By Bennette Roach
From the time I set foot on Montserrat, having missed all the recent volcanic activities, which reportedly showered rocks and stones as far as St. John's, I began my trip to Olveston looking for those that supposedly fell everywhere.
It is with much difficulty that one reads and listens to the reports outside of Montserrat. When one begins the last leg to return home, having gone through the grilling and being called a lunatic, it is difficult not to put in place at least some contingencies to depart the shores of home.
The volcano has continued on its course of transforming the face of Montserrat, while destroying what was once known as the town of Plymouth, as it had villages in the east and transforming also the face of the northern half of the island, although it may surprisingly seem not to be the case.
Head scientist Ritchie Robertson, whose current stint expires today, giving way to Steve Sparks, who returns to the helm, must feel some relief, having led the MVO team during the explosive eruptions of September 17 and those which brought Plymouth to be nearly history.
Robertson says that the volcano is far from having completed its tour of duty, confirming that although the explosions were not as sustained as that of September 17, nor as intense, anything is likely to happen as the activity continues at Soufriere Hills. He describes how pebbles, two and a half inches, fell close to the Observatory in Old Towne, getting bigger as they fell in Plymouth and immediate surroundings of the volcano.
Viewers of the destruction in Plymouth report that they saw rocks as big as dump trucks lying in Dagenham. Further north of the Observatory fine pumice, which emanated from the belly of the volcano can be seen lying on roofs and the ground all around.
Scientist Robertson describes very fluently how the explosions begin with columns going up to about 7,000 to 12,000 feet, collapsing and then sending material much higher. He explains that even though the explosion then moves outwards in all directions, the wind directions dictate the path of the material, which goes very high. He points out that the wind high up tends to travel at this time in a northerly direction, while at a lower level it goes westerly. Also the lighter material goes higher and will naturally travel farther. This he says, explains how the coarse material which fell as far as St. John’s traveled the distance.
Richardson, in maintaining that the north of the island is still relatively safe, says it would take explosions several orders of magnitude higher to change that position.
Meanwhile as residents continue to flee the island, it is often difficult to determine if this is the result of unavailability of near acceptable accommodation or that of fear of their lives from the volcano. One thing is certain that there is a growing lack of faith that there is any seriousness on the part of our administrators by virtue of no visible signs of development. This can cause our population to dwindle to an unbearable size.
CSA SICK OUT IN SUPPORT OF NURSES
On Monday and Tuesday this week the Montserrat Civil Service Association (CSA) conducted a 'Sick Out'. Their vice president Easton Farrell says, "This is not any action in support of the civil service gripes, but in support of the nurses," who have been taking strong action against what they describe as, "appalling conditions" at the temporary hospital in St. John's.
The action brought mixed reactions from the public, most favoring the actions of civil servants. Heads of departments and senior officials managed to keep most services open to the public while some departments were not affected with the sick-out.
In a press release dated August 12, the CSA referred to conditions post Hugo: "the subsequent damage to the medical facilities in Montserrat and the rapid turnover in professional staff, nursing staff have been providing nursing services under very harsh and unfavourable conditions. As a demonstration of commitment to the public, nurses utilized various innovative methods to maintain health care. Although these unfavourable conditions persisted, they were tolerated, anticipating occupation of the new Glendon Hospital.
With the onset of the volcanic crisis in July 1995, the St John's Primary School was chosen as the site for the temporary hospital. This facility consists of four individual blocks into which the hospital and all support services were squeezed. One block houses the entire hospital, that is a ward per classroom.
The anticipated short term occupation of a school, with only two bathrooms and four toilets continues to serve as the lone hospital with minimal improvement of its facilities.
The release goes on to state that the nurses, "have been in repeated discussions, verbally and written with Health Management, as well as Ministers of past and present political administrations, in an attempt to improve patient care and the working environment." It pointed out that after 14 correspondences to the authorities only three replies were received, the others having gone unanswered or acknowledged, mentioning also that the Nurses Association, the CSA and management have held meetings.
Speaking yesterday with Farrell, he says that although there have been promises to the nurses of extra pay, 20% salary increase, mortgage relief, nothing had been done to improve the conditions at the hospital. Nurses were given housing where they had a room half subsidised, but no single one could share it with a member of their family.
The release government repeatedly made public announcements on issues affecting the Union prior to dialogue with them on issues which include:
The CSA held a meeting on Thursday last week deciding that the issues remain untouched. "The response by Government did not address the concerns raised by health staff and it was therefore deemed necessary that action be taken to sensitize the public to the real issues. Hence, in solidarity with nurses and other health workers, civil servants have implemented a plan of action."
Meanwhile it is confirmed that the nursing staff has been reduced from 75 to about 25, some having left on the two years relocation scheme while others have simply resigned even under the threat of losing benefits.
A spokesperson for the Nurses Association says that the lady Minister must not be getting all her correspondence, since they have been contacting her long before six weeks ago. The nurse said: "It is not salary we are dealing with, it is the appalling conditions we have to work under."
During the recent period of staffing crisis, nurses from various Caribbean islands have been visiting for short stints. Early this week five nurses arrived from Grenada, two of them being psychiatric nurses. Other nurses were due to arrive from St. Lucia and more from Grenada.
These visits are being facilitated by CDERA whose offices are in Antigua.
MONTSERRAT FACES OFF-ISLAND EVACUATION
Scientists this afternoon are delivering a report to the government and management authorities advising that they do not believe that it will be safe to have full occupancy of areas north including Salem.
Unconfirmed reports say that it is expected that Salem will be included in the Exclusion Zone while areas up to Runaway Ghaut will be included in a so called Buffer Zone.
Scientists have confirmed that there will be changes to the current Risk Map which shows only three zones, Exclusion, Central (Buffer Zone) and Northern.
The implications of this are obvious. With the extreme scarcity of satisfactory accommodation or any at all, they authorities will have to consider, at least some form of evacuation for residents remaining in the ‘safe zone’.
The authorities will have their biggest decision to make yet between tonight and tomorrow.
There has been no (visible) escalated activity for almost a week now, but the scientists claim to be concerned at the high instrument readings they are receiving.
Early on Friday morning the sirens sounded followed by announcements to clear the lower parts of the Central Zone out of fear that the readings were showing increased activities. In about an hour, there was another announcement, saying that activity had subsided allowing people to return.
