or fancy costumes, the audience fully appreciated the plays two strengths: strong acting and an excellent script.

In the context of carifesta, Montserrat’s contribution has showed that we in the Caribbean can produce polished, refined comedy/ drama and still entertain.

Malini Saith – Trinidad Guardian Friday August 25 1995

Plenty Plenty Yac Ya Ya has the task of living up to their first visit to Carifesta the Reporter caught up with managing director for the group, Chadd Cumberbatch.

Reporter: what are the feelings of going to Carifesta this year?

Chadd: The group feels..tense, a little anxious but confident that we can represent Montserrat. Above all honoured to be chosen as part of the contingent to do so.

Reporter: Will there be any changes in the program, different that is, from what was put on in December?

Chadd: We could never take the same programme overseas; most of our last performance was geared to an audience fully aware of the volcanic situation. We have made changes to make the production more accessible. In fact the production resembles the version we took to Nevis when we represented Montserrat there.

Reporter: Are there any new pieces or is it just a rearrangement of the material?

Chadd: Actually there are two new pieces, (laughing) we love Cable and Wireless so much we had to "touch" them again. And the character Sam Stone has a new song addressing the housing issue. We felt that the December version would be lost on a non-Montserratian audience. The utmost care is being taken that performance is educational, accessible, and entertaining.

Reporter: So are you confident that ‘ASH’ would not be lost...meaning the audience would get it?

Chadd: I remember in Nevis we got a standing ovation, which was embarrassingly long, after which we spoke to some of the audience, there was a large group of tourists from the US, Canada and England. Most of the time it was their laughter that held up our next line. The following day the ticket sales office was bombarded with requests from the Four Seasons Hotel demanding tickets for ‘ASH’. So to answer your question yes, they will get it.

Reporter: To move this in a new direction, I understand that there was or is some on going discussion that PPYY should not represent Montserrat and in fact some have gone as far as to claim that your group does not represent Montserrat’s culture and more visible groups for instance the Masquerades or String band should instead go.

Chadd: I have heard the comments as well, while I have not given them much thought except to correct one misinformed friend of mine. We must understand Culture is an ever-changing dynamic thing. Plenty Plenty yac ya ya’s style is unique to us at least in the Caribbean. We have been told time and time again how we have brought joy to a stressed nation. We have held a mirror up to popular and unpopular views and put them on the same stage, we have created new Icons the likes of "Cheese" Sam Stone and the " Deal Lady" We have added new phrases to our language "One and One Mek two Knowledge….".I do not have to finish that sentence. We have come and have successfully influenced Montserrat’s culture. And history will state that we have lifted the bar for standard in theatre in Montserrat. Drama is not new to Montserrat, but it has always been there, just like Masquerade and Miss Goosie. Take for instance how Miss Goosie has evolved, puritans have voiced their disgust but there are a generation of children that have grown up knowing no other version and it will be come standard. Masquerades are not unique to Montserrat; St. Kitts and other islands have a version what sets us apart mostly is the music, may be I’m biased but ours stand out. I personally am glad that we are not alone going to Carifesta the representation would have been lopsided.

I know I'm going on here but hear me out. Somewhere along the line some confused people have began to think that culture means "Old" or "traditional" but I urge them to consider the possibility that Culture might mean "Now" If it is cheerleaders and rap music we are into now, that is our culture changing again. The most we can hope for is that the traditional arts don’t fade out with the emergence of new ideas. Phew!! Is that enough?

Reporter: But would you then say that not only is this culture but the enhancement of our realities, which is in itself is acting out culture?

Chadd: Yes

Reporter: One more question. What are the goals for PPYYY, what about its future?

Chadd: We want to finish with ASH and move on to our new production. Ash has been good to us but it is time for something new. A-dziko and myself have been working on our new production "DahTellah" and we are excited about it. We have been asked to perform ASH in Antigua and we will be doing that later this year. There is also a request to do our first production Women & Men & Women in Nevis. So we are busy.

Reporter: I almost forgot ask. What does PPYYY hope to achieve at Carifesta?

Chadd: One, to help in the promotion of Montserrat in anyway possible.

Carifesta to me is about seeing and been seen. We have to show not only our performing arts but our crafts and literature as well But it is also important that we see what other islands are doing and perhaps be influenced positively.

