.

Activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano "has been at a higher level" since July 20 and scientists have declared the St. Georges Hill area out-of-bounds, a statement from Government House said yesterday.

"The St. Georges Hill area of the Daytime Entry Zone is now closed to access and will be out of bounds until further notice. The access roads to St. Georges Hill will be temporarily blocked to traffic," according to the statement which Chief Scientist of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) Dr. Simon Young said was drafted with his input.

Other areas in the Daytime Entry Zone are "not considered to be at risk" and were expected to be reopened to the public shortly during daylight hours after closure Wednesday afternoon.

Taxi drivers, residents and visitors who want to see the dome and the result of the volcanic activity have been "urged" to do so from Jack Boy Hill off the Eastern Main Road "until further notice."

The Chief Scientist, who is also Director of the MVO, assured visitors and tourists they were safe; "So long as you follow the advice of the Montserrat authorities, you are perfectly safe to visit Montserrat, " he said, adding that that is "The whole point of having the Exclusion Zone."

Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Morson lauded members of the public for their cooperation with the order that the area be closed.  "They are very cooperative, there is no conflict and they are very understanding. They know whatever action is taken is in their own interest for their safety," Morson told the Montserrat Reporter.  He acknowledged that the gate at Belham was unmanned but assured that patrols were deployed regularly around and in the Exclusion Zone.

The decision to close the St Georges Hill area , the statement said, was due to "the higher probability of explosive eruptions" which might cause a small collapse of the Gages side of the dome.  In such activity, which could include pyroclastic flows, swarms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes and explosions, a large and mobile surge cloud could be generated.

The statement noted that pyroclastic flows from dome collapses, swarms of volcano-tectonic earthquakes, explosions and flow surges "have destroyed previously untouched vegetation in the south of the island.

The Chief Scientist said that the only area affected was one valley down Roach’s Mountain.

The Chief Scientist noted that the current volcanic activity was part of the winding down phase of the volcano, but that the 14 hours between the 10:30 Tuesday night and 12:30 Wednesday afternoon eruptions was the closest time-frame between eruptions in nearly two years.  "As of now, we are back to background level but I mean that could change within minutes, but it does seem to settle down again," he told the Montserrat Reporter.  "The surge cloud is the fine-ash part of the pyroclastic flow. It’s much more mobile, it moves much further and it’s very hot…it is associated with all pyroclastic flows but these particular flows that we are having at the moment seem to have a much larger surge cloud associated with them which makes them more dangerous," Mr. Young added.

The Chief Scientist declined to say "definitively" whether there was new dome growth or the presence of fresh lava because poor weather prevented a detailed assessment of the dome itself.  "We feel that at the moment it is not because of the way the deposits look, they are not dominantly fresh magma, they are older rocks from the lava dome and from the surrounding areas," he said.
Key observations from a helicopter-view around 6:00 a.m. (East Caribbean Time) Thursday , he said, revealed that the two gas-induced explosions left a " widespread surge of hot ash" and pyroclastic flows in the Tar River Valley, White River Valley and Upper Tuitts.  The explosions, he noted, in the last two days also resulted in collapses of sections of the unstable lava dome.

Concerned about a EC$5 service charge on savings accounts at Royal Bank of Canada’s branch here, government has written that bank and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), but a top official of Royal Bank has declined to say if the Regional or International Headquarters were consulted before the charge was introduced.

Responding to a question about government’s position on the charge by former Chief Minister Reuben Meade at Tuesday’s sitting of the Legislative Council, Chief Minister David Brandt said government has written Royal Bank expressing concern about the "imposition" of that charge.

"The government of Montserrat views this as an additional burden on ordinary Montserratians," he said.

The Chief Minister disclosed that government has also requested the advice of the ECCB about "whether it is legal or not" to introduce such a charge, which would be effective at the end of July.

One irate customer of Royal Bank condemned the decision to have the service charge and vowed to close her account.

"I feel it is stupidness…ignorance, because taking $5 out of people’s accounts every month is advantage. Are we working for them? I disagree totally and I am moving my money from there and take it to Bank of Montserrat," she told the Montserrat Reporter.

Manager (Operations-Customer Services) of Royal Bank (Montserrat) Edmund Roberts confirmed that he has received a letter from government on the matter but said, "if a response is warranted, it will be forthcoming very soon."

While declining to make a statement at the moment, the Bank Manager said the EC$5 charge was introduced as a "policy decision."

He also refused to say what influenced the decision to have the service charge and whether it was made in consultation with the Barbados-based Regional Headquarters of Royal Bank or the International Headquarters of the Bank, based in Canada.

"It’s a Royal Bank policy position and I don’t think it’s germaine about where it (the charge decision) originated from," Mr. Roberts told the Montserrat Reporter.

Royal Bank’s operations here span a period of about 80 years.

About 40- roaming donkeys on the island are to get their EC$40-thousand ferry passage to Grenada next month through assistance from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Donkey Protection Trust (IDPT), a top official British aid official here said Friday.

Head of Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID) Mr. Doug Houston said the money is expected to be provided next month.

"They seemed to have managed to find some funding to do the donkey capture and funding for shipment of the excess animals to Grenada," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

The money, which was provided after lobbying by the British Donkey Sanctuary that has links to the WSPA and IDPT, would include at least EC$10,000 for the round-up of the animals.

Authorities expect that about 10 or 15 of the captured donkeys would be sold to local farmers.

Revised figures by Agriculture Ministry officials put the estimated total population of stray donkeys at 200.

Even though the proposal was expected to be ratified last Wednesday, Mr. Houston expressed confidence that the money would definitely be forthcoming.

Governor Anthony Abbott, in an interview earlier this week, said authorities wanted to ensure the continued existence of the animals which have been destroying crops and gardens and damaging some of the unoccupied houses at Look Out village.

"At least we hope to avoid a massive shoot on Montserrat. We would like to see these animals kept alive and sent to a place that can get them a good home," he said.

Other potential new homelands for the animals, many of which have been abandoned by their owners who fled the island during the past four years of volcanic activity, are Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti and Jamaica is being explored.

When Feuding Cousins Stand as One, Progress Could Muffle the Chuckling

Many will argue that Tuesday’s sitting of the Legislative Council (LEGCO) epitomized present day political dynamics on Montserrat and clearly showed our strengths and weakness in a society where a colonial ethos has intensified and permeated all strata. The session began with the usual questions for the Ministers of Government by Members of the Opposition. The questioning was dominated by the Honourable Member for Central, Reuben Meade, who began with the Honourable Minister responsible for Agriculture and Housing, before moving on to the Honourable Minister of Education, Health and Community Services.

This exercise seemed to be a testing ground for Mr. Meade as he prepared for battle with the Honourable Chief Minister. What happened throughout could be considered a routine in the life of LEGCO as Montserratians via ZJB were served a dose of teasing, innuendo, sarcasm, frivolity, humour and castigation between M.P Meade and C.M Brandt. Without a doubt many of us listened and some smiled and laughed as these two, who can be considered the most significant political forces presently on island, tangled, using every opportunity to point out the other’s faults. The Chief Minister in a response managed to slide home a punch about Mr. Meade’s alleged shares in Montserrat Rice Mills and Mr. Meade struck back by asking the C.M if he had shares in Cable TV. This continued for almost an hour, as they both sweated under the lazy, swirling ceiling fans at McChesney’s.

The two men goaded each other and like before, it seemed as if their onslaughts took precedence over the purpose of LEGCO, which is to debate and institute laws for the people of Montserrat. At times the microphone picked up comments emanating from the session of their familial ties as cousins, and there was much chuckling.

However, another highlighted side to Tuesday’s LEGCO showed the potential for positive things, when C.M David Brandt and M.P Rueben Meade united on an issue. Both of these men, along with other Members of Parliament, stood in unison to call for a reduction in the powers of the Governor. This act of unity symbolised the dreams of many if not all Montserratians who wish to see a focused political leadership articulating our aspirations and representing us efficiently at all levels.