This site will be updated as the information comes to hand.
"Towards a Brighter Future"
This week's issue of Newsweek, like several US and international newspapers including the New York Times, featured Montserrat. Newsweek says: "The devastation of Plymouth, ironically, could help accelerate the salvation of Montserrat. Over the past two years, British and Montserrat officials had dragged their feet on a plan to rebuild the capital in the northern part of the island." The article quotes an observer saying: "They've been in denial, but one look at the photos from Plymouth should snap them out of it."
That the authorities have been in denial is indeed a serious fact confirmed by one journalist who reported that the Chief Minister remarked that both the former government and his government had always entertained the hope of someday returning to Plymouth.
Therein lay the bottom-line of the tribulations we face today. Often one heard the Chief Minister using the words "if and when" with reference to returning to Plymouth, and this no doubt continued to influence all decisions and inaction. It would be no surprise if the rumour that one minister has asked the Chief to step aside doesn't have some merit or truth to it. Indeed much of the population are calling for some change in our leadership, including suggestions that the government should let the British government take over the running of the island. It has been difficult to accept that the Commissioner of Police and/or the Governor refuse to act on the suggestion or the advice of the government in matters relating to the management of the crisis, although there have been circumstances that would support the notion.
How this situation, in spite of the continued promises and approvals of fast-track funds, can remedy the dire situation of people fleeing the island, out of fear of the volcano or not finding acceptable accommodation, remains the big question. It has now become a major concern that the question if put to residents as to the choice of being taken off the island will receive the nod.
It is obvious that the core of Montserratians remaining on the island hold some measure of belief that the island can continue with its volcano spewing gravel and ash on them, accepting that the North must be developed into an area where life can be appreciated and loved. It is our belief, that providing this rock does not become immersed in ash, that the future holds much joy.
This, however, is only possible if our leaders have that same vision and moreover the ability to put all the machinery to do this in motion and stop denying Montserratians their human and constitutional rights. What is very obvious now, though, is that residents are showing signs of willingness to take serious steps to ensure that only the volcano can force them to leave their homeland.
Sir,
Your Editorial "Time is ripe for the Private Sector" is disappointing and misleading.
You wag your finger at the Island's leading merchant for taking a short holiday. Yet you ignore his substantial capital investment in property in the north and the important service he continues to provide. You overlook Government's deplorable attempt recently to harm him commercially and the unwarranted pressure which he has been subjected to by the police for over a year.
You suggest that merchants could not be bothered to remove their merchandise from the unsafe zone. This is grossly unfair. Merchants have been forced to leave their goods in Plymouth because British officials decided it was not necessary to build a warehouse in the north. Some businessmen have put their lives at risk by entering the unsafe zone after 25th June to rescue goods and continue to supply the public. Surely they deserve a modicum of credit from you for this.
You fail to tell your readers that members of the private sector implored British officials to provide for warehousing in their budget to build the Little Bay jetty. The request was flatly refused. As it was, funding for a roll on/roll off facility was approved with considerable reluctance. Where would we be without it today? If the British had built a warehouse as recommended the food shortages of which you complain and which have become chronic would not have arisen.
You enquire whether merchants have ordered supplies in time for the bad weather which I assume means the hurricane season. In the world of commerce, revenue for replenishing stocks is generated by turning over existing stocks. The dilemma which many merchants now face is that the goods which they need to turn over in order to continue trading and survive are stuck in the unsafe zone or have been destroyed. This is so because there is no warehouse in the north.
You complain about fuel shortages. Had you done your spade work more objectively you would have discovered that a number of people have sought permission from the government to open an additional gas station. Not only has government ignored them but because of the incompetence of the Planning Unit the necessary zoning has not even been implemented.
You fail to ask why British officials have not funded a fuel depot in the north when they knew that it was inevitable that fuel tanks in the south would become inaccessible.
Surely you do not believe that the private sector has the means to do this itself. This remains the responsibility of the British and it is disgraceful that a fuel depot is not yet in place.
Your attempt to blame the private sector suspiciously resembles the moth-eaten myth being peddled by British officials that aid monies cannot be released because local government has failed to produce projects.
The truth is that the private sector has performed remarkably well in the circumstances beleaguered as it is by debt, loss of staff and an ever shrinking market. It has done so with very little assistance from local government and British officials and sometimes in spite of them. The private sector richly deserves credit for this and it is shameful that your editorial withholds it.
The time is ripe instead for the truth to be told. I hope that you will be less economical with it in the future.
Jean E.H. Kelsick
Dear Sir,
I refer to your Editorial of Friday, July 25, 1997 "Time is ripe for the private sector," and in particular the criticisms leveled for recent shortages.
The main reason for these shortages was the inability to access stocks in Plymouth, whether in individual business premises or at Port Plymouth.
Whilst the obvious reason for restricting access was the physical threat from the volcano, merchants are also being blamed for being slow to entirely eliminate Plymouth from their plans. Prior to the events of June 25th the authorities stated that the jetty at Little Bay would be primarily for emergency operations. Refusing the option to build a warehouse provided clear confirmation that Little Bay was not intended as an alternative for port operations and therefore did not facilitate the total commercial abandonment of Plymouth.
Which brings us to your statement that "the warehouse in Port Plymouth is still 80% full of goods, landed for local merchants who, despite all the warnings could not be bothered to clear them before the Exclusion Zone came into effect. "I find this implication of irresponsibility on the part of merchants to be unwarranted and insensitive. It is regrettable that you did not investigate the facts so that you could have discovered that the bulk of that cargo was discharged into Port on the 23rd, 24th and morning of the 25th by the vessels Humility, Captain Johnny and Western Star. This made it impossible to clear consignments by the 25th June given the Port, Customs and transportation requirements for doing so.
In response to another of your points, we are very conscious of anticipated delays in landing goods at Little Bay and of the need to stock up at this time of year. The factors which militate against this are limited storage space at Little Bay and private premises, suppliers' demands for payment in advance of shipment, cash flow restrictions whilst Government Food Vouchers are processed, financial losses suffered from the destruction of Plymouth and a reducing population.
Rawle Kelsick
Restore our Personal Responsibility
Dear Editor,
We seem to have reached the point on our volcano-plagued paradise where the typically Caribbean reassurance "No Problem" has been supplanted by the bureaucratic shibboleth "Insurmountable Problem." Officially approved space north of the Belham River is shrinking more quickly than pyroclastic flows are increasing space south of it. Why? All the snarls of draconian red tape, permanent roadblocks and threats of arrest now in place, we are condescendingly assured, are needed to preserve life.