On a personal note after our last performance at Carifesta a member from the Barbados group came over to us in awe and asked" Tell me is this the level of theatre in Montserrat? Is this where your theatre is at?" I said "Yes" I hope to meet up with those people again and hope that we have again raised the bar.

Nursery Education By Dr. Howard A. Fergus (UWI)

On Sunday last I attended the graduation concert of the St. John’s Nursery School, especially at the suggestion of my wife who had to be unavoidably absent. The success of the concert lay in the fact that the items were not only inherently entertaining as performed by well coached children with their hearts in the show, but also because they were exhibiting the educative work which they had engaged in all year round. Addition, subtraction and spelling were arranged in pieces for fun-filled staging. And the children were so well dressed, it could have been easily a fashion show.

Some of the rhymes have been around for years, but they were presented in new and lively dress and the teachers’ creativity was evident in lines like: "The puma went over the mountain". If what I saw was typical, nursery education is alive and growing and is a foundation for hope. The teachers are to be congratulated, and it was heartening to see the large attendance. And, it started on time!

This island had a head start in nursery education (also called pre-primary education) when a number of women volunteered to start the programme around 1970. Chief Minister Austin Bramble was a fervent believer in nursery schooling and moved not only to assist but eventually to arrange for ministerial control. To this end, he appointed a coordinator of early childhood education who fortunately was a Mrs. Jennifer Michael and she did an excellent job.

There is ample research evidence especially in neuroscience, to support the wisdom of early childhood education. The intellectual and positive emotional stimulation which the infants obtain affects their development and maturation in adult life. The successes that we have been enjoying at the secondary and tertiary levels owe something to the nursery and day care centres. The education system is an integrated whole.

Comrades greetings welcome to Labour Speak.

Today I am going to tackle several issues and all are of equal importance to our total development as a country and as a people.

It is heartening to note that the government has finally taken a step in the right direction with regards to the new welfare system. However, as the chief minister intimated there is still a lot of work to be done in righting the system? Those people who were getting poor money have now breathed a sigh of relief knowing that they will now be getting assistance again. Nevertheless comrades, do not be fooled for the system still falls short.

Now while one of the many wrongs of the system is being corrected as I said before the system still falls short. What about those persons over the age of sixty who were refused based on the fact that they have children and their children will support them. How will this issue be handled? I have said time and time again that many people have children in England, Canada, America and elsewhere who only send the small piece once or maybe twice a year. Tell us Mr Chief Minster how will you and the minister of welfare handle this one. Then what about those persons who are seventy, eighty and so on who have never paid social security, who have no children and who cannot even scrape a bank for one reason or another different from old age. How will they be looked at? I understand what the chief minister said about handling the situation with regard to the unemployed and for one time sir I wholeheartedly agree with you. At the same time I take it that the plight of those parents married and single who did not qualify for welfare, who have children to send to school, who are not working because they have to stay at home to look after the younger ones or who are getting no child support from the fathers will be given priority treatment. It is hard on them for some have told me sometimes they can’t even send the children to school for they have nothing to give them to eat. When they go to community services and explain their plight they are told put the children on school lunch. This is not the answer, this does not even begin to solve the problem for they must still pay for school lunch however small the amount and what must they give the children to eat for breakfast before they go to school and dinner after they come home. Community services need to show some understanding and sensitivity when dealing with people whose welfare is fragile and in limbo so to speak.

Comrades again I am going to be repetitious but I ask that you bear with me, as this point cannot be overemphasised. When the welfare ceilings were set how did the planners of the system determine how much a person can reasonably live on in this country. What is the poverty line in Montserrat and how was this line determined. One cannot go about setting a poverty line just any old way. One would first need to determine what a real wage is and what a living wage is and in order to do this government must have in place a minimum wage.

What I am saying is whilst they are trying to right omissions that should not have taken place in the first instance they are leaving one of the most important if not the most important element out. Therefore, the welfare system is still going to be problematic. So I say once again to whoever is in charge that government must put in place legislation that sets out minimum wages as this will definitely help the welfare system to be more transparent and equitable.

Now on Friday last I drove to Government Headquarters at Brades and the condition of the road leading to that facility has become worse. I cannot believe that the Chief Minister, the Minister of Labour, DFID officials, and other senior civil servants and officials travel that road everyday, not to mention the general public. This is a piece of road that even those who walk have been speaking about for some time now. All we hear are promises of putting in proper access but no action is being taken. If the government cannot fix that shameful piece of road maybe they should think seriously of putting in a four wheel drive shuttle service to take persons from the main road to the prison, tots and teens and government headquarters and back for the condition of the road is such that one day god forbids we might hear that somebody has damaged their foot whilst walking on this road.