If Mr. David Brandt, Mr. Rueben Meade et al can realise their full potential as leaders through this route, our island will be better for it. Especially with these two men, who are both ambitious and hungry for results, it would be difficult not to see our island having more success in, not only negotiating projects with DFID and the United Kingdom, but seeing them realise meaningful and indeed sustained growth and development.

With these two Honourable gentlemen, who could possibly be front runners in general elections scheduled for 2001, working in tandem, there will be no colonial shenanigans that could not be conquered. As some Montserratians seriously consider aspects of more autonomy, because of the scant regard given to our requests by the British Government, such cooperation between our leaders must not stop. They must advocate and represent our views in a time of crisis, when the norm cannot be used as the rule. We need initiative and innovative leaders who can tackle the challenges of the 21^st century. There are just too many issues to be looked at in this island territory which is still struggling under the challenges of the Soufriere Hills Volcano. If Both the C.M and Mr. Meade transferred the time and effort which they evidently put into ridiculing each other towards reviewing policy papers, this island and its residents would not be still struggling so desperately to rise from the ashes.

Sure, the Governor himself and those on the other side may grin with and at us, but not hear or even be concerned with the fact that this must be the beginning of what should not be too arduous an opportunity for Montserrat to move forward in becoming grownups who wish to seek and chart their own destiny. And just as the legislators attempted to show, let us begin by having our elected leaders determine the actions, that affect the lives of us all. If we do not begin now, the question has to be now, when? Yes, let's make sure that those parts of the white paper that we believe to be mere words, be put into action.

Now in more ways than one, the momentum must not be lost.

Except for the editorial, opinion articles expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the Montserrat Reporter editors, employees or advisers. Readers are encouraged to submit commentary articles. All viewpoints, unless libelous, in poor taste, or anonymous, are welcome. Send your contributions to The Editor, P.O. Box 306, Olveston, Montserrat, W. I., e-mail: editor@montserratreporter.org. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a return stamped envelope. The Montserrat Reporter is a privately owned independent newspaper.

Dear Mr. Editor,

Our forefathers led this country into a new area, when they championed the cause and fought for the rights of Montserratians to elect our own leaders. This is the legacy that we have inherited, and with it comes the right to free speech. We should strive each day to ensure that this legacy is maintained and not corrupted or contaminated. Democracy and free speech for us is not just a privilege, but a right.

One of the things I admire about the Americans and the British is their belief in freedom of speech, although at times I think that they pursue this almost fanatically. But one should be able to express oneself freely and without fear, as long as one is not being libelous and/or scandalous. Any attempt to prevent one from exercising their right to free speech can be deemed unconstitutional and those attempting to stifle free speech in violation of a democratic right.

One should be able to speak up for his rights, or the rights of his fellow man, without fear of retribution, but he must do so responsibly. If an accusation is being made, the facts must be presented to substantiate it. Too often we hear about allegations made, but no factual evidence presented to back it up. One must be prepared to give credence to the wild insinuations which they spew forth and should be made accountable for irresponsible speech.

At times, many people remain silent in the face of adversity, because they fear victimisation. But all it needs for evil to strive is for good men to sit back and do (or say) nothing. Those who attempt to silence or censor free speech may be deemed to have something to hide. Those who try to stifle the truth wish to impart a legacy of lies. However, the truth can only be based on facts, not empty whimsical ideals.

Unfortunately, there are also many wolves in sheep skins, those who profess to have the welfare of the people at heart but who are only seeking to fulfil their own selfish designs. It is amazing how some people are capable of doing everything short of calling fire from heaven and can promise to knock the earth off its axis. However, when they are in a position to make good their words, they cannot even strike a match; they gorge themselves in the power of their position or in their ability to make convincingly sounding speeches. Reminiscent of the book Animal Farm,, when the pigs led the farm revolution and threw out the farmer and appointed themselves lords and rulers. They used the bad dogs as their enforcers and the sheep to spread their propaganda. They sold the horse to the butchers when he had worked himself sick and was no longer useful. It is amazing that at the end of the story, the ten rules drawn up soon after the revolution had evolved into something else, and it was almost impossible to tell the difference between the pigs and the farmer whom they evicted.

We must fight to maintain our democratic rights and more so, our right to free speech and expression. We must do this while being always cognizant of our duty to speak out responsibly and truthfully at all times. I will repeat that any attempt to deny anyone this constitutes an infringement on their democratic right. Not a privilege, but a right passed onto us by our forefathers. I am exercising my right to freely express myself but I would like to believe that I do so responsibly. I fear no retribution (should I?) for I firmly believe that it is the Almighty God who shares bread, not any man who walks this earth. However, I am only one voice, and there are many more out there that are more deserving of being heard than me. If an entire nation speaks with one voice, they are invincible. If all the people share a vision, the nation will prosper.

I would like to believe that we are our brothers' keepers. We are responsible to seek justice and speak up for those who are less fortunate and/or less eloquent than we are for we do not know when our time will come. We must exercise our right to free speech now but we must do so responsibly. If we remain locked in our little worlds of fear and uncertainty, we will lose our right to free speech forever.

via e-mail: darren.roache@diamond.co.uk

The crowds come to Jesus bringing their cripples, their deformed, their blind and mute, and many others beside. Bringing them to Jesus was no easy task for Jesus had gone up in the mountains and the people had to follow him for literally days. Some kind of real faith and expectation must have been at work in these people or they would not have made this great effort. Yet when Jesus responded to their expectations and cured the needy there was great astonishment. These people came with expectations but when their expectations were fulfilled, they were astonished. Paradox!

Doesn’t this in some way reflect our own prayer experience? We pray because we have some faith and we expect the Lord to respond yet when the Lord does in some wondrous way respond to our prayer, we are astonished. We have faith but it is pretty weak. Like the father of demon-possessed boy in the Gospel, we need to pray: Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Our prayers are so rarely answered with astonishing results because we waver so much in our hearts. Jesus has told us that if we do not waver so much in our hearts. Jesus has told us that if we do not waver, even mountains will move in response to prayer.

NEWS BRIEFS

Agriculture officials are investigating reports that the Pawpaw Mealy Bug has found its way on the island, a top government official said Thursday.
"A report is being investigated but I don’t have any actual confirmation," Agriculture Minister Mr. Percival Bramble told the Montserrat Reporter.
Bramble said that he was unsure what the facts about the Pawpaw Mealy Bug were but pointed out that "a question was raised and we are now researching it."
Cassava and pawpaw are known to be the target plants for the Pawpaw Mealy Bug.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which three years ago set up a wasp and beetle breeding programme for the Virgin Islands to attack and kill the Pink Mealy Bug, might have to approached by USVI authorities to develop another biological control for the Papaya (Pawpaw) Mealy Bug.
Henry Schuster, head of the Agriculture Department in the Virgin Islands, said the stingless wasp against the Pink Mealy Bug was not working against the Papaya Mealy Bug.
Using pesticides against the Papaya Mealy Bug is said to be ineffective. The chemicals do not penetrate the female mealybug's waxy coating, and the spray also destroys crops.

The Royal Montserrat Police Force is rejecting claims by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) that lawmen are probing the surfacing of counterfeit bills on this island.

"The police have not received any notice from the ECCB. Normally they would have done if there is evidence or suspicion then they would notify the police to investigate," Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Morson told the Montserrat Reporter.

The ECCB, in a July 29 statement issued through its agency office here, listed Montserrat, among a number of other sister islands of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) where "several incidents of counterfeiting are currently under investigation by police."

No details about the counterfeit bills purported to be circulating in Montserrat, Grenada and St Lucia, such as serial numbers, were provided by the ECCB.

The sub-regional Central Bank headquartered in St. Kitts said it was "urging the public to be vigilant and to exercise due caution when accepting notes, particularly at night and in dimly lit situations."

Warning that anyone caught in possession of the bogus bills ran the risk of facing prosecution, the ECCB advised that anyone coming into contact with the false bills should contact the nearest police station.

The bogus old issue EC$50 notes that have surfaced in St.Kitts and Nevis bear the serial number A439630K, while the new issue EC$50 bills bear the numbers A772187K; A708005K; A735347K and A773997K.

The false EC$100 bills in St. Kitts and Nevis bear the number A647422K, the ECCB statement said.