That sort of tunnel vision has an unhappy result. Science, on which we have faithfully relied for more than two years, must be tailored to fit political public relations. Anyone who thinks that the Montserrat Volcano Observatory remains an independent source of reliable, undoctored information on potential volcanic hazards simply hasn't been paying attention.
Montserrat's equivalent of Berlin's infamous Checkpoint Charlie has permanently barred hundreds of islanders from their homes in Cork Hill, Delvins, Foxes Bay, Richmond Hill and Isles Bay. For more than two years before that exclusion, those residents had lived and dealt regularly with volumes of volcanic ash - even pumice - that now are considered so life - threatening anywhere south of Salem that hardhats or hibernation seem to be the options.
Official concern for preserving life is laudable. Misguided panic is not. Members of government responsible for squeezing those who remain on Montserrat into ever tighter living space need to look farther down this path. If they are blindly determined to make Montserrat absolutely risk-free, the only guarantee of that is total evacuation. At that point Montserrat will no longer be a dependent territory but a derelict twin to Redonda.
Her Majesty's Governor and the government of Montserrat need to reconsider their commitment. Life is not simply a throbbing heart and blood pulsing through the veins. That is merely existence. Life is something far more precious and that lesson should have been made clear to them after the tragedy of June 25. Among those who died or narrowly escaped on that horrendous day were Montserratians who had endured conditions in the shelters and who decided quite deliberately to take their chances with the life they knew on the hazardous slopes of the mountain rather than an existence they could no longer tolerate.
When Her Majesty's Governor and the government of Montserrat deny any of us the individual responsibility for our personal safety and the protection of our property they deny us the fundamental freedom that distinguishes the West from most of the rest of the world. That responsibility must be restored to us. If their doing so puts us at any risk, that is our problem, not theirs, and we earnestly yearn for it.
J. Donald Brandt
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has dispelled rumors that the drinking water on the island is unsafe. Deputy Chief Scientist at the MVO, Dr. Jill Norton says water sampling is being done on a weekly basis. This is done in association with the Montserrat Water Authority.
The effects of the Soufriere Hills Volcano is being felt outside Montserrat. Reports say that ash has traveled as far as St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis. As a result at least one airline was forced to reschedule its flight out of St. Maarten last week. Ash was reported to be all over the Princess Juliana Airport. American Airlines was delayed for 3 hours last week to allow workers to wash the aircrafts and the engines. The airline has also taken the decision not to allow any aircraft to remain in St. Maarten overnight for the time being.
In addition reports say that an American Eagle flight into St Kitts had to circle at 16,000 feet for about 15 minutes because of ash on the runaway. The flight had to eventually return to Puerto Rico.
The Ministry of Agriculture has issued an advisory against fruits and vegetables from neighbouring islands. The department says fruits and vegetables originating in more than 10 of the neighboring islands will not be permitted entry into Montserrat because of the Pink Mealy Bug. Countries on the list include Grenada, St. Kitts, Curacao, the BVI and Nevis, St. Thomas, St. Martin, St. Eustatius, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
After a two-day "sick-out" which seemed to be an industrial action, Montserrat’s Civil Servants are back at work today and offices are open as normal. Radio reports claim that the action was in support of the need for the improvement of poor working conditions of nurses and the fact that the voluntary relocation scheme to the UK. was withdrawn from civil servants.
Miss Athema Daley of ZJB is today heading for Malaysia to take part in a workshop for radio journalists who prepare programmes for women. ZJB has a long history of preparing programmes of special interest to women.
The Montserrat Electricity Services (MONLEC) are to install extra generating capability at a site at Brades. The work is expected to be completed in about 8 weeks time.
Immigration figures for the period July 1st to August 12th show a net loss of 1,500 residents. This figure includes school children who are abroad on holiday schemes and have not yet returned. The census to determine the current population in Montserrat is ongoing.
Partial Evacuation of Central Zone Continues
The evacuation of the lower lying areas of the Central Zone (CZ) continues. The evacuation order covers nighttime and periods of increased activity. At periods of increased activity sirens sound throughout the area warning residents to fall back into the northern zone. The CZ areas are:
Montserrat will soon have the use of a Cab Unit to act as an emergency Mini Control Tower. The Cab Unit is presently at the Roseau Port in Dominica awaiting shipment to Montserrat and will be set up at Gerald's Park..
Equipment from the W.H Bramble Airport will also be installed in the unit to better facilitate air traffic control services from St. John's. Acting Airport Manager Norman Cassell says the Cab Unit was used in Montserrat after hurricane Hugo in 1989.
The Unit was acquired by the Caribbean Civil Aviation Directorate to be used in emergency situations in the Caribbean islands. The Government office is helping with getting the Cab Unit shipped to Montserrat.
Presently air traffic control is managed with the aid of hand-held radios and a Park air based VHF multi-channel station from Gerald's Park. Montserrat at the moment provides an advisory service to the helicopters operating from the heliport. A similar service is also provided to the other airport overflying Montserrat.
The radios are also used for direct contact with Air Traffic control in Antigua.
Public Library Continues Service
The public library continues to open to the public from Monday to Friday from their temporary location above the main road to the north in the Woodlands area (Tel: 491 4706).
Their building is close to the Montserrat Water Authority's temporary offices.
The Health Department are advising Montserratians who are relocating abroad to carry with them their medical records and immunisation cards so that the health authorities in the areas they are relocating to will be able to maintain proper treatment if a need arises.
Casualty Relocates to Hospital at Night
It has been announced that casualty service will be at the Glendon Hospital in St. Johns during the night (from 10 p.m).
During daylight hours the casualty department operates from its own building at Sweeneys.
A three-member team representing various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s) arrive here this weekend to review the ongoing crisis.
Arriving for a week’s visit on Sunday are Jasmine Huggins the Christian Aid Programme officer for the Caribbean, based in London, Janice Panton of Montserrat Aid Committee 89 (MAC89) and Conrad Mason, the regional co-ordinator for the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC).
The purpose of their visit is to set out the aims of these NGO’s in the volcanic crisis and to detail their ongoing plans in Montserrat, both in the short and longer-term. They will discuss how these plans overlap with Government’s and other agencies operating in Montserrat and how they can work together. The MACA89 representative will identify the needs of Montserratians relocating to Britain and the need for orientation before departure.