Now on the night of June 24, 2000, I was in Antigua when I heard that Dr Simon Young head of the volcano observatory was leaving. As I understand it, he was told that he would have to reside on Montserrat twenty-four hours a day. This was impractical since the man’s family lived in Antigua because DFID said his child who is under twelve could not live here. DEFID or and the British government continues to speak with forked tongues since other British officials have children under twelve going to school here and from time to time some have come on vacation. At the same time I ask again, if it is safe for our children to live here, if it is safe for people all inclusive to work here why then are the children of British officials not allowed to live here. These people keep dealing us double standards. Another classical example is what was done to the Montserrat Reporter when they sited value for money. However, are they getting value for money from the staff that they hire in the local DFID office? They had better check that out to ensure that high quality and production is what they get before they start devaluing the competency and qualifications of others.

Now to the famous radio Montserrat/BBC radio programme of Monday June 26^th. I listened to the Chief Minister saying that things are not normal, that Montserratians are still facing difficulties here and the British are going about everything as if it is business as usual. However according to George Foulkes this was not the impression he got when speaking to other Montserratians and then he mentioned the name Adelina. I take it to mean that he meant our sole lady minister. Comrades take it how you want and interpret it how you want. The impression that I got when listening to Foulkes is that according to the lady Minister everything is going well on this island. Comrades, we know that this is the farthest thing from the truth.

This is a matter that some people seem to have gone into denial about. But look round you fellow Montserratians. There is still need for housing for persons from the evacuated areas. The soft or is it hard mortgage scheme is said to be soon coming on board yet it still seems to be in limbo. We still have no airport facility and no move by the British to assist us in getting a proper one. The grass strip that they plan for Gerald’s will be taking us back in time not bringing us forward. There is still no operating threatre at the hospital. Radio Montserrat is still operating on FM only. The roads are in a serious state of disrepair. In my opinion the chief scientist is forced to leave because there is one set of rules for the British and another for Montserratians. Projects take a year and a half to from planning to completion. We are still being bogged down with bureaucratic red tape and the list goes on and on and on. Montserratians are still facing very hard and difficult times. Yes, I do agree that the British and the Montserrat governments should be working as partners in a spirit of co-operation. But could this be done when the British continue to play the dominating role, basically saying, what they think is good for us. What they think is workable. What we as a country can or cannot accept and this list also continues. This is not a partnership. This in my opinion is tantamount to a dictatorship. Remember at one time it was pointed out by a minister that the British stonewall just about every project put forward by the government of Montserrat. Comrades, I need not remind you that no matter which way we turn the British will always be the masters of rhetoric and diplomacy. Now as to how one may or may not have interpreted what Foulkes said in relation to his understanding of what the minister said. I personally interpreted Foulkes as saying the minister basically meant that things were going well here. Again we know this is not so. But at the same time in my opinion it showed to BBC’s listening world much to our shame, differences of ideas and opinions within our government. I will say no more, than, this is bad and most detrimental to our overall development.

Comrades we have made so many mistakes throughout this volcanic crisis era that we should be adept at getting things right by now. We have gone through so much negotiations with the British and others that by now we should be able to reasonably navigate around the bureaucratic red tape with which we are being surrounded. Our benefactors whether in England or here in Montserrat must stop speaking with forked tongues and try to right their own shortcoming before they criticise someone’s else’s. But comrades how do we expect to achieve all this when there is no cohesiveness. We need to learn to work together as one before we can enter into partnerships with others. Remember the saying, a country divide among itself will fall, this is where we are heading for in my opinion there is serious division somewhere when everybody is not saying the same thing albeit in different words. Again, I issue the call to Montserratians to Awake, Work and Unite before it is too late for we have a country to build.

Brothers and sisters thank you for listening to today’s edition of labour speaks.

General Secretary

Everyone has a responsibility to make sure that food is handled, stored and prepared in ways which will make it safe to eat. Unsafe foods can make us sick, and in some ways we may even die.

Illness caused from food is mainly due to harmful germs called bacteria. Bacteria grow and multiply fast where conditions are moist and warm and where there is a source of food. No wonder they thrive in our warm, moist Caribbean climate and in foods such as chicken, liver and other meats, milk, fish, creamy dishes and other "rich’ foods such as coal slaw, scalloped potato, pasta and potato salad.