The EC$50 notes that have surfaced so far in Antigua bear the same serial number, B122403A, while the EC$100 notes bear the number B361417A, the ECCB added.

The public has been advised to be on the lookout for a range of security features that include, on the front left hand side of any note, a watermark of Queen Elizabeth, which can only be seen when the note is held up to the light.

On the front right hand side of the note, a security thread, incorporated into the paper at the manufacturing stage.

On all of the new banknotes, the fish in the bottom left hand corner on the front are in perfect alignment with those on the back.

Each individual note bears a unique serial number, printed vertically on the left-hand side and horizontally on the right hand side of these notes.

Persons who think they may have come into possession of counterfeit notes should take them to the nearest police station or take them to the ECCB Headquarters or Agency Offices.

All genuine banknotes are printed on special paper that gives them a unique feel.

Brochures detailing the security features of the notes have been distributed to the territories and are available at ECCB Headquarters and commercial banks in St Kitts and the ECCB Agency Offices and Commercial Banks throughout the territories.

The Montserrat Volcano (UK) Fund, chaired by Tony Wade MBE, will lead a group from the UK and Montserrat to show their appreciation to the people of Ireland for their continued support to the ongoing volcano crisis while stimulating investment and further fund-raising opportunities, local Coordinator for the visit Mr. Brunell Meade said today.

Meade , Legislative Council Member for Plymouth and Advisor to the Chief Minister on Industrial Policy, said that among the objectives of the August 5- 8 visit include the further strengthening of ties between Ireland and Montserrat.

Focus is expected to be on the promotion of cultural tourism between the two territories as a "niche" market and the "exploitation and identification" of commercial and industrial development opportunities, he said.

Ireland was previously instrumental in playing a "foundational role" in identifying investment prospects for contractual partners during the early days of the electronic appliance assembly company, Webb and Webb.

In addition to Meade, the delegation is expected to include Chief Minister Mr. David Brandt, and Director of Tourism Ms. Ernestine Cassell and Executive Director of both the St. Patrick’s Credit Union and the National Development Foundation (NDF) Mrs. Roselyn Cassell Sealey.

A statement from Rudy Page, managing director of the British-based StateCraft Consulting said that the itinerary includes receptions for the Irish League of Credit Unions in Dublin and a spefefcial appreciation evening for Michael D Higgins TD, at the Clarinbridge Court Hotel, Galway, on Saturday 7th August.

Mr Higgins’s film "The other Emerald Isle", screened on channel 4 in the UK, first brought the historical ties of two Islands to wider public attention. His film has also inspired this tour and the proposed development of a Multimedia Centre for Training and Enterprise on the island of Montserrat to promote Education and the Creative Industries.

Montserrat is the only Caribbean Island with historical ties with Ireland and it’s musicians, dancers and young people still perform traditional Irish songs with an African flavour which has developed into the unique vibrant style now known as Caribbean music.

The Oriole Stringband, who made a big impact at the recent Stroke Newington Festival, will perform traditional Irish Folk songs at the receptions and hope to make an appearance at a local Irish Festival.

The visit has been arranged by CIE Tours International.

A quarter of visiting Americans played host this week in their rented villa on Palm Loop in Woodlands to the Rotary Club of Montserrat.

The hosts, who are no strangers to the island, are members of the Vineland Breakfast Rotary Club of New Jersey. They are George Lods, president-elect, Francis M. Ciancarelli, Craig Urie and John Scapellati.

Charmaine Daley, president of the local club, introduced the visiting Rotarians, who explained that they were visiting Montserrat to look for new opportunities to help the island.

Past contributions from the Vineland club include installation of a kitchen at the Seventh Day Adventist shelter, the purchase of 100 cots for possible emergency needs at the Shelter, and the donation of a range of sports equipment to the Rotary Club of Montserrat's project for youth activities.

George Lods and Francis Ciancarelli described their club’s current project, which underwrites the drilling of fresh water wells in areas of South Africa where tainted surface water threatens the health of those forced to drink it.

President Daley and Past President Julian Romeo outlined the local club’s projects to preserve the musical culture of Montserrat, to improve agriculture through the promotion of hydroponics and, in cooperation with the Montserrat National Trust, to beautify and maintain the public grounds at Woodlands Bay Beach.

Members of both clubs vowed to stay in close touch via the Internet as new opportunities for service to Montserrat arise.

Montserrat is expected to have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to help employees and their families grapple with problems at home and work which can affect on-the-job performance

This follows the participation of a Montserratian representative at a Senior Management Training Workshop held in Trinidad from July 19 to 23.

"At the end of the workshop, participants were asked to develop an Action Plan for implementation of an Employee Assistance Programme in their respective organization/ country," said Principal Nursing Officer Ms. Valerie Lewis, who participated in the workshop.

It is envisaged that such an Action Plan could cut "the high human and financial costs" to industry and the community that might be incurred through absenteeism, lateness for work, poor productivity, high staff turnover, friction between employees, and accidents in the work place, among others.

The main purposes of the workshop were to disseminate information about the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and to initiate and lead the design process for introducing and managing effective Employee Assistance Programmes.

Ms. Lewis said she believes that an EAP would be useful in offering employees and their immediate families the opportunity to obtain professional assistance through counselling.

"On many occasions," she said, "these problems, difficulties and concerns can be resolved before they impact upon the employee’s work performance."

Areas dealt with in the course content included Cost benefit analysis, Case studies of successful Employee Assistance Programmes and Data requirements to start an Employee Assistance Programme.

"The Workshop was very enlightening, informative and valuable and in my view Montserrat can benefit greatly from such a programme," Nurse Lewis remarked.

Just three months ahead of a meeting with Chief Ministers of remaining British colonies and a Consultative Council under the Chairmanship of Baroness Symons, Montserrat’s Governor Anthony Abbott is ditching any idea of Chief Ministers having a say in who should be appointed Governors.

Governor Abbott’s position, as laid down by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), responds to a declaration by Montserrat’s Chief Minister David Brandt that he and other Chief Ministers would be proposing to choose the Governors of their territories and report on their performance as a yardstick for renewal.

Referring to a recent response by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on the matter raised by a House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Gov. Abbott noted that committee was opposed to such consultations with representatives of local government and political opinion.

"They wouldn’t consider it appropriate to give locally elected governments a veto over gubernatorial appointments," he said.

There have been fears in some quarters of the United Kingdom (UK) administration that the roles and functions of Governors of remaining British colonies could become locally politicized and they could be seen as obligated to those who chose them.
And according to Montserrat’s Governor, "There is a risk, of course, that any formal consultation in advance may make a Governor’s position untenable if that appointment did not have the local support at the selection stage."

The Montserratian Chief Minister has said that he and his counterparts planned to make a case for the perusal of the curriculum vitae of possible candidates for the position of Governor.
The British dependent territories in the Caribbean are Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Montserrat.
The Chief Ministers of those territories are expected to argue for being privy to the contents of the Governors’ reports about their islands to British government and for an opportunity to file similar reports on the performance of Governors, regarded as the Heads of State of dependent territories.
"What happens is this -- if he is reporting on himself, he is going to give a good report, so we have to report on him too because he reports on us so that they can have a basis for judging him," explained Mr. Brandt, a British-trained lawyer.

But the Governor defended the system being used to appoint persons to that position as one that was "taken extremely seriously" by the British Government.

"An enormous amount of effort is taken to ensure the suitability of Governors to the territories to which they are appointed," Gov. Abbott said.

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) is now expected to be put on a "proper footing" with its establishment as a legal institution with its own Board of Directors and laid-down rules.

"It is important that the MVO should be put on a proper footing. This Bill will achieve that aim," Attorney General Mr. Charles Ekins told the Legislative Council in opening debate on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory Act 1999 on Tuesday.

In his contribution to the debate, Opposition Member for Central Reuben Meade appealed for the continued involvement of the Seismic Research Unit of the Trinidad-based St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies, given their excellent track-record in assisting in the early days of the volcanic activity.

"They (Seismic Research Unit) are very poor compared to the British government and the British Geological Survey, but in terms of the integrity of their service and the quality of their service, its par excellence," Mr. Meade, a former Chief Minister, told the House.