The team will meet with members of the Montserrat Christian Council (MCC) to examine what needs to be put in place, its structure and objectives for continuing work in Montserrat in the present crisis.
by Bennette Roach
For almost the entire period of the current volcanic activity in Montserrat, a young man name Donaldson Romeo Jr., son the beloved Donald Romeo Sr., deceased, has been waging almost a one-man battle with government. His fight has been against the deplorable conditions of shelters and housing, as well as the poor conditions many of the more unfortunates of this island have had to undergo.
Don has spent many hours speaking to the Governor and other British officials as well as government ministers and officials and many leading personalities in the community. He has been in constant dialogue with me and we have visited shelters and sites on this island. He has interviewed many persons, visitors, the mentally ill, the underprivileged, ministers, officials (visiting and otherwise). He has many feet of video footage of much of the conditions that many have deplored. He has shown me footage of interviews with persons who were soon to die in the June 25 tragedy in the east.
He is often heard asking emotional questions at press conferences, which I keep on tape but which he captures on video. He is considered often to be overzealous and like me, he is sometimes avoided like the plague.
He has had several exchanges of correspondence with the Governor and while this last letter is very long and detail I will capture for our readers some lines from a letter to the Governor dated 31st July, 1997.
"I am writing to remind you of what we discussed on the phone on 23rd July, 1997. This letter will be copied to as many as possible who might be in a position to assist us in mending a straight-forward problem.
"Recently, while visiting friends at the Gerald's Park Shelter, I was continuously reminded by the occupants and the smell of the pit toilets that their shelter conditions are the worst of all in Montserrat and have persisted un-addressed for almost one year. It became clear that my task was to write letters to Baroness Symons for each of them. While taking notes, I came across a case that caused me great concern.
"My friend Eleanor Riley introduced me to her four children - Brendon age 15, Sheldon age 12, Clifford Jr. age 4 and Seline 10 months. Clifford in dirty jeans who turned out to be their father and her boyfriend had just returned from reaping his crop on the north western flanks of the deadly volcano."
Don went on in the letter to describe how Clifford insisted on farming in Lees until his labours were reaped, describing how he escaped death on June 25. He went on further to describe, " He said he was prepared to face death as he had done for two years in order to provide for his family."
Eleanor had complained about the $30 each per month to feed, clothe the children, etc. pointing out that could not help buy, "cerelac, milk, clothes and medicine?" (Approximately EC$30.00 = œ7.50 or US$11.00)"
Don continued in his letter to discuss how useless is the money she like many others received . He then turned his attention as follows:
"Earlier this month, you confirmed that at the expense of the British Government various companies in the vicinity were assisted in removing expensive goods, equipment and infrastructure using get-away helicopters, speed boats, a ship and men hired at their own risk, all with your approval. In one day and at short notice, lives are put at risk and tens of thousands of British dollars are spent in order to remove expensive goods that with the same help, could have been moved before. Yet farmers for more than a year have been unable to get compensation for crops that can't be moved, some destroyed by the volcano. Nevertheless, the same farmers and their families are expected to survive uncompensated with vastly insufficient food, living in inhumane shelter conditions, some for as much as 15 months. With no assurance of compensation or food voucher increases, many apart from farmers continued to travel into the danger areas for food.
"Don't you agree that it would be both cheaper and safer to compensate Clifford for crops remaining under the volcano than to have a helicopter park while he and his friends reap potatoes worth less than EC$5,000?"
"...One farmer who escaped and lost his close companions said, "People talk but they just don't understand. I have a mortgage for my home in Lee's near my farm, a tractor and my truck and a family to support. It is not just money, but I took the request to supply the hospital, shelters and supermarket very seriously."
"Yes, even the Montserrat Government, using British funds, purchased produce from the farmers whom you, the scientists and the same government openly warned not to farm near the deadly volcano. Most of us, knowingly or not, may be accomplices by virtue of encouragement. 'The harbourer is worst than the thief', they say.
"How ironic it is that the Baroness even on her short trips to Montserrat may unknowingly have eaten the produce of farmers now deceased who for two years have had only promises of compensation for crops, alternative employment, accommodation and more. Isn't it even more ironic that during the tour of the Gerald's Park Shelter, Baroness Symons came to tears at the sight of the children, the deplorable pit toilets and green-house-like tents designed by the British ODA, each tent carrying a sticker with the Union Jack and the words reading 'Gift of the British people'? I wonder if she was told that these pit toilets and tent structures were highly recommended by the British ODA at the time, to be used indefinitely at many other locations. Although regional and international journalists have stated that Gerald's Park occupants sometimes walk in overflowing fieces, pit toilets originally designed for two days are still being used after 10 months with our knowledge.
"What is even more baffling is that 3 weeks ago the Baroness reaffirmed your declarations that there is no cap on the British funds available to Montserrat.
"In 2 years, there is not even an agreement to compensate poor farmers for crops lost. It took seven months before children under 2 years old qualified for food vouchers.
"Why are unemployed single mothers with several children only given 2/3 of the material necessary to build a home and absolutely no funds with which to employ workmen on an island with extremely high unemployment? What is worse is that since I brought this to Baroness Symons' attention in your presence, many have been allotted less material and no further assistance.
"Is there truly no cap on funds available to Montserrat?
"Even as I write, local officials and foreign delegates are discussing the construction of airports, additional port facilities and moving from emergency to middle and long- term planning, while sick old men and women with aching bones continue to sleep on the hard, narrow cots they've used for the past 15 months. Clifford, his family and many other occupants of Gerald's Park shelter and other shelters have gone two weeks to a month without cooking gas, just one day away by boat."
In that letter Don went on to express many of the-often-spoken-of views of many:
"I cannot help but conclude that there must be some connection between the failure to successfully address personal urgent issues and so-called complex ones. We have grossly inadequate housing for the same reason we have grossly inadequate vouchers which can't even feed a 10-month-old baby. Is it gross negligence, and a serious lack of empathy and determination to democratically involve and serve the people? Is it because Montserratians don't riot, march or petition in protest?