Once food becomes contaminated, there is a short lag period. Then the bacteria begin multiplying rapidly, doubling in quantity every 15-30 minutes.

Most harmful bacteria in food are not destroyed when food is refrigerated or frozen. Refrigeration only slows down their growth. The bacteria will become active again as soon as the food is put at room temperature or after thawing.

There are two types of food-related illnesses:

1. Illness which results from eating or drinking food contaminated with harmful germs or chemicals used to control pests.
2. Illness which results from eating or drinking food in which bacteria or moulds have grown for sometime and have developed a toxin or poison.

Here are some tips for producing, buying, preparing and storing food safely especially now we are into the Hurricane season.

• Use clean water to water your vegetable garden and to wash dishes and prepare foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables to be eaten raw, preferably under running water.
• Avoid buying or using any food that has a musty odor or is off-color. Harmful substances may be building up in it.
• Discard foods that show signs of cottony white or green spots (moulds). Mould on cheese can be scraped away and the cheese used.
• Be alert to health conditions which may make you or any other food handler unfit to handle food. Some of theses are diarrhea, skin rashes especially on hands and arms.
• Practice good personal hygiene.
• Wash your hand with soap and water after using the toilet, after any clean-up operation, after blowing your nose or after handling dirty materials;
• Take a daily bath, wear clean clothes and keep your hair clean and tidy
• Do not comb your hair, pick your nose, smoke or sing when preparing or serving food.
• Keep your kitchen and cooking utensils clean and tidy.
• Keep your pets out of food preparation and eating areas.
• Store poison in labeled containers away from foods.
• Do not store kerosene, paint thinners or other chemicals in unlabelled beverage bottles.
• Get your food from a reliable clean source.
• Select good quality food. Food should be clean, sound, with a good smell and color, free from insect, rat or mouse bites, moulds and bruises; not shriveled or limp and not from cans which are dented, swollen, rusty or unlabelled. Egg shells should be whole, not cracked.
• Prepare clean food. Scrub and wash with soap and water the boards, surfaces and utensils with which raw meat and fish come into contact. Cut bread or other food which will not be cooked, on different boards from those used for raw meats. Wash hands and foods.
• Cook foods well. Cook meat, fish and chicken until well done. Stewing and boiling are good ways of ensuring that food is well done.
• Prevent foods from spoiling. Buy small quantities of perishables if you do not have a refrigerator or other appropriate forms of storage. Cook enough food for one meal only if you cannot store the leftovers properly. Eat food right after cooking. Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator and use them quickly. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When you go shopping, pick up frozen and perishable foods last. Put away perishable and frozen foods in the refrigerator as soon as you get home after shopping.
• Use clean water to make ice, and to prepare drinks and other foods.
• Prevent contamination from flies, rats, chemicals: cover foods from flies; do not spray chemicals around uncovered food.

For the hurricane season here are some general Shopping Guidelines:

• Buy foods that do not need refrigeration, such as canned, salted and packaged foods.
• Buy foods that – are easily stored
• Do not take up much room
• Are easily prepared and served
• Buy foods that do not need cooking, such as corned beef, sardines, crackers etc.
• Include enough fresh fruits and vegetables to last a few days if available.
• Don’t forget emergency fuel- coal and coal pot, kerosene, matches
• Try to keep some supplies always in stock to avoid being caught out in case disaster strikes before weekend or month end.

Remember don’t take your health for granted whether young or old. Keep food clean, keep it covered and keep it cold.

Jus wonderin what Solomon and St. Paul have to do with assisting the Montserratian evacuees, because I am non the wiser.

Jus wonderin who the manager of the MCST tryin to kid.
Just wonderin if the manager of the Montserrat Community Support Trust, did not wonder if it was not for the input of MAC89 &MOPPA, 'the Trust would never had been', or is there no apparent need to magnify this.

Jus wonderin what is happening again with the gas situation.

Jus wonderin when we would have a gynecologist on the island.

Jus wonderin what has become the talk of a public cemetery, isn’t the cemetery at Carrs Bay full enough.

Jus wonderin if the Puma at Silver Hill was caught.

Jus wonderin how many hamburgers Mc Donalds will have to sell before it can obtain the required funds for the playground.

Jus wonderin if after they finish collecting for the hamburgers, the minister would be around to see the completion of the playground.