He pointed out that the Seismic Research Unit was being sidelined in recent times in the operations of the MVO. "Are they being kicked out unceremoniously?" he asked.

Current Chief Minister David Brandt, however, assured the Legislative Council that the Seismic Research Unit would "continue to monitor the volcano."

Noting that he was in constant contact with the Seismic Research Unit, Mr. Brandt said that while that UWI arm could not "dedicate" someone to the MVO as a chairman, because they had to participate in international programs and assess other seismic activity, the unit would "play a part" in managing the local observatory.

The Chief Minister also made out a case for the continued involvement of Montserratians in the management and operation of the MVO, so that the island could make maximum use of its skills, rather than being a source of experience for expatriates.

"The time has come when people who visit, we have to reduce their numbers because whatever experience they gain, they will take it with them and go some other place, but if we have locals and they learn something here, they will continue to be here for some time," Mr. Brandt said.

Under the MVO Act 1999, there would be a Board of Directors of no less than six and no more than nine persons, with the Governor and the Chief Minister as co-chairmen, while the Director would also be Secretary to the Board.

Among the responsibilities of the Board would be the recruiting of a suitable person for the post of Director, procurement, funding and defining the overall policy of the MVO.

The Board of Directors would also have to appoint a Board of Operations to "deal with the day-to-day management of the MVO."

The responsibilities of the Director, according to the MVO Act, would be the reporting on the status of volcanic activity in a "regular and timely manner" and the efficient collection and analysis of data necessary to monitor volcanic activity on Montserrat.

The new law also provides for ensuring that the observatory is properly staffed to maintain "an appropriate level of monitoring" and the acquisition of external advice as required from regional and extra-regional centres of expertise in scientific disciplines related to volcanic activity.

The Board would also have to show how funding provided to the MVO is spent by preparing and publishing annual statements of income and expenditure.

The participation of Montserratians in Canada’s Seasonal Farm Workers Programme would not impact on the island’s need to ensure that it retains as much of its skilled, qualified and experienced citizens given the brain-drain caused by four years of volcanic activity, Labour Commissioner Mr. Peter West said.

"That doesn’t have anything to do with having enough labour on the island…It wouldn’t impinge on that at all. There are some regular guys who go to Canada and still have their jobs here. They go seasonally, it’s not through the whole year," Mr. West told the Montserrat Reporter.

The Labour Commissioner noted that instead of the four persons selected to participate in the August to November programme, eight should have gone but "mass migration" associated with the volcano had prevented Montserrat from satisfying its quota under the agreement between the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member countries and Canada.

Overall, between 1989 and 1998, the number of workers from the OECS dropped by about 50 percent, from more than 700 to 360.

Montserrat is at present seeking to develop a pool of workers between 18 and 45 years old to participate in the programme in coming years.

The workers would be involved in the harvesting of vegetables and apples, among other things, during the three-month period.

Some of the workers would be participating in the programme for the first time this year.

Earlier this year, the OECS Liaison Officer for the Caribbean/ Canada Farm Workers’ Scheme, George Griffith, met with Montserratian farm workers to discuss their grievances and what could be done to resolve them.

Farm workers from the OECS region are occupied on 64 farms spread out over Southern Ontario.

Houses at Lookout, Davy Hill and Shinnlands are being insured by NAGICO Insurance, Housing Minister P.Austin Bramble said at Tuesday’s sitting of the Legislative Council.
The insured value for the houses at Lookout would be $120,000, at monthly premiums of $67.50 each, while those at Davy Hill and Shinnlands would be $80,000 per house at $45 per month, he explained.

The decision to have NAGICO insure the houses, he said, was taken last Friday by Executive Council.
"The figures given are the amounts for which the houses have been actually insured," he said.
Mr. Bramble explained that the insurance cost for the houses at all three locations "represents an assessment of what the replacement costs would be."

The Housing Minister attributed the delay in insuring the houses to the adverse effect of the volcanic activity on insurance companies.

"I think everyone knows that the insurance business in Montserrat went through considerable turmoil as a consequence of the volcanic activity, he explained.

He pointed out that the Housing Ministry and Housing Department were negotiating with insurance companies to "arrive at a satisfactory insurance arrangement" which has been brought to a "satisfactory conclusion."

Government Lays Groundwork For Local TV Programming

In a bid to make maximum use of its EC$15,000 per month subsidy to Cable Television (CATV), the Government of Montserrat is moving to have a newscast and discussion programmes on Channel 5.

The actual start-up date would depend on approval of funding for extra staff by the Financial Secretary and the Permanent Secretary (Administration), a top government official said Wednesday.

"Because of the Resource Allocation Review, a case will have to be made to take on additional staff," the official in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat said.

The official said the Resource Allocation Review (RAR) "makes it a little difficult" to begin the production and airing of the programmes.

The programming is expected to include a nightly newscast five times a week , a panel discussion and a call-in programme during the weekend.

"There is a vacuum for local news and supplementary programmes…television makes for a more interesting medium," the official said.

It is envisaged, the official said, that there would be close coordination between Radio Montserrat and the television operation, similar to the model of the Antigua Broadcasting Service, which operates both radio and television arms on that island.

Responding to a question by Legislative Council Member for Central Mr. Reuben Meade about how much money was paid to CATV and "what services are we paying for," Chief Minister David Brandt defended the decision to pay the EC$15,000 per month.

"The company could not have continued from Montserrat revenues and would have ceased its operations here. Therefore there would have been no television for entertainment, especially at night, at the time when the volcanic activity was at its height," Brandt told the House.

He noted that due to the volcanic activity, which resulted in thousands of persons fleeing the islands, the number of customers dwindled from 2,500 to 400, causing the "company to lose almost all its revenues."

The alternative to government’s subsidy, Brandt said, would have been a "significant increase" in rates and so Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Government of Montserrat agreed to pay.

In addition to having access for local programming, other benefits are access to the system for emergency services and the beaming of Radio Montserrat’s programming to areas of the island where the FM signals "cannot reach."

"These persons are still kept informed about national issues and Cable TV has acquired a response alert system so that in the event that the volcano erupts again, we could block out all channels and everybody in Montserrat would have notice of what is happening with the volcano," he said.

In responding to a supplementary question by Mr. Meade, the Chief Minister acknowledged that another application for the provision of Cable TV has been made but "I’m not aware of any application that has been made to save the government $15,000."

Montserrat’s Police are gearing up to tackle any instances of money laundering on the island through the training of its officers, even though that type of crime has not yet surfaced here, according to Police Commissioner Chris Burgess.

"We have to prepare just in case we do get that sort of crime here," he told the Montserrat Reporter.

The training of at least two members of the police forces in Britain’s Overseas Territories is a provision laid down by the British government.

While emphasizing that money laundering has not reared its ugly head here, the Police Commissioner noted that authorities here also have to be on guard against the siphoning off of illegally acquired funds "through any holding company which may set up here."

The White Paper that provides for the strengthening of the partnership between Britain and its remaining colonies also stipulates that they ensure that, among other things, all financial regulations are brought up to "acceptable standards."

Caribbean countries are increasingly being targeted by drug-traffickers in laundering money through businesses.

Delores Lynch, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Corbette of Aymers Ghaut, graduated with honors from Hyde Park High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Deloris recently evacuated because of the volcanic activity and has made Montserrat proud from her achievements thus far. She was recognised in American publication "Who's Who Among American Students in 97 - 98 and again in 1999 and was awarded the Presidents Education Awards in recognition of her outstanding educational improvement.

At Hyde Park High School, Delores excelled in the Academy of Finance Programme and was awarded the Student of the Year for MassPep (a math and science program). Delores' hard work and determination earned her a position in the National Honor Society in her Senior year, which recognised student for their academic excellence, leadership, service and character. She was a member of the varsity softball team and received a trophy for her outstanding effort.

This summer, she was also chosen to participate in the Summer Jobs program that operates through the Boston Private Industry Council and provides teens with summer employment. Delores plans to continue her education in the fall at the college level and currently resides with Peaches and the Perkins family in Boston, Massachusetts.