"Mr. Savage, you have the constitutional and financial power behind you to govern. You can veto, suspend or correct any decisions or proposals of Montserrat's elected ministers which are, or you may deem incorrect. To fast-track proposals, the British government has provided you with British technocrats and experts on the ground. You are constitutionally in control of the civil service. The British government, you claim, has given you a blank cheque to hire men and purchase what ever is necessary. Is it therefore necessary for you to accompany a delegation of 3 legislative members and high-level private sector representatives to London to raise the dollar value of vouchers and to compensate farmers?
"With all of what the British government has provided to assist you and the local government, it seems that it is not a question of whether you can but one of whether you will. There can't be one rational and caring person amongst us who would consider EC$30.00 or EC$60.00 or EC$120 sufficient to feed any child or adult.
"It is my democratic right and moral responsibility to formally request you to render unto the people of Montserrat what the British Government has for two years repeatedly promised and guaranteed them - not merely because of constitutional responsibility or for fear of embarrassment but out of moral obligation and duty to your Queen, your country, your fellow men and God. Those who flee to London receive it. Why not see that it is done both for us here and those who flee to Antigua under your responsibility?"
By Howard Fergus
It is Tuesday morning, the Chief Minister
not dead because paper bullets cannot kill
for real, but church music from the radio
station breaking down your bed in the twinkling
of an eye...we shall be changed, changed,
changed...you soon hear why; volcano playing
shak-shak on the roof, harsh music
for the dance of death or risk of rapture
trilling siren song or a bully (to change the flow)
pelting missiles at defenceless houses
no X-rated videos inside.
You soon hear Soufriere, quarrying aggregate
and sand to re-figure the landscape in bad taste;
you soon hear, the pilot going up, going up
not in a chariot of fire but on the morning train
an open patio ride in a helicopter
without sides. Ascension comes with risk
on such a cloudy tide in spite of anesthetic
songs; so you walk softly on repentant
ground, wet ash beneath your feet.
But the helicopter paddles on past radio song
station break and police check points
to survey the land the square foot left
to plant your tenement of stubble
for the while, food for volcano back from furlough.
So radio song makes sense; this is no
resurrection morning, just a melody
to gladden God; but you would think
the President of religion has no need
to sniff this ganja of good mood.
The ploy was worth the try; but ZJB sharp
as ever from their dance with divers(e) politicians
by definition devious plays the diplomatic
key in public; it is the protocol of hymnody
for songs like clothes to suit occasions;
so the song's not wrong on this cloudy morning
dead on the ground impatient to go up.
It is Tuesday morning, Her Majesty not dead
her hand still fresh on vegetable vouchers
and the sour grapes of children cannot set
her teeth on edge; yet Sunday/Sabbath pieces
breaking down your bed. You soon hear why:
volcano ragging on your roof to half-mast music
And you wonder if you're ready
to go up in the twinkling of an eye.
by Danielle Weekes
In a letter to the Editor, a farmer , relocated from Long Ground accused "some Montserratians" of having no mercy. After losing his entire crop in Long Ground as well as his home, " this desperate farmer" was robbed of his second place of residence after the incident on June 25th .He thus requested of the ESU a stove, a refrigerator and a bed but these requests were denied because such items were not distributed flagrantly. Or so they said.
A sequence of rebuttals was initiated with this first disappointment, a sequence which was perpetuated when he approached the Minister of Agriculture and Housing and was told after the Minister talked to the EOC director and his constituency representative: " We can't cater for any one person we have to cater for everybody". This "desperate farmer thus asks: "Could somebody please give me the formula for taking care of everybody at the same time?" This question cannot be invalidated as for every needy person on the island to gain assistance the Government has to start somewhere and although every demand cannot be dealt with immediately, something has to be done in compensation for the unfathomable loss suffered by the farmers on Montserrat.
However, after sending a bill of his losses in livestock to the Ministry of Agriculture, no reply has been made up to date. This "desperate farmer" thus wonders if he will be allowed to have a say in the agenda to seek restitution from Britain.
Although the residents of Long Ground have been relocated since August 1995, two years later, no move has been made to facilitate the transition from shelters to permanent housing, which in light of the present situation should be in the top list of priorities. This "desperate farmer" from Long Ground wonders :
"Where are we in the queue for housing?"
Like many survivors of the unfortunate incident on Black Wednesday, he is aware of the fact that if the pyroclastic flow had come by night he would have been among the dead or missing , buried in a steaming grave. He believes that somebody should pay for the friends and relatives who were swept to their deaths.
An effective remedy he suggests would be to "serious action and leadership", some sort of catalyst to reinvigorate a stagnant economic and political system. "Let us return Eugene Skerritt to the Groves and let a white man head the EOC and ESO." He goes on to accuse Montserratians of not caring about their own people.
In light of the ongoing volcanic crisis, the repercussions it has had on a dwindling population the following excerpt which closed the letter, mirrors effectively the plight of many Montserratians and is striking in its poignancy. It is recommended as Quote of the Week.
" All I have left is my sanity, a truck and what's left of my country. Don't push me!!!"
If something is not done to alter this state of immobility immediately, "this desperate farmer" and many others will be pushed over the brink. And into insanity. A place where there's no turning back.
by Nurse Almae Fenton
With much persistence, the nurses of Montserrat have on 12 occasions written to Health Management as well as the Political Administration and His Excellency the Governor seeking their intervention in improving the conditions at the St. John's Hospital. Between these writings, we have had meetings of special delegation, Nurses Association Executive and Joint Nurses Association Executive and the Montserrat Civil Service Association Executive with health management, the Permanent Secretary Administration the Honourable Financial Secretary and the four Ministers of Government highlighting a number of concerns which make the quality of health care offered to the public substandard and those which pose serious threats to the health status of the public.
We expressed in no uncertain terms that there were a number of things that could have been done to improve the working environment. However, minimal action have been taken and so nurses continue to wash bloody linen and delivery utensils in the face basin used by Obstetric patients. Nurses continue to nurse patients in very cramped conditions using makeshift screens to provide privacy to patients.
It is no secret that the maternity ward occupies the stage of the St. John's Primary School with only a curtain as divider between that ward and the children's ward (rather children's cubicle) and a makeshift screen separating the delivery bed from the patient who is on bed-rest.
Patients will admit that cobweb lines the entire roof and to use the two bathrooms and showers means holding your drip in your hand whilst supporting yourself from bed to bed, and along the outside corridor. A number of patients have been so shocked by wet floors and piles of bedpans and urinals in the toilets that those who could, opted to take their fiecal waste back home.
