At least 15 nations and territories of the Caribbean region are represented at the 31^st Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) currently underway on Montserrat.

CBU president Gerald Krohn told delegates at the opening of the meeting on Friday, that when he and his colleagues made the decision a year ago to hold this meeting in Montserrat, they were worried whether they were making the correct decision. "Could we actually get to the island comfortably? And would the volcano blow?"

He said once he was on the island, however, along with a full complement of delegates and guests, he could see the correct decision was made. "I could not be happier to be here," he said.

Mr. Salas Hamilton, Chief of Staff in the Chief Minister's office, gave the official welcome to the delegates to Montserrat. He recalled Montserrat's presence from the minutes of the first general assembly of the Commonwealth Caribbean Broadcasting union held on 5^th and 6^th November, 1970, pointing out that Montserrat was represented then by Mr. Wilsie White, manager of the local radio station.

He recalled further, "it was in 1988 that we gathered here at the Vue Pointe Hotel to be hosted by the Antilles Radio Corporation and Radio Montserrat."

Mr. Hamilton said to the delegates, "In having your meeting here, it shows your support and solidarity, not only for the host station but for the people of Montserrat."

His Montserrat welcome was followed by a very vibrant and formal welcome to the CBU members by Ms. Marcia Forbes, Vice president, TV.

In a formal opening address Montserrat’s Chief Minister, the Hon. David Brandt, reminded CBU members that Montserrat is not only rebuilding its infrastructure, including its media enterprises, but also remembers its history as a contributor to the growth of that industry.

"We were the home of the great Radio Antilles, which, incidentally, we are working to bring back bigger and better than ever," he stated, adding that Montserrat was also the birthplace of Gem Radio. "Your responsibilities are enormous, but you have chosen the right place to contend with them."

Mr. Brandt told the regional broadcasters that he is aware of the massive changes confronting their industry.

"We are fast moving away from the golden mass media," he remarked. "Gone are the days when the entire Caribbean will tune in at the same time to the BBC News or the Radio Antilles Evening News."

He explained that new technologies and the new economy are decreasing centralisation within the media, and suggested that we must learn to find our new regional voice, and speak with one voice, so we don’t get left behind.

"I hope our situation will serve to inspire you," he offered, pointing out that efforts are underway to rebuild Montserrat despite the devastation of the volcano. "It will have to be smaller, but we intend to make it a better Montserrat…we cannot achieve this goal single-handedly, but we intend to provide leadership."

Shifting briefly away from commentary on mass media, the Chief Minister addressed a specific infrastructure problem on the island: the lack of a fixed-wing airport. He admitted that he and his ministers have differing views as to how and where the airport should develop, but he said it must be done.

"We need a fixed-wing facility," he affirmed. "Such a facility is indispensable if eco- and adventure tourism are to take off."

Mr. Brandt said his government is committed to eco- and adventure tourism as a future cornerstone of the island’s economy.

Other local development issues he shared with CBU delegates included the need for training in specific aspects of the economy, especially the service industries, which would be essential in any economy based on new types of tourism.

"We intend to be part of, and to benefit from, the global economy," he stated, explaining that the volcano will not stop progress in tourism because it is among the best-monitored volcanoes in the world. Mr. Brandt admitted that activity in the Soufriere Hills can make life uncomfortable at times, but assured those in attendance that it does not detract from the enduring beauty of Montserrat.

"We have faith in the scientists and in the future," the Chief Minister declared.

Reminding CBU delegates of the power of their news communications, he said Montserrat has fallen victim in the past to modern mass media houses with audiences of millions, who have reported news out of context from the island about the volcano and its effects. He said this has damaged Montserrat’s image and reputation globally, and he said regional news organisations have not been entirely blameless in blowing the problems out of proportion. Nevertheless, he said he valued his government’s relationship with Caribbean news organisations.

Mr. Brandt said rebuilding Montserrat will continue, and gave delegates a glimpse of the practical problems his administration grapples with. There are still 224 people living in emergency shelters, plus a total of 754 people requesting assistance of some kind to acquire permanent housing.

In addition to housing for people, many businesses have also been left without suitable premises. Developing and launching schemes to solve these problems is a major ongoing challenge faced by government leaders and their staff. Providing a synopsis of ways his government has found to meet the challenges, the Chief Minister made reference to ongoing efforts to build affordable homes, provide building lots, and most recently to introduce "soft mortgages" to help people qualify as property buyers.

He said government sponsored or organised construction: "Has been the leading economic activity on the island for some time."

Reminding the regional broadcasters that the support of people throughout the Caribbean is an important ingredient to Montserrat’s success, he thanked CBU members for coming to the island.

"Your coming is in itself an eloquent message of faith in us," he stated.

Following the opening ceremony and the days plenary sessions CBU conducted the induction into the Caribbean Broadcasting Hall of Fame of two of its most outstanding members.

The inductees were Mr. Jones P. Madeira and Mr. Ken Gordon, both of Trinidad and Tobago. They both responded upon being inducted with brief remarks, which left chairman Stewart Krohn almost speechless himself, when he said that anyone who didn't figure from the remarks, why these men were worthy to be inducted, could only be deaf.

President Krohn said that the event was not an annual one, citing that so far only Alva Clarke, Rafiz Khan, Olga Lopes-Seale, Hugh Cholomondeley, Dwight Whylie and Tony Cozier had been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Mr. Rafiq Khan, chairman of the adjudicating panel and himself a Hall of Famer, described some seven requirements that one must satisfy before being invited to be inducted.