Scientists at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory have consistently warned that the volcano is still extremely dangerous. Some residents and visitors are entering the Exclusion Zone, ignoring the warnings.

Although there is no evidence that fresh magma is being erupted, the activity at the Soufriere Hills Volcano, since March 1999, has included pyroclastic flows, explosions and periods of ash venting. The dome is still very large and unstable.

Large blocks of hot material can fall off at any time without warning. These dome collapses are extremely dangerous; they often lead to pyroclastic flows which can travel down ANY of the ghauts surrounding the volcano at high speeds.

Explosions sometimes occur as pockets of gas are released from the dome. Other dangers include falling rocks, surge clouds which can spread over wide areas, burning all in their path, and ash clouds leading to ash falls over the entire island.

If there is heavy rain, mudflows can also occur. The dome collapse of Tuesday July 20, 1999, resulted in surges which devastated areas in the far south of the island which had not been previously affected.

The event of last Tuesday was unexpected in scale and as a consequence, it is necessary to emphasize the restriction on entry into the Exclusion Zone.

The Government of Montserrat wishes to remind everyone that entering the Exclusion Zone is dangerous and people doing so are risking their lives and breaking the law. The Exclusion Zone includes such areas as Long Ground, Harris’, Streathams, Lees, Central Plymouth, and areas further south.

Residents and visitors alike are reminded that it is illegal to enter the designated Exclusion Zone. Anyone found in the Zone, other than for Scientific Monitoring or National Security reasons, is subject to arrest and penalties.

The status of the Safe Zone remains unaffected.

A pamphlet giving more detailed advice on the Exclusion Zone will be issued shortly.

The Volcano Emergency Management Group convened a special meeting on Wednesday July 28, to discuss issues surrounding the Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s access to the helicopter in its monitoring exercise, and access to villages in the exclusion zone by residents and visitors.

The VEG group comprises HE Governor Anthony Abbott, Chief Minister David Brandt, along with his cabinet colleagues, the Commissioner of Police, Permanent Secretaries and several other heads from the public and private sectors.

The group looked primarily at the possibility of re-introducing the small helicopter in the monitoring of the volcano, since the large helicopter was unable to get into certain places where MVO equipment have been placed.

The Government of Montserrat has agreed that cost will not be a factor in ensuring that scientists have the necessary tools to effectively monitor the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

As a result, Director of the MVO, Dr. Simon Young, has been asked to present a case to the Department for International Development (DFID) for more flexibility in the use of the current helicopter.

Currently, the MVO has access to the large helicopter for only three hours each week.

Chief Minister David Brandt says it is critically important that the scientists have what is required to monitor the Soufriere Hills volcano effectively and efficiently.

He says rather than considering the cost, the safety of residents and visitors is of paramount importance.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is forecasting growth in at least two sectors of the Montserrat economy during the remainder of 1999.

In its Economic and Financial Review, the Bank says that during this year increased activity is expected in Agriculture and tourism, as the government commits to the development of these sectors.

The report says tractor and fertilizer services are to be provided at subsidized rates, and water collection and storage capability facilities are to be improved in an effort to extend the duration of crop production.

The ECCB review says the re-implementation of import licenses on vegetables is expected to encourage increased production for the domestic market.

It says in tourism, improvements to accommodation facilities are expected to continue.

The Bank says promotion through participation in international trade shows is also expected to reposition Montserrat as a tourist attraction.

The report says a contraction in government’s current account deficit is likely this year, as recurrent expenditure is anticipated to outpace revenue collections.

The Bank says the use of budgetary performance indicators is also expected to act as criteria against which budgetary aid is disbursed.

Following a recent decision by the Government of Montserrat to discontinue sand mining at Foxes Bay, the Ministry of Agriculture has issued a statement on the process for the removal of sand from Isles Bay beach.

The statement says truckers are required to take sand from the mounds created by the Public Works Department at Isles Bay.

It says permits for removing sand can be collected on location at Isles Bay, and that only Government authorized vehicles will be allowed on the beach.

The statement says the entire process will be monitored to prevent arbitrary excavation and destruction of the beach and that anyone found in contravention will be arrested and charged by the police.

It goes on to say that the Government is cognizant of the importance of sustainable development and the need to care for the environment as we face the challenges of development in a smaller land space.

The Ministry of Agriculture statement also says the government is conscious of the needs of Montserratians who have suffered much as a result of volcanic activity, and must respond to the most basic issues of all residents.

The Montserrat Cricket Association has a new executive to manage its affairs into the millennium.

The executive was elected to office at a specially organized meeting at the Brades Primary School on the evening of Wednesday July 28.

<--John Smith           At the meeting, where a number of cricket pundits and former association members were present, John Smith was elected to serve as president of the Montserrat Cricket Association.

Christopher "King" Lee has been elected First Vice President, while James White Jr. was elected to serve as Second Vice President.

Rawle Kelsick is the Secretary, with Harford Bramble Treasurer.

The meeting was called primarily to elect a new executive, among other matters.

With only one member from the previous association standing, it was thought that in order to chart the way forward for cricket in Montserrat that elections be held.

Plans for the advancement of the game and the development of cricketing facilities on island were also discussed at the meeting.

ECCB Warns Public Of Fraudulent EC Notes

Residents on Montserrat are being asked to be on the look out once again for counterfeit EC dollar notes.

The advice comes on the heel of an announcement by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank that a number of counterfeit EC $50 and $100 notes have surfaced in neighbouring St. Kitts and Nevis.

The ECCB says the serial numbers on the counterfeit notes, which include old and new issues of the $50 note, all begin with the letter ‘A’ and end with the letter ‘K’.

Residents are being reminded that counterfeit notes have no value and persons found in possession of these notes may be prosecuted.

Residents are therefore urged to exercise caution, particularly at night, and in dimly lit situations, and to look out for the security features.

The security features include a thread incorporated into the paper on the front right hand side of a genuine note, and a different serial number printed vertically on the left hand side and horizontally on the right hand side of notes.

The bank says genuine notes are printed on a special paper that gives them a unique feel, and a watermark of Queen Elizabeth, which can only be seen when the notes are held up to the light.

The ECCB says the police in St. Kitts have been notified of the discovery of the fraudulent notes and the matter is under investigation.

Work on the Fuel terminal at Carr’s Bay is said to be nearing completion.

The works, which include the construction of a fuel terminal office, a loading ramp and new tank walkways, are expected to be completed at the end of this month.

The installation of storage tanks is also part of the project. These tanks will be able to provide storage capacity for 40,000 imperial gallons each of petrol and diesel, and over 31,000 gallons of cooking gas.

The installation of a ship-to-shore pipeline is also included in the British-funded project.

Once the terminal is completed, fuel importation is expected to be handed over to the private sector once again.

The project is being carried out by local contractors, along with oil specialists Damus Caribbean Limited of Trinidad and Tobago.

Montserrat’s lone international umpire, Basil Morgan, has been chosen along with three other leading regional cricket umpires to discuss the sport in the Caribbean.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has invited Morgan, Steve Bucknor of Jamaica, Eddie Nicholls of Guyana and Billie Doctrove of Dominica to a meeting in Antigua.

The meeting this month end is to discuss the laws of the game and conditions of play.

The discussions will take into consideration upcoming competitions starting in October this year. These include the West Indies ‘A’ team versus India, the Red Stripe Bowl and the Busta Cup.

The Antigua meeting will also look at the triangular tournament amongst Pakistan, New Zealand and the West Indies early next year.

The Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Housing and the Environment has been, for a number of years, placing particular emphasis on the safety aspects as they relate to fishermen who go out to sea.

And the Montserrat Christian Council (MCC) has moved to ensure that the idea is being put into practice.

The MCC has provided 30 hand-held radios for use by local fishermen while at sea.

Agriculture Development Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture Justin "Hero" Cassell says the fishermen are required to pay just 20 percent of the cost of the radios.

He says once in use, the radios will increase the safety of fishermen at work.

The MCC’s Programme Officer Claude Browne was the mastermind behind the assistance for the fishermen.

Mr. Browne was able to secure funds from the George Martin Foundation in England to purchase the radios.

