.

OECS Mission To Libya Seen Risk to U.S. Aid

Compiled from dispatches

A political analyst in Trinidad believes the Eastern Caribbean governments who are planning to visit Libya to seek financial aid could find themselves in some conflict with the United States.

Similar uncertainty appears to be troubling Primer Minister Lester Bird of Antigua and Barbuda, who is scheduled to be one of five leaders of Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for the visit.
Derek Ramsamooj of Trinidad says that there is likely to be a serious risk if the United States cannot see the trip from a purely economic perspective.
He argues that while there have been informal links between some politicians and governments with Libya, the country may want to get a "toe-hold" in the Caribbean.

Stating that Libya was not in the U.S. "good books" Mr. Ramsamooj said Libya has a track record of "exporting terrorism, of running guns, of actually creating instability" in certain countries through their support of terrorist activities.

He said the countries were simply seeking development aid from new sources such as Libya and moving away from traditional countries where they cannot access financial help. "We're probably realizing that we need to shift our allegiance to other countries that are much more suitable beneficial to our economic needs, once we can control whatever political implications there might be."

Meanwhile in Antigua Prime Minister Bird is yet to decide whether he will accompany four other leaders on the mission later this month.
The 34th Meeting of the OECS Authority held late last month decided that a sub-regional mission comprising the leaders of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines would go to Libya on August 24 in search of money and technical assistance.
Mr. Bird said last week that the OECS should first secure a preparatory agreement with that oil-rich state and be mindful of the implications such a trip might have for future relations between the United States and the wider Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
Asked whether he was concerned about implications for relations between Antigua and Barbuda, and Washington, Mr. Bird said "that was part of the concern of my cabinet."
The former Democratic administration of U.S. President Bill Clinton appeared not to have been worried about the proposed Libya visit, but Mr. Bird said there was a feeling in some quarters that the new Republican administration of President George W. Bush might raise eyebrows about Caribbean leaders going to Tripoli.
The U.S. House of Representatives late last month joined the Senate in overwhelmingly backing a five-year extension of sanctions against Iran and Libya, designed to curb foreign investment in their oil and gas sectors.
Of the five nations in the mission, only Grenada and Dominica enjoy diplomatic relations with Libya.
The OECS is turning to Libya at a time when figures show that last year U.S. aid was a mere US$120 million, down from US$225 million 10 years ago. Of this, US$70 million was earmarked for Haiti, leaving 13 other states to divide US$50 million.

Professor Fergus Attends FinalCommonwealth Meeting

By Helena Durand

Professor Howard Fergus, the longest serving Parliamentarian in the Commonwealth,  represented Montserrat and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the 26^th conference of Caribbean Americas and the Atlantic Region in St. Kitts, his last as a representative of the CPA.

Professor Fergus was knighted in June by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, an honor quickly followed by his elevation to the rank of professor at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The conference honored him as well.

“This was my last regional conference” Professor Howard said, “and I’m pleased to think that I was able to make a useful contribution, not only at this conference, but at other conferences. In fact, what I may say, recognition was given to my contribution to CPA, my 26 years in CPA at this particular conference, and I came away with a plaque that was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts/Nevis.”

He said the conference considered issues relevant to parliamentary democracy and good governance, including the need for more women to become involved in parliamentary procedures.

The educator and poet addressed the conference on "Local Government," in which he said he raised "the whole issue of local government, whether you call them village boards, or community organisations."

"In our particular position," he said, "it may not be particularly appropriate. We have one constituency now, and our island has been downsized, so to speak. But you can have a form of local government where the people’s representatives at the grass roots level have power.” 

EDITORIAL

"If Both Will Take Equal Time to Build, Focus Efforts on a Permanent Airport"

It requires no deep thought, after a mere peep at the draft reports and recommendations we spoke of last week regarding the obviously doomed "airport/airstrip," temporary or permanent, to realize that we are as far away as when it was decided that W.H. Bramble could no longer be an option for air transportation in and out of Montserrat.

Note that the consultants were supposed to create designs and recommendations that guarantee safe operation of aircraft at an airport, temporary or otherwise, in Montserrat. One of the main complaints voiced against any airport facility at Gerald's has been what to most people is the obvious hazard created by the wind turbulence that exists there daily.

Just over a year ago it was categorically agreed that wind studies would be necessary before it could even be decided to do studies or make any permanent plans for an airport in that location. Much happened in the meantime, but someone decided that it was no longer necessary and meanwhile proposals for another location, Old Quaw, were born.

Information available says that an airport at this new location could cost more than any other airport except for Thatch Valley, but since it is a temporary airstrip we are seeking, Old Quaw is then not viable -- and it would make no sense to put in an airport there just next door to Thatch Valley the location everyone agrees is the best.

Here comes the crunch. We have pointed out before that our government was negligent then and now to allow the Gibb consultants airport report to stand back in 1998-9, when the consultants agreed with people who claimed that their costings and findings on all the airport options were faulty. The costs for the Blakes and Gerald's airport sites were way understated, while the Thatch Valley option was grossly overstated. But that report is now the one handed to every consultant who carries out any further study, and all of whom now say that nothing further should be done until wind studies are carried out, especially that the new reports and recommendations are all based on 'zero wind' factor.

Does that mean, therefore, that anything other than a zero wind factor changes the findings? And since wind studies take time, will this island have to wait another four to six years? When will we get the airport, temporary or permanent, that everyone agrees is critical to the island’s development, more so now as our country stands perched on the brink of a financial abyss? It appears that Montserrat should only attract seaworthy visitors, since the only access to the island, apart from the now ten-seat emergency helicopter, for which reservations have to be made on Montserrat, is braving the stomach-churning seas by ferry from Antigua to the island.

And wind studies are not the only problem, that is just what is coming, officially at least, from the consultants. Now that the Italians have confirmed what should have been in the previous studies, i.e. the Gerald's facility will cost well over $40 million, what is it we hear from the British? 'That is too much money," and so the additional funds have to be found by eliminating some already approved projects.

More information also reveals from local studies that an airport at Old Quaw suitable for expansion will cost just over $50 million. This is close to what was being planned for the W.H. Bramble airport. It is reported by the experts that an Old Quaw airstrip would be seven degrees off perfect, or worse, than W.H. Bramble, but would be better than W.H. Bramble at 13 degrees off with its extension, which was approved years ago and would have been in place but for the volcano.

All of a sudden, there is a deafening silence about what is now , facing us, a serious "airport for Montserrat" fiasco. It was never a simple problem and here's hoping that a very serious review will take place for the way forward. Every ounce of effort must now be put in finding not just the temporary solution but a permanent one, because in the end that is what will matter most. The temporary solution is not that simple, and we may have to wait as long for that one as we will for a permanent one. It is down to wind studies and money, and the will to do what is right for Montserrat -- as simple as that.