Jus wonderin if the Bad notes are still in circulation.

Jus wonderin if the investors for the Little Bay project are reconsidering why nothing has started as yet.

Jus wonderin why the Printery girls love black skirts so.

Jus wonderin if there is a weakness for sweetness with those girls.

Jus wonderin how come my business and your business is everybody’s business.

Jus wonderin if the new town architects have withdrawn the charges.

Jus wonderin why Britain is staying so long to make their delivery.

Jus wonderin if Montserratians were Falklanders, they would have so much problems getting the allocated AID.

Jus wonderin if it is only by providing housing that the government can be catalyze the economy.

Jus wonderin if DFID really have them scruntin and beggin to carry out their every day function.

Jus wonderin if the authorities of water really feel that Montserratians can pay more for anything, especially for items like water that they must use, and especially there are no rivers to provide substitute water.

Jus wonderin when the authority for electricity will come to render the British strong, of Make Dem Pay More.

Jus wonderin if the time is coming when we will begin to pay for choosing to stay in the volcano land.

Jus wonderin if it is the same master spreading the news that Montserrat is going to sink when they help digging hole to sink it economically.

Jus wonderin who is spreading the false news that the volcano is going to blow big time again soon.

Jus wonderin how come and why FCO and DFID rules are different for their kids under 12 years.

Jus wonderin if it all come down to high-up civil servant money laundering.

The Government of Montserrat is accepting applications for the Soft Mortgage Housing Loan. Households interested in applying are invited to collect information sheet and application forms from the Housing Unit.

The Mortgage and Housing Project (Soft Mortgage Scheme) provides mortgage finance for persons who have been evacuated and who wish to build a house in areas north of Belham. The Bank of Montserrat will be lending up to a maximum $120,000 for the construction of a house and up to $30,000 for the purchase of land on which to build. The duration of the loan can be up to twenty-five (25) years at an interest rate at around 8.5%. DFID will provide funding for a subsidy to the borrowers of both the house mortgage and the loan for the land, but the amount of the subsidy will depend on the level of housing need.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:

1. The applicants must have relocated from the areas south of Belham.

2. Preference will be given to those residing in Montserrat and who are from the Exclusion Zone.

3. Applicants off island may apply but preference will be given to those on island.

4. Applicants cannot own another dwelling house in the north and the proposed residence must be used as the applicant’s principal place of residence.

5. Beneficiaries from other subsidized permanent housing schemes such as Materials Grants and Direct Build will be excluded.

6. Land on which the applicants wish to build must be clearly owned by the applicants or leased for a period equivalent to the life of the loan plus five years.

7. Gross household income must be between EC$2,000 and EC$6500 per month.

8. Cash in the Bank and other cash assets must not exceed than $50,000.

Applicant will need to sign a legal Grant Agreement stating that the subsidy or grant will be used in accordance with the objectives stated on application form.

The process

Applicants must first obtain application forms from, and return completed forms to, the Housing Unit. The Soft Mortgage Committee will decide on the level of subsidy based on the housing need.

There will be two types of loans available to applicants wishing to apply for the scheme.

1. Applicants requiring loan for construction of a house, will receive subsidy based on the identified need. The loan cannot be less than the level of subsidy. The subsidy plus the loan cannot exceed $120,000.

The following are the maximum subsidy levels for the construction of the house.

2. Applicants requiring an additional loan for purchasing land on which to build will also receive a subsidy based on the identified housing need. The subsidy will be based on 27% this loan. The loan for the land plus the subsidy cannot exceed $30,000.

The following are the maximum subsidy levels that may be given for the purchase of land and construction of the house.

3. Applicants who have previously obtained a loan to purchase the land on which they now intend to build may qualify for a loan to pay off the outstanding principle. In this case applicants will have to produce verifiable evidence that the loan was obtained after 1^st January 1996.

In this case the subsidy cannot exceed $8,100 (27% of the maximum loan allowed in this category).

Selection Procedure

1. The applicant returns the forms and other relevant documents to the Housing Unit where the information is verified and processed.

2. Eligible applicants will be submitted to the Soft Mortgage Scheme selection Committee (Comprising a representative each from the Housing Unit, Community Services Department, and the Montserrat Christian Council).

3. The Selection Committee makes decision and Housing Unit submits forms and recommendation to the Bank of Montserrat for the loan and subsidy amounts.

4. Bank of Montserrat will further process the applications and notify applicant of result.