It is a pleasure to be here this afternoon at this presentation ceremony to congratulate our men who have successfully completed a course in cookery.

Gender equality is an issue that is dear to me and I believe one of the steps in achieving this is by training.

This course is one of the many gender initiatives that the Ministry will be undertaking. I am certain that the energy and creativity displayed by the staff at the Community Services Department will make these initiatives a reality.

I think that when men and women are able to work together, the very act of sharing skills will have a positive effect on the Community.

I understand that the aims of this project were to encourage and to assist men to improve their culinary skills. The graduates of this class I also understand are able to demonstrate their ability to prepare a balanced meal, to be health conscious when preparing meals and to acquire skills that they can share with other members of our community.

Having seen the production of these men, I can say that the objectives of this course have been achieved. I hope that you would use the skills that you have learnt to help your families and others within the community.

I must thank the tutors, Mrs. Josephine Payne, Althea Allen and Patricia Harris, for a job well done. I must specifically thank Miss Mary Fergus, our Community Development Officer, and her team for organizing this course.

I understand that the idea for such a course was the brainchild of Miss Fergus, and I know without her commitment and that of the other members of the team this programme would not have occurred; neither would you have the success that is clearly demonstrated here today.

I believe in the saying, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for the moment, but teach a man to fish and you feed him for life." I have a feeling that the wives, sweethearts and children of these men are going to be pleased, and who knows, you may even get a few more kisses than usual.

Thank you.

The OECS Technical and Vocational Education and Training Co-ordinator is carrying out a feasibility study into the re-establishment of a College and the establishment of part-time educational programmes.

Paul Payne, who has been on assignment in Montserrat, has been assessing the present and future needs for post-secondary education in Montserrat, and seeking to determine the feasibility of introducing ‘A’ Level studies and technical and vocational training in the next academic year.

The sub-regional education officer ascertained what post-volcano decisions have already been taken on the development of post-secondary education and examined the potential for implementing these decisions in the immediate future.

After consultations with the various stakeholders, Mr. Payne will be making recommendations to assist in charting the way forward in implementing these decisions.

These activities will be carried out against the background of the recommendations for the development of the Montserrat Community College, which were made prior to the volcanic activity.

Mr. Payne has been reviewing employment and labour statistics, educational statistics on present student enrollment and teaching staff data to find out the trends in school population growth.

He will be assisting with the preparation of the schedule of accommodation for construction of buildings.

This element of the exercise will be undertaken by the Physical Component Coordinator of the OECS/EDF Human Resource Development Project, Colin Jones, who will be visiting the island later this year.

A Review of the Book - Little Island Live Volcano: The Story by Carol Tuitt

and songs by Randall Greenaway

Montserrat’s volcanic crisis over the last four years has produced not only a crisis that has displaced many of us around and out of this island and left lasting emotional scars.

But each day as a rock falls or a speck of volcanic dust rises into the air, it is yet another source of inspiration for young and old alike to keep pressing on as we rebuild the Emerald Isle.

Moreso, Soufriere Hills has been the crater of many an artistic creation like the product of Dr. Carol Tuitt and Randall ‘Zunky’ Greenaway in their book Little Island Live Volcano: The Story.

In fact, their product in its entirety including the songs, sights and sounds coming at the dawn of the new millennium seeks to take advantage of modern technology, making it easily adaptable to video and interactive Digital Vide Disc (DVD)/ CD-ROM so that they can direct their own learning.

Zunky & Dem are Randal Greenaway and the children.

The original album of songs was as a result of the desire seeking an education product out of the volcanic crisis.

Each song in the book is a story about the volcano.

Some of the songs were previously in the earlier album titled Seismic Glow six of which will be included in the new album which has 15 new songs Little Island…Live Volcano.

Since the Soufriere volcano’s first spew in 1995, the island has been in the news also about the success of Montserratians in other countries and undoubtedly the Tuitt and Randall production will go a long way in telling the world that out of the gloom and doom, there has been fun, frolic and much to celebrate about the changing nature of the island.

LABOUR SPEAKS

The following is a transcript of the radio programme ‘Labour Speaks’ which was not broadcast on Radio Montserrat due to reservations by the Management of the radio station on the grounds that it violated Broadcast Ethics.

The argument proffered by the Station Manager Ms. Rose Willock is that because listeners will hear the programme once, they can easily misinterpret sections of it.

On the other hand the presenter of the programme Mr. Hylroy Bramble, General Secretary of the Montserrat Allied Workers Union (MAWU) claimed that Ms. Willock told him that references to Bank of Montserrat constituted a form of advertisement.

The Bank of Montserrat have denied agreeing with Ms. Willock that sections of the programme was unethical.

That Bank declared that it was a public institution and did not consider having a right to determine what people say.

Comrades, greetings; welcome to today's program.

Over the past two or so weeks, I have been continuously asked, when are you going to touch on the Royal Bank issue?

I had purposely refrained from speaking on the issue in hope that the situation would right itself. However, instead of dying, public outcry has increased tenfold. Yes folks, you have guessed correctly, the issue of which I speak is the deduction of $5 per month from the savings accounts of persons who are clients of the Bank.

It was a shocker when persons turned up at the bank one day and found a notice there stating that effective July month end, and every month thereafter, a surcharge of $5 would be deducted from the account of every customer. I can understand when some persons claim that their blood pressure went up when they saw the sign.

When a person puts money in any bank, he does so with two main purposes in mind.

One, for safekeeping, and two, so that the money will bring him some level of return, however small. The Bank, on the other hand, accepts the money and is expected to put same to work for the benefit of both parties. Banks lend monies usually at high interest rates. The monies used for lending belong to the customers who have savings in the bank. The banks make returns on the money lent from the interest paid on a loan. The clients, on the other hand, get their return from the interest the banks pay on their saving accounts. The monies people have in their savings accounts provide the capital used by the bank to make money for both parties.

The Royal Bank for almost two years now has not been lending any money. They will say that they have been lending, but under what conditions. If you want to borrow $10,000 you would need to have $10,000 in your account. Waste of time, isn't it? Also, for almost two years the bank has not been opening any new accounts. Add this type of behaviour by the bank to the $5 deduction issue and it leaves many questions on the minds of people. Why is the bank not lending money? Why are they not opening new accounts? If a child does odd jobs and saves $5 every month to the bank in a Leo saving account, and the bank is taking $5 every month, is it worth while? Is this saving? The institution is doing nothing for that child. Neither is it encouraging others, children or adults, to save. What is the real motive of the Royal Bank of Canada?

What is most notable is that the Bank continues to pay interest rates on savings. This leaves other questions. If the bank continues to pay interest and it is not lending money to bring in some form of return, how does the bank afford to pay the interest on all the savings accounts now in their possession? Is the $5 an administrative levy of some sort? Is the surcharge designed to frustrate people, thereby causing them to remove their monies from the bank? Whatever the reason, the $5 a month surcharge is an autocratic and outlandish one. It is one that should never have been introduced and the Bank should remove it immediately and apologise to its clients for the mental suffering it has caused. There are customers who rarely go to the bank and would not have been aware of the notice. Why was the notice not communicated to individual clients instead of just being tacked to a wall at the bank?

Let us look at some of the facts, and I would challenge Royal Bank official to dispute these. The Royal Bank holds the majority of assets in relation to savings accounts on Montserrat. These accounts in total boast a substantial amount of money. While it would seem that the Bank of Montserrat is doing good business, Royal Bank still holds much more monies for Montserratians. The monies people put in the Royal Bank are not really working for them; neither are they working for this country. In the past, the bank has been known to have made contributions to government. This is not helping to improve the country, its people or its economy in any way. They need to lend money so that people can buy land and build houses in the designated safe areas. They need to lend money for those adventurous enough to want to try to start businesses. They need to lend money so that persons who want to purchase one of the brand new second hand vehicles can do so. These are some of the ways in which they can help the people and this country to redevelop itself.

Now the question was asked whether this surcharge\ that is being levied on Montserratians is a policy adopted elsewhere. To date, as I understand it, no Bank official here knows the answer. My personal opinion is that I do not believe this is an extended policy. I came to this conclusion because from my background checks of other islands where the bank functions, they continue to do business as usual. They are lending money, thereby realizing their goals of making monies from the interest rates, thus keeping the customers satisfied with a reasonable level of returns.