Mr. DRV (Frank) Edwards, Chairman of the Bank of Montserrat, co-sponsor of the evening's program, gave brief remarks at the beginning of the ceremony, while entertainment for the evening was provided by the 30-year-old Emerald Community Singers. Entertainment for the morning opening ceremony was provided by the ever-popular Montserrat masqueraders.

Environment Minister, the Hon. Brunell Meade, has revealed that his ministry is investigating offences against regulations protecting the nesting areas of endangered sea turtles, and he intends to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Minister also said there is a long term plan to put beach wardens on patrol in sensitive areas, to guard against future breaches of environmental laws.

His remarks followed confirmations from the Montserrat National Trust that sands where endangered sea turtles lay their eggs in the area of Isles Bay have been disturbed. The Trust wants all sand mining stopped on the western shores of the island, while Mr. Meade points out that some mining is still permitted on the western shores, but only under tight supervision.

"There is indeed a policy to protect the adventure and eco-tourism balance," Mr. Meade affirmed. "The mining of sand should be supervised by the government so as to protect the turtle habitat."

"There have been some breaches recently of the regulations. One or two contractors have gone down and have broken the regulations to mine sand on their own," he said.

Mr. Stephen Macnamara, Director of the Trust, described tracks currently being left by turtles on the northern half of Montserrat’s western seaboard. The tracks show that female turtles are struggling onto the shore to lay their eggs on previously mined beaches. Not finding a suitable nesting site, they are returning to the sea exhausted and bursting with pressure, only to drop their eggs in the water where they can never hatch.
This sea turtle controversy may seem familiar to some readers. Almost exactly a year ago this newspaper ran a series of stories on sand mining in sea turtle nesting areas. At the conclusion of those stories the government announced that new regulations were being adopted to protect the turtle habitats. Now a year later, at the height of the nesting season, the issue is raising its head once again.

Just three weeks ago, a month short of three years after the first proposal to Minister George Foulkes of Britain, a "Soft Mortgage" Agreement was signed between the various Governments of Montserrat and Britain and the Bank of Montserrat Ltd.

Chief Minister Brandt and his government have no doubt hoped that this will go down as one of their greatest achievements during their term in office, as a direct response to their contribution in response to the volcanic crisis which continues to beset us. But surprising to some it turns out that the critics, government opposition and commentators, and much of the public have referred to this scheme as "not soft at all."

The honourable opposition member in the legislative council Reuben Meade, in a commentary copied to the Reporter says: "The Soft Mortgage Scheme (SMS) is not really soft. It provides a mortgage programme for those individuals who wish to borrow money," but he reminds quickly, "We must realise that all of the Commercial Banks lost heavily."

That latter part of the statement, which is part of a much longer comment, probably intended to counter the argument put forward by a political activist who said: "…the money is our own, the Bank of Montserrat is making the loan to the GOM…". The suggestion that it is our own money forgets that the bank is in the business of profitmaking for its shareholders and depositors; and that even though that money belongs to Montserratians they are expecting a return on that hard-earned money. Most of the arguments put forward that the mortgage is not soft are reasonable ones, along with that which said: "I think this same plan would have been greeted more positively had it been developed and put in place on a fast track basis when it was most needed. Delays totaling three years change the reaction to "Is that all there is?"

As Meade puts it: "…mortgages are no longer available to the average person on island. The mortgage scheme as proposed was a mechanism to bring money on stream for lending to those willing and able to borrow." That was the single desire of the group that made the proposal, before government politicians became involved and championed that the British should provide the funds free of cost to aid the rebuilding process.

The Chief Minister, just taking up the reins of leader of the country, latched on and the course went wrong from there, misinterpreting the British intentions even to this day. But out of that first move seemed to come the "materials grant scheme. "It was as though they were trapped and this obviously provided some delay as the Chief Minister later sought to get the same benefits for anyone accessing the mortgage scheme, causing even further delay as the British tried to figure a way out.

In the end we have a scheme, hard fought, but one which seems to leave many persons unable to access it. The major problem is that mortgage funds are not otherwise obtainable. Part of the criteria is that persons who together or singly earn more than a certain sum per month need not apply; and if you did not relocate from south of Belham the same thing applies.

It is doubtful whether the rate of interest would be as big an issue if Montserratians were able to access funds for building homes. This would also leave the issue of whether those north of Belham should also access the subsidy. Here there should be little fuss, since it could be assumed that those north of Belham (though not in every case) would not have suffered as severely as those who lost their homes or have no access to them. Included would be those who five years later have reached that position that they wish to acquire their own home.

Mr. Meade suggests that there were sources from which government could have obtained funds to make available to Montserratians at lower interest rates. He cites the Government Savings Bank, which has a significant surplus, which, with the approval of the Secretary of State, could be invested in such a SOFT mortgage scheme; insurance payments received for Radio Antilles; the insurance proceeds from the Rice Mills, augmented by smaller amounts from the Social Security Fund; Montserrat Aviation Services; and the Port Authority, totaling at least $8-10 million.

The resulting mortgage scheme highlights two common problems which must be overcome quickly. We too often sit back and do or say nothing when we believe our leaders are not working in our best interest, or heading in the wrong direction. They, on the other hand, are far too slow to reach out and bring on board the necessary and available human resources that are willing to help.

Do we have to wait for a new government to practice something worthwhile and offer these guarantees?

The whole country need to knock heads to correct the difficulties associated with the present mortgage scheme, even if it is not softer. It is not so much the softness or lack thereof that is a problem, but rather the continued inaccessibility of funds for the majority of those persons wishing to build, or to acquire lands and build homes in Montserrat.

Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. - Ephesians 4:2

Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the dogs, sheep, goats, horses, and a variety of fowls on my grandparents' farm. One year the mother duck died after hatching only one duckling. At that time we had no other ducks, so my father slipped the duckling into a pen with a mother hen and her baby chickens.

The chickens welcomed the duckling, and all went well except when the hen took her chicks and the duckling to a nearby creek to drink. After it drank, the duckling would jump into the creek to swim. The mother hen would run along the bank, squawking at her adopted baby. The hen thought the duckling should act like a chicken and stay out of the water. However, she always accepted the duckling as her own.

Sometimes I am reminded of this experience when I become upset toward people whose behavior I do not understand. I may not approve of their behavior, but they may simply be different creatures than I am. They are being who God created them to be. Following Paul's admonition in Ephesians 4:2, I can let them know that I care for them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive my critical attitudes. Help me to accept those whose thoughts and actions differ from mine. Amen.

We ducks and chickens can live together by accepting our differences.

Dear Sir

On 30 June, 2000, your newspaper published a letter in which I referred to "the forced disenfranchisement of thousands of Montserratians." I was pleasantly surprised to learn that on 7 February, 2000, the Electoral Commission issued a press release which clarified the issue of the eligibility to vote of Montserratians overseas, who were on the 1996 voters list and intend to return to reside in Montserrat. The press release included the clause "Under existing legislation Montserratians presently overseas who return to the island to reside by a certain date, to be determined by the Electoral Registration Office, will be entitled to register to vote in the next election". I was subsequently told that the date set was 31 August, 2000, and that anyone returning by that date would be entitled to be registered.

Despite that statement, the election pamphlet issued by the Government of Montserrat states " To be registered as a voter one must be a Commonwealth Citizen and be resident in Montserrat for 36 months immediately preceding the date of registration as a voter or is domiciled in the Colony (Montserrat) and is resident therein at the date of such registration".

This statement is not consistent with the previous quote from the Commission's release of 7/2/2000, and I understand that several people entitled to registration under the existing legislation have been turned away or discouraged from completing their registration forms.

I believe that only the persons who are active members of a community and residents on an island should choose their Government, but a special situation exists in Montserrat. Many of our people who have spent all their working life here and have all their property here, plan to return to live permanently as soon as it is reasonable for them to do so. These people should not be disenfranchised.

It is wrong for a resident of Salem who was able to return , to have more rights and privileges than a person from Cork Hill who intends to return as soon as Cork Hill is reopened.

In a recent discussion with a prominent friend who strongly opposes registration of Montserratians overseas, he told me that because of the poor economic situation, he may have to travel overseas to work. However he is determined to return to vote at the next election. This is a double standard which is not acceptable.

It is my opinion that the election pamphlet should be withdrawn and the deadline for registration removed.

No individual or group should be allowed to manipulate the electoral process to gain or retain political control and the voting rights of all individuals should be respected.

It is bad enough being a community that does not celebrate Emancipation Day. Let us not become labeled as the first Caribbean island to practice reverse adult suffrage.

Thank you for allowing me to share these views with the Montserrat Public.

Yours Truly,

Lowell Lewis

We, the moving on class (Grade 6) of the St. Augustine School, would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Father Larry- the school's manager, our Principal, Mrs-Eileen Edwards, and all of our teachers:

Teacher Williams, Teacher Sarah, Teacher Manelva, Teacher Maureen, Teacher Desney, Teacher Catherine,

Teacher Jennifer, Teacher Minnie (Religious Teacher), Miss Howe (Secretary), our Sports officers, Music and Art Teachers, and Mr. Jim Lee, who taught us computer literacy.

Thank you all for your love, encouragement, support, leadership, guidance and generosity. Although all of you showed interest in the family of St. Augustine, we must however, single out our teacher -- Teacher Williams -- who taught us in Grade 6. You are an excellent teacher; knowledgeable, understanding, kind and tolerant and brought us back when we stepped out of line. The opportunity of getting to know, love, share, learn and spend time with you was a pleasure.

We would also like to thank the Osbome's for giving us the opportunity to use the Pelican Room at the Vue Pointe Hotel on the occasion of our Graduation Dinner.

The room was decorated so nicely that we all felt like Kings and Queens eating in the dining room at a Royal palace. Your assistance added to the pleasure.

The. food that was prepared by Mrs. Mavis James was scrumptious. If it were not for all of your generosity and hard work, the dinner would not have been the success that it was. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

We appreciate being a part of the family of the St. Augustine school and will treasure the experiences. We will remain as heralds of the school. We will keep the torch of the St. Augustine school burning and will hold it up proudly throughout our lifetime. We will continue to support each other and pledge to be on our best behavior always. We will attempt always to make the family of the St. Augustine proud.

Once again thank you and may God bless you all.

Sincerely

Kristen Taylor for Grade 6 Students

Members of Grade 6, 1999/2000

Kemuel Cabey, Oriza Cooper, Orville Farrell. Francis Fergus, Hafeeza Hintzen, Zephaniah Joseph, Anne Krawkower, Daren Meade, Josue Mejia, Keniel Murrain, Dilleon Piper, Kriston Ryan, Adrian Sullivan, Lee-Andro Sutherland, Kristen Taylor, Mamta Valechha, Renee Valechha, Ekron White, Kamille Winspeare

Jumping Jack’s bar and restaurant isn’t the kind of place you expect to find a shipwrecked mariner, but recently the popular eatery and watering hole became a refuge for a swamped sailor.

Managers Danny and Margaret were surprised to find the waif strolling up from the seafront at the mouth of the Belham River. They later reported that the man looked awful, as though he had not eaten or even washed in days.