We will admit that Administration have met with us but we can no longer accept verbal sympathy as a dressing for quality health care.
Our issue is, has been and will continue to be better care for the Montserrat public. Conditions after Hurricane Hugo have been harsh but at St. John's School they are deplorable.
Despite announcements to the contrary we want the public to know that at no time did we ask for salary increases. Rather, we have made short term suggestions for improving the patient care environment and as a spill-off the working environment. Our detailed list has been snobbed even though a number of those suggestions had financial and other support from reputable non-governmental organisations. We cannot encourage this for our people, our relatives, ourselves.
The Political Administration would recall that a meeting was held with the nurses at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, 29th July, 1997. This was their effort to shut us up and beside which, whatever the Honourable Minister of Health offered the nurses that night had been aired on national radio prior to coming to the meeting. This is not acceptable to the Association or in the interest of good government. In addition, the claim that there was no knowledge of our grievances and the need for warning are very misleading utterances. The public needs to know that the meeting was called because the Minister got word of a nurses sick-out planned for the next day. Tell us, who gives notice prior to falling sick!?
Visitors and patients alike can attest to nurses eating their snacks at the very desk where records are kept and where medications are mixed. And if it rains, we mark time or use available powdered milk (NIDO) tins.
Should we be paid an extra salary or the suggestion of making an access door to the toilets be taken on board? Or should we wait until the refurbishment as we have been repeatedly told to install an additional sink?
These are the nurses' concerns - NOT SALARY, although it is overdue by seven years. We will not be bought, we will not be shut up! We act as professionals because we care about the health of our population.
The cyclic pattern of activity that was demonstrated by the Soufriere Hills Volcano over the past few weeks has all but disappeared. The previous swarms of hybrid earthquakes leading to explosive eruptions on a 12 hourly basis finally finished last weekend.
On Friday night - Saturday morning the most severe swarm of hybrid earthquakes ever recorded at the MVO led to officials telling everyone on radio to expect a large explosive eruption and to take all precautions. The eruption never came until Monday morning, and then it was only a minor one compared to the ones of the previous week. A similar small explosion happened again on Tuesday morning and again in the early hours of today (Friday).
Since midweek the swarms of hybrid earthquakes, showing magma movement under the dome, have become increasingly strong and closer together until they are almost continuous.
It is obvious that the turn to explosive eruptions at the Soufriere Hills Volcano has been puzzling for the scientists at the MVO. In a radio interview midweek the Chief Scientist and his Deputy admitted that activity had taken a worrying turn for the worse.
The crater produced by the explosive events of the past few weeks has now filled in and there is a new spine over the top of what is left of the Gages Valley. The extrusion rate is now about 7 cubic metres per second and this is thought to be the reason for the earthquake swarms. The dome is now at a height of 981 metres at its highest point (3200 feet).
MVO scientists feel that if the spine falls in the next few days it will cause further pyroclastic flows through the Gages area, as the old Gages Wall is now covered by debris and offers very little resistance to further flows. It has been observed that pyroclastic flow material and pumice flow have reached to about the Dyers area of the Belham River Valley, and because of this the low lying areas of the Central Zone continue to be evacuated.
Jus wonderin how many teachers will return to start school in September.
Jus wonderin if the consultant team from the UK who is here to build the homes for relocated persons will use local labour where ever possible.
Jus wonderin how much of the $26 million EC will be spent locally.
Jus wonderin what the members of the delegation that went seeking aid from Her Majesty's government really achieved.
Jus wonderin who is really to blame. The local or British government for the snail pace activity in the north
Jus wonderin if the CM is laughing at us when we ask him a question or is it a bad habit he has!
Jus wonderin if there is a power struggle going on in the public service.
Jus wondering if the members of the public service know what or why they were on a sick out.
Jus wonderin if the sick out was instigated by the opposition members of Parliament.
Jus wonderin if the persons who own land in the north are trying to make millions from the volcanic disaster.
Jus wonderin if some persons in the EOC need to take a long holiday.
Jus wonderin if one business man who have BS other governments into giving him all he needs is trying his luck with this one and using Grenada as an excuse.
Jus wonderin, if the question is asked of all the persons who are still on island whether they want to stay on island or leave, what the answer would be.
Jus wonderin, who the man was air-lifted from Spanish Point on Wednesday afternoon.
Jus wonderin why persons are not allowed to view the damage in Plymouth and surrounding areas from the top of Richmond Hill.
Jus wonderin when Clint Eastwood will return to the Montserrat, and can't help wonderin if he is going to be blasting from two pistols on his return.
Jus wonderin if HE is in charge of the unsafe zone and the CM in charge of the safe one.
Jus wonderin if we can open a RBC branch in England where over 10 people from the Montserrat staff relocated.
Jus wonderin whether the folks who were too sick to work at the Post Office realize that customers who were treated promptly and courteously while the postal "workers" were out might expect the same treatment after they return.
Jus wonderin whether the Governor, the Chief Minister and the Commissioner of Police have thought about building a high concrete block wall along the nothern edge of the Belham River. It could create a lot of jobs, provide a boost for the economy and even be a magnet for tourists, at least from Eastern Europe and China.
A delegation from Montserrat led by Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne and comprising of the Hon. P.A. Bramble, (Minister of Agriculture and the Environment) Member for Windward Hon. David Brandt, Director of Development Angela Greenaway, Mr. William Bramble [Manager, Montserrat Mills] and Mr. Gregory de Gannes[Manager, Bank of Montserrat], visited the UK over the week August 2 - 9 to discuss with the British Government future assistance for the people of Montserrat following the tragic events since June 25th.
As part of HMG's response it was agreed that George Foulkes MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for International Development, would visit Montserrat from 3lst August.
The delegation met Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, International Development Secretary Clare Short, and their Parliamentary Under-Secretaries George Foulkes and Baroness Symons and a host of others concerned with the crisis resulting from the volcanic eruption.
The British Government, through DFID, have already pledged œ4l million of aid including emergency assistance, budgetary support and long-term development assistance.
Her Majesty's Government have reaffirmed the UK's commitment to ensuring the viability of the North of the island for all those who wish to remain on or return to Montserrat.
Arrangements are being made to explain fully the options available to Montserratians, to enable informed choice.
The Delegation have also had extensive meetings with DFID over three days to discuss in detail the immediate and longer term needs of Montserrat and its people.
The discussions included a detailed review of progress with the current emergency programme, including the provision of immediate housing for up to l,000 people in the first instance, the upgrading and repair of the temporary St. John's Hospital, the repair of roads and the maintenance of adequate external transportation links. Suggestions concerning improvements to the current programme would be speedily explored.
It was agreed that:-
It was further agreed that these meetings constitute part of an ongoing consultative process. A wide range of issues was presented to Her Majesty's Ministers, including the Government of Montserrat's priorities for helping to revitalise the Montserrat economy, re-establishing a commercial airlink, alternative schemes that would facilitate the creation of adequate housing in the north,help for small businesses to re-establish themselves including related issues of land access, support for the indigenous financial sector, including the insurance issue, and assistance for those who lost possessions.
In response to the Delegation's request for a Limited Assisted Passage Scheme, HMG confirmed that it was already giving this matter urgent consideration.
George Foulkes informed the Delegation that these proposals would now be given careful consideration by DFID Ministers and a detailed response given as soon as possible, directly to the Chief Minister or by Mr. Foulkes in person when he visits the island at the end of August. This response would form part of the process of drawing up costed plans for the North of the island.
Baroness Symons and Mr. Foulkes reiterated the profound sympathies of HMG to those who have lost relatives and friends, those injured and those whose property has been destroyed by this awful natural disaster.
They emphasised that the Governments of the UK and Montserrat were working in partnership for the best interests of the Montserratian people, both those remaining and those who have been forced to flee the island. The visit has been an important part of that process.
The UK Ministers expressed their admiration for the powerful, eloquent and responsible way in which Mr. Osborne and his delegation had made the case during their visit and promised that HMG would take full note of this in determining their response.
OPERATION - NEW MONTSERRAT
"A Partnership between the people of Montserrat and Great Britain"
The volcanic crisis which began on July l8, l995 has had a severe impact on the long- term economic development of Montserrat. The situation in Montserrat that has evolved over the past two years is extremely complex. It has been further exacerbated by the events of July 25, which for the first time saw the loss of life. There is now a sense of fear and hopelessness giving rise to an increased loss in population. Scientific advice continues to emphasize the fact that the northern section of the island is safe and we can no longer hesitate to shift the focus of determined and concentrated effort to the development of this area.
The Government and people of Montserrat know that the "Development of the North", even in the face of recent events, will engender hope, increase sustainability and reduce the dependence on Her Majesty's Government for long term recovery and rehabilitation.
The government and people of Montserrat are extremely grateful to Her Majesty's Government for their generosity thus far, and we look forward to a continuing co-operative effort that will benefit the people of Montserrat.
It is the position of the Government of Montserrat that whatever options are offered to the general population, they should be ultimately designed to encourage the repopulation of a new Montserrat, centered in the north of the island. We believe that the existing conditions of joblessness, homelessness and sheer hopelessness can only be alleviated by direct, urgent and specific actions.
The complexity of the situation on Montserrat is unique because it is no longer reasonable or even possible to characterize necessary streams of action as either emergency or medium-to-long-term. The compelling imperatives dictate that almost all strategic or medium to long term initiatives are rooted in necessary emergency action. This is why we urge HMG to break the emergency versus medium-to- long-term paradigm. Montserrat now requires bold and decisive actions designed to generate hope among the population. Specific actions that will engender this hope, should include, but are not limited to the following broad areas:
The present situation in Montserrat is that the area south of Belham is restricted. There is no occupation - no entry. It is too dangerous now and could be so for a long time. Further, the status of the volcano and the eruption is such that it would be rational to conclude that there may be nothing to go back to when the volcano goes back to sleep.
Consequently, all action would have to be predicated on the fact that we need to build a new Montserrat north of Belham. But why build a new Montserrat north of the buffer zone? The reasons are many:-
DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTH -
Essential for a viable Montserrat Community in the future
The dislocation of 60 percent of the population from their homes on the South/Centre of the island, the disruption of utility establishments, administrative, financial, commercial social and industrial infrastructure, the loss of the airport and seaport, the loss of millions of dollars value of personal possessions, crops, livestock, tools, machinery, equipment and merchandise have all combined to undermine the viability of the Montserrat community.
The essental starting phase of the recovery process is the fast-track provision of permanent housing and the replacement of the public sector infrastructure, Airport, Government Ofices, Post Office, Court House, Parliament Building, Library, Hospital, Seaport, School Buildings, Roads and recreational facilities etc. Etc.
Until the actual fast track construction of infrastructure commences in the North there will be no basis for the population to hope for the future and there will be no basis for private sector confidence in the future of the island.
Her Majesty's Government is to be thanked, complimented and congratulated for the latest initiative, which put in place a fast-track housing project to provide relief for beleaguered evacuees. The rapid processing of this project demonstrates that with cooperation and mutual respect between the Montserrat Government and British Officials, fast pace progress can be achieved. A similar fast-track method for infrastructural development is essential to make HMG's stated commitment a reality.
GOVERNMENT ACQUIRES LAND FOR HOUSING
Chief Minister Bertrand Osborne in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon attended by local and international press announced that Government had acquired over 70 acres of land at Look Out in the North. These lands would be purchased with British Aid funds.
Additionally the Chief Minister revealed that the long-awaited Hot Mix Plant to replace the old and obsolete plant at Farms - in the Danger Zone - will arrive on Montserrat in about two weeks time. This undoubtedly will give a big boost to our road development programme, work on which is ongoing from Hill Top in St. Peter's to the far north. Additionally a new D8 Bulldozer has just arrived and will help to speed up preparation of lands for the building of some 250 housing units, which Government hopes to build immediately.
GENERAL OVERVIEW - THE MONTSERRAT EXPERIENCE
In l989 Hurricane Hugo destroyed or damaged 95 percent of the buildings in Montserrat. All crops were destroyed. A lot of furniture and appliances were lost. People who had insurance were able to claim and therefore repair. Those who did not have insurance coverage suffered greatly as cost of material and labour rose. Many had to take new or additional loans. The population was just trying to recover from the staggering effects of Hugo.
With the start of volcanic activity in July l995, approximately six (6) years after the destructive hurricane, Montserrat was again in disarray economically and socially.
About 60 percent of the population already burdened with mortgages and other debts had to flee their homes leaving furniture, land and other property behind. Taking up residence in another environment under such conditions proved to be extremely expensive and emotionally destabilizing. This was further compounded by the realization that the volcanic situation is long term.
Savings quickly disappeared when faced with huge costs of rents and goods and services accompanied with joblessness. Many small businesses were forced to close, while some bigger companies relocated.
Cramped living conditions in churches, schools and other public shelters and exploitation in private accommodations have advanced the plight of the displaced population. Education of the future generation has been severely hampered with the use of schools for unintended purposes over prolonged periods.
Even though some housing units were erected, this is grossly inadequate since long-term permanent dwellings are now a basic necessity. It is hoped that favourable loans will be made to those who are in a position to take advantage of such. Commercial mortgages are unmanageable and are totally beyond the reach of Montserratians at this point and will prove to be discouraging to potential home owners.
Some people are saddled with various financial commitments from which they cannot escape unless they skip the country with nothing to start a new life with but pain. Even though many people are trying desperately to put a brave front there is a general sense of despair. Inability to effectively plan for the present and future as a result of lack of financial and material resources have created a sense of worthlessness. People are worn thin by the fact that they have had to start all over again so many times in the past eight years as they wander from one accommodation to the next.
We hope that the British Government moves quickly to provide further assistance in the areas of replacement of infrastructure, land acquisition, restitution and soft loans to assist in the rebuilding of our beloved country Montserrat.
AIRPORT ENGINEERS ARRIVE
Four engineers from the British firm of MOTT MacDONALD, Graham Ruddock, David Billcliffe, Frank Shorter and Barry Weston, arrived on island Tuesday afternoon. The firm, specialists in Civil Engineering, Airport design, feasability studies etc., has been engaged by the Department for International Development (DFID) to investigate and report on possible sites for a new airport on Montserrat. The officials leave on Saturday.
Next issue, Government's reactions to Civil Servants' sick--out.
Persons interested in employment as:
are asked to contact the Labour Department during working hours 8am-4pm to register at tel: 491-4010
House Plot in Olveston
10,890 sq.ft.
Contact:664-491-2283 - For more information
Prime Lots for sale
Palm Loop:
Woodlands:
Olveston:
West Indies Real Estate
Paula Dutcher Tel: (664) 491-8666
Up to 10 persons from Montserrat who wish to relocate to Nevis can be accommodated. Housing and assistance with meals will be also be provided. Interested persons should prepare to travel by August 31, 1997. Arrangements can be made for persons who cannot afford to purchase airlines tickets to travel aboard the vessel MV Carib Queen.
Interested persons should contact: Mrs Frances Allen-Williams at telephone number: 1-869-469-1805 Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:30am - 4:30pm.
Also a vacancy exists for a 60 year old plus female for a live companion in Nevis. Call 1-869-469-1805 for more information
To all customers of Barclays Bank Montserrat
We are aware that a number of our customers have relocated to be neighbouring islands as a result of ongoing activity at the Soufriere Hills volcano in Montserrat.
Any customer wishing to operate their account may do so by calling at any branch of Barclays Bank PLC in the Caribbean.
Customers will be required to produce identification and proof of account.
Barclays stands committed to providing quality service at all times to its Montserrat customers.
The Bank of Montserrat Ltd. will be offering for sale and will accept written tenders for the following:-
1 1995 Hyundai Accent - R2255
Conditions of Sale:
Please call Ms. Bernadette Mathew to arrange an appointment to examine the vehicle.
MV Freda W.
With all machinery including main engine 405 H. P.
Rebuilt new March 1996.
Class Bureau - Excellent condition.
3 generators, all Lister Blackstone engines.
Speed 10.5- 11 knots.
Port of Registry, London, England.
Gross tonnage 428.
Dead weight 600.
Crew quarters, kitchen and storage rebuilt new.
Includes: 15 ton telescopic crane Mac Gregor, hatch covers, 2 hatches - I hole.
Fax. 664 - 491 - 3010. Great Western Shipping Co. Ltd. PO Box 56, Plymouth Montserrat.Negotiable - asking price US $400.000
Present trading-Caribbean.
Caribbean Cove
Question: Are you ready for an action-packed, exciting career with the newest attraction in the islands?
Answer: Caribbean Cove is seeking qualified applicants for the position of: Kitchen Manager/Chef
Candidates should be able to work flexible hours and have the following qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Interested persons should submit Letter of Application and Resume to:
Global Marketing Enterprises Limited P.O.Box 476 Charlestown, NevisThe Registered Land Ordinance, 1978
(Section 135)
Claims to ownership of lands have been received from the persons listed in the Schedule below.
Any objections to these claims must be lodged in writing to the Land Registry, Palm Loop, Woodlands, Montserrat within six weeks of the first publication of this notice.
Schedule
Edith Rose Morgan Parcel 168, Block 13/12. Land at Baker Hill. Bounded as follows:- On the North by parcel 13/12/169 (unclaimed). On the East by parcel 13/12/112 (Thomas Baker). On the South by parcel 13/12/66 (Philip Emanuel Baker). On the West by parcel 13/12/169 (unclaimed).
Agnes Farrell Parcel 20, Block 15/9. Land at Drummonds. Bounded as follows:- On the North by parcel 15/7/24 (unclaimed). On the East by parcel 15/7/24 (unclaimed). On the South by parcel 15/9/21 (Susannah Dee). On the West by parcel 15/7/24 (unclaimed).
Stephen Greenaway Parcel 104, Block 14/4. Land at Carr's Bay. Bounded as follows:- On the North by Public Road. On the East by parcel 14/4/63 (Henry Greenaway). On the South by parcels 14/4/102 (unclaimed) and 14/4/105 (Sarah Smith). On the West by parcel 14/4/100 (Getrude Spencer, Verna White et al).
John Abraham Weekes Parcel 48, Block 13/22. Land at Forgarty. Bounded as follows:- On the North by parcels 13/6/7 (Doris Sweeney and Margaret Payne) and 13/17/84 (unclaimed). On the East by parcel 13/17/84 (unclaimed). On the South by parcel 13/17/84 (unclaimed). On the West by the parcel 13/17/84 (unclaimed) and Public Road.
Edith V. Reddock
Registrar of Lands (Ag.)
Dated this 7th day of August 1997
Forward all Questions, Comments and Suggestions to: roachb@candw.ag
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