Most of the people that I have spoken to are highly peeved on the issue and even more so when you advise them to go and speak to their government ministers. So far, ministers of government seem to be tight lipped regarding the issue. Given the number of accounts the bank holds, they stand to make a reasonably substantial amount of money from this newly, ill-conceived idea. Nobody in authority seems to care that the people in Montserrat are being taken for a ride. Five dollars on the surface may not seem to be much to some, but as the saying goes, every cent counts. It is from every small seed planted that a tree grows. There is in Montserrat a ministry of finance. As I understand it, all dealings in finance, including banking, falls under this ministry's portfolio. The minister with responsibility for this needs to wake up and find out what is really going on, for the people are being taken on one glorious ride by the Royal Bank of Canada.

What can we do? Most will say if the bank is not working for us and yet is imposing upon us a charge that seems like a penalty, let us take our monies from the bank. This was the first thought that ran through my mind, thinking as a human being. However, after conversing with knowledgeable individuals, I concluded that it would be more or less foolhardy to do so. Not for the sake of the bank but for the sake of the country. Royal Bank is an international institution and as such its presence here will lend credibility to the island in international financial circles. Yes, Bank of Montserrat is offering good services and has its international connections, but it is not an international institution, for there is not another branch anywhere else in the world.

No comrades, while I understand your dissatisfaction, your distrust and disappointment in the longest-serving financial institution on the island, it is not advisable for everybody to up and take their monies out. If it is their intention to pull up stakes here and move on let them do it of their own free will.

Do not give them that window of opportunity to place the blame for their leaving on the shoulders of Montserratians. If we do it will send bad signals not only to financial institutions but also to would-be investors.

What is needed is some sort of protest action by the stakeholders and concerned Montserratians, maybe in the form of a petition sent not only to the bank's regional head office but also to the bank's main head office wherever it is located in Canada.

Comrades, one thing for sure, international bank or no, Royal Bank should not be allowed to impose upon an already frustrated and heavily laden people any additional financial burdens. We already have enough to bear. Finally, the minister of finance must take up this issue and demand answers as to the purpose of the $5 surcharge and the intentions of the Royal Bank on Montserrat.

Brothers and sisters you have just heard today's edition of labour speaks, thank you for listening.

Hylroy L. Bramble

General Secretary

No Vivi, No cricket! A section of the cricketing public agrees with the statement. Time is running out for West Indies cricket. We need a man. We need Vivian Richards. And we need him now.

Some of Richards' antagonists (and they are few) attack him mercilessly for his arrogance, his forceful personality and his strong leadership style.

The minority view claims that "master blaster" is neither sufficiently humanitarian nor humble enough to understand the new management paradigm that informs sports and leisure - the new social alliance between labour and capital and between management and players.

A section of the Trinidadian cricketing community is not in agreement with the addition of the "King" to the management of the West Indies Cricket Team. The antagonists claim that Viv's inclusion as coach or manager would handicap the performance of the Trinidadian captain, Brian Lara. The argument is that Viv's strong personality will rob Lara of the opportunity to influence the players and to ensure their loyalty. In other words, Lara's subjects in the twin-island state are of the opinion that the Antiguan and OECS islander, Viv Richards, should not be allowed into the West Indies management to allow Brian Lara maximum control of the West Indian cricketers. Lara, they contend, must be able to nurture the team, and any competitive influence must be avoided at all cost.

What is that I am hearing? Am I hearing that the West Indies Cricket Team must become the property of Brian Lara; a property, which empowers him to allow access to whom he pleases and to deny access to whom he wishes. I hope this conclusion is a reflection of my inability to comprehend or my incapacity to read between the lines.

The West Indies Cricket team must never be allowed to become the personal or national or sectoral property of any interest group. It is the property of the West Indian people. It is the embodiment of the pride, the struggles, the aspirations and the expectations of the Afro and Indo West Indians who have given their lives for it and would continue to do so though the heavens fall. No one must therefore be allowed to own the West Indies team. This is why I have so often spoken so loudly against the administrative posture of Pat Rousseau, the WICB and its affiliated Associations whenever they have demonstrated that vexing disposition. I hope that I am overreacting. The Trini-man would not think of owning and controlling the embodiment of our Federation. And this cannot be owned.

While I must confess that leadership is a factor of production and that the leader's initiative must be allowed to flourish, the leader, particularly if he is inexperienced, unskilled in the art of leadership and, weak with respect to the management of people, would certainly need tremendous support. And I must confess, in the case of my batting genius, Brian Lara, is in dire need of support. I firmly believe, and I would hope that the Trinis and those who think to the contrary would appreciate, that the batting superstar needs the legend very badly - West Indies cricket needs Viv Richards like a dry ground needs water following a prolonged drought.

Richards' protagonists (like me) are sending an SOS. They contend that many of those who have spoken against Viv do not even know the man; have never spoken to the man; have never met the person; and in some cases, have never associated the name with a person except by television. But this is the scandalous method of our Caribbean society, where we mercilessly attack, dehumanise and devour our heroes.

Do you know why Viv played his cricket so hard and why he thinks of cricket in the way he does? He articulated his position when he discussed the importance of the West Indies team winning the World Cup of Cricket in his autobiography, Hitting Across the Line: "I sense that winning an ultimate contest like that is the more important for a black person than anyone else. It feels like a vindication - the sense of pride attached to such wins is phenomenal." He is driven by national and ethnic pride.

Did you know that Vivian Richards was not merely honoured for his exploits in international cricket, but more importantly, for his contributions to the development of the Caribbean region and for his leadership of the OECS sub-region? He has grown with every passing year. He has become a tremendous character. He has matured with age; has become sweeter with experience; and has improved with the New International Economic Order. What we hear and see is the global personality that is Vivian Richards.

Contrary to the fears of the Trinidadian cricketing public, the great man is a strong supporter of the little cricket superstar. Following Richards' short tenure as coach of the West Indies team (as a result of Malcolm Marshall's absence due to illness), he noted in his interview with Nation's Columnist, Tony Cozier: "We have Brian Lara, who is only 30 and has plenty of cricket left, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who certainly has the temperament. Now it's time for some young players to stand up and be counted."

Viv has made is clear that he thinks that Lara is the ideal leader for the team in this crisis period, a thought that I am not entirely in agreement with, but which, coming from the "King", I sincerely respect.

Moreover, being cognisant of the fact that there are not many talents or pedigree players in regional cricket; I am inclined to rest that argument and surrender to wisdom.

Many of us thought that Jamaican Jimmy Adams had what it took to lead that team in this crucial period but we have noticed that his inability to keep himself focussed and challenged is a big problem. The leader of the West Indies team must be, as it has always been, a person who is strong in character and strong in self-determination. The captain of the West Indies team must not be a person who loses his confidence every other day as Adams has shown.

Brian Lara, as Captain of the New West Indies Team, playing cricket in the New International Order, is in dire need of a mentor, a model and a pedagogue in the Grecian concept and application. And Viv Richards, more than Garfield Sobers or Clive Lloyd, is most capable of providing that nurturing - that much needed schooling. Brian Lara, the captain of a West Indian Cricket Team playing cricket the West Indies Way, needs a model who is the blend of self-assertiveness and humility; needs a model who is a cross between a warrior and an achiever.

I have struggled hard and long with the idea, and at last I have reached a conclusion. I am convinced that Vivian Richards of Antigua and Barbuda, the OECS, the West Indies and the world, is that ideal model and manager for Brian Lara and the West Indies team. Viv Richards is perhaps the only one who can effectively befriend Lara, at the same time inspire him, and at the same time discipline him when he goes wrong. In my books, Viv Richards is the only West Indian man who can "bring the best in Lara and at the same time "bring Lara under manners."

EAT from the LAND not from the CAN

The following vegetable seedlings are available at the Brades Nursery – cabbage, tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, dwarf golden apple and citrus rootstocks.

The request for donkeys for local use has increased by twelve. This is as a direct result of an appeal by the Minister of Agriculture Mr P. Austin Bramble for persons to adopt a donkey.