The stranger spoke only French so there was some difficulty determining what had happened, but the couple were able to learn that their visitor had been shipwrecked at sea, and had spent days drifting around in the waves without food or fresh water.

Danny arranged for the man to take a shower at the back of the restaurant, while Margaret cooked him some food. He ate the equivalent of two or three meals and some soda drinks, after which Danny drove the man to the authorities.

It turned out the derelict was a yachtsman from Guadeloupe, who had been making his way home from Nevis. On August 6 he was already in the waters of Guadeloupe when a brief squall came up and swamped his vessel. Soon the boat was entirely underwater in a vertical position, except for a small portion of the bow, which stayed afloat like a buoy pointing toward the sky.

Pierre Landry spent the next three days clinging to the bow of his wrecked yacht, bobbing and drifting at the mercy of the elements. As his appearance later caused Danny and Margaret to correctly deduce, the man had nothing to drink or eat throughout his ordeal. He could only pray that the weather remained calm enough for the bow of his boat to remain afloat until he was rescued.

On the third day a passing vessel saw him in waters near Montserrat, plucked him from the sea and took him to a local beach. At first he believed he had been dropped in what was left of Plymouth. He thought the city must have been covered by the mud in Belham Valley, but it later became clear he had been dropped somewhere near Isles Bay.

Marine police helped the man get to a hospital where he spent a day and night resting under observation, before being shipped on to Guadeloupe.

Danny and Margaret said the last time they saw Pierre, he wanted their names and address on a slip of paper. They are now waiting to see if the man gets in contact with them again.

Declaring the course open patron of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) Governor General Sir Daniel Williams reiterated punctuality and commitment as key ingredients for success.
His Excellency urged the participants to regard their attendance and participation as critical.
Meantime, Sports Minister Adrian Mitchell wants the GFA to formulate more programmes to utilize local qualified coaches.
The course administrators are Alvin Corneal of Trinidad and Tobago, Rudy Gittens and Kevan Pipe of Canada and Dino Soupliotis of Greece.

Local and long-time football official Lionel Nanton confirms that no one from Montserrat is benefiting from the training session in Grenada, but say this year's local league kicks off on Sunday, September 3, 2000.

It is not yet known how many teams will participate in the league .

The Montserrat Red Cross received an amount of US$5,000 from Kimberly-Clark Europe, to assist with the aid programme on Montserrat, following an approach by their UK employee Mr. Joseph Cabey.

Mr. Cabey requested assistance from his firm for aid for the elderly, the fishermen of Montserrat and books for the Montserrat Public Library. The funds were distributed to the Red Cross, Old People’s Welfare Association, Golden Years’ Foundation, Public Library and Fisheries.

Mr. Cabey has been raising funds for many years on his own, and through the Montserrat Charity, Gravesend, Kent, for projects on Montserrat.

The Montserrat Red Cross wishes to thank Kimberley-Clarke, Europe, Mr. Joseph Cabey and the people of Kent for their continued support.

Various businesses and government offices closed early on Monday to give people a chance to prepare for Hurricane Debby, but the storm passed by Montserrat without major incident.

As Debby approached Antigua, an eleventh hour shift to a more northerly track sent the worst part of the hurricane away from Montserrat's shores. Meteorologists said the hurricane moved about 20 miles to the north. The storm packed its heaviest punch near the eye, and in its northern bands, but the southern-most bands that hit this island were relatively mild.

Barbuda experienced some tropical storm force winds of about 75 mph, but there were no reports of damage or disruption to public utilities. The brunt of Debby's rage was saved instead for the Windward Islands, yet even that was not the disaster many feared.

Montserrat did see some heavy rainfall after midnight and into the daytime on Tuesday, causing some drainage channels to overflow, although most roads remained open. Mudflows down the Belham Valley strewed the stream bed with huge boulders, making the Belham Bridge impassable.

Some property owners also reported minor flooding, but by 8 a.m. on Tuesday all storm and hurricane warnings had been lifted for Montserrat and neighbouring islands.

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda continued to issue flash-flooding warnings through Tuesday morning.

Remembering the horror of Hurricane Hugo, many Montserratians joined residents of Antigua, Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, stocking medicine, non-perishable food, petrol and drinking water. Some homeowners and businessmen battened down their premises on Monday night. Supermarkets were sold out of certain provisions, like candles, by closing time.
A bulletin from the National Weather Service in Miami said on Tuesday that Debby continued west-northwest through the northern Leeward Islands.
"A hurricane warning is in effect for the north coast of the Dominican Republic," the bulletin said. "Hurricane warnings remain in effect for the Leeward Islands from Guadeloupe north and northwestward through the British and the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and its surrounding islands."
Debby 's west-northwest track continued at about 21 mph, with sustained winds of up to 75 mph. Gusts in excess of 100 mph were later reported on some Windward Islands, but without resulting in serious damage. Rainfall totals of 4 to 6 inches were reported throughout the northern Leewards, with the highest concentration over mountainous areas.

The storm passed 40 miles southeast of St. Maarten, before passing through the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where its low wind velocity and high rainfall were welcomed by many as an end to a dry spell.

A high level easterly wind shear blowing out of the Gulf of Mexico confronted Debby late Wednesday, and began undermining the storm's strength. The wind shear sliced off top level clouds, quickly reducing the hurricane to a tropical storm. With its high altitude bands gone, no tropical storm or hurricane can continue to develop, so by Thursday at 11 a.m., meteorological services in the U.S. had downgraded Debby once again, this time to a tropical wave.

There was still some concern that it might redevelop after the easterly wind shear passed, but by then it was heading westward over Cuba with perhaps a day to go to landfall.

Hurricane Debby was the fourth of up 12 predicted storms for the 2000 season.

Former Radio Montserrat employee Joseph Daley has attained a First Class Honours Degree in Mass Communications from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. This achievement has come after he earlier attained a Distinction in the Diploma course in 1995-1996.

Mr. Daley enrolled in the Degree program in 1997 and specialized in Television Production, to complement his Diploma, which was in Radio Production.

He says he is very grateful to God, who had a real presence in his life during his four years in Jamaica.

He has also expressed deep appreciation to the many people in Montserrat who encouraged him, particularly Randy "Zunks" Greenaway and Eugene Skerritt.

He also made special mention of his son Zephorn, whose birth, he said, was instrumental in his decision to seek a higher education.

Royal Bank of Canada, the country's largest bank by assets, reported a 22-percent rise in quarterly earnings Tuesday, with strong gains across all its operations. "It's pretty clear that Royal Bank is showing very solid fundamentals across all of its business units,'' said Heather Wolf Mattes, a bank analyst at Goldman Sachs.
"There were no large surprises, but everything came in above my expectation,'' Ms. Wolf Mattes said, adding that retail banking results were strong and wealth management and wholesale banking results, although significantly lower than in the second quarter, beat expectations and topped other Canadian banks to date.
The bank reported a profit of C$563 million, or C$1.75 a share, in the three months ended July 31, up from year-earlier earnings of C$462 million, or C$1.33 a share, using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Analysts had estimated Royal Bank would earn C$1.64 a share in the quarter, according to First Call/Thomson Financial, which tracks consensus forecasts.

On a Canadian cash basis, Royal Bank earned C$596 million compared with C$492 in the third quarter of 1999.
Return on common equity on a cash basis, a key measure of profitability, rose to 19.5 percent in the quarter from 16 percent a year earlier. Credit loss provisions were C$172 million, down from C$175 million.
The bank also said Tuesday it declared a one-for-one stock dividend "It paints the picture that the retail side is very strong in Canada right now. And it looks like the momentum really started building earlier in the year and it looks like it's going to continue,'' said Kevin Lambo, a banking analyst at Edward Jones in St. Louis, Missouri.
Ms. Wolf Mattes said she expects the bank's profit to remain strong as a result of good market conditions and diversification.

Jean Dyer, who recently obtained an Upper Second Class Honours degree in Law at the University of the West Indies, has been awarded a Prince of Wales (Cable & Wireless) Chevening Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a Master's Degree in Commercial Law at the University of Cambridge in October 2000.

Miss Dyer is pleased by the fact that she has been afforded this opportunity to delve into an area of law which she has always found fascinating. She would like to use this opportunity to thank her family and friends for their words of inspiration and their unwavering support, as their encouragement has undoubtedly been instrumental in making one of her dreams a reality.

Incredible as it seems, a pair of honeymoooners didn’t know Montserrat even had a volcano until after they arrived here.

Bruce and Roxanne Landsborough are from Canada. They booked their honeymoon getaway through Go Travel, a travel agency in the city of Edmonton where they live.

They told the agent they wanted a quiet Caribbean vacation on an island with a low crime rate. Go Travel suggested Montserrat, but according to the couple neglected to tell that the island is recovering from a volcanic crisis.

The couple later said many of the things they were promised back in Edmonton did not transpire. The villa manager, Mr. Wilston (Picket) Johnson, met them as they cleared customs at Little Bay and later guided them through various pitfalls, starting with obtaining temporary driver’s permits. As their brief stay ended this week, the couple were adamant that they had no complaints with Mr. Johnson or their housekeeper, Yvonne.

Most of their dissatisfaction with their villa rental seemed to originate with people off the island. The Landsboroughs wanted to make it clear they did not blame the people of Montserrat for their problems.

"People here have been very nice to us," Roxanne affirmed. In addition to Mr. Picket and Yvonne, Roxanne also said they were very grateful to the managers of the Jumping Jack Restaurant.

"Danny and Margaret have made us feel very welcome here, and their daughter Sarah too, she’s lovely."

Bruce and Roxanne had never been fans of seafood. Most of the fish where they live are fresh water creatures, with lots of bones and bland taste. Danny’s skill with a fillet knife and Margaret’s cooking abilities, however, sent the pair away with a new appreciation of seafood.

They also wanted to thank Mr. Joseph Williams at High Garden, another local chef who had delighted them with his creations.

Bruce predicted, however, that their experiences here would not encourage more tourists to visit Montserrat. Aside from some misunderstandings over whether their pool was filtered, he said more needs to be done to improve general conditions for tourism. He particularly noted the large amount of trash on roads and even beaches.

"I know Danny has cleaned up a lot of the local beaches," Bruce remarked, "but it would help the local tourist trade to clean up more of the trash on other beaches and along roads on the island."

The couple said they have never traveled outside North America before. They were surprised to learn that it was their Canadian travel agent’s job to make sure they were informed of travel advisories before selling them their tickets. They said they would take the matter up with Go Travel in Edmonton upon their return.

His Excellency the Governor is pleased to announce that four members of the local community are to be awarded the Montserrat Certificate and Badge of Honour for their services and dedication to the island.

The recipients will be:

Mrs. Margaret Elwin -- In recognition of her work in caring for and feeding and cleansing the mentally challenged and shut-ins of our society in the absence of a proper facility and care.

Mr. Franklyn Margetson -- In recognition of his contributions to the Montserrat community. He has served the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Montserrat National Trust and the Emerald Community Singers. Currently he is the President of the Citizens and Friends of Montserrat in Antigua.

Mr. Cedric Osborne – In recognition of his many and varied contributions to the community. He has worked voluntarily with several organizations including the Montserrat Jaycees, the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce &Industry and the Rotary Club. He has also served on the Public Service Commission for many years.

Dr. Carol Tuitt -- In recognition of her work in training and counseling groups, individuals and families with the Montserrat Red Cross and other organisations in the community, often in a voluntary capacity.

His Excellency will present the awards at a ceremony later this year .

Mr. Thomas Christopher of the Montserrat Volcano Observatory is the latest in a number of Montserratian graduates who excelled in their final examination at the University of the West Indies this year.

Mr. Christopher gained an Upper Second class degree in Pure and Applied Science with a major in Geology. This means that his qualification is directly relevant to the vital area of scientific monitoring of the Soufriere Hills volcano.

The University has also learned with delight that Mr. Christopher has been offered a place at University of Cambridge to study towards a doctorate degree. This is good news. He is a credit to Montserrat and deserves the highest congratulations as well as best wishes for the future.

CANA- The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's inclusion of Barbados on its list of countries with harmful tax practices was the main focus when British High Commissioner, Mr. Gordon Bake,r recently called on Minister of Industry and International Business, Mr. Reginald Farley, according to the Barbados Government Information Service.
The minister said Barbados could not sit back and allow itself to be blacklisted by the OECD when that organisation has not issued any concrete list of practices considered harmful. He charged that the OECD list is biased, since it excludes some countries well known for their harmful tax practices.
Mr. Farley told the British envoy that the OECD and Barbados want the same thing, namely the end of money laundering and similar types of international crime. He noted, however, that the OECD needed to be clearer and fairer in their approach.
In Antigua, meanwhile, the manager of an offshore gaming operation, Mr. Robert Eremain, has been deported. Mr. Robert Eremain was sent to Puerto Rico, although officials noted the action was not a condemnation of the gaming industry as whole. A commercial bank, in accordance with the requirements of money laundering laws, reported that Mr. Eremain "had been making unusual and suspicious deposits." His account was frozen by the ONDCP (Office of the National Drug Control Programme). The amount of money frozen and the name of the bank were not released.

The Prime Minister's office said a further probe by the National Fraud Centre in the United States revealed that the former offshore gaming manager was arrested four times for alleged "possession with the intent to distribute narcotics in the states of Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts".

BARBADOS-Cable and Wireless has cut the cost of Nokia 6120 mobile phones by 50 percent during the 2000 hurricane season.

"The hurricane season has started and Cable & Wireless wants to give customers the security of keeping in touch with family and friends at the time they need them the most," said Head of Mobile Marketing, Ms. Christine Gehre as she announced the plan.
Nokia cellular phones currently retail at Bds$349.50 while stocks last.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Trinidad and Tobago has filed an appeal against the jail sentence handed down to a man found guilty of incest.
The appeal charges that the sentence against the guilty 49-year-old father who confessed to an incestuous relationship with two of his daughters was too lenient.
Last Tuesday, Justice Paula Mae Weekes sentenced the man to a total of 55 years in jail on three charges of incest against his younger daughter.
The man was sentenced to 10 years each and on the charge of indecent assault against her, was sentenced to an additional two years.
On the three charges of incest against the older girl, the father was sentenced to seven years each and was ordered to serve an additional two years on the charge of indecent assault against her.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CANA - A large majority of Trinidadians believe marijuana should not be legalised, according to the results of a survey conducted over the past weekend.
When questioned on the issue of whether marijuana should be legalised in Trinidad and Tobago, 76 per cent said it should remain illegal.
However, 18 per cent said it should be "legalised but with a regulated supply," while 3 percent called for it to be "made available to anyone". Another 3 per cent said they did not know.
The Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice based at the St. Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) here carried out the ninth nationwide survey on crime, justice and politics over the August 19-20 weekend.

We are badly bruised on the inside but we see a glimmer of hope – hope in a new breed of youthful talent. The performance, application, craftsmanship and altruism of the children in the U-15 Costcutter Challenge did not inspire the adult cricketers to excellence at Headingley.

They opted for self-destruction, and disgraced West Indies cricket by continuing the trend set in train in South Africa. They were beaten in two days and 20 overs to spare on August 18, 2000. West Indies scored 172 and 61; England 272, wins by an innings and 39 runs.

It was the first two-day Test-match finish in England since 1921, and the Brits orchestrated a sensational victory by an innings and 39 runs. This victory was set up by a timely match-winning partnership between Michael Vaughan and Graeme Hick, which gave England a lead of exactly 100 on first innings This laid the platform for a magnificent bowling performance by Darren Gough and Andy Caddick, which bundled the wobbly West Indian batting lineup for a mere 61 runs, their third lowest in Test cricket.

Bowling as fast, full and accurate and using the overclouded conditions to swing the ball both ways, Gough bowled Griffith through the gate with the first ball he faced. With his very next delivery, he beat the rather careless or rather arrogant Wavell Hinds, as my daughter thinks, and trapped him leg-before-wicket. West Indies was three runs for two wickets. With the score on 11, he trapped Lara leg-before for 2, adjudged out not playing a stroke to a ball on stumps for the second time in the match. Lara’s eye problem may be more serious than we think, as it is affecting his judgment.

Campbell, lacking the requisite foot movements, was superbly caught by Hick at second slip, diving to his right. That gave Gough four wickets - West Indies being 21 for four. Adams and Sarwan fought back for a while, but with the total on 49 Adams drove at Cork and played the ball on to his wicket off the inside edge - similarly dismissed in both innings.

On 52 Ridley Jacobs was unfortunately adjudged leg-before, falling across his stumps to Caddick. Two balls later, Nixon McLean and Curtly Ambrose were beaten by full in-swinging balls and bowled through the gate. He missed a hat-trick but yorked Reon King to claim four wickets in seven balls, in the same over. When Caddick finally bowled Courtney Walsh for three runs, West Indies had only amassed 61runs.

This was the 16th Test match to finish in two days. No Test anywhere had been completed in two days since 1946 and no Test had been ended in two days in England since 1921. England last won a Test in two days in 1912, when she beat South Africa at the Oval by 10 wickets. What is the problem? Does the weakness reside in the management or the players? We will address this issue in a timely article.

The competence of the team and its management in history is being questioned. I question their grasp of Caribbean history. Sir Vivian Richards, the greatest cricketer of all time, the former West Indian captain and team coach before the incumbent Roger Harper, said, "I doubt that these guys understand how people feel about this cricket team, especially here in the United Kingdom. Most of our friends and relatives from the Caribbean came here to work years ago, and not only will they be embarrassed with such poor cricket from 'their team', but they have to withstand the 'barbs' of their English co-workers and everyone else."

Two performances signal hope for the future – Curtly Ambrose’s induction into the 400 Club and Ramnaresh Sarwan’s induction into the "West Indian Batting Club." One is a case of self-actualization for the old and one is a case of the rite of passage for the young.

For more than a decade, Curtly Ambrose has conquered batsmen the world over and at Headingley he got his just reward. It was no surprise that this exceptional man and supreme fast bowler would have eventually joined that exclusive, elite group of just four who have reached 400 Test wickets.

Curtly Ambrose (402), the bean-pole Antiguan, has transcended his fellow countryman, Anderson Roberts (202), and has joined the company of illustrious cricketers such as Sir Richard Hadlee (431), Wasim Akram (407) and Kapil Dev (434), and the group leader, Courtney Walsh with 476 wickets, the man who has formed a most formidable bowling partnership with him for many years. Between them they have accumulated an astonishing 878 Test wickets, having demolished the strongest batting lineups over the years.

Yes, out of the rubble that was the fourth Test match performance at the Headingley on August 17 and 18, the West Indies team, the hope of our international product, was reinforced. Just like prophet Isaiah said, "A little child shall lead them," and the Indo-West Indian may have become "the hope of the region."

Ramnaresh Sarwan did not score a century, but through his exhibition of technical skill, confidence, resilience and altruism, the young child set an example for his many adult professionals or high-pay cricketers, and has reinforced that our future, to a large extent, rests with the young generation of West Indian batsmen– Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Narsingh Deonarine, Ryan Hinds, Marlon Samuel, Sylvester Joseph and Runako Morton.

Colin Croft, who witnessed the young man’s exhibitions, reported, "That the West Indies made 172 at all was due entirely to that classy young right-handed batsman, Guyanese Ramnaresh Sarwan. He played with a maturity that belied his 20 years. Left high and dry when the West Indies had wobbled to 60-5 in 21 overs, Sarwan played like the champion he surely will become for West Indies cricket. He marshalled the last five batsmen, like Adams did in the First Test at Edgbaston, to garner another 113 runs. That is the stuff of veterans.

Can his seniors learn anything from his efforts? Sherwin Campbell, Adrian Griffith and Jimmy Adams could take a cue from his approach to batting. But I suspect that the tree is not easily bent at this stage. Adams, himself, confirmed, "It seems that we just like doing things the hard way."

And Sarwan understands what is expected of him. In his interview, he noted, "I will not bother to rate this innings at this moment. I thought it was a very valuable innings for the team and it is very nice to contribute to any effort that we put out. To get a half-century in a situation like this has been great for me. I think it was a situation similar to the one we had in Barbados when I made my debut against Pakistan, and I had good advice from the coach. I do not think that this will be the last effort. If this circumstance comes again, I will try to do the same thing again."

In the man-child Sarwan, I am encouraged to think with David Rudder, "Here Comes the West Indies."

PHOTO CAPTION: In Ramnaresh Sarwan, we are hopeful (Photo: Peter Adrien)

My name is Dmitri Tuitt.

I am in 1A1. My hobbies are playing sports and baking.

I was chosen to be on "Simply the Best" because I am an average student with great athletic ability.

I play football and basketball, but track and field is the sport I excel in.

At present I am the best under 15 boy in sprints, long and high jump.

I was victor ludorum in the last M S S sports.

I am the captain of the under-15 team representing Montserrat in the 8th Bi-Annual Caribbean Union of Teachers’ track and field meet in Martinique in July 2000.

To you fellow students, everyone can’t be an athlete or an ‘A’ student, but everyone is good at something – find it – work at it – and one day you too can be on

"Simply The Best".

My name is Jasmine Hixon.

I have just completed 3A of the Montserrat Secondary School.

My hobbies are doing a bit of sketching, playing a friendly game of tennis and being in the company of my friends.

I was chosen for "Simply the Best" because of my academic performance and exemplary behaviour exhibited in the classroom.

You too can be on "Simply the Best" by making the right choices like making a special effort to complete assignments on time, being punctual and present for all classes and paying attention to the teachers.

Remember education is the key to success.

My name is Filbert Codrington.

I am a student of Form 5P, of the Montserrat Secondary School.

My hobbies are hiking, running and reading.

I was chosen for "Simply the Best" because I am always willing, co-operative, and mannerly in class.

Most of all, I am respectful to all those who are in authority at school.

My motto in life is, to do my best at all times.

I would encourage all my peers to be willing and ready to work, so they too can be "Simply the Best".

Hello, my name is Nadia Duberry and I am fourteen years old.

I have just completed my second year at the Montserrat Secondary School.

In my spare time I enjoy reading and singing but I always find time to help my fellow classmates. I am a hard-working student and I try to encourage others to be the same. For this reason I believe I am "Simply the Best".

by: Velma Cabey Staff Nurse

Last week we looked at sleep and some of the effects of inadequate sleep. This week the focus will be on how to cure sleeplessness. However, before I can give some suggestions for the cure for sleeplessness we must first know what is sleeplessness.

Sleeplessness or insomnia is the habitual inability to sleep.

Falling asleep is simply a matter of slowing down mental activities and relaxing. If you are troubled with sleeplessness, try the following suggestions:

1. Avoid daytime naps, especially those in the late afternoon or evening.
2. Follow a program of daily physical exercise. A person physically tired finds it easier to go to sleep quickly and sleep more soundly than a person who exercises his brain all day without the balancing effect of physical exercise.
3. Work off, during the day, the nervous tensions and anxieties that result from the pressures of responsibility or from unsolved personal problems. This relaxation is best accomplished by an active type of recreation.
4. Develop a sleeping pattern, retiring at the same time each night and waking about the same time each morning. Thus, when the time comes for sleep, the established habit takes control.
5. Eat lightly at night and abstain from eating a late evening snack. Eating in late evening may help you fall asleep promptly, but, with the processes of digestion still incomplete, you will not sleep as soundly as you desire.
6. Do not drink coffee or any beverage containing caffeine during the evening.
7. Allow your mental activities to slow down as bedtime approaches. Avoid arguments, intensive study, exciting TV programs and stimulating stories.
8. Avoid wearisome physical activities in the late evening. Do not engage in strenuous exercise then. Do not take a cold shower before retiring.
9. Sit or recline quietly for 20 minutes in a bathtub of warm water (not hot) just before going to bed.
10. Arrange your sleeping quarters so as to eliminate distracting noise, bright lights, excessive warmth, or unpleasant odours.
11. Provide a comfortable bed. Once in bed allow your thoughts to dwell on the comforts of the bed and on your ability to relax. Deliberately allow all your muscles to go slack.
12. If you wake up or lie awake, do not keep track of the time. Persuade yourself that lying quietly relaxed is almost as refreshing as sleeping. Direct your thought along peaceful lines.
13. Avoid using sleeping pills or sedative preparations except on doctor’s recommendations. It is better to solve your problems of sleeplessness by removing the cause.
14. Distress from not being able to sleep at night may be alleviated by simply putting the mind into neutral and relaxing with the thought that even wakefulness, if quiet and peaceful, can be almost as refreshing as sleep.

Jus wonderin who the worker is that telephoned the WPC telling her to tie her ram and keep him out her yard.

Jus wonderin if the Cable worker accepted the warning.

Jus wonderin who the fake China Doll is and she needs a trip to China to see how it is really done.

Jus wonderin how many civil servants need more customer service training.

Jus wonderin if now the news editor is back the news will be better it will be different.

Jus wonderin if we'll see, hear, and feel a change in broadcasting after the CBU leaves.

Jus wonderin if everyone will miss the good priest like so many do.

Jus wonderin if everybody else who comes will receive warm welcome with banners and signs like this one.

Jus wonderin if He no that a certain department has a staff that is qualified to be recognized.

Jus wonderin if he has a replacement for a moving staff of 4 whenever.

Jus wonderin if they would have to go to the Sea Cliff in order to see Dr.Tuitt.

Jus wonderin if we have to wait on DIFID to say what to do with three lunatics before they are treated or send to London for Security

Jus wonderin if He read Dr Anderson statement and her Rash statement about lunatics

Jus wonderin if we can’t get some sort of compensation for the over stress work, 3 men- filth, insults, abusive and battering attitudes.

Jus wonderin if it’s a-set up with DFID for us to run and leave our payback and pension

Jus wonderin why are we parents are treated like we commit the crimes, when juveniles are set free every time.

Jus wonderin if they no what we going through morning, noon, and night and don’t see He or staff to hear our cries. Its murder, big time.

Jus who pulled who out of the CPP’s jeep

Jus wonderin why this king doesn’t get rid of his rag doll since she is playing dollhouse all hours.

Jus wonderin if it true that in spite of her reluctance, the Englishman said ‘do not worry, the award ceremony goes on no matter what they say about you; this is my gift to you. You are my girl’.

Jus wonderin what will be said about the mishandling of Xmas funds right under the nose?

Jus wonderin what is the outcome of the investigation into the mismanagement of funds in some offices.

Jus wonderin if it is wrong for any Minister to campaign in the offices at Government Headquarters.

Jus wonderin if this government is thinking of power when the confusion election is called.

Jus wonderin if another high power firing is around the corner and who it will be.

Jus wonderin what is the signal now that a different acting chief minister is in place.

Jus wonderin why if it is true many Montserratians going to jail in England.

Jus wonderin if we are going to allow young Baker to go the way like our great J A.

Jus wonderin how the mango season finish so quickly.

Jus wonderin if students ate more corn curls this summer than mangoes.

Jus wonderin why the Big Car was forced to wait at the gate until all the passengers boarded the ferry.

Jus wonderin how well the mining of sand along the coast line is managed .

Jus wonderin why the agri man spend so much money on that yardie girl.

Jus wonderin if it's true those foreign girls are doing better than the Montserratian ones.