As said here numerous times before, our future economy hinges mightily on proper transportation in and out of here, but for right now, we might proudly say that in spite of the tragic circumstances surrounding the volcanic crisis, Montserrat may not be poorer than any of our Caribbean neighbours. What we need is just an injection of financial aid towards some kind of economic activity. Is this asking too much? We have stood a test that not many nations will ever be called upon to do.

Who is afraid (put aside their fears of building 'while elephants') that we will want to 'stand on our own two feet', as touted? Could it be that Britain is just disinclined to leave the world stage upon which it appears to be handing out salvation to a needy island? Far be it from us Montserratians to take Britain out of the limelight, but we are tired of being fed just enough to make us hunger for the next meal.

That is why we say again that the Department for International Development (DFID) is not right for us with their vision and mandate for the mere alleviation of poverty. But are we ready to answer the questions if our business people, architects, scholars, and artistes are in place, armed with ideas and creative initiatives for taking their country not only back to the way we used to be, but to explore and widen its developmental horizons?

As one 'nation' to another, we say, do not be a stumbling block to our development; while in the same breath we say our elected Government needs to wake up to the feelings of frustration welling upon its electorate and make itself heard on our behalf. Five months ago, they claimed they understood and knew what it would take to move and shake. It must be more than trying to shake down or kill one or two organizations or individuals. Instead, let us be inclusive. Especially leave no one out if there is even a half effort for progress. What a small place, what a small number of people; it is so easy for all of us to be a committee. 

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

Jus Wonderin items may be called in at telephone 491-4715 or Fax 491-2430 

SCRIPTURE VERSE THIS WEEK

Reconciliation: Hard But Essential

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother…Matthew 5:23-24

How many of us live under the shadow of a long-held grudge or family feud? How many of us have ever fought with a family member and then dutifully trudged off to Mass unrepentant and unreconciled? I have been guilty of this, I know.

This is one of Jesus’ tougher lessons. We want to fall at Jesus’ feet in prayer and say, “I love you, Jesus, but please don’t make me talk to him…” We just don’t want Jesus to be really serious about this commandment. Isn’t it enough, we hope and pray, to love God and worship and be in church every Sunday? But Jesus tells us over and over that it is not enough. Our faith is not just about us and Jesus and God. It is about how we live in this life while we wait for the eternal life to come. It is about how well we listen to Jesus’ simple and clear words and try to live them. It is about love.

Jesus, help me to love and forgive those around me so I can worship you with a pure heart.

2 Corinthians 3:15 -- 4:1,3-6; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 5:20-26 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Hey Montserratians, Do We Have a Future?

Dear Editor,

Do any of us have any real chance of a future if we continue to reside here?

Lord knows that I stayed here because I thought that it was possible to live here.

But since the year began things have deteriorated rapidly and I can see no way out for us as long as the status quo remains.

Do an assessment and see what we have here.

Go on count what we've got:       

(1) A head of Government who has quite clearly shown a disinterest in the country's affairs. In which language are you going to convince any sane Montserratian that it was okay for him to blank Prime Minister Blair?

(2) Two members of Parliament who consistently behave badly and articulate issues in the name of us all in a manner that will only result in the further rapid deterioration of our life style and condition. Be honest, how many of us tell them I agree with you to their faces and call them insane behind their backs?

 (3) A worsening economic situation. Do you see any projects on the horizons?

 (4) The humiliation of our people by overzealous and vindictive civil servants. How in God's name can the political directorate allow civil servants to debar business people from leaving the country? Businesspersons have assets and homes here. If they temporarily leave the country, must they not return? How come the same overzealous civil servants not running up to England, America and Grenada to go collect taxes that are still and will always be outstanding?

(5) An overeager Minister who obviously has his heart in the right place but will not listen to wise council.

(6) Our continued inability to deal with the intransigence of the British. When or will we ever get an airport, a seaport? When will we ever get a country?

(7) A Social Welfare systems that marginalizes and disrespects the rights and welfare of the poor, the elderly and the vulnerable?

Take all that on board and then inform that misguided militant Member of Parliament that many, many, many Montserratians will take British citizenship and move to Britain yesterday morning. We waiting with bated breath for it. What we staying here for? I want to take the citizenship.

And many more are saying the same thing. Hell, if I go to Britain even as a fifth class citizen I will get a house, I will get welfare, and somewhere along the line I will get an education and healthcare. I will have left my unpaid taxes with the overzealous civil servants, my house and car loans with the bank and the Credit Union and the NDF, and I will not have to suffer the stress and strain that all them crazy Montserratians who still living in Montserrat are going through.

Best of all I will be living in the Motherland and I could come down to Montserrat from time to time and show off on you poor scrunting Montserratians and talk with my screw up half British accent and tell you about how I does behave in Wrigley Market.

Think on these things and then tell me if we have future.

You know, I still think we do.

But we are going to have to do a couple of things first. We will have to banish a couple Senior Civil Servants to the unsafe zone. And we all know who the three or four are. Then we are going to have to send two of the elected political Directorate back to Britain. Claire Short must have some kind of work to give them to do. Then we will have to again retire another Minister. We now have enough to do the work that must be done. We will have to train a couple of them and ignore a couple of them but with what is left we maybe can have a workable government which will accomplish at least some of the things that must be done to make sure that we have a future on Montserrat.

Hey, I want you to know that this is serious and maybe you should think on these things and find a way to accomplish them. After all, we still want to live here don’t we?

Progressive at Heart 

Law Review Council Branded the Elite Few

Dear Editor:

It is apparent that the government of the day either does not know what the terminology social partnership means or does not recognise the value of such.

Recently a committee was set up to review the laws of Montserrat.  According to ZJB news, this committee comprises persons from the government, the police, the bar association and the chamber of commerce, a very narrow cross-section of Montserrat’s society. I consider this grouping to be of the elite. The question, therefore, is who represents the common man within this elite group of persons?

Here, I must commend the Brandt administration, for when the preliminaries to this review began last year they invited a wide cross section of society to meet with and present their views to Mr. Adsett, the gentleman conducting the review.

The laws of Montserrat apply to every man, woman and child on Montserrat, and the fate of people must not be left in the hands of an elite few.  In any country the common man is always represented by three main groups, the Christian Council, trade unions and youth groups. Yet this committee does not reflect this.  Are they telling us that with the exception of those groups selected to the review committee, everyone else is ignorant and can contribute noting to this law review?

The government should be advised to develop, broaden and strengthen social partnerships. It is the only way forward. It is the only way to get everybody on board. It is the only way to ensure transparency. If not, people will always come to the conclusion that whatever is done is done with the interest of just a chosen few in mind and not the masses.

Hylroy L. Bramble

Trade Unionist and Politician 

LOCAL and REGIONAL NEWS

Committee Revises Montserrat's Laws

The new Montserrat Law Revision Committee, formed to revised the laws on the island and advance efforts to have them published, held its first meeting at the Attorney General’s Chambers on Tuesday.

The Committee appointed by Executive Council, comprises Law Revision Commissioner and Committee Secretary Neil Adsett, Member of Parliament Claude Hogan, Jean Kelsick representative of the Bar Association and the Montserrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Superintendent of Police Margaret Lee along with a member of the Opposition. Mr. Jean Kelsick is said to be the representative also for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mr. Adsett said this action was timely, since the laws have not been updated for almost 40 years, and need to be consolidated and republished as the authoritative version of the legislation following the review which began two years ago  when the "Top 20" laws were looked at and published, just before the departure of the former Attorney General, Mr. Charles Eakin.

The current project, Mr. Adsett said, is to “locate all of the existing laws, to put them together in a useful arrangement and format, to correct error, plug gaps and inconsistencies, and then publish the whole body of laws in a new and binding manner.” 

Committee member Claude Hogan said the revised laws will link personal and cultural attachment to the norms of society as they affect the law, and, “should bring us up to date and up to speed (on) those laws which basically guaranty freedom of the people, freedom of the press, and freedom to be employed, and the protection in terms of welfare and housing.”

The first session included preparation of a press release inviting the public to future Law Revision Committee meetings. 

Admission Charges Revised by MVO

The Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) has revised its conditions and charges for visitors, effective Monday, 20 August 2001.

Director of the MVO Dr. Peter Dunkley said the revision has no increases, and is only correction to an error. He said contrary to the first MVO release published on 8 June 8, 2001, “children under the age of 7 will be admitted free.”

A new MVO release states that concessional rates are available to school parties upon application, and that groups of more than 15 persons must give prior notification. 

The Observatory is closed to all visitors on Sundays.

Dr. Lewis Says Volcano Requires Contingency Plan 

By Helena Durand

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Dr. Lowell Lewis has called again for the establishment of a contingency fund to help deal with after effects of volcanic events.

He said last week’s eruptive activities by the Soufriere Hills Volcano, which resulted in the dumping of rain-soaked ash on areas in the north, has highlighted the need for such a fund, as provisions must be made for cleanup afterwards.

“We have money put aside to deal with the hurricane, and we’ve said let’s go in and use it and then after we can replace the money. This justifies my statement that we need to have a contingency fund just put aside for dealing with volcano events,” Dr. Lewis said in a ZJB interview. 

He said because it has been decided to allow people to stay on as much of the land as possible within the volcano range, and because conditions will arise that may necessitate their relocation, “you have to provide that contingency plan, or contingency fund to deal with the cleanup, and we don’t have that in place.”

He said that people who would have to be relocated would need food and temporary accommodations.

Horatio Tuitt, Director of the Emergency Department, said, however, that apart from the national emergency plan, which incorporates all plans, there is a contingency plan in place.  

Three-week Workshop Teaches Arts and Crafts

The Ministry of Education three-week summer art and craft workshop ended yesterday with an exhibition and concert at the Brades Primary School.

In this year’s programme, children practiced the arts of basketry, tie-dye, batik, leather craft, steel pan, music, and fife playing, among others. 

One of the coordinators, Brades Primary School teacher Mr. Gregory Julius, said interest and enthusiasm were high.

He said he believes that every effort should be made to have the children continue what they have learned to do at the workshop.  He said the participants should be encouraged to use what they have learned as an avenue for starting small businesses.

“If a student, for example, learns a little bit about pottery skills, that person can actually take it up as a business, because what we must realise, (for) small island states like Montserrat, it is small business that is going to be very important in building our economy.”

"We need these types of businesses in Montserrat in order to make a significant difference in our economy," he said. 

ROTARY CORNER

The Rotary Club continues its service to the community.

The Rotary Club programs have always been aimed at the improvement of the communities, the development of civic-minded leaders and the development of skills.

The Club has been recruiting young people on Montserrat between the ages

 of 18 and 35 to take up an offer of a one-year scholarship to any university in Georgia.

Official interviews for selection of candidates begin next week.

The Rotary Clubs meet every Wednesday at the Vue Pointe Hotel 

Montserrat Represented At Teachers Conference

A contingent of Montserratian teachers, including the President of the Montserrat Union of Teachers, Herman Francis, and General Secretary Lauren Semple, are representing the island at the 30^th bi-annual Caribbean Union of Teachers conference in St. Lucia.

The conference which began on August 5 and runs through to August 12, is expected to have more than 80 delegates and some 500 observers from around the world to discuss a number of issues under the theme: “Teachers 2000 and Beyond.”

Some of the issues to be covered include Labour Reform in the Caribbean, Globalization and its Effects, Teachers Rights, and Employment Conditions. Efforts will also be concentrated on the harmonization of the education system in the region. Before the conference ends on Sunday, it is expected that officers will be elected to run the affairs of the regional body for the next two years. 

Montserrat Kiosk Gets Courtesy Phone

Concerns have arisen over the fact that the Montserrat Information Kiosk at the airport in Antigua is not physically manned.

Miss Ernestine Cassell, Director of Tourism here, said that has been the case for some time. “It is not physically manned because we do not have the money to pay someone to be there.”

She said potential visitors to the island who pick up any of the dozens of brochures in the kiosk will find information on all aspects of Montserrat. For those who may have questions which are not answered in the brochures, she said, a courtesy telephone is currently being set up for their use. The telephone will feature a menu to direct callers to certain extensions for information and a number offering a voice contact.

Miss Cassell said.the Montserrat Information Kiosk is provided with brochures from the private sector and the Tourist Board, which is in the process of reprinting enhanced, updated brochures.

“It is a challenge to keep a steady stock of information” she said, adding that the private sector has to ensure that their brochures are always available.  

Miss Cassell said the information kiosk is kept well stocked by Antiguan Nora-Ann Ikin, manager of Swift Courier in Antigua.

“She has Montserratian relatives and is very pro-Montserrat," the director said.

“When she carries her courier packages, she takes brochures to the hotels, travel agencies and business places. She keeps the extra brochures at her place and stocks the kiosk when necessary. She has been doing this since 1998, and she does all of this at no cost to us.”  

Dominica Population Down by 70 in Decade

Dominica, CANA - Dominica's population registered very little change over the past 10 years, decreasing by just 70 persons, the preliminary results of the May 2001 Population and Housing Census has revealed.
The figures released Wednesday by the Central Statistical Office, showed the preliminary count of total population at 71,727, compared to 71,797 in 1991.
According to Acting Chief Statistician, Prayma Blaize-Burton, migration "was in operation" over the 10-year period. "This net implied outflow or migration seemed to have taken out 9,968, approximately 10,000 persons out of the population, reflecting an average outflow of 1,000 persons per year."
The census also revealed that 19 women and five men were 100 or older.

Four Haitian Policemen Charged with Treason

Four police officials in Haiti have been charged with treason and plotting to kill policemen in a series of attacks last month.
A law enforcement official told local radio on Thursday that two police commissioners, Mario Andresol and Jean Yonel Trecil, and two inspectors he did not identify had been charged in the attacks.
Police have arrested 35 other suspects and formed an investigative team of police, law and government officials to study the attacks.
Gunmen stormed a police academy and police stations in three towns on July 28, killing five police officers and wounding 14.
Government officials blamed the bloodshed on former soldiers whom they accused of collaborating with President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's political opponents. 

St. Lucia Relaxes Rules To Woo French Visitors

St. Lucia, CANA - The St. Lucia cabinet has approved a request from the Ministry of Tourism that would allow French nationals to enter the country with any form of picture identification rather than a passport.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism McHale Andrew explained that over the last two years there has been a serious decline in visitor arrivals from the French territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe.
The government official noted the ministry had "unsubstantiated" reports that indicate that the decline of 12,000 visitors in the past year was linked to the recent reintroduction of passport requirements for French visitors.
He said that many potential French visitors to St. Lucia did not have a passport and so the requirement for them to travel with passports would have been a very serious hindrance to their traveling to St. Lucia.

Blocked Trinidadians Get OK for Further Appeal

Lawyers for two junior government ministers in Trinidad have been granted leave to take an appeal on their constitutional motions to the London-based Privy Council.
The appeal, which seeks to block moves by the opposition People's National Movement -- the PNM -- to have them ejected from parliament, is expected to come up before the Privy Council by mid-September, when the new law term reconvenes.
A week ago, an Appeal Court upheld a ruling of the High Court that quashed the constitutional motions brought by junior Culture Minister Winston Peters and Junior Energy Minister, Bill Chaitan.
The PNM claims that up to the time of their nominations they held dual citizenship with the United States and Canada respectively and contravened the election laws.

Commonwealth Mission To Monitor Fiji Elections

Former Barbados Attorney General and Foreign Minister Sir Henry Forde is to chair a six-member election observer mission to the Fiji Islands to monitor general elections there from August 25 to September 5, 2001.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said that Commonwealth observers had been invited by the Interim Government of the Fiji Islands and that an Assessment Mission had consulted the political parties.

108 Jamaicans Due Honors as Contributors

Jamaica will honour 108 of its citizens in commemoration of the country's 39th year of Independence for their contribution towards the development of the country.

The awards will be conferred on October 15, during the National Honours and Awards ceremony at the Governor General's residence, King's House.
Heading the list is folklorist Louise Bennett Coverley, who will receive the third highest national honour, the Order of Merit. "Miss Lou," as she is better known, is being recognised for her "invaluable and distinguished contribution to the development of the arts and culture".

Region Renews Appeal To EU on Banana Trade

The Caribbean Community has appealed to the European Union to resist pressures to modify or diminish an earlier decision on guaranteed market access with a preferential margin for bananas from African, Caribbean and Pacific states.  

The request has been conveyed to the EU's Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy, by St. Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who has responsibility in CARICOM for bananas. It followed a proposal by Ecuador, a leading exporter of bananas to the EU, for the EU to modify its original waiver on market access in Europe for bananas in relation to the EU-ACP Cotonou Agreement.
Dr. Gonsalves recalled to Lamy that at their 22nd annual summit last month in The Bahamas, CARICOM leaders had expressed their disappointment over moves to have the EU's decision modified. The Caribbean was prepared, he said, to pay a high price for a "secured settlement which guaranteed a level of market access and a margin of preference through the tariff."

CARICOM Prepares To Consult Civil Society

Barbados, CANA - The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) has scheduled a regional consultation with civil society for November, as part of its strategy to mobilise public opinion on advancing "together" the major goals of the 28-year-old economic integration movement.
The results of a series of national consultations, to take place in the 15 member countries, including provisional member Haiti, will guide the deliberations of the two-day conference scheduled for Barbados on November 12-13.
The various segments of civil society, among them organised labour and the private sector, will take part in the consultation.
Maxine Harris, director of the consultation project at the Georgetown-based CARICOM Secetariat, told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) that Jamaica and Barbados have already completed their national consultations.
The other member countries are expected to hold their consultations during August and September.
As part of their strategy for the future development of the Community -- currently in the process of being transformed into a Single Market and Economy -- CARICOM leaders came up in 1999 with the decision to mount the region-wide consultations with civil society.

Trinidad Mother, Daughter To Hang for Killing Child

Trinidad, CANA - A 56-year-old Trinidadian mother and her 31-year-old daughter were sentenced last week to hang for the murder of a 9-year-old child, the Express newspaper reported on Saturday.
The newspaper said the 12-member jury delivered the guilty verdicts on Malharie Dookran and her daughter Chitrah. They were found guilty of strangling Chanardai Dookran, their daughter and sister respectively, in September 1997.
Devon Cunningham, 28, who was also charged with murder was set free.
One of the state's witnesses was a younger sister, Boodanee, who said she heard some noise and when she walked into a bedroom, she saw Cunningham with his hands around Chanardai's neck while her mother and sister looked on.
Cunningham contended during the trial, however, that he had been forced to sign a confession that was concocted by the police. 

Barbados Promises New Consumer Protections

Barbados, CANA - The Barbados government is moving to provide consumers with more protection from unfair trade practices, with the introduction of two additional pieces of consumer protection legislation.
Ronald Toppin, Minister of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development, said the decision was made to create the Consumer Protection Act and Consumer Guarantees Act after extensive investigations by his ministry.
He told a consultation on consumer protection legislation for Barbados last week that the two acts would join the existing Fair Trading Commission Act, which was proclaimed on January 2 this year.

Four Top Executives Quit Fledgling Caribbean Star

Antigua, CANA - The privately owned Antigua-based regional airline, Caribbean Star, refused on Tuesday to give any reasons why four top executives, including Chief Executive Officer Gilles Filiatreault, immediately resigned from the carrier.
Mr. Filiatreault, Imtiaz Rajab, Director of Human Resources and Administration, Heralall Nandlal, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance, and Anderson Begg, Vice President for Technical Services, resigned from Caribbean Star on Monday with immediate effect.
But a pilot, who was fired about two weeks ago for refusing to exceed the recommended number of flying hours because he did not get the full-backing of the rest of his crew, was reinstated.
The dismissal of Captain Lester Lake apparently triggered a one-day sickout by at least five pilots, which resulted in a number of flight cancellations and delays.
Paul Moreira, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Star, said Lake's reinstatement had nothing to do with whether he had planned to sue the carrier for wrongful dismissal.
"I would rather not say whether the action was justified or not but it was based on the facts that they had," Mr. Moreira told the Caribbean News Agency (CANA).
Mr. Moreira, a former boss of Air Jamaica Express, acknowledged that the owner of Caribbean Star, American-born Antiguan billionaire R. Allen Stanford, was "intimately involved" in Lake's returning to the airline.
The acting president and CEO, who joined the airline about two weeks ago, said Mr. Stanford did not say he was disappointed at the decision to fire Lake by the management team then headed by Mr. Filiatreault.
He said he was unaware of the reasons for the resignations and that he did not know if Mr. Stanford knew of the reasons.
In a statement, the airline said the Guyana-born Nandlal would remain with the company for another 30 days "to help ensure a smooth transition."
The statement quoted Moreira as saying that over the next months the carrier will focus on bringing back the "airline travel experience," making it the enjoyable event that it used to be rather than "mass transportation."

Prior to coming to Caribbean Star, the French-Canadian Filiatreault was CEO of the Trinidad-based BWIA West Indies Airways and the regional island hopper LIAT (1974) Ltd., as well as
Pacific International Airlines in Panama.
Mr. Nandlal was former chief financial officer at LIAT from where he is said to have spearheaded the luring of many pilots and other front-line staff. Mr. Begg is a former deputy CEO and vice president of operations at BWIA and director of operations with the defunct Trinidad-based Air Caribbean.
Incorporated in Antigua in January 2000, Caribbean Star Airlines Ltd serves Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Tortola and Trinidad -- the same destinations that LIAT has been serving over the years. 

Despite Skeptics, OECS Works on Political Union

Dominica, CANA - There have been many theories on how an economic and political union in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) could work, and many reasons put forward about why such an undertaking could suffer the same fate as the West Indian Federation.
However, the skeptics have not deterred St. Vincent and the Grenadines' Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is passionate and optimistic about a political union in the sub-region.
Despite being the newest prime minister in the sub-region, Dr. Gonsalves' dedication to the cause has earned him the mandate to head a mission for deepening integration in the OECS.
Speaking at the end of the recent 34th meeting of the OECS Authority in Dominica, Chairman Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada commended Dr. Gonsalves for giving fresh impetus to the initiative.
 "I think he was in a unique position as the newest head to raise this issue again and to give it new teeth. And I think all heads of government gave complete support to the idea," he said.
The structure of governance of an OECS union is to be worked out, but the element of free movement is expected to be achieved by January 1, 2002.
Although he admits that it is possible to over-shoot the deadline, Dr. Gonsalves does not see as ambitious the date for finalising arrangements under which OECS nationals can travel to
member states without a passport.
"We are going to try to work towards that target. We have a number of technical things to do, so bear with us if we don't quite meet the target. It is not that we are not proceeding, but we are hoping to meet that target," Dr. Gonsalves said.
The OECS leaders adopted the broad outlines of the free movement proposal presented by Dr. Gonsalves, which call for a common OECS passport, a common identification card and the removal of work and residency permits.
The OECS leaders are confident that integration has a greater chance of success in the Eastern Caribbean than at the wider level of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM).
Dr. Gonsalves will head a Task Force on Air Access, which has been mandated to work out arrangements such as a common airport transport policy. Easier travel in the OECS is seen as a critical factor in pushing the integration movement forward. 

Antigua, Barbuda Draft HIV Workplace Policy

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approved a Policy for HIV in the Workplace on Wednesday 1st August.

The conditions laid out in the policy were agreed to in discussions between the public, private and non-governmental agencies and the National AIDS Programme. The policy reads in part:

"It will be our policy to support an HIV-infected employee in a positive and non- discriminatory manner.

"No HIV-infected employee will be dismissed on the basis of his/her HIV status

HIV testing will not be required as a basis for employment.

"Every effort will be made to retain an HIV-infected employee whose performance is satisfactory for as long as he/she remains well and/or is able to perform his/her duties satisfactorily.

"Reasonable precautions will be taken to protect information regarding an employee's health records, including his/her HIV status.

"All employees will be . . . encouraged to attend voluntary confidential HIV testing with pre- and post-test counseling, informed consent and appropriate continuing services.

"Employees in the public and private sectors and in collaboration with the Ministry of health/AIDS Secretariat will have ready access to HIV preventive agents (condoms).

"Request for transfer will be considered in the usual way but not requests based on fear and/or discrimination. Employees will rather be encouraged to seek counseling based on need to resolve their concerns and fears.

"Every effort will be made to support any employee who is the carrier and who is also the primary economic provider of an HIV-infected relative." 

Barbados, Guyana Differ On Free Movement Issue

Barbados, CANA - The issue of free movement of people within the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) emerged last week as Guyana again expressed concern about the treatment of its nationals by Barbados immigration authorities.
Foreign Minister Rudy Insanally said the ill-treatment of Guyanese, either visiting or transiting Barbados, was getting out of hand and Guyana wants the matter urgently resolved.
"These incidents apparently have gone on the rise within recent weeks and there has been one egregious case of a young lady who was body searched, humiliated and actually bled as a result of the ill treatment at the hands of the interrogating officers," Mr. Insanally said.

In response, Barbados said it was willing to honour its obligations under Protocol II of the CARICOM Treaty, dealing with free movement of people.
The island's Attorney General David Simmons warned, however, that in today's world of transnational organised crime, drugs and money launderers, no one would be allowed to flout the security rules of his country.
Meanwhile The BBC Caribbean Report said the Guyana Human Rights Association is warning that the kind of treatment received by Guyanese travelers to Barbados could frighten away potential visitors.  To illustrate that point, Mr. Mike Mckoma of the Guyana Human Rights Association said, “There are a group of young people who are traveling to Barbados later this month that we have some association with. We have had to take particular steps to ensure that the airline that they will travel on is going to meet them at the airport, so that they are not exposed to any of this nonsense that the immigration officers are meting out. It’s inducing that kind of precaution already. Now if it goes beyond that, and people say well, they are not going if they have to pass through Barbados, then it is definitely inhibiting free movement of people in the Caribbean.”

He said however, that for the moment, he will consider the situation “to be excessive interpretation of rules by individual officers, rather than that the Barbados government has approved this kind of excessive behavior.” 

New UK Program Seeks To Save Marine Turtles

In May 2001, Professor David Bellamy launched the MCS ‘Adopt-a-Turtle’ scheme, a fund-raising initiative to establish a self-sustaining core fund to support marine turtle conservation and research projects both in the UK and worldwide.

In March 2001, Michael Meacher, the UK Environment Minister, launched a new conservation programme for marine turtles in UK waters and those of its Overseas Territories.  The Marine Turtle Conservation Programme (MTCP) is an initiative of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK charity dedicated to the protection of the marine environment and its wildlife.

Five species of marine turtle have been recorded in British waters, including loggerhead, hawksbill, green, Kemp’s ridley and leatherback turtles. As a regular summer visitor, the leatherback is believed to be the species that most depends on UK habitat, whereas the other species more often tend to be washed up on British shores as ‘cold-stunned’ strays. Leatherbacks frequently become entangled in shellfish-trap ropes and drown while in UK waters. Post mortems on stranded specimens have revealed that the gut contents of these turtles often contain large amounts of plastic marine litter.

MCS is a joint lead partner in the UK Marine Turtles Grouped Species Action Plan (SAP) and the MTCP has the implementation of the SAP at its core.

While the SAP covers marine turtle conservation in UK waters and the UK Overseas Territories, the implementation group will initially prioritise the conservation of leatherback turtles in UK waters. A programme of research, education and dialogue with the fishing industry is planned to develop solutions to the current by-catch problem.

Corporate funding has allowed MCS to recruit two full-time members of staff to coordinate the MTCP, Peter Richardson, MCS Species Policy Officer, and Sue Ranger, MCS Wildlife Projects Officer. Both have extensive field experience of community-based marine turtle conservation, research and environmental education programmes in Greece and Sri Lanka.

The MTCP also encompasses an ongoing MCS campaign to prevent marine littering and various educational elements to develop resources and projects for schools in the UK.  

Jamaican PM Urges Unity to End Violence

Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has called on the country to unite.

This was part of his Independence Day message on Monday when the island celebrated its 39^th year of political independence.  The call for unity came on the heels of recent violence and unrest in and around Kingston, killing four persons in one instance and 25 in another when residents clashed with the police.

The government launched a commission of inquiry after the Opposition blamed it for the disaster, saying that the police were too heavy handed. Mr. Patterson was forced to call out the National Reserves to try and restore calm then, but a sense of unease remains apparent in the capital.

According to a BBC Caribbean Report, Mr. Patterson appealed to the citizens in his Independence Day message to make a conscious effort to allow tolerance to overcome hate and suspicion. He also urged them to acknowledge that the issues that unite Jamaican people are far more numerous than those which appear to divide the nation. 

Dominicans Encouraged To Take Risks, Be Daring

Dominicans living overseas are being encouraged to repatriate so that the island can move away from its narrow, short term, small scale, and conservative thinking.

That call from Dominican-born UNESCO’s Sub-region Cultural Advisor, Alwyn Bully, who recently delivered a lecture there during the week-long emancipation celebrations.

Mr. Bully encouraged them to “look at emancipating ourselves from mental slavery which Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley have asked us to do. I think that we have locked ourselves in narrow thinking over these decades, and now is the time, as we move into the 21^st century, to expand our horizons, take more risks, be more daring on a larger scale.” 

BVI CM Criticises OECD Tax Project

Tortola, BVI, CANA - Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Ralph O'Neal called last week on the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to be more inclusive in its harmful taxation project.
"If the OECD still intends its project to succeed, following the current hiatus, it must refocus not just its targets but its approach," Mr. O'Neal said. "From now on, the process must be clearly based on inclusiveness and co-operation rather than exclusiveness and confrontation,"
The BVI chief minister noted that only 10 out of a targeted 41 jurisdictions had signed up, hardly a ringing endorsement of the OECD's process.
On the same day, OECD Secretary-General Donald Johnston issued a statement which confirmed the uncertainty of the OECD's project.
Johnston said simply: "A report issued by the OECD in June last year envisaged the publication of a list of uncooperative tax havens on 31 July 2001. Because negotiations are continuing, the 31 July deadline will have to be changed".
Mr. O'Neal said that the BVI maintained that offshore finance centres must respect the reasonable concerns of onshore countries.
"The Government of the BVI does not think it appropriate for offshore centres to trumpet themselves as havens for tax evasion, thus undermining high-tax countries' fiscal systems. Instead, centres must continue to emphasise the numerous other advantages of conducting business on a tax-neutral platform."
He said he was heartened to learn only this week that the OECD has finally provided promised clarifications of 17 fundamental points of its initiative.

Barbados Central Bank Warns of Bogus Bills

Barbados, CANA - The Central Bank of Barbados warned citizens last week to be on the lookout for counterfeit notes, after the bank received reports that a few counterfeit notes were in circulation.

"The public should make sure they familiarise themselves with the main features of the genuine notes," the bank said. These features include the following:
A watermark depicting an outline of the island of Barbados, which can be viewed by holding the bank note up to the light; and a security thread to the left of the center of the note which can be seen when viewed against the light. The complete thread and text in the most recently produced bank notes read CBB$20, CBB$50 and CBB$100, according to the denomination of the note.
Persons who come into possession of counterfeit notes are asked to turn them over to the police, and explain how they got them. 

SPORTS

IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

By Peter Adrien

Excellence! The new global society demands excellence. Competitiveness is not a choice; it is an imperative. Mediocrity will cost us our market share. We must raise our standards, change our priorities, alter our strategies and challenge our producers. And all providers and actors, whether in industry and commerce or in leisure and sports, must be driven by the new philosophy.

Developments in international sports have always demanded excellence from our Caribbean sportsmen and sportswomen. And the unyielding competition in the World Athletics Championships at Edmonton, Canada, reinforced that fact. As with the Sydney Olympics, the track and field events were a case of “rubbing hardness with softness.”    

The American Maurice Greene won another gold medal for the 100m, crossing the line in 9.82 seconds, proving that he is the fastest man around. Tim Montgomery was second, with Bernard Williams third, making it a clean sweep of the medals for the USA.

It was really a race for “the horsemen.”  Greene’s competitors, Donovan Bailey failed to qualify for the finals, and Trinidadian Ato Boldon (one of the pre-race favourites), failed to deliver, finishing fourth. Britain's Dwain Chambers was fifth in 9.99 and Kittitian Kim Collins was sixth. In that context, it was another graduation for the talented Kittitian sprinter, after ranking seventh in the 2000 Olympics.  

We must not forget that the Sydney Olympics marked a renaissance in Caribbean athletics, as the developments in Olympic city marked a new beginning for Caribbean athletes. In terms of medals the Caribbean countries did not excel, but collectively their performances ranked them higher than many more economically endowed nations.

But the painful reality is that only excellence is rewarded in the marketplace; only the “gold” performers are acclaimed; only the “gold” performers are separated from the ordinary. In fact, the athletes who give “gold” performances are immortalized for their extraordinary performances. The recognition says “you are “exceptional.” And we treat them as if they are extraordinary. That is why we oftentimes say to them (though in jest), “We are not worthy.”

Caribbean nations are therefore challenged to aim for, and to be satisfied with, nothing but excellence, as all other standards lead to mediocrity and make us uncompetitive. This new business practice calls for an outlook that encourages excellence and rewards only excellence. A standard of excellence must therefore be established for all providers, producers, actors and learners that will motivate every man, woman and child to be satisfied with nothing but the best. Every household, firm and institution, every producer, provider and facilitator, must be inspired to go for the “gold” performance. 

But how do we sustain the motivation of our producers? We must devise a functional reward system that will have a locomotive effect on all producers in the pursuit of excellence. But we must guard against actions that could send mixed messages. We could in our eagerness to reward good performances, or in our anxiety to achieve the extraordinary, or in our attempt to be numbered among the achieving sporting nations, confer such accolades on our performers and athletes that could have a detrimental effect on our aspiring men, women and children.

The decision to name the bypass from RLB Airport to Frigate Bay, “The Kim Collins Highway,” in recognition of Kim Collins’ advancement towards excellence in athletics constituted a deviation from the corridor of normality (Interviews with some sports fans supported that argument). The public gesture is commendable but the form that the expression assumed may be seen as premature.

Kim Collins made the finals of the 100-metre sprint in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and definitely made St Kitts and Nevis a proud nation. Even if he came 7^th in a race that saw the 8^th competitor sidelined through injury, it was a performance of note. He out-performed athletes from sporting nations that are much more economically endowed than the 68 square mile twin-island nation.

In what sense is the gesture premature? It is premature in the context of the established reward system. Note carefully, in the Grecian Games, the forerunner of the Olympiad, only the winner was given the laurel. Paul the Apostle made reference to the reward system in I Corinthians 9:24-25. Only the “gold” performer was rewarded. After the Edmonton event, Maurice Greene said: "No one is going to give you the gold medal. You have to come out here and fight for it. You have to be willing to die for it.” The “gold” performance is therefore a sacrifice. 

With the commercialization of the Games, and, with the increasing influence of nationalism in international sports, the second and third place competitors were rewarded with the silver and bronze medals respectively. The first winner is immortalized; the second and third winners are recognized; the other competitors are seldom remembered. This explains why the National Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago is named after Haseley Crawford, the 100 metre gold medallist. 

Kim Collins is definitely on the ascendancy in athletics. And we have no doubt that one of these days he will put on the “gold” performance, and will be so recognized. 

Our reward system must separate ordinary performances from exceptional performances so that we don’t run the risk of lowering the standard set for our young generation. 

Caribbean producers must be encouraged to strive for excellence.

 Peter Adrien is a syndicated sports analyst and a freelance photographer. He can be contacted via telephone (869) 465-4813 or E-mail: Adriens@caribsurf.com 

FEATURES/OPINION

Time to Claim the National Song

By Claude Gerald

You must have been moved with the deepest of emotions as you listened to Zimbabwe’s national song being performed by Henry Olonga, the black cricketer of that African country. Watchers of the Test Match series would have been nostalgically drawn to similar nationalistic renditions on Montserrat, beginning with "Oh Montserrat!" by Kenneth Allen, Q.C. and company. The difference is, none has matured to being a serious national symbol on Montserrat.

As I fought sleep to watch the silky Carl Hooper carve a tenth ton, I wondered about a truly national song for Montserrat.  I felt some tinge of jealousy as TV producers kept touching the repeat button at every opportunity and play the song. Do we have one and what is it? And if so why do I have to be in a quandary about its reality? There you have Zimbabwe with its mountain of problems and colonial background being eulogized in song by a homegrown act. In an instant I recalled a very serious attempt, spearheaded by the Reuben Meade Government, just prior to the volcanic upheaval in 1995, to make a national song possible. Functioning as the Public Relations Officer, Justin Cassell, a local musical mogul of regional fame himself, energized the undertaking with typical vigour and vitality. New M.P. Claude Hogan played a major role also. The exercise was completed, I gather, and there is some uncomfortable silence since then in terms of usage and recognition. Let us think about this business of a national song for a minute, its significance, that is.

A well-composed and rendered national song will, undoubtedly, arouse our inner spirit and soar us to greater heights as a people. Anything that positively impacts on the inside massages key organs to our everlasting benefit. So as we bow our heads and cross our hearts at attention there is unmatchable serenity that solidifies our quest for nationhood. It will be a rallying point of departure from which other important dimensions will open up for further fulfillment, as our confidence begins to grow towards a reacceptance of ourselves as a people, as Montserratians. A national song is the uniform, the blazer that could give us that identity.

No longer could we depend on a passport. That has been scandalously misplaced in the wrong hands with the perpetrators officially excused seemingly. Closure, through a serious investigation of that ugly episode may just rehabilitate this key document. Furthermore, the confusion that abounds regarding our links with the UK can cause fundamental changes in the way the actual passport is fashioned, let alone its implications. Let us get with making the National Song a reality. It is time to revisit the past and concretize the effort. Montseratians have hit a very low point generally, as the experiences with the volcano have fragmented our spirits in diverse ways and regrouping therefore can be pillared on a tuneful piece that fits the occasion.

Important prerequisites have been met for acceptance of a National Song. The Palace has okayed its use as a "when needed" replacement of  "God Save the Queen," or for joint use as appropriate.  A people-based competition was held from local submissions; the national radio station role-played; a committee assembled to pass judgment on the quality of the submissions based on approved criteria, and Executive Council answered affirmatively on the selection. Note also that at this time the now abandoned airport was renamed Bramble Airport in honour of the island’s first Chief Minister and August Monday was named National Heroes Day.

So there we were via official initiatives trying to make the significant simply that, when the volcano blew its angry top to set back such objectives. Also a new Government took office. Its leadership groveled in the petty, as it showcased an enlarge appetite for sustained childishness, allied to bad mindedness and false self-importance. Jokiness deputized for seriousness. Nonsense begot nonsense. We toppled into leaderless darkness. We have been thus ‘branded’ and stained in shame in diverse ways. 

"Montserrat, My Country," is the National Song. It is written and musically arranged by Denzil Edgecombe, a self-effacing electrical engineer with a creatively fertile mind for music. The song is classy indeed and currently being reworked. This fine-tuning will be completed by November 2001.  What is quite remarkable is that there has been a deafening silence on the song and the people en masse have grown to know next to nothing about its existence. (My suspicions will be revealed later). The earning potential can be realized by putting a copy into every Montserratian’s home, wherever the location.

If the current government is not aware of the song and therefore not sentimentally attached, it must be guided and shown possibilities so that it can be presented, released, performed and put on a pedestal for our long-term betterment. The National Song must be made into a point of focus, a unifying force that could create that bridge with Montserratians wherever they may be.  All must use it. It is ours.

Detractors claim that the song is not singable. That is most negative commentary, and a hard sell given the musical talent and groups resident on island. The USA’s national song is one of the hardest to sing but it is sung and performed. Our artistes must rise to the occasion and take the challenge up, if in fact it is such, and this can make the song in itself truly unique.

The song I am told is quite versatile. It can be done as a ballad or as a calypso with a nice easy beat. It can also lend itself to a variety of interpretations. How come established groups like ‘Voices’ and the ‘Emerald Community Singers’ have not yet done some work on it and made a show like they are capable of doing? What about the ace soloist, Anne-Marie Dewar, who is as skilled and gifted as any? Or the unmatchable Shirley Spycalla, who can tantalize the eardrums of the deaf inclined, with ventriloquist subtleties? Imagine their influence? Word is that head teacher and Cavalla Hill Methodist church soprano, Eliza ‘Gold’ Ogarro, with her singularly golden voice has sung it and sung it well; it can be done if the effort is made to do so. Her grade six learnt and sang it sometime earlier, to a visiting dignitary as part of the promotion effort.

"Montserrat, My Country," could be the elixir needed to fish us out of this intersection of discouragement and pain that is waiting to mushroom with pyroclastic dimensions. It can be a soother, the opium for some good. We must use it, work it and make it a reality for all to hear and feel, everywhere. For example, ZJB can use it as an intro-extro theme on a daily basis. That will be a significant beginning and something to quiet the frayed nerves of a nation facing such never-before-experienced challenges.

Let those who matter now show that they matter and initiate action to lift this fine piece to the height that it deserves. If you treat the soul, you treat the whole!

Claude Gerald is an Agricultural Economist, with an abiding interest in the social political and economic development of Montserrat.   

FARMERS’ CORNER

By Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell

(Agricultural Development Officer)

 “EAT FROM THE LAND, NOT FROM THE CAN”

Farmer’s Symposium Success

Several farmers and Government officials attended the launching of the Extension Project that took place on Wednesday evening August 1^st at the Cavalla Hill Methodist Church Centre.

Approximately half a million Eastern Caribbean dollars are provided for the project, which spans a period of two years and involves training for farmers and Extension workers. The project aims at enhancing the capacity of farmers to increase their productivity and profitability while improving the efficiency of Extension services.  The program for the evening involved a brief opening ceremony with presentations by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Mrs. Margaret Annie Dyer-Howe, Director of Agriculture, Mr. Gerard A L Gray, and Department Officials.  Master of ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Leroy Taylor.

The highlight of the evening was the Farmers' Symposium, “ The Kick Starter” of the project.  The participating farmers enthusiastically went through the process of training needs identification.

Irrigation Project Update

Excavation of dams at Duck Pond got under way last week.  So far one dam has been completed and another partially.  Repair work was carried out on the embankment of the existing “Duck Pond,” which is now filled to capacity.

Farms Burnt Out

Many farms and backyard gardens were wiped out due to damage caused by heavy ash falls last weekend.

Newly transplanted seedlings are completely destroyed and seeds buried to depths that will most certainly retard or prevent germination.

Oriole Project Update

The first phase of the Oriole Ecology study (April-August) provides important insights into the Oriole survival.  Earlier monitoring of the Oriole revealed a 45-percent reduction in its population.  The ecological studies seek to investigate reasons for the decline.  

VOLCANO LIMERICKS

Now That's Public Service

Becoming ash-free is hard won,

It's labor that no one calls fun,

But day after day,

Crews scraped it away;

A genuine 'thanks and well done.'

Program Notes

ZJB once promised us weather,

But someone who queried them whether

It will soon come to pass

Is informed that, alas,

They can't seem to get it together

JUS WONDERIN

Jus wonderin' what the siren system was installed for if not for an event like 29 July.
Jus wonderin' if anyone anywhere would know what to do if the installed siren system actually warned anyone of anything...

Jus wonderin who was secretly contacted and wood for the top job at ZJB.

Jus wonderin if all they want for the job is a-- licker.

Jus wonderin if the divorce threat sober up anybody yet or it just give them more 'spunks' to trample.

Jus wonderin how much more the info process is going to be marginalized.

Jus wonderin why the discussion and commentary forums have to wait for a media review and how come the media not involved in the review

Jus wonderin if the mp is the right man for the ZJB job

Jus wonderin what child history past the honourable house will be housing soon.

Jus wonderin all who the GOM think not intelligent enough to discuss the law revision.

Jus wonderin if Brooke and Ricthe will come back together.

Jus wonderin why men like to play with new drums.

Jus wonderin why criminals feel wrong should become right.

Jus wonderin why de scripture don’t say so.

Jus wonderin if anybody did black up de MP face.

Jus wonderin if de witness tremble in de box.

Jus wonderin if jus wonderin will ever run out of jus wonderins.

Jus wonderin when some minister go stop talking and get something done.

Jus wonderin when the people will start practicing charity at home.

Jus wonderin why people use mirrors.

Jus wonderin if it’s true that an abused child becomes an abusive parent.

Jus wonderin if the pattern will ever break.

Jus wonderin if de MP supporters don’t realise that any good lawyer must look after his client’s interests first.

Jus wonderin what de common man can do to help revamp the economy.

Jus wonderin when the GOM will have a real meeting of the right minds to try get Montserrat on its feet.

Jus wonderin if NDF will get the means to seize the opportunity and encourage those young people to get into small business with the skills they have learned.

Jus wonderin if black and white so good together, how come Chinese and Japanese don’t agree.

Jus wonderin why is it that when men misbehave, people just say men will be men, and when women do it they get bad name.

Jus wonderin if is true the MP in Salem still campaigning and if that good or bad. 

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