Small quantities of string beans, lettuce, eggplants and sweet potato are been harvested now. A fair quantity of cucumbers is also available.

The final arrangements for a shipment of donkeys to Grenada in August are being aggressively pursued. The shipment is expected to cost approximately EC$41,000.00, this figure includes $14,000.00 for the capture of the animals.

Duck Pond irrigation and road rehabilitation project which began July 19^th is nearing completion. Excavation of the pond is been completed; upgrading of the access roads will take place in the coming week.

The winners of July’s Agric Quiz are: -

1^st prize - $500.00 worth of agricultural supplies – Theresa Silcott, Baker Hill

2^nd prize - $300.00 worth of agricultural supplies – John Keller, Lime Kiln

3^rd prize - $200.00 worth of agricultural supplies – Adingo Gordon, Manjack

Infection control has to do with the control of infections in a hospital setting and more so the control of infections which may occur during a hospital stay, referred to as "Nosocomial Infections".

During the past two decades the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) has issued several sets of definitions to assess and identify these infections. The definitions have been expanded and modified over the years and based the findings in the Nosocomial Infections

Surveillance Systems.

In 1988 the CDC published a new set of definitions for the surveillance of Nosocomial Infections and which are currently used.

Studies have shown that reported occurrences of Nosocomial Infection in the United States ranged from 3 percent to 15.5 percent of hospital discharges. This depended on the type of patients, type of hospital and the completeness of the reporting system.

The Joint Commission for Hospital Accreditation requires that hospitals have an effective infection control program. It must consist of the following:-

1.The infection control committee

2.A systematic surveillance of Nosocomial Infections

3.Employee health program

4.Isolation policies

5.In-service education on infection control for employees

6.Regular procedures for environmental sanitation

7.Microbiology laboratory

8.Implementation of accepted infection control procedures in patient care.

Certain interacting agents, host and environmental characteristics of hospitals contribute to the risk for hospital acquired infections. For example, a large number of individuals, patients, families and personnel are brought together in one small environment. Some of these individuals have community-acquired, open infections or infections that cannot be seen.

Taking care of these patients requires close contact with body fluids and excretions which increases the risk of the transmission of the disease organisms from person to person and to the hospital environment. Thus a greater variety of micro-organisms of greater virulence or strength is likely to be present in hospitals.

The increase in antibiotics and resistant strains of bacteria is another example of this phenomenon. Hospitals also contain a wide range of potential reservoirs for micro-organism growth, such as infusion liquids, foods, biologic materials and equipment.

Patients already weakened by existing disease or treatment are susceptible to invasion and infection. The most common disease-causing organisms are Bacteria, Fungi and Viruses.

There are several principles used in infection control.

Firstly, there are sterilization and disinfection of instruments and materials which are reservoirs and vehicles for transmission of disease organisms. This principle of sterile

Techniques used in hospitals, greatly reduces the transmission of disease organisms.

A second principle is the use of antibiotic treatment for patients and employees who are found to have certain infections

A third principle used is isolation procedures through which protective isolation, especially of high risk patients, prevents further transmission of these organisms.

A fourth principle is that of secretion and excretion precautions, which has to do with washing of hands between patients by personnel; proper handling of specimen; proper waste disposal and proper laundry practices.

A fifth principle is those nursing procedures that minimize stasis of body fluids, such as encouraging coughing, turning and ambulating.

Also those procedures that prevent compromise in body defenses and those that improve the immune system.

There are a number of ways in which this can be done.

1.Follow hospital policies and regulations such as adhering to "No visitors" sign on cubicle or door

2.Do not bring children under 5 years of age to visit the hospital because they can be easily affected by infection

3.Do not visit the hospital if you are suffering from an acute illness or infection.

4. For infections such as conjunctivitis or red eye, visit the doctor; children should be kept at home until the condition improves.

5. Follow good hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.

6.Remember to keep your appointment with the doctor or the Nurse.

If in doubt always check with your nurse or the hospital.

Nurse Ineita Fenton started her nursing career at the Glendon School of Nursing in 1972 and graduated as an Enrolled Nursing Assistant in 1974.

Her ambition, however, was to become a professional nurse and after obtaining the entry requirement for the General Nursing programme she enrolled in and successfully completed that programme between 1983 and 1985. She moved to the next level of her career in 1987, when she successfully completed the one-year midwifery course.

A year later she was appointed Staff Nurse, a position she held for nine years. .

Nurse Fenton worked in all areas of Nursing, both in the community and at hospital but more so at the hospital, where she was mainly assigned to the Accident and Emergency Department and the Operating Theatre.

Although she had no formal training in Operating Theatre techniques, the on-the-job training and her determination enabled her to develop her practical skills and excel in this area.

Her advocacy for continuing education is reflected in the several courses and workshops she attended, both at home and abroad. These include:-

• Primary Eye Care
• Expanded Programme on Immunization
• Management of STD’s and HIV/AIDS
• Fertility Management
• Nosocomial Infection
• Information Technology

Nurse Fenton passed on the knowledge and skills gained to many of her colleagues and the public in general.

She extended her services by assisting with home nursing classes for non-nursing personnel and assisted with lectures and practical training for nurses, especially student nurses.

In 1997 she was promoted to Ward Sister with responsibility for the Accident and Emergency Department and the Operating Theatre.

Sr Fenton recently retired after contributing 27 years of dedicated service to the Nursing and Health Profession.

The department takes this opportunity to express its profound thanks to Sr Fenton for her invaluable contribution and to wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Dr. Simon considers quite proper

The volcano’s most recent topper

So expect some long waits

For those reopened gates,

Unless they deliver that chopper

How come there is so much confusion

Before they can reach a conclusion?

The impact of new flows

Was where nobody goes,

So why the expanded Exclusion?

Jus’ wonderin’ if the turtles are going to be taught to read.

Jus’ wonderin’ if the Queen’s Rep will be persuaded by the Powerful Lady to grant her wish to go pass the retirement age.

Jus’ wonderin’ if the Off-shore Medical School will be allowed to sink.

Jus’ wonderin’ who the Honourable Five are representing.

Jus’ wonderin’ why purple and white are the colours of the month.

Jus’ wonderin where are the 99 graduates.

Jus’ wonderin’ why the XCM needs to sharpen his seams.

Jus’ wonderin’ why Tony Cozier, who bowled Jim for duck out of the Windies.

Jus’ wonderin’ what has happened to the debating in the house.

Jus’ wonderin’ why the Road Minister hit the road.

Jus’ wonderin’ why all the phone-boys are shootin.

Jus’ wonderin why did the editor introduce me to the sly-fox.

Jus’ wonderin how long before someone puts an end to that Black Bird.

Jus’ wonderin’ if it is true that the distribution of houses is done by kisses and favours.

Jus’ wonderin’ whether the dump trucks will eventually have to be driven into the dump.

Jus’ wonderin’ why the case of those who died in the volcano is RIP forever.

Jus wonderin who is selling expired Coca Cola drinks.

Jus wonderin when Montserratians will not have to make this walk like those below.

Boarding the Fery in Antigua

Jus’ wonderin why people have to live in bird houses, like the ones seen here on the right, thought only birds did.

New Houses at Lookout

NBA Ltd.

FOR SALE

CARPE DIEM

Old Towne, Montserrat

Lot #165 (0.45 of an Acre)

Carpe Diem Villa is situated on landscaped ground, with flowering shrubs, fruit trees, combination fence and hedge.

Construction - Reinforced concrete, cement blocks, wood, asphalt shingles.

Utilities - Electricity, Water, Telephone, Cable TV

(For more detailed description of property including pictures, please turn this page over)

Asking Price - US$200,000.00*

(Transfer Fees - 8% ( No Capital Gains Tax, No Death Duties).

TradeWinds Real Estate

Woodlands:

Attractive Villa on landscaped double lot

2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on main floor

Separate spacious one bedroom apartment on lower level

Semi furnished, well maintained, garage

Modern kitchens and bathrooms

Currently in use as a guesthouse, or apartment can be rented separately.

Move in condition.

Asking price US$ 250,000

Contact: